On December 29, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev gave an interview to Azerbaijan Television at Heydar Aliyev International Airport, where he provided a detailed account of the AZAL plane crash that occurred on December 25 and Azerbaijans actions in response to this tragic incident.

The head of state revealed that he learned about the crash while en route to the CIS summit in St. Petersburg. He immediately instructed his plane to return to Baku. Upon arrival at the airport, an emergency meeting was held, and a State Commission was established to investigate all circumstances of the incident. A team of specialists was dispatched to Aktau to conduct an on-site investigation, studying the plane wreckage and collecting evidence. Additionally, a group of Azerbaijani doctors was sent to Kazakhstan to assist the injured, even though local medical services were already doing everything possible.

According to the president, preliminary data indicate that the plane was subjected to external interference in Russian airspace near the city of Grozny. The aircrafts control was disrupted due to electronic warfare interference, and its tail section was significantly damaged by ground fire. The president noted that Azerbaijan had advocated for the involvement of international experts in the investigation from the very beginning to ensure its objectivity and transparency. He expressed disappointment that some Russian official bodies had promoted absurd theories regarding the causes of the crash, such as a bird strike or a gas cylinder explosion. He emphasized that such statements were clearly aimed at concealing the real reasons behind the tragedy.

Ilham Aliyev stated that Azerbaijan categorically rejected the proposal to transfer the investigation to the Interstate Aviation Committee, citing potential bias in this organization. Azerbaijan insisted on the involvement of independent international experts. The commission included representatives from the aircraft manufacturer, Embraer, as well as specialists from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Russia, and other countries.

The president paid special attention to the heroism of the planes crew, who demonstrated high professionalism and selflessness in an emergency situation. According to Ilham Aliyev, despite losing control of the plane, the pilots and other crew members managed to land the aircraft and save the lives of most passengers. The president emphasized that the crew was aware of the risk to their own lives but fought to the end to ensure the safety of the passengers. On the day of the interview, the head of state attended the farewell ceremony for the deceased crew members and signed a decree to honor all crew members for their selfless actions.

The President of Azerbaijan also expressed gratitude to Kazakhstans President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev for Kazakhstans prompt assistance. Rescuers and medical personnel arrived at the crash site immediately and began evacuating the injured. The president noted that the solidarity and support shown by Kazakhstani citizens left a deep impression on the Azerbaijani people. President Tokayev personally informed Ilham Aliyev about the progress of the investigation in Kazakhstan and expressed his readiness for full cooperation.

Speaking about the decision to suspend AZAL flights to seven Russian cities, the president stated that this was prompted solely by safety concerns. Flights by Russian airlines to Azerbaijan were also restricted. According to the president, the resumption of flights is possible only with full guarantees of passenger safety. He emphasized that the decision to suspend flights was a transparent and justified step aimed at protecting citizens.

The president also outlined Azerbaijans main demands to Russia in connection with the incident. These include official apologies, an admission of guilt, prosecution of those responsible, and compensation for the injured passengers and crew members. Ilham Aliyev reported that Russia had already issued official apologies, but Azerbaijan expects the fulfillment of the remaining demands. The president stressed that all demands are justified, fair, and in line with international norms and standards.

In conclusion, the president emphasized that the investigation into the crash would be completely transparent, and the Azerbaijani public would be regularly informed about its progress. Ilham Aliyev expressed confidence that a thorough and objective examination of all circumstances surrounding the tragedy would ensure justice and the punishment of those responsible. The president stated that Azerbaijan would persistently pursue the fulfillment of all its demands and the protection of its citizens interests.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 29. The period of temporary stay of Russian citizens in Azerbaijan has been reduced to 90 days, the corresponding decision was signed by Prime Minister Ali Asadov, Trend reports.

Thus, the period of temporary stay of citizens of the Russian Federation who arrived in the Republic of Azerbaijan without a visa, and stateless persons permanently residing in the Russian Federation, may not exceed 90 days in one calendar year.

The decision comes into force on January 1, 2025.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 29. The trial of Martin Ryan, who was arrested on charges of spying for France, has begun in a criminal case led by the State Security Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Trend reports.

Martin Ryan was provided with an interpreter and a lawyer during his trial at the Baku Serious Crimes Court, presided over by Judge Elmin Rustamov. Martin Ryan was also taken out of the glass booth and seated next to his interpreter.

Representatives of the French and British embassies also participated in the trial.

The judge explained to the defendants their rights and obligations.

Later in the trial, the defendants' personal data was clarified.

Martin Ryan was born on April 25, 1988 in Clermont-Ferrand and has a higher education. He graduated from the University of Montpellier-3 in France, specializing in "international relations, military history and geopolitics". He has no criminal record and is single.

He was engaged in business in Azerbaijan. He supplied wine to Azerbaijan from abroad.

The court also noted that Martin Ryan, in addition to being a French citizen, is a British citizen.

The personal data of Azad Mammadli, who was arrested together with Martin Ryan, was also clarified.

It was said that Azad Mammadli was born in 1995 and graduated from the International Law Faculty of the Moscow State Institute of International Relations. He received his master's degree in France.

Azad Mammadli was a lawyer at the International Bank in 2019-2023, then moved to the UK and worked there. He was arrested 2 months after returning to Azerbaijan.

Azad Mammadli was a lawyer at the International Bank in 2019-2023, then moved to the UK and worked there. He was arrested 2 months after returning to Azerbaijan.

Azad Mammadli's lawyer filed a motion and demanded that the measure of restraint chosen for his client in the form of arrest be replaced by house arrest.

Martin Rian's lawyer asked to consider the criminal case in an open court session:

"As a lawyer and a citizen of Azerbaijan, we are in favor of considering this criminal case in an open court session. If the process is closed, then representatives of the country of which the client is a citizen will not be able to participate. Also, let the embassy representatives see how transparently the court proceedings are conducted in the courtrooms of Azerbaijan."

The trial is scheduled for January 6, 2025.

The trial will be held in open court. A. Mammadli's lawyer's motion for house arrest was not granted.

To note, Martin Ryan and others were arrested on December 4, 2023. Martin Rian, CEO of Mercorama LLC, was charged with espionage.

According to the indictment, Martin Ryan was used as a spy agent by employees of the French DGSE (General Directorate of External Security), who involved him in secret cooperation and were subsequently expelled from Baku as a "persona non grata".

Along with Martin Ryan, Azad Mammadli, a citizen of the Republic of Azerbaijan, will stand trial in this criminal case on charges of "high treason".

As is known, on December 20, 2023, the head of the French Directorate General of External Security (DGSE) Bernard Emier was dismissed from his post after exposing a large spy network and service failures.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 29. The bodies of three crew memberspilots Igor Kshnyakin, Alexander Kalyaninov, and flight attendant Hokuma Aliyeva, who tragically died in the crash of an Embraer 190 aircraft operated by Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) near Aktauhave been transported to Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku for a farewell ceremony, Trend reports.

The ceremony will begin at 10:00 Baku time (GMT+4), where the city will honor the fallen crew members: Kshnyakin, Kalyaninov, and Aliyeva.

Notably, in the aftermath of the tragic crash, the remains of the three crew memberspilots Kshnyakin, Kalyaninov, and flight attendant Aliyevaalong with 21 other passengers, were returned to Azerbaijans Baku.

Earlier, the remains of four victims and 14 injured individuals were also delivered to Baku. The identification of the remaining victims of the disaster is currently underway.

To note, AZAL's Embraer 190 passenger plane on the Baku-Grozny route crashed 3 km away from Aktau airport on December 25.

A total of 67 people (62 passengers and 5 crew members) were on board the Embraer 190 airplane, flying Baku-Grozny, which crashed in Aktau.

Following the crash of the passenger airplane near Aktau, 27 people were hospitalized. Of them, 15 people are citizens of the Republic of Azerbaijan, 8 of the Russian Federation, and 3 of the Kyrgyz Republic. The identity of one person has not been established yet.

Of the victims hospitalized, 11 are being treated in the intensive care unit, 13 - the traumatology department, two - the neurosurgery department, and one - the surgical department. These persons are under the control of professional doctors from Kazakhstan and those expelled from Azerbaijan and Russia. They were provided with prompt and specialized medical and psychological treatment.

Both crew pilots as well as the flight stewardess were lost, but two crew members survived.

December 26 has been declared a day of mourning in Azerbaijan.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 29. I am proud of my daughter, said Jalil Aliyev, father of Hokuma Aliyeva, the flight attendant who tragically lost her life in the plane crash near Aktau, Trend reports.

Speaking at a farewell ceremony at Heydar Aliyev International Airport for the three crew memberspilots Igor Kshnyakin, Alexander Kalyaninov, and flight attendant Hokuma Aliyevawho died in the accident, Aliyev expressed his deep sorrow, stating:

"Of course, this is a grave tragedy. The entire Azerbaijani people, the state, and the nation equally bear the burden of this tragic event. I offer my condolences to the entire nation. I am proud of my daughter. May her memory live forever. I love her very much."

On December 25, a passenger plane, an Embraer 190, belonging to AZAL, flying on the Baku-Grozny route, crashed 3 kilometers from Aktau airport.

A total of 67 people (62 passengers and 5 crew members) were on board the plane.

On December 26, 14 victims and the bodies of four dead were taken to Azerbaijan.

On December 28, the bodies of the three crew membersKshnyakin, Kalyaninov, and Aliyevaalong with the remains of 21 passengers, were transported back to Azerbaijan.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 29. The AZAL (Azerbaijan Airlines) plane involved in the crash near Aktau was subjected to external impact, said Ilham Amirov, the Vice President of AZAL, Trend reports.

He made the remark during the farewell ceremony for the three crew memberspilots Igor Kshnyakin, Alexander Kalyaninov, and flight attendant Hokuma Aliyeva, who died in the crashat Heydar Aliyev International Airport.

"A technical investigation commission has been established in Kazakhstan following international standards.

The aircraft's control systems have not yet been examined. The commission is actively working on this issue.

The information obtained from the testimony of the surviving crew members and passengers, as well as from the inspection of the plane crash site, provides us with clear grounds to state that the AZAL aircraft was subjected to external influence.

As a result, the plane was severely damaged, and the main control systems of the aircraft failed.

In such a difficult situation, our pilots, crew members, and flight attendants demonstrated composure, selflessness, and high professionalism," he added.

On December 25, a passenger plane, an Embraer 190, belonging to AZAL, flying on the Baku-Grozny route, crashed 3 kilometers from Aktau airport.

A total of 67 people (62 passengers and 5 crew members) were on board the plane.

On December 26, 14 victims and the bodies of four dead were taken to Azerbaijan.

On December 28, the bodies of the three crew memberspilots Igor Kshnyakin and Alexander Kalyaninov and flight attendant Hokuma Aliyevaalong with the remains of 21 passengers, were transported back to Azerbaijan.

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KHANKENDI, Azerbaijan, December 30. Over the past year, significant construction and restoration work has been carried out in Azerbaijans Khankendi, a city recently liberated from occupation, Trend reports.

The Public Relations Department of the Restoration, Construction, and Management Service in Khankendi city, Aghdara and Khojaly districts noted the recent data in their 2024 year-end update.

The report highlights the substantial work completed in these regions, particularly in Khankendi, which was returned to Azerbaijani control as a result of local anti-terrorist operations carried out by the Azerbaijani army in September 2023. These efforts were part of the wider mission set by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, to restore the economy, housing, employment, and infrastructure and carry out reconstruction.

Notably, significant progress has been made in promoting economic activity, attracting private sector investments, and creating jobs. Hundreds of businesses are now operating across a range of sectors, including manufacturing, services, public catering, and agriculture. Investments worth tens of millions of manats have been made, creating employment opportunities for hundreds of local residents.

Among the key initiatives is the establishment of a sewing factory in Khankendi, set up with Uzbek investments. The factory, which opened in November, is expected to employ up to 400 people initially, with plans to expand to 800 jobs in the future. Currently, 300 people are employed at the facility. The factory produces both local and Uzbek raw materials, with 80 percent of its output set to be exported, contributing significantly to non-oil exports in the region.

Reconstruction projects in Khankendi, Khojaly, and Aghdara continue under the direct supervision of the head of state, who regularly visits the area to monitor the progress of these works.

On May 28, the process of returning displaced persons to Khojaly began, with the first 46 families resettled. Additional families were relocated in December, with 27 families moved to the village of Ballidja and 21 families to other parts of Khojaly.

In Khankendi, the population is steadily growing, with nearly 8,000 residents currently living in the city. The government plans to expand resettlement efforts further.

Notable infrastructure developments include the launch of a new airport terminal in Khojaly, which President Ilham Aliyev visited on July 5, 2024, to oversee its restoration. This project is crucial for improving logistical capabilities in the region.

In addition, President Ilham Aliyev participated in the reopening of the "Karabakh" and "Palace" hotels in Khankendi, following extensive renovations. The President also laid the foundation for a new Congress Center and Hotel in Khankendi, designed in a unique Karabakh architectural style.

President Ilham Aliyev has reviewed the ongoing construction of the Congress Center on Victory Square in Khankendi, along with the restoration work at the Bulud Hotel on September 20, 2024. The Congress Center is being designed to meet modern standards, providing a venue capable of hosting events of both national and international significance.

As part of continuing efforts to restore and modernize Khankendi, the President signed several key orders in 2024 aimed at advancing infrastructure projects and improving living conditions in the city. These initiatives are critical to ensuring the return of displaced communities and fostering economic recovery.

In addition to infrastructure development, plans for further infrastructure and urban development are already in motion for 2025. The continued focus will be on creating a Victory Park, a Victory Museum, and a new cultural center to enhance the quality of life for the local population. International firms like Chapman Taylor are working on the citys master plan to further develop Khankendi.

Looking ahead, 2025 is set to be a pivotal year, with the planned completion of key infrastructure projects and services, alongside continued restoration work in surrounding areas. The next phase will focus on the return of former internally displaced persons, further cementing the regions recovery and growth.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 29. The Azerbaijan Theatre Association "Kharibulbul", operating in Turkiye, held an event in Istanbul titled "The Great Return to Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur" as part of the "Stronger Together" project, Trend reports via the countrys State Committee on Work with Diaspora.

The event was organized with the support of the State Committee for Diaspora Affairs, the State Committee for Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons, the Azerbaijan Diaspora Support Fund (ADDF), the Federation of Turkish-Azerbaijani Associations (TADEF), and the Turkish-Azerbaijani Society of Solidarity and Culture in Istanbul.

Besides, the event highlighted the 'Great Return' program carried out by the Azerbaijani government, discussing implemented and upcoming projects related to diaspora organizations in Turkiye and their growing number, and screened relevant footage.

Additionally, the event featured works by Azerbaijan Union of Artists member and expert on Azerbaijani folk art, Elnara Rasulova, were presented. These included thematic carpets such as "Fathers Legacy, Sons Victory", "Iron Fist", "Lachin Heights", "One Nation, Two States One Fist", "One Family, One Religion", replicas of ancient carpets from seven regions of Azerbaijan, preserved in world-renowned museums, as well as works by the head of the Theatre Union, Latafat Rafig, Turkish-Azerbaijani Theatre "Vision" artist Tariel Alizade, and artist-craftsman Fatma Abdal.

The artistic program included performances by soloist Vusala Askerova from the Azerbaijani Cultural Center, head of the music department at the "Kharibulbul" Cultural Center; Nazli Baghirova, head of the womens organizations department at the Center; soloist Elena Golovina; Ashik Rena Guliyeva; as well as the "Gunash" choir and dance ensemble.

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The Azerbaijan State University of Economics (UNEC) has officially designated 2025 as the Year of Inclusive Education in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the UNEC Inclusive Education Center.

In recognition of this milestone, a series of initiatives and projects will be implemented throughout the year to promote the advancement of inclusive education, enhance the integration of individuals with disabilities into academic and social environments, and raise public awareness on this important issue.

The comprehensive action plan includes book presentations on inclusive higher education, exhibitions showcasing the creative works of individuals with disabilities, training sessions on modern inclusive education methodologies, and the organization of a TEDx Inclusive Forum.

Moreover, the UNEC Inclusive Education Support Organization will spearhead numerous initiatives to promote inclusive education.

Joint seminars, conferences, training sessions, and workshops on the theme of Inclusive Education will be conducted in collaboration with other higher education institutions. These efforts will be complemented by discussions aimed at improving educational opportunities for individuals with disabilities and fostering their social integration.

In addition, informative electronic booklets, video materials, and an array of innovative projects and news updates will be disseminated to a broad audience.

As part of the planned activities, meetings will be held to highlight the successful experiences of UNEC students and alumni with disabilities. Presentations will also focus on employment opportunities and their active participation in social and professional environments.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, December 29. The National Bank of Kazakhstan is issuing new banknotes with a denomination of 2,000 tenge, the National Bank of Kazakhstan said in a statement, Trend reports.

"Starting from December 25, 2024, the National Bank is releasing 2,000 tenge banknotes with a new design. This is the third banknote in the 'Saks Style' series. It is based on elements of the 'Saks Style', which is considered the precursor of the traditional Kazakh ornament and reflects the country's heritage  from the unique nomadic culture to modern Kazakhstan," said the National Bank of Kazakhstan.

The report also states that these banknotes will enter mass circulation in the second quarter of 2025, as additional time is needed to deliver them to all regions of the country and adapt the equipment. The new 2,000 tenge banknotes will enter circulation on December 25, 2024, and within 18 months will replace the old 2,000 tenge banknotes (issued in 2012) currently in circulation.

To note, the period of parallel circulation of old and new banknotes will be from December 25, 2024, through June 24, 2026. Previously, the National Bank of Kazakhstan announced the extension of the parallel circulation period for the 5,000 tenge banknotes of the 2011 series and the 5,000 tenge banknotes with a new design from 2023 until September 24, 2025.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, December 29. The representative of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) arrived in Kazakhstan to join the investigation of the crash of the plane of Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) near the city of Aktau on a Baku-Grozny flight, the statement of Kazakhstan's Ministry of Transport said, Trend reports.

The accredited observer, head of the aircraft accident investigation section, Tormodur Tormodson, arrived in Aktau city on December 29 on behalf of ICAO Secretary General.

ICAO highly appreciated the actions of the aviation authorities of Kazakhstan in the openness of the investigation and the involvement of interested states.

Thus, all 17 international experts are in the city of Aktau, the statement reads.

The passenger plane Embraer 190 belonging to Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL), flying on the Baku-Grozny route, crashed 3 kilometers from Aktau airport on December 25.

A total of 67 people (62 passengers and 5 crew members) were on board the plane.
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ASTANA, Kazakhstan, December 29. The Kazakhstan commission investigating the plane crash near Aktau has outlined its plan of action for the investigation, Trend reports via the countrys Ministry of Transport.

"The commission established by the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan aims to identify the causes of the recent air accident and develop recommendations to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Today, a meeting was held at the commissions headquarters, chaired by Transport Minister Marat Karabayev, with the participation of all 17 international experts involved in the investigation.

During the meeting, a comprehensive work plan was outlined. The commission will visit the crash site in full force, conduct an inspection of the hangar where aircraft parts are being collected, and make a joint decision regarding the timeline for the recovery and analysis of the aircrafts components," the commission said.

On December 25, a passenger plane, an Embraer 190, belonging to AZAL, flying on the Baku-Grozny route, crashed 3 kilometers from Aktau airport.

A total of 67 people (62 passengers and 5 crew members) were on board the plane.
A leading US government agency that tracks foreign disinformation has terminated its operations, the State Department said Tuesday, after Congress failed to extend its funding following years of Republican criticism.

The Global Engagement Center, a State Department unit established in 2016, shuttered on Monday at a time when officials and experts tracking propaganda have been warning of the risk of disinformation campaigns from US adversaries such as Russia and China.

"The State Department has consulted with Congress regarding next steps," it said in a statement when asked what would happen to the GEC's staff and its ongoing projects following the shutdown.

The GEC had an annual budget of $61 million and a staff of around 120. Its closing leaves the State Department without a dedicated office for tracking and countering disinformation from US rivals for the first time in eight years.

A measure to extend funding for the center was stripped out of the final version of the bipartisan federal spending bill that passed through the US Congress last week.

The GEC has long faced scrutiny from Republican lawmakers, who accused it of censoring and surveilling Americans.

It also came under fire from Elon Musk, who accused the GEC in 2023 of being the "worst offender in US government censorship [and] media manipulation" and called the agency a "threat to our democracy."

The GEC's leaders have pushed back on those views, calling their work crucial to combating foreign propaganda campaigns.

Musk had loudly objected to the original budget bill that would have kept GEC funding, though without singling out the center. The billionaire is an advisor to President-elect Donald Trump and has been tapped to run the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), tasked with reducing government spending.

In June, James Rubin, special envoy and coordinator for the GEC, announced the launch of a multinational group based in Warsaw to counter Russian disinformation on the war in neighboring Ukraine.

The State Department said the initiative, known as the Ukraine Communications Group, would bring together partner governments to coordinate messaging, promote accurate reporting of the war and expose Kremlin information manipulation.

In a report last year, the GEC warned that China was spending billions of dollars globally to spread disinformation and threatening to cause a "sharp contraction" in freedom of speech around the world.
British Travellers Eyeing Long-Haul Holiday Destinations in Summer 2025 - Image Credit Unsplash

Recent data from the travel search engine KAYAK shows that British travelers are showing an increased interest in long-haul holidays for the summer of 2025, particularly in Zimbabwe, South Africa, and India.

This trend is based on analysis of flight searches on KAYAK's website. Eight of the top ten trending travel destinations are located outside of Europe. Flight searches to Harare, Zimbabwe, have increased significantly by 93%.

A KAYAK survey of British travelers found that 28% are interested in exploring destinations beyond Europe, and 9% admit to finding European holidays uninteresting.

The desire to experience different cultures (42%), a sense of adventure (28%), new natural environments (24%) and different cuisines (20%) are among the primary reasons for Brits' interest in long-haul travel.

Despite being one of the more expensive destinations, Australia is popular among Brits. The average return ticket to Brisbane currently costs 1,417. However, prices for Australia have dropped by 7% compared to the previous year, offering better value.

While nearly half of the surveyed Brits (48%) expressed wanting to maintain their usual holiday spending despite traveling long-haul, some (25%) preferred to spend less as a considerable amount is already spent on flights.

KAYAK suggests looking at less popular destinations outside Europe, such as Morocco, Canada, and the US, for more economical options.

Nearly one-fourth (23%) of the surveyed individuals stated they would be willing to spend more on a long-haul holiday. This extra expenditure would be justified by indulging in fine dining (67%), participating in unique experiences (65%), booking better accommodations (51%), or upgrading to business or first-class flights (29%).

KAYAK UK Travel Expert Rachel Mumford encourages travelers to take advantage of the dropping airfare prices to iconic destinations like Australia, Japan, and Indonesia. 2025 offers an ideal opportunity to visit long-haul dream destinations without overstretching budgets.
Mandarin Oriental and Marriott Acquire Luxury Homes Portfolio and Postcard Cabins, Respectively

Hong Kong-based Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group (Mandarin Oriental) has secured full ownership of its branded luxury vacation homes, rebranding the collection as Mandarin Oriental Exceptional Homes. The portfolio includes 25 carefully selected villas and mansions located in some of the worlds most sought-after destinations. The group will operate the business independently. Meanwhile, US-based Marriott International (Marriott) has acquired glamping company, Postcard Cabins, which comprises 29 properties with 1,200 cabins across major US cities. This acquisition will serve as the foundation for Marriotts new outdoor-focused collection, set to launch in 2025. No terms have been announced for these deals.

LIFULL Acquires Four Properties in Japan for JPY5.583 Billion

Japan-based real estate information provider, LIFULL Co., Ltd. (LIFULL), has announced the acquisition of four villa-style accommodations from Japan-based technology conglomerate, Rakuten Group Inc., for JPY 5.583 billion. The acquisitions include the 21-key Rakuten STAY Villa Nikko, the 16-key Rakuten STAY Villa Kamogawa, and the 11-key Rakuten STAY Villa Sengokuhara, which consists of Kita-kan (North Wing) and Minami-kan (South Wing) in Hakone. Situated in popular tourist destinations, these properties generate a fixed rental income and will continue to be managed by Japan-based Rakuten STAY Inc..

Winim Acquired Former Glenferrie Lodge in Australia for AUD23 Million

Australia-based developer, WINIM Funds Management Pty Limited (Winim), has acquired the former 69-key Glenferrie Lodge in Kirribilli, New South Wales, Australia for AUD23 million. Upon acquisition, Winim has plans to develop an AUD50 million 42-key luxury hotel with residential apartments. The hotel will be managed by Australia-based EVT Limited under its independent collection, branded Glenferrie House. The former Glenferrie Lodge is a minutes walk from Sydney Harbour Bridge while the Sydney central business district is a 6-minute ferry ride away.

The Standard, Maldives Sold in Maldives

The 115-key The Standard, Maldives has been acquired by an unnamed buyer for an undisclosed amount. Located on Huruvalhi Island in the Raa Atoll, the property offers a variety of amenities, including a kids club, six dining venues, a spa and a water sports and dive centre. The hotel is a 40-minute seaplane ride away from Males Velana International Airport or a combined 30-minute domestic flight to the nearest island, Dharavandhoo and a 25-minute speedboat ride to the resort.

HVS is the world's leading consulting and valuation services organization focused on the hotel, restaurant, shared ownership, gaming, and leisure industries. Established in 1980, the company performs more than 4,500 assignments per year for virtually every major industry participant. HVS principals are regarded as the leading professionals in their respective regions of the globe. Through a worldwide network of over 50 offices staffed by 300 experienced industry professionals, HVS provides an unparalleled range of complementary services for the hospitality industry. For further information regarding our expertise and specifics about our services, please visit www.hvs.com.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 29. Kazakhstan will send the black boxes from the crashed AZAL plane to the Brazilian Center for Investigation and Prevention of Aircraft Accidents (CENIPA), the Kazakh Ministry of Transport announced, Trend reports.

The decision was made by the Commission for the Investigation of the Aviation Incident, led by Kazakhstans Minister of Transport Marat Karabayev.

In line with the standards of Annex 13 of the Chicago Convention, the state conducting the investigation is responsible for ensuring the flight recorders are analyzed and for selecting the country to carry out their reading and decoding.

Kazakhstan ratified this convention in 1992 and is a member of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Following the provisions of this document, ICAO recommendations, and consultations with the aviation authorities of Azerbaijan and Russia, the commission decided to send the flight recorders to CENIPA in Brazil. This decision reflects Brazils status as the manufacturer of Embraer aircraft and its possession of the necessary technical capabilities, certified laboratories, and appropriate equipment for decoding black boxes, the ministry said.
Sunday 29 December 2024, 09:27 - Last updated: 15:11

There are about one hundred and fifty teams registered for the 16th Africa Eco Race, the rally-raid that follows in the footsteps of the famous Paris Dakar and opens this evening in Montecarlo with a welcome party and the transfer to the port of Marseille, where vehicles and drivers will embark for Africa.

Aprilia Tuareg Racing Prepares for Africa Eco Race 2025

The race

The race includes not only motorcycles, but also cars, side by sides (small off-road vehicles), trucks, and historic vehicles. This year, for the first time, the municipalities of the western Ligurian Riviera - Bordighera, Vallecrosia, and Camporosso - have also been involved, hosting the paddocks with technical tests and preliminary checks. 'This evening, from Monaco, there will be the starting podium,' says Elisabetta Caracciolo, head of the Africa Eco Race competitors. 'It is the sixteenth edition, but the eighth starting from the Principality.' From there, the teams will move towards the port of Marseille: 'We will sail on a ship that has been customized for the Africa Eco Race,' she continues. 'We will all sleep on board, and there is already a way to summarize the familiarity and conviviality of this race.' After forty hours of navigation, there will be the arrival in Morocco. 'At 5 AM on December 31, we will arrive in Tangier for the start.' The stages will be twelve in total between Morocco, Mauritania, and Senegal, with the finish on January 12 at the so-called Pink Lake. Participants also come from Australia, Canada, Japan, and all over Europe. The race is called 'Eco' 'because all the fixed points of the race are powered by solar energy,' concludes Caracciolo, 'and, then, as per tradition, we bring solar-powered lamps to many villages and schools we pass through. We also have two motorcycles and other vehicles powered by electricity.'
Olivia Hussey, who played the role of a teenage Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli's 1968 movie 'Romeo and Juliet', died at the age of 73. Her family confirmed the news, stating, Olivia was an extraordinary person whose warmth, wisdom, and pure kindness touched the lives of everyone who knew her they said in a statement posted on Instagram. The death occurred following a serious illness.

Marisa Paredes, Iconic Spanish Actress and Almodovar's Muse, Passes Away at 78

"Olivia was an extraordinary person whose warmth, wisdom, and pure kindness touched the lives of everyone who knew her. She lived a life full of passion, love, and dedication to the arts, spirituality. She leaves behind a loving family - her children, Alex, Max, and India, her husband David Glen Eisley, and grandson Greyson - and a legacy of love that will remain forever in our hearts. As we mourn this immense loss, we also celebrate Olivia's lasting impact on our lives. We thank you for your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time and ask you to maintain privacy as we mourn the loss of a truly special soul."

Olivia Hussey was born in Buenos Aires and she was 15 when, with her co-star Leonard Whiting, she starred in the Oscar-winning adaptation of William Shakespeare's tragedy. Last year, the two actors filed a lawsuit against the studio accusing it of child abuse for a controversial nude scene in which they both appeared, being minors at the time. The lawsuit was dismissed by a judge. Hussey, who received a Golden Globe as 'New Star of the Year' for her portrayal of Juliet, later starred in the 1974 slasher film 'Black Christmas' and the 1978 adaptation of Agatha Christie's 'Death on the Nile'. She is survived by her husband David Eisley, their three children, and a grandson.

The Lawsuit for Zeffirelli's Film

Olivia Hussey, along with Leonard Whiting who was the Romeo in that film, sued Paramount Pictures in 2023 for an unauthorized nude scene. According to the citation, Italian director Franco Zeffirelli, who died in 2019, heavily insisted they shoot the scene, otherwise the film would "fail", even though they were originally supposed to perform wearing flesh-colored underwear. The film's producers are accused "of filming scenes of minors nude or semi-nude without their consent, in violation of the laws"

The Nude Scene

At the time, in 1968, the film achieved enormous global success, grossing almost 40 million dollars in the United States alone, but was already embroiled in controversy at its release due to the nude scene between the two protagonists and their minor age. In the United States, the film received an A rating, for adults, while in Italy Zeffirelli had to obtain a special permit from the censorship to release it in theaters. The protagonist herself was prohibited from viewing due to the scene she performed, and the actress commented on how it was possible that she could not see something that "I see in the mirror every day".

Her career

Hussey worked again with the great Italian director playing the role of Mary in the international miniseries "Jesus of Nazareth" broadcast by dozens of televisions in 1977, with a colossal cast including six Oscar-winning actors (Anne Bancroft, Ernest Borgnine, Laurence Olivier, Anthony Quinn, Rod Steiger, and Peter Ustinov), while six other actors were nominated. Hussey played the role of Jesus's mother, portrayed by English actor Robert Powell, who achieved consecration with the general public. The actress was again an angelic face as the protagonist of the TV mini-series "Mother Teresa" (2003), directed by Fabrizio Costa, which narrates the life of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, the founder of the Missionaries of Charity. Olivia Hussey was memorable in the role of Jess Bradford, terrified in her sorority house, in "Black Christmas" (1974) directed by Bob Clark, a cult film considered one of the masterpieces of the horror genre and the forerunner of the slasher subgenre. She was also the sullen Rosalie Otterbourne, the daughter of Angela Lansbury's character (Salome Otterbourne) in "Death on the Nile" (1978), based on the eponymous detective novel by Agatha Christie and directed by John Guillermin.
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Director Jason Reitman has shared Chevy Chases brutal verdict on his new Saturday Night Live film.

Juno and Up in the Air filmmaker Reitmans latest release is Saturday Night, which depicts the 90 minutes leading up to the broadcast of the first ever SNL episode in 1975.

The controversial Chase, who was a cast member on the series at the time, was invited to a screening of the film, following which the controversial star issued his candid view to Reitman.

Reitman told David Spade and Dana Carvey on their Fly on the Wall podcast: So, Chevy comes in to watch the movie, and he is there with [wife] Jayni and they watch the film, and hes in the group, and he comes up to me after and he pats me on the shoulder and goes, Well, you should be embarrassed.

Spade called it an exact Chevy thing to say, adding: You couldnt even write it better.

Carvey described the comment as Chases idea of humour, stating: He knows thats funny. Like, thats the roughest thing you could say to a director in the moment, or right up there.

Reitman acknowledged Chases history of rubbing people up the wrong way, stating: Im trying to balance it, because, in my head, I know, Alright, Im getting my own Chevy Chase moment thats 1,000 per cent only for me right now. And from a comedy point-of-view thats really pure, and thats kind of cool.

But also, I just spent like two years of my life recreating this moment and trying to capture Chevy perfectly, and also even in the ego, find the humanity and give him a moment to be loved  no, none of that s*** played. Hes not talking about that stuff.

Chevy Chase appears as a character in new film Saturday Night ( Getty Images )

Earlier this month, Home Alone director Chris Columbus recalled the most surreal, bizarre encounter with Chase that left him unable to work with the actor.

The filmmaker, who also directed the first two Harry Potter films, almost added 1989 film National Lampoons Christmas Vacation to his list of credits  but stepped away after two awkward meetings with the star.

He told Vanity Fair: I was signed on and then I met Chevy Chase. Even given my situation at the time, where I desperately needed to make a film, I realised I couldnt work with the guy.

Columbus added: I was one of the many who couldnt work with him. And I called John and I said, This is really hard for me, but I cant do this movie with Chevy Chase.
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The cold open to the latest episode of Saturday Night Live is being called legendary by fans as it featured an almost neverending stream of famous faces.

Martin Short hosted the special Christmas edition of the show, marking the fifth time the Only Murders in the Building star has hosted SNL.

The 74-year-old actor now joins a prestigious list of celebrities to have hosted the show five times, many of whom appeared in the star-studded cold open.

The show began with Oscar winner Tom Hanks, wearing a robe with a number five on it, joking that he created the exclusive SNL 5 Timers Club in 1990 as an ingeniously lazy way to avoid writing a monologue. It has grown into one of the most exclusive clubs in our industry.

Hanks is then joined by Ant-Man actor Paul Rudd and then Martin Short.

Short is then introduced to the other members of the club who include Tina Fey, Alec Baldwin (who had a number 17 on his jacket), Scarlett Johansson, Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, Emma Stone and John Mulaney.

(From L-R) Tina Fey, Scarlett Johansson, Martin Short, Melissa McCarthy, Emma Stone and Kristen Wiig on Saturday Night Live ( SNL/NBC )

Although he didnt feature, Short did find time to roast his friend and co-star Steve Martin, when Hanks told him that they were serving a cocktail called The Marty-tini.

You know, its often paired with our Steve Martini, but tonight, we are serving it solo, Hanks said. And I bet its even better on its own, Short replied.

Jimmy Fallon, who has not hosted SNL five times, also makes a cameo at the end as a jacket boy, telling Short: I just want to say I am so happy to be here for this moment, so I would like to present to you the official Five Timers Club jacket in exactly your size  a womens small.

A chaotic scene then follows, as Short struggles to get into the jacket. Eventually, he decides to wrap it around himself instead and says: From the bottom of my heart, I just want to say, I love most of you so much. And live from New York, its Saturday night.

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SNL fans have been quick to heap praise on the sketch.

On YouTube, one viewer said: This may be one of the best cold opens in SNL history!

A second fan added: Man the people walking in the room keeps getting better and better! What a moment! The fact that they are some of THE best and iconic hosts that graced SNL! I love it so much!

A third person wrote: This has to be one of the most legendary cold opens ever. It so cool seeing previous hosts and cast members that span over 50 years do sketches together.

The cold open also featured cameos from current cast members Bowen Yang and Colin Jost, the latter of which would later be put in a very awkward position in front of his wife, Scarlett Johansson.

During the Weekend Update co-anchors Colin Jost and Michael Che did their annual joke exchange on their segment.

The tradition often involves both men finding new ways to embarrass the other as they force themselves to read jokes their comedy partner has written, which they have never read before.

However, nearly all of Josts jokes were about his wife, who was listening backstage, with cameras capturing her stunned live reaction.
 Close Moment Jeju Air plane skids along South Korea runway before crash

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Jeju Air's chief executive said the airline will reduce its winter air traffic by up to 15 per cent and aim to secure trust following the death of 179 people in the plane crash.

All 175 passengers and four of the six crew were killed when the Boeing 737-800 belly-landed and skidded off the end of the runway at Muan International Airport on Sunday, erupting in a fireball as it slammed into an embankment.

South Korean officials were joined by a US probe team and officials from Boeing as they ramped up the investigation on Tuesday into the cause of its deadliest domestic air accident as police scrambled to identify victims.

Officials have also faced pointed questions about design features at the airport, particularly a large dirt-and-concrete embankment near the end of the runway used to support navigation equipment.

Experts said it seemed unlikely a bird strike would have been the sole cause of the landing gear malfunctioning.

Meanwhile, families of the victims have been camping out at the airport as they demand answers.
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, December 29. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Kyrgyzstan, along with the Kyrgyz Embassy in Kazakhstan, is coordinating efforts to transport citizens who were injured in the recent plane crash near Aktau back to Kyrgyzstan, Trend reports, referring to the countrys MFA.

The representatives from the relevant services of Kyrgyzstan arrived in Aktau on December 28 to meet with all the affected individuals.

Arrangements are underway to transport a Kyrgyz citizen, A.R., born in 1998, using a specially equipped aircraft. Other injured individuals, in stable condition, will return to Kyrgyzstan on December 30, accompanied by representatives of the relevant authorities and their family members.

The Kyrgyz Ministry also stated that the embassy has worked out the details of compensation payments, which will be determined and distributed to the affected individuals as soon as possible.

Additionally, the Kyrgyz Embassy in Kazakhstan is in contact with representatives of Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) regarding the airlines compensation and insurance payouts.

On December 25, a passenger plane, an Embraer 190, belonging to AZAL, flying on the Baku-Grozny route, crashed 3 kilometers from Aktau airport.

A total of 67 people (62 passengers and 5 crew members) were on board the plane.
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Grieving families screamed and wept at a South Korean airport as the names of the dead were confirmed after a plane carrying 181 people crashed, killing all but two on board, in the worst domestic aviation disaster in the countrys history.

The Jeju Air passenger plane skidded off a runway at Muan international airport, slammed into a concrete fence and burst into flames as the Boeing 737-800 from Bangkok attempted an emergency landing on Sunday, at 9.03am local time.

Officials said two members of the cabin crew were rescued alive, but all 175 passengers, both pilots and the two other crew members were killed in the fire that swept through the wreckage.

open image in gallery Firefighters and rescue teams work at the wreckage of the passenger plane at Muan international airport ( Yonhap )

An investigation has been launched, with a bird strike collision among the contributory factors being considered for the crash. Preliminary reports also suggest the planes front landing gear failed to deploy.

South Korean president Choi Sang-mok has declared a seven-day national mourning period.

Inside the arrival area of the airport, about 185 miles away from the capital Seoul, authorities called out the names of some of those killed in the crash, triggering an explosion of grief and rage among the passengers families in the terminal where their loved ones had been due to return home.

Among the dead were three generations of the same family, with a man in his sixties telling Korean Yonhap news agency that his sister-in-law, daughter, her husband and their young children were tragically on board.

open image in gallery Family members of a victim of the Jeju Air crash grieve at Muan international airport as world leaders sent condolences to those impacted ( EPA )

open image in gallery The mass fatalities caused grief in both South Korea and Thailand ( EPA )

The youngest passenger was a three-year-old boy, the oldest was 78, while five of the dead were children under the age of 10, authorities said.

Maeng Gi-su, 78, told the BBC his nephew and his nephews two sons were on the plane on the familys first trip abroad. He said: I cant believe the entire family has just disappeared. My heart aches so much.

Jeon Je-young , 71, said his daughter Mi-sook died on the plane. The wife and mother had been on her way home after travelling with friends to Bangkok for the Christmas holiday.

The water near the airport is not deep. Here are softer fields than this cement runway. Why couldnt the pilot land there instead? Mr Je-young said.

Following the crash landing, more than 1,500 emergency workers were dispatched to the scene, and a special disaster zone was later set up before investigators moved in to inspect the wreckage for clues over what happened.

Lee Jeong-hyeon, chief of the Muan fire station, said they were looking into various possibilities about what caused the crash, including whether the aircraft was struck by birds.

open image in gallery Firefighters carry the body of a victim away from the plane wreckage ( AFP via Getty Images )

South Korean transport ministry officials later said their early assessment of communication records showed the airport control tower issued a bird-strike warning to the plane shortly before it intended to land.

The pilot then sent out a mayday signal before the plane overshot the end of the runway and skidded across a buffer zone before hitting the wall, officials said.

According to local media, a passenger on the flight sent a text message to a family member saying that a bird was stuck in the wing and that the plane couldnt land. Should I leave my last words? the passenger then wrote.

open image in gallery Firefighters search the wreckage ( EPA )

However, aviation commentators have cast doubts that a bird strike could have caused such damage.

A bird strike is not unusual, problems with an undercarriage are not unusual. Bird strikes happen far more often, but typically they dont cause the loss of an aeroplane by themselves, said Airline News editor Geoffrey Thomas.

According to the transport ministry, investigators have recovered both black boxes from the wreckage; the cockpit voice recorder and the flight data recorder.

Under global aviation rules, South Korea will lead a civil investigation into the crash and automatically involve the National Transportation Safety Board in the United States where the plane was designed and built. Jeju Air claimed the crash was not due to any maintenance issues.

open image in gallery Footage showed the Jeju Air flight coming down on the runway before crashing into a concrete barrier ( Lee Geun-young via REUTERS )

open image in gallery Moments after landing the plane burst into flames ( South Korean National Fire Agenc )

The carriers president, Kim E-Bae, deeply bowed with other senior company officials as he apologised to the bereaved families, stating that he feels full responsibility for the incident.

He said the company had not identified any mechanical problems with the aircraft following regular checkups and that he would wait for the results of government investigations.

Boeing also issued a statement. It said: We are in contact with Jeju Air regarding flight 2216 and stand ready to support them. We extend our deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones, and our thoughts remain with the passengers and crew.

Investigators told Yonhapnews agency, however, that the voice recorder was damaged and that it could take up to a month to decode as a result.

On Sunday evening, Sir Keir Starmer was among world leaders to issue statements on the tragic incident.

open image in gallery Jeju Air chief Kim E-bae (third from right) and other executive members bow in apology ahead of a briefing in Seoul ( YONHAP/AFP via Getty Images )

He said: I send my deepest condolences to the victims and families of those who lost their lives in the tragic plane crash in Muan.

I pay tribute to the work of the emergency responders and my thoughts are with the people of the Republic of Korea and Thailand at this terrible time.

King Charles said he and the Queen would be holding the families and loved ones of those who died in their prayers.

The crash is one of the deadliest disasters in South Koreas aviation history. The last time the country suffered a large-scale air disaster was in 1997, when a Korean Airlines plane crashed in Guam, killing 228 people on board. In 2013, an Asiana Airlines plane crash-landed in San Francisco, killing three and injuring around 200.

Associated Press contributed to this report
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At least 10 Taliban fighters were killed and five others wounded in a major attack on the groups ministry of interior in Kabul on Saturday as tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan escalated.

The attack, which took place at the ministry headquarters on the airport road in Kabul, has been claimed by the National Resistance Front (NRF) of Afghanistan. It said a Taliban commander was also killed in the attack.

Officials from the Taliban confirmed the attack on the significant building in the country but said that four people were wounded in the incident. Khalid Zadran, a Taliban spokesperson, said the injured had been taken to a hospital and an investigation has been launched into the attack.

The NRF, led by Ahmad Massoud, said the attack targeted a security convoy of the Talibans ministry. It said three military vehicles were destroyed.

The attack comes just days after the Talibans acting minister of refugees and repatriation, Khalil Haqqani, was killed in a suicide bombing in Kabul. The senior member of the powerful Haqqani network, and uncle of the Talibans interior minister and senior leader Sirajuddin Haqqani, was killed in a major attack inside the ministry.

Officials of the resistance group said they are leaking security breaches inside the Taliban group.

Saturdays attack was to demonstrate our capabilities against some of the Talibans well-guarded locations, and this is not the only complex attack against the Taliban weve carried out. This year weve carried out more than 360 military operations against them in 20 provinces of Afghanistan, said Ali Maisam Nazary, the NRFs head of foreign relations.

The US secretary of state, Antony Blinken, denied any resistance against the Taliban. We are trying to prove them wrong by showing security breaches inside Taliban-held Afghanistan. Weve not only infiltrated the group but also shown our capabilities, he told The Independent.

The Afghan Taliban and Pakistan clashed at several points at the border, officials said, days after Pakistani aircraft carried out aerial bombing inside Afghanistan.

The airstrikes on eastern Afghanistan killed 46 people, mostly women and children, a Taliban government official had confirmed.

Afghan authorities warned on Wednesday they would retaliate after the Pakistani bombardment, which they said had killed civilians. Islamabad said it had targeted hideouts of Islamist militants along the border.

The Taliban on Saturday said the strikes were conducted beyond the hypothetical line  an expression used by Afghan authorities to refer to a border with Pakistan that they have long disputed, but did not mention Pakistan.

Both countries have a strained relationship, with Pakistan saying several militant attacks that have occurred in its country have been launched from Afghan soil  a charge the Afghan Taliban denies.
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A fourth infant has died of hypothermia in the Gaza Strip, where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians displaced by nearly 15 months of war are huddled in tents along the rainy, windswept coast as winter arrives.

Jomaa al-Batran, 20 days old, was found with his head as cold as ice when his parents woke up Sunday, his father, Yehia, said. The baby's twin brother, Ali, was moved to the intensive care unit of Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital.

Their father said the twins were born one month premature and spent just a day in the nursery at the hospital, which like other health centers in Gaza has been overwhelmed and is only partially functioning.

He said medics told their mother to keep the newborns warm, but it was impossible because they live in a tent and temperatures regularly drop below 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit) at night.

We are eight people, and we only have four blankets, al-Batran said as he cradled his sons pale body. He described drops of dew seeping through the tent cover overnight. Look at his color because the cold. Do you see how frozen he is?

Children, some of them barefoot, stood outdoors and watched him mourn. The shrouded infant was laid at the feet of an imam, barely larger than his shoes. After prayers, the imam took off his ankle-length coat and wrapped it around the father.

At least three other babies have died from the cold in recent weeks, according to local health officials.

A Palestinian woman is killed at home in the West Bank

A Palestinian woman was shot and killed in her home in the volatile West Bank town of Jenin, where the Palestinian Authority is carrying out a rare campaign against militants.

The family of Shatha al-Sabbagh, a 22-year-old journalism student, said she was killed by a sniper with the Palestinian security forces late Saturday while she was with her mother and two small children. They said there were no militants in the area at the time.

A statement from the Palestinian security forces said she was shot by outlaws  the term it uses for local militants battling Israeli forces in recent years. The security forces condemned the shooting and vowed to investigate it.

The Western-backed Palestinian Authority exercises limited self-rule in parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank. It is deeply unpopular among Palestinians, largely because it cooperates with Israel on security matters, even as Israel accuses it of incitement and of generally turning a blind eye to militancy.

In a statement, the al-Sabbagh family accused the Palestinian security forces of having become repressive tools that practice terrorism against their own people instead of protecting their dignity and standing up to the (Israeli) occupation.

The Hamas militant group also blamed the security forces and noted that al-Sabbagh was the sister of one of its fighters who was killed in a battle with Israeli troops last year.

Later on Sunday, hundreds of people took part in a demonstration in Jenin in support of the Palestinian security forces. The rally was organized by President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah party, which dominates the Palestinian Authority.

Palestinian security forces launched a rare operation earlier this month in Jenin that they said was aimed at restoring law and order, while critics accuse the authority of aiding the occupation.

Violence has flared in the West Bank since Hamas Oct. 7, 2023 attack out of Gaza triggered the war there. Israel captured the West Bank, along with Gaza and east Jerusalem, in the 1967 Mideast war. The Palestinians want all three territories for a future state.

Israeli report details abuse of hostages held in Gaza

The Oct. 7 attack killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted around 250, including women, children and older adults. Around 100 hostages are still inside Gaza, at least a third believed to be dead.

Israels Health Ministry released a report late Saturday detailing what it said was widespread physical, psychological and sexual abuse of people who had been held in Gaza.

The report, based on the findings of doctors who treated some of the more than 100 hostages released during a ceasefire last year, said the captives  including children  had been subjected to severe physical and sexual abuse, such as beatings, isolation, deprivation of food and water, branding, hair-pulling and sexual assault.

The findings, which will be sent to the United Nations, could increase pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to a ceasefire and hostage release with Hamas. Families of the hostages and their supporters have held weekly mass demonstrations for months, and diplomats have reported recent progress in the long-running indirect talks.

Strike on a hospital in Gaza City kills 7

An Israeli strike on the upper floor of a hospital in Gaza City on Sunday killed at least seven people and wounded several others, according to the Civil Defense, first responders affiliated with the Hamas-run government. The Israeli military said it struck a Hamas control center inside the building, which it said was no longer serving as a hospital.

Israels offensive has killed over 45,000 Palestinians and wounded more than 100,000, according to local health authorities. They say women and children make up more than half the deaths but do not distinguish between militants and civilians in their count. Israel says it has killed over 17,000 militants, without providing evidence.

Israel's bombardment and ground operations have displaced some 90% of Gaza's population of 2.3 million people, often multiple times. Vast areas of the territory, including entire neighborhoods, are in ruins, and critical infrastructure has been destroyed.

Israeli restrictions, ongoing fighting and the breakdown of law and order have hindered the delivery of humanitarian aid, raising fears of famine, while widespread hunger has left people at greater risk of disease and death.

___

Mohammed reported from Jenin, West Bank. Associated Press writer Melanie Lidman in Tel Aviv, Israel contributed to this report.

___

Follow APs war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war
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In this Damascus suburb, the handful of remaining Jews in Syria can again make pilgrimages to one of the worlds oldest synagogues where people from throughout the region once came to pray.

Syrias 13-year civil war left the synagogue partially destroyed. Walls and roofs have collapsed. Some artifacts are missing. A marble sign in Arabic at the gate says it was first built 720 years before Christ.

Since insurgents overthrew President Bashar Assad in early December, people have been able to safely visit the widely destroyed Jobar suburb that was pounded for years by government forces while in the hands of opposition fighters.

Syria was once home to one of the world's largest Jewish communities. Those numbers have shrunk dramatically, especially after the state of Israel was created in 1948.

Today, only nine Jews live in Syria, according to the head of the community, almost all older men and women. The community believes that no Syrian Jews will remain in the country in a few years.

One of the people visiting the Jobar Synagogue, also known as Eliyahu Hanavi synagogue, on Thursday was gray-haired Bakhour Chamntoub, the head of the community in Syria.

This synagogue means a lot to us, the 74-year-old told The Associated Press during his first visit in 15 years.

Chamntoub had heard the synagogue was damaged, but he did not expect to see that part of it had been reduced to a pile of debris.

I am frankly disturbed, he said.

Chamntoub said Jewish people from around the world have been calling him to say they are ready to help rebuild.

He had refused to leave Syria during the war, while all 12 of his siblings left. He said he was happy in Syria and surrounded by people who respect him.

Chamntoub said he had been one of the few Jews who openly spoke about his faith, adding that he never faced discrimination. He said other Jews preferred not to speak openly for safety reasons amid the animosity in Syria toward archenemy Israel and fears of being labeled spies or collaborators.

The Jewish community in Syria dates back to the prophet Elijahs Damascus sojourn nearly 3,000 years ago. After 1099, when Christian armies conquered Jerusalem in the First Crusade and massacred the citys Muslim and Jewish inhabitants, some 50,000 Jews reportedly fled to Damascus, making up nearly a third of residents. Another wave of Jews later arrived from Europe, fleeing the Spanish Inquisition that began in 1492.

The community in Syria numbered about 100,000 at the start of the 20th century. In the years surrounding Israel's creation, Syrian Jews faced increased tensions and restrictions. Many emigrated to Israel, the United States and other countries.

Under the Assad family's 54-year dynasty, Jews in Syria enjoyed freedom in performing religious duties, but community members were prevented from traveling outside the country to prevent them from going to Israel until the early 1990s. Once travel restrictions were lifted after Arab-Israeli peace talks started, many more left.

Before Syrias conflict began in 2011, Chamntoub and other remaining community members came on Saturdays to Jobar for prayers. He recalled Torahs written on gazelle leather, chandeliers, tapestries and carpets. All are gone, likely stolen by looters.

Barakat Hazroumi, a Muslim born and raised near the synagogue, recounted how worshipers on Saturdays asked him to turn on the lights or light a candle since Jews are not allowed to do physical labor on the Sabbath.

It was a beautiful religious place, Hazroumi said of the synagogue, which at some point during the war was protected by rebels. It and the whole destroyed suburb needs to be reconstructed from scratch.

Assads forces recaptured Jobar from rebels in 2018 but imposed tight security, preventing many people from reaching the area.

The new rulers of Syria, led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, have said they will allow members of all religions to perform their religious duties freely. There have been some sectarian attacks but mostly against members of Assad's minority Alawite sect.

After visiting the synagogue, Chamntoub returned to his home in old Damascus, close to the private Jewish school known as Maimonides that was founded in 1944 but has been closed for decades. Posters in Hebrew remain on the walls.

The area is known as the Jewish quarter. Many old homes have doors and windows closed with pieces of metal and a sign in Arabic saying: The real estate is closed by the state's Higher Committee for the Affairs of Jews.

As the Jewish community has shrunk, it has also struggled to find kosher food. Chamntoub receives packages of meat from siblings in the U.S. at least once a year via people traveling to Syria. In the past, he went to the chicken market with a Jewish friend who would slaughter them, but the man now can hardly walk.

Chamntoub mostly eats vegetarian dishes. Almost every morning, he cooks for himself and a Jewish woman in the area with no remaining relatives in Syria.

The woman, 88-year-old Firdos Mallakh, sat on a couch Thursday under two blankets. When asked to greet an AP journalist with Shabbat Shalom, she replied it was not yet time. Today is Thursday and tomorrow is Friday, she said.

Chamntoub, who makes a living as a landlord, asked Mallakh why she had not turned on the gas heater. Mallakh said she did not want to waste gas.

Chamntoub hopes that with the fall of Assad, Syrians will enjoy more freedoms, economic and otherwise. In the past, he said, authorities prevented him from giving interviews without permission from the security agencies.

I am a Jew and I am proud of it, he said.

But with so few remaining in Damascus, the city's synagogues see no services. Chamntoub is marking the eight-day Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, which began on Wednesday, alone at home.
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An Israeli airstrike in the outskirts of Damascus on Sunday killed 11 people, according to a war monitor, as Israel continues to target Syrian weapons and military infrastructure even after the ouster of former President Bashar Assad.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the airstrike targeted a weapons depot that belonged to Assads forces near the industrial town of Adra, northeast of the capital. The observatory said at least 11 people, mostly civilians, were killed.

Beirut-based pan-Arab Al-Mayadeen TV also reported the airstrike but put the death toll at six. The Israeli military did not comment on the airstrike Sunday.

Israel, which has launched hundreds of airstrikes over Syria since the country's uprising turned-civil war broke out in 2011, rarely acknowledges them. It says its targets are Iran-backed groups that backed Assad. Israel also wants to remove a threat posed by weapons in Syria, which is now governed by Islamists.

Syrian insurgents who ousted Assad in a lightning ofensive in early December have demanded that Israel cease its airstrikes.

Elsewhere, Turkish-backed Syrian rebels attacked near the strategic northern border town of Kobani, which is under the control of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, following weekslong clashes.

The SDF shared a video of a rocket attack that destroyed what it said was a radar system south of the city of Manbij, which the Turkish-back group captured earlier this month. The Kurdish-led group is Washington's key ally in Syria, where it is heavily involved in targeting sleeper cells belonging to the extremist Islamic State group.

In other developments:

 Syrian state-run media said a mass grave was found near the third largest city of Homs. SANA said civil defense workers were sent to to the site in al-Kabo, one of many suspected mass graves where tens of thousands of Syrians are believed to have been buried during a brutal crackdown under Assad and his network of security agencies.

 An Egyptian activist wanted by Cairo on charges of incitement to violence and terrorism, Abdulrahman al-Qardawi, was detained by Lebanese security forces after crossing the porous border from Syria, according to two judicial and one security officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to to talk to the press.

Al-Qardawi is an Egyptian activist residing in Turkey and an outspoken critic of Egypt's government. He had reportedly visited Syria to join celebrations after Assad's downfall. His late father, Youssef al-Qaradawi, was a top and controversial Egyptian cleric revered by the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood. He had lived in exile in Qatar for decades.

 Lebanese security forces apprehended an armed group in the northern city of Tripoli that kidnapped a group of 26 Syrians who were recently smuggled into Lebanon, two Lebanese security officials said on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to share the information with the media. The Syrians included five women and seven children, and security officials are working to return them to Syria.
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As 2024 saw a bumper year for elections, the rise in the share of female politicians appeared to stall.

Billions of people across the world went to the polls in over 80 countries this year, with nearly half of the global population - some 3.6 billion people - living through major elections over the 12 months.

And the proportion of women as parliamentarians ended up, as of 1 December, at 27 per cent, according to data from the Inter-Parliamentary Union - with a global total of 32,082 men and 11,821 women.

That figure was just a meagre rise of only 0.2 per cent from last year.

The published data, which covered almost every country around the world, also showed the actual number of female politicans had fallen, from 11,872 last year.

Jemima Olchawski, chief executive of the UKs leading gender equality charity, Fawcett Society, told The Independent those working in politics have enormous power to shape democracies, cultures and economies.

She added: Parliaments must represent all of us and they must bring about policy changes that benefit all women. We have seen landmark moments for women following the UK election and these are to be celebrated.

The highest proportion of women in our parliament ever, the most balanced cabinet ever, the first female chancellor of the exchequer. These changes show that inequality is not inevitable but there is more to be done all around the world.

open image in gallery Jemima Olchawski ( Jemima Olchawski )

2024 marked the slowest rate of growth in female representation for two decades and 27 new parliaments now have fewer female politicians than they did before voters went to the polls. the BBC reports. Among those nations are America, Pakistan, India, Portugal, South Africa and Indonesia.

The news outlet analysed Inter-Parliamentary Union data from 46 nations where election results have been confirmed - discovering that the number of female politicians elected decreased in almost two-thirds of them.

While fewer women were elected to the European Parliament for the first ever time.

However, the BBC also reports that women made advances in the UK, Mongolia, Jordan and the Dominican Republic, while Mexico and Namibia both elected the first women presidents in their history.

Parliaments must represent all of us and they must bring about policy changes that benefit all women. Jemima Olchawski

UN Women predicts that it will take as long as 130 years to achieve gender equality in the highest positions of power if the current rate continues. There are only 29 countries where 30 women are the head of state or government as of 1 October 2024, according to the UN body.

But in the UK, the picture has been better in the wake of Labours win in the recent election - with new women MPs recently telling The Independent parliament now feels less misogynistic and the bubble of Westminster may finally be bursting.

Politicians across the parties reflected on the fewer old male MPs and greater number of MPs who have been to state school, suggesting that parliament feels more representative of the wider country.

Staffers who worked in Westminster before the summer snap election said the culture in parliament has changed since Labours recent win, MPs said.

It comes after a record number of women were elected on 4 July, with 263 female members of parliament taking up their seats under a Labour government: a rise from 220 in 2019. The current proportion of female MPs is 40 per cent, and a significant improvement on the 34 per cent in 2019.

Studies have shown that nations led by women fared better than average during the coronavirus crisis. A study by the Centre for Economic Policy Research and the World Economic Forum found nations led by women rather than men had more successful responses to the coronavirus outbreak and implemented lockdowns more quickly as well as experiencing half as many deaths.
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Labour could lose three-quarters of its rural seats if a general election was held today, a new poll has suggested, just months after the party swept to power in a landslide election win fuelled by gains in the countryside.

Sir Keir Starmers controversial tractor tax and other policies in Rachel Reeves October Budget could see the party hold onto just one in four of the seats Labour won in rural areas in July, according to a new survey.

Of the 10 sparse and rural constituencies currently held by Labour, the party might keep just two if an election were called now, a More in Common survey found.

Although it is just one survey and there are likely years before the country goes to the polls again, the National Farmers Union (NFU) warned it suggested Sir Keir had gravely underestimated the impact of its family farm tax raid.

open image in gallery Sir Keir Starmer has been branded the farmer harmer ( Robert Jenrick )

The poll also suggested Labour might hold onto just 11 of the 39 rural seats it holds. Overall, of Labours 49 rural constituencies, it was suggested the party could lose 36 and hold on to just 13  a retention rate of just 27 per cent.

The NFUs warning comes after the UKs top union leader, TUC boss Paul Nowak, revealed his fears about the impact of the tax raid on small farmers in an interview with The Independent.

The survey highlights the impact on the party of Sir Keirs decision to end inheritance tax exemptions for farms worth more than 1m.

The tax change means previously exempt farms will be hit with a 20 per cent levy on farming assets worth more than 1m, with critics claiming it will force family farmers to sell up and rip the heart out of Britains countryside.

The More in Common survey suggests that, by contrast, Labour could hold onto 215 of its 362 urban seats, a significantly higher retention rate of 59 per cent. And, despite its significantly better performance in urban areas, it still highlights the decline in support for Sir Keir since Labours sweeping election win.

Overall, the poll showed Labour could squander its majority if an election was soon, losing almost 200 seats including those of deputy PM Angela Rayner and home secretary Yvette Cooper.

More in Common associate director Ed Hodgson told The Independent: This years general election saw Labour make historic gains among many rural areas that had never voted for them before - and our MRP model shows that in just a few months, Labour has squandered much of the faith that some of these rural voters placed in them.

There is no doubt that decisions over farmers inheritance tax will have resonated more with these rural communities, as will changes to the Winter Fuel Allowance which will hit some of these seats the most given their older populations.

But more broadly, many rural voters left the Conservative Party and voted Labour for the first time because they felt the Conservatives had become a party that could no longer be trusted to deliver on their promises  in the year ahead, Labour will have to show these voters that they can be trusted, in order to halt the growing perception that our new government simply offers more of the same.

open image in gallery NFU president Tom Bradshaw has rallied against the tax changes ( PA Wire )

One rural Labour MP forecast to lose their seat by the poll said it "seems a bit far-fetched four years before an election... but we know weve got to turn things around for ordinary families... so as ever, no complacency".

Rural seats that it was suggested Labour would lose include Rhondda and Ogmore, currently held by science minister Sir Chris Bryant, with More in Common forecasting it could be picked up by Nigel Farages Reform UK.

Reform could also pick up Doncaster East and the Isle of Axholme, Easington, Bolsover, Newton Aycliffe and Spennymoor, and Normanton and Hemsworth, the poll suggested.

The NFU said the survey results were unsurprising and warned Labour has gravely underestimated the impact of its tax raid on family farms.

It said the impact goes far beyond devastating farming businesses themselves it affects everyone who works on farms, the numerous businesses farms buy from, and those they sell produce to.

When a policy rips the heart out of a farm, it also does the same to a rural community, as this polling shows, an NFU spokesperson told The Independent.

They added: There is still time for this government to do the right thing and reassess before irrevocable damage is done to our farming sector, our food security, and the wider rural communities farming supports.

And Mo Metcalf-Fisher, director of external affairs at the Countryside Alliance, told The Independent: Prior to the election, Labour had built up a fair amount of goodwill in the countryside, but that appears to have rapidly evaporated, not least as a result of the ongoing family farm tax row and the entirely avoidable fallout from that.

It was a bad political move by Labour, which has left rural people feeling like they arent being listened to but it has also cut through with the wider public. Going forward they need to urgently rethink the policy, engage with rural groups and prioritise doing things for the countryside, rather than to it.

Labour declined to comment.
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GCSE students in Oxfordshire whose parents can no longer pay independent school fees could find themselves without a school place next month.

With the 20 per cent VAT charge on fees set to come in during the middle of the school year on 1 January, the council has said that most schools in its area refuse applications for transfer in year 10 and year 11 regardless of the reason.

With 17 fee-paying private schools in the county, there are concerns that the impact could be significant.

open image in gallery Education secretary Bridget Phillipson has been forced to defend the policy ( PA Wire )

Oxfordshire County Council said it strongly advised parents not to try to switch schools during the crucial exam years.

Schools are unlikely to offer places while children prepare for their final GCSE exams, a spokesperson said. Extra admissions at this stage could be detrimental to childrens education and the efficient use of resources at the school.

The council told The Independent: We have not amended our admission arrangements in the light of the VAT in independent schools issue.

The crisis for parents and teenagers forced out of the private school system comes as Labour councils are warning parents not to try to move their children halfway through the school year due to the potentially harmful impact on their education.

Labour-run Newcastle City Council warned: Changing your childs school can affect them in many ways and the decision should not be taken without careful thought continuity and stability in a childs education is very important and a change of school should only be made if it is felt to be in your childs best interests.

open image in gallery Labour councils are warnings of the risks to childrens education if they move mid-year ( PA Archive )

Labour-led Vale of Glamorgan said a change of school mid-year or after year 7 can seriously disrupt the continuity of a childs education and cause difficulties over syllabus compatibility, examination arrangements, etc.

And Labour-run Bridgend County Borough Council warned: Transferring a child between schools can be quite disruptive. This is especially true for year 10 and 11 students, as subjects or exam boards may differ in another school, even within the county borough.

The government insists the VAT change is necessary to pay for more than 6,000 teachers in state schools, against a backdrop of what it says was a 22bn black hole left by the last Tory government. But critics say the move has been rushed.

Julie Robinson, chief executive of the Independent Schools Council, which represents 1,400 private schools, said it was not too late for ministers to delay the policy.

Her organisation estimates that nearly 3,000 pupils will switch schools in January because of the VAT change, and many more will move in September.

If they were to hold off until at least next September, if not longer preferably, that would give families a reprieve so that they'd have time to plan, Ms Robinson said. And schools, too, would have time to plan for the following academic year for their children.

If there must be change, then it should be done gently and carefully with a mind to the effect on the mental wellbeing of children and the families concerned, she added. I think particularly the speed with which this action is being taken means that it's putting undue pressure on families to try to cope with suddenly changed circumstances, and that's causing stress.

A government spokesperson said: Ending tax breaks for private schools will raise 1.8bn a year by 2029/30 to help fund public services, including supporting the 94 per cent of children in state schools to achieve and thrive.

We recognise the challenges some parents are facing, which is why weve given ample time and notice of these changes. We anticipate the impact of these changes on the state sector will be very small. In-year admissions happen every year and local authorities and schools are used to supporting children in these circumstances.
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Tax exemptions for private schools are a luxury we cannot afford, the education secretary has said just days before the controversial policy comes into effect.

Bridget Phillipson has said very few families will be forced out of the private sector as a result of the changes, which will strip independent schools of their charitable status.

And, launching a last-minute defence of the policy, which comes into force on Wednesday, Ms Phillipson told The Sunday Times it has the backing of middle-class parents who have already been priced out of the private sector.

open image in gallery Keir Starmer has promised to give children the best start in life ( Getty Images )

Promising to wear the policy as a badge of honour if it drives up standards in state schools, Ms Phillipson said it was supported by middle-class parents in good professional jobs with housing costs [who] just cant afford that level of fee" and want "brilliant state schools".

And, writing in The Sunday Telegraph, she added: We need to prioritise investment in our state schools tax breaks for private schools are a luxury we cannot afford.

This government is choosing to invest in fixing the foundations of our state schools so we can drive the high and rising standards that transform childrens life chances.

But, in a warning over the impact of the policy, Oxfordshire County Council said parents who can no longer afford private school places may find themselves without a school place for their children next month.

Speaking to The Independent, a spokesperson said most schools in its areas refuse applications for transfer in Year 10 and Year 11 regardless of the reason.

The Independent Schools Council (ISC), which represents private schools, said on Sunday that the negative effects of Labours tax on education would be felt by families and children across state and independent schools. The body has previously said it would launch a legal action against the decision.

open image in gallery Bridget Phillipson said she would wear the policy as a badge of honour ( PA Wire )

Chief executive Julie Robinson said that additional pressure on state schools could even result in the policy costing the Treasury more than it raises and damaging standards for state pupils.

The Treasury said on Sunday that its VAT raid on private schools will give state schools a 1.7bn yearly boost by the end of the decade.

Despite warnings from private schools over the impact of the policy, the prime minister is ploughing ahead and will charge 20 per cent VAT on independent school fees from the start of 2025.

The Treasury has earmarked 2.6bn of extra funding for state schools next year to invest in improving special education provision and hire 6,500 new teachers, with 1.5bn of this coming from the policy change.

The amount raised by the move will increase to 1.7bn each year by 2029/30, it added.

Private school leaders have warned the combination of tax hikes in the Budget and the removal of their charitable status, which saw fees exempted from VAT, could lead the sector to fall apart.

They have also argued that the hike in school fees as a result of the policies will force more children into the state sector, overwhelming already stretched schools and wiping out any gains to the public finances.

And, ahead of the policy coming into force, Liberal Democrat education spokesperson Munira Wilson said: Students and teachers across our education system are crying out for support, but weve been clear the Governments decision to tax education is the wrong approach.

The government should now lay out what effect this misguided policy will have on the families of the 100,000 children with special educational needs currently at independent schools who do not have education, health and care plans.

open image in gallery The changes will hit private school fees from January 1, and will capture those who paid in advance from July 29 onwards ( Getty )

The Independent also revealed in October that smaller independent schools, already struggling financially, had seen more than a quarter of parents offered places for the upcoming academic years for their children choosing not to accept them by the end of July  compared with a usual figure of 10-15 per cent. Most blamed the VAT shock.

Labour has previously sparked fury in a row over the policy, with health secretary Wes Streeting brushing off private school leaders concerns and telling them to cut their cloth in the way state schools have to.

Sir Keir has made giving children the best start in life a key milestone for his government, urging voters to judge him against it ahead of the next general election.

Ahead of the tax shakeup coming into force, chancellor Rachel Reeves said: Its time things are done differently. Ending the VAT break for private schools means an additional 1.7 billion a year that can go towards our state schools where 94 per cent of this countrys children are educated.

That means more teachers. Higher standards. And the best chance in life for all our children as we deliver on our Plan for Change.

The policy will cover all fees paid after 29 July, when it was first announced, that relate to the term beginning in January, in a bid to catch parents who attempted to dodge the tax by paying their fees in advance.

As part of the shakeup, private schools will also lose their ability to access business rates relief for charities, raising an additional 140m per year.
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Three people were found stabbed to death inside a Los Angeles County home and a family member has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

The victims, who were killed just a day after Christmas, were identified by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner as Rona Nate, 44; Paul Sebastian Manangan, 16; and Mia Chantelle Narvaez, 8, according to ABC7.

A 23-year-old man who was related to the victims and lived at the Baldwin Park home was arrested, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department. His name has not been released.

Police responded to the house on Bogart Avenue just before 7 p.m. on Thursday after receiving a 911 call about a disturbance. Several neighbors reported seeing a girl running from the house.

You heard the little girl screaming coming out and crying for help, saying, Someone call 911. My brother stabbed my mom in the back, I saw blood, said neighbor Nathan Garcia.

The three victims found dead in the Baldwin Park home on Thursday have been identified ( ABC7 )

When officers arrived, they found three bodies inside the house. All three had multiple stab wounds to their upper body, sheriffs Lt. Michael Modica said.

A man who was later identified as the suspect tried to drive away and crashed in a nearby cul-de-sac where he was detained, police said.

Investigators say the man is related to the family, but did not release additional details about how they are related nor did they offer a possible motive for the stabbings.

Out of respect for the family of the victims, the exact relationships will not be released at this time, the sheriffs department said.

Several other children were in the home at the time of the killings, according to the sheriffs department, but no injuries were reported.

The case will be reviewed by the Los Angeles County District Attorneys office.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 29. The Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and the Chairman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Valentina Matvienko had a telephone conversation on December 28, Trend reports via the Turkmen Foreign Ministry.

The sides exchanged warm congratulations and best wishes on the approaching New Year and reaffirmed mutual commitment to strengthening and expanding relations of strategic partnership between Turkmenistan and the Russian Federation.

In the course of the conversation, the parties noted the importance and relevance of the political dialog, which has proved its effectiveness and compliance with the interests of peace, stability, and sustainable development.

One of the topics of the conversation was the discussion of prospects for cooperation in 2025, which was declared the International Year of Peace and Trust by the UN General Assembly at the initiative of Turkmenistan. In this regard, the need to unite and consolidate the efforts of the world community to bring back the culture of dialog, respect, and tolerance into global politics is becoming more and more urgent.

Women, with their high responsibility and perception of their humanistic mission to present and future generations, have a crucial role to play in this regard.

In this context, the Turkmen leader noted the successful holding of the first Dialogue of Women of Central Asian States and Russia in Turkmenistan in 2022. It was stressed that the forum demonstrated the stabilizing and creative role of women in international life and gave an important impetus to their active involvement in the processes of intensifying interstate relations.

In this regard, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov proposed to Valentina Matvienko to consider the possibility of holding the Second Dialogue of Women of Central Asia and Russia in May next year in the national tourist zone Avaza on the Turkmen coast of the Caspian Sea.
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Police in Kentucky fatally shot a man after they allegedly served a search warrant at the wrong home earlier this week, new details reveal.

Doug Harless, 61, was shot and killed on December 23 when London police showed up at his door at 511 Vanzant Road in Laurel County, according to Kentucky State Police.

But according to Laurel County dispatch audio obtained by WKYT, London police were attempting to serve a warrant at 489 Vanzant Road  which was allegedly repeated on the audio at least five times.

Officials said in a statement on Tuesday that while they were serving the warrant the night before, Harless pointed a gun at them and thats when an LPD officer fired their weapon, striking and killing him.

London police initially made no mention of whether Harless was armed, and then on Thursday, three days after the shooting, police said the man produced a firearm and pointed it at officers, WKYT reported.

open image in gallery Doug Harless, 61, was shot and killed when police showed up at his door at 511 Vanzant Road ( LEX18 )

The shooting has left Harless neighbors in disbelief and looking for answers about what happened to the man they say was a victim, not a criminal.

He was a very quiet, humble person, neighbor Carl Merritt told LEX18. Stayed to himself, never bothered nobody. For something like that to happen to that poor man, it hurts me really. To think that somebody like that, especially in my backyard, being shot you know? In his own home.

Merritt and his wife, who live across the street from Harless, claim they caught the shooting on their surveillance camera.

open image in gallery Dispatch audio allegedly reveals that police were attempting to serve a warrant at 489 Vanzant Road ( WKYT )

Well it shows on the camera that there were police officers on his porch and they announced that they were there, Merritt said.

They banged and banged and banged, until they finally made their way through the mans door and with not even making it completely through the door, they shot him. I mean it was just that quick.

He told LEX18 that Kentucky State Police (KSP) now have the surveillance footage. The shooting is being investigated by KSP.
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Three New York corrections officers allegedly involved in the beating death of an inmate while he was handcuffed had been previously accused of similar attacks, a new report reveals.

The inmate, 43-year-old Robert Brooks, died on December 10, a day after the incident at the Marcy Correctional Facility in upstate New York.

Two of the corrections officers and a sergeant implicated in Brooks death were previously named in federal lawsuits filed by inmates, according to the New York Times. The suits accused the guards of the attacks that left one man disfigured and another in a wheelchair.

Katie Rosenfeld, a lawyer for one of the inmates, criticized the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision for fighting her clients lawsuit for four years.

The fact that they failed to rein in these officers that they knew had beaten someone else is a direct contributor to Mr. Brookss death, Rosenfeld told the Times.

open image in gallery Bodycam footage shows New York inmate Robert Brooks being beaten by prison staff while restrained on a medical exam table ( New York attorney generals office )

In a statement on Friday, Daniel F. Martuscello III, the states corrections commissioner, vowed to address the issue.

It is not enough to simply condemn this horrific act and then go back to business, he said in a statement on Friday. Institutional change must follow.

The new report comes after New York Attorney General Letitia James on Friday released shocking body cam footage of the guards violently beating Brooks while his hands are cuffed behind his back.

For about 20 minutes, they are seen beating him on his head, chest, and genital area in the medical exam room with one officer hitting him with a shoe. He died the next day.

Brooks, 43, had been serving a 12-year prison sentence for first-degree assault since 2017, according to the corrections department.

James office opened an investigation into Brooks death on December 16.

open image in gallery At one point in the footage, the staff can be seen removing items of Brooks clothing while he remains handcuffed ( New York District Attorneys Office )

Since the incident, one corrections officer has resigned and 13 others have been suspended without pay. New York Governor Kathy Hochul called for all the individuals involved to be fired over the fatal beating.

According to the lawsuits, alleged assaults by the same guards revealed similar details to the Brooks attack.

In February 2020, corrections officers allegedly beat inmate Adam Bauer in a bathroom at the Marcy prison and then accused him of attacking them, according to a lawsuit.

One of the officers was named as Nicholas Anzalone, who is also accused in the assault of Brooks.

Bauer claimed he was walking out of a bathroom stall and about to light a cigarette with a battery when a guard stopped him. The officer then ordered him to stand against the wall for a frisk and then began punching him in the head until he fell to the floor, according to the lawsuit.

Anzalone and two sergeants joined in on the beating, Bauer claimed in the lawsuit, adding the guards then dragged him out and drove him to the infirmary, where he was forced to lie facedown on the floor as they kicked his feet.

To cover up the assault, the lawsuit claims, the officers lied. They first told a nurse he had harmed himself. Then, after being transferred to hospital, they claimed another inmate had attacked him.

When he was back in prison, he was sent to solitary confinement on false disciplinary charges for 60 days until a prison official reversed the decision, according to the Times.

open image in gallery Three of the corrections officers implicated in the beating of Brooks had been previously accused of similar attacks, according to lawsuits ( AP )

The inmates lawyer said the corrections departments Office of Special Investigations looked into the accusations, but ultimately found that the force was necessary and reasonable to get Bauer to comply. She added that the officers were never interviewed by investigators.

Later that same year, Sgt. Glenn Trombly and Officer Anthony Farina, two guards implicated in the beating of Brooks, were involved in the assault of another inmate  William Alvarez, according to a lawsuit.

Alvarez was cleaning the bathroom when an officer pepper-sprayed him without provocation, according to his lawsuit. He was ordered against the wall and an officer slammed his head repeatedly as he was cuffed.

The three officers kicked him in the head and body before dragging him into a van and taking him to the infirmary, similar to Bauers attack, he claims.

Alvarez, like Bauer, was accused of attacking the guards and held in solitary confinement for 60 days. He is now permanently disfigured.
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Two Oregon men were found dead in a Washington state forest after they failed to return from a trip to look for Sasquatch, authorities said Saturday.

The 59-year-old and 37-year-old appear to have died from exposure, the Skamania County Sheriff's Office said via Facebook. The weather and the men's lack of preparedness led the office to draw that conclusion, it said.

Sasquatch is a folkloric beast thought by some to roam the forests, particularly in the Pacific Northwest.

The two men were found in a heavily wooded area of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, which is about 150 miles (240 kilometers) northeast of Portland.

open image in gallery Sixty volunteer search-and-rescue personnel helped in the three-day search, including canine, drone and ground teams. The Coast Guard used infrared technology to search from the air. ( Skamania County Sheriffs Office )

A family member reported them missing at around 1 a.m. on Christmas Day after they failed to return from a Christmas Eve outing.

Sixty volunteer search-and-rescue personnel helped in the three-day search, including canine, drone and ground teams. The Coast Guard used infrared technology to search from the air.

Authorities used camera recordings to locate the vehicle used by the pair off Oklahoma Road near Willard, which is on the southern border of the national forest.
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Joe Biden still regrets pulling out of the 2024 presidential race and believes he could have beaten Donald Trump for the White House, according to a report.

The outgoing president backed out of the race over the summer following a disastrous first debate against his Republican rival, low approval numbers, and dwindling donations.

But Biden recently told people that despite the issues his campaign faced he is confident he could have defeated Trump in November, sources familiar with the conversations told The Washington Post.

Calls for Biden to leave the race grew increasingly loud among Democrats after his poor debate performance on June 27, and he finally called it quits on July 21.

His belated decision to endorse Kamala Harris saw the vice-president given only three months to mount a campaign against Trump, eventually being swept in all the battleground states and losing the popular vote by 2.2 million.

US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris (R) shakes hands with former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump during a presidential debate at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on September 10, 2024 ( AFP via Getty Images )

Biden has refused to blame Harris for his departure from the race but has told aides he would have won, reported the newspaper.

Harris supporters have criticized Biden for waiting too long before withdrawing and for seeking a second term in the first place.

Biden ran on the promise that he was going to be a transitional president, and in effect, have one term before handing it off to another generation, Richard Blumenthal, a Democratic senator for Connecticut told the Post.

I think his running again broke that concept  the conceptual underpinning of the theory that he would end the Trump appeal, he would defeat Trumpism and enable a new era.

Biden also admitted to aides that he had made other mistakes, including the selection of Merrick Garland as attorney general, according to the Post.

The president has said privately that Garland was too slow to prosecute Trump over January 6, while his Justice Department aggressively prosecuted and convicted his son Hunter. Biden earlier this month pardoned Hunter, despite saying he would not use his executive authority to do so.
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Donald Trump has sided with Elon Musk in the feud over H-1B skilled worker visas that has split the American political right over the past few days.

Speaking by phone with The New York Post on Saturday, the president-elect said: Ive always liked the visas, I have always been in favor of the visas. Thats why we have them.

He added: I have many H-1B visas on my properties. Ive been a believer in H-1B. I have used it many times. Its a great program.

Trump had previously remained silent on the issue which has led to furious exchanges online between leading Maga acolytes.

In his first administration from 2017 to 2021, Trump signed an executive order to restrict access to such visas and has been critical of the program in the past, calling it very bad for Americans.

While Trump-supporting tech leaders such as X-owner Musk have stressed that H-1B visas are critical to finding skilled workers, America First hardliners want a new Trump administration to impose tougher restrictions on immigration at all levels.

Musk vowed to go to war on the issue and told one critic on X to go f*** yourself in the face.

Elon Musk swung behind US president-elect Donald Trump ahead of the November election ( AP )

On the other side of the feud, far-right activist Laura Loomer railed against Musk and Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) co-chair Vivek Ramaswamy for supporting the visa program and criticizing American cultural values and workers, which also reignited his feud with former UN ambassador Nikki Haley.

Loomer then complained about having her X blue check mark removed, accusing Musk of doing it in retaliation while saying Trump had promised to end the program.

Looks like Elon Musk is going to be silencing me for supporting original Trump immigration policies, she wrote. I have always been America First and a die hard supporter of President Trump and I believe that promises made should be promises kept. Donald Trump promised to remove the H1B visa program and I support his policy. Now, as one of Trumps biggest supporters, Im having my free speech silenced by a tech billionaire for simply questioning the tech oligarchy.

Former Trump adviser Steve Bannon joined the Maga immigration civil war with gusto on Friday, calling Musk a toddler, and telling him to bring it after the South African-born mogul said he would fight to my last drop of blood over the issue.
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President-elect Donald Trump is not someone who plays down expectations, whether about himself or the United States. And he raises the expectations of others accordingly. His re-entry onto the world stage after his victory in last years election prompted urgent shifts in international dynamics on the part of national leaders around the world, simply in anticipation. From midday on Monday, Mr Trumps power is real. With it comes promise  and peril.

Four years ago, the inauguration of Joe Biden as US president was greeted, especially in Europe, as heralding a welcome return to normality. By which was meant a re-emphasis on Atlanticism abroad, a respect for the constitution at home, and, above all, a steady, predictable hand on the global tiller. That is not quite how it turned out. From the chaotic end to the US-led intervention in Afghanistan to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the new hostilities in the Middle East, Bidens four years encompassed as much, if not more, destructive disruption as any recent US presidents term.

That needs to be borne in mind as Mr Trump enters the White House again. Stuff happens. But Mr Trump is different  and not just from his predecessor  in both the scope of his personal ambition and how he believes he can use American power, but also in the extent to which his personality dictates the terms and draws the limelight  for better and worse.

Early proof of the promise his presidency could bring were the joyous scenes that followed the agreement between Israel and Hamas; the celebrations on the streets of Tel Aviv, the festivities even amid the devastation of Gaza, and the rapturous reception, on both sides, for the released captives. The Biden and Trump teams may dispute where the credit lies for this lamentably overdue ceasefire, but Mr Trumps imminent inauguration and the pressure exerted by his envoy on the hitherto immovable Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu are surely part of the explanation.

It must be hoped that President Trump  we must become used to hearing that combination again  can follow through, not only to pre-empt any backsliding by either signatory to this agreement but to ensure that the next stages are honoured, bringing the release of all Hamas hostages, and the possibility of rebuilding in a peace that increasingly embraces the whole region. This will not be easy; Syria, Iran and maybe Turkey are, or could all be, in the throes of change.

Mr Trumps other foreign policy projects, as so far outlined, present at least as much peril as promise. He has undertaken to end the war in Ukraine, but he must do so without placing Ukraines future at still greater risk or appearing to acquiesce in the change of national borders by military force. Unpredictability and risk-taking here could have lethal consequences.

European members of Nato have been making some efforts to prepare for a time when they might have to take more responsibility for Europes security, but there is a long way still to go. Trump 1.0 raised concerns  in the end unwarranted  that the US could forsake Europe. There is less alarm over Trump 2.0 but no room for complacency, either.

Mr Trump has a keen sense of where power lies, abroad as at home. He has US relations with China in his sights as a priority  hence the invitation to President Xi Jinping to his inauguration. Mr Xi himself is not going but he is sending a deputy; the honour, in other words, was recognised, not spurned. Will Mr Trump suspend, or soften, the ban on the Chinese-owned social media app TikTok, if only as a gesture? Is that the right thing to do?

Will Mr Trump start a wider trade war with his threat to impose tariffs, or is the threat more by way of a signal from this arch-realist and disruptor that the rest of the world must strike new bargains to protect what he sees as the US national interest? Europe, in particular, must be as much on its guard as it was eight years ago, so as not to be wrong-footed by a US president whose exclusive concern, to a greater extent than many recent predecessors, is the security and prosperity of the United States. This is also how his striking talk about Canada, Greenland and the Panama Canal might be taken, as a 21st-century Monroe Doctrine, which sees the US in hemisphere, rather than global, terms.

There have been mixed signals about how far Mr Trumps British  in fact, Scottish  connection could translate into closer, or less close, relations with the UK. With gaps already evident over policy towards Ukraine and the Middle East, not to mention the Chagos Islands, this is already looking to be a delicate relationship, even as it has become more crucial for the UK after Brexit. If, however, as The Independent has reported, the new US administration could decide to reject Sir Keir Starmers nominee for ambassador, that could not but sour relations, while underlining the disparity in power. Lord Mandelson has his flaws but an ambassador with the ear of the prime minister and expertise in trade matters can be an asset for both sides.

President Trump is nothing if not his own man, and a respecter of power  his own and that of others. The UKs position vis-a-vis the United States under such a president would be stronger, the more it can make common cause with the EU and the European members of Nato. A strong and united voice in Washington from across the Atlantic would be one way, probably the best way, to make the most of Mr Trumps promise, while reducing the peril.
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A Utah snowmobiler accidentally triggered an avalanche that buried his brother, whom he was able to save after spotting his fingers sticking out of the snow.

The brothers and their father were riding snowmobiles across the slopes in the Franklin Basin area of the Utah backcountry near the Idaho border, according to the Utah Avalanche Center.

One of the brothers was side-hilling beneath a cliff-band in Steep Hollow when he triggered the avalanche.

I saw the snow ripple and knew that was an avalanche, Braeden Hansen told NBC News. He was able to ride off the north flank of the avalanche safely.

But his brother, Hunter Hansen, who was standing next to his sled below the slope, was caught up in the avalanche and carried about 150 yards and buried.

I turned around to watch the slide hit Hunter and just watched him kind of get tumbled and buried and then lost sight of him, he said.

open image in gallery One brother spotted the other brothers fingers sticking out of the snow after he was buried from the avalanche ( Utah Avalanche Center )

Braeden then used a transceiver that showed where his brother had been buried and was able to get close enough to see a couple of fingers of a gloved hand sticking out of the snow, according to the report.

I could see his hand, his gloves, kind of poking out, waving, Braeden said. But by the time I got to him, he was about 2 feet, his head was about 2 feet under the snow.

He was able to dig his brother out from the snow and they rode the snowmobile to safety. Hunter suffered minor injuries in the accident.

Hunter, who is married and has children, told NBC that he remembers it being the most violent thing Ive ever felt.

He saw the avalanche when he pulled his phone out to record his brother on the slope. But it was too late for him to do anything.

It just washed me down the mountain, he said, recalling that the snow felt like concrete. The most violent thing Ive ever felt.

The brothers were in touch with each other and their father via radio, so Hunter could hear his family searching for him.

There was just a sigh of relief when I felt him start digging, he said, adding that he felt like he was on his last breath when he was rescued.

open image in gallery Avalanche conditions will likely worsen across the mountains of northern Utah and southeast Idaho heading into the weekend ( Utah Avalanche Center )

Their family says it was a Christmas miracle that Hunter survived and credits Braedens quick thinking for saving his life.

Those guys had a very, very lucky Christmas Eve, Toby Weed, a forecaster with the Utah Avalanche Center, said, explaining that they had the equipment necessary for backcountry travel.

The brother who was not buried used his transceiver to find the brother who was buried, and it got him pretty close and when he got close enough, he could see a couple fingers sticking out of the snow of his brother and was able to dig him out, Weed said.

An average of 27 people die in avalanches in the United States every year, according to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center.

Avalanche conditions will likely worsen across the mountains of northern Utah and southeast Idaho heading into the weekend, forecasters said in the report.

You hear so many tragic stories of people getting buried in avalanches and not making it out, so I feel very blessed and lucky, Hunter said.
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A tanker transporting Russian oil that is suspected of cutting Baltic Sea cables has been tugged to port as NATO announced it would step up patrols in the region.

Finnish authorities seized the tanker, named as the Eagle S, earlier this week after suspecting the vessel had damaged an undersea power line and four telecoms cables.

Baltic nations are on alert after a string of outages of power cables, telecom links and gas pipelines since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.

Finnish police believe the Eagle S may have caused the damage to undersea cables the previous day by dragging its anchor along the seabed.

The police begin an operation to transfer the Eagle S tanker from the Gulf of Finland to Svartbeck, an inner anchorage near the port of Kilpilahti, the Helsinki police department said in a statement on Saturday.

This would be a better place to carry out investigations, it added.

Finlands customs service believes the ship is part of a shadow fleet of ageing tankers being used to evade sanctions on the sale of Russian oil.

On Friday, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte that the military alliance will step up patrols in the Baltic Sea region.

In a post on X, Rutte said that he had spoken to Finlands President Alexander Stubb about the ongoing Finnish-led investigation into possible sabotage of undersea cables. Rutte said that NATO will enhance its military presence in the Baltic Sea.

The Kremlin said on Friday that Finlands seizure of the ship was of little concern to it. In the past, Russia has denied involvement in any of the Baltic infrastructure incidents.
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Azerbaijans president said Russia shot down a passenger airliner, accusing Moscow of trying to cover up the issue for days.

Flight J2-8243 crashed on Wednesday in a ball of fire near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan after diverting from southern Russia, where Ukrainian drones were reported to be attacking several cities. At least 38 people were killed in the crash while 29 survived.

Ilham Aliyev said the plane had been damaged due to unintentional shooting from the ground in Russia.

He said he regretted that some circles in Russia had tried to hush up the truth about the crash of the Azerbaijan Airlines plane by sowing false narratives about its causes.

open image in gallery Tributes are left in Baku to pilot Alexander Kalyaninov, who died in the plane crash near the city of Aktau ( AP )

Mr Aliyev told Azerbaijani state television: We can say with complete clarity that the plane was shot down by Russia... We are not saying that it was done intentionally, but it was done.

He said the airliner was hit by fire from the ground over Russia and was rendered uncontrollable by electronic warfare.

Mr Aliyev said he was upset and surprised by versions of events put forward by Russian officials.

Unfortunately, for the first three days we heard nothing from Russia except delirious versions, he said.

Captain Igor Kshnyakin and co-pilot Alexander Kalyaninov, both Russians with Azerbaijan citizenship, and Hokuma Aliyeva, a flight attendant, were given full honours at a ceremony at the Alley of Honour in central Baku attended by Mr Aliyev and his wife, Mehriban, on Sunday.

The pilots have been lauded in Azerbaijan for landing in a way which allowed 29 people to survive but led to their own deaths.

Only through the courage and professionalism of the pilots was an emergency landing successfully carried out, Azerbaijans presidential office said.

open image in gallery Azerbaijans president Ilham Aliyev talks with Russian president Vladimir Putin in April ( Sputnik )

Captain Kshnyakins daughter, Anastasia, said: My father always said: When I take off, I am responsible not only for my life, but also for the lives of all passengers and crew members.

With his last flight, he proved what a true hero should be.

The Kremlin said air defence systems were firing near Grozny  the regional capital of the Russian republic of Chechnya  where the plane attempted to land, to deflect a Ukrainian drone strike.

Mr Aliyev said Azerbaijan has made three demands to Russia in connection with the crash.

He said: First, the Russian side must apologise to Azerbaijan. Second, it must admit its guilt. Third, punish the guilty, bring them to criminal responsibility and pay compensation to the Azerbaijani state, the injured passengers and crew members.

Mr Aliyev noted the first demand was already fulfilled when Russian president Vladimir Putin apologised to him on Saturday.

open image in gallery Thirty-eight people were killed when flight J2-8243 crashed on Wednesday  there were 29 survivors ( AP )

Mr Putin called the crash a tragic incident  though he stopped short of acknowledging Moscows responsibility. He said an investigation into the crash was ongoing, and that the final version [of events] will be known after the black boxes are opened.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told Russian state media on Sunday that Mr Putin had spoken to Mr Aliyev over the phone again, but did not provide details of the conversation.

The Kremlin also said a joint investigation by Russia, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan was underway at the crash site near Aktau.

The plane was flying from Azerbaijans capital, Baku, to Grozny when it turned toward Kazakhstan, hundreds of miles across the Caspian Sea from its intended destination, and crashed while making an attempt to land.

Passengers and crew who survived the crash told Azerbaijani media they heard loud noises on the aircraft as it was circling over Grozny.

Dmitry Yadrov, head of Russias civil aviation authority Rosaviatsia, said on Friday that as the plane was preparing to land in Grozny in deep fog, Ukrainian drones were targeting the city, prompting authorities to close the area to air traffic.

The crash is the second most deadly civil aviation accident linked to fighting in Ukraine. Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 was downed with a Russian surface-to-air missile, killing all 298 people aboard, as it flew over the area in eastern Ukraine controlled by Moscow-backed separatists in 2014.
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Lir Chocolates directors warned of potential material and production cost increases across the confectionary group amid a sector-wide rise in cocoa prices.

Chocolate manufacturers across the world have been battling increased input costs over the past year. Cocoa prices  a key ingredient in chocolate  have been high as adverse weather, poor harvests and lower inventories combine to tighten the market for the commodity.

Earlier this month The Sunday Times reported that the cost of cocoa reached a new high of $12,605 (12,109) per metric tonne. It surpassed previous peaks reached in the build-up to Easter and was nearly double the price from around two months ago.

While Lir Chocolates results for 2023 did not specifically reference the cost of cocoa, the directors for the Irish chocolate manufacturer and brand said further increases in material and production costs may be expected.

However, the directors of Lir Chocolates said in the results that geopolitically driven risks that could affect factors such as material prices had decreased across the board.

The financial results for Lir Chocolates showed the Navan-based confectionary firm grew sales to 34.94m, up by around 1m. It also reported an operating profit of 1.8m, up around 300,000 on 2022.

According to Lirs results, the UK was its most popular market accounting for 22.24m worth of sales. Ireland accounted for 3.43m, while the rest of the world was worth over 9.26m.

The number of employees at Lir Chocolates also grew. It employed a monthly average of 224 people, up from 219, mostly made up of production staff.

An analysis of inventories also showed Lir Chocolates had over 2m worth of finished goods and those for resale. Raw materials and consumables held by the company were worth 3.6m, while goods referred to as a work in progress were worth 1.39m.

Lirs results were signed off by directors in March, but were only published by the Companies Registration Office in recent weeks.

Lir Chocolates was founded in 1987 during a tough recession in Ireland by the late Irish businesswoman Connie Doody alongside former Fianna Fail senator Mary White. It has since gone on to become a highly successful food exporter and one of the countrys best-known chocolate brands.

Roscommon woman Doody started the business when she was 40. She had previously worked in the civil service and as a teacher.

In 2007, UK company Zetar bought Lir Chocolates in a deal worth up to 8m. Around five years later, Zetar was acquired by German group Zertus for 43m.

Lir Chocolates has had a long and successful association with Guinness producer and global alcohol conglomerate Diageo. The company makes popular chocolates flavoured with the alcohol firms Baileys liqueur, as well as some other brands.

Lir Chocolates did not respond to a request for comment.
The Indo Daily: Why is even the mention of water charges like playing with fire for politicians?
Mary Robinson later met Queen Elizabeth at Trinity College Dublin in May 2011. Photo: Getty

Government officials warned that no courtesy calls should be arranged by President Mary Robinson when abroad unless the trip formed part of an official State visit.

Confidential files released as part of the State Papers by the National Archives revealed Mrs Robinson had been anxious to arrange a courtesy call, while in Britain, with Queen Elizabeth II  even though the Presidents trip to the UK in 1993 was not as part of an official state visit.

Documents released in the State Papers indicated that taoiseach Albert Reynolds was not in favour of the idea.

One note indicated that his position, in April 1992, was that the proposed courtesy call by Mrs Robinson "should not be encouraged."

Mrs Robinson was scheduled to visit Britain in May 1993 to accept an honorary degree at Oxford University.

She had proposed to the Government that, while in the UK, she could pay a courtesy visit to Queen Elizabeth II.

However, the proposal left the taoiseach nonplussed.

Mr Reynolds had been taken aback in March 1992 by media reports that Mrs Robinson had invited the queen to visit Ireland.

The Taoiseach had privately contacted Mrs Robinson to express his alarm about the remarks and the fact the Government had not been briefed on them.

Mrs Robinson insisted that the press reports did not accurately reflect what she had said.

Albert Reynolds, right, visits British prime minister John Major in London in 1992. Photo: Getty

Mr Reynolds insisted he did not want a row over the matter.

However, one file noted that Mr Reynolds' wanted the importance of the issues involved to be understood.

"The taoiseach emphasised the seriousness of what had happened and also stressed his desire not to be confrontational, it said.

Government secretary Frank Murray noted in December 1992: The practice regarding courtesy calls by the President when abroad is that no such courtesy visits are arranged.

It was outlined that courtesy calls should only be organised in the case of state or official visits.

However, the files reveal that the governments official line on the issue just five months later was that it is normal practice for a head of state to pay a courtesy call of this sort during a visit to another country.

Mr Murray noted in December 1992 that Mrs Robinsons proposed visit to Oxford to pick up an honorary degree was effectively a private visit, which would ordinarily not include any official functions or programme.

He recommended that her request should be notified to the taoiseach before advice about it was sought from the Department of Foreign Affairs.

It was acknowledged that the matter would have to be considered in the overall context of Anglo-Irish relations.

However, he added: As far as I am aware there is no real basis for the president making a courtesy call on the queen.

A handwritten note on the same document, which recommended that the matter should be brought to the taoiseachs attention, recorded that a courtesy call on the queen would be a political act on which you or the Government should take a view.

A note of a meeting between Mrs Robinson and the taoiseach in Aras an Uachtarain on February 4, 1993, noted that the president said she was anxious to avail of the courtesy call to ensure that appropriate recognition was given to her office.

She said she believed it would be a positive development for relations between Ireland and Britain.

We should not jump our fences too soon in the area

The Taoiseach replied that he would consider the matter further after voicing his concern that the courtesy call could lead to pressure for a state visit to Britain which would give rise to a reciprocal visit by the queen to Ireland.

Mr Reynolds subsequently gave his approval on this occasion on the basis that it should be clearly understood that the courtesy call would not give rise to any question of a state visit.

Another document reveals that Mrs Robinson wanted news of her proposed courtesy call to the queen to be announced in March 1993 at the same time as there was going to be a press announcement about her visit to Oxford.

However, Mr Murray said the view of the Government would be to delay the announcement until the end of May

We should not jump our fences too soon in the area, Mr Murray remarked, noting that further consultation with the British authorities would be required.

Another memo from an official in the Department of the Taoiseach recorded that the president did not accept a reference in a note by the British ambassador about her proposed courtesy call on the queen that she was visiting the UK privately.

She insisted that her visit was as President of Ireland and could not be classified as a private visit.

Her secretary, Peter Ryan, speculated that the British, for their own reasons, might have wanted to classify the presidents trip as a private one.

Mrs Robinson went ahead with the proposed courtesy call on Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace on May 27, 1993, where they spoke for around 30 minutes.

It was subsequently said that the visit was in accordance with well-established diplomatic practice.

It was also stressed that the courtesy call did not give rise to any question of a state visit between the two countries.
David Trimble and Tony Blair arrive in Jersey for British-Irish Council summit in 2002. Photo: PA

David Trimbles campaign for a divisive 2002 border poll were bluntly dismissed by British prime minister Tony Blair, secret files revealed.

Under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement of 1998, the UK government is obliged to call a referendum in Northern Ireland if there is evidence of a shift in public opinion in favour of unity.

In that event, it is envisaged that there would be a simultaneous vote in the Republic of Ireland.

Files released by the Irish government as part of the annual release of state records show that Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) leader Mr Trimble was repeatedly engaged in a campaign in 2002 to hold such a vote on the same day as upcoming elections for the Northern Ireland Assembly  which was at that point looking set for May of the next year.

The records show that the SDLP and the Irish government were heavily against the idea.

In March 2002, Mr Trimble publicly supported the idea of holding a border poll, adding that it would call the republican bluff.

The move was seen partly as a bid to drive turnout in the assembly elections, although questions were raised about whether this would benefit the DUP over the UUP.

Pathetic, sectarian, mono-ethnic, mono-cultural state

Mr Trimble said it would put the issue to bed for another generation  amid an expectation based on demographics that the vote would go in the unionists favour.

The call came at the same time that he described the Republic of Ireland as a "pathetic, sectarian, mono-ethnic, mono-cultural state".

His campaign for the poll continued publicly and privately for months.

In the files, Irish officials record that the SDLP believed that holding such a vote on the same day as the assembly elections would be a sectarian blood bath  and that the party would be setting out its total opposition to the proposal.

The records, taken from a call between an Irish diplomat and SDLP leader Mark Durkans main adviser Damien McAteer, show that the party wanted to hold a border poll midway through the term of the next assembly.

While separate documents show that the Irish officials believed the UK government to be equivocal on the matter, Dublin said running the poll at the same time as the Assembly elections would be deeply polarising and destabilising

Concern was raised that the move would boost votes for the DUP and Sinn Fein, while Mr Durkan was recorded as saying the proposal would create a theme park for flags.

On September 13, Mr Blair's chief of staff. Jonathan Powell spoke with a high-ranking Irish official in the department dealing with the peace process.

They were concerned that Trimble was sleepwalking into a crisis with his party

Michael Collins, the official who would go on to be Irelands ambassador to the US, wrote in a confidential memo: On the border poll idea, Powell said that Blair told Trimble to get lost.

Powell said that they were still concerned that Trimble was sleepwalking into a crisis with his party.

"They were not convinced that he would escape and he could still be hit by the grey suits as early as tomorrow at his party executive meeting."

In any event, Mr Trimbles plan to hold a border poll on the same day as the election never materialised.

This is because he and other unionists collapsed the power-sharing institutions one month later in the fallout of a controversy arising out of the PSNI raiding Sinn Feins offices in Stormont in search of files.

The institutions would not be restored until 2007.

Mr Trimble stepped down as UUP leader after losing his Westminster seat in the 2005 general election.

There has been no such border poll held since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement.

Throughout the 2024 general election campaign in the Republic of Ireland, Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald called on Keir Starmer to set out the tipping-point circumstances which are required for the UK government to call a referendum on Irish unification.

Earlier this year, Mr Starmer said he was committed to the principles of the Good Friday Agreement.

However, while in opposition, he said a referendum on Irish unification was not even on the horizon.
Tempers frayed at talks involving the former minister, Gerry Adams, Martin McGuinness, Bertie Ahern and Brian Cowen

Former justice minister Michael McDowell called out Sinn Fein leaders about the IRA's ongoing involvement in criminality  and warned Gerry Adams, at a heated meeting attended by taoiseach Bertie Ahern and foreign affairs minister Brian Cowen, not to try to "cod me" about what was going on.

Secret files released as part of the State Papers by the National Archive revealed tense exchanges between the government and Sinn Fein about the IRA's ongoing links to criminality amid mounting pressure to fully implement the terms of the Good Friday Agreement.

In early 2004, there was an attempt to kidnap dissident republican Bobby Tohill.

British prime minister Tony Blair's chief of staff Jonathan Powell warned later that year the British were concerned about the IRA and its links to criminality.

Newspaper seller outside Northern Bank, Belfast, days after the robbery in December 2004. Photo: AP via Getty

On December 20, 2004, robbers stole 26.5m from the Northern Banks Belfast branch in an organised raid widely blamed on an IRA gang.

In March 2004, a government team led by Mr Ahern met a Sinn Fein delegation which included Mr Adams and Martin McGuinness.

Tensions were high in the wake of Mr McDowell's public criticisms of the IRA and Sinn Fein  and one comment where he compared the party to the National Socialists in Germany in the 1930s.

In a bid to resolve outstanding issues and achieve progress under the Good Friday Agreement, the coalition team met Sinn Fein officials in Belfast in March 2004.

Civil servant notes of the meeting indicated that the Sinn Fein leadership immediately accused the government of trying to damage the party.

Gerry Adams speaks to media last year at Belfast conference marking 25th anniversary of Good Friday Agreement. Photo: PA

Mr Adams said that recent commentary by government ministers was seeking to to undermine Sinn Fein by criminalising it".

"[Mr Adams] was not concerned about the normal cut-and-thrust of politics, but personally resented being depicted as a criminal, the notes said.

The taoiseach flatly denied any campaign by Dublin to undermine or damage Sinn Fein.

He knew the details, in particular the involvement of the Belfast Provisional IRA

But when Mr Adams cited specific newspapers reports about IRA criminality, Mr Ahern bluntly warned that the newspaper report was accurate. He knew the details, in particular the involvement of the Belfast Provisional IRA, the notes said.

The exchanges between the government and Sinn Fein teams became heated.

At one point a civil servant noted that Mr Cowen had to interject to insist that respect be shown for the taoiseach.

Mr McDowell, who had until this point played a lower key role in the meeting, warned that the criminality links of the IRA could not be denied.

I know it and you know it. Do not try and cod me, Mr McDowell warned the Sinn Fein delegation.

Both Mr Adams and Mr McGuinness vehemently denied any knowledge of what Mr McDowell was talking about  and an apparently heated row erupted between the trio.

Instances of Sinn Fein misbehaviour

The taoiseach and Mr Cowen then got involved and claimed that Sinn Fein had tried to suggest corruption within Fianna Fail.

Mr Ahern detailed what he described as "instances of Sinn Fein misbehaviour.

Sinn Fein, for its part, knew it was central to the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and that both the British and Irish Governments needed them.

Det Gda Jerry McCabe was shot dead in a Post Office raid in Adare, Co Limerick, in 1996

The party was adamant that the IRA members convicted of killing Detective Garda Jerry McCabe during a non-sanctioned robbery in Adare, Co Limerick, in 1996 should come under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement and therefore be eligible for early release.

The government had opposed this interpretation.

They insisted the four men convicted of the Adare armed robbery and killing did not qualify for early release under the Good Friday Agreement  a stance that raised eyebrows in London and Belfast where there was opposition to republican and loyalist terrorists convicted of murders being released.

A legal challenge was taken by the government to the Supreme Court against the early releases with the court ruling in favour of the State.

In 2004, the release of the four men had become a central issue in the talks.

Mr McDowell wrote in June 2004 to Det Gda McCabe's widow, Ann, about developments.

I very much realise that what I am relating to you is of small comfort to you in your continuing great loss

He vowed that the releases would only be considered as part of a final and total end to the violence in Northern Ireland.

[It would be as part of] the complete and permanent ending of all aspects of IRA paramilitary and criminal activity," he wrote.

"I very much realise that what I am relating to you is of small comfort to you in your continuing great loss.

"I trust you will be able to see that the Governments objective is nothing short of the realisation of lasting peace on the island of Ireland.

However, as it transpired, it would be another three years before the first of the Adare killers were released from custody.

They were released when they had completed their full sentences with the releases taking place between 2007 and 2009.
Workers clear up after German bomb exploded at Sandycove, Co Dublin, in December 1940. Photo: Getty

The US Ambassador to Ireland during World War II sparked controversy when he was quoted in a newspaper as claiming that large numbers of spies were operating from the German, Japanese and Italian embassies in Dublin.

But David Gray, who was in his 70s, was livid over the report in The Ladies Home Journal and slated it as "an untruthful and mischievous fabrication".

He was related to Eleanor Roosevelt, the wife of Franklin D Roosevelt, then US president.

Mr Gray was appointed as the US Ambassador to Ireland in 1940 despite not having any background in diplomacy or international relations.

He quickly became a focus of tensions between Ireland, London and Washington, DC, when he was openly critical of Ireland's decision to remain neutral during World War II  and, in particular, of the failure by Ireland to open its strategic ports to allow the Atlantic approaches to be defended against German u-boat attack.

A major controversy erupted in December 1942 over alleged remarks made by Mr Gray.

He met an American journalist who was visiting Europe. During a conservation, he was alleged to have said that Ireland was awash with spies from Germany, Italy and Japan.

He said that there were "scores" of consular attaches from those three Axis powers in Ireland  most of whom were involved in espionage matters.

When America needs Ireland they are not standing with us

In one remark, he allegedly said there were more than 80 staff working at the German legation offices in Dublin.

Mr Gray's remarks were published by The Ladies Home Journal, which was co-edited by Charles Gould.

One of the most cutting of the remarks by Mr Gray was his suggestion that while America had helped Ireland to gain its freedom when America needs Ireland they are not standing with us.

Mr Grays statement is what is known as a diplomatic denial

Mr Gray was incandescent over the article and the furore it sparked on both sides of the Atlantic.

[The article was] not only unauthorised and a violation of the code of decent journalists, but as it appeared in the press was an entirely untruthful and mischievous fabrication, the ambassador said in one Department of Foreign Affairs report.

However, the journal refused to back down and insisted what was printed was accurate.

These are the facts. Mr Grays statement is what is known as a diplomatic denial," the publication said.

Ireland was desperate to clarify the reality of the situation with Axis representatives in Dublin.

One department memo noted that the Irish legation in Washington had confirmed there were only six staff in the Italian and German Legations in Dublin  and not the 80 as claimed by Mr Gray.

Further, Irish officials stressed there was no transmitter link with their home countries  and all communications with Berlin had to go through London.

Hitler will go to Eire, hire a magnificent lodge and live happily ever after

Later in the war, when it was apparent that the collapse of Nazi Germany was imminent, George Bernard Shaw was quoted in one journal when he said, half in jest, that Adolf Hitler would flee to Ireland.

The writer was queried about whether he believed Hitler would take his own life rather than allow himself to be captured by the Soviets, Americans or British.

Nonsense. I know lots of people who think he will hang as they seemed to think about the Kaiser last time. But I think he will go to Eire, hire a magnificent lodge and live happily ever after, the writer said.
Official banned classics such as Peyton Place and demanded savage cuts to Hitchcocks Psycho

The States film censor warned in 1960 that the American and British studios were constantly developing newer gimmicks and different slants on human depravity to be exploited.

The revelation came in confidential documents released as part of the State Papers by the National Archive.

In a confidential briefing note to then justice minister Oscar Traynor, censor Liam OHora confirmed he had rejected 54 films, and said producers had departed from their old standards.

The note, dated February 1, 1960, revealed that of the 54 films rejected, there were 20 appeals, with the censors decision upheld in 15 of the cases.

OHora, the censor from 1956 to 1964, rejected films that featured stars including James Stewart, Lana Turner, Frank Sinatra and Anthony Quinn, and was no fan of Elvis Presley in his succession of Hollywood films.

He once said: I have had much trouble in the past, particularly from headmistresses of girls schools, regarding the antics of Elvis Presley with his most suggestive abdominal dancing.

He also demanded radical cuts to Alfred Hitchcocks thriller Psycho before he would allow it to be shown in Irish cinemas.

His letter to Traynor warned of a disturbing new era of moral depravity in film.

Elvis Presley performs in the 1950s film 'Jailhouse Rock'

There has been such a departure from hitherto prevailing standards in the motion picture industry that renters [the film distributors] refrained from submitting their more notorious creations. As I have already stated, producers have by and large departed from all their old standards. At least 40pc of the films coming in nowadays belong to the moral vacuum category and the new development is not yet exhausted.

There are always newer gimmicks and different slants on human depravity to be exploited. The duel with television is responsible for much of this trend, and producers hope that, even if such films are now refused certificates for theatrical exhibition, they will eventually be seen through the medium of television.

The report contained detailed lists of the films rejected by the censor in 1959 and 1960, including such Hollywood epics as Peyton Place and A Farewell To Arms.

Peyton Place was rejected in Ireland despite the films US director, Mark Robson, being criticised for omitting virtually all of the sexually explicit scenes that had made the novel such a commercial success.

Irrespective of the criticisms, Peyton Place was a huge box-office success, with Lana Turner in a starring role.

It was nominated for nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture. However, it won none, tying a record for the film with most nominations not to receive a single Oscar.

Other films to fall foul of the censor were Pal Joey, starring Frank Sinatra and Rita Hayworth; Wild Is The Wind, starring Anthony Quinn; House On Haunted Hill, with Vincent Price; and even the classic Hollywood thriller Anatomy Of A Murder, starring James Stewart and Lee Remick.
The government ordered that a coffin filled with soil was to be brought back to Ireland if the body of executed Irish patriot Roger Casement could not be located in the yard of the London prison where he was hanged.

The revelation came in secret files released as part of the State Papers by the National Archive.

Irelands ambassador to Britain, Paul Keating, indicated in confidential correspondence from 1978 that he had been instructed to put a large quantity of earth in a coffin for shipment back to Dublin if Casements remains could not be located.

Keating noted that he received detailed telephone instructions from the Department of Foreign Affairs when they were exhuming Casements remains in 1965.

He was directed that we should take one cwt [112 pounds, or just over 50kg] of earth from the grave if no remains were to be found.

Keating also noted that the actual remains of Casement were discovered thanks to precise prison records as to where the burial took place. Casement was hanged at Pentonville prison in summer 1916.

He had been landed by U-boat in Kerry in April 1916. A shipment of arms from Germany was intercepted by the British authorities.

Casement was captured shortly after landing, was taken to London and was tried for high treason.

He was executed on August 3, 1916, having converted to Catholicism just hours before. British authorities used his personal papers  including the black diaries  to reveal his homosexuality and to undermine the clemency campaign on his behalf.

His remains were repatriated to Ireland in 1965 after Britain finally relented and allowed them to be exhumed. Repeated requests over the previous five decades had been rebuffed by London.

There was no lease on the grave, which resulted in his remains being placed in an ossuary in a heap with other bones

The confidential files also dealt with the repatriation of the remains of WB Yeats.

Documents revealed the Department of Foreign Affairs was unable to find concrete evidence from official sources that would clarify or rule out doubts over whether the bones that were repatriated to Ireland were actually those of Yeats.

Another official commented that it was a case which deeply saddens me as we may have allowed ourselves to be hoodwinked.

Yeats died in a hotel in the south of France on January 28, 1939, aged 73. He was buried in a paupers grave in the village of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin close to Monaco after a private funeral.

Attempts were made to dissuade his family from returning his remains to Ireland due to the uncertainty over their identity after his body had earlier been exhumed and transferred to an ossuary.

However, it was returned to Ireland and buried in Drumcliffe, Co Sligo, on September 17, 1948.

Confidential files revealed the authenticity of Yeatss bones was re-examined after officials in the Irish embassy in London were contacted by a businessman in June 1978 who claimed he had papers that demonstrated it would have been impossible to locate the poets remains.

The businessman explained the papers belonged to his aunt, Hannah Gluckstein  a painter known as Gluck  who was the lover of Edith Heald, Yeatss last lover.

He said his aunt was bequeathed Healds possessions, which included documents relating to the poet. They suggested there was no lease on the grave in which Yeats was buried, which resulted in his remains being removed from the burial plot in January 1946 and placed in an ossuary in a heap with other bones.

Roger Casement's cortege passes through Dublin en route to Glasnevin Cemetery. Photo: Getty

Documents show the poets widow, Georgie, was advised of what happened, but was urged to claim that the cemetery had been seriously disturbed during World War II, which had resulted in her husbands remains being dispersed.

Diplomats chose not to offer any advice to Ms Glucksteins nephew about what he should do with the papers.

The ambassador admitted he was at a loss to suggest a course of action and said he would be glad of instructions from the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Initially Mr Keating believed that it might be an attempt at blackmail as the embassy was offered the original papers for disposal.

However, the ambassador told his superiors that he did not believe the businessman was a blackmailer although he had mentioned that the papers might have some financial value.

The ambassador noted Ms Glucksteins nephew was most anxious to avoid a scandal.

Although Mr Keating observed there was nothing really very damaging to anybody except the poets immediate family, he still felt it would be as well to scotch any potential scandal, if possible.

Poet Louis MacNeice observed that Yeatss coffin was more likely to contain a Frenchman with a club foot

Another official recommended that the businessman should be thanked warmly for his public-spirited gesture and told the existence of the papers were notified to Yeats son, Michael, who was a Fianna Fail senator.

He said such a reply might convey a more confident attitude on our part than the actual state of our knowledge.

Irish diplomats claimed the doubts as to whether the genuine remains had been located arose from a French abbotts view that the identification of Yeats bones would have been an extremely complicated, arduous and costly task although not impossible.

However, they also acknowledged that the presence of French police and medical representatives had to be taken into account in accepting the validity of the poets remains being identified.

A gravedigger had also stated he had recognised Yeats remains due to an unmistakably large skull.

At the same time, Irish officials noted that there was probably sufficient material in the Gluck papers to cast a veneer of doubt and suspicion on the issue.

The contradictory evidence of the official documentation and the personal accounts does nothing to dispel this impression, one official observed.

Foreign Affairs Minister Brian Lenihan discussed the Gluck papers with the poets son, with one official noting that Senator Yeats did not appear greatly worried about the possible publication of the Gluck papers.

At the reburial ceremony in Drumcliffe in 1948, the poet, Louis MacNeice, observed that Yeatss coffin was more likely to contain a Frenchman with a club foot.
If you could see how happy she looked there was no dry eye on that day  Eight children medically evacuated from Gaza now doing well in Ireland

Dr Ike Okafor on the trauma, relief and unexpected laughter as sick children from conflict start treatment in Ireland

Dr Ike Okafor has seen a big improvement in children's wellbeing

Maeve Sheehan Sun 29 Dec 2024 at 03:30







She was nine years old and had suffered a serious leg injury; collateral damage from an explosion in Gaza. Unable to walk, the child was literally carried through conflict by her exhausted mother. The family spent the last few months as refugees in Egypt and the week before Christmas she was medically evacuated to Ireland.
Emer Murray, owner of Goyas Cafe and Bakery at Kirwan's Lane in Galway city

Red Velvet cake from Goyas was one of Galways best-kept secrets, but now the bakery that created it will be turning its ovens off.

The family business, based in the medieval street known as Kirwans Lane, will sell its last courgette bread and signature chocolate cakes and more on New Years Eve.

It is among the latest in a line of independent businesses in Galway and countrywide that have been forced to close due to high costs and lack of affordable housing for staff.

A month ago, Goyas founder Emer Murray was reporting cheerfully that staff were up to their ears in raisins, brown sugar and bottles of Hennessy as they prepared for Christmas.

However, a rent increase, along with struggles to keep staff, who are facing their own rental challenges, and a hike in city council rates, means this Christmas will be their last at Kirwans Lane, she says.

Emer Murray, owner of Goyas Cafe and Bakery at Kirwan's Lane in Galway city

Today's News in 90 Seconds - December 29th

Im not doing this out of choice, Ms Murray, who founded the bakery 33 years ago, explains. I have been overwhelmed by the reaction since I had to announce this, and I hate to see people so upset because of it.

A recent rent review will push rent up substantially, she says, while she has had to cut hours due to staffing issues.

I have had the most excellent staff, but they just cant afford to live here in Galway, she says.

My heart is broken as I wasnt ready to retire. I have never skimped on so much as an egg, as I was always keen to ensure quality would not suffer.

Goyas Cafe and Bakery at Kirwan's Lane

Galway city food merchant Ernie Deacy, who has a thriving business in Sea Road in the citys West area, says small businesses are being forced out of the city centre by costs and it is a constant battle.

He says that the local authority has never approached him, in nearly 50 years of his trading, to ask his advice about retaining life in the city.

To have a thriving city, you need people living in it, and if businesses were offered incentives to transform their first and second floors into accommodation, it could attract thousands of people to move back in, Mr Deacy says. Forget about spending money on roads, and focus on the actual city centre first.

Emer Murray says businesses get so little return for the rates they pay.

We get a less-than-comprehensive cleaning in Kirwans Lane and thats it, she added.

In the past month, Galway City Council voted for a 6pc increase in commercial rates and an increase in local property tax, at a time when there has been much criticism locally over a planned relocation by it to new premises in Mervue.

We get a less-than-comprehensive cleaning in Kirwans Lane and thats it

Galway city councillors voted unanimously to move to the newly developed Crown Square office block in Mervue at a cost of 45m two years ago. The then chief executive, Brendan McGrath, indicated that the present city council offices would be used for housing.

However, the relocation has stalled due to staff concerns and extra fit-out costs, and Fianna Fail councillor Alan Cheevers recently claimed costs could reach 75m.

The city council said that 2.5m in additional revenue approved in its recent budget reflects planning for the growth and development of Galway, with enhanced services for the business and community sectors, local residents, and the two million tourists visiting the city annually.

Specifically for businesses, there is also funding for a public convenience in the West, the introduction of a shopfront enhancement scheme, grants towards local community improvements and projects, and implementation of a night-time economy action plan, Galway City Council said.

It said that a dedicated derelict sites team will play a vital role in dealing with derelict and under-utilised properties throughout the city.

Galway Chamber of Commerce chief executive Deirdre MacLoughlin said it understood the concerns raised by local business owners about the importance of revitalising the city centre.

Proposals such as incentivising above-the-shop living  where first-floor spaces above commercial properties are repurposed for residential use  offer real potential to bring renewed life to the city, she added.

Despite government initiatives like the Living City project, planning exemptions, and the Repair and Leasing Scheme, uptake has been limited due to challenges such as high renovation costs, complex building regulations, and financing difficulties.

Addressing these barriers, including streamlining building standards and improving funding mechanisms, is crucial to making these spaces more viable for residential use.

We are encouraged that Galway City Council and Galway County Council are developing a Galway Metropolitan Area Retail Strategy for the first time in 22 years, Ms MacLoughlin said.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 29. From today, Georgia will have a president who will uphold the true will of the people and protect the Constitution, a president who will safeguard national values and interests, said Shalva Papuashvili, Speaker of the Georgian Parliament, Trend reports.

He made the remarks during the inauguration ceremony of the newly elected president Mikheil Kavelashvili.

"Two weeks ago, on December 14, 2024, the presidential elections were held here in this hall under the new constitutional rules. The 300-member electoral college elected Mikheil Kavelashvili as the President of Georgia with 224 votes. Georgian political history shows that the position of president carries not only great honor but also great responsibility. Being president means being the head of state, not the ruler of the state; being a symbol of statehood and independence, not a political activist; being loyal to the country, not personal ambitions. This is the delicate line that some have struggled to see and easily crossed.

One answer to this was the firm and resounding declaration of unwavering will from 1,120,000 of our fellow citizens on October 26, which will now provide strength and support to the sixth president of Georgia. With this high level of trust, the new presidents role will be crucial in fostering national consensus, strengthening the constitutional order, and properly representing Georgia to the world," he concluded.
Veteran film director and author Bob Quinn has said he is not one bit surprised by the troubles RTE has encountered over the past 18 months.

Quinn (89), whose classic film Poitin is due to be screened on TG4 tonight, made the comments after he received the Galway City of Film Ceantar Scannan award earlier this month, which was presented to him by President Michael D Higgins and filmmaker Lelia Doolan.

The crisis which beset RTE, dating back to auditors concerns in spring 2023 about payments to broadcaster Ryan Tubridy, came over five decades after Quinn resigned from the organisation over its commercialisation.

In 1999, he resigned from the RTE Authority in protest over the proliferation of toy advertising.

Quinns pithy observations on the crisis are recorded in a new book of his writings, Count Me Out, due to be published in February and edited by his son Toner.

As Toner Quinn recalls in the book, it was when Michael D Higgins was arts minister that he appointed his father to the RTE Authority in 1995 in a twist worthy of Hollywood. Quinn Snr set about proposing his reforming agenda in RTE once appointed.

Bob Quinn receiving his lifetime achievement award in Galway earlier this month

This included banning advertising towards children, regionalisation of the service, clear lines between editorial and advertising, encouraging new talent, and more independence for programme-makers  but his ideas soon hit organisational thinking, Toner writes.

Without serving the full term, he resigned and published his book Maverick, blowing the whistle on how RTE worked on the inside, Toner writes, recalling how his father described RTE as out of control.

On RTE radio he was accused of being disloyal and his thinking was dismissed as naive and impractical. Angry but not surprised, Bob returned to Connemara, continued planting trees, producing films, writing books, and photographing life around him, Toner writes.

When the payments scandal broke in 2023, Toner asked his father what he thought of the fact that the ideas he proposed two decades ago were now being discussed on daytime radio.

Count Me Out: Selected Writings of Filmmaker Bob Quinn spans seven decades of Bob Quinns influential work

Of course, was Bob Quinns reply.

Count Me Out: Selected Writings of Filmmaker Bob Quinn spans seven decades of Bob Quinns influential work, exploring his filmmaking during the Gaeltacht civil rights movement of the 1970s, his role in the activism that led to TG4 and his critiques of RTE and the societal impact of television advertising.

The father of six and grandfather of 10 has been planting trees since 1982, and accurately forecast that Donald Trump would be first elected to the US presidency back in 2016.

Struck by what he saw as the silence about climate change in contemporary Irish literature, seven years ago, he self-published Aristophanes Apple, based in a not-too-distant future when ice caps are vanishing, coastal cities are drowning and the tipping point has been passed.

Born in Dublin in 1935, Quinns films include Caoineadh Airt Ui Laoghaire, Cloch, Poitin, The Family, Atlantean and Budawanny.

May I suggest that Montroses loss became the west of Irelands gain, President Higgins said

He has also created an extensive photographic record of life in Connemara, he is a member of Aosdana and a recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Irish Film Institute, along with an honorary doctorate from the University of Galway.

Speaking at the recent presentation of the Galway City of Film award, President Higgins noted that Quinns initial criticisms  articulated in the book Sit Down and Be Counted, which he wrote with Lelia Doolan and Jack Dowling in 1969  may have fallen on deaf ears back then.

But may I suggest that Montroses loss became the west of Irelands gain, President Higgins said.

The President added that a common motif of Bob Quinns work is his determination to shatter the romantic and perhaps even cliched representations of the west of Ireland by Paul Henry and John Huston.

This he did through more than 100 works of film, documentary and experimental work for his company, Cinegael, Higgins said, noting a key concern of much of his work was use of the Irish language.

Although doing anything about anything may be futile, you have to be doing something

His films provide an excellent example of a specifically anti-colonialist cinema functioning inside of Europe, with characters often struggling to break away from the legacy of colonialism, and correlations drawn between the imperialist past and present, Higgins said.

Higgins recalled that for many, Quinn will be known as the director of the first feature film shot entirely in the Irish language, Poitin.

Mick Lally in Bob Quinn's 'Poitin'

The digitally remastered version of the 1978 film, about an illegal distiller of poitin in Connemara and starring Cyril Cusack, Mick Lally, Donal McCann and Niall Toibin, will be shown on TG4 at 7.15pm this evening.

When I began the film company Cinegael in 1973 and opened a small cinema in An Cheathru Rua, I had a quote from the philosopher Antonio Gramsci pinned on the partition beside the projector, Quinn said at the award ceremony.

The Gramsci quote reads: Pessimism of the intellect  optimism of the will.

Quinn said this means that although doing anything about anything may be futile, you have to be doing something.

He added: For over 50 years in Connemara, that has been my philosophy, he said.
The biggest challenge for corporates here is finding staff. Photo: Getty

Irelands generous corporate tax environment remains the single biggest factor attracting multinationals to our shores, even as nearly three-quarters of companies struggle to find skilled staff.

A client survey by the IDA found the four biggest advantages for companies were corporation tax, the third-level education system, water supply and the flexibility of the workforce.

However, the survey found the housing crisis is proving a challenge, with availability and costs listed as the most negative factors for doing business in Ireland.

Housing cost and availability were highlighted as two of four red issues for firms, along with the perceived high levels of personal tax and the planning process.

There were five factors ranked pink in the IDA survey, where satisfaction ratings of companies were below 50pc.

These related to the cost and availability of commercial property, transport infrastructure, support in managing environmental impact, along with gas and power supply costs.

91pc of the companies asked by the IDA had no union for their workforce

A review of the client survey said there were clear decreases in satisfaction evident for energy costs and housing.

However, it said firms believe the corporate tax environment was the single most attractive part of doing business here.

The summary added: While strong overall satisfaction levels are again evident with the Irish education system, only 16pc of clients are very satisfied that the system is producing graduates with the skillsets that their business in Ireland requires.

It said the number of clients reporting difficulties in hiring talent was the highest it had ever been since their surveys began.

A summary said: 76pc of companies report difficulties sourcing skills for their company in Ireland, with engineering being the key area of difficulty.

The survey also examined the impact of Covid-19, with only 30pc of companies saying it had a negative or fairly negative impact on them.

IDA chief executive Michael Lohan. Photo: Getty

Today's News in 90 Seconds - December 29th

Remarkably, 26pc of IDA clients said the pandemic had a positive or fairly positive impact on them.

Nearly half of the companies questioned said the level of support offered by the Irish government was better than it was in other countries, with fewer than 10pc saying it was worse.

There was also a clear fall in the number of companies that were planning to expand the mandate of their operations in Ireland.

In 2019, 85pc of the clients were planning to expand that role  but when asked in 2022, that had fallen to 59pc.

By far the biggest challenge for companies was in trying to find skilled staff, especially in software and data analysis.

Three in four client firms said they were experiencing difficulties in hiring people, with 41pc saying there was a particular lack of software engineers.

The survey also found that 91pc of the companies asked by the IDA had no union for their workforce.

When asked about the Irish education system, there was a rise in satisfaction levels with 83pc of firms saying they were either satisfied or very satisfied.

Only one in one hundred companies indicated they were very unsatisfied with third-level teaching.

26pc of IDA clients said the pandemic had a positive or fairly positive impact on them

The survey also asked companies what areas the IDA should focus on influencing, and skills and education were cited by more than a third.

Another 20pc felt the development agency should be working on taxation while 16pc said there should be a focus on the international reputation of Ireland.

In a concluding summary, the IDA reported that clients were almost unanimous in saying they were positive about growth in Ireland. The number of clients who consider their growth prospects to be excellent is the highest in the research series to date, at 28pc.

A note on key learnings added: The incidence of clients reporting skill sourcing difficulties is the highest in the research series. The area of skills development has increased in prominence as a specific area clients feel the IDA should be influencing.

The 2022 client survey had been withheld by the IDA for close to 18 months and was only released following an appeal under FOI laws to the Information Commissioner.

Asked about that delay and the findings in the research, a spokesman said they had no further comment to make.
David Digan says he has high hopes for the medical trial

Former offshore diver David Digan had part of his left arm amputated. Photo: Frank McGrath

A man who lost an arm in a motorbike accident has been chosen to take part in a medical trial in Austria that could lead to his being fitted with a bionic limb.

Former commercial diver David Digan (39), from Moate, Co Westmeath, was lucky to survive the crash in May 2019 as he travelled to visit his parents. He had to abandon his career.

Mr Digan spent three months in the Midlands Regional Hospital in Tullamore, Co Offaly, and another three in the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin.

He has no recollection of the crash, and the first thing he remembers is waking from an induced coma after two weeks.

The father of one suffered several serious injuries, including paralysis in his left arm, which was later amputated below the elbow.

David Digan says he has high hopes for the medical trial

Mr Digans neck was broken, several bones in his shoulder were shattered and he also sustained a brain injury. He now lives with chronic pain.

He has undergone several surgeries in Ireland, some of which have been unsuccessful.

His consultant in Dublins Mater Hospital has now recommended him for a trial in Austria that may result in his receiving a life-changing robotic arm.

Six years ago, my life changed forever. Despite countless setbacks, Ive never stopped hoping for a better future

Now I have hope. Ive been selected for a trial in Vienna, where surgeons plan to perform an osseointegration surgery on my forearm to secure a prosthetic by bone-anchoring it, Mr Digan said.

The next step will be to connect this robotic prosthetic to the remaining nerves and muscles in my arm and shoulder, a pioneering attempt to restore function where none seemed possible.

Mr Digan will travel to Austria to begin the series five or more operations, beginning early in the new year.

He has set up a GoFundMe to help with the costs, saying: While the surgery itself is funded as part of the trial, I need help to cover the travel and accommodation costs required for these treatments. These funds will allow me to stay in Vienna for consultations, surgeries and recovery sessions.

This isnt just about a prosthetic, its about reclaiming independence, regaining a sense of normality and rebuilding my life.

Former offshore diver David Digan had part of his left arm amputated. Photo: Frank McGrath

Today's News in 90 Seconds - December 29th

Mr Digan said he appreciated the generosity of all of those who have donated so far, and he has high hopes for the trial and a new quality of life.

Since the accident, Ive faced numerous challenges. Losing my career as a commercial diver, struggling to rebuild my relationships and navigating life with a significant disability, he said.

Mr Digan said the loss of his career has been particularly challenging. He was a diver for 12 years in Denmark, France and Germany, as well as in Ireland, on offshore projects.

Six years ago, my life changed forever. Despite countless setbacks, Ive never stopped hoping for a better future, he added.

See www.gofundme.com/f/help-me-rebuild-my-life-after-a-life-altering-accident
Leading civil servant Micheal O hOdhrain, who has died at the age of 92, served as private secretary (equivalent to secretary of a government department) to president Patrick Hillery from 1978 until 1990.

He previously held a range of positions in the Department of Education, ultimately becoming assistant secretary with responsibility for third-level education.

When Hillery initially took office on December 3, 1976, his secretary was Mairtin O Flathartaigh who had held the same position with three previous presidents and later retired in August 1978. Hillery then chose O hOdhrain in preference to a candidate nominated by taoiseach Jack Lynch because, according to his official biographer John Walsh, the president felt it would give him more independence.

Micheal O hOdhrain (Michael Horan) was born in Partry, Co Mayo, on September 3, 1932, the eldest of eight children born to Michael and Sarah Horan. Having attended Partry National School, he won a scholarship to St Jarlaths College in Tuam, followed by another scholarship to University College Galway where he acquired BA and MA degrees in Classics. He also wrote novels, short stories and radio plays, mainly in Irish and two of his stories were part of the Inter Cert curriculum.

In 1960 he married Marie, who survives him, and they went on to have five children.

There was a difficult episode in late 1979 due to persistent but unfounded rumours that Hillery was contemplating resignation

Working as secretary to the president has its challenges, and there was a difficult episode in late 1979 due to persistent but unfounded rumours that Hillery was contemplating resignation due to marital difficulties and planning to leave his wife, Maeve, to move in with another woman.

O hOdhrain invited editors of the Irish national news media to a meeting at the Aras in October 1979 where Hillery denied the rumours and said he was not going to resign. He later held a press conference and issued a statement to the same effect. He said he believed the rumours were being deliberately promoted but did not name any source  though there were suggestions elsewhere of a connection with Charlie Haughey supporters who were trying to force Hillery out of office and pressure then-taoiseach Jack Lynch to run for president.

In late 1980, after Haughey had become taoiseach, Hillery was invited by the British Legion to a Remembrance Day service at St Patricks Cathedral in Dublin to commemorate Irish members of the British forces who died in World Wars I and II, as well as those who lost their lives on United Nations peacekeeping missions.

It was one of the most challenging periods in the Northern conflict, with the hunger strikes in Long Kesh. O hOdhrain notified the Department of the Taoiseach who sent him a draft letter stating that it would be inappropriate for the president to attend memorial services for armed forces of other countries, which was passed on to the British Legion.

Hillerys biographer writes that O hOdhrain did not consult the president, who would probably have used different wording, though he would also have been very unlikely to attend the ceremony at such a sensitive time if the decision was left up to himself.

Under Irish law, proposed legislation that receives parliamentary approval requires the presidents signature before it can be put into practice. However, the head of State may refer it to the Supreme Court to test its constitutionality. If the court upholds the bill, the president is obliged to sign it. If it is deemed unconstitutional, the president may refuse to give assent.

State papers released in 2015 under the 30-year disclosure rule revealed that hundreds of letters were sent in 1985 to Aras an Uachtarain, urging the president not to sign into law the Health (Family Planning Amendment) Bill 1985 which would lift the requirement to obtain a doctors prescription in order to buy condoms and spermicides.

A correspondent from Fairhill, Cork, urged Hillery to refer the legislation to the Supreme Court. However, O hOdhrain advised the president in a handwritten message against making the referral. He said he had pointed out privately to a few influential churchmen the implications of referring a bill to the Supreme Court.

When such a referral took place in 1940, with regard to the Offences Against the State (Amendment) Bill, the legislation was deemed to be constitutional  which meant it could not be changed.

It has been locked in unchallengeable ever since, O hOdhrain wrote, adding that a similar action could make it impossible to change the contraceptive legislation to something more restrictive. Later, on March 12, 1985, Hillery signed the legislation into law.

Micheal O hOdhrain died on December 20 and is deeply mourned by his beloved wife Marie, sons Micheal and Dara, daughters Brid, Deirdre (Harte), Aedin (Dillon) and other relatives and friends. President Higgins was represented by Army Captain Liam Lundon at the requiem mass last Tuesday morning at Foxrock, followed by burial at Shanganagh.
State Papers: Leni Riefenstahl: Theatre owner would not allow it be kept overnight 1939

The Olympia Theatre in Dublin refused to have film reels of the Nazi propaganda film Triumph Of The Will about Adolf Hitler stored in its premises overnight, State Papers from 1935 have revealed.

Gardai were also urged to increase security around Dame Street, Dublin, amid fears of clashes between Nazi sympathisers and communist groups.

Secret documents revealed as part of the State Papers by the National Archive revealed that the government wanted tight security around the premises for the film showing  with undercover gardai also monitoring the attendance at the film screening.

Files from October 1935 revealed concerns within government over the potential for violent clashes at the film screening, which was being organised by the German diplomatic legation.

Triumph Of The Will was a landmark propaganda film made for Hitler by German cinematographer Leni Riefenstahl  and it was made as the Holocaust was under way.

Her film pioneered the use of aerial imagery and scenes from the mass Nazi rallies to convey a sense of might about Hitlers rise to power in Germany.

Riefenstahls Triumph Of The Will and her Olympia documentary are today considered two of the most effective propaganda films ever made.

However, plans by the German charge daffaires to screen the film at the Dublin city-centre cinema left Irish officials worried.

Correspondence between the Departments of External Affairs (now Foreign Affairs) and Justice as well as gardai outlined special measures to be taken for the screenings.

On October 22, 1935, Mr A Walshe of the Department of External Affairs wrote to the Department of Justice and Garda Commissioner about the matter.

The performance will commence at the Olympia Theatre at 3pm and will probably end at 5.30pm, he wrote.

In case the showing of this film might be made the occasion of a hostile demonstration outside the theatre, the Minister for External Affairs would be glad if the Minister for Justice would be good enough to make arrangements for special police supervision in the vicinity of the theatre during the performance.

Unobtrusive attention was likewise paid to the route taken by the German charge d'affaires

The Metropolitan Division of An Garda Siochana faced a further headache when it emerged that security was also required for the transport of the film both to and from the Olympia.

A note from the Garda Special Branch, dated October 29, revealed that Mr Morrison, the owner of the Olympia, had not wanted the film reels kept in his premises overnight.

He would not agree to the film remaining overnight in the theatre and required that detective gardai arrange for its removal, it said.

The detective garda brought the matter under notice and, by arrangement with the German legation, the film was removed from the theatre at 9.30pm and escorted back to the legation on Northumberland Road.

Protection during the night was afforded by gardai from Irishtown station.

When the Dublin screenings of Triumph Of The Will were concluded, the film reels were transported to the UK.

The documents revealed how gardai were particularly concerned about any Nazi and communist clashes in Dublin over the screening.

The necessary attention was paid to communist headquarters and prominent members of this organisation over the weekend, but their activities did not afford any indication that they contemplated interfering with the film, a note said.

Unobtrusive attention was likewise paid to the route taken by the German charge daffaires and to the theatre until the completion of the exhibition but nothing calling for police intervention took place.

However, the files also confirmed gardai paid attention to who attended the Olympia screenings.

Undercover gardai were on duty inside the Olympia. In the vicinity of Dame Street, one sergeant and 10 uniformed officers were on standby.

About 200 persons, principally German residents, attended, a garda briefing note of October 28 revealed. The attendance included Mr Goor, the Belgian consul, Mr Dobrzynski, Polish consul, Mons Guerlet, French consul, Dr Schlemann, German legation, and Mr Connolly, minister for lands and fisheries.

Riefenstahl  who had worked closely with Hitler on the propaganda films  was found after World War II to have been a fellow traveller, or sympathiser, with the Nazis though she claimed not to have had any knowledge of the Holocaust.

Her claim of ignorance about the Holocaust, however, has been disputed by historians and critics.

While her film work was considered pioneering, her association with the Nazi regime damaged her reputation and her post-war work was largely confined to two autobiographies and nature photography in Africa.

She lived to see the reunification of Germany and died in Pocking, south-east Germany, aged 101 years in 2003.
Irish charities bring supplies to help soldiers and civilians as war rages on

In a vast glass-fronted industrial building off a side-street in Uzhhorod, Ukraine, two rows of gym equipment donated by the Irish West Wood gym chain gleam under the orange evening light. The treadmills and weight machines are being used by the more able-bodied in the rehab centre for traumatised and wounded soldiers, a few miles inside the Ukrainian border.
Tourism Ireland's plans for an all-island marketing strategy to boost visitor numbers was stalled after unionists were livid at the referral to Britain as "an overseas market.

Confidential files released as part of the State Papers by the National Archives revealed Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) leader David Trimble objected to Britain being referred to as "overseas" in terms of the Northern Ireland market.

The situation was so delicate that a number of meetings were held in 2003-2004 to resolve the impasse with tourism having been determined to have an all-island approach.

Under the Good Friday Agreement, tourism across the entire island was singled out as having an area for enormous potential through co-operation.

Tourism Ireland (TI) was established in 2002 to promote the sector across the across the entire island.

TI replaced Bord Failte Eireann in the Republic and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board.

However, Mr Trimble formally objected to a marketing strategy and this was discussed at a British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference (BIIGC) meeting on May 6, 2003.

There can be no unionist veto on North/South co-operation

One file noted there was a delay in adopting the marketing strategy.

"This decision had been blocked by Secretary of State [Paul] Murphy, following objections raised by David Trimble to the designation of Great Britain as part of [TI's] 'overseas' market," the file noted.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern was so annoyed over the direct intervention of Mr Trimble that he raised it with British prime minister Tony Blair.

"This was unacceptable and that [the Irish government] expected the North-South bodies to be allowed to get on with their important work without such interference," another file noted.

In January 2004, Irish officials again raised the matter with their British counterparts.

"We have been pragmatic with the British, and have, so far, adhered to the 'care and maintenance' undertakings, agreed in deference to UUP sensitivities, in exchange for the continued operation of the bodies," it recorded.

The official noted that the Northern Ireland Assembly was suspended at the time for "considerably longer" than was originally envisaged.

"The reluctance on the British side to progress even those projects which have been mandated by the [North/South Ministerial Council], due to political [unionist] sensitivities, must be challenged".

There can be no unionist veto on North/South co-operation. Successful functioning of these bodies is of strategic importance to us

"The success of Tourism Ireland, for example, is not a political issue."

Tourism across the island was already a multi-billion euro industry with over 100,000 people employed and critical spin-off benefits for the food, beverage, craft, transport, hospitality and even manufacturing sectors.
Worst-case scenario: Study reveals potential for up to 150 days of water outages a year

Uisce Eireann report highlights need for improvements in infrastructure to avoid catastrophic outcomes

Uisce Eireann generated a 'theoretical forecast' for water supply and demand. Stock image.

Wayne O'Connor Sun 29 Dec 2024 at 03:30

Households and businesses would be at risk of experiencing 150 days of water outages a year by 2049 if nothing is done to address infrastructure deficits, according to a worst-case scenario presented in an Uisce Eireann study.
A young mother of one killed in an alleged dangerous driving crash in Rathkeale was brought to her final resting place yesterday in a carriage led by 10 horses.

Marguerita ORourke (nee Sheridan), aged 21, who was from the town in west Co Limerick, died after a van hit a set of gates she was standing beside on December 21.

A 42-year-old man is currently before the courts charged with dangerous driving causing Ms ORourkes death, as well as a number of other charges arising from the day in question.

A picture of Marguerita and her husband at her funeral mass at St Mary's Church Rathkeale Picture: Brendan Gleeson

Up to 1,000 mourners attended Ms ORourkes funeral mass, held at St Marys Church in Rathkeale yesterday.

The church was decorated in heart-shaped white rose floral tributes, which framed photographs of the young woman with her husband.

Chief celebrant Fr Liam Enright, who is a family friend, said: I knew her since she was a young child here, she was the heart and soul of her family, full of divilment, full of wonder.

She loved, as all the girls here love, to get the hair and make-up done, and then she fell in love.

When she met her husband Denis, they were like Romeo and Juliet, they just loved each other, she saw no one else except him.

Fr Enright said the couple were married here last year, and a month ago yesterday, they welcomed baby Edward into their lives.

And, so, a month after Edward was born, Marguerita was brought to this church.

Funeral Mass of Marguerita O'Rourke nee Sheridan in Rathkeale Picture: Brendan Gleeson

Everyone loved her, she was so well liked, her family are well-liked, well-got, and she had an amazing smile and personality.

We pray that her son will know about his mum from the love that he receives from all those around him, who will nurture him.

Fr Enright said the Sheridan and ORourke families had been sent condolences from so many people from all over Ireland and beyond, in America and England.

They have sent messages of support, to watch over baby Edward, and [her husband] Denis, and her parents and siblings, added Fr Enright, who was assisted at the funeral mass by co-celebrants Fr Derek Leonard, Fr Willie Russell and Fr Maurice Costelloe.

Friends of Ms ORourke wore shirts with her picture. An eight-foot-high portrait photograph of the young mother and her husband stood at the end of a white carpet at the main entrance to the church.

Large television screens inside the church and at points around the town showed photographs of Ms ORourke in happier times.

A photo of Ms ORourke on her wedding day at the same church in December last year lay beside her coffin during yesterdays funeral mass.

A white, Mendyka glass-panelled carriage, led by two black Friesian horses and eight white Shire horses  provided by Thomas Clarke Carriages of Dublin, and John OGrady Carriages of Sixmilebridge, Co Clare  carried Ms ORourkes remains from the church to St Josephs Cemetery in Rathkeale.

Love Story by US country-pop star Taylor Swift, and The Worlds Greatest, by US rapper R Kelly, were played from a sound system as Ms ORourkes remains left the church.
The best of My Favourite Room: Step through the doors of some of the standout homes we visited in 2024

From a fairytale home with turrets in Co Galway to Room to Improves Claire Irwins renovation in Buncrana and chef Clodagh McKennas stylish townhouse in Londons Chelsea, weve visited some inspiring properties in the past 12 months

Matt Cooper and Aileen Hickie in one of the two front sitting rooms. The sofas are from Finline Furniture while the mirror and fire surround are from Oman Antiques. Photo: Tony Gavin

Leslie Ann Horgan Sun 29 Dec 2024 at 03:30

Fans of Netflix property juggernaut Selling Sunset and the many other glossy property shows streaming these days will know that the key aspect of the luxury property market is the price per square footage. Here in Ireland, house hunters and property enthusiasts are focused on a more prosaic question: how many bedrooms does it have?
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 29. A KLM Boeing 737 traveling from Oslo to Amsterdam was forced to make an emergency landing in southern Norway on Friday evening due to a technical issue shortly after takeoff, Trend reports.

The aircraft safely landed at Torp Sandefjord Airport at 7:14 p.m. local time, Norwegian police confirmed. All 182 people on board, including crew members, were unharmed.

The flight, which departed Oslo at 6:55 p.m., encountered trouble when passengers and crew heard a loud noise shortly after takeoff.

Local media reports suggest that the pilots observed smoke coming from the planes left engine. Upon landing, the aircraft reportedly became uncontrollable and veered off the runway, eventually coming to a stop on a grassy area. Despite the incident, no injuries were reported, and emergency crews quickly secured the scene.
Donal Fallon: The bike ride that links a chain of events from Buenos Aires to the roof of the GPO in 1916
So, you thought the Christmas break was a politics-free season of goodwill? Think again. From Christmas Eve to New Years Day, frenzied political warfare is waged right under your nose. This weekend, the battle for the most coveted political prizes in Ireland is being fought with a silent ferocity that is as vicious as any Dail brawl. Yes, all 60 Senate seats are on the line.
"Its a Holly party, so you can guarantee its going to be enormous fun. Those were the words of Reform UK leader Nigel Farage ahead of a wildly expensive London party that took place in June 2024.

The Holly in question is Holly Valance, former Neighbours star, and one of the hosts of the Farage-approved bash  a fundraiser for one Donald J Trump.

Once known for soap-opera drama, Valance tried her hand at a pop career in the early 2000s before decamping to Hollywood, where movie stardom failed to spark.

Having settled into domestic bliss with UK billionaire Nick Candy, Valance seemed content to leave the celebrity life behind, only to recently re-emerge as a spirited cheerleader for the radical right, with Farage and Trump both counted among her friends.

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, on the other hand, has drawn Valances ire, as have various other woke areas of interest, none of which she has been quiet about.

With her profile rising and her support firmly behind Farages latest political run, can we expect Valance to step forward for public office herself in the future?

On this episode of The Indo Daily, Tabitha Monahan is joined by TRT World presenter Enda Brady and by Dave Hanratty of the Irish Independent to look at the curious career pivot of Holly Valance.

This episode was first published in June 2024.
In late January 2024, as the first anniversary of the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria approached, Ergin Kuccuk spoke to Stephen Fernane about his horrendous experiences in the aftermath of the devastation. Ergin, sadly, had to recover the bodies of his parents and sister from the rubble. In December, the story won a Shine Mental Health Media Award primarily for Ergins bravery in revisiting his ordeal and being open about his trauma. The full story is below:

Every day is different for Ergin Kuccuk since his life changed on 6 February, 2023, when two devastating earthquakes destroyed his home in Turkey.

Ergin lost his parents, Ali and Done, along with his sister, Hanim and her husband, Ali, in the devastation that claimed over 55,000 lives in Turkey. Ergin is from the town of Elbistan in the Kahramanmaras region but has lived in Tralee for over 30 years.

His wife, Rachel, and daughter, Seniz, have been a bedrock following his nightmare ordeal. When Ergin first returned to Kerry after the earthquake, the first few months were tough. He couldnt sleep at night and would sometimes wake screaming as sleep returned him to a scenario most of us would struggle to imagine, let alone experience.

Talking with family and keeping busy through his work at The Rose Hotel has helped distract Ergin and to slowly rebuild his life. As the first anniversary of the earthquake approaches, he feels talking and expressing his eternal gratitude to those who supported him is necessary.

Some days I am down, and other days I am up. It was shocking for us all what happened, he says.

I have my wife and my daughter and they have been my pillar. We talk a lot, every day in fact. They are strong women who have helped me so much; they are always beside me. When I have them, I have everything. I think it would be worse if I was by myself. Id go as far as to say it would be a disaster.

Initially, Ergin watched on television in Tralee as the devastation unfolded last February. This was the hardest and most anxious time as all he could do was phone home. But as the calls went unanswered, he started to fear the worst. To make matters worse, he spoke with his parents following the first earthquake. Less than 30 minutes later, both were killed.

I often think this question should be answered by my daughter as she was upstairs while I was ringing and ringing their phones. I was devastated and screaming with worry. I just kept saying: Come on dad, mom, please answer the phone. But the phones just went dead, he says.

I was talking to my mom a half hour before she died. She said they were all okay and it was like hell. She told me the house was shaking so bad she thought she was going to die. I told her to stay away from the house, to leave it. The weather was so cold and it was freezing, like minus 6 and 7 degrees. Mom had a hip replacement and an operation in her back so the cold was probably too much for her. I think this is what forced her into the house again.

My dad was at my brothers house and he wasnt answering his phone. I rang my brothers wife and she said dad was with her. I talked to dad and told them to stay away from the house. My father went back to my mother and thats when it happened. I think the cold forced a lot of people back indoors to their death that day, Ergin says.

Leaving Tralee for Turkey was Ergins first reaction. His daughter booked a flight to Istanbul where Ergin met his sister. All airports near Elbistan were closed, the closest being Sivas Airport some 600km away from where they needed to be. They took a taxi from Sivas to Elbistan on a journey that proved horrifying with buildings and landmarks they had known in childhood completely levelled.

The roads were terrible and I remember we just kept telling the driver to hurry up. As we got there, I couldnt recognise it. It was like a horror and war movie; like Hiroshima, it was exactly the same as that, he says.

Everything was on the ground, absolutely everything. My town has around 140,000 in population, its small with mostly apartments. It would normally only take 15 minutes to drive from one side of town to the other. That day, it took us nearly two hours to get through. Every road was blocked with rubble, he says.

At this stage, Ergin was hoping against hope that his family was still alive. Only his fathers phone was still ringing, three days after the earthquake. Sadly, it was a sign of worse to come. Ergins youngest sister started to panic as they searched the rubble for their parents. Ergin felt that, under the circumstances, he needed to stay strong and keep things together.

Theres always that feeling in tragedies that one member in the family has to be strong to hold the family together, I was that person. My older sister was calmer, but my younger sister, because she was very close to my mom  she is the youngest and our baby  she panicked a lot. I cant explain it, it was just so heart breaking, he says.

When we first arrived we just hoped and hoped they were alive. We searched the rubble. Then, on the Wednesday evening at around 9:30 or 10 oclock, we found mom and dad. They were dead. We had just got there when we found them. My parents were living on the fourth floor of a five-storey building when it collapsed, so it was easier to find them. The police and guards were warning us not to go into the buildings as a lot of people were being killed searching for family. It was hard to listen to them and take their advice.

When Ergin and his siblings recovered their parents from the rubble, they immediately brought them to a nearby morgue. The scene awaiting them was one of utter devastation as the morgue was unable to cope with the steady line of bodies being brought there.

The morgue was full. We were there until 5am and the dead bodies just kept coming and going. In the first two days alone, it looked like an army of ants the way the line was extending back with the bodies being brought in, he says.

The next day, Ali and Done were buried in the village with around 30 people present. This brought comfort to the family as they had a graveside to pay their respects. Ergin feels having a focal point for grief is better than having none at all.

That was my comfort because a lot of bodies have still not been found. I often imagine what it would be like if we didnt find them, that would have been a disaster. We wouldnt have coped with that; that would have been too much, Ergin says.

Two days later, and with no time to grieve for their parents, the focus for Ergin and his family turned to finding their sister, Hanim, and her husband, Ali. Hanims home was a short distance away and had also collapsed. Ergin feels they never had a chance of surviving as they were lodged between two floors when the building fell. A cafe situated beneath the building was full with 20 people, who were also killed.

There was a lot of help to try and save her but it was impossible. Until the Friday, we could hear noises in the rubble. We were told: Yes, there are noises, but it might not be your sister. We knew there was other people in the building but we just wanted to save her. We were searching and pulling every bit of rubble there away, he says.

I was shouting in the half standing building: Can you hear me? Please make a noise. I had a stone and I would rub it on the rubble, saying: If you can hear me please get a stone and make a noise, rub it on a stone. We could just hear one noise until Friday at around 12am. After that, the noise stopped. It was one of the worst experiences I ever had. We eventually found Hanim and her husband holding each other. We didnt want to separate them so we buried them together in the village.

With Ergin still shouldering the loss of his family, the wider rescue effort became a steely focus for him and his brother. They could not bring themselves to leave home knowing others needed help. Professional rescue teams from around the world had travelled to Turkey but had not yet reached Elbistan. Up to that point, the locals galvanised their efforts with Ergin snatching a few hours sleep in a car in between searching for survivors.

Food and water did arrive quickly. The main water supply was frozen and the biggest problem was that people had no toilets, sanitation was difficult. People were lighting fires outside and sleeping under the sky in the street. But they would only sleep an hour before getting up to search again, hoping to find families, Ergin explains.

A year on from the tragedy, Ergin says thousands of people in Turkey need mental support after witnessing unimaginable horror. From nurses and doctors to ordinary citizens, the mental anguish caused by the earthquakes is indefinable and needs addressing.

I witnessed a nurse lying down and every two seconds she was waking up in distress. Mentally, not everyone is strong. A lot of people are going to struggle if they do not get help and it will take time to get over it. I was offered support but I honestly feel like I dont need it. I sit down and talk with my wife and daughter. Im a talking person, I dont keep things in. Most people will listen so people need to talk, he says.

Ergin gets emotional when he recalls the few bright moments that shone from the depths of despair. He feels fortunate to have witnessed survivors emerging from the rubble, something that still gives him great joy.

I saw people come out alive when I didnt think I would. I saw a family come out of an elevator, and an old man walk out from underneath the wreckage. It made me happy and still makes me happy. One life is one life, he says.

But I also saw a family that had been burned alive and families with only one member surviving, the rest all having been killed. I had a cousin who went back into a building to rescue his wife, he brings her out and goes back in. The building collapses and he is killed. She dies four weeks later in hospital. All these things still stay with me, he says.

Ergin remembers while trying to rescue people that aftershocks were a constant danger. He describes the fear of standing on mounds of rubble and masonry and suddenly feeling the sensation of movement beneath him.

The trimmers were constantly coming and going. You couldnt stay long in the same spot or go down too deep as the danger of it collapsing on you was always there. People were being warned not to do it, but people wanted to save family. I think the Spanish searchers were the first to arrive in Elbistan. Up to that, the local people did it themselves, he says.

All the while Ergin was in Turkey, Rachel was phoning him from Tralee to say people were passing on messages of support. Ergin still gets emotional over this and feels lucky to have two homes. As Elbistan lay under rubble, people in Tralee reached out to him with love and warmth.

My place of work was great, they kept ringing me all the time. My phone was so busy. The support I got from Tralee made me very proud. I remember saying one day while in Turkey: Thank god I came to Ireland all those years ago. The people supported me and it was great. When I came back home after, I was scared to come into town and talk to people. I just said I have to be strong and face it, he says.

Irish people are special people, they make me proud. They shared my pain and this made me go on when I felt I could not. I still cry on the street when people stop and hug me. This makes me feel good. I just wish I could thank everyone individually for their support.

This is my home, a home that made me stronger. There is a lot of good people here. Tralee people and Kerry people are the best in the world, even in wider Ireland. People in Turkey at the time were talking about Ireland and its generosity, he says.

Ergin plans to return home in the summer and do some work on his parents grave. The town of Elbistan is gone and will take years to rebuild. The majority of its citizens live temporarily in containers as the reclamation continues. One piece of advice Ergin is keen to share following his ordeal is to appreciate parents.

My parents loved our Christmas Day and New Years Day. Mom loved the way it brought family together. She would love phoning me at Christmas asking did I do my turkey. This was the first year we didnt have that call. She came to Kerry one Christmas, I think in 2008 when we had snow, and told me it was too cold and she wasnt coming again, he says with a smile.

What I would say to people is appreciate your mom and dad while they are alive, they are your gods. Cherish them and mind them. Your parents are everything. You understand these things better when they are dead.

Ergin concludes: I have to be strong but inside things are different. We have one daughter and we have to live for her. My brothers and sisters must also live for their children, life carries on no matter what.

I think my parents want me to be strong because they were strong people. They used always say to me: You only live once. As for people who survive things like tsunamis and wars, I think I now understand them much better. I know how they feel and why they are sad. These are not easy things to experience in life.
Andi Oliver had been speculated as a possible replacement for Gregg Wallace on MasterChef (Ian West/PA)

TV chef Andi Oliver has said culture will only improve when we stop all the fake outrage and actually implement change amid the Gregg Wallace furore.

Great British Menu host Oliver, who had been speculated as a possible replacement for Wallace on MasterChef, claimed there are tonnes of others who go around behaving badly in the industry.

It was announced last month that Wallace is to step away from his hit BBC cooking show while historical misconduct complaints are externally reviewed by the shows producer Banijay UK.

Gregg Wallace has hosted MasterChef with John Torode since 2005 (Dominic Lipinski/PA)

Oliver told the Guardian she was not surprised by the allegations being made about Wallace, which include making inappropriate sexual jokes and sexual harassment.

Wallaces lawyers previously told the BBC it is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature.

Oliver added: Theres a certain culture that allows it to happen. Somebody should have nipped that shit in the bud a long time ago.

Its not like nobody knew it was happening. I heard stuff. Everyone did. And there are tonnes of others who go around behaving badly.

Oliver, who was first a judge and later became the host of Great British Menu, added: But culture will only change if we stop all the fake outrage and actually implement change.

Thousands of people shouting about Gregg Wallace on Twitter doesnt interest me.

What does is whether we remember this in six months, or will there be more fake shock and outrage when it happens all over again with the next person whose antics were an open secret?

Oliver revealed people have been asking her if she is going to join the MasterChef team to which she replied: I cant talk about that.

Andi Oliver said she was not surprised to learn of the allegations about Gregg Wallace (Ian West/PA)

It was announced earlier this month that restaurant critic Grace Dent will judge the next series of Celebrity MasterChef alongside John Torode.

Author and podcaster Dent has appeared regularly as a guest on MasterChef, and last year was a contestant on MasterChef: Battle Of The Critics.

BBC bosses previously said the corporation will not tolerate behaviour that falls below the standards we expect and will continue to champion a culture that is kind, inclusive and respectful.

A memo sent to staff by the BBC director-general, Tim Davie, and Charlotte Moore, chief content officer, said the corporation would be supporting MasterChef producer Banijay UK in its investigation.

Earlier this month, Banijay UK said in a statement: It is important to note that MasterChef welfare processes are regularly adapted and strengthened and there are clear protocols to support both crew and contributors.

These include multiple ways of reporting issues, including anonymously. HR contact details are promoted and contributors are assigned a point of contact on set available to discuss any issues or concerns.
A New Year will bring a cold snap across the country with temperatures set to drop as low as -4C, Met Eireann has said.

Ahead of the cold snap, the national forecaster has issued a Status Yellow rain warning for Donegal.

The warning will be in place from 11am tomorrow until 11am on New Years Eve.

Possible impacts include the risk of localised flooding, poor visibility and difficult travelling conditions.

A Status Yellow wind warning has also been issued for Donegal, Galway and Mayo, starting at midnight until 11am on Tuesday.

Due to gale force and gusty winds, the affected areas might see fallen branches or tress, debris and loose objects displaced, difficult travelling conditions and wave overtopping.

Photo: Stock image

7-Day Weather Forecast: 27th December - 2nd January

Met Eireann meteorologist Mark Bowe said New Years Eve and New Years Day are expected to be very windy, blustery and wet.

"We're going to have a series of low-pressure centres move over the country on Tuesday and Wednesday," he told the Irish Independent.

Those planning to travel to the north for New Years Eve can expect strong winds that might lead to some travel disruption on Tuesday, as the UKs Met Office has issued a yellow wind warning for all six counties  Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Tyrone and Derry.

The warning will be in place from 6am until 7pm on New Years Eve.

Mr Bowe said the cold snap will begin just after New Years Day on Wednesday.

Once those lows move away on Wednesday and push further east, in behind them, there's going to be a northerly airflow over the country, he said.

"That's going to persist right throughout the end of the week, so it's going to feel certainly a lot different than it has been as of late.

Our temperatures are going to plummet for the second half of the week. Our overnight lows are going to get well down below freezing for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights.

Similarly, our daytime highs during those days will be struggling to reach the low single figures, perhaps staying just around freezing as well, especially on Thursday and Friday.

On Thursday itself, the daytime highs are going to struggle to reach around 2 or 3C, but possibly even staying around freezing in parts of the north.

But the overnight lows are going to get down to maybe -3 and -4C and it'll be rather similar again, pushing into Friday with our daytime highs really struggling  just in those very low single figures.

"The overnight lows on a Friday again [will be] well below freezing, he added.

Today will be mostly dry, with a mixture of cloud and sunny spells. However, the north and west of the country might see occasional patches of light rain or drizzle.

The highest temperatures will range between 8 and 11C as the day will turn breezy, with strong winds near the western and northwestern coasts.

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It will remain dry tonight in most areas, with only a few spots of light rain or drizzle. Later at night, the north and west might experience more frequent outbreaks of rain near northern coasts.

Temperatures are set to drop to 4 to 9C while it will be the coolest in the south and southeast, with winds remaining strong in the north and west.

Tomorrow will be cloudy for most, bringing outbreaks of rain developing through the morning for parts of Ulster and Connacht.

Elsewhere might remain mostly dry for the day and enjoy some bright or sunny spells - with just the odd shower possible.

Temperatures will range between 9 and 12C, accompanied by strong winds in the north and west.

A wet and rather windy Monday night will bring showery outbreaks of rain extending eastwards over the country, with some heavy falls possible. Temperatures will drop to 6 and 9C.

Photo: Stock image

7-Day Weather Forecast: 23rd December - 29th December 2024

Meanwhile, New Year's Eve will be rather windy for much of the day.

Munster and south Leinster might see widespread rain in the morning, with hazy sunny spells and isolated showers over the northern half of the country.

A mixture of clouds and rain will build from the southwest in the afternoon and evening. Temperatures might range between 8 and 12C, with strong winds near western and northwestern coasts - but they will ease in the evening.

It will turn wet and windy overnight as rain will continue to extend northeastwards and might turn heavy in places - especially in the north and west.

Met Eireann has also warned of spot flooding which might be possible on New Year's Eve night.

Temperatures will range between 0 to 5C over the northern half of the country and 5 and 9C further south.

The rest of the week will bring much colder weather as overnight temperatures are set to drop below freezing.

It will be cold, bright and largely dry with widespread frosts developing during the nights and stubborn to clear some areas during the days.

New Years Day will be very windy, with widespread heavy rain at first, which will later clear from most areas. However, the showery rain will persist in the north and west.

Temperatures will range between 8 and 12C on Wednesday before dropping to -3 to +1C during the cold night, accompanied by widespread frost and ice.

Thursday will remain cold, largely dry, and sunny, with a few light showers along the northern coasts while the southern coast might see cloudier conditions.

Temperatures will be between 3 and 6C during the day and drop as low as -4 to +1C at night, with widespread frosts expected.
Aman Gupta, the co-founder of boAt Lifestyle recently spilled some beans that have let the internet buzzing. The Shark Tank fame entrepreneur was recently speaking during the promotions of the show's upcoming season where he spoke about onboarding a Bollywood fame as his brand's ambassador. Aman shared that the actor turned out to be extremely egoistic and contradictory to his public image.

What did Aman Gupta say about the 'egoistic' brand ambassador?

Gupta said in Hindi which is loosely translated as, He was so arrogant. And in the news, I used to read, he is so sweet. He talks so nicely to reporters and the media. See, he's flying economy class. He used to show so much arrogance to us. I understood that people have mastered the art of being humble. I think Indian people are very smart, they eventually understand who is real, who is humble, who is arrogant, who has ego, who has pride, who has style, who has a riz, who has attitude and who has arrogance."

Reddit is convinced Aman Gupta is talking about Kartik Aaryan

A quick look back, boAt so far had multiple Bollywood brand ambassadors - Kartik Aaryan in 2018, Diljit Dosanjh in 2020, Kiara Advani in 2022 and Ranveer Singh in 2024. Hearing the word economy class and considering Bhool Bhulaaiyaa 3 actor's past, Reddit jumped to the conclusion that it might be Kartik only. One user said, It's def Kartik. There have been PR stunts where 'fans' scream about how 'humble' he is.

Another one said, This Kartik guy has always seemed iffy to me. He obviously can barely act. His only two commercial successes are BB2 and BB3 because they were franchise movies. He can't carry a non-franchise film by himself but dreams of being the next SRK while being arrogant to everyone. Lol okay. Bas ye non-nepo ka tag hai that has helped him survive.

Reddit

Who according to you could this be? Tell us @indiatimes!

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Stranded with my Mother-in-Law season 2 OTT release date is set. The show's second season features new families and tales traveling to a tropical island to compete for a great reward. Drama and excitement abound in this second season. Stranded with my Mother-in-Law season 2 will be released on Netflix on 2nd January 2024.

Plot

In season two of the Brazilian reality show Stranded with My Mother-in-Law, new families will go to a tropical island to vie for a large prize, according to Gadgets360. Unexpected turns will be added to the competition as the couples will not be aware that their mothers-in-law will also be there. The mothers-in-law, who are frequently the show's greatest adversaries, require couples to learn how to cooperate with them. In an attempt to earn the reward, the couples will compete in several competitions.

Mothers-in-law, daughters-in-law, and sons-in-law grapple with understanding and overcoming their differences while the sons and daughters watch from a distance, cooped up within a bunker. This season, psychologist Shenia Karlsson also returns, offering the family members support all through the series.

Cast and crew

The families featured in season 2 of Stranded with My Mother-in-Law will be the Araujo, Damasceno, Kashiura, Mendonca, Queiroz, and Sousa families.

Reacting to the trailer, one wrote, Every person that goes into these type of shows have issues.

Another went on to add, Who comes up with these awful ideas? Who is actually going to watch this garbage?.

A third wrote, This is too cringy but that's exactly why I love it.

For more news and updates frm the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
SS Rajamouli, the director behind blockbuster films like Baahubali and RRR, is gearing up for his next big project, SSMB29. This time, its an African jungle adventure starring Mahesh Babu as an explorer inspired by Lord Hanuman. The movie will go on floors in April 2025 and the latest buzz suggests that Priyanka Chopra will return to Indian cinema as the female lead for this one.

More about Priyanka Chopras India comeback

Its been six years since her last Bollywood film, The Sky Is Pink and according to a Pinkvilla report, Rajamouli wanted a global star for this role, and Priyanka fit the bill perfectly. After months of discussions, shes officially on board this action-packed adventure which is expected to be filmed in studios across India, the US, and the African jungles, wrapping up by the end of 2026.

Rajamouli is currently in talks with major studios like Disney and Sony to back the project, aiming for a big release in 2027.

Internet reacts to Priyanka Chopras return to Indian cinema

Referring to rumours of Karan Johar and Gauri Khan planning an outcast of Priyanka from Bollywood around 2016, one user wrote, No dharma or Gauri Khan cult can take away whats hers. I mean no Bollywood projects but she is getting the best director movie that is pan India! So happy. Another added, Yes she is coming back. Finally, we have someone who can act and has a star presence. I hope she breaks lots of records and leaves eggs on the face of her haters KJO.

A fine choice. She's perfect for the role because she's good at action. And since she has good connections in Hollywood too now, she'll help the team promote it overseas as well, another one said.

Reddit

Are you excited about Priyanka Chopras India comeback? Drop your thoughts @indiatimes.

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January 2025 Bank Holidays: Bank holidays are an essential part of managing financial tasks and banking services in India. These holidays, decided by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), include both national and regional holidays that banks across the country follow.

India has different types of banks, such as Cooperative Banks, Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), Small Finance Banks (SFBs), and Local Area Banks (LABs). All these are supervised by the RBI.

Regional Bank Holidays: What You Should Know

Apart from national holidays, banks in different states also observe regional holidays for local festivals and events. These regional holidays make each states bank holiday calendar unique, so its important to check with your local branch.

January 2025: 13 Bank Holidays to Plan For

The first month of 2025 will have about 13 bank holidays, including the second and fourth Saturdays and Sundays, which are regular weekly offs. The year will start with a holiday on 1st January 2025 for New Years Day in certain parts of India.

While the RBI has not yet published the official list of holidays for 2025, here is a tentative schedule of key holidays in January to help you plan your banking needs.

Full List of Bank Holidays in January 2025

Heres a detailed list of the bank holidays in January 2025:

List Of January 2025 Bank Holidays Date Holiday State January 1, 2025, Wednesday New Years Day All over India January 5, 2025, Sunday Weekend All over India January 6, 2025, Monday Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti Punjab January 11, 2025, Saturday Second Saturday All over India January 12, 2025, Sunday Weekend All over India January 13, 2025, Monday Lohri Punjab January 14, 2025, Tuesday Sankranti and Pongal festivals Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh January 15, 2025, Wednesday Thiruvalluvar Day and Tusu Puja Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Assam January 19, 2025, Sunday Weekend All over India January 23, 2025, Thursday Birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Serval states January 25, 2025, Saturday Fourth Saturday All over India January 26, 2025, Sunday Republic Day & Weekend All over India January 30, 2025, Thursday Sonam Losar Sikkim

Tips to Manage Banking During Holidays

Even though banks will be closed on these holidays, you can still carry out basic transactions using ATMs and online banking services.

However, services like cheque clearance or tasks requiring a bank visit may not be available. Its always a good idea to confirm holiday dates with your local bank branch to avoid any issues.

Key Points to Remember

The RBI will release the official list of Bank Holidays 2025 soon. Make sure to stay updated and plan your banking activities accordingly.

January 2025 brings a variety of holidays, both national and regional, that will see banks closed on specific days. Knowing these dates will help you organise your work and avoid delays in important financial tasks.

With this list of bank holidays in January 2025, you can prepare ahead and make use of ATMs and online banking for uninterrupted services. Stay updated with the official announcements from the RBI and your bank to ensure a hassle-free experience.

Festivals in January 2025

New Years Day: Celebrated on 1st January, this day marks the beginning of the new year. Traditions and celebrations vary across cultures, with many indulging in parties, prayers, and resolutions.

Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti: This day honours the birth of Guru Gobind Singh , the 10th Sikh Guru . Devotees visit gurudwaras, offer prayers, and join in processions. Special dishes are prepared as part of the festivities.

Mannam Jayanthi: Celebrated in memory of Mannathu Padmanabha Pillai , the founder of the Nair Service Society, this day highlights his contributions to social reform.

Missionary Day: This day remembers the arrival of two Welsh missionaries in Mizoram . The occasion is marked by prayers in churches and community feasts.

Bhogi: Bhogi is the first day of the Makar Sankranti festival. People light bonfires using old wooden items to symbolise discarding the past and welcoming new beginnings.

Pongal: Pongal is a harvest festival celebrated in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. It includes drawing Kolams, swinging, and preparing the traditional dish Pongal .

Makar Sankranti: Observed across India, this festival marks the Suns transition into Capricorn. It features colourful decorations, kite flying, bonfires, and feasts.

Bhogali Bihu: Celebrated in Assam, this festival marks the end of the harvest season. Feasts, bonfires, and traditional games are central to the celebrations.

Tusu Puja: Tusu Puja is a harvest festival where the folk goddess Tusu is worshipped. Black sesame seeds, considered auspicious, are a key part of the rituals.

Thiruvalluvar Day: Dedicated to the Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar, this day is celebrated at the conclusion of Pongal with cultural activities.

Uzhavar Tirunal: Known as the Farmers Festival, this celebration coincides with Makar Sankranti. Women perform traditional songs and dances to express joy.

Netaji Subhas Chandra Boses Birthday: This day honours the prominent freedom fighter and founder of the Indian National Army. Tributes are paid to his role in Indias independence.

Himachal Statehood Day: Marking the formation of Himachal Pradesh as the 18th state of India on 25th January 1971, this day celebrates the state's progress and achievements.

Me-dam-me-phi: This festival is observed by the Ahom community to honour their ancestors. It fosters unity, brotherhood, and mutual respect through prayers and community activities.

By understanding these holidays and their cultural significance, you can better plan your banking and personal activities in January 2025.

(Note: Dates/timings may be subject to change; details mentioned here are as per the information available.)

For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events.
List of Important Days in January 2025: The month of January holds great importance for a variety of reasons. January is the month of many holidays and national and international events like Global Family Day, World Introvert Day, National Birds Day, Mahayana New Year, World Hindi Day, National Youth Day, Lohri Festival, Makar Sankranti, Indian Army Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Tripura, Manipur, and Meghalaya Foundation Day, National Tourism Day, and Republic Day celebrations, among others.

Overall, January is full of important festivals and events, and here we have highlighted some of the important international and national dates for January 2025. Make your way regularly to review these important international and national dates. It's important for all competitive exams.

Take a look at the list of important days, dates, and events in January 2025.

Important Days in January 2024 Date Day Important Day 1 January Wednesday Global Family Day 2 January Thursday World Introvert Day 3 January Friday International Mind Body Wellness Day 4 January Saturday World Braille Day 5 January Sunday National Birds Day 6 January Monday World Day of War Orphans 6 January Monday Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti 8 January Wednesday African National Congress Foundation Day 8 January Wednesday Earth's Rotation Day 9 January Thursday World Hindi Day 11 January Saturday Death Anniversary of Lal Bahadur Shastri 11 January Saturday National Human Trafficking Awareness Day 12 January Sunday National Youth Day 13 January Monday Lohri Festival 14 January Tuesday Makar Sankranti 14 January Tuesday Pongal 14 January Tuesday Mahayana New Year 15 January Wednesday Indian Army Day 16 January Thursday National Startup Day 16 January Thursday Martin Luther King Jr Day 17 January Friday Benjamin Franklin Day 19 January Sunday Kokborok Day 20 January Monday Penguin Awareness Day 21 January Tuesday Tripura, Manipur, and Meghalaya Foundation Day 23 January Thursday Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti 24 January Friday National Girl Child Day 24 January Friday International Day of Education 25 January Saturday National Voters Day 25 January Saturday National Tourism Day 26 January Sunday Republic Day 26 January Sunday International Customs Day 27 January Monday National Geographic Day 28 January Tuesday Birth Anniversary of Lala Lajpat Rai 28 January Tuesday K.M. Cariappa Jayanti 29 January Wednesday Indian Newspaper Day 30 January Thursday Martyrs Day or Shaheed Diwas 30 January Thursday World Leprosy Day 31 January Friday International Zebra Day

What Are The Important Days In January 2025?

Many historical events and festivals occur in January, such as Global Family Day, World Introvert Day, National Birds Day , Mahayana New Year, World Hindi Day, National Youth Day, Lohri Festival, Makar Sankranti, Indian Army Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Tripura, Manipur, and Meghalaya Foundation Day, National Tourism Day, and Republic Day, which are observed in India on January 26 each year. These events continue to be remembered and celebrated across the world.

January is packed with significant national and international events. From celebrating cultural festivals to marking historical milestones, this month sets the tone for the year. Below is a detailed list of important days in January 2025, highlighting events of national and international significance.

Why is January 2025 Important?

January is more than just the beginning of the year. This month hosts numerous events like Global Family Day, World Hindi Day, and Republic Day, along with cultural festivals such as Lohri and Makar Sankranti. These days celebrate heritage, raise awareness, and foster global unity.

Key National and International Events in January 2025

1st January  New Years Day

This global celebration marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year. Its a day of fresh starts, resolutions, and festivities across the world.

1st January  Global Family Day

Promoting peace and unity, this day envisions the Earth as one family. It spreads a message of togetherness, aiming to make the world a better place.

2nd January  World Introvert Day

A day dedicated to appreciating and understanding introverts. It emphasises giving them the space they need while recognising their unique contributions.

3rd January  International Mind-Body Wellness Day

This day encourages people to prioritise mental and physical health. Its about adopting wellness strategies to lead a balanced life.

4th January  World Braille Day

Honouring Louis Brailles invention, this day raises awareness about the rights of visually impaired individuals, promoting equal opportunities for all.

5th January  National Birds Day

This day highlights the ecological significance of birds. It advocates for bird conservation and raises awareness about issues related to captive birds.

6th January  World Day of War Orphans

This day focuses on the plight of children orphaned by wars, highlighting their struggles and advocating for support and care.

6th January  Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti

Celebrated as the birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, this day honours his teachings and contributions to Sikhism.

8 January - African National Congress Foundation Day

On 8 January 1912, the South African Native National Congress (SANNC) was established by John Langalibalele Dube in Bloemfontein. Its main aim was to secure voting rights for black and mixed-race Africans, as well as to unite African people and lead the fight for essential political, social, and economic changes.

8 January - Earth's Rotation Day

Earth's Rotation Day is observed annually on 8 January. This date marks the anniversary of French physicist Leon Foucaults demonstration in 1851, which proved that the Earth rotates on its axis.

9 January - NRI (Non-Resident Indian) Day or Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

NRI Day, also called Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, is celebrated every year on 9 January. It honours the contribution of Indians living abroad to Indias growth. The date also commemorates Mahatma Gandhis return to Mumbai from South Africa on 9 January 1915.

10th January  World Hindi Day

This day honours the global reach of the Hindi language. With millions of speakers worldwide, it celebrates its cultural significance and promotes its use.

11 January - Death Anniversary of Lal Bahadur Shastri

Lal Bahadur Shastri, Indias second Prime Minister, passed away on 11 January 1966 due to cardiac arrest. He is remembered for his slogan, "Jai Jawan Jai Kisan," and for his active role in India's freedom movement. Globally, he is also known as the 'Man of Peace.'

11 January - National Human Trafficking Awareness Day

This day is observed to raise awareness about the ongoing issue of human trafficking. It aims to highlight the struggles faced by victims and to promote the protection of their rights.

12 January - National Youth Day

National Youth Day is celebrated annually on 12 January to mark the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. Born in 1863, Swami Vivekanandas teachings and ideals continue to inspire young people in India. His famous speech at the Parliament of the Worlds Religions in Chicago brought international recognition to India. The government declared this day as Rashtriya Yuva Diwas to honour his contributions.

13 January - Lohri Festival

Lohri, celebrated on 13 or 14 January, marks the start of the harvest season. This festival is mainly observed in northern India, particularly in Punjab and Haryana. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm by lighting bonfires, dancing, and offering items like wheat stalks, rice, jaggery, rewri, and popcorn to the fire.

14 January - Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti observed on 14 January, signifies the end of winter and the beginning of the harvest season.

14 January - Pongal

Pongal, a major festival for the Tamil community, is dedicated to the Sun God. It is celebrated over four days in the Tamil month of Tai. In 2025, Pongal will be observed from 14 to 17 January.

14 January  Mahayana New Year

Buddhists worldwide will celebrate Mahayana New Year on 14 January this year. Mahayana refers to various Buddhist beliefs and practices. It is one of the two main branches of Buddhism, mainly followed in East Asia, including Tibet, Taiwan, Mongolia, China, Japan, and Korea. Mahayana Buddhism is practised according to the unique customs and traditions of each region.

15th January  Indian Army Day

Marking the day Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief, this day celebrates the bravery and dedication of the Indian Army.

16 January  National Startup Day

In 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared 16 January as National Startup Day. Since then, various programmes and events have been organised by both government and non-government organisations to recognise and support the Indian startup ecosystem.

16 January  Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a public holiday in the United States, observed on the third Monday in January. It celebrates the life and achievements of the civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.

17 January  Benjamin Franklin Day

Benjamin Franklin Day is observed every year on 17 January, the anniversary of his birth, to honour one of the United States' most important Founding Fathers. It is a time to recognise his significant contributions and the impact he had on the world.

19 January  Kokborok Day

Kokborok Day, also known as Tripuri Language Day, is observed on 19 January in the Indian state of Tripura. It celebrates the Kokborok language and marks the year 1979 when Kokborok was officially recognised for the first time.

20 January  Penguin Awareness Day

Penguin Awareness Day is observed on 20 January every year. Since penguins live in remote areas, many people are unaware of the decline in their population. This day aims to raise awareness about this important issue.

21 January  Tripura, Manipur, and Meghalaya Foundation Day

On 21 January 1972, Tripura, Manipur, and Meghalaya became full-fledged states under the North Eastern Region (Re-organisation) Act, 1971. These states celebrate their Statehood Day on 21 January.

23 January  Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, born on 23 January 1897 in Cuttack, Orissa, was one of India's most famous freedom fighters. He led the Indian National Army (INA) or Azad Hind Fauj and fought against Western powers during World War II.

24 January  National Girl Child Day

National Girl Child Day is celebrated on 24 January each year to highlight the challenges faced by many girls in India, such as issues with education, nutrition, legal rights, healthcare, and safety.

24th January  International Day of Education

This UN-recognised day focuses on inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all, advocating for transformative actions globally.

25th January  National Tourism Day

In India, this day highlights the importance of tourism, celebrating its role in economic growth and cultural exchange.

25th January  National Voters Day

National Voters Day, also known as Rashtriya Matdata Diwas, is celebrated on 25 January every year to encourage young people to participate in the political process. The first celebration took place in 2011 to mark the foundation of the Election Commission.

26th January  International Customs Day

International Customs Day (ICD) is celebrated annually on 26 January by Customs organisations to recognise the important role of customs officers and agencies in maintaining border security. The day also highlights the challenges and working conditions that customs officers face in their duties.

26th January  Republic Day

One of the most significant national events in January, Republic Day commemorates the adoption of the Indian Constitution in 1950. It is celebrated with grandeur, including parades, cultural displays, and national pride.

27th January  National Geographic Day

National Geographic Day is observed every year on 27 January. This day is dedicated to honouring "National Geographic Magazine," which has been in continuous publication for over 100 years.

28th January  Birth Anniversary of Lala Lajpat Rai

Lala Lajpat Rai, born on 28 January 1865 in Punjab, was a significant nationalist leader who played a key role in India's fight for independence. He was also known as 'Punjab Kesari' or 'the Lion of Punjab.' He founded the Punjab National Bank and passed away on 17 November 1928 from injuries sustained during a protest. The University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences in Hisar, Haryana, is named after him.

28th January  K.M. Cariappa Jayanti

28 January marks the birth anniversary of Kodandera Madappa Cariappa, the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army. This year, we are commemorating his 124th birth anniversary.

29th January  Indian Newspaper Day

Indian Newspaper Day is observed on 29 January each year to honour the history and significance of newspapers in India. The day aims to raise awareness about the role of Indian newspapers, although there is no specific theme for this occasion.

30th January  Martyrs' Day or Shaheed Diwas

30 January is observed as Martyrs' Day or Shaheed Diwas to remember Mahatma Gandhi and the sacrifices of three Indian revolutionaries. On this day in 1948, Mahatma Gandhi, the 'Father of the Nation,' was assassinated. Additionally, on 23 March, Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Rajguru, and Sukhdev Thapar were hanged by the British.

30th January  World Leprosy Day

World Leprosy Day is observed on the last Sunday of January to raise awareness about preventing disabilities caused by leprosy, especially in children. Disabilities from leprosy occur over time due to undiagnosed and untreated cases.

31th January  International Zebra Day

International Zebra Day is celebrated on 31 January every year. The purpose of the day is to increase awareness about zebra conservation and how individuals can help protect these animals.

Looking Ahead to January 2025

The year 2025 will also bring similar national and international events. Marking days like Global Family Day and Makar Sankranti, January continues to be a month of unity, celebration, and reflection.

(Note: Dates/timings may be subject to change; details mentioned here are as per the information available.)

For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events.
Long Weekends 2025: The New Year 2025 is almost here! A new year brings opportunities to explore and embrace new adventures. As 2025 has come to an end, many of us are seeking fresh beginnings. Thankfully, 2025 offers an exciting prospectplenty of long weekends in India. These long weekends are perfect for ticking off destinations from your travel bucket list.

If your boss is hesitant about approving long leave, dont worry. By planning your holidays smartly around the long weekends in 2025, you can enjoy around 12 short trips throughout the year. This means fewer leave requests and more opportunities for travel!

Month-wise Guide to Long Weekends in 2025

Long weekends are like a breath of fresh air in our busy lives. Here's a detailed month-wise list of long weekends in 2025. Mark your calendars and start planning your holidays to make the most of these opportunities.

List of Long Weekends in 2025

Heres the complete list of long weekends in India for 2025:

January 2025

Pongal or Makar Sankranti

January 2025 Long Weekends Date Day 11 January 2025 Saturday 12 January 2025 Sunday 13 January 2025 Monday (take leave) 14 January 2025 Tuesday (Pongal or Makar Sankranti)

March 2025

Holi or Holika Dahan

March 2025 Long Weekends Date Day 13 March 2025 Thursday (Holika Dahan) 14 March 2025 Friday (Holi) 15 March 2025 Saturday 16 March 2025 Sunday

Eid-Ul-Fitr

Date Day 29 March 2025 Saturday 30 March 2025 Sunday 31 March 2025 Monday (Eid-Ul-Fitr)

April 2025

Mahavir Jayanti and Vaisakhi

April 2025 Long Weekends Date Day 10 April 2025 Thursday (Mahavir Jayanti) 11 April 2025 Friday (take leave) 12 April 2025 Saturday 13 April 2025 Sunday

Good Friday and Easter

Date Day 18 April 2025 Friday (Good Friday) 19 April 2025 Saturday 20 April 2025 Sunday (Easter)

May 2025

Buddha Purnima

May 2025 Long Weekends Date Day 10 May 2025 Saturday 11 May 2025 Sunday 12 May 2025 Monday (Buddha Purnima)

August 2025

Independence Day and Janmashtami

August 2025 Long Weekends 15 August 2025 Friday (Independence Day) 16 August 2025 Saturday 17 August 2025 Sunday

September 2025

Eid-e-Milad and Onam

September 2025 Long Weekends Date Day 5 September 2025 Friday (Eid-e-Milad and Onam) 6 September 2025 Saturday 7 September 2025 Sunday

October 2025

Maha Navami, Dussehra, and Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti

October 2025 Long Weekends Date Day 1 October 2025 Wednesday (Maha Navami) 2 October 2025 Thursday (Dussehra and Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti) 3 October 2025 Friday (take leave) 4 October 2025 Saturday 5 October 2025 Sunday

Diwali

Date Day 18 October 2025 Saturday 19 October 2025 Sunday 20 October 2025 Monday (Diwali)

Bhai Dooj

Date Day 23 October 2025 Thursday (Bhai Dooj) 24 October 2025 Friday (take leave) 25 October 2025 Saturday 26 October 2025 Sunday

December 2025

Christmas

December 2025 Long Weekends Date Day 25 December 2025 Thursday (Christmas) 26 December 2025 Friday (take leave) 27 December 2025 Saturday 28 December 2025 Sunday

Key Festivals and Celebrations

Makar Sankranti and Pongal

Celebrated in January, these festivals mark the end of winter and the arrival of longer days. Known for their cultural significance, the celebrations include bonfires, dancing, and delicious traditional foods like sesame seed and jaggery sweets.

Holi

Holi, the festival of colours, is celebrated with vibrant powders, water fights, and joyous gatherings. It symbolises the triumph of good over evil and promotes unity among communities.

Eid-Ul-Fitr

Marking the end of Ramadan, Eid-Ul-Fitr is a time of prayer, feasting, and giving. People celebrate by wearing new clothes, meeting loved ones, and spreading joy.

Diwali

The festival of lights, Diwali, signifies the victory of light over darkness. It is celebrated with earthen lamps, sweets, and family gatherings.

Make the Most of Long Weekends in 2025

With so many long weekends in 2025, its time to plan exciting getaways and make lasting memories. Whether you prefer cultural festivals, peaceful retreats, or thrilling adventures, this list of long weekends has something for everyone.

Start planning today, and dont let these opportunities slip away!

(Note: Dates/timings may be subject to change; details mentioned here are as per the information available.)

For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events.
Jeju Air's Boeing 737-800 crashed at Muan International Airport in South Korea on Sunday morning, killing at least 47 people on board. A terrifying video captures the moment the twin-engine plane went off the runway and collided with a wall. The plane immediately exploded into flames. Within seconds, massive black smoke erupted into the sky.

Watch the video here.

DRAMATIC moment South Korean plane with reported 180+ passengers becomes a fireball and crashes at airport CAUGHT on cam pic.twitter.com/VdrdavEXgT  RT (@RT_com) December 29, 2024

Flames were also seen devouring pieces of the plane. The footage shows the aircraft attempting a 'belly landing' (without its landing gear completely deployed) seconds before crashing.

The flight was carrying 181 passengers and six crew members

The flight was carrying 181 passengers and six crew members. So far, just two people have been found alive: a passenger and a flight attendant, according to local media.

Rescue procedures are ongoing, with authorities attempting to extract people from the rear area of the jet. Around 9 a.m., emergency services at the airport commenced operations following the aircraft accident. At least 32 fire vehicles and scores of firefighters have been dispatched to the disaster site.

The plane was heading from Bangkok to Muan

FlightRadar24, an internet flight monitoring system, reported that the plane was heading from Bangkok to Muan. Choi Sang-Mok, South Korea's acting president, authorised an all-out rescue effort. "All related agencies must mobilise all available resources to save the personnel," he instructed officials in a statement.

Yonhap News Agency is reporting a Jeju Air 737 went off the runway after landing in Muan. This appears to be #7C2216 from Bangkok operated by a 737-800. https://t.co/Nyf9IuyxmA https://t.co/QkNX4B8eNF pic.twitter.com/LCIUktDbHN  Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) December 29, 2024

His chief of staff also called an emergency meeting following the event. The disaster is thought to have been caused by contact with birds, which resulted in failing landing gear.

Also read: Heartbreaking videos surface after plane crash in Kazakhstan, watch

To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending.
Infertility cases are on the rise across the globe. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 1 in 6 people worldwide experience infertility in their lifetime. This is equal to 17.5 per cent of the adult population. Fortunately, with the advancement of technology, a new technique called In vitro fertilization, also called the IVF procedure, is a complex series of procedures that can lead to pregnancy.

In the IVF process, some women are more likely to conceive twins naturally, and IVF can amplify this genetic tendency. Recently, a couple pregnant with IVF twins was shocked to discover a third baby's heartbeat. But how was that possible?

Shelby, the mother of the triplets, suffered from cancer and hence decided on IVF

Shelby, the mother of the triplets, had suffered cancer as a teenager and was told that she would never be able to have her baby. However, through the fertility treatment, they were able to have Bennett, and then the couple turned to the treatment again as they wanted to have another baby, reported the Sun UK.

This time, after a long journey via IVF, they were thrilled to find out that Shelby was pregnant. After the pregnancy, the doctor one day made the most remarkable discovery that there was another baby in there, besides the two embryos that the doctors had transferred into her.

According to the report, the tests showed that it wasn't an egg that had split, and they were given the amazing news that Shelby had been pregnant at the time the twins were conceived.

Doctor reveals how it happened

According to their fertility doctor, they were suggested to try a different medication, and after doing another egg retrieval, they discovered that two of their embryos were tied togethera boy and a girl.

The couple decided to put both of those in and hoped that it would work. Earlier, the doctors thought one of the embryos had split, but when the triplets were born, doctors conducted some tests and found that they were from three totally separate embryos.

The doctors at the clinic noted that they had never seen something like this happen before.

To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending.
In a tragic turn of events, a devastating plane crash occurred at Muan International Airport in South Korea on Sunday morning, where a Jeju Air flight with 181 people on board veered off the runway due to malfunctioning landing gear, hit a fence, and caught fire. Unfortunately, all but two people on the flight are feared dead. Authorities have confirmed 120 fatalities so far. As rescue efforts continue at the Airport, a chilling story has emerged from the tragic plane crash, with a passenger's haunting messages being shared by News1.

South Korea plane crash: A passenger's chilling last words revealed

A passenger on the Jeju Air flight had sent heartbreaking messages to a family member just minutes before the fatal crash took place on December 29. In the messages, obtained by News1, the passenger mentions a bird getting stuck in the wing, which reportedly caused the plane to be unable to land. Realising the graveness of the matter, the said passenger asked the family member if they should leave a will.

As translated by Koreaboo, the passenger told his family member on Kakao Talk, "We're holding", followed by the alarming revelation that "a bird got stuck in the wing" and they couldn't land. The conversation took a frightening turn when the passenger asked, "Should I leave a will?" leaving the family member concerned.

Credit: Koreaboo

Families were returning from the Christmas holidays

According to local media reports, the ill-fated flight was carrying a total of 181 people, comprising 175 passengers, mostly South Korean families who were returning from Christmas vacations in Thailand, and six crew members.

The fire department confirmed that the Jeju plane that crash-landed in Muan on Sunday was "completely destroyed", with the identification of the deceased proving to be a daunting task due to the extend of the damage. "The plane is almost completely destroyed, and identifying the deceased is proving difficult. The process is taking time as we locate and recover the remains," the fire department in Muan said in a statement.

Tributes pour in on social media

Social media has flooded with condolences messages and tributes after the devastating plane crash. South Korea's acting President Choi Sang-mok reached the crash site at Muan International Airport to inspect the situation. "No words of consolation will be enough for the families who have suffered such a tragedy," he said speaking of the tragedy, as he promised complete support to the grieving family.
Padma Vibhushan Ratan Tata, whose death was mourned not only by Indians but by people worldwide, would have turned 87 on 28th December, if he were still living. The previous Chairman of Tata Sons, the parent firm of the Tata Group, was instrumental in growing the Tata Group into a strong global organisation while adhering to its core values of honesty, quality, and societal benefit. Let's have a look at how people across the country remember the legend.

1. Free cancer medicines

Ratan Tata invested almost four years ago in Arjun Deshpande's pharmaceutical retail firm, which supplied generic pharmaceuticals. The young entrepreneur then informed BusinessLine that "Ratan Sir" instructed him to concentrate on oncology drugs.

To commemorate Tata's 87th birthday, the enterprise provided cancer medication for life "as long as their prescription does not change," according to a Generic Aadhaar representative.

2. Mural

Credit: Google Images

Green Caps Jamshedpur unveiled a bright mural in Dimna to commemorate Ratan Tata's enduring legacy. The artistic project demonstrates the community's respect for the corporate leader.

Meanwhile, artist Devbrata Singh brought the notion to fruition. Furthermore, the mural depicts Tata's various efforts. In addition, it seeks to inspire future generations.

3. Birthday celebrations

Local artists came together to commemorate Ratan Tata's birthday at Uday Movies Studio in Sonari. The gathering included artistic tributes and musical performances.

Meanwhile, a specially prepared cake accentuated the event. Furthermore, the gathering demonstrated community gratitude. In addition, artists told stories of Tata's inspired leadership.

4. Legal professionals gathered together

The legal community met at the ancient courthouse to commemorate Ratan Tata's birth anniversary. The event brought together approximately 100 legal professionals.

Meanwhile, Notary Public Dinesh Narayan Singh oversaw the proceedings.Furthermore, Lawyers Defence President coordinated actions. In addition, senior activists received special recognition. The celebration featured traditional aspects. Furthermore, attendees paid flower tributes to Tata's image.

5. Entrepreneur award

The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) alumni association held a ceremony on Saturday to honour Ratan Tata's birth anniversary and present a young entrepreneur award.

Also read: Ratan Tata Birth Anniversary: The unlikely bond between Tata and Shantanu Naidu that shaped a lifelong friendship

To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending.
Former presidential candidate of Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has condemned killings of some Nigerians across the country by unknown gunmen.

Obis statement is coming, after a Catholic priest, Rev Fr. Tobias Okonkwo, was murdered along the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway in Anambra State, on Thursday.

Speaking in a statement shared via his X page on Saturday, the former governor of the state extended his condolences to the family of the victim.

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Obi lamented over continuous killings of productive men and women in Nigeria, asking when government will take immediate action to curb the development.

He said: Today, I woke up to the heartbreaking news of the tragic and unfortunate death of Rev Fr. Tobias Okonkwo, the Manager of the College of Nursing Sciences, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Ihiala.

Fr Tobias was shot dead by yet-be-identified criminals last night in Ihiala, Anambra. The constant killing of our very productive men and women by some bloodmongers is beyond heartbreaking.

READ MORE: Unknown Gunmen Kill Catholic Priest In Anambra

In many parts of the nation, the blood of our brothers and sisters whose lives were cut short by insecurity, continue to cry.

How many more lives will be wasted before we rise to action and put an end to this menace contending with our future as a nation?

As one who has continuously visited and partnered with the College of Nursing Sciences, Ihiala, I understand how devastating this incident is to the College community.
Kenny Ogungbe, a prominent figure in the Nigerian music industry and CEO of Kennis Music, has sparked renewed debate with his comments about the classic song African Queen.

During a discussion on the Honest Bunch podcast, which was shared on Instagram on Saturday, Ogungbe revisited the long-standing conflict between Blackface and 2Baba, both formerly of the Plantashun Boiz group, over recognition and royalties tied to the track.

Ogungbe explained that Blackface, despite being the first member of the group to release music, did not receive credit when African Queen was registered internationally.

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However, he did not explicitly confirm Blackfaces claims of co-writing the song.

READ MORE: Dammy Krane Dismisses 160m NGO Missing Funds, Alleges Verydarkman Is Renovating School In Jos

I am going to tell you a story that many people are not aware of, Ogungbe said.

I gave Plantashun Boiz a contract which they did not return. I wanted to sign them. The first person to release a song was not 2Baba; it was Blackface. Many of you may not have heard the song because it didnt blow. When we released African Queen and registered it with BMIBroadcast Music, Inc. in the USAhis name was not on it.

Blackface has, for years, alleged that he co-wrote the track and was unfairly excluded from its financial benefits, while 2Baba has consistently maintained sole authorship.

The song, which catapulted 2Baba to global fame, remains central to ongoing discussions about fair attribution and royalties in the music industry.

Watch him speak below

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DEIEvAFNsS0/?igsh=MW50dW95eWlhem9tOA==
Former Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido, has launched a scathing attack on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing him of not being transparent with Nigerians.

Lamido, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), made the accusations during an appearance on the BBC Hausa service program Gane Mini Hanya.

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According to him, both Tinubu and former President Muhammadu Buhari prioritized propaganda over transparency, unlike during the PDPs tenure.

Buharis and Tinubus government are not being transparent with Nigerians unlike during the time when PDP was in power where everything was transparent and open to all Nigerians, he said.

READ ALSO: Wikell Become Political Orphan To Tinubu, They Will Lose  Sule Lamido

The former Governor also criticized Tinubus loan requests, saying they were at odds with the governments claims.

He said: What the government is telling Nigerians is different from what it is executing.

If Nigerians are being told the truth then there is nothing wrong with that, but how would you budget N30tn, generate N50tn and then request loan when you have a surplus of N20tn?

Lamido further described the situation as recklessness and clear-cut selfishness that is unparalleled worldwide.

He expressed dismay that some Nigerians still support the government despite its perceived shortcomings.
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, have intercepted two boats loaded with 1,960 kilograms of cannabis, at Eleko Beach, Lekki, Lagos State.

It was gathered that six foreigners were also arrested during the operation on the 24th of December, 2024.

In a statement released on Sunday by the agencys Spokespeman, Femi Babafemi, disclosed that the cannabis consignments had been smuggled into Nigeria from Ghana via the waterways.

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Babafemi said: Operatives of the Marine Command of NDLEA at 2:30am on Christmas Eve, Tuesday 24th December, intercepted two boats loaded with 1,960 kilograms of Ghanaian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, at Eleko Beach in the Lekki area of Lagos.

READ MORE: NDLEA Arrests Businessman At Kano Airport, Recovers 256 Wraps Of Cocaine

Six foreign nationals, who had brought the consignments from Ghana, were arrested during the operation.

They include two Ghanaians, Godsway John, 38; and Freedom Kelvin, 33; as well as four Beninese: Chegoun Hounsou, 23; Gadabor Nyameto, 47; Adantg Sasa, 34; and Ayao Kayivi, 21.

Meanwhile, in a separate operation, NDLEA added that a 48-year-old businessman, Orizu Arthur, was arrested at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, while attempting to board an Air France flight to Paris on Sunday, 22nd December.

Babafemi said that Orizu was flagged during passenger clearance when he refused to undergo a body scan, citing medical reasons.

The statement added: He was subsequently taken into custody for excretion observation, during which he excreted a total of 74 wraps of Class A drugs over a period of seven days.

In his statement, Orizu claimed to own a shop at Balogun Market, Lagos Island, where he sells school and travel bags. He added that he was promised 3,000 Euros upon successful delivery of the consignment in Paris.

He had travelled from Lagos to the Abuja airport to connect to his Air France flight to Paris, hoping to escape detection.


The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has dismissed claims that President Bola Tinubu interferes in its operations.

According to Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPCL, the companys decisions are guided strictly by merit, business requirements, and expertise.

Soneyes statement on Saturday was in response to an article by Prof. Farooq Kperogi, which alleged that Tinubu was orchestrating a Yorubacentric take-over of the NNPCL.

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However, Soneye maintained that employment, promotions, appointments, and movements of business leaders at the NNPC are not influenced by ethnicity, tribe, religion, or political affiliation.

READ ALSO: Peter Obi Hails NNPC Over Port Harcourt Refinery, Seeks Transparency In Fuel Production

The NNPCL spokesman emphasized that the company is a professional organization with a diverse leadership lineup, including individuals from various parts of the world.

He also highlighted the companys achievements under the leadership of Mele Kyari, including groundbreaking advancements in exploration, production, and global partnerships.

Soneye praised President Tinubus approach, saying it has empowered institutions like the NNPC to operate independently while fostering a conducive environment for growth and innovation.

According to him, Tinubus reforms have significantly improved the sector, surpassing the achievements of many of his predecessors.
The Oluwo of Iwo, in Osun State, King Abdulrasheed Akanbi, has drummed support for the introduction of Sharia law in South-West states.

The monarch insisted that the practice has been existing in Yoruba land for very long time, adding that it is the right of every muslims in the region to enjoy the law.

Speaking with PUNCH on Sunday, King Akanbi noted that western culture totally against muslims in divorce and property sharing matters.

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He said: We have Sharia banks in the South-West, and these banks operate according to Sharia law.

READ MORE: Misplaced Priority  Oluwo Cautions EFCC Over Naira Abuse Arrests, Calls For Public Enlightenment

Sharia law has been in Iwo for over 100 years, and there is a Sharia college in Iwo. Its the right of Muslims to choose customary law or the high court.

Many Muslims feel disenfranchised when it comes to the sharing of inheritance and divorce matters.

Western education doesnt understand the ways of Muslim divorce, marriage, and inheritance. Sharia law is in the constitution of Nigeria, and its visible in the North, where there are Nigerians. Anywhere we have Muslims, there is Sharia.

If any other person likes it, they can convert to Islam, and Muslims can also convert to Christianity.

Everyone is free. Sharia shouldnt be a problem for other religions. No government can deny Muslims their inalienable rights.
Many goods, worth millions of naira have been destroyed, following a fire outbreak that happened at Masaka Market in the Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

It was gathered that the inferno started from a commercial bathroom, and spread to other shops around 11:45 pm on Friday night.

INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that multi-million naira shops, selling perishable items and electronics, were completely engulfed by the fire.

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One of the traders who owned a shop in the market, identified as Musa Hudu, told PUNCH that the inferno destroyed his plans to expand the business in the coming months.

READ MORE: Suspected Kidnapper Arrested, Ransom Recovered In Nasarawa

He said: For now, no one can say exactly how many shops were destroyed. The situation was tragic because we couldnt save any of the items due to the intense heat.

Our businesses, which we rely on to support our families, have been brought to a standstill. We feed our families from what we sell, and now everything has been reduced to ashes in a matter of hours.

Where do we start from? Our hopes and plans have been shattered. We are appealing to both the federal and state governments for assistance during this difficult time.

We also urge well-meaning individuals and NGOs to support us.

Confirming the unfortunate incident, the Director of Nasarawa State Fire Service, Builder Ombogus Joshua, in a statement on Saturday, disclosed that his team received a distress call at 11:45 pm on Friday.

Joshua lamented that their vehicle had broken down, and no other vehicle was available to transport the firefighters to the scene in time, which delayed their arrival.

He said: Investigations are ongoing, and once completed, we will determine the exact number of shops destroyed.
Osun State Chairman, of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev. John Adeleke, has tasked Nigerians to turn to God for the healing of the land from hunger and other challenges.

Speaking with News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday, Rev. Adeleke said that the nationis currently facing many challenges because Nigerians have forgotten Godly ways.

He lamented over political leaders who find it hard to fulfil their promises to the public because of the people they surround themselves with.

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READ MORE: Osun Monarch Advocates For Sharia Law In South West, Says Its Muslims Right

He said: There will be challenges in a country where the people and their leaders are not righteous. God is expecting that every sinner should repent and turn to Him.

Most of the things that are happening show that God is not happy with us. Somehow, we are experiencing famine as part of the last-day prophecies.

The only solution is for everyone to turn to God and develop a fear of God.

Sinners should give their lives to Jesus Christ and turn away from their wicked ways; I believe God is the God of mercy, He will show mercy.

Once they get to their respective offices, they do not care about the welfare of the people.

Hence, they get to listen to bad advice and sometimes, the power of dark forces is at work.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has hailed President Bola Tinubu for creating South East Development Commission.

Kalu, while speaking during an empowerment programme organised by the lawmaker representing Ukwa east/Ukwa west federal constituency, Chris Nkwonta, on Saturday, noted that Tinubus administration has shown more supports than any President in 54 years.

The deputy speaker said that the commission will meet the infrastructure needs of the region.

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He said: The president has tried for Ndigbo. He is still trying for Ndigbo. He is the only man that remembered Ndigbo after 54 years that a promise of reconstruction, reconciliation and rehabilitation was made to Ndigbo.

READ MORE: 2027: Tinubu Is Doing Well, All Alliances Against Him Will End In Futility  Doyin Okupe Tells Opposition Groups

He came with the spirit of equity and fairness. He is a leader who believes in development. He signed the SEDC bill into law so that the damage caused by the civil war will be rebuilt.

As the leader of our party, he has asked us to galvanise the grassroots and bring them closer to the politics of development that he is bringing to Igbo land.

For taking this decision to join APC, it shall be well with you. APC has come closer to the people.

On behalf of our party, we welcome you. We know who you are and what you are capable of doing.

When these calibre of people left PDP and other parties and joined the APC, what again is left? The parties have collapsed. Everybody is here. We will empower you to empower others.
The 34th Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army, based in Obinze, Owerri, has eliminated terrorists and recovered seven weapons in Osina, within the Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State.

Capt. Joseph Akubo, the acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the Brigade, shared this information with journalists in Owerri through a statement on Saturday.

Mr. Akubo stated that the terrorists were members of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

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He explained that while returning from routine patrols on Friday, December 27, 2024, the troops responded to a distress call about an IPOB/ESN attack on the Osina community. They engaged the terrorists with overwhelming firepower, forcing the dissidents to retreat in disarray.

READ MORE: NSCDC Arrests Suspect For Motorcycle Theft In Osun

He mentioned that two security agents, who were not part of the military, lost their lives during the operation.

The corpses of the slain agents were recovered and the troops proceeded in pursuit of the fleeing terrorists.

Contact was again made with the criminal IPOB/ESN elements at Nkwachi Community and in the firefight that ensued, one of the dissidents was neutralized while others who could not withstand the troops fire power ran into the nearby forest.

One AK-47 rifle with a fully loaded magazine was recovered. The unrelenting troops continued to pursue the remnant of the criminals deep into Umalouma forest where a heavy firefight further broke out.

The dissidents finally abandoned their weapons due to the troops superior fire power and scampered into the thickly forested area with severe gunshot injuries, he said.

He further stated that an additional four AK-47 rifles, one Fabrique Nationale rifle, and two magazines were recovered, bringing the total to five AK-47 rifles, one FN rifle, and a tear gas launcher.

Mr. Akubo also mentioned that further exploitation is underway, with troops continuing to track the wounded terrorists and flush them out of their hideouts and treatment locations.

He urged all IPOB/ESN members and other criminal elements hiding in the bushes to surrender to the nearest troop location or face defeat, emphasizing that the Brigades troops will remain committed to ensuring the people of Imo can celebrate the Yuletide season peacefully, without fear or intimidation.

Mr. Akubo, however, called on the law-abiding people of Imo to keep assisting the military by sharing vital information on the whereabouts and movements of the terrorists, helping security forces to eliminate criminal activities in the state.
The posters began popping up on street poles and electrical boxes over the summer. In black capital letters against a white background, they displayed the solemn language of traditional historical markers: At This Location ... It happened here.

But the memorialized events were not exactly universally renowned. An Older Femme Dyke Realized She Couldnt Wear Heels Anymore. It was fine!!! She didnt go out that much anyway, one read. An elder dyke spent time with a bunch of young queers. Everyone had a lot of fun, read another.

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The posters make up the Lesbian Mapping Project, a collaboration between Juno Rosenhaus, an artist and founder of Dyke+ ArtHaus in West Philadelphia, and Beth Schindler, an Austin, Texas-based artist who visited the ArtHaus for a 10-day residency this summer.

The heart of it is about being visible, saying lesbians live here, Rosenhaus, 62, said. Were part of the larger community, but we also have our own thing.

Rosenhaus founded the Dyke+ ArtHaus, a community space for Dyke artists of all persuasions that is particularly focused on people over 40, in 2020. Since then, she has hosted dozens of artists in her three-story West Philadelphia house, along with pay-what-you-can residencies, gallery exhibits, and bimonthly dinners that she calls DAPR, for Dyke Artist Potluck Redux.

Schindler, 47, arrived for her ArtHaus residency in August, unsure of exactly what she would work on. But she has always liked to play with queer history in her work.

In 2019, she collaborated with a partner on a project called Gay Dregs, which she describes as a tongue-in-cheek mockery of gay archives. The concept for the show was that the artists had salvaged works from a dumpster behind the national gay archives.

Just making fun of gay people, because everything is always so earnest, so serious, so life and death, Schindler said. The truth of the matter is that being gay is really ridiculous. Being gay is really fun and funny.

When she arrived in Philly, Schindler explored the William Way Archives LGBT Mapping Project, which documents more than 1,000 places in the region that are significant in queer history. But she felt that the project portrayed the classic sad trail of hate and devastation that gay archives often highlight. (While it does mark sites of violence against the queer community, the project also records a wide range of LGBTQ history, from historic cruising spots to the homes of famous gay and lesbian Philadelphians.)

Schindler wanted her project to be lighthearted, drawing on the life and comedy of her community.

The first posters she made were drawn from her own experiences  When an older femme realized that she couldnt wear heels anymore, thats totally me, she said with a laugh  and those of her friends. Then she and Rosenhaus wheat-pasted them onto poles and walls in West Philadelphia and the Gayborhood. The project quickly took off, with people sharing photos of the posters online and adding their own experiences and stories. Schindler designed a dozen more.

The posters, along with blank templates, are available for anyone to print. So far, they have popped up in cities around the world, including Provincetown, Montreal, and Berlin. Schindler plans to post them in her hometown of Austin next.

Any one of those things could have taken place on any corner in the world, Rosenhaus said. These are the fun and intimate real-life things that have happened to so many of us.
Putting latest news and contemporary collections aside, we look at some of the less familiar aspects of the Manufactures early history, ahead of its 270th anniversary next year

Why 1755?

Manufactures frequently give their birth year but how many have actual proof? What of Vacheron Constantins 1755? Is it the year of the first atelier, or cabinet as they were then known? The first watch? The founders birth? Nope! 1755 is the year Jean-Marc Vacheron hired his first apprentice, Esaie Jean Francois Hetier. The young man would spend five years alongside his master, for the sum of 1,000 florins; the equivalent today of around 10,000 euros. Certified by a notary, the document was signed on September 17, 1755 and bears the oldest known mention of the master watchmaker and founder of a dynasty that would become Vacheron Constantin. Jean-Marc Vacheron would stay 30 years at the workbench, retiring and handing over to his sons in 1785.

Excerpt of an apprenticeship contract under Jean-Marc Vacheron in 1755  Vacheron Constantin

Back in time

For many years, the official birth date of Vacheron Constantin wasnt 1755 but 1785  believed to be the year that Abraham Vacheron, a member of the second generation, set up in business. The new date of 1755  30 years earlier  was established after contemporary investigations located the abovementioned apprenticeship certificate, which wasnt part of the companys records, in archives held by the State of Geneva. This original document confirmed the Manufactures year of birth as 1755.

A rare find

Vacheron Constantin is still in possession of the first watch made by Jean-Marc Vacheron, also in 1755. Cased in silver, it features a delicately chased balance cock, an enamel dial and is wound with a key. It is conserved in the Manufactures archives.

Very first Vacheron watch, 1755  Vacheron Constantin

A family dynasty

Should you ever come across a watch bearing the name Andre Vacheron, dont dismiss it as a fake. Several members of the Vacheron family made watches in Geneva, each with his own signature. Andre signed his work with a simple Andre Vacheron but, from time to time, would team up with his brothers on pieces signed Vacheron Freres. Vacheron a Geneve and Abraham Vacheron are other options. Jean-Paul Vacheron, a cousin, signed J P Vacheron. Definitely a family affair!

Watch with "Vacheron Chossat et Cie" signature  Vacheron Constantin

In good spirits

By the early nineteenth century, the Napoleonic empire extended across half of Europe but the economic situation was dire. As sales floundered, the company sought new ways to stay afloat and began selling... spirits and fabrics. Finding new sources of income in these difficult times was essential if Vacherons core business of watchmaking were to survive.

From Vacheron to Constantin

Where does the Constantin name originate? In these early years of the nineteenth century, Jacques Barthelemi Vacheron, son of Abraham Vacheron, was a frequent visitor to European capitals, selling his companys wares. But travel was a tiring business and Jacques Barthelemi also had the task of instructing his own children in the watchmakers craft. He took the decision to hand the commercial side of the family firm, already in its third generation, to a friend. That friend was Francois Constantin. A new entity, Vacheron Constantin, was officially established on April 1, 1819.

Jacques Bartelemi Vacheron and Francois Constantin  Vacheron Constantin

A gem of an idea

Business would expand considerably under Francois Constantin. Watches were still an exotic product and Francois Constantin knew he would have to entice customers with something more familiar: jewellery. Not as a manufacturer but as a reseller, purchasing a large supply of jewellery, worth more than 60,000 francs, in Paris. Armed with necklaces, rings, earrings and other trinkets, rebranded Bijouterie de Geneve, Francois Constantin travelled around Europe, introducing customers to Vacheron Constantin watches.
Sabrina Raheem (left) and Chimera Quattlebaum greet each other with a hug at the annual end-of-year Feast of Giving Community Celebration at Philadelphia Masjid in West Philadelphia on Saturday. Its all about nurturing and showing love said Raheem. Read more

Food  and hugs  were in abundance Saturday at the end-of-year Feast of Giving Community Celebration at Philadelphia Masjid.

The West Philly mosque hosted a free feast with chicken, fish, crab, and shrimp on the menu.

Philadelphia Masjid serves as a place of worship for Muslims in Philly, as well as an education center for surrounding communities. Part of their mission is to spread love, hope and faith to everyone, according to their website.

Its all about nurturing and showing love, said feast participant Sabrina Raheem.
Sixth Street near Avenue of the States in downtown Chester in December. Read more

Chester will be preparing for what it hopes will be a prominent role in the nations 250th birthday party. And the new year looms as one of the most-eventful ones in a history that predates even William Penns landing where the Delaware River meets Chester Creek.

But in 2025, Delaware Countys only city will reach a milestone it would prefer not to mark.

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Confronting overwhelming debts, on Jan. 24, 1995, then-Mayor Barbara Bohannan-Sheppard asked Pennsylvania to declare Chester officially distressed, and after finding what they described as municipal chaos, state investigators assented three months later.

Three decades and over $30 million in state aid later, the city essentially is panning for gold in its water pipes to rescue itself from a historic municipal bankruptcy.

We are at the brink, said lifelong Chester resident Adelaide Evans, 45. If we dont get it resolved right now, who knows what Chester is going to end up being.

In a town that hosts a daunting menu of urban issues, the bankruptcys outcome ultimately may have impacts around the country, say municipal finance specialists.

Other cities are watching what happens in Chester, said Vijay Kapoor, chief of staff for the state receiver who took the city into bankruptcy two years ago.

The city administration and the receiver are looking at water resources that serve hundreds of thousands of customers in Chester and elsewhere, hoping to sell them for potentially hundreds of millions of dollars to a buyer that would keep them in public hands.

Whether the city has the power to sell those assets, now operated by the Chester Water Authority and two other entities, remains knee-deep in litigation. But attorneys involved in the case agree that the Supreme Court may hand down a key decision in 2025.

The importance of those assets, said Kapoor, isnt just the elephant in the room: Its the elephant and the room.

How Chester got here: A brief summary

An industrial powerhouse during the two world wars, Chester began to see chips and cracks in its economy in the 1950s, and the deterioration accelerated frighteningly in the next two decades.

Its tax base eroded, it hemorrhaged jobs and population, which declined from 66,000 in 1950 to about 40,000 in 1990, in part the result of the exodus of white families lured by newer and growing communities, such as Brookhaven and Wallingford.

Chesters fiscal difficulties accelerated. In 1995, when it entered Act 47 distressed status for communities in trouble, state officials found that Mandated pensions and daily bills were not paid.  The press, the public and the courts viewed Chester as an object of ridicule.

Bankruptcy was on the table. Mayor Stefan Roots, who is just completing his first year in office, wishes the state had acted then.

It was obvious that the city wasnt going to make certain moves on recommendation only, he said in an interview this month. Its kind of a shame to see that it went so far before the real cavalry has come in.

What prompted the decision to take Chester into bankruptcy?

The city eventually went into state receivership in 2020, and receiver Michael Doweary took it into bankruptcy in November 2022. Chester had accumulated a $48 million pension deficit and missed several years of payments, and a key financial officer lost $400,000 in a phishing scam.

Whats in the water of Chester?

Potentially hundreds of millions of dollars up front, a healthy revenue stream, and rescued pension funds.

There is gold in the water, which is an enormous component of the U.S. economy: The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that, conservatively, U.S. residents spend $100 billion a year on water.

Aqua Pennsylvania offered over $400 million for the Chester Water Authority three years ago; the citys entire annual budget is about $65 million. Doweary opposed the sale and has insisted that the assets stay in public hands.

He envisions creating a regional entity by bundling the water authority; the Delaware County Regional Water Quality Control Authority, a wastewater-treatment facility that serves 46 towns in Delaware and Chester Counties; and the Stormwater Authority of Chester.

He said he wants the regional authority to remain public, lest rate hikes should spike as investors seek returns. The water authority vigorously opposes a sale.

In 2016, Scranton waded its way out of distressed status after 30 years by selling its water utilities, but as municipal finance specialist Liz Farmer pointed out in her Long Story Short newsletter, in July the city raised its rates for drinking water by 10.7% and wastewater by 6.4%.

Representatives of Chester retirees, understandably anxious about the state of pension funds, want the city to reap as much as it can in any sale agreement.

Would a sale save the Chester retirees pensions?

At the very least, it would make cuts less severe, Kapoor said.

David Skeel, the University of Pennsylvania law professor appointed by President Barack Obama to chair the oversight board in the mammoth Puerto Rico bankruptcy, said that the trend in recent bankruptcies, including Puerto Ricos, has been avoidance of significant pension cuts.

That may have an unintended consequence, he suggested, in that bankruptcies may be less politically damaging, and thus more palatable, for elected officials. I do think theres a very significant possibility that well see an uptick in municipal bankruptcies, he said.

For now, they remain rare. Only about 30 of the more than 35,000 towns in the country have gone the bankruptcy route, and it is not at all clear whether that pension-salvaging trend will continue with Chester.

The question of whether the city has the power to sell the water assets remains a critical element of the legal quagmire.

The receiver holds that in 2012 the GOP-majority state legislature wrested control of the water authority from Chester in a stealth bill passed without debate.

Frank Catania, attorney for the water authority, argues that 80% of the 200,000 people who rely on the authority for drinking water live outside the city. The receiver counters that the infrastructure providing the water from the Octoraro Reservoir belongs to Chester, while not a drop of the revenue has gone into the city treasury.

And what happens if the courts decide against Chester?

Without the sale  or monetization  theres going to be a lot of pressure to make some very severe cuts to pensions, Kapoor said.

Regardless of the outcome, what were trying to look at is to gradually increase the investments, the tax base, over time, he said, rather than counting on one-off economy-boosting projects.

The state has spent about $11.5 million on Chester during the four years of receivership, according to the Department of Community Development.

Kapoor argued that the investment has been more than worth it, as Chester has made progress getting its financial house in order and hiring qualified professionals in key financial positions. The city now is operating with a balanced budget while avoiding service cuts and layoffs.

Chesters economic obstacles

Penns Skeel said the city faces tremendous challenges.

It needs to live within its means, but it also really needs development and investment, he said.

The unemployment rate is near 30%. Chester has vast numbers of properties off-limits to taxation, and by far the highest percent of people living in public housing in the county. It has the second-highest wage tax in the state, behind Philadelphia. Its acres and acres of vacant land are valued at less than $1 million in total by the state tax board.

Said Zulene Mayfield, founder of Chester Residents Concerned for Quality Living: Its a lot of issues if you look at it in totality. You cant get overwhelmed.

About 20% of Chesters revenues are generated by slot machines and a trash-burning incinerator.

The mayor says he isnt waiting for a court decision

Roots says that of all the things he has on his plate for 2025, his top priorities would include redefining Chesters image and making the city more welcoming.

He said he already has taken small steps, such as improving the lighting outside City Hall and in the lobby.

We know people have a very bad opinion of our city, he said. Were poor, were sick, were crime-ridden, were bad government.

He said Chester needs to become aggressive about marketing its assets  its waterfront; historical attractions; transportation access; and proximity to Philadelphia, which will be at the nexus of the 2026 Semiquincentennial.

He said he wants to blitz social media with positive images of the city, so that when people google Chester, theyre going to see the good stuff.

Adelaide Evans, who campaigned for Roots, said she hopes that whatever strategy the mayor and the receiver embrace is going to work.

This is either going to make us or break us, she said.

Said Mayfield: As long as people are living and breathing in Chester, theres hope.
President-elect Donald Trump listens to Elon Musk as he arrives to watch SpaceX's mega-rocket Starship lift off for a test flight from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, on Nov. 19. Read more

In a world where the news doesnt stop getting more bat-guano crazy just because its Christmas, where a phony war between the United States and Denmark consumes more electrons than the heartbreakingly real ones in Gaza and Ukraine, you might have missed a major escalation in the world conflict that matters most.

The unrelenting and wildly successful war on facts, also known as truth.

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A man with 11 kids who spends Christmas Eve tweeting, Elon Musk  the ketamine-fueled Bond villain and richest human in world history who emerged from the Trojan horse of Americas 2024 presidential election hell-bent on world domination  showed yet again that its never enough for him.

Sure, his $44 billion dagger into the heart of the U.S. political conversation by buying flawed-but-freewheeling Twitter and turning it into a right-wing cesspool called X helped drag Donald Trump over the Nov. 5 finish line, but what about those pesky pockets of fact-diggers and truth-tellers he hasnt bought or destroyed yet?

No wonder the $436 billion man wants to crush Wikipedia (yearly budget: $177 million), the nonprofit internet encyclopedia that uses a messy but open and democratic editing process to grind toward truth. Musk, whose feuds with a website where he cant buy and bury details from his antisemitic tweets to allegedly asking a SpaceX employee to have his babies are not new, fired off a series of new salvos.

Stop donating to Wokepedia until they restore balance to their editing authority, wrote Musk atop a tweet from a right-wing font of disinformation called Libs of TikTok. In typical fashion, Musks case against the Wikimedia Foundation was based on a gross misrepresentation of its budget, a claim that its efforts to ensure unbiased political entries in contentious, far-flung elections or to build a less-sexist encyclopedia are proof of the MAGA movements chief boogeyman, DEI.

Musk  who basically set more than $30 billion on fire by deliberately destroying Twitters once-high valuation  has also offered $1 billion for Wikipedia, although its unclear whether he actually wants to own it or just change its name to a second-grade-level penis joke. The world dictator of disinformation wants to devalue reality-based information any way he can, because, as Wikipedia beat journalist Stephen Harrison wrote in 2022, the site occupies what appears to be an increasingly rare internet niche: a place where billionaires cannot purchase their preferred version of events, nor own the means of conversation.

The good news is that Wikipedia is not for sale. But thats cold comfort in a multiple-front battle for truth that Musk and Trump  tag team Legion of Doom on their kayfabe-laced information wrestling mat  are body-slamming everywhere else.

With little fanfare, the recent Musk-initiated, Trump-enabled assault on the federal government funding deal managed to shut down a $61 million-a-year U.S. State Department office  set up in 2016, amid the first wave of Russian election interference  that employed 120 people to combat foreign-generated disinformation.

You know, the kind of folks who might prove useful the next time Russia shoots down a commercial jet and its civilian passengers and tries to pretend its a bird strike  or when it tells Black Americans in Milwaukee to stay home in the next election. But to President Musk, these U.S. diplomats were interfering with the only guaranteed constitutional right that matters  their right to tell lies.

This significant surrender in the war against propaganda, and the campaign against a holdout pocket of resistance in Wikipedia, got scant attention in a mainstream media that was decimated both morally and economically over the course of 2024. Instead, the scribes at the New York Times, the Washington Post, and elsewhere were on the scavenger hunt for a new batch of shiny objects planted by the nominal president-elect: wild threats to take over the Panama Canal and Greenland and maybe even Canada.

Forget Greenland. My strong  and maybe naive?  hunch is that Denmarks vast, mineral-rich Arctic territory wont prove to be 2025s Sudetenland, but Trumps blustery and out-of-left-field pitch for American lebensraum is important as the leading edge of Team MAGAs real World War III  against any consensus on objective truth.

Much like the global upheaval of the 1940s, the real Trump-Musk war is already well underway, waged in every possible theater. In a world where content is king, Trump and his Lion King hyenas alliance with billionaire oligarchs has now bought and ruined the most prominent real-time information exchange in Twitter turned X  while fighting relentlessly to destroy traditional newsroom or network journalism, through lawsuits, licensing threats, or nonstop verbal attacks, on Musk-owned X or elsewhere.

Im sure that even the late, great George Orwell would have been amazed and impressed at the ways Trump and Musk have been able to portray these crusades as a battle for free speech, rather than the mother of all conflicts to destroy it. Here, too, we saw a watershed moment this past week as Trump and a lawyer for his incoming administration filed a brief with the U.S. Supreme Court to undo the ridiculous, looming ban on the Chinese-owned social media app TikTok (a colossal blunder by Dems led by President Joe Biden, but thats for another day).

Todays TikTok, ironically, seems a lot like pre-Musk Twitter  a wide-open frontier of information that can be fake or scammy or bitingly real, mixing dude-bro Trump agitprop with vital pleas for sanity and truth. But its smart politics for the president-elect to position himself as TikToks savior.

Thats because, in the big picture, TikTok is part of the unreality-based world that flourishes from your uncles Facebook feed to YouTube influencers to the supermarket checkout line  the toxic miasma that got a convicted felon reelected by the most uninformed electorate in modern U.S. history.

While championing TikTok, the MAGA movement has worked with remarkable success to undo a movement for professional, trained fact-checking that arose after 2016s tsunami of disinformation. A prime example is the site NewsGuard, whose ambitious, nonpartisan goals of promoting truth-seeking newsrooms have been undermined by the same unholy alliance of Big Tech and congressional Republicans that has stopped or weakened similar efforts from Harvard to Homeland Security.

 READ MORE: Americas choice: Do voters want to live in reality, or a dangerous dream world? | Will Bunch

The tactical goals for Musk (lower taxes, the end of government regulations, preferential deals with the U.S. government, and  yes, Bond fans  global domination) and for Trump (disappearing his criminal cases while monetizing the American presidency) are very much in sight. Their strategy for getting there  the real WWIII that doesnt involve storming Panama  is the nuclear demolition of objective reality.

And so the undemocracys Legion of Doom is winning WWIII when American voters are as badly confused and misinformed as those the Washington Post interviewed this past week, like Trump voter Lori Mosura of New Castle, Pa., who barely subsists largely on Social Security and food stamps. She said, I think he knows its the poor people that got him elected, so I think Trump is going to do more to help us. This as Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy, and their faux commission called DOGE are scheming to somehow slash $2 trillion from the U.S. budget.

They are winning their World War III when the elite media takes seriously Trumps obviously fake bluster about taking over Canada or lowering grocery prices (or that Trump invented the word groceries), or when ABC News-owning Disney Corp. grovels with $15 million for a Trump library grift, or when owners of major newspapers spike pro-democracy editorials or invent insane contraptions like a bias meter.

And the less the media  or citizens who prefer to live in a reality-based world  fight back, the worse things are going to get. This week, a 39-year-old taxi driver and self-described ex-Marine from Grand Junction, Colo., followed a TV journalist of Pacific Islander descent some 40 miles and then physically attacked him after allegedly yelling, This is Trumps America now! and I took an oath to protect this country from people like you!

The fact that 2024 was also one of the worst years, globally (and largely due to Gaza), for killing journalists since modern record-keeping should be a wake-up call for what can happen here. But there is also hope, and not just because the post-Christmas Trumpist meltdown on X  pitting the billionaire oligarchs of New MAGA against the Classic MAGA of white supremacy  led to Musks blatant efforts to silence his online critics and in the process make an utter mockery of his free speech mantle.

Not surprisingly, donations to the Wikimedia Foundation from everyday folks outraged by Musks renewed assaults have risen sharply since Christmas, perhaps by as much as 400%, although the exact figure is unclear. The aftermath of Trumps election victory has also sparked a broader conversation about getting smart about fighting disinformation  by supporting local news and nonprofit (and thus non-billionaire) newsrooms and creating alternative ways of getting reality bites to an electorate that is now feasting on fake news.

Its past time to fight their war and defeat them on their turf, which thankfully is not in the frigid glaciers of Greenland.
Why did the outgoing government fail to regulate fishing trawling in nearshore areas as they had promised?

This sorry saga goes back more than a decade when anger erupted among anglers and small-scale fishermen using pots and lines over the arrival of large trawling boats sieving the life out of small bays and estuaries along the western seaboard.

The practice, referred to as pair trawling, involves two boats dragging a single net through the water column to scoop up shoals of small fish, usually sprats, which are no more than a few centimetres in length. The practice illustrates everything that is wrong with how the seas around Ireland are managed.

Many of the areas in which pair trawling occurs are designated for biodiversity conservation as Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) or Special Protected Areas (SPAs) under EU law  and yet actual protection measures on the ground are close to non-existent.

While all kinds of industrial fishing (strictly-speaking, large boats or the use of particularly harmful gear) should be excluded from SACs and SPAs, for the vast majority there are no restrictions whatever on the types of fishing activity that can take place.

The sprats themselves, like many species that are targeted in inshore areas, are not governed by any kind of quotas or restrictions so the boats are free to take all of them if they are so inclined.

A Fin whale 'lunge-feeding' on sprat off the west Cork coast. Picture: Padraig Whooley

And its not like the fish are feeding hungry people; sprats are mostly destined to be churned into fishmeal  a brown powder destined for other unsustainable industries, particularly feed stock for captive-farmed salmon.

The fishing industry complains constantly that it is in a state of collapse, but is it any wonder?

Sprats are a key species in the marine food web. They eat plankton and their flesh is oily and so full of calories. Now that herring populations have collapsed around our coasts due to overfishing, the sprats are just about all thats left for seabirds, dolphins, whales and the larger fish which, if allowed to recover, might provide a living for small-scale fishermen.

Herring populations have collapsed around our coasts due to overfishing. Picture: Irish Wildlife Trust

According to figures from an Bord Iascaigh Mhara, 71% of active fishing boats in Ireland are less than 10 metres in length while banning all pair trawling within six nautical miles of the coast, where nearly all the fishing for sprats occurs with larger boats, would impact six vessels.

You read that right: only six boats, out of a total of 1,425 which were registered in Ireland in 2022 are responsible for one of the most ecologically harmful forms of fishing in our waters. And yet it goes on.

In 2018, then-minister for agriculture, Fine Gaels Michael Creed, announced that pair trawling by vessels more than 18 metres in length would be banned. This decision, however, was over-turned in the courts and while the incoming government in 2020 committed to reintroducing the prohibition on inshore pair trawling, this didnt happen. A public consultation was held early in 2024 but the results of this have not been published.

Pair-trawling is where two boats drag a net with a fine mesh through the water column. It can sieve the water of whole bays in a few hours while the small fish which are caught (sprat) are the foundation of the marine food chain. They are better left in the sea! pic.twitter.com/SRJ8R0ouyZ  Irish Wildlife Trust (@Irishwildlife) May 5, 2018

If anything though, these proposals do not go far enough. The sprats need to stay in the sea where they can support the rebuilding of the food web, which, if given a chance, would in turn support wildlife and local economies built around small, low impact boats. The consultation did not refer to bottom trawling by smaller boats or dredging for species such as scallops and razor clams, which are particularly destructive practices, even though they are carried out mostly by small boats.

This winter, the return of the pair trawlers to inlets from Cork and Kerry right up to Galway and Donegal, was met with the usual despair from those locals who fret over the ongoing collapse of marine life. In Donegal and Sligo dead common dolphins were washing up soon after the trawlers left. According to Grace Carr of the Irish Wildlife Trust it is extremely frustrating that the original law was overturned, which was on a point of a technicality rather than the policy itself.

The conservation organisation said that the Irish government, the courts and the Irish people all know these measures are vitally needed in order to protect fish species, the entire marine food web and the livelihood of the smaller fishing boats. It should have been a higher priority for the last government to get this ban back in place considering there was nothing wrong with the substance of the policy".

They are now hoping that the incoming government will make it a priority because, says Carr, this is an ecological disaster thats happening right in front of our eyes.

Just banning pair trawling by bigger boats, even if it happens, will not be enough and the incoming government needs to go further:

The long-promised legislation for MPAs must include targets for strictly protected areas, i.e. where there are no fishing or harmful activities of any kind.

Bottom trawling and dredging needs to be stopped, not only are these forms of fishing disastrous for biodiversity but newer evidence points to the emissions of carbon dioxide caused by the non-stop disturbance of seabed sediments.

This may not sound palatable to many who make a living from the sea but they are the ones with the most to gain.

If there is to be any future for commercial fishing in Ireland it must be based on restoration of the ecosystem, without which what little commercial activity that remains will continue its terminal decline.
If you've never heard of Norman Mooney, you may well have walked on some of the stairways he has created.

If you've travelled to New York, Boston or Miami in recent years, chances are good his works of art have contributed to your step count.

Global brands like CELINE, Louis Vuitton, St Regis, H&M, and Harry Winston count on Norman to design everything from staircases to elaborate doors for their flagship stores, everywhere from New York's Fifth Avenue to downtown Miami.

His art is also in notable collections such as the US State Department, The Mint Museum in Charlotte, North Carolina, and the Taicang Art Museum and Nanhai Art Centre in China.

And Norman's work also features in renowned buildings such as the United Nations, One World Trade Centre, the Rockefeller Centre, Saks Fifth Avenue, Yale University, One Vanderbilt, and even the Super Bowl.

And it all started in Cork  the Crawford College of Art and Design, to be specific.

We had lived in Cork, in Mallow, for some of my childhood, so I knew Cork City. Crawford was great, it was very practical.

"We studied everything  pottery, ceramics, stone carving, wood carving, steel and metal. I got a really good practical base there," says Norman of the artistic training that now informs his work.

"After Crawford, I transferred to the National College of Art and Design [NCAD], and that was more conceptually based. We were told not to go into the studio, we were to think and draw and stand back  not just hit things with a hammer.

"So there I had two good combinations, the very practical from Crawford and the conceptual in NCAD."

Norman with his wife Ruth Shortt.

But what was it like being an art student in Ireland of the 1980s, and what happened upon graduation that led Norman to New York?

"Going to art college, the most surprising thing to me was that there were people like me, there were people who thought like me."

But upon graduation from NCAD, "there wasn't much going on".

Norman, and his artist friends, Andrew Duggan and the late Maurice O'Connell, filled this void through public art and the "Accidental Gallery".

They managed to get a lease on St Mary's Church, on Dublin's Jervis Street, and from here the friends put on performances in the capital's inner city.

"We were seeing how art could just happen in public space, we were making our own spaces. I'm not sure how appreciated it was at the time, we had fruit thrown at us," he adds.

While Ireland of the late 80s and early 90s might have been hostile to progressively-minded artists, Norman made "life-long friends" before departing Irish shores to build a career and home abroad. But the United States of America was not on the initial horizon.

"I had a scholarship to do a master's in Beijing and I really wanted to get out and travel, but China felt wrong. Athens was also an option."

It was his mother, who unbeknownst to him, directed him and his future wife towards America.

"We came over here in 1994. My mum put mine and Ruth's [artist Ruth Shortt] name down on a Visa programme without telling us, and then the Visas were announced and we got it. America really wasn't on our radar," says Norman, who explains the young couple planned to "just go for the summer".

That summer of '94 started out with him "trimming I-beams off the top of Manhattan buildings in 95F heat (35C)", but ended up with him owning a 10,000sq ft warehouse space in trendy Williamsburg 30 years later.

In a career that began in Cork and now spans more than three decades and multiple continents, how did things kick off in Manhattan?

The staircase designed by Norman at the Perelman Performing Arts Center in New York City.

While he initially "landed in the East Village", it was out in the Hamptons that Norman found "summer work" that would come to both direct and define his career.

"Quite quickly we found work with Mihai Popa, a Romanian artist in Bridgehampton. We didn't really know what the Hamptons was, we thought we were just going to the beach for a summer job," says Norman.

Transport was costly and funds soon ran tight commuting from the East Village out to the Hamptons, so the couple asked Mihai if he could also employ Ruth and cover the cost of their train fare. Mihai did both.

"I ran his studio with a team of five people, and we ended up staying there for two years," says Norman.

Crucially, the Romanian sculptor gave Norman his own studio space, and during that first winter in New York, he was able to develop his own body of work.

Nova, as Mihai was known, worked on a large farm with multiple people constructing his large sculptures, and when people bought his work, the profits were shared with everyone so they too could make work.

"It's a foundation now," says Norman, of the 95-acre sculpture park that is home to Nova's huge steel works of art in Bridgehampton.

But it was Brooklyn where Norman would have his very own work space. Back in the city, the couple found themselves in Dumbo, right at the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge, in a neighbourhood where Truman Capote wrote Breakfast At Tiffany's.

"Ruth found Urban Glass and began working there and together we found a raw industrial space in a warehouse building in Dumbo and I started making work in the city," says Norman.

It was 1997, by this stage and the artist remembers thinking: "I'll have this wrapped up in two years".

It would however, take more like 10 years, to really establish himself as an artist, and develop his career as an artist.

By 1999, Norman had started the Dumbo Arts Centre and by 2009, he had his "first really big show" in the Milk Gallery in Chelsea  once home to the MTV Video Music Awards afterparty. He presented his "star pieces" to a packed gallery.

"Milk  it was rammed, but the next day after our opening Lehman Brothers crashed," says Norman.

Even in the shadow of a global recession, "a lot of stuff came from that show" and Norman moved to an even larger space.

"We moved the studio from Dumbo to Williamsburg, to this huge 10,000sq ft warehouse space, and that is where I got to push space, that was in 2010," says Norman.

By pushing space, he means the actual bricks-and-mortar space needed to create extremely large sculptures, some constructed with more than 700 pieces of aluminium, ending up in contemporary art galleries around the world and even in embassies.

Norman's 'Butterfly Effect' sculpture at the American consulate in Guadalajara, Mexico.

It was in the Williamsburg warehouse that Workspace11 was born, a place where Norman could fabricate large architectural installations for those Fifth Avenue clients and beyond.

"Workspace 11 started when we moved to Williamsburg, where we started doing architectural projects and building the team to manage that work.

"Public art installations were a natural progression and my first big commission was for the Urban Institute of Contemporary Art in Grand Rapids, Michigan," says Norman, where his famous 'Windseeds' sculptures were taken "outside" for the first time.

It was 2012, and this act of moving his art outside was another major turning point in his career.

A career defining moment for this Cork-trained artist was having his 5m-tall mirror-polished stainless steel sculpture, the 'Butterfly Effect' find a permanent home at the new US consulate in Mexico's cultural capital Guadalajara.

Mexico has been a "big space" for Norman, and his work is part of several private art collections in Mexico City.

From Dumbo to Williamsburg, and now back to Brooklyn, Norman continues to push space and his new studio is in the 150,000sq ft Powerhouse Arts Building in Brooklyn, an old power station redesigned by the world renowned architects Herzog & de Meuron  the same architects who designed the Tate Modern in London, also a power station.

Norman has balanced all of this with family life. Ruth and Norman have four children together, the first being born in 2000, and so family life has been interwoven with their work over the last 30 years.

"Family and work have always been intertwined, the kids come to the studio and I love bouncing things off them. It's all a creative process and Ruth and I work together a lot," says Norman.

Finances have been another balancing act.

It's a difficult balancing act. It's a feast or famine constantly and that's always changing.

"When it was a feast, we bought and renovated a house in Brooklyn and when it is a struggle and a fight, we remind ourselves that we are lucky to have the opportunity to create the work that we do." says Norman.

While home has been Brooklyn for many years, the couple did toy with a return to Ireland during the pandemic.

"Compared to the 1980s, the energy in Dublin feels great, it feels like a very different city, it's multinational now. And there was a moment in covid where we asked ourselves: 'Is this a moment to return?'," explains Norman.

The decision was taken to stay in New York, where their four children feel is most definitely home, but the family returns to Ireland, and Cork, regularly.

"We were back in Ireland for a month in the summer, in Dublin and West Cork," says Norman.

And like Dublin, Cork felt very different to his Crawford days in the 1980s, but not West Cork.

"West Cork hasn't changed a lot, it's the same, beautiful place it always was."
Irelands film censor felt the need to warn the Government over 60 years ago about a concerning trend where the US and UK film industries were constantly developing newer gimmicks and different slants on human depravity to be exploited".

The revelation was made in newly released State papers made available by the National Archives.

In a confidential note written in February 1960, the film censor, Liam OHora, recorded that he had rejected issuing a certificate for 54 films while noting that film producers had by and large departed from all their old standards".

He complained that renters were no longer refraining from submitting their more notorious creations". Mr OHora wrote to the Minister for Justice, Oscar Traynor, that appeals had been lodged in relation to 20 films, with 15 of his original decisions upheld.

He rejected films featuring many leading Hollywood stars including James Stewart, Lana Turner, Frank Sinatra and Anthony Quinn.

Mr O'Hora, who was Ireland's film censor from 1956 to 1964, observed that at least 40% of the films coming in nowadays belong to the moral vacuum category".

He claimed that this new development was not yet exhausted".

There are always newer gimmicks and different slants on human depravity to be exploited, Mr OHora added.

This is a photo from the 1957 film "Jailhouse Rock" in which Elvis Presley plays a convict who becomes a rock star. Picture: AP Photo

The film censor blamed much of this trend on films duel with television.

Producers hope that, even if such films are now refused certificates for theatrical exhibition, they will eventually be seen through the medium of television, said Mr OHora.

The report contained detailed lists of the films rejected by the censor in 1959 and 1960 - including such Hollywood epics as Peyton Place and A Farewell To Arms.

Peyton Place was rejected in Ireland despite the fact the film's US director, Mark Robson, was criticised for omitting virtually all of the sexually explicit scenes which had made the novel such a commercial success.

Other high-profile films banned included Pal Joey starring Frank Sinatra and Rita Hayworth, Wild Is the Wind with Anthony Quinn, House on Haunted Hill featuring Vincent Price, and Anatomy of a Murder starring James Stewart and Lee Remick.

Additionally, several lower-budget films were deemed unsuitable for Irish audiences with titles such as A Bucket of Blood, The Wanton Countess, Hell Bound, and Runaway Daughters.

State papers also reveal that Mr OHora was not particularly enamoured with the leading singer of the time, Elvis Presley and his succession of Hollywood movies.

In one document the film censor wrote: I have had much trouble in the past, particularly from headmistresses of girls' schools regarding the antics of Elvis Presley with his most suggestive abdominal dancing etc.

His strict approach extended to Alfred Hitchcock's landmark thriller Psycho, which he demanded be heavily censored before it could be screened in Irish cinemas.
The Irish Government took a dim view of several proposed candidates to lead key negotiations on North-South cooperation, according to newly unsealed documents from the National Archives in Dublin.

A briefing note from the Department of Foreign Affairs described some of the high-profile figures put forward by unionists and the British Government as ineffective politicians, bad lawyers and, in one case, as having a "bitchy temperament".

It came as Irish officials in June 1991 were making considerations of their own candidates, as well as individuals put forward by the UK Government and unionists, to chair Strand Two talks leading into the Good Friday Agreement.

Strand Two referred to the parts of the agreement which established North-South bodies and encouraged cooperation between the Republic and Northern Ireland.

Among nine names proposed by unionists, the Irish side determined that George Thomas, Lord Tonypandy, is "widely disliked" at the House of Commons, where he had previously held the role of speaker.

Read More State papers: Olympia Theatre refused to allow Nazi film reels to be stored on premises

The briefing document says: "He has a petulant and 'bitchy' temperament and does not forgive slights, alleged or real."

Expanding on what the commentary describes as a "large streak of sycophancy" towards British prime minister Margaret Thatcher, the author of the briefing says that a senior journalist described him as a "kind of Welsh Uncle Tom".

Michael Havers, another candidate put forward by unionists, is "regarded with affection more than respect" in British legal and political circles.

The former lord chancellor and ex-attorney general is noted as having a number of "blemishes on his legal reputation".

In particular, the Irish side says that many feel he is a "bad lawyer" over his leadership of prosecution teams in the Guildford Four and the Maguire Seven cases - individuals wrongly convicted over bombings.

It says that Havers "lacks much of the pomposity associated with his profession in this country" and adds: "He is relaxed, urbane, good-humoured and (after a few drinks) frequently indiscreet."

The former chief justice of Northern Ireland, Robert Lowry, is said to have been held in "deep suspicion" over many years, having been associated, the briefing document alleges, with some of the "worst excesses of legal practice" including the admission of supergrass evidence.

Former home secretary and Northern Ireland secretary Merlyn Rees is noted as being warm and likeable, as well as having a wife of "Irish origin".

However, the commentary on Mr Rees says that he is "often muddle-headed" and prone to offering "usually wide of the mark" advice to his successors.

In addition, much is noted of his "unmistakable" Unionist sympathies.

Elsewhere, "moderate Unionist" Fred Catherwood was noted as being acquainted with SDLP leader John Hume and DUP leader Ian Paisley.

However, notes in the margins say that he "doesn't enjoy confidence of Hume".

The briefing document added: "He comes across as a well-intentioned but somewhat naive individual whose political judgment and understanding leave much to be desired".

Former Northern Ireland Secretary of State Humphrey Atkins is noted as a "Tory traditionalist in the Whitelaw/Carrington mould - though without the charisma of either".

More positively, the document says that he is regarded as a decent, honourable and self-sacrificing politician.

He was appointed as secretary of state having been regarded as a "safe pair of hands" by Margaret Thatcher, the document adds, but his credibility among nationalists was eroded during the Maze hunger strikes.

After an apparent delay in responding to the initial nine names put forward to the Unionist side, 10 additional nominees were put forward by then-UUP leader Jim Molyneaux.

He cautioned that inclusion on the list did not mean the individuals were "prepared or able to act".

These included Philip Foreman, the former chairman of Short Brothers, who could not be countenanced by the Department because of a "record of discrimination" at that company at the time.

David Owen, former British foreign secretary, was seen to be "very unlikely to be sympathetic" and was further ruled out on personality grounds - the author saying he was "widely known as arrogant, impatient and difficult to work with".

Elsewhere Gordon Beveridge, then pro-vice-chancellor of Queen's University, is listed as being "perceived as part of Unionist clique that has dominated Queen's for many years".

While there are at least brief background blurbs for most of the list, the proposal of Conor Cruise O'Brien, a former Irish minister known for pro-unionist views, is noted simply as "hardly a serious suggestion".

On a British list of candidates, George Thomson of Monifieth was found to have had a position of "moderate Unionism" but was further believed to be open to envisaging a "solution to the Irish problem emerging within the broader European context".

The commentary on Patrick Neill, then warden of All Souls College Oxford, said he was known sometimes to take "somewhat quirky positions" and to "go a little over the top about subjects which he may not be totally familiar".

A source for the document also described him as being one of the "great and the good within the constraints of being one of the major figures within the Establishment".

Former home secretary Robert Carr was described by the Irish as a "classic Heathman or Tory 'wet'", while his work as a "natural conciliator" during the 1970 docks strike was also noted favourably.

On the other side of Tory divides the Irish side noted that Robert Blake, another possible candidate, had given "sycophantic loyalty" to Margaret Thatcher.

For Ireland's part, several candidates were put on its shortlist including former deputy Labour leader Denis Healey (noted as being of Irish descent), and former Australian prime minister Gough Whitlam (noted as having a "very benevolent interest in Ireland").

The documents also suggest that High Commissioner of Canada to the UK Roy McMurtry had been approached informally for the position but was ruled out by Mr Paisley as not acceptable.

This came after Mr McMurtry disclosed that he had said in a speech 15 years earlier that Mr Paisley was not a proper person to visit Canada.

This batch of Strand Two talks was ultimately chaired by former governor-general of Australia Ninian Stephen, who was not among the candidates discussed in the document.
Confidential government files have revealed that Taoiseach, Albert Reynolds, felt in April 1992 that a courtesy call by President Mary Robinson to Queen Elizabeth should not be encouraged".

Newly released files from the Department of the Taoiseach under the 30-year rule hint at the Governments unease at being pressed by Ms Robinson later that year to approve of her paying such a call to the Queen in May 1993 as part of a proposed visit to accept an honorary degree from Oxford University.

There had already been alarm over reports she had invited the Queen to visit Ireland.

Ms Robinson told the Taoiseach that the report did not truly reflect what she had said when he phoned her to express his serious concern about her comments.

A note of the conversation recorded that: The Taoiseach emphasised the seriousness of what had happened and also stressed his desire not to be confrontational.

The secretary to the Government, Frank Murray, wrote in December 1992 that: The practice regarding courtesy calls by the President when abroad is that no such courtesy visits are arranged.

Mr Murray pointed out that courtesy calls should only be organised "in the case of State or official visits". However, the files reveal that the Governments official line on the issue just five months later was that it is normal practice for a Head of State to pay a courtesy call of this sort during a visit to another country".

Before that, Mr Murray noted in December 1992 that Ms Robinsons proposed visit to Oxford to pick up an honorary degree was effectively a private visit which would ordinarily not include any official functions or programme.

He recommended that the Presidents request should be notified to the Taoiseach before advice about it was sought from the Department of Foreign Affairs.

The Government secretary acknowledged that the matter would have to be considered in the overall context of Anglo-Irish relations".

However, he added: As far as I am aware there is no real basis for the President making a courtesy call on the Queen.

A handwritten note on the same document, which recommended that the matter should be brought to the Taoiseachs attention, recorded that a courtesy call on the Queen would be a political act on which you or the Government should take a view".

A note of a meeting between Ms Robinson and the Taoiseach in Aras an Uachtarain on February 4, 1993, records that the President said she was anxious to avail of the courtesy call to ensure that appropriate recognition was given to her office". She also stressed that she believed it would be a positive development for relations between Ireland and Britain.

The Taoiseach replied that he would consider the matter further after voicing his concern that the courtesy call could lead to pressure for a State visit to Britain which would give rise to a reciprocal visit by the Queen to Ireland.

Later that month, Mr Reynolds gave his approval for arrangements to be put in place on this occasion on the basis that it should be clearly understood that the courtesy call would not give rise to any question of a State visit".

Another document reveals that Ms Robinson wanted news of her proposed courtesy call to the Queen to be announced in March 1993 at the same time as there was going to be a press announcement about her visit to Oxford.

However, Mr Murray said the view of the Government would be to delay the announcement until the end of May.

We should not jump our fences too soon in the area, Mr Murray remarked, noting that further consultation with the British authorities would be required.

Another memo from an official in the Department of the Taoiseach recorded that the President did not accept a reference in a note by the British ambassador about her proposed courtesy call to the Queen that she was visiting the UK privately.

Ms Robinson claimed her visit was as President of Ireland and could not be classified as a private visit.

Her secretary, Peter Ryan speculated that the British, for their own reasons, might have wanted to classify the Presidents trip as a private one.

Files show that President Robinson went ahead with the proposed courtesy call on Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace on May 27, 1993, where they spoke for around 30 minutes.

A file offering various responses to potential media queries about her visit to the Queen included a recommendation to say that the courtesy call was in response to an invitation from the British monarch and was in line with well-established diplomatic practice. The advice also suggested that the courtesy call did not give rise to any question of a State visit between the two countries.
New Year's holidays are a time when you can pay attention to children and spend unforgettable time with them. You can do this by watching an interesting movie, because it can become an occasion for communication with teenagers.

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OBOZ.UA has compiled a selection of movies that will be interesting for teenagers. Some of them have remained popular for years and are associated with the New Year holidays.

Home Alone

A family comedy about a boy who is accidentally left at home by his parents while they are going on a Christmas trip. Little Kevin is left to deal with all the domestic problems on his own, while his family tries to get home as soon as possible. At the same time, burglars appear on the street, planning to rob all the houses. The brave Kevin defends his home from the criminals by putting them through difficult obstacles. The movie has been a hit with both adults and children for years.

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The Polar Express

An adventure cartoon based on the children's book by the famous American writer Chris Van Allsburg. A little boy who does not believe in miracles and Santa Claus. One day, on Christmas Eve, he gets a unique opportunity to go to the North Pole and personally verify the existence of a magical old man in a red hat. Waking up at night to strange sounds, the boy goes outside, where a magic train is standing right next to his house, and the conductor tells him that the train is heading to the North Pole, where all passengers will be able to see Santa Claus. The main character will have an exciting journey with many incredible adventures.

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The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

The main characters travel from London to the countryside to visit their uncle, Professor Kirk. At first they were bored, but one day the children found a strange room with a huge wardrobe. Between the old things in it is the entrance to a magical country called Narnia. Four heroes appear in Narnia, where they try to defeat the White Witch and break her spell. An incredible and exciting story awaits the audience.

The Christmas Chronicles

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A family comedy about the adventures of a brother and sister who find themselves in the world of Santa Claus' magic. The children are grieving the loss of their father, while their mother works hard to provide for them. Thanks to a meeting with the magical hero, they manage to fulfill their wishes and believe in the miracle of Christmas. The main characters will have incredible adventures that they could not even dream of.

Paddington

A family movie about a kind bear who wants to find a new home. Not so long ago, Paddington was an ordinary inhabitant of the forest. But suddenly his life changed, and now he needs to go far away from his home. He is going to live in beautiful London, where there are supposedly no bears. The protagonist wants to see with his own eyes the country that is so much talked about at home. Paddington has a very long and difficult journey ahead of him. The bear has a dream - he wants to visit London and find his real family. However, there are many obstacles on his way.

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Fred Claus

The story of Santa Claus's brother Fred, who is the exact opposite of the fairy-tale hero. Moreover, he does not believe in miracles at all. However, due to certain life circumstances, he has to take over the duties of his brother Santa Claus and save the holiday that all children are waiting for.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

The main character of the movie, Harry Potter, lives with his half-brother and foster parents, who treat him with contempt. At one point, he realizes that he has magical powers and finds himself in a magical reality. Thanks to his abilities, he receives an invitation to Hogwarts, a school of magic, where Potter finds friends. Many adventures and mysteries await the teenager, and he begins to uncover them.

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Krampus

A young boy named Max loses his Christmas spirit after a family quarrel, incurring the wrath of Krampus, an evil creature who punishes those who lose faith in miracles. As a result, a blizzard hits the city and Max's family is trapped in a house where they are tormented by Krampus' demonic helpers. The family has to come together and fight for their lives, because Krampus wants to drag them into the depths of the underworld. In this confrontation, the boy and his family must rediscover the true spirit of Christmas in order to survive the night and save their souls from Krampus and his demons.

Spirited

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The protagonist, a PR man named Clint Briggs, has long been ignorant of compassion, kindness, sensitivity and inner warmth, because he values only money, dividends and business. His employees have forgotten what weekends, holidays and gifts are. On the night before Christmas, the man experiences exciting emotions: otherworldly forces warn Briggs about the terrible consequences of such a life. Thus, three Spirits of Christmas appear in his apartment and go on a journey with him. The protagonist experiences a terrible fear. The audience will find out whether Briggs will be able to change his life after what he has seen.

Daddy's Home 2

The movie tells the story of an ex-husband and wife who have a new relationship and have managed to become friends with their new families. However, on Christmas Day, the men who have just established a relationship decide to visit their fathers. One of them is a caring grandfather, and the other is an adventurous man who lives life to the fullest. The families decide to celebrate Christmas together so as not to divide their children into two different holidays. However, the main characters are going to have adventures that will show the real relationships in the family.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
In the 15 days between the death of Pope Benedict XV on January 22, 1922 and the election of his successor, Pius XI, on February 6, momentous things happened in Ireland.

Six days before the pope's death, the British had surrendered Dublin Castle to Michael Collins, and before the conclave had opened in Rome (it was held from February 2-6), a provisional government had been established, and Collins had convened a committee to draft a constitution for the nascent Irish Free State.

The time following the ratification of the Anglo-Irish Treaty by Dail Eireann on January 7 was tumultuous. Bitter divisions were to emerge between the pro-treaty and anti-treaty sides that would eventually lead to an attempted coup d'etat. In the Irish Civil War, which followed, the Irish Catholic bishops would support the government.

"From its origins, the Free State government had carefully lined up the Roman Catholic hierarchy on its side, consulting bishops on constitutional matters, and receiving, in return, powerful support during the edgy days of the Civil War, when a joint pastoral branded the IRA Irregulars as murderers," said the Irish-born Oxford historian RF Foster.

The new constitution, adopted on October 25, 1922 (it wouldnt become operative until December 6, 1922), was a secular document. And as historian Joe Lee has said, it "had no sectarian bias". But what if it had another form of "bias"?

There was never the slightest chance that even a modified form of Gallicanism would find a foothold in Ireland, no more than it would in Poland, two intensely Catholic countries known for their fidelity to the pope.

But what if  being mindful of how Daniel O'Connell's campaign for Catholic Emancipation here at home triumphed in 1829  the leaders of the newly-independent Ireland had built a Gallican dimension in to the 1922 constitution?

Or what if  more pertinently  Rome's reaction to the Plan of Campaign in April 1888 had created an even bigger crisis in Ireland? The papal rescript stirred up new levels of agitation.

"This at once produced an immense outburst of feeling in Ireland," FSL Lyons said.

"The Catholic members of the parliamentary party went out of their way to denounce interference by the Holy See 'with the Irish people in the management of their political affairs'.

More realistically, what if the Irish bishops, in reacting to Pope Leo XIIIs 'rescript', issued from Rome condemning the Plan of Campaign and the planned boycott, had taken an even sterner line with Rome, as envisaged in speeches by leaders of the plan, particularly John Dillon?

"In speech after speech, Dillon laid down the basis for what he conceived to be the proper relationship between Church and state in a Catholic country, giving his views lapidary expression on a memorable occasion at Drogheda a few weeks after the rescript had been published," wrote FSL Lyons.

In Drogheda, John Dillon said this: "Are we to be free men in Ireland, or are we to conduct our public affairs at the bidding of any man who lives outside Ireland?

"We owe it to ourselves, we owe it to our friends in England, we owe it to the ancient traditions of our country, we owe it to our Protestant fellow countrymen, who expect they are about to share with us a free Ireland, that it will not be an Ireland that will conduct its affairs at the bidding of any body of cardinals.

"That is the principle of Irish liberty, and I say, without fear, that if tomorrow, in asserting the freedom of Ireland, we were to exchange for servitude in Westminster servitude to . . . any body of cardinals in Rome, then I would say goodbye for ever to the struggle for Irish freedom."

This is a speech that surely contains in embryonic form the essence of a 'free Church in a free state'.

The bishops, it should be noted, were fully cognisant of the outrage among the Irish people over Rome's intervention.

Emmet Larkin spelled it out: "They told the pope plainly, in fact, in a joint letter signed by 28 of the 30 Irish bishops, that they knew more about the Irish situation than either he or his advisers and that the price to be paid for making his will effective in Ireland would be the loss not only of their own power and influence, but of millions of Irish Catholics at home and abroad. By refusing to enforce the Roman decree, the bishops, in effect, had chosen allegiance to the clerical-nationalist alliance rather than to Rome."

Could they have gone further, under the leadership of Archbishop of Dublin William Walsh and Archbishop of Cashel Thomas Croke, and distanced the Irish Church not just from the Roman bureaucracy (the body of cardinals, as Dillon described them), but from the papacy itself?

While Gallicanism has its origins in France  it received its name from the French Church (in Latin, ecclesia gallicana)  it was not a doctrine restricted to France. In Germany, for instance, there came another challenge to papal authority, from another quarter, in the form of Febronianism.

"It was contained in a book published in 1763, under the pseudonym of Febronius, by Nicholas von Hontheim, auxiliary bishop of Trier," said Nicolas Cheetham. "In terms which harked back to the Council of Constance, the author attacked the monarchical element in papal rule."

"He argued that the pope's primacy was only an honorary distinction and the symbol of Christian unity, whereas the reality of power, as in the early Church, properly belonged to the general council."

Gallicanism was based on claims made by the Assembly of the French Clergy in 1682, which formulated the doctrine in 'Four Gallican Articles'. Here is how historian Thomas Bokenkotter described them: "While acknowledging the primacy of the popes as successors of Peter, the articles denied his authority over temporal affairs; asserted the validity of the decrees of the Council of Constance, which affirmed the superiority of general councils over a pope; made the authority of papal decrees conditional on their acceptance by the Church; and rejected the separate infallibility of the pope."

Well, we know what happened. According to the Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church,"there was a renascence of ultramontanism in France, and the definition of papal infallibility at the First Vatican Council (1869-70) made Gallicanism incompatible with Roman Catholicism.

It is fanciful to speculate what the adoption in Ireland of an even moderate form of Gallicanism would have meant. This much is clear: It would have had a revolutionary effect on Church-state relations.

Even a watered-down version of Gallicanism in the Free State constitution would have angered Pope Pius XI in Rome, that's for sure. But in 1922 he was preoccupied with other, more pressing matters.

Michael Collins: The Irish Free State kept the clergy on its side. Picture: AP Photo, File

The first shots in the War of Independence were fired in January 1919, just as the members of the first Dail were assembling in the Mansion House in Dublin.

But the Vatican's focus was on the peace conference in Paris following the end of the First World War, in November 1918. From this conference would emerge the Treaty of Versailles and the League of Nations (a forerunner of the United Nations, which was established in 1945 after the end of the Second World War).

The Vatican thought it should have a place at the negotiating table in Paris, but was cold-shouldered. So was the Irish delegation that went to Paris hoping to get international recognition for an independent Ireland.

Despite US president Woodrow Wilsons espousal of the "right to self-determination"  one of the key concepts he brought to Paris  he was dismissive of the importuning of the Irish delegation.

As historian Margaret MacMillan put it, Woodrow Wilson "had no sympathy for Irish nationalists and their struggle to free themselves from British rule. During the peace conference he insisted that the Irish question was a domestic matter for the British."

Another historian, Tim Pat Coogan, writing 80 years after the Paris conference, said that the Irish "had successfully negotiated the difficult, lengthy transition from one form of colonialism, that of Mother England, to arrive at a position of independence and co-existence.

"They must now complete the equally difficult task of developing an efficient and caring society by similarly freeing themselves from the constraints of  while not being unmindful of the benefits of  that other form of colonialism: Mother Church.

Might not the adoption of a form of Gallicanism, if not in the 1922 Free State constitution, then in Bunreacht na hEireann in 1937, have opened the door to this?

Such speculation is to enter the realm of fantasy, of course, but it serves as a reminder that at the core of the enduring controversies over Church-state relations is the question of control. Who exercises ultimate control, and over what? Is it the Church or the state? And where is the line of demarcation?

Given its subservience to Rome, was the Free State truly 'free'? Hadn't its subservience to British rule been replaced after 1922 with subservience to Rome rule? Wasnt this the defining characteristic of Church-state relations in Ireland?

And wasn't this a central feature of the 'colonialism' in the post-treaty Ireland that Tim Pat Coogan sought to highlight and from which he urged liberation?

Down the centuries, popes have had a lot to say on the subject of Church-state relations, as have emperors and monarchs and dictators, as well as democratically-elected leaders.

Ever since the emperor Constantine in the fourth century, there was a 'marriage' of throne and altar, an alliance between Church and state. And this arrangement would last for 1,000 years.

Over the centuries, the papacy would be shaped more and more by a monarchical model, the popes coming to see themselves increasingly as monarchs claiming absolute power.

The renowned church historian Eamon Duffy said that Pope Innocent III (1198-1216) represented the "pinnacle of papal power and influence".

Innocent took an exalted view of papal supremacy.

"He believed that the pope had ultimate authority over the secular as well as the religious sphere."

Later, Pope Boniface VIII (1294-1303) would give formal expression to this claim when he issued the bull 'Unam Sanctam' (at the time, the papacy was engaged in a dispute with the French crown).

"In it, the pope notoriously claimed that, 'It is altogether necessary for salvation for every human creature to be subject to the Roman pontiff'."

As John Julius Norwich noted in his 2011 tome The Popes: A History, papal absolutism could hardly go further.

Ever since then, the papacy has had to retreat from this absurd absolutist position, as religio-political circumstances brought home to Rome what Duffy has called "the distance between inflated religious rhetoric and cold reality".

That would stop in face of the challenges posed by the French Revolution.

"The French Revolution and its pan-European Napoleonic aftermath traumatised the Catholic Church," as the Georgetown University professor, John W OMalley, SJ, has said.

A central feature of the response to this trauma was the rise of ultramontanism. "One of the most remarkable trends in 19th-century Catholicism was the tremendous increase in the power and influence of the papacy," writes Thomas Bokenkotter.

If the liberal Catholic movement had suffered a serious setback because of Pius IXs 'Syllabus of Errors' of 1864 (condemning separation of Church and state, religious freedom, and a free press), it was nearly destroyed by the First Vatican Council. In however weakened a form, it would survive. And its day would come.

None of the radicalism that was prevalent in Catholicism in other parts of Europe in the aftermath of the French Revolution ever made it to the shores of Ireland.

There is a certain irony in the fact that while, on the political front, people like Wolfe Tone and the United Irishmen drew inspiration for their revolutionary fervour from the French Revolution, there was no parallel influence discernible within the Irish Church, even though some of its clergy were educated in France before and after 1789.

But no new thinking about Church-state relations ever surfaced in Ireland. And any flowering of opposition to papal centralisation in Rome, especially following Vatican I (1869-70), would have been short-lived once the Cardinal Paul Cullen era (1849-78) got under way in Ireland. He was an unstinting supporter of the ultramontanism that led to the declarations on papal primacy and papal infallibility at Vatican I.

Despite the furore over the 'Syllabus', the "ultramontane juggernaut rolled on and Pius IX, undaunted, on December 6, 1867, announced plans to convoke a general council, to begin in Rome on December 8, 1869. Vatican I would prove to be a near-death experience for liberal Catholicism.

Yet liberal Catholicism was never completely dead. And it flowered anew during the Second Vatican Council (1962-65), which, among many other things, reshaped our thinking on Church-state relations.

That said, liberal Catholicism never took root in Ireland, where the concept of a 'free Church in a free state' could never catch on as ultramontanism was reinforced by Cardinal Cullen.

In addition, and of huge significance, after independence the key members of the Free State government were all ultra-conservative Catholics.

If nothing else, liberal Catholicism showed that there is more than one model of Church-state relations. And if there is to be a new covenant (as called for by the then Taoiseach Leo Varadkar in August 2019, when he spoke in Dublin Castle in the presence of Pope Francis), who is to say that a renewed form of liberal Catholicism (a neo-Gallican element)  perhaps drawing inspiration from Pope Francis's commitment to a synodal Church  will not 'colour' it, given all that has happened in Ireland since the visit of John Paul II in 1979?
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has said he will implement the toughest anti-US policy, less than a month before Donald Trump takes office as president, the countrys state media reported on Sunday.

Mr Trumps return to the White House raises prospects for high-profile diplomacy with North Korea.

During his first term, he met Mr Kim three times for talks on the Norths nuclear programme. However, many experts say a quick resumption of Kim-Trump summitry is unlikely as Mr Trump will first focus on conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.

North Koreas support for Russias war against Ukraine also poses a challenge to efforts to revive diplomacy, experts say.

During a five-day plenary meeting of the ruling Workers Party that ended on Friday, Mr Kim called the US the most reactionary state that regards anti-communism as its invariable state policy.

Mr Kim said the US-South Korea-Japan security partnership is expanding into a nuclear military bloc for aggression.

This reality clearly shows to which direction we should advance and what we should do and how, he said, according to the official Korean Central News Agency.

It said his speech clarified the strategy for the toughest anti-US counteraction to be launched aggressively by North Korea for its long-term national interests and security.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un delivers a speech. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP)

KCNA did not elaborate on the anti-US strategy, but it said Mr Kim set out tasks to bolster military capability through defence technology advancements and stressed the need to improve the mental toughness of North Korean soldiers.

The previous meetings between Mr Trump and Mr Kim had not only put an end to their exchanges of fiery rhetoric and threats of destruction, but they developed personal connections.

Mr Trump once famously said he and Mr Kim fell in love, but their talks eventually collapsed in 2019, as they wrangled over US-led sanctions on the North.

North Korea has since sharply increased the pace of its weapons testing activities to build more reliable nuclear missiles targeting the US and its allies.

The US and South Korea have responded by expanding their military bilateral drills and also trilateral ones involving Japan, drawing strong rebukes from the North, which views such US-led exercises as invasion rehearsals.

Further complicating efforts to get North Korea to rid itself of nuclear weapons is its deepening military co-operation with Russia.

According to US, Ukrainian and South Korean assessments, North Korea has sent more than 10,000 troops and conventional weapons systems to support Moscows war against Ukraine.

There are concerns that Russia could give North Korea advanced weapons technology in return, including help to build more powerful nuclear missiles.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said last week that 3,000 North Korean troops have been killed and wounded in the fighting in Russias Kursk region.

It was the first significant estimate by Ukraine of North Korean casualties since the North Korean troop deployment to Russia began in October.

Russia and China, locked in separate disputes with the US, have repeatedly blocked US-led pushes to levy more United Nations sanctions on North Korea despite its repeated missile tests in defiance of UN Security Council resolutions.

Last month, Mr Kim said his past negotiations with the United States only confirmed Washingtons unchangeable hostility towards his country and described his nuclear build-up as the only way to counter external threats.
Azerbaijans president has said the Azerbaijani airliner that crashed in Kazakhstan last week was shot down by Russia, albeit unintentionally.

Ilham Aliyev told Azerbaijani state television on Sunday that the aircraft was hit by fire from the ground over Russia and rendered uncontrollable by electronic warfare.
Jimmy Carter, the United States longest-lived president, was never afraid to speak his mind.

Forthright and fearless, the Nobel Prize winner took potshots at former British prime minister Tony Blair and ex-US president George W Bush, among others.

His death came after repeated bouts of illness in which images of the increasingly frail former president failed to erase memories of his fierce spirit.

Democrat James Earl Jimmy Carter Jr swept to power in 1977 with his Trust Me campaign helping to beat Republican president Gerald Ford.

Jimmy Carter with the Queen at a State Dinner at Buckingham Palace in 1977 (PA)

Serving as the 39th US president from 1977 to 1981, he sought to make government competent and compassionate but was ousted by the unstoppable Hollywood appeal of a certain Ronald Reagan.

A skilled sportsman, Mr Carter left his home of Plains, Georgia, to join the US Navy, returning later to run his familys peanut business.

A stint in the Georgia senate lit the touchpaper on his political career and he rose to the top of the Democratic movement.

But he will also be remembered for a bizarre encounter with a deeply disgruntled opponent.

The president was enjoying a relaxing fishing trip near his home town in 1979 when his craft was attacked by a furious swamp rabbit which reportedly swam up to the boat hissing wildly.

The press had a field day, with one paper bearing the headline President Attacked By Rabbit.

Away from encounters with belligerent bunnies, Mr Carters willingness to address politically uncomfortable topics did not diminish with age.

He recently said that he would be willing to travel to North Korea for peace talks on behalf of US President Donald Trump.

He also famously mounted a ferocious and personal attack on Tony Blair over the Iraq war, weeks before the prime minister left office in June 2007.

Jimmy Carter founded the Carter Center, a global development NGO, in 1982 (John Stillwell/PA)

Mr Carter, who had already denounced George W Bushs presidency as the worst in history, used an interview on BBC radio to condemn Mr Blair for his tight relations with Mr Bush, particularly concerning the Iraq War.

Asked how he would characterise Mr Blairs relationship with Mr Bush, Mr Carter replied: Abominable. Loyal, blind, apparently subservient.

I think that the almost undeviating support by Great Britain for the ill-advised policies of President Bush in Iraq have been a major tragedy for the world.

Mr Carter was also voluble over the Rhodesia crisis, which was about to end during his presidency.

His support for Robert Mugabe at the time generated widespread criticism.

He was said to have ignored the warnings of many prominent Zimbabweans, black and white, about what sort of leader Mugabe would be.

This was seen by Mr Carters critics as deserving a prominent place among the outrages of the Carter years.

Mr Carter has since said he and his administration had spent more effort and worry on Rhodesia than on the Middle East.

He admitted he had supported two revolutionaries in Mugabe and Joshua Nkomo, and with hindsight said later that Mugabe had been a good leader gone bad, having at first been a very enlightened president.

Sean Edlin, seven, gets a handshake from Jimmy Carter as he leaves a service at Westminster Abbey (PA)

One US commentator wrote: History will not look kindly on those in the West who insisted on bringing the avowed Marxist Mugabe into the government.

In particular, the Jimmy Carter foreign policy bears some responsibility for the fate of a small African country with scant connection to American national interests.

In recent years Mr Carter developed a reputation as an international peace negotiator.

He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his commitment to finding peaceful solutions to international conflicts, his work with human rights and democracy initiatives, and his promotion of economic and social programmes.

Mr Carter was dispatched to North Korea in August 2008 to secure the release of US citizen Aijalon Mahli Gomes, who had been sentenced to eight years of hard labour after being found guilty of illegally entering North Korea. He successfully secured the release of Mr Gomes.

In 2010 he returned to the White House to greet President Barack Obama and discuss international affairs amid rising tensions on the Korean peninsula.

Proving politics runs in the family, in 2013 his grandson Jason, a state senator, announced his bid to become governor in Georgia, where his famous grandfather governed before becoming president. He eventually lost to incumbent Republican Nathan Deal.

Jimmy Carter (left), trout fishing with Western Mail fishing expert Moc Morgan on Clywedog Reservoir, near Llanidloes, in Wales in 1986 (PA)

Fears that Mr Carters health was deteriorating were sparked in 2015 when he cut short an election observation visit in Guyana because he was not feeling well.

It would have been Mr Carters 39th trip to personally observe an international election.

Three months later, on August 12, he revealed he had cancer which had been diagnosed after he underwent surgery to remove a small mass in his liver.

Mr Obama was among the well-wishers hoping for Mr Carters full recovery after it was confirmed the cancer had spread widely.

Melanoma had been found in his brain and liver, and Mr Carter underwent immunotherapy and radiation therapy, before announcing in March the following year that he no longer needed any treatment.

In 2017, Mr Carter was taken to hospital as a precaution, after he became dehydrated at a home-building project in Canada.

He was admitted to hospital on multiple occasions in 2019 having had a series of falls, suffering a brain bleed and a broken pelvis, as well as a stint to be treated for a urinary tract infection.

Mr Carter spent much of the coronavirus pandemic largely at his home in Georgia, and did not attend Joe Bidens presidential inauguration in 2021, but extended his best wishes.

Former first lady Rosalynn Carter, the closest adviser to Mr Carter during his term as US president, died in November 2023.

She had been living with dementia and suffering many months of declining health.

Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished, Mr Carter said in a statement following her death.

She gave me wise guidance and encouragement when I needed it. As long as Rosalynn was in the world, I always knew somebody loved and supported me.
Russia systematically uses the narrative of "brotherly nations" as part of its propaganda. This is not a random, but a well-thought-out myth aimed at justifying aggression against Ukraine and maintaining control over its society.

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Historian Vitaliy Dribnytsia spoke about this in an interview, explaining the origins and logic of this approach. "Any myth is historically specific. This myth about the brotherhood of nations is a typical Soviet narrative. Previously, in the Russian Empire or the Austrian Empire, such narratives did not exist," he said.

According to the historian, the myth of the "brotherly peoples" is a Soviet narrative that emerged no earlier than the mid-twentieth century. In the first decades of Soviet rule, it was unnecessary, as the policy of direct suppression dominated: the elimination of Ukrainian statehood in the 1920s and the destruction of intellectuals and elites.

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However, in the postwar period, in particular during the celebration of the 300th anniversary of the "reunification of Ukraine with Russia" in 1954, this myth began to take on bigger forms. Its main goal was to keep Ukraine part of the Soviet empire and to legitimize repression.

"This narrative comes from there and it lives on in the minds of the Russians to this day. There is not much of in the minds of Ukrainians," he said.

Dribnytsia notes that in Ukrainian society, it has already weakened considerably due to 30 years of rethinking history. However, in Russia, the myth is still widespread, especially among older generations, and is actively used by the authorities to manipulate public opinion.

"Because good Ukrainians are occupied by the Banderites, so we need to liberate our brothers. Accordingly, the Russian army is the 'liberation' army. The logic there is extremely simple, and this narrative is based on this logic" the historian explained.

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Vladimir Putin has acknowledged that Russian air defense was operational when an Azerbaijani Airlines plane attempted to land in Grozny prior to its crash, breaking the Kremlins silence amid growing speculation that Russia may have inadvertently targeted the aircraft.

The Russian leader reached out to his Azerbaijani counterpart, Ilham Aliyev, to express regret that the incident occurred within Russian airspace, while refraining from confirming that Russian air defense fired upon the plane.

In response, the Azerbaijani government reported that Mr. Aliyev emphasized to Mr. Putin that the plane had been impacted by external factors while over Russia, insisting that those responsible should be held accountable.

This conversation between the two leaders took place three days after the Embraer 190, which was en route from Baku to Grozny, crashed in Kazakhstan, resulting in the deaths of 38 individuals out of the 67 on board.

Survivors reported hearing an explosion as the aircraft made its landing attempt.

Mr. Putin informed Mr. Aliyev that the plane had made several attempts to land in Grozny.

During this time, Grozny, (the town of) Mozdok, and Vladikavkaz were under attack from Ukrainian combat drones, and Russian air defense was actively repelling these assaults, Mr. Putin stated, according to a Kremlin transcript.

The transcript further noted that Vladimir Putin offered his apologies for the tragic incident occurring in Russias airspace and expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, wishing a swift recovery to those affected.

However, Mr. Aliyev remained convinced that the plane was shot at within Russian airspace.

President Ilham Aliyev stressed that the Azerbaijan Airlines passenger jet experienced external physical and technical interference while flying over Russian airspace, leading to a total loss of control, stated Bakus presidency.

It also highlighted that the numerous holes in the aircrafts fuselage, the injuries sustained by passengers and crew from foreign objects penetrating the cabin mid-flight, along with testimonies from surviving flight attendants and passengers, provide clear evidence of external physical and technical interference.

Media reports from survivors mentioned hearing an explosion as the plane was attempting to land.

Mr. Aliyevs office stated that Azerbaijan seeks an investigation to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

A Stark Reminder of MH17

Speculation has persisted for several days, and the US weighed in on the matter yesterday.

White House spokesman John Kirby indicated that Washington had early indications that suggest this jet may have been downed by Russian air defense systems.

The phone call from Mr. Putin came after the Kremlin previously remarked that it would be inappropriate to engage in speculation.

The Kremlin also stated its readiness to collaborate with the investigations being conducted by Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan.

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While some within Azerbaijana Russian allyhave called for an apology from the Russian government, Kazakhstan, another key ally of Russia, has not directly blamed Russia.

Earlier statements from Russian officials indicated that Ukrainian drones were attacking Grozny that day.

Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky remarked that he also spoke to Mr. Aliyev today, noting that footage of the plane suggested it resembled an air defense missile strike.

The main priority now is a comprehensive investigation that will clarify all questions regarding what truly occurred. Russia must provide clear explanations and cease disseminating disinformation, Mr. Zelensky stated via social media.

I spoke to @presidentaz Ilham Aliyev and expressed condolences to him and the people of Azerbaijan regarding the tragic crash of flight J2-8243 of Azerbaijan Airlines. We acknowledged the heroism of the pilots and the entire crew of the aircraft.

The main priority now is a pic.twitter.com/s4DAgXdEaK

 Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) December 28, 2024

The EU has called for a prompt, independent international investigation.

Its top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, remarked that the incident was a stark reminder of the Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 disaster, which international investigations concluded was shot down by a surface-to-air missile fired by Russian-backed rebels over eastern Ukraine in 2014.

Airlines Cancel Flights

Following the incident, several airlines have started canceling flights to Russia this week, including those of Russias ally nations.

The majority of Western airlines ceased operations to Russia following Moscows offensive in Ukraine.

Turkmenistan Airlinesthe national carrier of the secretive Central Asian statewas the latest to announce cancellations on Saturday.

It stated that regular flights between Ashgabat and Moscow will be canceled from 30/12/2024 to 31/01/2025, without providing further explanation.

This decision followed the suspension of flights by UAE airline flydubai between Dubai and the southern Russian cities of Mineralnye Vody and Sochi, scheduled for December 27 to January 3.

Kazakhstans Qazaq Air has halted its flights to Yekaterinburg in Russias Ural region until the end of January.

Earlier this week, Israeli airline El Al announced the suspension of its flights to Moscow for one week.
The president-elect of the United States, Donald Trump, has requested the US Supreme Court to delay the enforcement of a law that could either ban the widely-used social media app TikTok or compel its sale, asserting that he needs time after assuming office to seek a political resolution to the matter.

The court is scheduled to hear arguments regarding the case on January 10.

This legislation mandates TikToks Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to divest the platform to an American entity or face a potential ban. The US Congress approved a measure in April stipulating a prohibition unless ByteDance sells the application by January 19.

With over 170 million users in the US, TikTok and its parent company have actively contested the law. However, if the court does not rule in favor of TikTok and no sale is made, the app could face an effective ban in the United States on January 19, just one day before Mr. Trump is set to take office.

This move also highlights the companys significant efforts to build rapport with Mr. Trump and his team throughout the election campaign.

President Trump is not taking a stance on the underlying merits of this dispute, stated D John Sauer, Mr. Trumps attorney and his nominee for US solicitor general.

Rather, he politely requests that the Court consider postponing the Acts divestment deadline of January 19, 2025, while examining the merits of this case, thereby allowing President Trumps incoming administration the chance to explore a political resolution regarding the issues at hand, he added.

Previously, Mr. Trump met with TikToks CEO Shou Zi Chew in December, shortly after he mentioned having a warm spot for the app and indicated a preference for TikTok to continue operating in the United States for at least some time.

The legislation mandates ByteDance either to sell the app to an American company or confront a ban.

The president-elect also shared that he garnered billions of views on the platform during his campaign for presidency.

TikTok has stated that the Justice Department has misrepresented its connections to China, insisting that its content recommendation algorithm and user data are housed in the US on cloud servers managed by Oracle Corp, while content moderation decisions impacting US users are also conducted within the country.

Free speech advocates expressed to the Supreme Court that the US legislation regarding TikTok mirrors the censorship practices imposed by authoritarian regimes that the United States opposes.

The US Justice Department has contended that the Chinese ownership of TikTok presents an ongoing risk to national security, a viewpoint widely endorsed by lawmakers across the country.

A coalition of 22 attorneys general, led by Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen, filed an amicus brief yesterday urging the Supreme Court to uphold the national legislation mandating TikToks divestment or ban.
Ann Arbor (Informed Comment)  The word of the year was certainly genocide. It was alleged of Israels Gaza campaign by South Africa in a case brought before the International Court of Justice, and this charge was also lodged by Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, Doctors without Borders, and the UN Special Committee to investigate Israeli practices.

In addition, at least 14 countries have requested the International Court of Justice to allow them to intervene on behalf of South Africas genocide case against Israel, including Ireland, Spain, Belgium, Mexico, Turkiye, Nicaragua, Colombia, Libya, Egypt, Cuba, Palestine, Chile, the Maldives, and Bolivia. Spain, Mexico and Turkiye are in the G20.

On the other hand, the most powerful man in the world, Joe Biden, insisted that what Israel is doing in Gaza is not genocide. In fact, most US politicians of both parties have either issued similar denials or have just been quiet on the issue. US so-called cable news has barely mentioned Gaza at all this year, despite the daily carnage wrought by the Israeli military there, and typically does not invite on as commentators guests that might use the G-word. I did a database search in broadcast transcripts. CNN mentioned on December 6 that the US State Department had denied an Israeli genocide in Gaza. On November 1, CNN anchors reported that a UN official had resigned, calling Israeli actions in Gaza a textbook case of genocide. On May 24, CNN reported on the South Africa case against Israel at the ICJ for the crime of genocide. In January CNN reported two or three times on the ICJ case pursued against Israel for the alleged Gaza genocide. These six or so mentions seem to be the extent of CNN broadcasting on the genocide issue for the entire year, and mostly they covered denials or things that other people said.

Many of those contesting the charge of genocide against Israel do not understand the current technical definition of the term. It does not require killing millions of people. It cannot be excused by war-fighting, since the laws of war require that everything possible be done to minimize civilian casualties. If a country cavalierly throws aside this requirement and deliberately and consciously adopts rules of engagement allowing a hundred civilian casualties for each high-value militant killed, as both Israels +972 Mag and the New York Times say Israel has done, that course of action could fall under the heading of genocide.



Genocide, Digital, Midjourney, 2024

Polish attorney and academic Raphael Lemkin, of Jewish heritage, coined the term genocide. It is from the Greek genos or people, race, or tribe, and the Latin -cide, having to do with killing. (The modern Greek is  (yenoktonia), from genos and ktonia, which means killing. In my view it would have been better to have an all-Greek term rather than a Greek-Latin hybrid.) Lemkin used it in his 1944 book, Axis Rule in Occupied Europe. He also invoked it at the Nuremberg war crimes trials and worked to get the 1948 Genocide Convention passed and ratified, in which he succeeded by 1951.

In Axis Rule, Lemkin wrote,

New conceptions require new terms. By genocide we mean the destruction of a nation or of an ethnic group. This new word, coined by the author to denote an old practice in its modern development, is made from the ancient Greek word genos (race, tribe) and the Latin cide (killing), thus corresponding in its formation to such words as tyrannicide, homocide, infanticide, etc. Generally speaking, genocide does not necessarily mean the immediate destruction of a nation, except when accomplished by mass killings of all members of a nation. It is intended rather to signify a coordinated plan of different actions aiming at the destruction of essential foundations of the life of national groups, with the aim of annihilating the groups themselves. The objectives of such a plan would be disintegration of the political and social institutions, of culture, language, national feelings, religion, and the economic existence of national groups, and the destruction of the personal security, liberty, health, dignity, and even the lives of the individuals belonging to such groups. Genocide is directed against the national group as an entity, and the actions involved are directed against individuals, not in their individual capacity, but as members of the national group. The following illustration will suffice. The confiscation of property of nationals of an occupied area on the ground that they have left the country may be considered simply as a deprivation of their individual property rights. However, if the confiscations are ordered against individuals solely because they are Poles, Jews, or Czechs, then the same confiscations tend in effect to weaken the national entities of which those persons are members.

In contemporary Ireland, government officials are pushing back against Lemkins emphasis on intent and a coordinated plan, which are almost impossible to prove. They argue that genocide should be defined not by the intentions of the perpetrator but by the harms experienced by the victim.

This Google Books ngram shows how the use of the term skyrocketed after 1945:



Google Books Ngram for Genocide.

Unfortunately, the mentions may be increasing so much because the crime is becoming more common. In 2009 and 2010, the International Criminal Court issued warrants against then dictator Omar al-Bashir of Sudan that included 3 counts of genocide because of his brutal repression of the Fur people in the western Darfur province.

In this century, as Alexander Wentker points out, genocide is increasingly being litigated at the International Court of Justice, which was established by the United Nations to adjudicate disputes between member states. Gambia has filed a case against Myanmar (Burma)s military junta for genocide against the Rohingya Muslims. Nicaragua filed a case against Germany for abetting Israels Gaza genocide, but the ICJ judges turned it back on the grounds that Germany has a robust judiciary that can decide this matter itself. Nicaragua, undeterred, is interested in prosecuting Britain and Canada for complicity in the Gaza genocide, which Wentker suggests may help explain the Labour governments tepid announcement that some 14 weapons export licenses were being withdrawn from firms selling to Israel.

As South Africa noted in arguments before the ICJ, Article II of the Genocide Convention says,

In the present Convention, genocide means any of the following acts committed with

intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group, as

such:

(a) Killing members of the group;

(b) Causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group;

(c) Deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its

physical destruction in whole or in part;

(d) Imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group;

(e) Forcibly transferring children of the group to another group

This language was adopted into the Rome Statute that underpins the International Criminal Court.

The ICJ judges have taken special interest in the Israeli destruction of hospitals and their displacement of pregnant women to unhealthy rubble and tents, noting that The WHO has estimated that 15 per cent of the women giving birth in the Gaza Strip are likely to experience complications, and indicates that maternal and newborn death rates are expected to increase due to the lack of access to medical care. The point is that these actions might constitute Imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group.
( Russia in Global Affairs )  Modern Israel attracts much attention from analysts and the public but our ability to understand it is hindered by ideology, prejudice, and myth. Many tread carefully when discussing Israel lest they be accused of antisemitism. In an earlier article, I explained what distinguishes anti-Zionism from antisemitism. However, the fundamental difficulty lies in the habitual association of the state in Western Asia with the Jews. Should we view those who inhabit and govern Israel as Jews or have they become something else  namely, Israelis?

The nature versus nurture debate over the relative influence of inherited traits versus environmental conditions on humans is older than many realize. It can be traced through different stages of the biblical narrative. Angry at the Israelites worship of the golden calf, God was ready to destroy them all and start anew with Moses. Nature was to blame, as God despaired that these stiff-necked people could be re-educated.

In another biblical story, however, the Israelites were sent to wander in the wilderness for forty years to be reformatted before being allowed to enter the Land of Canaan. In this case, the emphasis was on nurture over nature, with the hope that the experience of benefiting from boundless generositysuch as the manna and the protective clouds of glorywould change them. This may have been the first known attempt at social engineering, even though the success was only variable.



Panel from an Ivory Casket with Scenes of the Story of Joshua, 9001000 AD, Byzantine, Made in Constantinople, Medium: Elephant ivory, traces of polychromy. Credit Line: Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917. Object Number: 17.190.135a-d. Metropolitan Museum of Art. Public Domain.

The contemporary history of the Jews presents a more daring case of such re-education. For centuries, Jewish ideals have stressed mercy, modesty, and beneficence. The abhorrence of violence is so ingrained that in many Jewish communities, knives, which could be tools of murder, must be removed from the table before reciting the grace after a meal. Blessing and violence are deemed incompatible.

After centuries of being educated to strive for moral perfection, some Jews  initially a tiny minority  adopted a unusual role as colonial settlersa role historically associated with European Christian civilization.

Mostly atheists and agnostics, Zionist pioneers in Palestine concluded that God does not exist, but He promised us this land.

They conveniently instrumentalized biblical commandments, such as You shall clear out the Land and settle in it, for I have given you the Land to occupy it. The settlers embraced a literal and materialistic reading of the Bible abandoning the interpretative tradition developed in rabbinic Judaism. Jewish tradition reads the biblical verses that mention violence allegorically: the sword and the bow used by Jacob the Patriarch against his enemies become symbols of obedience to divine commandments and good deeds. Tradition locates Jewish heroism in the house of study, not on the battlefield. But Zionists rejected this tradition as that of exilic weaklings.

Naturally, like in other locations such as India, America, or Algeria, most inhabitants of PalestineJews, Christians, and Muslims alikeresented the Zionists who began colonizing Palestine in the late 19th century. Resistance emerged, and generations of Israelis grew up fighting against it. Palestinians came to be perceived as a constant source of danger. Educated in the spirit of military courage, moral superiority, and self-righteousness, the Israeli came to disdain and replace the Jew. The murder of Jacob De Haan, a Jewish anti-Zionist lawyer, by members of a Zionist militia in 1924 marked not only the onset of organized political terrorism in Palestine but also the affirmation of a new national identity.

Ideals of martial valour were not only inculcated through the educational system but, more powerfully, were induced by the predicament of all colonial settlements: suppressing resistance from the colonized. Generation after generation of Israelis have participated in the violent pacification of the natives, forcing them to submit to discrimination, dispossession, and ethnic cleansing.

The daily news of brutalities perpetrated by the Israeli military in Gaza underscores the success of the Zionist transformation of the Jew. The massive support that these acts receive from Israeli society at large strongly confirms this. The recent debate in the Israeli parliament when some Knesset members asserted the legitimacy of gang raping Palestinian detainees by Israeli soldiers reveals profound dehumanizationthat is, the denial of full humanity in others, along with the cruelty and suffering that accompany it. But this also threatens the humanity of the soldier.

To mitigate this, the soldier must keep a distance from his victim. This is achieved through the industrialization of murder, which began with gas chambers and carpet bombing and continued with targeted assassinations by missiles and kamikaze drones. World-renowned Israeli scientists and engineers, assisted by major American corporations, have made a qualitative advance in streamlining remote violence. In Gaza, artificial intelligence (AI) now determines targets and destroys them. This points to an abdication not only of their ancestors moral values but of humanity altogether.

The Israelis war on Gaza confirms a triumph of nurture over nature, all the while demonstrating that technological progress does not equate to progress in humanity. In fact, it normalizes amorality, which most Western governments accept because, in their view, it is Jews who commit these atrocities, whether qualified as mass murder, ethnic cleansing, or genocide. Few realize that a century of living by the sword has transformed the Jew into a ruthless Israeli. Thus, one can better understand Israel as a state and a society when it is no longer regarded as the Jewish state, a nebulous concept that only blurs our vision and obscures reality. Only then can the world judge Israel on merit like any other state.

Reprinted from Russia in Global Affairs with the authors permission.
An Israeli military raid targeting Hamas militants has forced a major hospital in northern Gaza out of service and led to the detention of its director, the WHO and health officials said Saturday.

The assault on Kamal Adwan Hospital has rendered the facility "useless", further worsening Gaza's severe health crisis, the Palestinian territory's health officials said.

The World Health Organisation said the operation had put the "last major health facility in north Gaza out of service".

"Initial reports indicate that some key departments were severely burnt and destroyed during the raid," it added in a statement on X.

The WHO said 60 health workers and 25 patients in critical condition, including some on ventilators, reportedly remained in the hospital.

Patients in moderate to severe condition were forced to evacuate to the destroyed, non-functioning Indonesian Hospital, the UN health agency said, adding it was "deeply concerned for their safety".

Hamas-run Gaza's health ministry reported that Israeli forces had detained Kamal Adwan's director, Hossam Abu Safiyeh, along with several medical staff members.

AFP was unable to independently verify whether Abu Safiyeh had been detained, but multiple attempts to reach him were unsuccessful.

Gaza's civil defence agency said Abu Safiyeh was held alongside its north Gaza chief, Ahmed Hassan al-Kahlout.

The Israeli military did not comment on the detentions.

One of the Gazans evacuated from the hospital, who asked to be identified only as Mohammad for security reasons, told AFP some evacuees were interrogated about Hamas.

"As we began to exit, the army asked all young men to take off their clothes and walk outside the hospital," said Mohammad, whose brother was a patient there.

"They (soldiers) took tens of young men, as well as physicians and patients, to an unknown place... The young men were interrogated, they were asked about resistance fighters, Hamas and weapons."

Ammar al-Barsh, a resident of Jabalia where the military has focused its assault in recent weeks, said the raid on Kamal Adwan and its environs had left dozens of homes in the area in ruins.

"The situation is catastrophic, there is no medical service, no ambulances and no civil defence in the north," Barsh, 50, told AFP.

The army "continues to raid the Kamal Adwan Hospital and the surrounding houses, and we hear gunfire from Israeli drones and artillery shelling", he added.

- 'Heinous crime' -

In the days leading up to the raid, Abu Safiyeh had repeatedly warned about the hospital's precarious situation, accusing Israeli forces of targeting the facility.

On Monday, he issued a statement accusing Israel of targeting the hospital "with the intent to kill and forcibly displace the people inside".

Since October 6, Israel has intensified its land and air offensive in northern Gaza, saying its goal is to prevent Hamas militants from regrouping.

The military said Friday that it was acting on intelligence regarding "terrorist infrastructure and operatives" in the hospital's vicinity.

Before initiating the latest operation near the hospital, the military said its troops had "facilitated the secure evacuation of civilians, patients, and medical personnel".

Hamas has denied claims its operatives were present at the hospital.

"The enemy's lies about the hospital aim to justify the heinous crime committed by the occupation army today, involving the evacuation and burning of all hospital departments as part of a plan for extermination and forced displacement," Hamas said in a statement.

Gaza's health ministry had earlier quoted Abu Safiyeh reporting that the military had "set on fire all surgery departments of the hospital".

"There are a large number of injuries among the medical team."

- 'Death sentence' -

Iran, which backs Hamas, "strongly condemned the brutal attack", with a foreign ministry statement calling it "the latest example of war crimes, crimes against humanity, (and) gross violations of international law and norms".

The Israeli military has regularly accused Hamas of using hospitals as command and control centres for attacks against its forces throughout the war.

Hamas has denied the accusations.

"This raid on Kamal Adwan Hospital comes after escalating restrictions on access for WHO and partners, and repeated attacks on or near the facility since early October," the WHO said.

"The systematic dismantling of the health system in Gaza is a death sentence for tens of thousands of Palestinians in need of health care."

Meanwhile, Hamas's media centre reported "massive Israeli air and artillery strikes in Beit Hanoun", in northern Gaza .

The Israeli military says it has killed hundreds of militants since the stepped-up assault in northern Gaza began on October 6, while rescuers in the area say thousands of civilians have died in the sweeping offensive.

Gaza civil defence also reported that a separate Israeli strike in central Gaza killed at least nine Palestinians on Saturday.

The Gaza war was triggered by the Hamas-led October 7 attack on Israel last year, which resulted in 1,208 deaths, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures.

Israel's retaliatory military campaign has killed at least 45,484 people in Gaza, a majority of them civilians, according to figures from the Hamas-run territory's health ministry that the UN considers reliable.

bur-az-jd/smw

X
A Lebanese security source said Saturday that Bashar al-Assad's uncle, Rifaat al-Assad, left the country via Beirut airport around a week ago, after rebels overthrew his nephew.

Rifaat al-Assad, 87, is accused by Swiss prosecutors of a long list of crimes, including ordering "murders, acts of torture, inhumane treatment and illegal detentions" while an officer in the Syrian army.

His part in the notorious February 1982 massacre in the western city of Hama, in which between 10,000 and 40,000 people were killed, earned him the nickname "the Butcher of Hama".

Rifaat al-Assad arrived in Lebanon overland and "departed from Beirut airport normally, as there is nothing from Interpol on him" the security source told AFP.

He was not wanted by Lebanon's General Security agency and there were no other documents requesting his arrest, the source added, requesting anonymity as they were not authorised to speak to the media.

The source said Rifaat al-Assad departed Lebanon around a week ago and "used a diplomatic passport", without naming his destination.

Bouthaina Shaaban, a former translator for deceased Syrian president Hafez al-Assad and long-time political adviser to his son Bashar al-Assad, was similarly able to pass through Beirut airport, the source said, also on a diplomatic passport.

A friend of Shaaban in Beirut previously told AFP that the Assad adviser fled to Lebanon on the night of December 7-8 and then travelled to Abu Dhabi.

Islamist-led rebels launched a lightning offensive last month and took the capital Damascus on December 8.

A former vice president Syria, Rifaat al-Assad went into exile in 1984 after a failed attempt to overthrow his brother Hafez al-Assad.

He then presented himself as an opponent of his nephew Bashar al-Assad, who succeeded his father in 2000, travelling to Switzerland and later France.

In 2021, he returned to Syria from France to escape a four-year prison sentence for money laundering and misappropriation of Syrian public funds.

Earlier this month, Swiss newspapers reported that the country's Federal Criminal Court was considering dropping a case charging him with alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The tribunal said that the defendant in his 80s was suffering from ailments that prevented him from travelling and taking part in his trial, the papers reported.






Friday, December 27, 2024 - A 22-year-old woman, Chesnay Patricia Keppler, was shot dead by her police officer boyfriend, Mandla Goodman Buthelezi in South Africa.

Chesnay who worked as a Crime Prevention Warden, was k!lled on Christmas Day, 25 December 2024 in Eldorado Park, Johannesburg.

It is reported that the boyfriend visited Chesnay at her home. When she refused to leave with him, he allegedly started abusing her, trying to force her into a vehicle.

Her friends intervened, allowing Chesnay to run to the house and lock herself inside.

The boyfriend then allegedly went to his police vehicle to retrieve his firearm, returned to the house, and fired multiple shots through the kitchen window, hitting Chesnay.

He fled the scene afterwards but was arrested.

Chesnay was rushed to the hospital but was tragically declared d3ad on arrival.

It is alleged that the boyfriend had been abusive to Chesnay before this horrific incident.




Sunday, December 29, 2024 - Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua issued a statement after a Thanksgiving ceremony that he attended in Nyandarua on Saturday was disrupted.

Read his full statement.

A few weeks ago a criminal gang very openly supported by the police attacked mourners at a Funeral Service I was attending in Limuru. Despite the pictures of the attackers being splashed all over, not a single criminal has been arrested to date.

Today at a Thanksgiving Prayer Service at Shamata in Nyandarua scores of police officers were deployed purportedly to provide security.

However, and without any provocation whatsoever, a uniformed Inspector of Police gave a teargas canister to an officer in plain clothes to throw into VIP tent, causing panic and commotion.

This was despite the fact that the prayers were peaceful and everyone was calm.

I want to acknowledge the resilience and courage of everyone who attended this event for ensuring that despite this attack by the police the prayers continued to their focal conclusion.

I also want to thank the residents of Shamata for taking charge of the meeting, escorting the attackers out, and providing security to the women and children present at the function, as well as the leaders who were present.

But it is yet another moment of great shame to our National Police Service who are already disgraced for carrying out illegal abductions and extrajudicial killings of our children.

Why do you allow yourselves to be used for political purposes?

To President Ruto, no amount of intimidation or violence will stop the Kenyan people from criticizing you, demanding good governance and accountability, or asking you to respect democracy and the rule of law.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.
With the outbreak of a full-scale war in Ukraine, the world began to show increased interest in Ukrainian culture. And so it turned out that one of the main global symbols of Christmas, the tune Carol of the Bells, is nothing more than the Ukrainian holiday song Shchedryk, arranged by Mykola Leontovych.

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Shchedryk has been performed in Hollywood movies and on television many times. OBOZ.UA recalled where exactly you can hear our world-famous "Shchedryk".

Movies

Home Alone

The cult family comedy is a symbol of the Christmas holidays in itself. Every time we enjoy immersing ourselves in the adventures of Kevin McCallister, who launches Operation Ho-Ho-Ho to protect the house from burglars who raid rich houses whose owners are away on Christmas vacation. The same Carol of the Bells helps him in this.

Die Hard 2

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There is a debate on the Internet whether this action movie can be considered a Christmas movie. What else could it be, if John McClane, played by Bruce Willis, heroically saves his family from mortal danger under the flickering holiday lights. And accompanied by a rock version of "Shchedryk".

Shchedryk

This Ukrainian historical drama tells the story of three families - Ukrainian, Polish and Jewish - who go through the hell of the Nazi war with the Communists, as well as repression and genocide. The melody after which the film is named is a symbol of hope that everything will end well.

The Mirror Has Two Faces

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The romantic comedy starring Barbra Streisand tells the story of two scientists who decide to search for love with a scientific approach. On Christmas Day, they meet in a church where "Shchedryk" is playing and discuss music.

Whisper

Surprisingly, a song full of hopes for a good year turned out to be appropriate in a horror movie. One of the most eerie scenes in the 2007 film takes place to the sound of "Shchedryk."

TV series

This year alone, "Shchedryk" was featured in TV series at least twice. In May, it could be heard in one of the episodes of the cult science fiction series Doctor Who. The episode was dedicated to music, and it was to Mykola Leontovych's melody that its key events took place.

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In August, the final season of the superhero show Umbrella Academy was released on Netflix. A Ukrainian song was featured in it at the moment when the heroes get into an accident. This caused a rather mixed reaction.

And this is not a complete list. "Shchedryk" can be heard in the following cult series and shows:

South Park

The Muppet Show (special episode Ringing of the Bells)

The Simpsons (beginning of episode 8 of season 22, end of episode 3 of season 23, end of episode 10 of season 28)

Family Guy

Saturday Night Live

The Mentalist (season 3, episode 10).

Subscribe to OBOZ.UA channels on Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events.
Sunday, December 29, 2024 - National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichungwah and his Minority counterpart Junet Mohammed now fully support the ongoing abductions.

This is after they challenged authorities to arrest those misusing the internet in line with the provisions of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act 2018.

While speaking at a function condoling with the family of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula following his mothers passing in Mukhweya, Bungoma, the two leaders waded into the discourse that has gained momentum and called upon law enforcement bodies to do due diligence in light of the recent trend.

The two leaders urged the police and other investigative bodies to go after such individuals who they argued are contravening the law put in place in 2018 to tackle cyber-bullying and cybercrime.

The ongoing behavior and trend by Kenyans to abuse people through the internet by posting images such as the ones we have been seeing lately is very depressing, Junet stated.

I want to challenge the DCI to arrest individuals who are violating the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act and make it public that you have arrested them and taken them before courts of law so that it can be a deterrent to those who are misusing computers and artificial intelligence to insult and do very uncouth, uncivilised things, Ichungwah stated.

To the DCI, you must make use of the laws that we created and enacted in Parliament back in 2018. I know it had challenges in court back in 2019 but the same courts reaffirmed that law and all the provisions of that law, if the DCI are not aware and the police are not aware are fully in force, he added.

All they need to do is implement that law and end these shenanigans of people insulting each other left, right and center with impunity and imagining nothing can happen to you, he asserted.

Individuals who have allegedly been abducted by persons believed to be officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) are said to have shared AI images seen to be in bad taste towards government leaders.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Friday, December 27, 2024 - Hudson Meek, the teenage actor recognized for his role as "Young Baby" in the 2017 action film Baby Driver, has passed away following a tragic accident. He was 16.

Law enforcement confirmed that Hudson suffered blunt force trauma after falling from a moving vehicle on December 19 in Vestavia Hills, Alabama. He was rushed to the hospital for treatment but succumbed to his injuries two days later.

Hudsons mother, Lane Wells Meeks, expressed the familys heartbreak in a Facebook post, sharing that they are devastated by the loss of their son. She described Hudson as someone who achieved much in his short life and profoundly impacted those around him.





In addition to his role in Baby Driver, which was nominated for several Academy Awards, Hudson appeared in the TV series MacGyver, Legacies, and the film 90 Minutes in Heaven. He also contributed to voice-over work for commercials, including Toys "R" Us and McDonalds.

Hudsons obituary notes that he passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, friends, and "the presence of the Lord." His family announced that he would be an organ donor, ensuring that his legacy would live on by helping others in need of transplants.




Sunday, December 29, 2024 - Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji and Head of Creative Economy and Special Projects, Dennis Itumbi, went for each others jugular over the protests witnessed in Embu.

The duo met at the Birthday Girl Movie Premiere event at the Winter Villa Resort.

Taking to the stage, Mukunji castigated the state for allegedly undertaking the spate of abductions witnessed in the country recently.

He criticised President William Ruto and his government for going after civilians who were exercising their rights and freedom of expression.

He demanded that the state release the blogger within a day lest the public would act.

"We have given the police 24 hours to produce Billy Mwangi safe and sound. Because when one of us is harmed, then all of us are harmed," he said.

However, defending the government, Itumbi faulted the lawmaker for misleading the public.

While noting that abductions were atrocious, Itumbi said it was ill-advised for the MP to incite the public against the government.

He urged him to portray leadership and push for investigations in a civilised manner.

"This is your government. You were elected under the ticket of this government.

"Don't demonstrate against us. Lead us, and we will get behind you.

"We will visit the families and support them, and then push the government to do its bit of investigation.

" Ultimatums never produce results," said Itumbi.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Sunday, December 29, 2024 - Two middle-aged men believed to be notorious thugs involved in criminal activities exposed themselves badly after they stole a phone and took photos with it, only for the photos to land in the victims Google account.

The victim paraded their faces on social media to let the world know that they are criminals.

Check this out.















The Kenyan DAILY POST.






Friday, December 27, 2024 - The haunting final words spoken by the pilot of the doomed Azerbaijan Airlines plane before the plane went down have been revealed.

The plane crashed on Wednesday, Dec. 25, and evidence was piling up today that Russian air defences hit the Azerbaijan Airlines passenger plane which crashed killing 38 people.

The Embraer jet was likely wrongly targeted as a suspected Ukrainian drone by a Pantsir-S1 surface-to-air missile shot from the Naursky district of Chechnya.

The apparent shrapnel damage to the aircraft - seen on the intact rear section of the doomed aircraft at Aktau in Kazakhstan - is consistent with such a strike. So are the accounts of surviving passengers who spoke of an explosion outside the plane.

At the time the plane had been seeking to land as scheduled in Grozny in Chechnya, a Russian region headed by close Vladimir Putin warlord, Ramzan Kadyrov, which has been under regular attacks from Ukraine in recent weeks. It is Kadyrovs forces who are suspected of firing a Pantsir-S1 at the plane.

A partial text release of the alleged communications between the pilots and air traffic control indicates a catastrophic event that the crew wrongly assumed to be a collision with a flock of birds.

Struggling to control the plane with 67 people on board, the pilots help to go to several different airports in three countries, Russia, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan.

At 8:12 a.m., the crew reported both GPS lost on the Embraer E190AR, and sought help with vectoring to head back to the take-off airport Baku, evidently after the sudden closure of Grozny airport.

At 8:16, one of the pilots said: We have control failure, bird strike in the cockpit. Bird strike in the cockpit (inaudible)

Ground control replied: AXY8243 I understand you, what kind of help do you need?

The captain indicated he was seeking to return to his home airport Baku. But at 8:17, the pilot announced he was heading to Mineralnye Vody - an airport in southern Russia.

Ground control tells him to perform left orbit - but the flight deck replies: I can't execute, control is lost. At 8:19, one of the pilots states: I can't maintain 150, we have high pressure in the cabin.

Ground control reply: AXY8243 understood you.

One minute later, at 8:20, the flights scheduled arrival time, the pilot says: Left 360, my plane is losing control.

At 8:21, according to the leaked transcript, the crew decided instead to make for Makhachkala, a Russian airport on the Caspian Sea.

At 8:22, the crew reported: Now the hydraulics have failed.

Two minutes later, the pilot appears to deny he has declared a distress on board and tells ground control: The board [plane] is in order. But the air traffic controller then cannot properly hear the crew.

You are very hard to hear. tell me your altitude. The plane later disappeared from radar for 37 minutes before reappearing as it sought to land in Aktau.

Russian Telegram channel VChK-OGPU - close to the security services - said air defence teams loyal to Chechen leader Kadyrov in Naursky district likely attacked the plane.

The pilot mistook the strong blow to the plane for a collision with a flock of birds. Said the channel.

In reality, the damage indicates that, most likely, a missile fired by air defence systems exploded near the plane. According to the materials we have obtained, that very strike occurred approximately 18 kilometres [11 miles] north, northwest of the airport in Grozny, over the Naursky district at an altitude of 2,400 metres [7,875ft].

The channel reported: According to information from open sources, several military units are located in this area, including those with air defence systemsIt is known that after the recent [Ukrainian] UAV attacks, several Pantsirs were also deployed in Chechnya.

It was reported today that Kazakhstan has refused Russia permission to join the investigation examining the crash. Azerbaijan was also refused.

This way we will have all the facts, the black box and the evidence, said a member of the Kazakhstan investigation commission. Independent investigative journalists from the Volya Telegram channel said the drone left coincided in Grozny with the planes expected arrival.

The Pantsirs began shooting down everything that was in the air at that moment. Grozny airport was closed for flights.

But the passenger plane was already landing, which [air traffic control] prohibited at the last moment. The crew, according to the passengers, made two more attempts to land, after the last of which something exploded near the plane.

The damaged Embraer was prohibited from landing in Grozny and tried to reach the airport in Aktau, Kazakhstan, but crashed nearby. The crew did everything possible not to crash the plane, but to land it.

The outlet made clear that Traces of shrapnel damage are visible on the fuselage and vertical stabiliser (keel) of the jet. The closure of airports due to drone or missile threats is called a carpet plan in Russia.

Everyone switched on the mode which can be described as Work according to the instructions. The instructions dont say to turn on your brain.

The outlet said: Russian propagandists are trying to spread the version that the plane collided with a Ukrainian drone.

But this is implausible.

A collision with an attack UAV would not have left shrapnel holes in a civilian airliner, but would have led to the destruction and fall of the aircraft immediately after the impact. Drones do not explode near the target, they explode upon impact with the target.

A special aircraft of the Russian Emergencies Ministry has flown nine Russians, including one child, injured in yesterday's plane crash to Moscow for treatment.

By this morning, war fanatic Kadyrov had not spoken about the horrific plane crash from which there were 29 survivors.

His nephew Khamzat Kadyrov, secretary of the Chechen Security Council, wrote on his Instagram that everything was shot down and published a video in which a drone is seen exploding.




Sunday, December 29, 2024 - The family of abducted blogger Peter Muteti has broken its silence seven days after his disappearance.

Muteti was taken away by unknown men with concealed faces on December 21.

He had stepped out to a shop within Uthiru locality in Nairobi County when he met the abductors.

After days of not hearing from him and anxiety mounting, Muteti's family has owned up on his behalf, pleading with President William Rutos clemency to him.

The blogger, who enjoys a massive following, offended his tormentors by posting offensive tweets against Ruto.

His father, Barnabas Njeru, passionately apologised to the state on his behalf.

Speaking from Tharaka Nithi County, Njeru said his son's disappearance had taken a toll on his mental wellness, pleading with the state to intervene and release him.

"I was shocked on December 21 when I received the news that my son had gone missing. I have since then been worried.

I cry, my tears getting into my stomach. I beg the government and our president; if the young man erred, then I apologise on his behalf.

And I also want to apologise to Kenyans," said the distraught father.

On her part, Muteti's mother, Doricate Njeru, said she was having difficulty undertaking her daily routine due to anxiety over the whereabouts of her son.

"I have not been eating; I am not at peace. It is tears all through. I want to beg our beloved president to release my son," she pleaded.

Muteti's missing adds to the list of young Kenyans deemed critical to the governmnt who have been missing in the past seven days.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Sunday, December 29, 2024 - Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has issued a statement to President William Rutos administration after goons disrupted his event in Nyandarua County on Saturday

Gachagua was attending a thanksgiving prayer service in Shamata when armed goons disrupted the event by throwing a tear gas canister at the dais, where he was seated alongside other leaders and members of the clergy.

"Without any provocation whatsoever, a uniformed inspector of police gave a teargas canister to an officer in plain clothes to throw into a VIP tent, causing panic and commotion. This was despite the fact that prayers were peaceful and everyone was calm," Gachagua said in a statement.

The former deputy president thanked the people of Shamata for taking charge of the meeting, escorting the attackers out, and ensuring the safety of the women and children present at the event.

"I want to acknowledge the resilience and courage of everyone who attended this event for ensuring that despite this attack by the police, the prayers continued to their focal conclusion," Gachagua added.

He further blasted the National Police Service, which he says is already disgraced for carrying out illegal abductions.

Gachagua also aimed a dig at President William Ruto, telling him that intimidation won't stop Kenyan people from criticising the government.

"To President Ruto, no amount of intimidation or violence will stop Kenyan people from criticizing you, demanding good governance and accountability, or asking you to respect democracy and the rule of law, he said.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Sunday, December 29, 2024 - Kikuyu Member of Parliament and Majority Leader in the National Assembly, Kimani Ichungwah, has found himself on the receiving end after outspoken social media personality Francis Gaitho exposed his dirty secrets to the public.

According to Gaitho, Ichungwah reportedly lured a woman who used to work at a bank in Westlands and lied to her that he would marry her.

The lady fell pregnant for Ichungwah, who then moved her to an apartment in Kileleshwa

He continued lying to her after the first pregnancy and impregnated her again, while she was still married.

He later dumped her and left her with two kids.

The woman is the mother to Michael Andy Munyiri, who was the top KCPE candidate in 2019.

Kimani took to social media to congratulate Andy after he emerged as the best KCPE candidate in 2019.

However, many Kenyans didnt know that he was Andys biological father.

Check out Gaithos post.









Below is a photo of Ichungwas baby mama Grace Wanja.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Sunday, December 29, 2024 - Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has sent a direct message to President William Ruto, just hours after chaos erupted at an event in Nyandarua where he was in attendance.

In a statement, Gachagua warned Ruto against actions that undermine the Constitution and cautioned him against disregarding the will of Kenyans.

To President Ruto, no amount of intimidation or violence will stop the Kenyan people from criticising you, demanding for good governance and accountability, or asking you to respect democracy and the rule of law, Gachagua asserted.

His message came just hours after an alleged attack during a thanksgiving prayer service at Shamata Ward MCA Gitau Njamba in Nyandarua that led to police using tear gas and firing gunshots.

Today at a Thanksgiving Prayer Service at Shamata in Nyandarua scores of police officers were deployed purportedly to provide security.

However and without any provocation whatsoever, a uniformed Inspector of Police gave a teargas canister to an officer in plain clothes to throw into a VIP tent, causing panic and commotion.

This was despite the fact that the prayers were peaceful and everyone was calm, claimed Gachagua as he detailed the turn of events.

Gachagua, who has been vocal against the Kenya Kwanza Government since his impeachment in October, was forced to scamper for safety with his convoy when the commotion started.

The event took a turn for the worse when Nyandarua Senator John Methu addressed the crowd, but a fracas disrupted his speech, prompting police to intervene and disperse the gathering.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Friday, December 27, 2024 - A New York has ruled that the woman accusing Jay-Z and Sean 'Diddy' Combs of r@ping her at age 13 can proceed anonymously in her lawsuit against the rap moguls.

In her written order, Judge Analisa Torres also chastised the lawyer representing Jay-Z for what she described as his combative motions and inflammatory language against the plaintiff's lawyer, calling them inappropriate.

The Manhattan jurist said the woman can proceed anonymously at this early stage of the litigation, but she may be required to reveal her identity at a later date if the case proceeds. That would allow defence lawyers to collect facts necessary to prepare for trial. Torres also cited substantial interest from the public.

In her lawsuit, the woman who says she was raped at 13 identifies herself as Jane Doe.

She said she was living in Rochester in 2000 when she made her way to New York City and befriended a limousine driver who drove her to an after-party for the MTV Music Awards, where she says she was eventually attacked by Jay-Z and Combs.

Alex Spiro, a lawyer for Jay-Z, asked the judge to dismiss the entertainer from the woman's lawsuit and he requested a hearing on the case for the day after he made his requests in writing on 18 December.

Citing an interview the plaintiff did on NBC-TV, Spiro wrote that the broadcast revealed glaring inconsistencies and outright impossibilities in the plaintiff's story. For one thing, the woman said she travelled for five hours from Rochester to watch the music awards show on a jumbotron outside the VMA even though permits and pictures show there was no jumbotron at the event.

Spiro also noted that the woman's father has said he does not recall driving from Rochester to pick his daughter up in New York City, as she says he did.

The woman has admitted inconsistencies in her story.

Torres wrote in her order Thursday that Spiro, who has been on the case less than three weeks, has submitted a litany of letters and motions attempting to impugn the character of Plaintiff's lawyer, many of them expounding on the purported urgency of this case.

Referring to Jay-Z by his legal last name, the judge added: Carters lawyers relentless filing of combative motions containing inflammatory language and ad hominem attacks is inappropriate, a waste of judicial resources, and a tactic unlikely to benefit his client. The Court will not fast-track the judicial process merely because counsel demands it.

Combs remains jailed in New York awaiting a criminal trial on federal s3x trafficking charges. He also faces a wave of s3xual assault lawsuits, many of which were filed by the plaintiff's lawyer, Tony Buzbee, a Texas attorney who says his firm represents more than 150 people, both men and women, who allege sexual abuse and exploitation by Combs.

The lawsuits allege many individuals were abused at parties in New York, California, and Florida after receiving drug-laced drinks.

Combs lawyers have dismissed Buzbees lawsuits as shameless publicity stunts, designed to extract payments from celebrities who fear having lies spread about them, just as lies have been spread about Mr. Combs. Jay-Z has said in a statement that Buzbee is trying to blackmail him to settle the Alabama woman's allegations.
Did Jesus actually have a wife and children? This sensational claim surfaces from time to time, arousing curiosity. However, it also frustrates many religious scholars because of the lack of verifiable evidence.

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Despite a number of arguments, most biblical scholars agree that there is no irrefutable evidence to suggest that Jesus had a family of his own. They reject all variants, writes IflScience.

One of the most recent instances of this debate being fired up was in 2014, sparked by the scandalous book The Lost Gospel by journalist Simcha Jacobovici and historian Barrie Wilson.

Their arguments were based on an ancient manuscript that they say was gathering dust in the British Museum, written by an anonymous monk at least 1,600 years ago. The two researchers have made the first-ever translation of the document from Syriac to English, which apparently opens up new insights into the life of Jesus before he was crucified.

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Among the many claims in the paper, the authors argued that the story of Joseph and Aseneth is actually the story of Jesus and Mary Magdalene in disguise. If this is true, then their two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, would be the children of Jesus.

The book was not the first attempt to make this claim. One of the central plot points of the 2003 blockbuster film The Da Vinci Code is the dogma that Mary Magdalene was married to Jesus and the couple had descendants whose lineage was protected by a shadowy network of secret societies.

In 2012, a historian of early Christianity from Harvard Divinity School added to the discussion by claiming to have found a fragment of a religious text from the fourth century AD that contained the phrase "Jesus said to them, My wife...". The text also contains the words "Mary" and "she is able to my disciple." It attracted considerable public attention, but later scholars discovered that the document was a forgery.

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Despite a handful of claims, most biblical scholars argue that there is no evidence to suggest that Jesus had his own family, nor that Joesph was literally the historical figure of Jesus.

"For early Christians, their Bible was the same as that of Jews. Important figures in the Old Testament came to be seen as types of Jesus. Christians saw in a popular figure like Joseph some elements of Jesus ministry," wrote Jonathon Wright, who was then a doctoral candidate at the Oriental Institute of Oxford University, in 2014.

He also added that according to the authors of the books, this story is always about Jesus, but there is no evidence for this in the text or in any of the 90 or more manuscripts that still exist today - indeed, in the Armenian tradition, it is often in the Old Testament.

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"Joseph in the story does not do anything we associate with Jesus. The story was probably often copied because it was not controversial and because Christian beliefs about repentance and conversion were portrayed in an apparently Jewish story," the scholar added.

Another central claim in the 2014 book is that the story of Jesus and his family was actively censored because the earliest Syriac manuscript is missing the first chapter and the end of a letter from the translator. They assumed that the editors deliberately removed it to hide the controversial account of the marriage of Jesus and Mary. Again, it's easy to see how this claim was made, but biblical scholars doubt that this is the case.

"We can strongly doubt this! It is much more likely that the page was lost through wear. There are several other places this has happened in the manuscript. The story was copied into another Syriac manuscript in the middle ages, and this included the opening chapter, so the page still existed hundreds of years after it was written. This later manuscript has many works of the Church Fathers which would absolutely dispute that Jesus was ever married. Probably, the copyist thought the message of the work was clear enough and not controversial," Wright explained and added that "a good conspiracy theory always helps improvable claims."

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!




Sunday, December 29, 2024 - Kibwezi West Member of Parliament, Mwengi Mutuse, has dismissed claims that President William Ruto was involved in the October impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

Mutuse, who was the mover of the motion to impeach the former second in command, sought to dispel the narrative, shedding light on the behind-the-scenes intrigues that culminated in Gachagua's impeachment.

He told Citizen TV that Ruto was not the architect of the motion and was, in fact, hesitant about the move.

According to the lawmaker, the initiative to impeach Gachagua originated within his constituency, where they felt the country was on the wrong path and not from the state house

Mutuse further clarified that the idea was born out of discussions, after which he approached MPs from both the majority and minority sides in parliament.

Once the proposal gained traction, Mutuse said he shared it with key leaders in the National Assembly, who likely sought Rutos input afterward.

"We did not speak about the issue of moving the motion.

"In fact, part of the indications we were getting in the initial days when we were working on the motion was that the president was a bit careful; he was not sure whether that was the right move.

"He did not talk to me about it. This was our idea. When we presented to the majority and the minority, probably, I presume they consulted with the president," Mutuse explained.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Friday, December 27, 2024 - At least 33 people were killed and over a dozen injured during a prison riot in Mozambiques capital, Maputo, as civil unrest over Octobers disputed election intensified on Christmas Day.

Authorities reported that over 1,500 inmates escaped from the facility located approximately 15km from the capital, marking the third consecutive day of turmoil following the judicial confirmation of the ruling Frelimo party's controversial electoral victory.

Interior Minister Pascoal Ronda accused supporters of opposition presidential candidate Venancio Mondlane of instigating the violence.

A total of 1,534 detainees escaped the prison located about 15km from the capital, said national police chief Bernardino Rafael. Among those attempting to escape, 33 were killed and 15 wounded in clashes with prison staff.

A search operation involving the military led to the recapture of around 150 fugitives. While Mr Rafael attributed the riot to external protests, Justice Minister Helena Kida disputed the claim, telling local broadcaster Miramar TV that the unrest began within the prison and was unrelated to demonstrations outside.

In addition to the Maputo incident, jailbreak attempts were reported at two other prisons. We are worried as a country, Mozambicans, and security forces, Mr. Rafael stated. We expect in the next 48 hours a rise in crime.

The prison riots came a day after 21 people were killed during protests triggered by the judiciary's confirmation of President Daniel Chapos re-election. The Frelimo leader secured nearly 65% of the vote, but his opponent, Mr. Mondlane, alleged widespread electoral fraud, sparking violent demonstrations.

Photos and videos circulating on social media showed protesters burning and looting shops in Maputo and Beira, where some officials reportedly fled. Demonstrators set up tables in the streets to occupy public spaces while celebrating Christmas, according to AFP.

Mr. Mondlane called for a shutdown starting Friday, December 27, as the tense atmosphere persisted in the capital. Mozambique, with a population of 34 million, has been gripped by unrest since the October 9 general election. Young supporters of Mr. Mondlane have taken to the streets repeatedly, often met with gunfire from security forces.






Friday, December 27, 2024 - A Florida pizza delivery worker was angry over a $2 tip she got from a pregnant customer that she stabbed the woman fourteen times, according to police.

Brianna Alvelo, 22, got angry on Sunday, Dec. 22, after dropping off a pie at the Riviera Motel in Kissimmee when the customer gave her a stingy tip.''

She later returned with a friend and stabbed the woman, the Osceola County Sheriffs Office said in a press release posted on Facebook.

Alvelo, who was armed with a knife, began attacking one of the victims, the sheriffs office said. The victim was stabbed multiple times, and items were taken from within the room.

The victim was with her boyfriend and her 5-year-old daughter at the motel celebrating a birthday at the time, NBC News said. The victim gave Alvelo a $50 bill for the $33 order, but when Alvelo couldnt come up with change for the large bill the woman dug into her pocket and gave her just $2, the outlet said.

Security camera footage caught Alvelos red Toyota pulling into the parking lot for the delivery around 10 p.m. Sunday  and returning about 90 minutes later with her masked companion.

According to police records reviewed by NBC, the victim tried to shield her young daughter from the armed intruders and was hit in the back by the pair.





The woman then threw her daughter onto the bed and attempted to pick up her phone, only to have Alvelo smash it. Alvelo then allegedly stabbed the victim 14 times before her gun-wielding accomplice yelled for them to flee, NBC said.

The two took off, while police were summoned and the victim was rushed to a local hospital and listed in stable condition. While being treated the woman learned she was pregnant.

The following day, cops tracked down Alvelo, although her friend, who police said was carrying a gun, remains unidentified and on the loose.

Alvelo was charged with attempted murder, home invasion with a firearm, assault and kidnapping, according to sheriffs department records.

She was booked into the Osceola County Jail and has no bond, police said. This was an isolated incident at this address, and the matter remains under investigation.

In a statement, the owners of Marcos Pizza, where Alvelo worked apologized for the incident.

We are deeply saddened by the tragic incident that occurred, said the statement, obtained by WKMG-TV News this week. The local owner and his team are fully cooperating with local authorities, who have launched an investigation into the matter.

The safety and well-being of customers and team members are always our top priority, and we are taking this incident very seriously.






Friday, December 27, 2024 - A Russian surface-to-air missile was responsible for the crash of Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8432, which killed 38 passengers, Azerbaijani media reports.

Azerbaijani officials cited by the Baku-based news agency AnewZ said preliminary findings suggest the missile was fired from a Russian Pantsir-S defence system as the plane approached Grozny in the North Caucasus republic of Chechnya on Wednesday morning, December 25.

GPS jamming, previously reported by Flight Radar 24, caused the aircraft to lose communication with air traffic control while flying over Russian territory, the officials added.

Chechnya and surrounding North Caucasus regions were targeted by drone strikes early Wednesday. AnewZ said that, under such conditions, Russian authorities were required to close airspace to civilian aircraft, but for unknown reasons, this was not done.

Kadyrov Grozny International Airport initially blamed the planes rerouting over the Caspian Sea on thick fog. After regaining communication, the plane reappeared on radar at a low altitude before it eventually went down in western Kazakhstan.

AnewZ reported that the plane was denied permission to land at airports in Grozny and nearby regions after it was fired upon by air defence systems. It subsequently attempted to divert to western Kazakhstan before crashing near the city of Aktau, an oil and gas hub.

Azerbaijan Airlines said there were 62 passengers and five crew members on board. Kazakh officials, who are also investigating the causes of the crash, said 38 people had been k!lled and there were 29 survivors, including three children.




Sunday, December 30, 2024 - The family of a Tanzanian man is demanding justice after his mysterious death at the New Life Prayer Centre and Church in Mavueni, Kilifi County, which is led by controversial preacher Pastor Ezekiel Odero.

The incident reportedly occurred on December 8, 2024, during a high-profile church function, amid claims of a coordinated cover-up by the churchs leadership and local law enforcement.

The deceased identified as Zachariah Kyomo had reportedly travelled from Mbeya, Tanzania, and allegedly died in Room 7 at Jordan Hotel, a facility within the churchs compound, after paying Ksh 1 million for special prayers.

Witness accounts suggest that his wife, devastated by the sudden loss, threatened to expose the churchs role in the tragedy but church officials are alleged to have quickly offered her Ksh 2 million to silence her, locking the room with the body inside until they could orchestrate a plan to manage the situation.

The following day, December 9, church officials reportedly sought the assistance of an OCS from Chasimba Police Station which is well outside the jurisdiction to handle the matter.

An affidavit was sworn, claiming Kyomo died while being transported to the hospital in ambulance KDR 523X.

The body was secretly removed from the premises at around 2 a.m. and transported to Tanzania two days later.

No postmortem was conducted, yet records list multiple pre-existing health conditions, including hypertension and diabetes as the cause of death.

Members of the distraught family are now questioning the inconsistencies surrounding Kyomos death and the subsequent handling of the case.

They are demanding answers as to why the body was locked in the hotel room overnight and why law enforcement from a distant jurisdiction was involved.

Mbona mwili wa mpendwa wetu uliwekwa ndani ya chumba usiku mzima badala ya kufikishwa hospitali? one relative asked under the request of anonymity. The family has also criticized the rushed transportation of the body to Tanzania before any thorough investigation could take place.

These loopholes, they argue, paint a picture of a coordinated effort to cover up what happened.

They are questioning why an affidavit was sworn stating Kyomo died in transit when witnesses say his body was locked in the room until late in the night.

The family has also drawn parallels between these events and other reports of suspicious deaths linked to the church.

On December 11, just days after Kyomos death, another tragedy struck the church as a woman from Machakos reportedly collapsed and died during a service.

Witnesses claim she passed away on the church premises but ambulance KDR 523X was again used to transport her to Kilifi Referral Hospital where it was allegedly staged that she died en route.

These latest mysterious death incidents at New Life Prayer Centre and Church have raised serious concerns regarding the practices at the church, especially amid allegations that Pastor Ezekiel Odero may be linked to occult activities and a growing pattern of unexplained fatalities.

There are suspicions that some of these deaths could be connected to ritualistic practices (allegedly endorsed by Pastor Ezekiel) at the church popular for its large gatherings and evangelical outreach.

These claims are not without basis, considering the tragic events surrounding the Shakahola Forest massacre.

In the aftermath of the Shakahola incident, where over 100 bodies were discovered in mass graves, many of the victims were believed to be followers of a cult led by Paul Nthenge Mackenzie, who encouraged followers to starve in pursuit of spiritual salvation.

Pastor Ezekiels name has repeatedly surfaced in investigations surrounding the tragedy.

Though he has denied any direct involvement, he admitted in April 2023 that at least 15 victims died at his church after seeking prayers.

Some of these deaths were reportedly linked to health conditions but questions remain about the true cause of these fatalities.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.






Friday, December 27, 2024 - South Korea's National Assembly impeached Acting President Han Duck-soo on Friday, December 27, deepening the political turmoil sparked by former President Yoon Suk Yeols declaration of martial law earlier this month.

Han, who also serves as prime minister, assumed the role of acting president after Yoons suspension on December 3. However, opposition lawmakers demanded Hans removal, accusing him of failing to advance Yoons impeachment process and obstructing justice.

I announce that Prime Minister Han Duck-soos impeachment motion has passed. Out of the 192 lawmakers who voted, 192 voted to impeach, declared National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik.

The decision faced immediate backlash from the ruling Peoples Power Party (PPP), whose members protested in parliament, chanting angrily and demanding Woos resignation. Despite their protests, the impeachment motion proceeded, marking South Koreas first impeachment of an acting president and the second impeachment of a head of state within two weeks.

PPP leader Kweon Seong-dong insisted that Han should continue to lead state affairs despite the impeachment. Han, however, stated he respects the parliaments decision and would await the Constitutional Courts ruling on whether to uphold the motion.

Opposition lawmakers argued in their impeachment motion that Han was intentionally avoiding the special investigation to probe those involved in the insurrection and has clearly stated his intention to reject the appointments of three Constitutional Court judges, actions they deemed a violation of his duty to uphold the law and serve the public.

Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok will serve as acting president in Hans place. Choi had earlier urged opposition lawmakers to reconsider the impeachment motion, warning that it could destabilize the economy during a national emergency.

Our economy and peoples livelihoods, which are walking on thin ice, cannot bear the expansion of political uncertainty surrounding the acting authority, Choi said in a press briefing.

At the heart of the conflict is the Constitutional Court, which will decide the validity of both Yoons and Hans impeachments. The court currently operates with six of its nine seats filled, and a single dissenting vote could reinstate Yoon.

The opposition accused Han of refusing to approve three nominees for the court, a move Democratic Party lawmakerSeoung-ale-lae described as a direct challenge to the Constitution and the law.

Han defended his position, asserting that a bipartisan consensus was necessary for appointing the judges. A consensus between the ruling and opposition parties in the National Assembly, representing the people, must first be reached, he said.

Meanwhile, the Constitutional Court began its preliminary hearing on Yoons impeachment on Friday, with his legal team attending. The ongoing political instability has shaken investor confidence, causing the South Korean won to plummet to 1480.2 per US dollar, its lowest level in nearly 16 years.

Authorities have also intensified their investigation into the martial law declaration, with police raiding a presidential safe house and collecting footage from nearby security cameras. As South Korea grapples with this unprecedented political crisis, the nations economic and political future hangs in the balance.




Sunday, December 29, 2024 - President William Rutos Senior Economic Advisor, Moses Kuria, has taken a unique stance regarding the ongoing abductions of Kenyans by people perceived to be security agents,

This is after he urged Kenyans to sign a two-in-one petition.

On one hand, Kuria wanted the petition to put an end to unlawful abductions.

However, Kuria also wanted action to be taken on the responsible use of freedoms, particularly on social media.

"More than ever before, it is time the civil society to lead a two-in-one public petition for putting a stop to unlawful abductions and responsible use of freedoms," he said.

Kuria further revealed that he targeted 10 million signatures but urged Kenyans to be objective in the two-in-one petition.

The former lawmaker's statement came just days after police, through Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, denied any involvement in the alleged abductions of some influential social media figures in recent weeks.

According to the IG, arrests by police are typically recorded in the Occurrence Book for subsequent arraignment in a court of law and If this does not happen, the suspects are expected to be released from police custody.

Kuria's request to Kenyans to be multi-sided in the petition could have been prompted by a recent disturbing trend that has seen several AI-generated images of President William Ruto in precarious situations.

What followed after the images went viral was allegations of the abductions of some of the influential social media users, particularly on X, with videos and family testimonies backing the claims.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Friday, December 27, 2024 - An assault on the Yemeni capital Sanaa's capital airport and the western city of Hodeidah on Thursday, December 26, killed at least six people and injured dozens more as a high-level UN delegation, led by World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, was due to fly out of it, a spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said in a statement.

The Secretary-General is gravely concerned about intensified escalation in Yemen and Israel, the statement added.

The Yemen-based, Iran-backed Houthi militant vowed to retaliate, and hours later Israels military said a missile launched from Yemen was intercepted before crossing into Israeli territory. No injuries were reported, Israels emergency service said.

The strike on Sanaa International Airport killed at least three people and injured 30 others, the Houthi-run al-Masirah television reported. WHO chief Tedros said he and a UN team were about to get on a plane when the airport came under bombardment.

As we were about to board our flight from Sanaa the airport came under aerial bombardment. One of our planes crew members was injured, Tedros said in a statement, adding that he and his team are safe.

The air traffic control tower, the departure lounge  just a few meters from where we were  and the runway were damaged. We will need to wait for the damage to the airport to be repaired before we can leave.

The UN statement said the delegation had just concluded discussions on the humanitarian situation in Yemen and the release of UN and other detained personnel.

Further west of Sanaa, at least three people were killed and 10 others wounded in the attack on Hodeidah, reported al-Masirah. The strikes hit the ports of Hodeidah and Ras Issa, and the Ras Kutub power station in Hodeidah governorate, the Houthis added.

The strikes injured at least 40 people in total, the Houthis said, calling the attack a brutal aggression as it vowed revenge.

Hezam al-Asad, a member of the militant groups political council, threatened Israel in a post in Hebrew on X, saying Gush Dan is no longer safe. Gush Dan is a metropolitan area in central Israel that includes Tel Aviv.

The Israeli military said on Thursday it hit military targets belonging to the Houthis.

The targets that were struck by the IDF include military infrastructure used by the Houthi terrorist regime for its military activities in both the Sanaa International Airport and the Hezyaz and Ras Kanatib power stations, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement.

In addition, the IDF said it had struck military infrastructure in the Hodeidah, Salif and Ras Kanatib ports on the western coast.

The Houthis hold large swaths of territory in Yemen, including Sanaa.

Along with Hamas and Hezbollah, they are part of an Iran-led alliance spanning much of the Middle East region that has attacked Israel and its allies since the beginning of Israels war against Hamas in Gaza, which has killed more than 45,300 Palestinians.

Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said strikes on Yemen would not stop until the mission is complete. Speaking from Israels Air Force Command Center on Thursday, he said We will persist in severing the terror arm of Irans axis of evil until the mission is complete.
On New Year's Eve, Netflix traditionally delights viewers with festive premieres that create a cozy mood and help them feel the magic of the holiday. This year's list includes both romantic comedies and touching stories for the whole family.

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Whether you're looking for a movie to watch with friends or want to enjoy some alone time, Netflix has something for everyone. OBOZ.UA publishes a selection of the best new holiday movies for 2024.

That Christmas

This is a warm and touching animated Christmas comedy from acclaimed screenwriter Richard Curtis, creator of such cult films as Love Actually, Four Weddings and a Funeral and Notting Hill. It is Curtis's first animated film based on his script.

The movie is set in the charming seaside town of Wellington-on-Sea, where the residents are looking forward to Christmas. However, an unexpected snowstorm disrupts their holiday plans and creates many funny and touching situations.

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The story centers on Santa Claus, who makes a big mistake due to the bad weather, and a group of diverse characters, each with their own problems and dreams. They are all united by the desire to feel the warmth and joy of Christmas despite all the difficulties.

The Merry Gentlemen

This is a touching Christmas comedy that combines elements of romance, music and family values. The movie tells the story of a Broadway dancer who returns to her hometown to save her family's business and finds love in the most unexpected circumstances.

Ashley, a talented Broadway dancer, returns to her hometown to save her family's nightclub from bankruptcy. To raise funds, she decides to organize a Christmas show with local men who have never danced. Unexpectedly, Ashley not only saves the business, but also finds th love of her life - one of the show's participants Luke.

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The Snow Sister

A Christmas drama that touches on the theme of loss and finding a way to hope even in the most difficult moments. The film tells the story of a young boy who tries to keep the Christmas spirit alive after the death of his sister.

The movie takes place on Christmas Eve. The protagonist, a boy named Christian, is going through a difficult loss - the death of his sister. His birthday, which falls on Christmas Eve, is overshadowed by grief and sadness. The family tries to support Christian, but the boy feels lonely and cannot find joy in the celebration.

Everything changes when Christian meets the mysterious girl Hedwig. She is full of Christmas spirit and helps the boy to believe in miracles again. Together they go on an unforgettable adventure that helps Christian heal from his loss and find new friends.

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Hot Frosty

A fantasy romantic comedy set in 2024. The film tells the story of Kathy, a young widow who is going through a difficult period after the loss of her husband. One winter day, in an attempt to distract herself, she makes a snowman that suddenly comes to life. This magical creature, endowed with human features, becomes an unexpected friend for Kathy, helping her to heal from her grief and to believe in love again.

The film explores the themes of loss, hope, friendship and the magic of Christmas, offering audiences a touching and optimistic story.

Our Little Secret

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An American romantic comedy released in 2024 that promises to give viewers a festive mood and a few hours of good time. The movie tells the story of two former lovers who are forced to spend Christmas together in unexpected circumstances.

Avery and Logan were once a couple, but their relationship did not end well. They have both moved on with their lives, finding new partners. However, fate decides to play a cruel joke on them. It turns out that Avery and Logan's new lovers are brother and sister. And now all four are forced to spend Christmas together, hiding their previous relationships.

This comical situation leads to a series of hilarious and awkward moments that force the former lovers to confront their feelings again. Will they be able to overcome past grievances and find a common language or perhaps old love will flare up with renewed vigor?...

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EVERY Christmas were pressured to provide a dinner like the fantasy spectator ones on television, with all the mutant food items  Christmas pudding, mince pies  that we only eat once a year. However, most of us have jobs, errands and other obligations, and dont actually have the spare time or budget to create such a display, and dont need to. Yet many of us will be called upon to cook something when we have people over, perhaps on short notice. Not everyone is a chef, but everyone can make simple dishes like these

Roast chicken

One fresh or recently thawed chicken

20 garlic cloves

One-half cup of butter

20g of vegetable stock powder

10g of salt

10g of lemon zest

5g of cayenne

10g sage leaves

1 cup olive oil

Root vegetables  beetroot, carrot, potato

Turn the oven on a roast setting  about 200 degrees centigrade  and let it heat up. While thats heating, take the chicken and put it in a large metal oven dish with high sides. Peel eight of the garlic cloves, grate them finely, and mix them in a bowl with the butter, stock powder, salt, lemon zest, cayenne and sage. Mix this together and then rub it under the skin of the chicken  start lifting the skin along one end at the edge of the breast, and work your fingers under it until you can slide your whole hand between the skin and the meat. Youre not trying to remove the skin, just to coat the meat underneath with the garlic-butter mix. When youve used all you can, take the remaining mix and add a cup of olive oil.

Place the chicken in the centre of the dish  most images of roast chicken show it sitting breast up, but I put mine breast down to keep the breast meat tender. Pile the other 12 garlic cloves inside the chicken  make sure theres no plastic inside!  and seal the chickens back end with half a lemon.

Then, chop up some root vegetables  potatoes, beetroot, whatever you have handy. Cut them into pieces about two to three centimetres across, and put them a few at a time into the bowl with the oil-butter-garlic mix, and knead them with your hands  you just want to coat their surface with the oil. Pile the root veg into the dish until the chicken is almost buried. Finally, lay a few strips of rashers over the whole thing, and put in the oven.

My bird took about an hour to cook, but check yours starting at about 45 minutes and every 10 or 15 minutes thereafter to make sure its done. To test it poke a knife into it, a few centimetres deep, between the wing and body  if any of the fluid that comes out has a red tinge to it, it needs to go back in.

Cranberry sauce

Put 300g of cranberries, in a pan with 50g of brown sugar, 50 ml of white wine in a pan, and simmer it for five minutes, stirring until the sugar is dissolved and the cranberries start to soften and burst. You can try to mix it into a finer consistency, or serve as is.

Butternut squash

Sautee one onion in a pan until yellow, finely grate some garlic and stir it in right before you turn off the stove. Cut up a butternut squash  just the flesh, not the skin or innards  into cubes about 1 cm across. Take about 100 ml of stock  or perhaps hot water mixed with stock powder  and mix in 10 ml each of finely-chopped herbs like oregano, sage, parsley and basil, along with 3  5 ml of spices like cumin and coriander, 5 ml of salt, and a pinch of cayenne. Add a few dashes of lemon juice.

Line a baking dish with butter, and put in the squash. Pour the mixture over it, cover it with foil and place in the oven. Bake at 200 degrees for about 60 minutes, or until the squash is  well, squashable. Finally, take it out of the oven and take the foil off. Grate some cheese  gruyere works well  and sprinkle it over the top of the squash. Put it back in, uncovered, for a few more minutes until the cheese is melted.
An exceptional, lifelong contribution to the Irish co-operative and agrifood sector by Dr. Sean Brady has been recognised with the co-operative industrys highest national honour - The Plunkett Award for Co-operative Endeavour, named after Sir Horace Plunkett, founder of the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society.

Dr Brady, who lives with his family in Sallins, Co. Kildare, is respected figure in Ireland's agri-food industry, recognised for decades of leadership across numerous agricultural enterprises, strategic business initiatives and national policy programmes supporting the growth and success of Irish agriculture.

Among his most notable achievements, Dr. Brady chaired the expert committee responsible for developing "Food Harvest 2020," the 10-year strategic vision for the growth of Ireland's agri-food and fisheries sectors. He subsequently chaired the Dairy Expansion Activation Group to deliver on the ambitions of Food Harvest 2020.

Dr Brady is currently chair of the Department of Agricultures Bovine TB Strategy Implementation Group, is a non-executive Board director of Ornua since 2020 (nominated by Lakeland Dairies), Chair of the Dairy Processing Technology Centre, a Council member of the Irish Management Institute, and Chair of the Audit Committee of Kilkenny County Council.

He received the award at a special presentation ceremony held in The Plunkett House in Dublin, together with his wife Kay and family.

Edward Carr, President of the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS) said: "Sean embodies the essence of visionary leadership in Irelands agri-food sector. His exceptional ability to combine innovation with the values of co-operative enterprise has helped to drive success for multiple organisations and has also left an indelible mark on our global reputation for food excellence.

Plunkett award winner, Dr Sean Brady said: I am deeply honoured to receive the Plunkett Award. The co-operative agri-food industry in Ireland holds a unique and vital place in our nations heart and economy. It is a sector defined by its resilience, innovation, and commitment to quality - values that reflect the very character of our people. I have been privileged to witness and contribute to its growth and transformation over the decades, and I am immensely proud of what we have all achieved together.
Former UUP leader David Trimble was effectively told by Tony Blair to get lost over the timing of a border poll, according to previously confidential reports.

Under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement of 1998, the UK government is obliged to call a referendum in Northern Ireland if there is evidence of a shift in public opinion in favour of Irish unity.

Files released by the Irish Government as part of the annual release of state records show that Mr Trimble was repeatedly engaged in a campaign in 2002 to hold such a vote on the same day as upcoming elections for the Northern Ireland Assembly  which was at that point looking set for May of the next year.

The records from the National Archives in Dublin show that the SDLP and the Irish government were heavily against the idea.

In March 2002, the UUP leader publicly supported the idea of holding a border poll, adding that it would call the republican bluff.

The move was seen partly as a bid to drive turnout in the Assembly elections, although questions were raised about whether this would benefit the DUP over the UUP.

Mr Trimble said it would put the issue to bed for another generation  amid an expectation based on demographics that the vote would go in unionists favour.

The call came at the same time that he described the Republic of Ireland as a pathetic, sectarian, mono-ethnic, mono-cultural State.

His campaign for the poll continued publicly and privately for months.

In the files, Irish officials record that the SDLP believed that holding such a vote on the same day as the Assembly elections would be a sectarian blood bath  and that the party would be setting out its total opposition to the proposal.

The records, taken from a call between an Irish diplomat and SDLP leader Mark Durkans main adviser Damien McAteer, show that the party wanted to hold a border poll midway through the term of the next Assembly.

While separate documents show that the Irish officials believed the UK government to be equivocal on the matter, Dublin said the coinciding of the poll with the Assembly elections would be deeply polarising and destabilising.

Concern was raised that the move would boost votes for the DUP and Sinn Fein, while Mr Durkan is recorded as saying the proposal would create a theme park for flags.

Mr Blairs chief of staff Jonathan Powell spoke with a high-ranking Irish official in the department dealing with the peace process on September 13.

Michael Collins, the official who would go on to be Irelands ambassador to the US, wrote in a confidential memo: On the border poll idea, Powell said that Blair told Trimble to get lost.

Powell said that they were still concerned that Trimble was sleepwalking into a crisis with his party.

They were not convinced that he would escape and he could still be hit by the grey suits as early as tomorrow at his party executive meeting.

In any event, Mr Trimbles plan to hold a border poll on the same day as the election never materialised.

This is partly because he and other unionists collapsed the powersharing institutions one month later, in the fallout of a controversy arising out of the PSNI raiding Sinn Feins offices in Stormont in search of files.

The institutions would not be restored until 2007, while Mr Trimble stepped down as UUP leader after losing his Westminster seat in the 2005 general election.

There has been no such border poll held since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement.

Throughout the 2024 general election campaign in the Republic of Ireland, Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald called on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to set out the tipping-point circumstances which are required for his Government to call a referendum on Irish unification.

Earlier this year, Sir Keir said he was committed to the principles of the Good Friday Agreement.

However, while in opposition, he said a referendum on Irish unification was not even on the horizon.

 This article is based on documents in 2024/130/15
The Irish Government took a dim view of several proposed candidates to lead key negotiations on North-South co-operation, according to newly unsealed documents from the National Archives in Dublin.

A briefing note from the Department of Foreign Affairs described some of the high-profile figures put forward by Unionists and the British Government as ineffective politicians, bad lawyers and, in one case, as having a bitchy temperament.

It came as Irish officials in June 1991 were making considerations of their own candidates, as well as individuals put forward by the UK Government and Unionists, to chair Strand Two talks leading into the Good Friday Agreement.

Strand Two referred to the parts of the agreement which established North-South bodies and encouraged co-operation between the Republic and Northern Ireland.

Among nine names proposed by Unionists, the Irish side determined that George Thomas, Lord Tonypandy, is widely disliked at the House of Commons, where he had previously held the role as Speaker.

The briefing document says: He has a petulant and bitchy temperament and does not forgive slights, alleged or real.

Expanding on what the commentary describes as a large streak of sycophancy towards prime minister Margaret Thatcher, the author of the briefing says that a senior journalist described him as a kind of Welsh Uncle Tom.

Lord Michael Havers, another candidate put forward by Unionists, is regarded with affection more than respect in British legal and political circles.

The former lord chancellor and ex-attorney general is noted as having a number of blemishes on his legal reputation.

In particular, the Irish side says that many feel he is a bad lawyer over his leadership of prosecution teams in the Guildford Four and the Maguire Seven cases  individuals wrongly convicted over bombings.

It says that Lord Havers lacks much of the pomposity associated with his profession in this country and adds: He is relaxed, urbane, good-humoured and (after a few drinks) frequently indiscreet.

Former lord chief justice of Northern Ireland, Robert Lowry, is said to have been held in deep suspicion over many years, having been associated, the briefing document alleges, with some of the worst excesses of legal practice including the admission of supergrass evidence.

Former home secretary and Northern Ireland secretary Merlyn Rees is noted as being warm and likeable, as well as having a wife of Irish origin.

However, the commentary on Mr Rees says that he is often muddle-headed and prone to offering usually wide of the mark advice to his successors.

In addition, much is noted on his unmistakable Unionist sympathies.

Elsewhere, moderate Unionist Sir Fred Catherwood was noted as being acquainted with SDLP leader John Hume and DUP leader Ian Paisley.

However, notes in the margins say that he doesnt enjoy confidence of Hume.

The briefing document added: He comes across as a well-intentioned but somewhat naive individual whose political judgment and understanding leave much to be desired.

The Lord Colnbrook, former Northern Ireland secretary of state Humphrey Atkins, is noted as a Tory traditionalist in the Whitelaw/Carrington mould  though without the charisma of either.

More positively, the document says that he is regarded as a decent, honourable and self-sacrificing politician.

Lord Colnbrook was appointed as secretary of state having been regarded as a safe pair of hands by Margaret Thatcher, the document adds, but his credibility among nationalists was eroded during the Maze hunger strikes.

After an apparent delay in responding to the initial nine names put forward to the Unionist side, 10 additional nominees were put forward by then UUP leader Jim Molyneaux.

He cautioned that inclusion on the list did not mean the individuals were prepared or able to act.

These included Sir Philip Foreman, the former chairman of Short Brothers, who could not be countenanced by the Department because of a record of discrimination at that company at the time.

David Owen, former British foreign secretary, was seen to be very unlikely to be sympathetic and was further ruled out on personality grounds  the author saying he was widely known as arrogant, impatient and difficult to work with.

Elsewhere Gordon Beveridge, then pro-vice-chancellor of Queens University, is listed as being perceived as part of Unionist clique that has dominated Queens for many years.

While there are at least brief background blurbs for most of the list, the proposal of Conor Cruise OBrien, a former Irish minister known for pro-Unionist views, is noted simply as hardly a serious suggestion.

On a British list of candidates, Lord George Thomson of Monifieth was found to have had a position of moderate Unionism but further believed to be open to envisaging a solution to the Irish problem emerging within the broader European context.

The commentary on Sir Patrick Neill, then warden of All Souls College Oxford, said he was known sometimes to take somewhat quirky positions and to go a little over the top about subjects which he may not be totally familiar.

A source for the document also described him as being one of the great and the good within the constraints of being one of the major figures within the Establishment.

Former home secretary Lord Robert Carr was described by the Irish as a classic Heathman or Tory wet, while his work as a natural conciliator during the 1970 docks strike was also noted favourably.

On the other side of Tory divides, the Irish side noted that Lord Robert Blake, another possible candidate, had given sycophantic loyalty to Margaret Thatcher.

For Irelands part, several candidates were put on its shortlist including former deputy Labour leader Denis Healey (noted as being of Irish descent), and former Australian prime minister Gough Whitlam (noted as having a very benevolent interest in Ireland).

The documents also suggest that high commissioner of Canada to the UK Roy McMurtry had been approached informally for the position but was ruled out by Mr Paisley as not acceptable.

This came after Mr McMurtry disclosed that he had said in a speech 15 years earlier that Mr Paisley was not a proper person to visit Canada.

This batch of Strand Two talks was ultimately chaired by former governor-general of Australia Sir Ninian Stephen, who was not among the candidates discussed in the document.

 This article is based on files in 2024/130/2.
Apple continues to experiment with the screen sizes of its iPhones. After enlarging the displays in this year's iPhone 16 Pro models, the company is preparing new changes for the iPhone 17 line in 2025.

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Both minor adjustments and a complete refusal from one of the models are expected. Mashable ME reported that the standard iPhone 17 may get a 6.3-inch display, which is larger than the 6.1-inch screen of the iPhone 16.

Thus, it will be equal in size to the current iPhone 16 Pro, occupying a niche between the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus. However, Apple is rumored to be planning to abandon the Plus model for good due to low sales. It will be replaced by a new model called the iPhone 17 Air.

The iPhone 17 Air is expected to have a display that measures between 6.55 and 6.65 inches, making it smaller than the iPhone 17 Pro Max but larger than the iPhone 17 Pro. Thus, Apple aims to create an intermediate option between the Pro and Pro Max, offering users a choice among different sizes.

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There is currently no information about the display size changes in the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max models. It is expected that they will be the same - 6.3 inches and 6.9 inches, respectively, as in the iPhone 16 Pro. However, according to The Information, the Pro models will undergo significant design changes.

These changes include the use of an aluminum frame instead of a titanium frame, a semi-aluminum, semi-glass back panel instead of an all-glass back panel, and a redesigned camera bump that is now rectangular. These changes can significantly affect the look and feel of the devices.

ProMotion expansion and new display technologies

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Apple plans to expand ProMotion technology to all iPhone 17 models, meaning that all devices in the line will support 120Hz refresh rates for smoother content playback. Previously, this feature was available only for Pro models.

In addition, ProMotion will allow you to reduce the display refresh rate to 1 Hz to save power, which will ensure that the Always-On Display mode is always active, displaying the time, widgets and notifications even when the screen is locked.

According to unofficial sources, the iPhone 17 Pro may feature a new display technology called Low-Dielectric TEE (Transmission Electrically Enhanced). This technology likely involves the use of materials with low dielectric constant to reduce energy loss and improve the display's energy efficiency.

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There are also rumors about the use of an ultra-hard anti-reflective coating on the iPhone 17 displays, which will be more scratch-resistant than the Ceramic Shield used in the iPhone 15. Perhaps Apple will use Gorilla Glass Armor technology, similar to that used in the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.

According to analyst Jeff Pu, the iPhone 17 Pro Max will have a much narrower Dynamic Island due to the use of smaller "metalens" for the Face ID system. Metalens are thin, flat lenses with microscopic patterns that focus light more accurately. The reduction of the Dynamic Island will be the first change to this feature since its introduction in the iPhone 14 Pro, MacRumors writes.

History of iPhone resizing

Apple has been constantly experimenting with iPhone screen sizes over the years. From the 3.5-inch screen of the first iPhone to the 6.7-inch screen in the iPhone 12 Pro Max, the company always quickly responded to market needs and technological capabilities.

The introduction of the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus happened amind the popularity of phablets, and the iPhone X marked the transition to a bezel-less design. The iPhone 12 mini was an attempt to return to a compact size, but it did not gain much popularity.

The increase in screen size in the iPhone 16 Pro was another step in the development of the line, and the upcoming changes in the iPhone 17 indicate the continuation of this trend.

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Heres my 20 predictions for 2025, which Ill score at the end of the year. I got a low 10/20 right for 2024, a B+ in NCEA 

National will outpoll Labour in at least 90% of public polls in 2025 Wayne Brown is re-elected Mayor of Auckland Floating mortgage rates are below 6% by the end of 2025 Carmel Sepuloni will become Leader of the Labour Party Pierre Poilievre will be elected PM of Canada, with a majority Government If Labour stand a candidate for the Wellington Mayoralty, they will be elected Mayor PM Luxon will do a Cabinet reshuffle with at least one Minister dropped out of the Ministry The Government drops its bill to force Internet companies to fund media companies Two South Island city Mayors are not re-elected A Te Pati Maori MP will be referred to the Privileges Committee in 2025 Unemployment will peak at or before 5.5% in 2025, and then drop Trump will get all his remaining Cabinet picks confirmed Labor will be re-elected in Australia, but will lose its majority Reform will outpoll Labour in at least five polls in the UK in 2025 The 2025 budget will have less core crown spending for 25/26 than was forecast in the 2024 budget. There will be a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war, lasting at least three months There will not be an Ohariu seat after the new boundaries are finalised Labour will commit itself to a Capital Gains Tax, if elected At least 15 projects will be consented by the end of 2025 under the new Fast Track Approvals Law The Treaty Principles Bill will not pass its second reading

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Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday apologized to his Azerbaijani counterpart for what he called a tragic incident following the crash of an Azerbaijani airliner in Kazakhstan that killed 38 people, but stopped short of acknowledging that Moscow was responsible.

Putin's apology came as allegations mounted that the plane had been shot down by Russian air defenses attempting to deflect a Ukrainian drone strike near Grozny, the regional capital of the Russian republic of Chechnya.

An official Kremlin statement issued Saturday said that air defense systems were firing near Grozny airport as the airliner repeatedly attempted to land there on Wednesday. It did not explicitly say one of these hit the plane.

The statement said Putin apologized to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev for the fact that the tragic incident occurred in Russian airspace.

The readout said Russia has launched a criminal probe into the incident, and Azerbaijani state prosecutors have arrived in Grozny to participate. The Kremlin also said that relevant services from Russia, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are jointly investigating the crash site near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan.

The plane was flying from Azerbaijans capital, Baku, to Grozny when it turned toward Kazakhstan, hundreds of kilometers (miles) across the Caspian Sea from its intended destination, and crashed while making an attempt to land. There were 29 survivors.

According to a readout of the call provided by Aliyevs press office, the Azerbaijani president told Putin that the plane was subject to "external physical and technical interference," although he also stopped short of blaming Russian air defenses.

Aliyev noted that the plane had multiple holes in its fuselage and that the occupants had sustained injuries due to foreign particles penetrating the cabin mid-flight.

He said that a team of international experts had begun probing the incident at Azerbaijan's initiative, but provided no details. Earlier this week, the Azerbaijani Prosecutor General's office confirmed that investigators from Azerbaijan are working in Grozny.

On Friday, a U.S. official and an Azerbaijani minister made separate statements blaming the crash on an external weapon, echoing those made by aviation experts who blamed the crash on Russian air defense systems responding to a Ukrainian attack.

President Joe Biden, responding on Saturday to a reporter asking whether he thought Putin should take responsibility for the crash, said: Apparently he did but I havent spoken to him. Biden made the comment after leaving church in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands.

Passengers and crew who survived the crash told Azerbaijani media that they heard loud noises on the aircraft as it was circling over Grozny.

Dmitry Yadrov, head of Russias civil aviation authority Rosaviatsia, said Friday that as the plane was preparing to land in Grozny in deep fog, Ukrainian drones were targeting the city, prompting authorities to close the area to air traffic.

Yadrov said that after the captain made two unsuccessful attempts to land, he was offered other airports but decided to fly to Aktau.

Earlier in the week, Rosaviatsia had cited unspecified early evidence as showing that a bird strike led to an emergency on board.

In the days following the crash, Azerbaijan Airlines blamed physical and technical interference and announced the suspension of flights to several Russian airports. It didnt say where the interference came from or provide any further details.

If proven that the plane crashed after being hit by Russian fire, it would be the second deadly civil aviation accident linked to fighting in Ukraine. Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 was downed with a Russian surface-to-air missile, killing all 298 people aboard, as it flew over the area in eastern Ukraine controlled by Moscow-backed separatists in 2014.

Russia has denied responsibility, but a Dutch court in 2022 convicted two Russians and a pro-Russia Ukrainian man for their role in downing the plane with an air defense system brought into Ukraine from a Russian military base.

Following Wednesdays suspension of flights from Baku to Grozny and nearby Makhachkala, Azerbaijan Airlines announced Friday that it would also halt service to eight more Russian cities.

Several other airlines have made similar announcements since the crash. Kazakhstans Qazaq Air on Friday said it would stop flying from Astana to the Russian city of Yekaterinburg in the Ural Mountains for a month.

Turkmenistan Airlines, the Central Asian countrys flagship carrier, on Saturday halted flights to Moscow for at least a month, citing safety concerns. Earlier this week, Israels El Al carrier suspended service from Tel Aviv to the Russian capital, citing developments in Russias airspace. (AP)
Pope Francis sent his prayers on Sunday to the victims of a plane crash in South Korea believed to have killed nearly 180 people.

"My thoughts are with the many families in South Korea who are mourning today following the dramatic plane crash. I join in prayer for the survivors and the dead," Francis said after the Angelus prayer. (AFP)
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday expressed his condolences over a deadly plane crash in South Korea that killed nearly 180 people.

Xi sent a condolence telegram to acting President Choi Sang-mok expressing his shock at the large number of victims, China's state-run CCTV said.

"On behalf of the Chinese government and people, I express my deep condolences to the victims and my sincerest consolations to the victims' families, and wish for the swift recovery of the injured," he was quoted as saying. (Yonhap)
This year, scientists managed to lift the veil surrounding a number of historical figures. They uncovered more facts about their unique stories.

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In some cases, the analysis of ancient DNA has helped to fill in the gaps in knowledge and change prejudices. CNN writes about 6 historical mysteries solved by science in 2024.

Revealing the unknown

A detailed analysis of tooth enamel, tartar, and bone collagen helped researchers uncover details about "Vittrup Man," a Stone Age migrant who suffered a violent death in a swamp in northwestern Denmark about 5,200 years ago.

His remains, dredged up from a peat bog in Vittrup, Denmark, in 1915, were found next to a wooden stick that was probably used to beat him over the head. Still, little was known about him.

Using state-of-the-art analytical methods, Anders Fischer, a project researcher at the Department of Historical Studies at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden, and his colleagues set out to "find the individual behind the bone" and tell the story of the oldest immigrant in Danish history.

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The "Well Man" from the Norse saga

Researchers have been able to link the identity of a skeleton found in a castle well to an 800-year-old Norwegian text.

The Sverris saga, which tells the story of the real-life king Sverre Sigurdsson, describes how in 1197 an army of invaders threw the body of a dead man into the well of the Norwegian castle Sverresborg, probably to poison the water in the well.

A group of scientists recently examined bones found in the castle's well in 1938. Using radiocarbon analysis, the researchers determined that the remains are about 900 years old. Genetic sequencing of the tooth samples showed that the "well man" had a medium skin tone, blue eyes, and light brown or blond hair. Most interestingly, he was not related to the local population.

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Debunking the myth of the "lost prince"

Advances in molecular genetics over nearly two decades have helped researchers unravel the longstanding historical mystery of the so-called "lost prince" who appeared in Germany in the mid-19th century seemingly out of nowhere.

For 200 years, there was speculation that the mysterious man, named Kaspar Hauser, secretly belonged to the German royal family. He was found wandering around Nuremberg without papers in May 1828 at the age of 16. He could barely communicate with those who questioned him.

Several studies have been conducted on genetic data taken from items that belonged to Hauser, but conflicting results have led to a dead end with no answers. This year, researchers conducted a new analysis of Hauser's hair samples and were able to prove that his mitochondrial DNA, or genetic code passed down through the maternal line, does not match the one of the Baden family.

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Although the disproval of the royal hoax solved one mystery, another arose in its place: who was this man?

A sick and tortured composer

The classical composer Ludwig van Beethoven died in 1827 at the age of 56 after years of illness, including deafness, liver disease, and gastrointestinal disorders. The composer expressed his desire to have his illnesses studied and the results disseminated.

In May, scientists published a study that showed high levels of lead found in authentic strands of Beethoven's hair and suggested that the composer had lead poisoning, which may have caused his recurring health problems. These findings build on previous discoveries made after Beethoven's genome was made publicly available to explore the complex nuances of his health.

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In addition to lead, Beethoven's locks also contained elevated levels of arsenic and mercury. Moreover, it is not known they got there. Most likely, the substances accumulated in the musician's body as a result of his lifelong consumption of fish from the polluted Danube River and tap wine that was sweetened and preserved with lead.

The new findings contribute to a better understanding of the composer's health, as well as the complex, large-scale symphonies he left behind that are still performed by orchestras around the world.

Colonial drama

The study of skeletal remains using new DNA analysis techniques shed light on the fate of family members of the first US President George Washington in March.

Washington's younger brother Samuel, who died in 1781, and 19 other family members were buried in a cemetery at Samuel's estate near Charlestown, West Virginia, according to Courtney Cavagnino, a researcher at the U.S. Army Medical Examination System's DNA Identification Laboratory. However, some graves were unmarked, most likely to prevent them from being looted. A research team has conducted excavations to find Samuel's final resting place, but the location of his grave remains a mystery.

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The methods can be further used to identify the unknown remains of those who served in the military since World War II.

Meanwhile, a separate study of unmarked graves found in the British settlement of Jamestown, Virginia, revealed a long-hidden scandal in the family of the colony's first governor, Thomas West.

The researchers analyzed the DNA of two male skeletons in the graves. Both turned out to be related to West through a common maternal line. One of the men, Captain William West, was born to West's aunt, Elizabeth, and was illegitimate.

Researchers have discovered that details of West's birth were deliberately removed from the family's genealogical records at the time, and speculate that it was the mystery of his true origins that inspired him to cross the Atlantic Ocean and join the colony.

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Inside the minds (and laboratories) of prominent astronomers

Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe is associated with the celestial discoveries of the 16th century. But he was also an alchemist who brewed secret medicines for elite clients such as Rudolf II, Holy Roman Emperor.

Renaissance alchemists kept their work secret, and few alchemical recipes have survived to this day. Although Brahe's laboratory, which was located beneath his castle residence and the Uraniborg Observatory, was destroyed after his death, researchers have conducted chemical analysis of glass and ceramic shards found at the site.

It revealed elements such as nickel, copper, zinc, tin, mercury, gold, lead and, surprisingly, tungsten, which had not even been described at the time. It is possible that Brahe isolated it from the mineral without realizing it, but this discovery raises new questions about his secret work.

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In addition, several centuries after the German astronomer Johannes Kepler made sketches of sunspots in 1607 based on his observations of the sun's surface, these pioneering drawings helped scientists piece together the history of the sun's solar cycle.

Although each cycle of solar activity usually takes about 11 years to complete, there have been times when the sun has not behaved as expected. And by analyzing long-forgotten Kepler drawings made before the advent of telescopes, scientists have learned more about the Maunder Minimum, a period of extremely weak and anomalous solar cycles between 1645 and 1715.

Kepler's drawings were made with a camera obscura, a device that used a small hole in the wall of an instrument to project an image of the Sun onto a piece of paper. His sketches depicted sunspots that helped astronomers determine that solar cycles occurred as expected when Kepler observed them, rather than lasting an abnormally long time as previously thought.

So this year, the centuries-old work of Brahe and Kepler was supplemented with new fragments that helped scientists reconstruct the mysteries of the past.

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By Kim Hyun-bin

The Constitutional Court is grappling with unprecedented challenges as it navigates several critical legal issues tied to multiple impeachment motions, including those against President Yoon Suk Yeol and former acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo.

In addition, the court is tasked with handling an injunction and a competence dispute case filed by the ruling People Power Party regarding the legality of the impeachment motion against Han, specifically questioning the quorum required for the motion.

A key question in Han's case is whether the quorum for impeaching the acting president should follow the constitutional requirement for the president  two-thirds of the full National Assembly (200 seats)  or the lower quorum for Cabinet members, such as the prime minister, which is a majority of the Assembly (151 seats).

With the impeachment motion against Han passing on Friday with 192 votes in favor, the Constitutional Court's ruling on this matter will significantly impact the future of state affairs, including the impeachment trial of Yoon.

This mounting pressure is further intensified by the fact that only six justices remain on the court, with three seats still vacant since October.

On a related note, another significant legal matter is whether the court can deliver rulings on 10 pending impeachment cases, including those against Yoon and Han, with only six justices.

The Constitutional Court is currently deliberating whether it can make decisions with only six justices.

Although a quorum of six is theoretically sufficient for decisions on unconstitutionality and impeachment if all present justices agree, there is internal disagreement about the propriety of making such decisions with a reduced bench. Previously, the consensus was to wait for new appointments.

During the injunction case involving Lee Jin-sook, chairperson of the Korea Communications Commission, the court determined that hearings for impeachment cases could proceed with six justices.

However, it did not make a clear ruling on whether decisions could be issued with this number of justices. It only stated then that "at least six justices' approval is required for an impeachment ruling" and "if the opinions of the six justices are divided, the decision can be postponed until the vacant positions are filled."

The issue is that any decision made with only six justices, whether on impeachment trials, authority disputes, injunctions, or constitutional complaints, could face legitimacy challenges due to the absence of one-third of the justices.

Amid these developments, some main opposition Democratic Party of Korea members suggest pursuing further impeachment if Choi Sang-mok, now acting president, deputy prime minister and finance minister, does not appoint justices. This could lead to successive impeachments of Cabinet members acting as president, creating a cycle of impeachment due to the refusal to appoint justices.

The court's public relations official said earlier this month that its acting Chief Justice Moon Hyung-bae stated that the question of whether a ruling can be made with six justices is still "under discussion."
At least 28 people were dead and many others presumably injured after a Korean passenger plane carrying 181 people crashed at an airport in the country's southwest on Sunday, police and firefighters said.

The accident happened at 9:07 a.m., when the Jeju Air flight veered off the runway while landing and collided with a fence at the Musan International Airport in the Muan county, about 288 kilometers southwest of Seoul.

Authorities confirmed 28 people died in the crash  all of whom were found at the tail section  with the casualties likely to increase. Two have been rescued.

The crash significantly damaged the plane, resulting in a fire.

A total of 181, including six crew members, were aboard the plane that was returning from Bangkok.

Most of the passengers were Koreans, except for two Thai nationals.

Authorities have extinguished the initial fire and said that search and rescue operations were under way at the crash site.

They also began an on-site investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash. (Yonhap)
A malfunction of the landing gear likely caused a passenger plane to crash at Muan International Airport on Sunday while attempting a crash landing after a failed first landing attempt, authorities said.

The Jeju Air flight, carrying a total of 181 passengers from Bangkok, was trying to land at Muan International Airport at 9:07 a.m. when it veered off the runway and collided with a fence, killing at least 122. Authorities said all others are believed to have been killed.

Airport authorities said that the flight was attempting a crash landing due to a landing gear malfunction when the crash occurred, after its first landing attempt failed.

The plane, however, appears to have failed to reduce its speed until it reached the end of the runway and crashed into the structures at the outer edge of the airport, the authorities said.

The crash significantly damaged the plane, resulting in a fire.

Witnesses cited signs that the plane's landing gear, such as tires, remained unactivated, possibly sending it to attempt a crash landing, with a bird collision presumed to be the cause of the malfunction. (Yonhap)
Acting President Choi Sang-mok on Sunday designated the southwestern county of Muan as a special disaster zone eligible for state support following a deadly plane crash.

Choi made the announcement after arriving at Muan International Airport, located 288 kilometers southwest of Seoul.

Except for the two rescued from the accident, all people on board are presumed to have died, firefighting authorities said.

"The government is allocating all available resources through the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters, and has declared (Muan) as a special disaster zone," Choi said during a government meeting held in Muan.

"We will thoroughly investigate the cause of the accident and devise preventive measures to avoid the occurrence of similar accidents in the future," Choi said.

The acting president also ordered related agencies to utilize all available equipment, personnel and infrastructure to "save even one more life," his office said.

"I believe no words of consolation will be enough for the families who have suffered such a tragedy," Choi said, noting that government agencies are working closely to respond to the accident.

"The government will spare no effort in supporting the bereaved families," the acting president added.

Choi also stressed the need for extra caution to ensure the safety of firefighters during the rescue operation, his office said.

Choi, meanwhile, has been serving as acting president since Friday, after the National Assembly voted to impeach Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who was suspended less than two weeks after assuming the role from President Yoon Suk Yeol on Dec. 14. (Yonhap)
By KTimes

The plane that crashed at Muan International Airport on the morning of Dec. 29, carrying 181 passengers and crew, has been identified as a Boeing 737-800. The aircraft, operated by Jeju Air, was en route from Bangkok to Muan and is one of the carrier's main fleet models.

According to the Aircraft Technical Information System, the plane, registered as HL8088, was manufactured in 2009 and registered with Jeju Air in 2017.

The Boeing 737-800 has a length of 39.5 meters, a wingspan of 35.8 meters, and a height of 12.5 meters, with a notable wingtip design.

It has a seating capacity of 189 passengers and a cruising speed of approximately 850 kilometers per hour. As of January this year, Jeju Air operates a fleet of 42 planes, consisting only of Boeing 737-800s and Boeing 737-8s.

The Boeing 737-800 is the most widely used aircraft model in Korea, especially among low-cost carriers (LCCs). Other domestic airlines operating this model include Tway Air (27 737-800 planes), Jin Air (19), Eastar Jet (10), and Korean Air (2), bringing the total number of Boeing 737-800s in operation nationwide to 101. However, older aircraft of this model are being gradually replaced by newer types.

This aircraft model has a history of accidents abroad. In March 2022, a Boeing 737-800 operated by China Eastern Airlines crashed into a mountain near Wuzhou, China, killing all 132 passengers and crew on board.

In April this year, a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-800 in the United States experienced an engine cover detachment during takeoff, although no fatalities occurred.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.








By KTimes

A flight attendant who survived the Jeju Air crash at Muan International Airport on Sunday asked, "What happened?" when questioned by doctors about her condition after being rushed to the hospital.

According to Mokpo Korean Hospital, the 32-year-old crew member, identified as Lee, appeared disoriented and asked, "Why am I here?" instead of describing his injuries.

Lee said that he had fastened his seatbelt as the plane prepared to land but could not recall events after the apparent landing.

A hospital official suggested that Lees reaction might stem from shock. It seems she was in a near-panic state, possibly worried about the safety of the plane and passengers, the official said.

Lee, who had been stationed in the rear of the aircraft to assist passengers, sustained a fractured left shoulder and head injuries but remained conscious. He was transferred to a hospital in Seoul later at her familys request.

Another surviving crew member, a 25-year-old identified as Kwon, is being treated at Mokpo Central Hospital.

According to medical staff, Kwon does not remember the crash either and told doctors she was experiencing pain in her head, ankle, and abdomen.

Hospital staff said that Kwon suffered a scalp laceration and a fractured ankle and is undergoing tests for abdominal injuries. While her life is not in danger, we havent had time to ask her about the crash, the hospital representative added.

The National Fire Agency announced that 179 fatalities were recovered, with only two cabin crew members rescued from the tail section of the aircraft.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.
































By KTimes

The crash of Jeju Air Flight 2216 at Muan International Airport on Sunday is expected to be recorded as the worst aviation disaster in Koreas history. Even compared to national carrier accidents abroad, the loss of life in this incident is staggering.

The plane carried 175 passengers, including two Thai nationals, along with six crew members. A total of 179 fatalities have been confirmed, with only two survivors.

The deadliest crash involving a Korean airline occurred on Sept. 1, 1983, when Korean Air Flight 007, en route from New York to Gimpo International Airport, was shot down by a Soviet fighter jet near Kamchatka. All 269 people on board perished.

Another devastating incident was the Korean Air Flight 801 crash in Guam in August 1997, which claimed 225 lives. The plane, attempting to land at Guam International Airport, crashed into a jungle due to pilot error in poor weather conditions.

Other notable disasters include the 1987 Korean Air Flight 707 bombing over the Indian Ocean by North Korean agents, killing 115 people, and the 1989 Korean Air crash at Tripoli Airport, Libya, which left 80 dead.

The most recent major accident was in July 2013, when an Asiana Airlines plane crashed at San Francisco International Airport, killing two passengers and injuring 181.

Deadliest crash on Korean soil

Prior to the Jeju Air crash, the worst aviation accident on Korean soil occurred in April 2002, when a Chinese airliner attempting to land at Gimhae Airport crashed into a nearby mountain, killing 129 of the 167 passengers and crew.

Another significant tragedy was the July 1993 crash of Asiana Airlines Flight 733, which slammed into a hill in Haenam County, South Jeolla Province, killing 68 of the 110 people on board.

Aviation experts often highlight the "critical 11 minutes"  the three minutes after takeoff and the eight minutes before landing  as the most dangerous phases of a flight. The Jeju Air crash, which occurred during the landing process at Muan International Airport, falls into this category.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.
Korea and the United States plan to hold key nuclear deterrence talks next month, officials said Sunday, as the allies agreed to fully resume bilateral diplomatic and security schedules postponed in the aftermath of President Yoon Suk Yeol's botched martial law bid.

Seoul and Washington had planned to hold the fourth session of the Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG) in the U.S. capital earlier this month, but it was postponed after Yoon's short-lived imposition of martial law on Dec. 3.

The fourth session of the NCG will be held in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 10, the defense ministry said.

The NCG was launched last year as part of the Washington Declaration that Yoon and U.S. President Joe Biden issued during their White House summit in April to strengthen the credibility of America's extended deterrence commitment to using the full range of its military capabilities, including nuclear arms, to defend its ally. (Yonhap)
Choi Sang-mok faced with plane crash, economic risks, impeachment threats

By Jung Min-ho

Korea's new acting President Choi Sang-mok, who assumed the role following the impeachment of former acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo on Friday, stated that his primary focus will be on restoring national stability.

Yet political and economic uncertainties have only deepened, with dire challenges immediately confronting the new leader, including the crash of a plane carrying 181 people on Sunday.

Choi, who is also the deputy prime minister and finance minister, faces daunting tasks ahead as the nation confronts the unprecedented situation of both its president and prime minister  the top two figures in the government hierarchy  being simultaneously suspended from their duties. The National Assembly passed an impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk Yeol on Dec. 14 for his botched martial law declaration, and a separate motion was passed against Han Duck-soo for delaying the appointment of three Constitutional Court justice nominees to review Yoon's impeachment trial.

The new interim leader faces the tough task of taking control of both the economic and political situations in the country.

Since Yoon's short-lived martial law on Dec. 3, Choi, as the finance minister, has tried to reassure foreign countries, finance-related institutions, and investors about the stability of the Korean economy. However, as the acting president who must oversee all state affairs, he is unable to concentrate solely on economic matters, balancing the demands of both governance and economic stability during this tumultuous period.

Amid this turmoil, finance officials are urgently working to address the declining value of the Korean won against the U.S. dollar, which hit its lowest point on Friday since the 2009 global financial crisis. Analysts suggest that there is little hope for reversing the negative sentiment unless the political situation stabilizes.

Security concerns also burden Choi, as the nation's defense minister and several other military commanders have been arrested or suspended over their alleged involvement in the martial law plan. On Friday, amid growing security worries fueled by political instability, Choi instructed top defense officials to bolster the military's defense posture, warning that Pyongyang may attempt to exploit the situation in South Korea.

The political situation is even more challenging for him.

Han was impeached after refusing the opposition bloc's demand to immediately appoint three Constitutional Court justice nominees approved by the Assembly. The opposition seeks these appointments to fill the vacancies on the nine-member court, believing that a full bench will increase the likelihood of upholding Yoon's impeachment. However, the ruling People Power Party (PPP) argues that, like Han, Choi cannot make these appointments, as it is solely within the president's authority.

The opposition is also threatening to impeach Choi if he follows Han's lead and refuses to make the appointments.

The acting presidents primary responsibility is to restore constitutional order and put an end to the chaos caused by insurrectionists, Rep. Kang Yu-jung, floor spokeswoman for the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), said in a statement. Choi must immediately appoint the Constitutional Court justices. There is no middle ground or room for delay between siding with insurrectionists and saving the nation. We urge him to make a prompt decision.

A more direct threat came from the minor liberal Rebuilding Korea Party. Rep. Kim Sun-min, its chairwoman, vowed to impeach Choi and said he will have only a few days to decide whether to proceed with the appointments.

At the same time, the ruling PPP urged Choi to delay making a decision until the Constitutional Court rules on the legality of Han's impeachment. This motion was passed with fewer than 200 votes, based on the assumption that only 150 votes would be required to impeach an acting president.

It is unclear whether Choi will comply with the opposition's demand. However, speaking to reporters on Friday, he indicated that his authority as "acting acting leader" would be limited, suggesting he may not take such action.

If opposition lawmakers proceed with impeachment, the country could face increased confusion, with potential consequences for its economic stability and defense capabilities.
CIO considers reviewing arrest warrant for Yoon

By Anna J. Park

President Yoon Suk Yeol failed to respond to a third summons requesting his appearance for questioning at the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province, by 10 a.m. on Sunday.

The summons issued Thursday by the joint investigation authorities  which is comprised of the CIO, the police and the Ministry of National Defense's Criminal Investigation Command  came a day after Yoon ignored their second summons on Christmas Day.

It was confirmed that Yoon refused to accept the delivery of the third summons by mail. In addition, his team has not submitted any documents to the investigation authorities, such as the appointment of legal counsel or security arrangements, in preparation for his appearance.

The joint investigation headquarters had previously attempted to summon Yoon for questioning as a suspect on Dec. 18 and Wednesday but failed to deliver the summons on both occasions.

As Yoon failed to respond to the third summons, which is generally considered a final warning, the CIO is expected to start considering seeking an arrest warrant for him.

Yoon's failure to comply with the third summons came as no surprise.

Yun Gap-geun, one of Yoon's legal representatives who attended the Constitutional Court's first preparatory hearing for the impeachment trial on Friday, told reporters that the defense team questions whether the CIO even has investigative authority.

"There are too many legal issues to consider, so we plan to review everything comprehensively before deciding on a response (regarding whether to attend the questioning session)," Yun said after the hearing, signaling Yoon's refusal to cooperate with the investigation.

He also said, Due process must be followed before any further discussions can take place, while asserting that charges of treason against the president are not included within the scope of the CIO's investigation.

However, joint investigation authorities indicated that the CIO, having taken over Yoons case from the police and prosecutors, could expand the investigation to include treason charges as related crimes to the current investigation on charges of abuse of power against Yoon.

Meanwhile, Yoon's team has submitted a notification of the election of legal representation to the Constitutional Court but has not yet done so with the CIO.
The Government of Ukraine is calling on Britain to introduce Ukrainian language learning into the GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) school curriculum for Ukrainian refugees. About 34,000 children from Ukraine are currently living in Britain due to Russia's full-scale invasion, but they cannot learn their native language.

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This is reported by The Guardian. The journalists read a letter that the Ministry of Education of Ukraine wrote to the British Minister of Education Bridget Phillipson. It says that "it is very important to reintroduce the Ukrainian language at GCSE."

GCSE is a certificate of general secondary education in Britain. Students can choose some subjects to study at GCSE, but a number of subjects are compulsory - math, English language and literature, and science.

There is no Ukrainian language among the subjects you can choose, but there is Russian. GCSEs in Ukrainian were abolished in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in 1995 due to lack of demand. However, the situation has now changed due to the arrival of thousands of refugees from Ukraine.

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"We are deeply concerned that due to the lack of Ukrainian GCSEs, many Ukrainian children are being pressured by school staff to take Russian GCSEs," the Ukrainian Ministry of Education said in a letter.

Thousands of Ukrainians in Britain have signed a petition calling for the urgent introduction of the Ukrainian GCSE. They argue that the language is crucial for Ukraine's independence and identity, as well as for the future of vulnerable young refugees in Britain.

The Department for Education (DfE), which is responsible for developing education policy in Britain, has agreed to meet with education officials from Kyiv to discuss the issue.

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"We are working with certificate providers to help Ukrainian students gain a Ukrainian language qualification that can complement their studies in the UK, and we are also offering to meet with the Ukrainian Ministry of Education and Science to explore what additional support we can provide," said the DfE spokesperson.

"Many Ukrainian teenagers in Britain are upset that British schools are pushing them to study Russian at GCSE instead and are frustrated that they cannot study their mother tongue," The Guardian reports.

Vitaliy, an 18-year-old from Chernivtsi, said he refused to study Russian at GCSE, as offered by the London school where he studied. "Why do I need to learn Russian? I am Ukrainian and I want to show it. Language is of paramount importance to all of us," he said.

Inna Hryhorovych, head of St Mary's Trust, a network of 13 Ukrainian language schools in the UK, has been calling for the reintroduction of GCSEs since Russia attacked Ukraine in 2014.

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"I don't know why it's taking so long. It is very frustrating. What do I tell my students who keep asking when they can take this exam? The fact that Ukrainian children are asked to take the Russian GCSE really irritates some children and causes internal conflicts," she said.

The teacher added that some children will return to Ukraine after the war ends. And in order to enter a higher education institution and build a career in Ukraine, they will need proof of language proficiency.

For her part, 18-year-old Ukrainian Lyubov said that the GCSE program can boost the confidence of Ukrainians in the UK, as they are more likely to succeed in this subject.

"It is difficult for children to adapt to the new education system, so having a subject that you can easily pass will give you confidence," she said.

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By Choe Chong-dae

The Royal Asiatic Society Korea (RAS Korea), founded in 1900 in Seoul, is the worlds first organization dedicated exclusively to Korean studies. As the oldest English-language academic institution focused on Korea, it has played a pivotal role in advancing knowledge of Korea's history, culture, religion, language, literature and arts. Through its esteemed academic journal, Transactions, which has published 98 volumes, RAS Korea has significantly shaped Western understanding of the country.

Founded to promote Korea as a distinct civilization, RAS Korea has fostered a vibrant intellectual community across diverse disciplines. The society has organized regular lectures, cultural events, a literature club and field excursions, allowing members from all walks of life and various countries, including Korea  to deepen their understanding of Korea's heritage and legacy. This diversity has enriched the exploration of Koreas culture, ensuring RAS Korea remains a dynamic institution with a lasting impact. For over a century, RAS Korea has played a vital role in promoting K-culture.

In 2023, I had the honor of publishing my paper Humanistic Egalitarianism in Donghak in Transactions Vol. 97, which received international attention among scholars of Korean studies and East Asian religions. Another paper, titled Choe Nam-ju: A Pioneer of Korean Archaeology and Silla Cultural Heritage, highlights his lifelong dedication to the excavation, preservation and research of cultural relics from the ancient Silla Kingdom in its capital, Gyeongju, as well as its surrounding areas. It was published earlier this month in Vol. 98 and garnered interest from scholars worldwide, including Donald Baker, professor emeritus of Asian studies at the University of British Columbia, who plans to incorporate it into his lectures on early Korean history.

In 1900, Korea was largely unknown to the world. RAS Korea pioneered the scholarly study and understanding of the country. Today, as global interest in Korea soars, RAS Korea struggles to remain relevant amid the many Korean studies programs and tour operators that have emerged.

As a longtime member, Ive seen firsthand the profound impact RAS Korea has had on scholars and the public. One cherished memory is meeting Carl Ferris Miller during a 1960s excursion in my hometown of Gyeongju, the ancient capital of Silla Kingdom in North Gyeongsang Province. My father, a pioneer of Korean archaeology, led the tour, and Miller, fluent in Korean, translated my fathers explanations of Silla cultural remains. Miller, naturalized as a Korean citizen in 1979, dedicated his life to Koreas conservation, including the creation of the Cheollipo Arboretum in Taean, South Chungcheong Province. Inspired by his work, I wrote an article in this paper, C. F. Miller  Nature's Friend, published May 18, 2006.

It is deeply disheartening to learn that RAS Korea is facing a crisis due to severe financial difficulties, with the prospect of losing its office and library  key symbols of its rich history.

The organization houses an invaluable collection of rare books and resources, serving as a vital hub for scholars and anyone interested in Korea. Moreover, RAS Transactions, the worlds oldest journal on Korean studies, remains an essential source of knowledge.

However, serious concerns loom over the societys future, including the continuation of the journal and the potential shutdown of the organization. RAS Korea urgently needs donations to survive, and this troubling situation has saddened many supporters of Korean studies worldwide.

I urge both government organizations and the private sector in Korea to recognize RAS Koreas vital contributions and provide the support needed to preserve its legacy. Ensuring the survival of this institution is essential for safeguarding Koreas heritage and fostering global understanding.

It is my fervent hope that RAS Korea will recover, revitalize its organization and continue to rise to the challenges it first embraced 124 years ago.

Choe Chong-dae (choecd@naver.com) is a guest columnist of The Korea Times. He is president of Dae-kwang International Co., and founding director of the Korean-Swedish Association.
Rival parties must work together to end political crisis

The political crisis in Korea continues with no end in sight. Acting President Han Duck-soo was suspended from his duties after the National Assembly passed a motion to impeach him on Friday. This marks the 29th impeachment motion approved since President Yoon Suk Yeol took office in May 2022. Yoon himself was suspended following his declaration of martial law on Dec. 3.

The country is now in uncharted waters, with deadly partisan politics threatening to have far-reaching consequences for the economy. The market is already reeling from the political deadlock, with the Korean won weakening to 1,476 won per U.S. dollar on Friday amid bleak prospects of further depreciation.

Protracted political instability benefits no one. Leaders of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) and the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) must come together and put an end to partisan conflict. For this to happen, both sides must make concessions on key issues where they are at odds and find a breakthrough that restores investor confidence.

The PPP should show flexibility on the appointments of three Constitutional Court justices, as this remains a major obstacle to inter-party talks. In return, the DPK must halt efforts to impeach the acting president.

However, both sides appear entrenched, showing no signs of compromise. They are locked in a do-or-die struggle, each trying to gain an advantage from the political crisis. Their short-sighted partisan strategies are holding the nations future hostage.

Finding a resolution is far easier said than done, especially as both parties are focused on the possible presidential election. The DPK has vowed to continue its impeachment efforts, threatening to target Han's successor, Deputy Prime Minister and Acting President Choi Sang-mok, along with other cabinet ministers who may step in as acting president if Choi is suspended. The DPK has stated it will impeach these officials if they refuse to sign key bills into law.

Before the impeachment motion against Han was approved, he remained resolute, insisting that he would only appoint the three justices if both main parties reached a consensus. However, as no agreement was reached, Han's position sparked frustration within the DPK and its leader, Rep. Lee Jae-myung.

Rep. Lee is under immense pressure as the clock is ticking on the high court's ruling regarding his legal case. He was sentenced to a one-year prison term, suspended, by a district court. If the sentence is upheld, Lee will lose his parliamentary seat and be barred from running for office for 10 years.

For the DPK chief, the quicker the Constitutional Court reaches a verdict on the president's impeachment, the better. The best-case scenario for Rep. Lee is that the top court rules to impeach Yoon swiftly, triggering a snap election for a new president before the court delivers its decision on his case.

In response, the DPK hastily approved three candidates to fill vacant seats on the Constitutional Court, which is currently operating with only six of its nine justices. Under the current system, all six justices must agree to pass a ruling. If any of them disagrees, the case will be dismissed. The DPK continues to pressure the PPP and the acting president to appoint the three justices, warning that if this does not happen, the opposition will persist in its impeachment efforts against Cabinet ministers.

However, the DPK's strategy has not gone as planned. The ongoing impeachment saga is intensifying pressure on the Constitutional Court, which is already grappling with an increasing number of impeachment cases. The court has postponed its ruling on the impeachment of Lee Jin-sook, president of the Korea Communications Commission, to prioritize the case of President Yoon. Now, the prime minister's fate is also in the hands of the court, following the passage of his impeachment motion. This adds further strain on the justices, as they must now accommodate the prime ministers impeachment trial into an already packed schedule. The DPKs serial impeachments risk further delaying the ruling on the president's impeachment.

This is a battle the PPP cannot afford to lose. Conceding on the appointment of three justices could signal defeat in the possible election, which explains the ongoing political standoff.

Political ambition is notoriously hard to curb, especially when the prize is the top position in government. Partisan politics stands as a major roadblock to the nations future, prolonging the crisis until one side is forced to relent.
By Jason Lim

According to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, Korea has officially become a super-aged society with 20 percent of its population aged 65 or older. If the current trend continues, Korea could have the highest proportion of older adults in the world by 2045, with 37.3 percent of its population over 65. This demographic trend isnt changing any time soon since Korea also suffers from the lowest birthrate in the world with 0.72 births per woman in 2023, far below the population replacement rate of 2.1.

Another interesting metric to note in Koreas whirling demographic trends is the out-of-wedlock birthrate, which hit a historical high of 4.7 percent in 2023. However, compare this to the average rate of out-of-wedlock births in OECD countries, which is 42 percent. In short, its possible to infer that women in Korea are not having babies because they are not getting married.

Numbers bear this out. In 2023, Korea recorded one of the lowest numbers of marriages since 1981, with only 193,657 couples getting married. The trend of shunning marriage has been particularly noticeable in recent years, with the number of marriages drastically decreasing by over 40 percent compared to 10 years ago.

A seemingly unrelated trend is the gender bifurcation of the Gen Zers participating in the recent political protests against President Yoon Suk Yeol over his short-lived imposition of martial law that has now plunged Korea into a political morass. Many have observed that the most visible protest group are women in their 20s and 30s, waving their K-pop light sticks and, ironically, singing along to Into the New World by the Girls' Generation. The girls have certainly come of age. In contrast, young men seem to be missing in action, especially compared to the leading role that men have taken in Koreas long history of political activism.

This polarization is not surprising. Its a continuation of the last presidential election. With skyrocketing housing prices, a fiercely competitive job market and stagnant wages, both genders face significant challenges in achieving financial stability. However, the way these pressures manifest differs markedly. For Gen Z women, economic insecurity often intersects with systemic gender discrimination. Women in South Korea still earn significantly less than their male counterparts, with the country consistently ranking at the bottom in gender pay equity among OECD nations. Sexual harassment and a lack of opportunities for career advancement further exacerbate these challenges. As a result, young women increasingly view feminist activism as essential not only for achieving equality but also for securing a fair shot at economic stability.

For Gen Z men, economic insecurity is often framed through a lens of perceived competition. Many young men believe they are unfairly burdened by societal expectations, such as mandatory military service, while women, in their view, benefit from policies designed to level the playing field. This perception of reverse discrimination has fueled resentment and driven some young men to oppose feminist movements, which they see as contributing to their own loss of status and security.

Social media and online forums amplify the gender divide, serving as both platforms for activism and arenas for conflict. Feminist campaigns like #MeToo and #DontBuyMyLabor, which encourage women to withdraw from unpaid emotional and domestic labor, have gained significant traction online. Activists use platforms like Instagram and social platform X to organize protests, share stories and build solidarity.

On the other hand, young men dominate male-centric forums like Ilbe and DC Inside, where discussions often spiral into hostility toward feminism. These online spaces are fertile ground for the spread of antifeminist rhetoric and misinformation, which fuels the backlash against feminist movements. The anonymity of these platforms allows users to express grievances and frustrations that might not be socially acceptable in public, further entrenching the divide.

Coming back to the marriage and birth issue again, its pretty apparent that the primary underlying cause of the low marriage rate and birthrate is not just the high costs of housing and raising children. Its a sociopolitical chasm that has opened up between men and women of marrying age. They see the world in fundamentally different ways, both feeling victimized and aggrieved by each other. No wonder they are choosing to not get married. They can barely stand each other.

Money doesnt work. Since 2021, the government has spent $270 billion to fund its plan for an aging society and population to raise the birthrate, to no avail. A fundamentally new leadership is required. The gender divide in Gen Z activism in Korea is symptomatic of deep-seated tensions within a rapidly changing society. While young women fight against systemic discrimination and patriarchal norms, young men grapple with feelings of alienation and unfairness in a society that seems to overlook their struggles. Bridging this divide requires empathy, dialogue and a shift toward more inclusive activism that addresses the shared challenges of a generation. Only then can Korea move toward a more equitable and united future.

And have more babies.

Jason Lim (jasonlim@msn.com) is a Washington-based expert on innovation, leadership and organizational culture. The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not reflect The Korea Times editorial stance.
High market prices, single-person households fuel consumption

By Ko Dong-hwan

Instant cup noodles are selling faster than their packet counterparts in Korea, with market observers highlighting that the rise in sales is more than just a food trend.

The cheaper prices of cup noodles compared to packet noodles indicate that consumers today are shifting toward more affordable picks. An increasing number of single-person households in the country is apparently contributing to this trend as well.

Last year, the country saw domestic sales of instant cup noodles surpass 1 trillion won ($680 million) for the first time. Global market analyst Euromonitor estimated that this years figure could be at almost 1.39 trillion won  equivalent to approximately 1 billion cup noodles sold. The popularity of cup noodles has surged, compared to 2014 when its annual sales logged only 674 billion won.

Market indicators are shared by the countrys major noodle makers. Ottogi saw annual sales of its signature cup noodle products Jin Jjambbong and Kimchi Ramen rise by 31.1 percent and 28.2 percent on average, respectively, from 2020 until 2023.

Meanwhile, Samyang Foods, with its global hit Buldak series, saw the figures for Buldak original flavor cup noodles and carbonara flavor cup noodles jump by 8 percent and 28 percent, respectively, during the same period.

Nongshim also saw rising sales for its signature cup noodle Kimchi Cup Ramen, which increased by 12.6 percent during the same period. The companys other top sellers Shin Ramen and Yukgaejang Bowl Noodle Soup recorded a 5.9 percent and 9.1 percent rise during the same period, respectively.

The consumption trend is also influencing the marketing strategies of local convenience stores, where most people buy cup noodles. GS Retail, operator of GS25, said that cup noodles have accounted for nearly 80 percent of the brands entire noodle sales this year, including the companys private-brand products. BGF Retail, which runs CU, and Korea Seven, a Lotte Group subsidiary that operates 7-Eleven, also released their private-brand cup noodles earlier this year.

Notably, cup noodles are also selling at a faster pace than packet noodles. According to Euromonitor, domestic sales of packet noodles showed a year-on-year growth of 10.4 percent in 2022 and 4 percent in 2023. Cup noodles showed 15.7 percent and 7.4 percent during the same period.

Although the speculated domestic sales of packet noodles this year are still higher than cup noodles with over 1.8 trillion won, market analysts said domestic market shares of cup noodles and packet noodles have shown opposite outcomes throughout the past years.

Compared to 2020, cup noodle sales have increased to 36 percent this year from 33 percent, while packet noodle sales have dropped to 63 from 66 percent.

The growing number of single-person households in Korea is considered to have fueled sales of cup noodles over packets. While cup noodles are designed for a single meal, packets are more favored by those eating in groups.

Statistics Korea said earlier this month that single-person households make up the majority of household types at 30 percent, in 15 Korean cities as of 2022, including Seoul and Daejeon. The report added that the rest of the cities and provinces in the country will also show the same trend by 2052.

Surging market prices across restaurants and retail food products are also considered to have contributed to cup noodles popularity. While the price of each cup noodles is below 2,000 won and even below 1,000 won in discount store chains, many popular dine-in meals are nowadays priced at around 10,000 won.

According to a current market price index regularly updated by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, the price of "bibimbap" (bowl of steamed rice with various ingredients and a spicy pepper paste) as of November was 11,192 won. Kimchi "jjigae" (hot pot) was at 8,192 won and a roll of "gimbap" (steamed rice rolled with mixed ingredients) was at 3,500 won.

People are spending less. Extended shadows of the slow economy and the ongoing political fiasco in the country are further freezing domestic consumption, an official from one of the major noodle manufacturers said. In this context, this is a boon for cup noodles.
By Nam Hyun-woo

Progress in artificial intelligence (AI) chips and quantum technologies has been recognized as the top achievements in Korea's research and development (R&D) efforts for 2024, raising hopes that these advancements could serve as a cornerstone for the nation's technological breakthroughs that can reshape the national economy and society.

The Ministry of Science and ICT and the Institute of Information & Communications Technology Planning & Evaluation (IITP) on Sunday announced this years top R&D achievements in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector, as part of an evaluation of the governments 2024 investments worth 1 trillion won ($677.5 million) to assist businesses and research institutions.

In terms of technological progress, the government said domestic chipmakers made noteworthy progress in developing low-power AI processors that can challenge the global dominance of Nvidia.

Rebellions, an AI accelerator developer boosted by the governments 5.51 billion won R&D assistance, successfully began the mass production of its neural processing unit (NPU), ATOM, this year. It gained international attention for its ability to accelerate AI inference with low power consumption.

Rebellions achieved approximately 20 billion won in mass-production sales as of September 2023 across the world and became a unicorn company  an unlisted company valued over $1 billion  following its merger with SAPEON, another domestic AI chipmaker, this month.

Another startup, FuriosaAI, developed the Renegade, an inference-focused NPU semiconductor. The Renegade boasts over 60 percent higher energy efficiency compared to Nvidia's L40S while being half its price. The company is now accelerating its commercialization efforts.

In March, the Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology developed the worlds first Complementary-Transformer AI semiconductor chip that can process a GPT-2 model with an ultra-low power consumption of 400 milliwatts and a high speed of 0.4 seconds.

In the fields of quantum technology, the government said the country has witnessed visible achievements in the fields of quantum communication and sensing this year after investing 36.9 billion won so far.

The nation became the third in the world to successfully transmit quantum information over a real-world optical fiber network spanning 16.4 kilometers. Researchers at the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute demonstrated this technology by distributing quantum entanglement over distances exceeding 100 kilometers in September.

A number of notable achievements were also reported in the field of digital infrastructure.

SOLiD, which participated in the governments telecommunications R&D projects, became the worlds third-biggest company in the distributed antenna system (DAS) market, achieving a 14 percent market share. SOLiD exported its DAS solutions to high-profile international projects, including the London Underground in England, the Olympic Stadium in France and the Catalonia Stadium in Spain.

Technologies in the fields of AI, AI chips and networks are key sovereign technologies that will determine not only the nation's competitiveness but also its survival in the time of AI transformation, IITP President Hong Jin-bae said.

IITP will spare no efforts for innovative R&D planning, evaluation and management, fostering collaboration between industry, academia and research organizations to ensure that R&D outcomes extend beyond mere research to deliver globally recognized achievements.
By Nam Hyun-woo

Koreas top business association leaders shared a pessimistic outlook for the coming year, forecasting a slowdown in economic growth and mounting uncertainties due to political turmoil both domestically and internationally, in their New Year messages released on Sunday.

Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) Chairman Chey Tae-won said in his New Year message that the Korean economy is expected to face a challenging situation in the coming year, despite recent recoveries in exports and investor sentiment.

Given the recent internal and external variables, many domestic and global research institutions predict that our economy will likely grow within a 1 percent range next year, Chey said.

Chey noted that the industrial paradigm shift driven by artificial intelligence and drastic changes in the global trade environment are compelling Korean businesses to overhaul their fundamental managerial practices.

He also emphasized that businesses urgently need political stability to focus on their work, adding, Policies related to people's livelihoods and the economy must be pursued without hesitation. Korean businesses are grappling with uncertainties caused by the countrys political turmoil, including President Yoon Suk Yeols abrupt martial law decree and subsequent impeachment.

Federation of Korean Industries (FKI) Chairman Ryu Jin also said, We cannot welcome the New Year with hopes and expectations only. He added, The Korean economy is facing greater challenges than ever before.

Amid intensifying geopolitical risks and protectionism, the U.S. under the Donald Trump administration will pursue its America First principle, Ryu said. However, our economy is losing its fundamental strength due to low birth rates, entering an era of low growth with annual expansion in the 1 percent range. Korea once again finds itself at a crossroads between growth and stagnation.

Ryu said the FKI will take on a diplomatic role in the private economic sector. We will actively communicate with the new administration in the U.S. to minimize risks and expand opportunities, he said. Ryu was invited to attend Trumps inauguration ceremony slated for Jan. 20.

Korea Enterprises Federation Chairman Sohn Kyung-shik said, Korea is facing a massive crisis, compounded by political turmoil and economic challenges. He added, All economic players must unite and faithfully fulfill their respective roles. He also called for improvements in Koreas labor and wage systems to better address these issues.

Korea International Trade Association Chairman Yoon Jin-sik also forecast an expansion of protectionist moves next year following the Trump administration, while stressing the urgent need for reform in the countrys economic structure and regulations to address the declining working-age population and the slowdown in potential growth.

To counter these challenges, we will focus on on-site efforts and initiatives to review the rapidly changing domestic and international trade environment, while enhancing innovation and competitiveness for export companies, Yoon said.
By Ko Dong-hwan

Two officials of Korea Gas Corp. (KOGAS) manipulated their records and provided the wrong information to Australian immigration authorities in an attempt to acquire permanent residency in the country, Korea's state-run natural resource developer said Sunday.

KOGAS launched an internal investigation against two officials from the companys Australian subsidiary in September and completed it in November. The company said it will launch a special committee to decide the severity of punishment.

According to KOGAS, the accused officials listed the wrong information in their application submitted to Australias Department of Immigration and Border Protection to make themselves eligible for permanent residency. They manipulated their employment contracts and reported to Australian authorities that they had lived in the country for longer than they had.

The period of stay for a KOGAS official when dispatched to Australia each time is three years.

KOGAS first learned of the officials fraud in August when it received a report.

It remains unknown whether Australian authorities granted the officials permanent residency.

We are considering this matter very seriously. The officials in question will be dealt pertinent punishment in accordance with our internal regulations, KOGAS said. We plan to run an additional round of searches into our employees to strengthen oversight on our staff and prevent this kind of crime.

The accused officials are from KOGAS Prelude, which KOGAS established in 2011. The subsidiary, operating until 2039, develops gas reserves in the northwestern waters off the Australian coast.
China's middle class consumers have been tightening their purse strings, but their appetite for durian  pungent, spiky fruit mostly imported from Southeast Asia  continues to grow.

In Chinese cities, durians have transcended their status as a fruit to become a fashionable choice for young consumers. The catering sector has responded with "everything can be + durian" promotions that have spawned a proliferation of durian-themed restaurants with offerings ranging from drinks and desserts to hotpots and buffets.

On Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, topics such as "durian barbecue" and "durian buffet" have amassed more than 1.24 billion views.

One brand in Guangdong province that specializes in durian chicken hotpots has sold more than 2.22 million of them, and its durian burger has gained widespread attention on social media.

A durian buffet restaurant in Shenzhen, Guangdong, went viral online recently when it offered diners their choice of more than 200 dishes featuring Malaysian durian  including porridge, pancakes and cakes  for 199 yuan ($27.39) a head.

The Chinese market consumes over 90 percent of the world's durian supply, with imports surging from 430,000 tonnes, worth $1.1 billion, in 2018 to 1.38 million tonnes, valued at $6.2 billion, from January to September this year, according to official data.

Durians are "sweet and greasy and easy to fill up on, and it's hard to eat 199 yuan worth, but my friends and I are eager to try," said Su Yuru, a white-collar worker in Shenzhen.

"I often buy a durian to share with my family on weekends, usually priced at about 150 yuan, and durian is also a regular at local companies' afternoon teas and annual parties for their employees."

Despite the surge in imports, less than one in 100 Chinese have tasted durian, and the enormous market potential is driving more Southeast Asian countries to jump into the competition, according to a report by the Beijing-based consultancy Guanyan Tianxia.

Most fresh durians are imported from Thailand and Vietnam. China has also given the green light to imports from Malaysia and the Philippines, though volumes are relatively small so far, while growers in Laos and Indonesia are now eyeing the lucrative Chinese market.

Imports from Thailand, which started in 2003, dominated the market for years, but the first imports of Vietnamese durians into China in September 2022 began to change that.

Thailand's market share dropped from 95 percent in 2022 to 60 percent in the first nine months of this year, while Vietnam's share grew from 32 percent in last year to 39 percent.

Vietnam surpassed Thailand as China's top source of durians in the third quarter of this year and sustained its lead in November, according to customs data.

In the third quarter of the year, Vietnam exported $1.342 billion worth of durians to China, surpassing Thailand's $878.95 million. In October, it exported $332.79 million worth, compared with Thailand's $132.37 million.

In November, Vietnam exported $82.85 million worth to China, compared with Thailand's $65.21 million.

The Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association  Vinafruit  has predicted the value of the country's durian exports will reach $4 billion next year, with 90 per cent exported to China, according to news outlet vietnamplus.vn.

China imported 1.38 million tonnes of fresh durians valued at $6.2 billion in the first three quarters of this year, according to customs data.

These companies are critical in managing the supply chain, from transportation to customs clearance

Gary Lau, Hong Kong Association of Freight Forwarding And Logistics

Some Chinese agricultural trade consortiums have invested in Vietnam's durian production, according to Ding Wei, chairman of the China Business Association's branch in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's main financial centre.

He said most are privately run, with many specialising in logistics and packaging - providing cold chain storage and inspection services to facilitate durian shipments to China.

Gary Lau, chairman of the Hong Kong Association of Freight Forwarding And Logistics, said: "These companies are critical in managing the supply chain, from transportation to customs clearance. They often collaborate with local exporters to ensure compliance with China's import regulations, which has become increasingly important given the growing demand for fresh durians in the Chinese market."

However, Ding cautioned that profits are not guaranteed due to competition from Thailand and Malaysia. "The opportunities are huge, but we're not always seeing profits yet," he said.

Vietnam produces nearly 1.2 million tonnes of durian a year from the 154,000 hectares under cultivation across the country, but that production is expected to grow by 15 per cent per year.

The Philippines and Malaysia are accelerating efforts to tap into the Chinese market. In April 2023, 18 tonnes of Philippine durians arrived in southern China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region via air freight.

Philippine durian exports to China rose from 3,763 tonnes for all of last year to 6,260 tonnes in the first three quarters of this year. Malaysia began exporting fresh durians to China in June and had shipped 215 tonnes worth $3.65 million by September.

Read the full story at SCMP.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has responded to Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico's threats to cut off the supply of electricity that our country needs so desperately. The ministry noted that by making such statements, the politician is actually siding with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.

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Currently, they are the only ones in the world who threaten to leave Ukrainians without electricity in the winter, the ministry emphasized. This statement appeared on the official Facebook page of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine on December 28.

It recalled that Slovakia's supply of critical volumes of electricity to Ukraine is not a charity as Kyiv pays a lot of money for it.

Our country has always been self-sufficient in electricity production, and now it is sometimes forced to import it only because of the war crimes of the aggressor country, Russia: the occupation of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, constant and targeted missile attacks on our civilian infrastructure, as well as power system, generation facilities, and distribution networks.

In view of this, threats to cut off electricity that Ukraine buys, not receives free of charge, are meaningless.

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"Robert Fico's desire to oust American and other energy suppliers from the European market to prolong European countries' dependence on Russia is also an open sign of support for Putin," the Foreign Ministry added.

The foreign ministry added that Slovakia is part of the single European energy market, so it must adhere to common rules. They called on the European Commission to respond to Slovak threats in cooperation with ENTSO-E.

Earlier, Fico said that the Slovak authorities were ready for an open conflict with Ukraine over the refusal to transit Russian natural gas.

Subsequently, the Slovak prime minister threatened to cut off backup electricity supplies to Ukraine if Kyiv stops transporting Russian gas to Central Europe. He said that Slovakia would "analyze the situation" after January 1, 2025.

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President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reacted to these threats and said that Putin had instructed Fico to open a second energy front.

As reported, Robert Fico recently traveled to Moscow to talk to dictator Vladimir Putin about the "gas crisis" in Slovakia after Ukraine's decision to stop transit with Russia starting from January 1, 2025.

The Slovak prime minister said that they also "exchanged views on the military situation in Ukraine."

Ukraine, Europe, and even people in Slovakia itself criticized Fico for the visit. The prime minister was reminded that one should negotiate on gas transit with Ukraine, not Russia.

At the time, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry noted that the strategy Fico had chosen not only demonstrates weakness but also undermines joint European efforts towards energy independence.

Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
By Cillian Sherlock, PA

Former UUP leader David Trimble was effectively told by Tony Blair to get lost over the timing of a border poll, according to previously confidential reports.

Under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement of 1998, the UK government is obliged to call a referendum in Northern Ireland if there is evidence of a shift in public opinion in favour of Irish unity.

Files released by the Irish Government as part of the annual release of state records show that Mr Trimble was repeatedly engaged in a campaign in 2002 to hold such a vote on the same day as upcoming elections for the Northern Ireland Assembly  which was at that point looking set for May of the next year.

Tony Blair reportedly told David Trimble to get lost over the plan (Haydn West/PA)

The records from the National Archives in Dublin show that the SDLP and the Irish government were heavily against the idea.

In March 2002, the UUP leader publicly supported the idea of holding a border poll, adding that it would call the republican bluff.

The move was seen partly as a bid to drive turnout in the Assembly elections, although questions were raised about whether this would benefit the DUP over the UUP.

Mr Trimble said it would put the issue to bed for another generation  amid an expectation based on demographics that the vote would go in unionists favour.

The call came at the same time that he described the Republic of Ireland as a pathetic, sectarian, mono-ethnic, mono-cultural State.

John Hume and David Trimble were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their work in the Northern Ireland peace process (Brian Thompson/PA)

His campaign for the poll continued publicly and privately for months.

In the files, Irish officials record that the SDLP believed that holding such a vote on the same day as the Assembly elections would be a sectarian blood bath  and that the party would be setting out its total opposition to the proposal.

The records, taken from a call between an Irish diplomat and SDLP leader Mark Durkans main adviser Damien McAteer, show that the party wanted to hold a border poll midway through the term of the next Assembly.

While separate documents show that the Irish officials believed the UK government to be equivocal on the matter, Dublin said the coinciding of the poll with the Assembly elections would be deeply polarising and destabilising.

SDLP leader Mark Durkan was against the proposal. Photo: Julien Behal/PA.

Concern was raised that the move would boost votes for the DUP and Sinn Fein, while Mr Durkan is recorded as saying the proposal would create a theme park for flags.

Mr Blairs chief of staff Jonathan Powell spoke with a high-ranking Irish official in the department dealing with the peace process on September 13th.

Michael Collins, the official who would go on to be Irelands ambassador to the US, wrote in a confidential memo: On the border poll idea, Powell said that Blair told Trimble to get lost.

Powell said that they were still concerned that Trimble was sleepwalking into a crisis with his party.

They were not convinced that he would escape and he could still be hit by the grey suits as early as tomorrow at his party executive meeting.

In any event, Mr Trimbles plan to hold a border poll on the same day as the election never materialised.

This is partly because he and other unionists collapsed the powersharing institutions one month later, in the fallout of a controversy arising out of the PSNI raiding Sinn Feins offices in Stormont in search of files.

The institutions would not be restored until 2007, while Mr Trimble stepped down as UUP leader after losing his Westminster seat in the 2005 general election.

There has been no such border poll held since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement.

Throughout the 2024 general election campaign in Ireland, Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald called on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to set out the tipping-point circumstances which are required for his Government to call a referendum on Irish unification.

Earlier this year, Sir Keir said he was committed to the principles of the Good Friday Agreement.

However, while in opposition, he said a referendum on Irish unification was not even on the horizon.

 This article is based on documents in 2024/130/15
Amroha, Decermber 29: A Class-10 student allegedly committed suicide by jumping in front of a running train in Uttar Pradesh's Amroha district, railway police said. The victim has been identified as Mehak (16), a resident of Avantika Nagar in Gajraula town, Government Railway Police (GRP) said. Mehak, who left home for school on Friday morning, jumped before the running train near Bhanpur. Chennai Shocker: Woman Slits Throats of 2 Sons, Attempts Suicide After Family Feud; 1 Child Dead.

A crowd of passers-by informed police after which RPF and GRP teams reached the spot and sent the body for autopsy, GRP outpost in-charge Gajraula Rajiv Singh said. The exact reason behind the girl taking the extreme step is yet to be ascertained, police said.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Chandigarh, Dec 29 (PTI) Punjab Police on Sunday claimed to have busted a module backed by banned terror group Babbar Khalsa International and Pakistan's ISI, responsible for the recent grenade attacks on some police stations in the state, with the arrest of five people.

"Batala Police has successfully solved two high-profile cases of grenade attacks on the Ghanie ke Bangar Police Station, Batala, and the Wadala Bangar Police Post, Gurdaspur," Punjab's Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav posted on X.

Also Read | Jallikattu 2025: Class 5 Girl Trains Bull for Upcoming Jallikattu Event in Tamil Nadu's Madurai.

The terror module was busted with the arrest of five people including, mastermind Abhijot Singh, operating on the directions of foreign-based Happy Passian & Shamsher alias Honey, while being in Armenia, he said.

Two of the accused -- Abhijot Singh and Kuljit Singh -- sustained bullet injuries in retaliatory firing by the police team when they attacked the team to evade custody, Punjab police said in a statement.

Also Read | Delhi Assembly Elections 2025: Arvind Kejriwal Accuses BJP of Manipulating Electoral Roll Ahead of Polls.

"By successfully busting this module, Punjab Police has solved all the incidents of attacks on police establishments in the state," the statement quoting the DGP said.

In addition to Abhijot Singh, the other four arrested people have been identified as Kuljit Singh, Rohit alias Ghessi, Shubham and Gurjinder Singh alias Raja, all residents of Qila Lal Singh in Batala, the statement said.

Police teams have also seized two pistols including one sophisticated 9MM G-lock pistol and one .32 bore pistol from their possession, it added.

The development came days after some people hurled hand grenade at Ghaniae Ke Bangar Police Station in Batala on December 12 around 10.20 pm, followed by an attack on the Wadala Bangar Police Post in Gurdaspur on December 20 at around 9.30 pm.

Following the incidents, terrorist organisation BKI had used social media platform to claim the responsibility for these terror acts using separate social media posts.

Notably, a few grenade attacks on police stations have been reported from the state in recent times, though no one was injured in those incidents.

"The accused -- Abhijot Singh and Kuljit Singh -- were admitted to the Civil Hospital in Batala and are in stable condition," the DGP said.

He said investigations are in progress to establish forward and backward linkages in this case and unveil the entire terror module.

Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Border Range Satinder Singh said that after the attack at the police establishments, Batala Police launched a special operation to trace the perpetrators.

Based on technical and human-based intels, police teams under the supervision of Senior Superintendent of Police, Batala, Suhail Qasim Mir managed to track down all the accused and apprehend them, he added.

SSP Suhail Qasim Mir said that further investigation is underway and more arrests and recoveries are likely in coming days.

Earlier this month, another blast took place outside the Bakshiwal police chowki in Gurdaspur. No one was injured in the incident.

Three suspected Khalistani terrorists allegedly involved in the grenade attack in Gurdaspur were killed in an encounter with police in Pilibhit early Monday.

They were accused of hurling a hand grenade at the Bakshiwala police post in Kalanaur in Punjab's Gurdaspur district on December 18, Punjab police had said in a statement on Monday.

Earlier, Punjab Police had arrested two people for allegedly carrying out a grenade attack on the Islamabad police station in Amritsar.

The attack was carried out in the early hours of December 17, though no one was injured in the incident.

(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], December 29 (ANI): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari on Sunday slammed the Congress for indulging in politics over the demise of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. He said that the nation has not forgotten about the disrespect Dr Singh faced from Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi.

He said that Sonia Gandhi insulted Manmohan Singh by forming the National Advisory Council and acting as a pseudo-Prime Minister of India.

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"It is extremely unfortunate that Nehru-Gandhi-Vadra parivar is focused on doing politics on the death of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. The nation has not forgotten how Rahul Gandhi had disrespected Dr Manmohan Singh by tearing the ordinance when he was the Prime Minister. The nation has not forgotten how Sonia Gandhi insulted Manmohan Singh by being the chair of a super NAC (National Advisory Council) and acting as a pseudo-Prime Minister of India," Bhandari told ANI.

He further said that former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao was also insulted by Congress since his memorial was not built by them. Rahul Gandhi's only focus is to get votes since he can walk 4,000 kilometres for it, but cannot walk for four kilometres during the last rites of Manmohan Singh.

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"The nation remembers how former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao was insulted by Sonia Gandhi when his body was not allowed inside the Congress premises and the nation has also not forgotten how PV Narasimha Rao's memorial was not built by the Congress Party. PM Modi built his memorial. The focus of Rahul Gandhi who travelled 4000 km for votes could not travel four km during the last rites procession of Dr Manmohan Singh is only on getting votes and not extending respect," the BJP spokesperson said.

A war of words has broken out between BJP and Congress leaders over the cremation of Manmohan Singh at Delhi's Nigambodh Ghat.

Earlier, Congress MP Manickam Tagore slammed the Centre, alleging that the final journey of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was held at a common and even congested location.

"It's a very sad thing that the govt has stooped to this level. When the former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee passed away, this govt provided a place for cremation, that same place was made a memorial for the PM... All the prime ministers have received similar honour. It is deeply painful to see that the final journey of Manmohan Singh was taken to a very common and even congested place. There was no place for the foreign dignitaries and Dr Singh's family...," the Congress MP told ANI.

The ashes of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh have been immersed at the Yamuna Ghat near the Gurdwara Majnu Ka Tila Sahib in Delhi, a day after he was cremated with full state honours at Nigambodh Ghat.

His ashes were brought to the Gurdwara Majnu Ka Tila Sahib earlier today. The family of the late Dr Manmohan Singh performed rituals at the Gurudwara including Shabad Kirtan (musical recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib), Paath (recitation of Gurbani) and Ardas.

After Friday's Cabinet meeting, Union Home Minister Amit Shah communicated to Congress President Kharge and the late Manmohan Singh's family that the government will allocate space for the memorial. In the meantime, cremation and other formalities can proceed, as a trust needs to be formed and space allocated.

Manmohan Singh was accorded a state funeral with military honours at the Nigambodh Ghat, a public cremation ground in north Delhi, on Saturday.

Manmohan Singh passed away at AIIMS, Delhi, on Thursday night at the age of 92 due to age-related medical conditions. He had a sudden loss of consciousness at home after which he was rushed to the hospital. (ANI)

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New Delhi [India], December 29 (ANI): Congress leader Gurjeet Singh Aujla on Sunday, criticized the Centre for allegedly disrespecting former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh by performing his last rites at Nigam Bodh Ghat instead of Rajghat.

Aujla claimed that Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge had requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to hold the ceremony at Rajghat, but they refused, showing "narrow-mindedness" and "hatred" towards the former PM.

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"He was the one who gave oxygen to the Indian economy when it was dying...Today he is no more between us...Mallikarjun Kharge had also spoken to the Prime Minister and the Home Minister that this (former PM Dr Manmohan Singh's last rites at Nigam Bodh Ghat) should not be done and his last rites should be done at Rajghat but then they showed narrow-mindedness... Such a stubborn attitude? So much hatred in the heart, that too for the former Prime Minister of the country?... His last rites were performed at that small place, where no press or family was given space... No one treats even an enemy like this...," he said.

After the Cabinet meeting on Friday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah communicated to Congress President Kharge and the family of the late Manmohan Singh that the Government will allocate space for the memorial. In the meanwhile, cremation and other formalities can happen because a trust has to be formed and space has to be allocated to it.

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Manmohan Singh was accorded a state funeral with military honours at the Nigam Bodh Ghat, a public cremation ground in north Delhi, on Saturday.

Congress had demanded a funeral at a place where a memorial to Singh could be built. The Centre has said land for a memorial would be earmarked in the next few days.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to suggest that the cremation of Dr Manmohan Singh, take place at a location where a memorial could be built to honour his legacy.

Manmohan Singh passed away at AIIMS, Delhi, on Thursday night at the age of 92 due to age-related medical conditions. He had a sudden loss of consciousness at home after which he was rushed to the hospital. (ANI)

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Bhubaneswar, Dec 29 (PTI) In an effort to get international recognition for the annual Dhanu Jatra in Odisha's Bargarh, the state government on Sunday said several measures, including allocation of an additional Rs 50 lakh, were taken by the administration.

"The much-celebrated Dhanu Jatra 2025 will be held in Bargarh district from January 3 to January 13, showcasing Odisha's rich cultural heritage and tradition," state culture minister Surjyabanshi Suraj told reporters here.

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Asserting that the state government is taking steps to ensure that the festival gets international recognition, the minister said, "The government has already allocated Rs 1 crore for the festival and another Rs 50 lakh has been sanctioned for live broadcasting of Dhanu Jatra, creating a dedicated website and other associated expenses."

For the first time, arrangements have been made to live-stream the festival in major locations in Odisha, including Bhubaneswar, using LED screens, the minister added.

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"Around 170 artistes will receive a token honorarium of Rs 10,000 each. Additionally, the National School of Drama will produce a documentary on Dhanu Jatra to showcase its cultural significance," the minister added.

"A dedicated expert committee will be formed to work towards obtaining UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status for Dhanu Jatra. The government is also launching a dedicated website that will provide comprehensive information about the festival, including its history, venues, and real-time GPS-enabled navigation for visitors," he said.

During Dhanu Jatra, Bargarh town transforms into the mythical cities of Mathura and Gopapur, vividly reenacting episodes from Indian mythology, he said.

"The live broadcasting of the festival is timed with Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, which will enable a global audience to witness it and understand its cultural essence," the minister added.

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In 2025, we should expect the situation in the Middle East, as well as in Africa and Asia, to deteriorate. As for the war in Ukraine, a lot will depend on how we work with our partners and allies and what policy they will follow.

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This forecast was voiced by Ukrainian politician and diplomat Roman Bezsmertnyi in a commentary to OBOZ.UA. He hopes that the new year will be a turning point.

"I have a great hope that 2025 will be a turning point in understanding what ways to defeat the Moscow Fuhrer and his flock are universal. This is only about power," the diplomat emphasized.

Middle East

According to Bezsmertnyi, there is no signs of the war in the Middle East easing off anytime soon.

"It is obvious that we should expect the situation in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia to worsen," he said.

War in Ukraine, aid and negotiations

According to the politician's forecast, "2025 will be the year of the cruel word war," and negotiations will the highlight.

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However, neither their end nor the signing of any documents is possible in the current situation. The biggest advance that can happen are consultations.

"It is obvious to me that the implementation of plans of Washington's intellectuals, such as Musk, Donald Trump, and all the others, will take place somewhere around the spring of next year. And Washington will have to dramatically increase its assistance to Ukraine. Because this is not just a danger to Ukraine and Europe. We are talking about a global danger for the world, including the United States of America," Bezsmertnyi said.

He added that Europe will be with Ukraine, will help us, and will generally take over this process.

The United States will also help. "The other thing is that we will have to listen to Donald Trump's speeches, which many may find upsetting. However, this is the choice of the Americans, and we will have to accept it," the diplomat emphasized.

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A new security system

Taking the current situation in the world into account, there is only one option that can help quickly achieve a positive result. It is the formation of a global coalition of freedom and democracy.

It involves the formation of joint forces, command and control headquarters, as well as joint defense industry.

"The war at the beginning of the third millennium is the war that will ensure a new world order. That's it, yesterday's order no longer exists. The new order, as history shows, has always been formed not as a result of human reason, but as a result of wars," Bezsmertnyi summarized.

As reported, Israeli military observer David Sharp believes that the chances of negotiations between Ukraine and Russia starting soon are quite high, but how they will end will largely depend on the Donald Trump's administration. Also, according to him, the complete liberation of Ukraine and the return to the 1991 borders should not be expected in the short term.

Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Mumbai, December 29: An 11-year-old boy was found hanging inside the kitchen of a madrasa in Malvani area of Mumbai, police said on Sunday. Police suspect the boy hanged himself from the iron rod of the ceiling using clothes, allegedly after he was scolded by a madrasa (Islamic seminary) teacher for trying to go out to play, a Malwani police station official said.

The boy was found hanging on Saturday evening by other students of the madrasa, he said. He was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was declared dead, the official said. Mumbai: 22-Year-Old Man Posts Video on Instagram Alleging Threats From 3 Former Colleagues Before Dying by Suicide at Home in Malad East, Case Registered.

"It is suspected that he took the extreme step after his teacher scolded him when he was going out to play," he added. Police registered a case of accidental death and further investigation is underway, the official said.

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New Delhi, Dec 29 (PTI) Delhi Police has arrested a juvenile accused of stealing diamond jewellery valued at Rs 16.44 lakh from the Karol Bagh area here, an official said on Sunday.

The stolen jewellery, including two diamond necklace sets and four diamond earring sets, was taken in a daylight theft in Karol Bagh.

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"The theft took place on December 11 when an employee was transporting a bag containing 10 diamond necklace sets from one shop to another," said a police officer.

"According to the complainant, a group of individuals, including a young boy on a scooter, created a deliberate commotion near Karol Bagh, obstructing the employee's movement. Amidst the confusion, two diamond necklace sets worth Rs 16,44 lakh were stolen," he added.

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The officer said that a case was registered at the Karol Bagh Police Station and further investigation was taken up.

The team analyzed over 150 CCTV cameras along the route from Karol Bagh to the New Delhi Railway Station, he added.

The officer further said that the accused, a 17-year-old juvenile, was apprehended near the New Delhi Railway Station on December 20.

"During interrogation, the juvenile confessed to his involvement in the crime. The stolen jewellery was recovered from his possession," he added.

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Mahakumbh Nagar (UP), Dec 29 (PTI) A Madhya Pradesh Police delegation undertook a two-day visit to Prayagraj to study its Uttar Pradesh counterparts' security and crowd control measures for the Maha Kumbh as part of its preparations for the 2028 Kumbh in Ujjain.

A delegation of senior Madhya Pradesh Police officials held meetings with their counterparts in Uttar Pradesh to gain insight into various aspects of the security arrangements, including the use of AI, mechanisms to counter cybercrime, and crowd management systems.

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The delegation, which arrived on Friday, also toured key locations in the Kumbh Mela area to observe and understand the preparations at the ground level.

Tarun Kaushik, a deputy inspector general in the Madhya Pradesh Police's Anti-Terror Squad (ATS), praised the Uttar Pradesh Police model and said it should be adopted by forces in other states.

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The Madhya Pradesh Police will coordinate with the Uttar Pradesh Police during the 2028 Kumbh in Ujjain, he said.

Kaushik also praised the Uttar Pradesh Police's preparations during the past three years and noted its attention to the needs of personnel at all levels.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (Dhoomanganj) Rajkumar Meena said the visit was part of preparations for the 2028 Kumbh. Detailed discussions were held and crucial information regarding security measures in the Kumbh Mela area and Prayagraj district was shared.

The briefing covered law and order, security arrangements, traffic management, crowd control, and safety and convenience of an estimated 40 crore devotees, he said.

The delegation was given a tour of the Integrated Command and Control Centre and other important locations within the Kumbh Mela area, the state government said in a statement.

(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], December 29 (ANI): The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in a recent study stated that an estimated 473 million children, more than one in six, are living in conflict zones worldwide.

In a study released on Saturday, UNICEF highlighted the ongoing conflicts in regions like Palestine, Myanmar, Haiti, and Sudan and stated that the world is experiencing the highest number of conflicts since the Second World War.

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In their report, the UN organisation stated that 19 per cent of the world's children live in conflict zones, with 47.2 million having been displaced by conflict and violence.

The UN further verified that there were more child casualties during the first nine months of 2024 than during all of 2023, as thousands of children were killed and injured in conflicts in Gaza and in Ukraine.

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Notably, according to many reports, the conflict between Israel and Palestine has led to the deaths of at least 17,492 children over the past 15 months in Gaza.

Meanwhile, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell stated that 2024 has been one of the worst years on record for children in conflict, both in terms of the number affected and the severity of the impact on their lives.

She stated that children in conflict zones are far more likely to experience disruptions such as being out of school, facing malnutrition, or being displaced compared to those in peaceful areas. Russell emphasised that this cannot become the "new normal" and stressed the need to prevent a generation of children from becoming victims of ongoing global conflicts.

"By almost every measure, 2024 has been one of the worst years on record for children in conflict in UNICEF's history--both in terms of the number of children affected and the level of impact on their lives," Russell said.

"A child growing up in a conflict zone is far more likely to be out of school, malnourished, or forced from their home--too often repeatedly--compared to a child living in places of peace. This must not be the new normal. We cannot allow a generation of children to become collateral damage to the world's unchecked wars," the UNICEF Executive Director added. (ANI)

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Jenin (West Bank), Dec 29 (AP) A Palestinian woman was shot and killed in her home in the volatile northern West Bank town of Jenin, where the Palestinian Authority is carrying out a rare campaign against militants.

The family of Shatha al-Sabbagh, a 22-year-old journalism student, said she was killed by a sniper with the Palestinian security forces late Saturday while she was with her mother and two small children. They said there were no militants in the area at the time.

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A statement from the Palestinian security forces said she was shot by outlaws  the term it has been using for local militants who have been battling Israeli forces in recent years. The security forces condemned the shooting and vowed to investigate it.

Separately, a fourth infant has died of hypothermia in the Gaza Strip, where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians displaced by nearly 15 months of war are huddled in tents along the rainy, windswept coast, while an Israeli strike on a hospital that the army said was being used by militants killed seven people.

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The Western-backed Palestinian Authority exercises limited self-rule in parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank. It is deeply unpopular among Palestinians, largely because it cooperates with Israel on security matters, even as Israel accuses it of incitement and of generally turning a blind eye to militancy.

In a statement, the al-Sabbagh family accused the Palestinian security forces of having become repressive tools that practice terrorism against their own people instead of protecting their dignity and standing up to the (Israeli) occupation.

The Hamas militant group also blamed the security forces and condemned the shooting. It noted that al-Sabbagh was the sister of one of its fighters who was killed in a battle with Israeli troops last year.

Later on Sunday, hundreds of people took part in a demonstration in Jenin in support of the Palestinian security forces. The rally was organised by President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah party, which dominates the Palestinian Authority and its security forces.

Palestinian security forces launched a rare operation earlier this month in Jenin that they said was aimed at restoring law and order, while critics accuse the authority of aiding the occupation.

Violence has flared in the West Bank since Hamas' October 7, 2023 attack out of Gaza triggered the war there. Israel captured the West Bank, along with Gaza and east Jerusalem, in the 1967 Mideast war. The Palestinians want all three territories for a future state.

An infant dies from cold and his twin is hospitalized in Gaza

In the Gaza Strip, 20-day-old Jomaa al-Batran died from hypothermia and his twin brother Ali was in the intensive care unit of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital.

Their father, Yehia, said the twins were born one month premature and were only able to spend a day in the nursery at the hospital, which like other health centres in Gaza has been overwhelmed by the war and is only partially functioning.

He said medics told their mother to keep the newborns warm, but it was impossible because they live in a tent and temperatures regularly drop below 10 degrees Celsius at night.

We are eight people, and we only have four blankets, al-Batran said as he cradled his son's body. He said he woke up early Sunday and found that the baby's head was cold as ice.

At least three other babies have died from the cold in recent weeks, according to local health officials.

Israeli report details abuse of hostages held in Gaza

The war began when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting around 250, including women, children and older adults. Around 100 hostages are still inside Gaza, at least a third of whom are believed to be dead.

Israel's Health Ministry released a report Sunday detailing what it said was widespread physical, psychological and sexual abuse of people who had been held in Gaza.

The report, based on the findings of doctors who treated some of the more than 100 hostages released during a ceasefire last year, said the captives  including children  had been subjected to severe physical and sexual abuse, such as beatings, isolation, deprivation of food and water, branding, hair-pulling, and sexual assault.

The findings, which are to be sent to the United Nations, could increase pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to a ceasefire and hostage release with Hamas. Families of the hostages and their supporters have held weekly mass demonstrations for months, and diplomats have reported recent progress in the long-running indirect talks.

Strike on a hospital in Gaza City kills 7

An Israeli strike on the upper floor of a hospital in Gaza City on Sunday killed at least seven people and wounded several others, according to the Civil Defense, first responders affiliated with the Hamas-run government. The Israeli military said it struck a Hamas control centre inside the building, which it said was no longer serving as a hospital.

Israel's offensive has killed over 45,000 Palestinians and wounded more than 1,00,000, according to local health authorities. They say women and children make up more than half the fatalities but do not distinguish between militants and civilians in their count. Israel says it has killed over 17,000 militants, without providing evidence.

Israel's bombardment and ground operations have displaced some 90 per cent of Gaza's population of 2.3 million people, often multiple times. Vast areas of the territory, including entire neighbourhoods, have been pounded to ruins, and critical infrastructure has been destroyed.

Israeli restrictions, ongoing fighting and the breakdown of law and order have hindered the delivery of humanitarian aid, raising fears of famine, while widespread hunger has left people at greater risk of disease and death. (AP)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Islamabad [Pakistan], December 29 (ANI): Seven to eight personnel from the Taliban forces were killed along the Durand Line in the Upper Kurram district on Saturday, as the Afghan Taliban targeted Pakistani border posts in Ghozgarhi, Matha Sangar, Kot Ragha and Tari Mengal areas using both light and heavy weaponry, the Dawn reported.

According to Dawn, one Pakistani soldier was killed and 11 others were also wounded it said, citing security sources. However, the Taliban forces claimed that 19 Pakistani soldiers were killed in the retaliatory attacks.

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The Taliban forces used both light and heavy weaponry to target border posts in the areas of Ghozgarhi, Matha Sangar, Kot Ragha, and Tari Mengal, the Dawn reported.

This came days after Pakistani aircraft carried out aerial bombardments in Afghanistan's Barmal district of Paktika province, which killed 46 people with six people getting injured.

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The Pakistani military said the airstrikes were aimed at bases of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in the region, resulting in the deaths of several militants and the destruction of four TTP bases, Khaama Press reported, citing the Pakistani media outlets close to the Pakistani Army.

However, the Taliban's Ministry of Defence argued that the strike also hit "Waziristani refugees," disputing the claim that only militants were targeted.

According to Dawn, citing sources, TTP militants tried to enter Pakistani territory through Taliban checkpoints on Friday night but were unsuccessful and were reportedly involved in retaliatory actions alongside the Taliban.

"After the infiltration attempt failed, militants and Afghan forces jointly opened fire on Pakistani posts with heavy weapons on Saturday morning. The firing was effectively responded to, and there are confirmed reports of heavy losses on the Afghan side, with over 15 militants dead and many others wounded," a source said as quoted by Dawn. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh) [India], December 29 (ANI): The Tibetan Parliament-in-exile passed a resolution expressing unwavering solidarity with Tibetans enduring severe repression under Chinese rule.

The official statement reaffirmed the Tibetan people's ongoing struggle for their fundamental human rights, religious freedom, and cultural preservation in the face of the Chinese Communist Party's occupation of Tibet.

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The resolution began with a solemn tribute to the Tibetans who had sacrificed their lives and well-being for Tibet's freedom and culture. It emphasised the profound courage shown by Tibetans in Tibet who continued to resist the Chinese government's systematic oppression despite facing extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, and forced disappearances.

The resolution also extended condolences to the families of those who had been martyred in the cause of Tibet.

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Central to the resolution was the condemnation of China's "sinicization" policies, particularly the expansion of state-run boarding schools designed to forcibly assimilate Tibetan children. These colonial-style schools, the resolution stressed, separated children from their families, communities, and cultural heritage, deepening the cultural genocide.

It specifically condemned the recent closure of the Ragya Gangjong Norbu Lobling School in Golog, which had long been a beacon of Tibetan education and culture. The resolution demanded an immediate halt to these policies and called for the freedom of Tibetans to practice their religion, language, and culture without coercion.

Another critical point of the resolution was the demand for the release of the 11th Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, who had been detained by the Chinese government since 1995. The resolution also called for the release of all Tibetan political prisoners and demanded accountability for their treatment.

Reaffirming Tibet's historical sovereignty, the resolution challenged China's claim over Tibet, asserting that Tibet had never been a part of China. The Tibetan Parliament-in-exile stood firm in its commitment to the Middle Way Policy, advocating for dialogue to resolve the Sino-Tibetan conflict. However, it stressed that any failure by the Chinese government to engage in meaningful dialogue would hold China responsible for the future consequences.

The resolution also expressed profound gratitude to the government and people of India, and to global supporters, especially the United States, for their unwavering solidarity. Finally, it called on Tibetans in exile to continue advocating for Tibet's rights and cultural preservation in their respective countries. This resolution marked a powerful reaffirmation of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile's commitment to the just cause of Tibet. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Peshawar [Pakistan], December 29 (ANI): Severe cold waves sweeping through Pakistan have led to a spike in seasonal diseases, with health experts warning of a rise in pneumonia cases, particularly among children.

According to the Pakistan's Health Department, the lack of rain will increase the spread of seasonal diseases. There are also concerns that pneumonia cases could rise among children due to the cold spell, the Express Tribune noted.

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Cold wave, combined with severe dust pollution in areas such as Peshawar has also led to widespread cases of chest infection, colds, sore throat and dry cough.

The increasing cold is causing health problems among people of all ages, with doctors reporting that the majority of patients visiting hospitals are suffering from infections. Children aged 8-10 are the most affected, the Express Tribune reported.

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Quoting the meteorological department, the Express Tribune noted that there is very little chance of rain until January 5. The intensity of the cold will persist during this period.

In areas such as Kohistan, Ashiri Dara, Barawal and Lowari Pass, frost on roads has become a routine issue.

Last week, seven districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa were engulfed by intense cold, with temperatures dropping below freezing. Residents of these areas have had to confine themselves indoors to protect themselves from the severe weather. Even the provincial capital of Peshawar has recorded a significant drop in temperature, reaching as low as 1 degree Celsius due to the cold wave in the rural areas.

At least six people, including women and children, died, and three others were injured in a car accident caused by dense fog at Tandlianwala in Pakistan's Punjab, Ary News reported.

Pakistan has seen severe smog blankets across the country as the cold wave intensifies.

The crisis hits Pakistan's most populous province every winter, but in recent years, air pollution has worsened due to cold air trapping dust, emissions from low-quality diesel, and smoke from illegal crop burning.

The combination of smog, low temperatures, and high pollution levels presents major health risks to residents, underscoring the urgent need for decisive action to address the growing crisis. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Mahakumbh Nagar, December 29: A 20-year-old woman gave birth to a child on Sunday at a makeshift hospital built in Mahakumbh Nagar, the 76th district of Uttar Pradesh, officials said. This is the first child born in this hospital. A team of three doctors led by Gaurav Dubey successfully operated on the woman at the Central Hospital in Mahakumbh Nagar.

Gaurav Dubey, the nodal Medical doctor at the Mahakumbh Mela, said: "It was the first child born at the Central Hospital built in Mahakumbh Nagar. Twenty-year-old woman Sonam is blessed with a son Ratna." Maharashtra: Tribal Woman Gives Birth in Ambulance on Wada-Bhiwandi Road After Being Turned Away by 2 Hospitals in Palghar.

Woman Gives Birth to Child at Makeshift Hospital in UP

Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh: The first delivery at the Central Hospital of Maha Kumbh Nagar took place at the temporary hospital located in the parade area of the Mahakumbh Mela. A woman gave birth to a baby boy. After a safe delivery, the newborn was shifted to Swarup Rani Medical pic.twitter.com/WTyVTuvyAT  IANS (@ians_india) December 29, 2024

According to doctors at the hospital, the newborn child's weight is 2.4 kg. This successful operation was performed by doctors Nupur and Vartika under the guidance of Gaurav Dubey at the Central Hospital.

Gaurav Dubey said: "The mother and the child are completely healthy. Both have been now been sent to the Swaroop Rani Medical College by an ambulance from the Central Hospital." Kanpur: Woman Gives Birth To Healthy Triplets At Hospital in Uttar Pradesh, 2 Boys And A Girl Born Through C-Section In Rare Event (Watch Video).

For the first time, a delivery facility for pregnant women is also being provided in the temporary hospital located in the parade area of the Mahakumbh Mela. A labor room has also been set up here.

The world's largest human gathering 'Mahakumbh 2025' is going to be organised in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26 for which preparations are underway to make it an event of unparalleled grandeur, safety, and spiritual significance. With the inspiration of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, no stone is being left unturned to make the Mahakumbh a grand and safe Mahakumbh.

The Yogi Adityanath government has prepared a fool-proof plan to ensure that all the devotees reach the Mahakumbh Mela safely and easily and also ensure their return home. With over 40 crore devotees expected from around the world, the 45-day festival promises to showcase Indias rich cultural heritage, spiritual traditions, and modern advancements.

The Culture Ministry described Mahakumbh 2025 as more than a religious gathering, calling it a "global celebration of spirituality, culture, safety, sustainability, and modernity". Special provisions, including multilingual signage and cultural programs, aim to welcome international visitors and highlight India's diversity.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 30, 2024 12:13 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
A Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 flight from Bangkok to South Korea crashed during landing at Muan International Airport on Sunday, leaving 179 passengers feared dead. The aircraft, carrying 181 people, crashed on approach, with only two survivors pulled from the wreckage. Boeing, the aircraft manufacturer, issued a statement expressing condolences to the victims families and offering support to Jeju Air. We extend our deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones, and our thoughts remain with the passengers and crew, the company stated. While the 737-800 model is known for its strong safety record, Boeing has faced scrutiny for past safety lapses, including two fatal 737 Max crashes. Investigations into the cause of the Muan crash are underway. South Korea Plane Crash: 179 Dead, 2 Rescued As Jeju Air Flight Carrying 181 People Bursts Into Flames After Skidding off Runway at Muan International Airport (See Pics and Videos).

South Korea Plane Crash: Boeing Expresses Condolences as 179 Feared Dead

(SocialLY brings you all the latest breaking news, viral trends and information from social media world, including Twitter (X), Instagram and Youtube. The above post is embeded directly from the user's social media account and LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body. The views and facts appearing in the social media post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY, also LatestLY does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.)
From January 2025, medical and social expert commissions (MSEC) "will no longer exist as legal entities." Meanwhile, the process of reorganizing its work is currently underway, with law enforcement officers checking the disability certificates previously issued by these commissions. There are already some results.

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According to Viktor Liashko, head of the Ministry of Health, law enforcement agencies have already handed over more than 2,000 cases of questionable disability certificates to the Ministry of Health. The Ministry of Health has already reviewed half of them.

"You see, there are people who take advantage of the system in every sphere. To (fight them), the country has created a large network of law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies. We de facto cooperate with them," the minister said.

According to him, Liashko's subordinates have reviewed almost a thousand cases of fake disability certificates that have been delivered to the ministry, which has already canceled the validity of 188 of them. Another 388 were handed over to the Ministry's research institute for further review.

Liashko emphasized, "Everything becomes obvious sooner or later." Accordingly, the Minister called on doctors in expert groups that will announce the disability instead of MSEC commissions to work within the legal framework.

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The head added that a list of diagnoses that equal to disabilities will be established once and for all has already been determined so that "there is no need to come once a year or once every two years for re-examinations."

As reported, although the MSECs in Ukraine will be liquidated in January, all its disability certificates issued before December 31, 2024, will remain valid.

Also, after the social insurance reform, all payments for people with disabilities in Ukraine will remain in force too. At the same time, the maximum amount of insurance payment in the event of an accident at work will increase to UAH 40 thousand, with paid sick leave lasting up to 14 months.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber . Do not fall for fakes!
Washington, December 29: AT&T and Verizon, two of the most prominent telecom giants in the United States, were recently hit by a cyberattack on their systems. The latest attempt to compromise the operations was from an advanced persistent threat actor known as "Salt Typhoon," linked to China.

Despite the intensity, the cyberattack was limited as the company reported that only a few information cases were compromised. An AT&T spokesperson said that the company was attacked by a small number of individuals in the Republic of China who were of foreign interest after conducting an investigation. The spokesperson emphasised that the investigation did not detect any nation-state actors involved in the attack. Bench Shutdown: Canada-Based Fintech Firm Providing Accounting, SaaS Services Abruptly Shuts Down Its Operations, Puts Users in Difficult Situation.

The AT&T spokesperson said that the company's investigation revealed only a few compromised information. According to a report by Reuters, the US networks of AT&T and Verizon were secure as these wireless network carriers worked with law enforcement and government officials. Verizon also contained the activities related to the hacking incident.

Salt Typhoon has been associated with several cyberattacks on US companies, and the report said that the Chinese were involved with the threat actor to gain access to the networks. These attacks were reportedly carried out by individuals to gain the full capability to geolocate millions of individuals and record phone call conversations whenever they wanted.

Chinese officials and authorities have previously denied such allegations; however, US telecommunication companies, including Verizon, Lumen, and others, have previously alleged that China-based hackers were involved in a hacking attempt. The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency has previously announced moving mobile communications to end-to-end encrypted apps. BSNL Layoffs: Government-Run Telecom Service Provider To Cut 18,000 to 19,000 Jobs To Improve Its Financial Balance, Proposes VRS 2.0.

The report mentioned that the Salt Typhoon targeted officials connected to Republic Donald Trump's presidential candidate, Democrat Kamala Harris. The cyber-attackers were not able to gain wider access to the telecommunication networks, which assured the information of US citizens was safe.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 29, 2024 11:10 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
Mumbai, December 29: Samsung's flagship smartphone, Galaxy S24 Ultra, is available at a significantly lower price than before. The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 5G was launched in India on January 17, 2024, with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC at INR 1,29,999 for 256GB storage, INR 1,39,999 for 512GB storage, and INR 1,59,999 for 1TB storage. The smartphone was launched at a slightly higher price than its predecessor, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.

In January 2025, the South Korean tech giant is set to introduce its new lineup, including Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus, and standard Samsung Galaxy S25 models. Besides these models, the company is expected to launch the Samsung Galaxy S25 Slim version, which cannot be confirmed. Amid the excitement of the new smartphone launches, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra price dropped significantly in India. Samsung Patents Eye-Tracking Smart Glasses, Self-Adjusting Galaxy Ring 2 Feature and AI-Powered Imaging Technology for Upcoming Launches: Report.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Price in India; Discount, Offers, Availability (Flipkart)

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is available on Flipkart with a 9% discount on the official price of INR 1.29 lakh. This effectively makes the device's price INR 1,21,999 with INR 8,000 less. Further, interested customers can avail of bank offers for up to INR 12,000 off on HDFC Bank Credit Card and get 5% Unlimited Cashback on Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card. It is also available on No Cost EMI starting at INR 10,167 per month. The exchange offer on the device is INR 38,150, which would lower the price. The price is for a 256GB storage variant.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Price in India; Discount, Offers, Availability (Amazon)

On the other hand, Samsung's flagship Galaxy S24 Ultra smartphone is available at INR 1,21,999 with a 512GB variant. The price of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 5G for 512GB was INR 1.39 lakh in India. This would make the device available at INR 18,000 less than the original price. Further, interested customers can buy the device with a no-cost EMI of INR 9,575. Samsung Group Affiliates Market Value Drops 23% in 2024 Due to Sluggish Performance of Its Key Affiliate Samsung Electronics: Report.

The prices of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra dropped ahead of its launch in January 2025. The Galaxy S24 Ultra comes with several highlighting features, such as Galaxy AI, a flagship rear camera setup, and faster performance.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 29, 2024 05:17 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
One of the world's biggest car rental businesses is set to start operating in Laois with the green light given for the construction of a premises in Portlaoise by Laois County Council just before Christmas.

ERAC Ireland Ltd (Enterprise Rent A Car) which operates globally, will expand to Portlaoise to a site on the New Road. They have approval to demolish derelict structures and build a new office, which they say will create "multiple jobs".

Enterprise Rent-A-Car operates the largest rental network globally. With a network of approximately 9,500 car rental locations in nearly 100 countries. Several countries within the Enterprise network are operated through franchise partnerships.

The 0.157 hectare site is near the Kyle Shopping Centre, facing Triogue Place housing estate.

Planners had requested further information after the application was first lodged in June 2024. It was finally approved in mid-December.

The applicant had to show there there would be safe sightlines by drivers using the site. They agreed to move a proposed car wash away from existing trees. They had to supply proof that the public sewer could take an extra load, and that there would be turning space for emergency and refuse vehicles. There were also queries about the noise of the carwash, the boundary treatments, lighting, opening hours and road markings.

"The site was previously used for a Haulage and Auctioneering business for years before becoming a derelict warehouse storage building.

"ERAC Ireland Limited has been based across the region of Ireland and look to expand to more towns allowing it easier and more efficient for customers and consumers to rent cars from them," the application stated.

They will demolish the single storey storage building and the associated pump house, and construct a modular office building to be used as a car rental hub along with a detached canopy to be used as a car wash/valeting bay.

"The proposed development provides expansion to its growing company which will create several jobs in the Portlaoise area, the unit is made of site reducing construction waste and using renewable materials where at all possible. The unit will be

constructed to current building regulation standard delivering a minimum A3 energy rating." MORE BELOW PICTURE.

"The proposal is to erect one commercial building and detached wash bay which allows ERAC Ireland Limited to expand their business to Portlaoise Providing multiple jobs. The proposal will improve Laois County as a whole as it allows future expansion for businesses and creates jobs within the county.

"The proposed site is well landscaped and provides safe and easy circulation for any member of the public or

private sector. The proposal is consistent with the guidelines of Urban development and DMURS. The proposed development seeks to supply a better use to the existing site in Portlaoise Town," their application claims.

Also proposed is a relocated vehicular entrance, 25 car parking spaces, Ev charging spaces, landscaping, bicycle shelter, lighting, signage, connection to public mains, and all ancillary works.

The site is zoned Town Centre  Primary/Core Retail Area in the Laois County Development plan. See more on plan here.
Aras an Uachtarain is to be formally notified of ten Presidents medals and cheques being held by Gardai.

A Police Property Application relating to cheques and Presidential medals- which were issued to a man who would have been 110 years old had he been alive- was brought before Portlaoise District Court.

The application related to medals found at the home of a Laois woman who had been drawing the old age pension of her father-in-law who had died nearly three decades earlier. In total she claimed over 270,000 in pension payments and the cheques and medals were found at her house by investigating gardai. She was jailed last month for five and a half years with the final three suspended.

A person who turns 100 in Ireland is awarded a cheque and a medal from the President of Ireland. They are then issued a medal for every year they reach over 100.

Garda Inspector Joe Culliton said the Presidents office are the only persons notified in that application on the grounds that medals were awarded to the deceased man and were now the property of the Bergin family."

The items were found in the Bergin home in a handbag belonging to Margaret Bergin in a bedroom of the house.

Judge Andrew Cody asked if the President's Office had been notified of the application before the court.

Insp Culliton said the Presidents office was notified by email on November 21 last but they hadnt responded formally.

My colleague Judge Johnson dealt with this and Mrs Bergin was convicted of social welfare fraud. There was no conviction in relation to these. I understand there are ten of them, said Judge Cody. He said if President Higgins wished to claim them they are his.

None of the Presidential cheques were cashed and there is no prosecution in relation to these, he said.

Judge Cody said he believed Mr Seamus Bergin, Mrs Margaret Bergin and the Presidents office should all be served with notices about the Police Property Application. He said the Bergins and the Presidents Office should be notified by registered post.

It should be served on both of them at their address in Mountrath, he said. He also said the Presidents office should be formally notified about the application.

Judge Cody said that if Mr and Mrs Bergin and the Presidents office do not want the medals and cheques he will determine what to do with them.

I will consider how best to utilise them for a charitable purpose, he said.

He said the old age pension exists to help people when they are elderly and most in need and he would like to see the medals used to help a charity which assists the elderly.

If either wish to lay claim to them I will hear them on January 17, 2025. he said.
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The Kremlin is dissatisfied with the concept of ending the war in Ukraine, which is being proposed by the team of US President-elect Donald Trump. This refers to proposals to postpone Ukraine's membership in NATO for 20 years and send a contingent of peacekeepers to Ukraine.

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This was stated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the aggressor country, Russia, Sergey Lavrov, in an interview with the TASS propaganda agency. According to him, Russia is not satisfied with these proposals.

"Judging by the numerous leaks and Donald Trump's interview with Time magazine on December 12, he is talking about "freezing" the fighting along the front line and transferring further responsibility for the confrontation with Russia to the Europeans. Of course, we are not satisfied with the proposals to postpone Ukraine's membership in NATO for 20 years, which are made on behalf of representatives of the president-elect's team, as well as to send a peacekeeping contingent of "British and European forces" to Ukraine," the minister emphasized.

Earlier it was reported that in 2025 the situation in the Middle East, as well as in Africa and Asia, is expected to worsen. As for the war in Ukraine, much will depend on cooperation with partners and allies, as well as their policies. This forecast was made by Ukrainian politician and diplomat Roman Bezsmertnyi for OBOZ.UA.

As OBOZ.UA previously reported, ISW analysts believe that Moscow's constant voicing of demands for Ukraine's "neutrality" and a significant reduction of the Ukrainian army indicates that Putin still believes that Russia is capable of defeating Ukraine on the battlefield. Thus, the speaker of the Federation Council, Valentina Matvienko, repeated the theses of dictator Vladimir Putin about Russia's alleged "openness to compromise in negotiations." At the same time, Moscow insists on its earlier ultimatums, which it announced in the spring of 2022 in Istanbul.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
A 1904 boots and drapery store in Dublin has been revived by a trendy coffee shop that embraced its 120-year-old designs.

Coffee business Coffeeangel has been praised by a heritage charity for restoring the building on 1-2 Lower Mount Street to its former glory, complete with the original hand-engraved mahogany sign.

Graham Hickey of the Dublin Civic Trust called it heartening to see a business investing in a heritage asset in the city centre, arguing it packs a punch greater than contemporary branding.

Weve seen so many examples all over Dublin of where shop fronts or upper facades or other historic elements have been removed or disfigured, this is a refreshing example of a very trendy business embracing whats already there and enhancing their brand by harnessing that heritage, he said.

Karl Purdy, founder of Coffeeangel, is no stranger to either restoration or reinvention.

His family moved from Belfast to Calgary in Canada just before he turned six and he returned as a budding news photographer to cover the first IRA ceasefire in 1994.

When covering The Twelfth in 1995, he said he was grabbed by the UVF who scared the life out of me enough for me to reassess my lifes direction.

As he pivoted to introducing speciality coffee to the island of Ireland, he bought an old print shop on Pembroke Street as the first Coffeeangel shop, and merged an old antiques shop and dentists into their South Anne Street store.

He said he has driven by the building on Lower Mount Street regularly for years and had wondered about it.

He said when he saw a sign go up, they took on the lease from March 1, and what he expected to be three months of renovations stretched into six months.

We didnt think it would be as successful as some of our other locations, but it was kind of heart over head. Its a little bit off the beaten track but still a beautiful part of Dublin, he told the PA news agency.

Only mosaic tiles at the entrance to the shop hinted at the preserved history the store held: built in 1837 as two small homes, it was turned into commercial units in 1854 before becoming the John OGrady boot and drapery supply shop in 1904.

After the 1916 Easter Rising, the business claimed 30 worth of damages caused by gunfire from a battle at the end of Mount Street.

When Mr Purdy and his team got into the building, they realised it hadnt been invested in for around 50-80 years.

Mr Purdy said he has experience of renovations by then and went in expecting the worst.

One of my real bugbears were the steel shutters. They were horrible and I could see this huge oversized sign which was really hiding the shutter box. And I said, we really just need to get these shutters down, at least add some light.

We started taking down the shutters and there was another sign that was more in keeping with the frame of the shop front and it said French breads, coffee, news and food, it might have been from the 60s or 70s, and I was delighted.

I thought, this is amazing, do we keep that? And two days later I went back and looked up at it and I just asked one of the builders, can you please climb up the scaffold and see if theres anything behind that sign?

And they peeled back the perspex French breads sign and there was a hand-carved mahogany sign, absolutely immaculate condition. I think the fact that it had been covered for so many years had kind of protected it.

Once I saw that, we were like Oh my god, jackpot, I had to kind of rethink our branding opportunities but it was a really, really lovely surprise.

Though it had cost so much more than what we budgeted for, when asked if it was worth it, he said oh my god, yes.

I wouldnt change a thing, I may ask the joiner to really push the boat out and try to get the original detailing back onto the window frame, but at the same time, theres no guidance, theres no grants.

He said that locals on Mount Street have been heartened by the restoration and he added that, if he was visiting Dublin, this type of shop front is what he would like to see.

When you go travelling anywhere, whether it is Paris or Rome, youre always going to the old city, youre always looking for what was this place like originally.

Dublin is so battered and bruised, I just think theres probably a lot of beauty thats hidden.

Were just kind of passing through this building, but Im hoping that John OGrady and the work he put in 120 years ago will be there long after were gone.

Mr Hickey said: Good design is embracing, very often, good quality elements that are already existing and allowing in this case the shop front to shine, and also, to some degree, the interior of the shop.

It gleams on the street, the high-quality fit out of the building contributes to the street.

You dont need prominent signage and there is a certain type of magnetism that we are all familiar with traditional shop fronts, and that beautiful script and the incised lettering and the numerals in mahogany fascia, theres an instant attraction there, and packs a punch much greater than having a large plastic fascia with contemporary branding on it.

He added: At the end of the day there is a certain responsibility that comes with property ownership and property management, I think too often Dublin City Council gets hammered for what is actually the misdeeds of private owners and businesses.

Businesses in Dublin seriously need to step up to the mark. It doesnt always cost a lot of money to maintain a building and to engage good design and we are appalling in Dublin when it comes to basic property management and investment.

We have extremely poor culture in Ireland when it comes to property management and custodianship. People do need to invest better in the manner that Karl has done.
THE FIRST international edition of HollyShorts, LA's renowned short film festival, took place in London earlier this month, and Limerick was well represented.

The Oscar-longlisted short film CALF won the festival's top prize.

Directed by Jamie O'Rourke, CALF took home the Best Short Film Grand Prize, presented by Panavision.

The film was shot in Kildimo and produced by Raheen-based filmmaker Ronan Cassidy, who won an Irish Film and Television Academy (IFTA) for CALF alongside fellow filmmaker Gregory Burrowes, from Parteen, making Limerick central to the production of the film.

Set in the Irish countryside, this gut-wrenching short follows a sinister farm accident unravelling on a farm, leaving young Cait with a tough decision to make.

CALF touches on its central theme of domestic abuse in a sensitive manner and is a poignant exploration of shock, grief and trauma that delivers much-deserved catharsis, the production team explained. It poses tough questions for the audience. But there are never easy answers when a family is in the grip of abuse.

READ MORE: PICTURES: Proud Rathkeale is 'open for business' this Christmas

The role of Cait is played by up-and-coming Irish actress Isabelle Connolly, who won Best Actor in a Female Role at the Richard Harris International Film Festival for her performance.

HollyShorts London also honoured An Irish Goodbye Oscar winners Tom Berkeley and Ross White, presenting them with the festivals Honoree Award.

The festival presented a special Trailblazer Award to actor James Martin, whose pivotal role in An Irish Goodbye led to him being the first star with Down Syndrome to win at the Academy Awards.

This LA-based event takes place annually at venues including the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre, attracting filmmakers, actors and industry professionals from around the world.

It is an Oscar-qualifying and BAFTA-qualifying short film festival.

The first international edition of HollyShorts ran from Friday, December 6 to Sunday, December 8 at London's Curzon Soho cinema.
A MAJOR new study from University of Limerick will document the social, psychological and health needs of those with experiences of Irish Mother and Baby institutions.

Researchers at the Centre for Social Issues Research at University of Limerick will collaborate with the HSEs National Counselling Service on this project which will focus on understanding the long-term impact of Mother and Baby institutions. As part of the study, both mothers and adult adoptees will be surveyed about their experiences.

Acknowledging that forced family separation affected many outside these institutions, the survey is also open to those who experienced separation through other circumstances.

Professor Orla Muldoon who is leading the research said: Though these experiences are often thought of as being the past or historical some mothers and adult adoptees may experience ongoing social, health and psychological consequences.

This is a tremendous opportunity for the state to consider whether there have been enduring health and social costs for either mothers or babies. These institutions represent a dark period in Irelands history and it is important now to make sure that those who experienced these institutions are adequately supported.

Mary Kilcommins Greene of the HSEs National Counselling Service welcomed the announcement of this study: The experiences of mothers and adoptees are not well understood. Recognising this, the National Counselling Service is looking forward to working with the research team at University of Limerick to address this gap.

READ MORE: Take a seat at the table, Conor Sheehan: Dail day for new TD

We are encouraging people to give their views to inform service development and policy. By gathering information directly from those with experience in these institutions, we aim to create a clearer picture of how people have been affected both positively and negatively by their experience, she added.

The survey includes questions about peoples experiences in the institutions, their lives since leaving the institution, and their current social and health status. It addresses topics such as stigma and isolation, the treatment received from the Irish government, and the lasting trauma associated with these institutions.

Those interested in participating in this research are invited to complete an online survey, where all responses will be kept confidential and anonymous. The survey will remain open until the end of January 2025.

Priority support for those participating in the survey will be provided by the HSEs National Counselling Service. Information about accessing counselling supports in your local area is available here.

ULs Centre for Social Issues Research is an interdisciplinary collaborative research group housed within the Faculty of Education and Health Sciences. The group develops research ideas and supports collaborations to address contemporary social issues, supporting collaborations between researchers and external agencies in a partnership approach.
A HUMPBACK whale that travelled up the Shannon Estuary in late November likes it so much that it decided to stay for Christmas.

Clare Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) say it is the first case of a humpback whale in the estuary.

A post on their Facebook page on Saturday said: "The humpback whale continues to thrive in the Shannon Estuary. It has been seen around the Shannonferry Group Ltd crossing between Killimer, Co Clare and Tarbert, Co Kerry the last few days.

"This afternoon it was seen breaching many times between Moneypoint Power Station and the ferry. Plenty of people saw it from land and captured their own fantastic images."

The stunning images above and below of the mammal having a whale of a time were taken by Simon Berrow and shared on Facebook.

The species of mammal, which range in length from 46 to 56 ft and weigh up to 40 metric tonnes, is known for breaching and other distinctive surface behaviors, making it popular with whale watchers.

Clare IWDG say have expressed concerns over a ship strike and said we need to exercise care.

They say they have reached out to the Harbour Master at Shannon Foynes Port Company regarding the new arrival, first reported to the IWDG on November 28.

The Shannon is a high-density maritime traffic area, so the whale is at increased risk of a ship strike, they say in a post on their Facebook page.

We hope a temporary marine notice could be issued to avoid any issues regarding a ship strike by asking ships to slow down between Loop Head and Kerry Head to Tarbert Lighthouse. Ten knots is usually the recommended maximum speed in high risk areas, however this does not eliminate the risk, it continues.

READ MORE: PICTURES: Tony Noonan Mayoral Reception

The group asks ships to remain vigilant and keep an eye out for the whale during daylight hours in the Shannon Estuary.

If they do see the humpback whale, we would ask them to attempt avoiding the animal by slowing down and / or manoeuvring out of its way, if this can be done safely.

When they do encounter the humpback whale, or any whale, we would encourage them to report the sighting for the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group so we can keep an eye on its movements. Reports can be made to https://records.iwdg.ie/sighting.php?sid=x

Any images of the humpback are always welcomed as we can use those to identify the animal and gather information about age, sex and body condition, reads the post.

A spokesperson for Shannon Foynes Port Company told the Leader: We are aware of a humpback whale sighting in late November, and have been in contact with the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group.

"Any reported sightings by ships or SFPC personnel will be reported to IWDG. SFPC continues to monitor the situation and will engage with the IWDG as necessary.
Benjamin Netanyahu visited Dublin years before he became Israeli prime minister, in a bid to establish a diplomatic presence in the capital.

The Israeli embassy is now in the process of closing.

In February 1990, Mr Netanyahu was the deputy foreign minister in the Likud government and Ireland held the presidency of what was then the European Community (EC).

Files released by the National Archives in Dublin show that the Department of Foreign Affairs prepared a brief resume of his career, so that officials could familiarise themselves with a man who would become a defining figure in Israeli politics.

His meeting with Irish foreign affairs minister Gerry Collins took place in Dublin on February 21, 1990.

Mr Netanyahu suggested there was a natural feeling of sympathy towards Israel among the Irish people, but relations had not been helped by Irish soldiers who had been killed in Lebanon while serving with Unifil.

Many of these attacks had been blamed on Lebanese militias supported by Israel.

Mr Netanyahu told Mr Collins that 95% of the Israeli people were against Palestinian aspirations, and defended Israels refusal to withdraw from the territories it had occupied since 1967.

He was also questioned about settlements in the Occupied Territories and responded by saying only a fraction of a percentage of Jewish immigrants to Israel lived there.

He maintained they were not being incentivised or encouraged to live there.

Mr Collins cited a statement by the Israeli prime minister Yitzhak Shamir in the Knesset in the previous week, in which he said he would strengthen Jewish settlements through Judaea, Samaria, Gaza and the Golan.

Judaea and Samaria are names used by Israel to refer to the West Bank.

The report of the meeting said that when Mr Shamirs statement was put to Mr Netanyahu, he made no reply.

At the time of the meeting, Ireland was one of the few states in Europe which did not have an Israeli embassy, and did not have an embassy in Israel either.

This was the subject of much correspondence between the Israeli embassy in London, which included Ireland, and the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Mr Netanyahu said Ireland was important to Israel, not just as a result of the EU presidency which it then held.

As Israel would soon have embassies in all the newly formed eastern European states, Mr Netanyahu said he did not want Ireland to lag behind either in the intensity or intimacy of diplomatic contacts with Israel.

The absence of an Israeli embassy in Dublin was a source of concern for Irelands small Jewish population at the time.

In 1992, Mr Collins met the Jewish Representative Council of Ireland.

Joe Briscoe, whose father Robert Briscoe had been involved with smuggling guns into Ireland during the War of Independence, told him that the Jewish community was being seen as a proxy for an official Israel presence in Ireland and it was being blamed for many of the actions of Israel.

An Israeli embassy in Ireland was opened in December 1993, and an Irish embassy in Israel was opened three years later.

However, Israel announced in late 2024 that it would close its embassy in Dublin, and the Israeli foreign minister accused Ireland of antisemitic rhetoric and of crossing every red line in its relations with Israel.

Ireland had earlier that year recognised Palestinian statehood, and announced an intention to intervene in South Africas case against Israel for genocide at the International Court of Justice.

Irish premier Simon Harris has rejected the claims and accused Israel of distracting from the deaths of children in the Gaza conflict.

 This article is based on material in 24/52/118.
It allows companies to hire foreign workers for specialized roles in the US. Americas tech industry heavily relies on engineers and professionals from countries like India, with over 70% of H-1B visa holders being Indian, highlighting their role in the US tech economy. Another 12% of these visas go to Chinese nationals. The programme caps H-1B visas at 65,000 per year, with an additional 20,000 for individuals holding a masters degree from US institutions. This visa addresses the shortage of top-tier talent in the US, particularly in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

Also read | Chart beat: Indian IT firms exposure to H-1B visas at a multi-year low

What is the current issue around H-1B?

The latest debate erupted after Sriram Krishnan, an Indian-origin venture capitalist, was appointed to lead artificial intelligence (AI) policy in Trumps administration. Krishnans call to ease green card restrictions for skilled workers sparked accusations of an India First agenda. Trumps Make America Great Again (MAGA) supporters are urging him to prioritize American workers and tighten immigration restrictions. While Trump supporters demand a H-1B freeze, Republican Vivek Ramaswamy and billionaire Elon Musk, both immigrants, advocate attracting talent through H-1B visas.

Also read | How Indian students can get work visas after studying abroad

How have these work visas helped the US?

Skilled foreign workers fill a crucial gap in the US labour market, especially in the STEM fields. The American Immigration Council notes that H-1B workers economic contributions may boost job opportunities for native-born workers by expanding those businesses, keeping unemployment rates low in occupations with many H-1B holders.

Who is on which side of the debate?

Trump backed Musk. I have many H-1Bs on my properties. I have been a believer in H-1B visas," he told the New York Post after a backlash from his supporters. Far-right commentator Laura Loomer criticized the push for skilled immigration as not America First, accusing Musk and Ramaswamy of prioritizing foreign workers. Ramaswamy argued tech firms hire foreign-born engineers not due to a lack of local talent, but because a culture that celebrates mediocrity over excellence will not produce the best engineers.

How will it impact Indians?

Prompted by high denial rates for H-1B visas, the $260 billion Indian IT services sector, including firms such TCS, Infosys, HCL, Wipro, hire more local Americans or increase work offshore, rather than send workers from India. During Trumps first term as president, there were curbs on immigration, prompting Indian companies to look at other options. American multinational technology companies, though, are using H1Bs to get foreign workers to fill gaps in their talent pools.

Also read | Germany to increase skilled labour visas for Indians to 90,000
It would be hard to look at 2024 in isolation. Threads from 2023 have woven their way into 2024, at least within the arts ecosystem. The mode of expansion continued, with existing galleries and institutions moving into fresh spaces, and newer names being added to the contemporary arts community. 2024 was a landmark year for leading galleries as well as artists with the centenary of K.G. Subramanyan, F.N. Souza, Ram Kumar, V.S. Gaitonde and Mohan Samant. The second half of 2024 began like a symphony but ended as an overdone crescendo with December being absolutely packed with cultural events, including new additions such as the Bengal Biennale.

Invisibilised histories of marginalised communities became more visible, with work by artists such as Vikrant Bhise, Siddhesh Gautam and Sajan Mani being showcased. However, some felt art could have served as a braver lens to contemplate conflict in Gaza, Ukraine and closer home in Manipur. Barring a few examples, there was a certain degree of silence, which Mumbai-based cultural theorist Ranjit Hoskote found inexplicable. Its hard to believe that Indian art has nothing to say on something as cataclysmic as the ongoing genocide and wars. Previous generations of Indian artists would have responded to these events for sure. This startling absence of response, an inwardlooking approach, and withdrawal from a broader public exchange has been rather disappointing," he says.

As a new year dawns, Lounge looks back at the hits and misses of 2024.

Also read: A note on the issue: A mind map of the year

Certain trends that had been in the making for the past two to three years, achieved a certain degree of maturity in 2024, and that included the feminist gaze on the lives of women. The female figure from everyday scenes had been long missing from the canvas. Artists like Varunika Saraf, Soma Das and Baaraan Ijlal have documented everyday experiences big and smallin womens lives, be it their response to politics, grief, leisure, or community.

This year, there were more showcases of the theme. For instance, Sujata Setias A Thousand Cuts addressed patterns of domestic abuse in south Asian community, at G5A, Mumbai, while He/Hem at Vida Heydari Contemporary, Pune, featured works of six artists including Debasree Das, Kanan Koteshwar, Mayuri Chari and Monali Meher. They stitched thread on to paper, seeking to erase lines between high art and skill-based crafts, while engaging with tropes of identity, care, body and ecology".

In fact, textile, involving embroidery, stitching and used clothing, became a stronger part of artistic practices to create narratives around belonging and identity.

AN EXPANDED ECOSYSTEM

2024 saw not just fresh editions to existing fixtures such as the Madras Art Weekend, Chennai Photo Biennale and Serendipity Arts Festival, but also the debut of newer events such as the Bengal Biennale. Curated by Siddharth Sivakumar, this series of events, themed around Anka BankaThrough Crosscurrent, is spread across Kolkata and Santiniketan. The idea is to present the states cultural heritage alongside contemporary voices that are shaping its art ecosystem.

November also brought back Art Mumbai a young fair that is rooted in the context of the Maximum Citywith 71 participating galleries and three foundations. The Kochi-Muziris Biennale rounded out the year with the announcement of its new curators, artist Nikhil Chopra and HH Art Spaces, for its sixth edition, to take place between December 2025 and March 2026.

TRANSFORMATIVE YEAR FOR ART SPACES

2024 was the year of milestones for art spacesnew ones opened up for niche themes while existing ones celebrated landmark years. Sarmaya Arts Foundation, a not-for-profit founded in 2015 by Paul Abraham, a Mumbai-based banker and arts patron, moved its archive into a newly-restored space. This rich repository of art and artefacts opened up within the 146-year-old Lawrence & Mayo Building, which is part of the Heritage Mile" on Dr D N Road. The new space is accompanied by curated programming of talks and events in a bid to make the archive accessible to people from all walks of life.

Artist-curator Bose Krishnamachari came together with entrepreneur Sreejith Pathangalil to start Gallery Dtale ARCHIST in Bengaluru in October. The white cube space, spread across 3,000 sq. ft, hopes to tackle the intersections of art, architecture, design and technology. Dtale ARCHIST trusts that everyone could be an artist, designer, architect or a scientist. We are exploring works of practitioners, whose thinking sensitises us to the other while also inculcating a better understanding of the self," writes Krishnamachari in an email interview.

Also read: Pains and gains: The year in south Indian cinema

View Full Image Soghra Khurasani and Saju Kunhan, Untitled (2024), courtesy: the artists and TARQ

Delhi-based GallerySKE and PHOTOINK ended the year with an announcement about moving to a new spacethe location still under wrapsin 2025.

This was also a landmark year in the journeys of leading galleries such as Tarq, Experimenter and Gallery Espace. Each marked the moment with exhibitions and events that showcased its evolution while also laying out the vision for the future.

New Delhi-based Espace, for instance, marked the occasion with shows such as Memory Fields, featuring artists such as Amit Ambalal, Manjunath Kamath and Nilima Sheikh, who have been part of the gallerys journey.

Tarq, Mumbai, which celebrated 10 years, showcased dialogue between its artists through collaborative prints created by artist pairs such as Sameer Kulavoor and Vishwa Shroff, Pratap Morey and Philippe Calia, Garima Gupta and Nibha Sikander, and more. The exhibition looked at the ethos of collaboration and the sense of community that has defined Tarqs programming over time.

Meanwhile, Experimenter, on turning 15 at the cusp of this year, curated events that highlighted the manner in which the gallery functions across multiple spaces, while having a politically charged programme featuring diverse practices.

REVISITING ARTISTIC LEGACIES

It was not just art spaces but also wellloved artistsK.G. Subramanyan, V.S. Gaitonde, Mohan Samant, Himmat Shah, Ram Kumar and F.N. Souzawho had landmark years. A series of exhibitions unfurled across the country to offer newer perspectives on their practices. Progressive Art Gallery, Delhi, hosted Creating the Century: Four Iconic Artists, curated by Yashodhara Dalmia to celebrate the birth centenaries of Souza, Kumar, Subramanyan and Gaitonde. When India was still under colonial rule, these artists started, each in his own distinct way in art, to grapple with a nonrevivalist modernity, the irrepressible reality of Indian plurality, both of life and expression, traditions and ideas . Their art, in its specifics, complexity and indi-viduality, is plural, Indian, and modern," wrote Ashok Vajpeyi, managing trustee, The Raza Foundation, whose efforts brought the show to life.

The legacies of these artists continue to be pertinent for their approachoutward- looking, progressive and responsive to the sociopolitics of the times. Unfortunately, for some like Souza and Akbar Padamsee, censorship of their work continues beyond their lifetimes. Last year the Mumbai customs department had seized seven artworks by the two as obscene material". In October, this year, the Bombay high court passed an restraining order, preventing the department from destroying the works. Through repeated events, one can only hope that the nonconformist approach of these artists continues to be highlighted.

Also read: What to watch this week: Squid Game, Dahomey and more

View Full Image K.G. Subramanyans The Reaper, courtesy: Emami Art

Subramanyan was the other artist, whose life and times were celebrated throughout the year. Cultural theorist Nancy Adajania and curator R. Siva Kumar offered newer readings of his work. In A Forest of Many Suns at Arthshila, Delhi, the latter looked at Subramanyans multifaceted career, including his role as an educationist, and at another exhibition at Vadehra Art Gallery, he focused on the last decade of the artists career. Prior to that, in May, Adajania looked at ways of making the artists legacy relevant for the next 100 years in the show, One Hundred Years and Counting: Re-Scripting KG Subramanyan, at Emami Art, Kolkata. I decided to focus on K.G. Subramanyans political philosophy by highlighting his pluralist vision, and his belief in conviviality over conflict," Adajania had told Lounge then.

For Hoskote, both One Hundred Years and Counting and Handprints, one of the two-part retrospective on Gulammohammed Sheikh, featuring his print works and curated by artist Pushpamala N, stood out as rereadings of artistic legacies. These were not just significant in their scope, but also offered an insight into different ways of creating meaningful curatorial frameworks. What distinguished both these shows was that they were deeply researched and went into the actual nature of the artists journeys. Handprints is situated within Gulams engagement with visual arts, literature and the larger public sphere," he adds.

Similarly One Hundred Years resituates K.G. Subramanyan in context of his politics, and spotlights the philosophy informing his illustrated childrens books, which were earlier seen as minor works, thereby creating a far more complex portrait of the artist. These remind us of what Indian artists have been at their very bestcultural organisers, writers, public intellectuals and political thinkers. Both Gulam and K.G.Subramanyan are luminous examples of what having an artistic imagination meansto not be confined to the studio, but to create a bridge between the studio and the world, articulating experimental curiosity for a medium, and serving the difficult mandate of critical citizenship," says Hoskote.

Meanwhile, Sheikh himself turned curator for his late friend, Bhupen Khakar. Titled Bhupen in Goa, and shown as part of the Serendipity Arts Festival, one could see over 150 workspaintings, drawings, ceramic plates, sculpturesfrom Sunil Kant Munjals private collection and the Swaraj Art Archive established by Vijay Aggarwal. I have selected 164 works out of over 207 in the collection, choosing a variety of mediums Bhupen was adept at," Sheikh told The Indian Express.

This celebration of milestones will spill into the next year, with modernist Krishen Khanna and the late Satish Gujral marking their 100th birth anniversaries.

DOCUMENTING MARGINALISED HISTORIES

Various artists and collectives have, over time, tried to extract histories of Dalit and other marginalised communities, long buried within the mainstream narrative. This year saw a greater dialogue around these new forms of history making.

Sajan Maniwho had his first major solo in India, The Multiple Legs of Historically Wing-Chopped Bird, at Shrine Empire, Delhiwanted to look beyond the postcolonial approach, which focused on Brahmanic history, royalty and related clothes and ornaments, but never on the people who made these and suffered through the social systems", as he mentioned in an interview. Through his drawings and videos , Mani has tried to wrest his community from historical obscurity.

Also read: Moments in Hindi cinema: 2024

View Full Image Sajan Mani, 'TRANSMIGRATORY WHISPERS', courtesy: Shrine Empire

Vikrant Bhise, a Mumbai-based artist, whose practice is rooted in Ambedkarite politics, Dalit histories and peoples movements in resisting caste discrimination, showed his work at different platforms throughout the year, starting with the Anant Art Gallery booth at the India Art Fair and moving on to Experimenter-Colaba for the two-person exhibition, We Will See. He is now part of the ongoing group show, Unhoming: Fragile Belonging, at Exhibit 320, Delhi, about displacement and human suffering, specifically in the context of Gaza. Bhises work spans both large multi panelled paintings and smaller ink works, and looks at narratives of resistance and resilience.

Meanwhile, the calendar for 2025 already seems to be coalescing with major solos and fixtures like the Mumbai Gallery Weekend returning. Perhaps, for art enthusiasts, the turn of the year could act as an brief interlude to reflect on the practices that engaged with realities of a world in flux, and readings and responses that we would like to see in 2025.
Trends are a fluid phenomena that dont fall within the limiting scope of a year. Most begin as interesting concepts and can take a few months to garner a larger following later, and therefore, how India drank in 2024 could be a pointer to how bartenders will shake things up next year.

There is a gradual rise in bars offering progressive cocktails in tier-2 cities," notes Mumbai-based drinks consultant Ajit Balgi. He mentions the restobar Atelier V in Indore with drinks like Negroni Sbagliato, Picante with a Margarita twist and classics such as the Manhattan. The bars in Indoreincluding The Library Barorganise brand-sponsored events too and host takeovers within the city. In Shillong, the year-old Shad Skye accentuates its cocktails with ingredients from the North-East. There are cocktails with cherry blossoms from Meghalaya, ghost peppers from Assam and bamboo shoot from Mizoram. The opening of these bars in tier-2 cities has been driven by the presence of an aspirational audience, increasing tourism and the ambition of local restaurateurs, among other factors.

Also read: Flavoured snow and the best meals of 2024

Taking Indias drinks story forward is the increasing availability of homegrown spirits. The newest entrant is the premium mahua liquor, Six Brothers Mahura, which launched in October. Six Brothers collaborated with Mumbai restobar Bandra Born for a limited edition menu Mahura Bar that showcased the liquor, says Delhi-based beverage consultant Nitin Tewari.

The India spirit story extends to liqueurs as well. Balgi points to Indias first limoncello Mikiamo from Goa being launched in March, and Diageo acquiring a minority stake in the coffee liqueur Quaffine in July. These are indicators of holistic growth in the alcohol space.

The third significant trend is the blossoming of intimate cocktail bars helmed by bartenders. Its as if they have returned home after being ambassadors of alcohol brands," says Tewari. He gives the example of Pankaj Balachandran, former ambassador of Monkey Shoulder, who started Boilermaker in Goa in October and Arijit Bose, former brand ambassador of Bacardi India, who opened Bar Outrigger, also in Goa, in July. Bumipura in Mumbai, which reimagines South Asian dishes as drinks, is the brainchild of Malaysian Ming YangChai that opened this year. Last month, a Lounge story on the rise of bartender-owned cocktail spaces outlined how they will grow, as they attracts more investors.

Most of these trends are set to get bigger in 2025. Tewari believes tequila will continue its stronghold as well.

In the spirits space, there is a persistent buzz about making conscious low-alcohol choices, and mead could mature into a prominent category, predicts Balgi. Making mindful choices involves opting for low-sugar drinks, and Balgi says savoury cocktails high in acids and salts, with twists on classics like Bloody Mary, will occupy more space on bar menus.

Tewari, who is also a regular on cocktail competition juries, says he has witnessed a thirst among bartenders to create new and unusual recipes that integrate local ingredients with different spirits for a unique India identity. Classic drinks, like a Manhattan, were created in the US because it suits their palate. Aperitivo-style drinks are rooted in Italys culinary culture. So, what is the cocktail to fit Indias food habits and heritage? I believe we will have the answer soon."

Maybe in 2025.
The British international newspaper Financial Times annually publishes forecasts for the next year. It is noteworthy that for 2024, the editors correctly predicted 19 events out of 22 forecasts.

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Several predictions concerned the Russian-Ukrainian war. OBOZ.UA found out which events for 2024 the Financial Times predicted correctly.

At the end of 2023, the Financial Times expressed confidence that the United States and the European Union would continue to finance Ukraine. The newspaper also wrote that the fighting between Russia and Ukraine would continue throughout the year. Both predictions about the Russian-Ukrainian war came true.

A number of predictions concerned escalation in the Middle East. In particular, the Financial Times predicted that the fighting between Israel and Hamas terrorists would continue for a year. At the same time, journalists said that the war in the Gaza Strip would not provoke a full-scale regional conflict.

The Financial Times also tried to predict the outcome of the US presidential election. It is noteworthy that at the end of 2023, journalists were skeptical about the prospect of Donald Trump's victory and, as a result, were wrong.

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In addition, the newspaper predicted the bankruptcy of the American social network X, which in 2022 (Twitter before rebranding) was bought by inventor Elon Musk for $22 billion.

The third wrong prediction of the Financial Times concerned the economy. The journalists predicted that the Bank of Japan would not raise rates above zero, but they were ultimately wrong.

As a reminder, Israeli military observer David Sharpe said that 2025 could be the last year of the Russian-Ukrainian war, and it could end in one of two scenarios: peace talks between Ukraine and Russia or the destruction of Ukraine.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, dictator Vladimir Putin answered questions from propagandists about the possibility of the war waged against Ukraine ending in 2025. In particular, he said that he was "striving" to end it, but was still going to "achieve his goals."

Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Of late, I am hearing Indians say an un-Indian thing. When they think about a world in turmoilthe devastating wars in the Levant and Ukraine, the cruelty of militias in Africa, the upheavals in Bangladesh, the recent collapse of Sri Lankas economy, and of Afghanistan and Pakistan, which do not require descriptorsI hear them say, Actually, we are quite lucky to be Indians."

This sentiment is new. Indians have for long said some good things about India, but many were probably faking it, or talking about an ancient India, or did not quite know what they were talking about. But what I hear now, that we are lucky to be Indians, is honest, and even true.

In the past, many of us have thought of the worst places on Earth and broadly thanked our stars that at least we are in India, but never before have so many regions made us feel so lucky.

In any relationship, saying that you are lucky to have it is high praise. And so too when people feel that way about their nation, even if it is just that half the world around us appears to be in ruins or under threat.

The world was always in turmoil, and there were always writers who told us about it. But now we can see extraordinary videos that show just how violent modern violence is.

Even when there is no war, a cartel of thugs can make generations suffer. A mere five years is half the span of a childhood, and in that period a whole generation can lose its future. In that way, many regions of the world have regressed.

Sometimes I do wonder, though, if we are really luckier than war-torn places. A few weeks ago, when Israel declared that it was going to attack some hideouts in southern Lebanon, the regions residents fled north. I saw a photograph of cars leaving southern Lebanonin three orderly lanes.

And as an Indian, I could only think there appeared to be a greater quality of life in the way Lebanese fled than in how Indians in Bengaluru drove every day to work.

Maybe Indians dont need a war to be war-torn. Surely, bad air and filthy water kill more Indians than any war anywhere in the world. There are places in Gurgaon that are so filthy, poverty-stricken and filled with rubble, shanties and miserable people that I could fool half the world into thinking these are snapshots from Gaza.

But then, there is a difference between the effects of violence and of mere bad governance, even if they look and feel the same. That is why our flaws, even though they are destructive, appear trivial compared to what many places endure. Indias gift to its own is a shot at a peaceful life, even if it is an unnecessarily difficult one.

India is so large, and there are so many of us, that the nation cannot entirely escape everything that human nature can inflict. There are regions that have seen long periods of strifelike Punjab and parts of the Northeast. But still, broadly, most of us are right in feeling lucky for being Indian.

How come? Why have we got away? Why is there relative peace? Considering all the corruption and atrocities and poor quality of governance, how has India pulled off a largely peaceful society?

In some regions, Indias political wounds have been weaponized. But, outside Punjab and the Northeast, and some jungles in the south, they could not be sustained. One of the reasons is the nature of Indians.

After independence, ordinary Indians in most of India did not have a motive to risk their lives for a cause. For instance, outside Kashmir, very few Indian Muslims have been involved in acts of terror. Even those who tried it turned out to be lousy at it, compared to people from other nations.

A confidential report prepared in 2015 by the intelligence agencies of several nations suggested that the Islamic State thought that the few Indian Muslims who joined it were pretty bad at terror and could not be exploited as suicide bombers.

The Islamic States analysis was based on the mere two dozen or so Indians it had managed to recruit. Also, at the peak of its fame, Al Qaeda failed to draw in Indians.

In the 1980s, Velupillai Prabhakaran, who founded the Sri Lankan terror syndicate LTTE, seemed to have immense emotional support among Tamilians in Tamil Nadu, even though India officially was at war with the outfit. In fact, a popular DMK government was dismissed in 1991 by the Centre because of its ties with the LTTE.

But Prabhakaran may have miscalculated the nature of Tamilian sympathy for his cause. The LTTE assassinated former Indian prime minister Rajiv Gandhi in vengeance for sending in a peace-keeping force to fight his guerrillas. DMK leader Karunanidhi went around Madras in an open jeep, his palms joined in unspoken apology.

I saw the sight myself, standing on the street as a boy. In the polls that followed, his party lost in all but two constituencies. The people of Tamil Nadu had expressed their disgust. Apparently, they could support a violent struggle far away in a foreign land, but not if it had come home.

Also read: Making love not war in the Middle East

But then, the nature of people is not enough for peace. Just a few violent men can create and sustain violence in a region.

This did occur in some places in India, but a very Indian phenomenon always nipped it in the budin practice, there are few human rights for the poor, the sort of people who are hired by ideologues to carry out violence.

Security forces swiftly killed or made suspects vanish. The consequences of going to war against the Indian state were and are severe.

In a way, a part of our luck comes from some dark place.
As the weeks tick down on the Biden presidency, the administration has been trying to drive through a slew of consumer-finance protections. The new rules, including caps on credit card late fees, would add to some achievements notched on behalf of American consumers, including tighter rules on banking fees and buy-now-pay-later deals.

But some of the changes face legal challenges, as Republicans push back against policies that have angered the financial industry. The outcome of these battles is just one area where consumers have a lot at stake in the coming year. Here is what Ill be keeping close tabs on once Donald Trump takes office:

What will happen to the CFPB?: The US Consumer Finance Protection Bureau was created under President Obama in 2010 in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis. Its addition of guard-rails for retail banking, medical billing and consumer finance are often opposed by the financial industry.

During Trumps first term, the Supreme Court upheld the presidents authority to fire the agencys head. So he may dismiss current director Rohit Chopra and install someone unlikely to sustain initiatives like capping credit-card late fees, closing a loophole that allows high overdraft fees and fighting improper medical billing. The agency may even be dismantled.

Will boycotts return?: Under Trump 1.0, there were many calls to boycott Trump products and companies that did business with the Trump family. Shoes.com and Nordstroms dropped Ivanka Trumps fashion line and Under Armours chief had to address consumer complaints after he made favourable comments about Trump.

In his second administration, Trumps cabinet picks of wealthy business owners and other controversial characters could incite a new round of protests. The app formerly known as Twitter, though, may no longer serve as a platform to rally protests, as its now owned by Elon Musk and called X.

But Musk, who along with biotech company founder Vivek Ramaswamy is slated to lead Trumps government-efficiency initiative, may see a backlash to his Tesla brand.

Will the estate tax exemption be extended?: The tax reform legislation enacted in 2017 as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act significantly reduced the federal tax on big estates. But the increase in the basic exclusion amount to $13.99 million for an individual will sunset at the end of 2025, reverting to its base of $5 million if Congress doesnt intervene.

Trump has promised to reduce income taxes on tips, overtime and Social Security, but he hasnt indicated whether he would support extending the estate tax exemption. A higher exclusion would be in line with his overall ethos of reducing taxes on individuals. The exemption only affects wealthy Americans, but cutting it in half would impact estate planning in 2025.

Funds distributed during the exemption, even while the owner of the estate is alive, will be held to the currently high basic exclusion amount. That is motivation for those with multimillion-dollar estates to consider gifting funds to heirs by the end of 2025 to shield the money from a potentially higher tax liability starting in 2026.

Will retirement plans be refreshed?: The SECURE (Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement) Act 2.0 has been in effect for a few years, but 2025 will usher in the requirement that employers automatically enrol eligible workers into 401(k) or 403(b) plans.

This includes a minimum contribution rate of 3%. Employees can opt out, but the auto-enrol feature will hopefully increase participation and help more Americans prepare for retirement.

But lower-income Americans may not find this move particularly helpful. Some might find it impossible to sacrifice part of a paycheque for a retirement kitty, while others work for employers who dont offer retiral plans.

While its hard to know what the new administration will focus on, a possible bipartisan solution, proposed by economists Teresa Ghilarducci and Trump first-term veteran Kevin Hassett, would make a version of the federal Thrift Savings Plan available to private-sector workers.

Hassett, who served as the head of the Council of Economic Advisors in the first Trump administration, will be returning to the White House as director of the National Economic Council, though its uncertain whether hell take up the mantle of retirement plans. The proposal would generally be good for Americans financial well-beingand it probably would be popular with Trumps base.

If Trump 2.0 is anything like his first term, then we should expect a frenetic and sometimes-disjointed approach to policymaking. Democrats and consumer advocates will surely fight efforts to halt or roll back consumer protections, but with the US Congress and White House in Republicans hands, the deck would be stacked against them. Bloomberg
The plan to house 85 Ukrainian refugees at a former convent building in Lanesboro were abandoned following an arson attack at the property.



The news came during the January meeting of Longford County Council where acting director with Longford County Councils Humanitarian Response Team, Michael Nevin, revealed to members that the property owner wasn't proceeding with the plans as he had concerns for the safety of himself, his family, his company and his employees.



It also emerged at the council meeting that efforts were made to burn the building, located on the main street of Lanesboro, Longford, at six different locations and accelerants were used.



Fianna Fail Deputy Joe Flaherty commented, "Arson is reckless and endangers lives.

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It is deeply alarming to learn that efforts were made to burn the building at six different locations and accelerants were used.

"I grew up in Lanesboro and I am as passionate about the community as the next man, however, burning buildings is not reflective of the local community."

Local Independent councillor Mark Casey hit out at those responsible for the fire and at the Government for their lack of consultation with the community.

Cllr Casey said, "The fire put people in jeopardy. There are people who live beside that building, there are businesses beside that building, it is an absolute disgrace what is going on.

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Id be very surprised if it was anyone local who had anything to do with this. It is not a thing you would see normally in Lanesboro. It is not the mindset of the people of Lanesboro.

Storm Isha crash victim laid to rest

Storm Isha crash victim Jimmy Rowe was laid to rest on his birthday.



Jimmy of 10 Sli Na Mona, Ballymahon, Longford and Tuam, Galway, died after his car veered off the road during powerful winds.



The Longford native lived with his partner in Kilcloghans, outside Tuam, where he had been working for a number of years.

He was laid to rest after Funeral Mass in St Matthew's Church, Ballymahon on Friday, January 25, 2024. Burial took place afterwards in Shrule Cemetery.

No solid info on Park House

Longford County Council members were told the Park House Hotel in Edgeworthstown is under consideration as a location for housing refugees seeking international asylum.



Cllr Turlough McGovern asked the Executive about the plans: I see work going on at the Park House in Edgeworthstown. Does anyone know if there are families going into it? The people of the area are inquisitive about what is happening, Cllr McGovern said in the chamber.



Director of Services with responsibility for Enterprise and Ukrainian Humanitarian Response, Michael Nevin, said the council was not directly liaising with the property owner.



Mr Nevin explained, Some projects come through the local authority, but some go directly through the Department. We have no solid information on the Park House.

Permanent home for Museum

The start of 2024 marked the passing of three decades since Longford Museum closed its doors. Longford Historical Society expressed the hope that the milestone would spark action to restore the culturally important institution.



Consultations on the Longford Town Centre First plan saw calls for a permanent home for Longford Museum collection.
The parents of Bryonny Sainsbury, the 25-year-old Newtownforbes woman who died from a serious brain injury, committed to continuing to fight on behalf of their child.



Alison and Chris Sainsbury lost their daughter after she was crushed by a horse on August 26, 2021.

After years of delay a Mullingar hospital report on the incident was finally published.



The first time the family of the late Bryonny Sainsbury found out that she could have been saved was in the course of the inquest into her death at Dublin District Coroners Court.

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Coroner Crona Gallagher returned a verdict of 'medical misadventure', a term referring to death as an unintended result of medical treatment, in the death of the young Newtownforbes woman.



We were very shocked, Alison Sainsbury, mother of Bryonny, said when the fact came out during the inquest, We only found out after Professor Donncha O'Brien said that Bryonny could have been saved with the intervention of a medicine. It was like telling us that she died all over again.



The belief that something good can come from the tragedy is a motive for Bryonny's mother: I would like to meet up with other families that have gone through similar experiences to us, because something's got to be done.

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This cannot keep happening. You see the nurses, they're run off their feet. They have so much responsibility, and that responsibility doesn't seem to go to all levels, that's heartbreaking.

Alison's overwhelming sorrow is described when she speaks of the future her daughter lost: We'll never see Bryonny again. She was going places in her business, she was employing people, she loved life.

Longford Skate Park officially opened

The Longford Skate and Recreational Park in Longford town was officially opened last February by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD.



The countys first ever skate park is located on the site of the former greyhound track in the town. It provides a platform for local talent and aspiring athletes to hone their skills, and be a cultural amenity space for the wider community.



The project received funding of 405,000 under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, a key element of the Governments Rural Development Plan, Our Rural Future, which aims to make rural towns and villages vibrant places for people of all ages.



Speaking at the official opening Minister Humphreys said: This really is a momentous day for the town. Because I know that the campaign behind this skate park actually dates back over a decade.

Angry Longford farmers in big tractor protest

Farmers from around the county converged on the N4 bypass on the edge of Longford town last February in a show of solidarity for farmers across Europe.



Ostensibly the gathering was to voice outrage at a process many farmers believe is regulating them out of business by Brussels bureaucrats and Department of Agriculture officials who they say are far removed from the reality of day-to-day farming.



The turnout in Longford was mirrored across Ireland: We had over 50 tractors taking part, chairperson of Longford IFA John Sheridan told the Leader, The general mood is that farmers are very angry. They are very down. They have been inundated with environmental schemes not worth the paper they are written on.
A total of $140,000 was raised in memory of Longford man who died in USA and was presented to Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust.

The sudden death of Longford native Kevin 'Skippy' McGuire brought shock and sadness to his community in Brighton, Massachusetts.

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Originally from Carrickedmond, Skippy had lived in the US for over 20 years. After two decades in America, the McGuire family wanted Kevin's final resting place to be Longford.

The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust contacted Kevin's brother, Conor McGuire, to help bring Kevin home to Carrickedmond, Longford to be buried.

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The Trust is a charity set up by grieving parents after experiencing the difficulty surrounding returning their son after he died abroad.

A fundraiser in memory of Kevin for KBRT was set up to 'pay it forward'.

Magical Longford Lights Festival

Thousands of visitors descended on Longford Town over the last weekend of February, to enjoy the hugely successful and visually spectacular Longford Lights Festival for 2024.



Longford County Council confirmed that over 11,000 visitors from near and far attended the event.



The event is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when the local authority and committed cohorts of the community join forces to support our arts community in doing what they do best.



Those thousands of people braved the cold temperatures to venture out and enjoy the burgeoning arts scene in Longford.

Indeed, the scale of this visual arts event is yet to be matched nationwide, with the sheer magnitude of the numbers of artists, community groups and schools a feat of organisation in itself.



This year the festival doubled in size and involved twenty-three artists, twenty-eight art installations, forty-three schools and community organisations and thousands of lights.



It was delivered by Longford County Council in partnership with Mide Arts Group, with funding support from Longford County Council, The Arts Council, Creative Ireland and Longford Tourism.



This project was unprecedented in the amount of employment it gave to local and national artists.



Longford County Council Chief Executive Paddy Mahon said, Id like to congratulate Artistic Director Caroline Conway, all of the artists, community groups, schools and volunteers who came together with Longford County Council and Mide Arts Group to create Longford Lights.

Clash over funding

The Health Service Executive is committed to providing proactive financial and practical support to enable St Christopher's to continue its value work.The statement came as the ongoing issue of timely payments of staff wages again reared its head because of the funding arrangement in place with the HSE.



Micheal Carrigy (then Senator) met with the CEO of St Christopher's Services following employee concerns: There needs to be continued engagement with staff, services users, and families in relation to issues that are continuing to arise.



The then Deputy Joe Flaherty TD acknowledged the uncertainty over the St Christophers service is deeply worrying for the families of service users and staff. It's critical we provide them with assurances about the future security of the service and jobs rather than trying to score political points, he said.
Longford shocked by NY tragedy

Tributes were paid to the Longford woman who died following a horrific stabbing attack in New York.

A spokesperson from the New York Police Department Deputy Commissioner Public Information confirmed the identity of victim of last night's incident as 41-year-old Sarah McNally of Queens Street, NY.

Ms McNally is originally from Longford town and she had been living and working in New York for a number of years.

Cllr Gerry Warnock remembered the deceased as 'a lovely soul'. Cllr Warnock remarked, "My thoughts and prayers are with Dorrie, Dessie and Sarah's extended family and many friends."

He added, "This is an absolute tragedy and may God give them the strength to navigate this cruel journey of having their beautiful girl taken from them.

"May her gentle soul rest in peace.

In a Facebook post, Sarah's aunt Mary McNally wrote, "we are heartbroken. Rest in peace my beautiful niece Sarah."

Sarah died after she suffered a stab wound to her neck at the Ceili House Irish pub on Grand Avenue in Maspeth at approximately 6.34pm on Saturday, March 30.

Concern over future of diabetes service

Concerns that paediatric diabetes service in the Midlands could close due to staff shortages are negatively affecting the health of the children who use the services a Longford mother has claimed.

My daughter is one of the 145 children who rely heavily on the support from the Paediatric Diabetes Clinic in Mullingar, mother Nikki Donlon told the Longford Leader, She's been relying on the service for 18 months now.

The monitoring and treatment of diabetes is complex. The parents of sufferers must observe their children around the clock.

They rely on the clinic as a lifeline, for medical advice, ratio adjustments, and further testing of diabetes related complications.

Longford becomes literary capital for Granard Booktown

All roads led to north Longford as Granard assumed the role of a literary hub as it hosts its second Booktown Festival.

Visitors from across the globe flocked to the town to enjoy a packed programme of events over three days.

Granard Booktown Festival encourages book lovers to visit the town and share in the written arts. The festival provides cultural amenities throughout the town, creating a wellspring of literary creation.

Among the contributions were those from our first artist in residence, Noel Monahan. Our Friday night headliner took place in the library, Organiser John Connell outlined.

Peter Burke humbled and honoured

Longford / Westmeath Fine Gael TD Peter Burke said he was 'humbled and honoured' on being appointed Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment by new Taoiseach Simon Harris.

Deputy Burke, who had been Minister of State with responsibility for EU Affairs & Defence, now becomes the first Cabinet Minister from his hometown of Mullingar.
Anthony Akum-Nyemi says that hes a satisfied employee. In a canteen at Addenbrooke Hospital, in Cambridge, he explains that what he earns is enough to live on and to support part of his family in Ghana.

In his home country, he studied nursing at a public college and worked for 10 years, until he decided to move abroad two years ago. He knew that, in the United Kingdom, as in other European or North American countries, nurses are in high demand, especially after the Covid pandemic.

The British hospital facilitated his immigration process and paid for his plane ticket, as well as two months of accommodation. Since then, hes been delighted to be in the United Kingdom. He would like to live in Ghana, but the difference in conditions  and not just wages  is abysmal. There, sometimes, you have to find a way to find food for the patients, [or] soap and water. Here, they even give them toothpaste. You can do your job well.

5,000 miles south of Cambridge, in a rural health center in western Ghana, Precious Jessusita Annan is holding her patient consultations. Shes the only midwife in three villages around her. Shes 29 years old and dreams of following the same path as Akum-Nyemi and many of her fellow graduates. If I had the chance, I would go too, she sighs. Its stiflingly hot, but shes wearing a tight-fitting nursing suit and is treating patients in a very precarious dispensary. She explains that she would like to emigrate because it would be a way of expanding my knowledge with modern equipment.

At her district health center, the head, Joseph Abbas Asigiri, says that theyve lost seven nurses at the Aowin Hospital in the last two years and that others are now preparing for the exams so that they can travel. They do their three years of compulsory specialization [in Ghana] and then they leave. The state has invested a lot in their training, but theres still a shortage of doctors and nurses throughout the country.

Like Akum-Nyemi, between 400 and 500 nurses leave Ghana every month, according to figures from the International Council of Nurses (ICN), which represents 130 national organizations. Ghana is a serious case, but not the only one. The recruitment of nurses from countries in the Global South has continued to increase after the pandemic, despite recommendations against it from the World Health Organization (WHO). OECD figures indicate that the influx of foreign nurses to European countries grew by 72% between 2019 and 2022. In Ireland, for example, more than 50% of the healthcare workforce has studied outside the country. The prevalence of the internet in previously more isolated countries and the massive use of social media have facilitated the connection between employers and potential employees, who are separated by thousands of miles.

Its clear that countries like Ghana, at least in the short-term, will find it difficult to compete with the opportunities described by Akum-Nyemi, or the ones that Annan yearns for. But its not about individual projects, as experts warn, nor about questioning workers right to mobility. Rather, its about compensating the states of origin, so that theres a fair exchange. This issue, which is absent in the tense immigration debate, needs to be made visible. There are countries that have made progress in signing bilateral agreements, yet it isnt clear if the formula has benefitted the countries of origin as intended.

Foreign nurses support the health systems of high-income countries. Without them, they couldnt function. Theyre a fundamental pillar, says the CEO of the ICN, Howard Catton, from Geneva. However, the real problem, he warns, is on the other side: in the countries of origin that lose health professionals at an unsustainable rate. The WHO estimates that, by 2030, there will be a shortage of 4.5 million nurses and 310,000 midwives worldwide. The countries most in need are in Africa and Southeast Asia. Were facing a global health emergency. Were very concerned about whats happening in sub-Saharan countries. The hiring of foreigners only widens the gap between rich and poor countries, Catton emphasizes.

He refers to a specific paradox: while countries such as the United Kingdom and other European nations send development aid to African states, at the same time, they contribute to decimating structural sectors such as healthcare. This endangers global health. Experts also warn that further weakening the health of countries in the Global South increases the risk of infectious diseases. The experience of the pandemic has shown that, in times of crisis, nationalist reflexes are exacerbated, resulting in a lack of political will to act in a coordinated manner on global health issues.

The magnitude of the problem was set out in the conclusions of the health ministers at the last G20 summit held in Brazil, where they recognized the need to mitigate any negative effects and implement strategies to better manage migration of the health workforce, supporting and safeguarding the countries with the most pressing health workforce needs.

Since 2020, the WHO has been compiling a list of countries from which it recommends not recruiting healthcare professionals, due to the low density of doctors and nurses in the population. However, this recommendation isnt being followed, judging by the figures for arrivals from countries on the WHO list (which is set to be released every three years). Countries such as Liberia, Cameroon, Pakistan and Bangladesh appear on the list.

In Britain, since 2021, the Royal College of Nurses and the Royal College of Midwives report that the number of nurses and midwives registered in the United Kingdom from countries on the WHOs list has almost tripled, from 12,000 to 33,000. Catton has just returned from Ghana, one of the worst-affected countries and one from which, in theory, its not possible to recruit medical personnel at least not actively.

Inside the medical clinic at Nyammey Camp, Ghana, last October. FRANCISCO GALEAZZI

In Ghana, virtually anyone in the health sector queried by EL PAIS knows someone in their social circle who has left the country. A Ghanaian doctor who prefers to remain anonymous says that they emigrate en masse. Its an incontestable fact that the system doesnt care about those of us who work in the public sector. Theres no hope for young people. Theyre all looking for greener pastures. The doctor has seen members of his family emigrate, against his advice. Theyve always left but now, [many more are leaving]. We have almost no [healthcare] infrastructure or workers. The few that are [trained], they leave.

Across Africa, the education system for nurses is predominantly public. Achim Steiner, chief administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), highlighted the importance of this fact recently, during an interview with EL PAIS in New York City. [Graduates] dont fall from the sky, he said. Theyre the product of years of investment in universities. Structural services are being eroded in their countries of origin.

According to ICN, the cost of training a nurse in the U.K. can be around 50,000 ($63,000), while the cost of bringing in a nurse from outside the U.K. is around 10,000 ($12,600). The savings are pocketed by the countries receiving the healthcare workers, while the countries of origin lose out. Ghana has 31 nurses per 10,000 inhabitants, or 102,000 nurses in total, while in the U.K., the figure is almost 86 per 10,000. Experts are calling for tariffs or compensation to address the transfer of human resources in crucial sectors such as healthcare.

The right to migrate

The problem isnt just quantitative, but qualitative as well. Theres particular interest in recruiting experienced professionals, like Akum-Nyem. At the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) office in Accra, the capital, General Secretary David Tenkorang-Twum explains that the situation is most acute in intensive care units, where some [units] have had to close due to the exodus, and in regional hospitals. Meanwhile, those who remain suffer from a greater workload and more stress. His associations figures indicate that there are about 140,000 registered nurses in Ghana and that 20,000 of them work abroad. The United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, Australia and Saudi Arabia are the main destinations. But for Tenkorang-Twum, its clear that migration is a right that cannot be restricted and that, if the government doesnt offer jobs, [people] have the right to leave. He also explains that the problem isnt so much a lack of nurses. Rather, theres a lack of resources to hire unemployed healthcare professionals.

Tenkorang-Twum recalls that, in November of 2021, in order to halt the exodus, the federal government stopped selling the form thats necessary to process the departure of nurses. But months later, the measure was revoked in the face of protests. Those who cannot emigrate as nurses enlist as nursing assistants, hiding their nursing diploma. This past summer, Anthony Nsiah Asare, the Ghanaian presidential adviser on health, explained that the government had implemented a series of measures to encourage nurses to remain in the country, such as lowering fees for postgraduate studies, or providing accommodation in workplaces.

U.K. government data shows that 12,211 nurses from non-EU countries entered the U.K. in the past six months. Thats almost three times as many as during the same period in 2019. In total, 22.7% of registered nurses are from outside the U.K., up from 16.7% in 2021, and that figure is close to 50% for those who registered in the system for the first time last year. Official figures indicate that 57% of work visas issued in 2023 are for the health and care sector and that 62% of visas in the health sector are for nurses. The British case is particularly serious, because beyond the language and strong ties with its former colonies, Brexit resulted in a decline in the presence of Europeans and an increase in the presence of third countries, explains James Buchan, a researcher at the Health Foundation.

The analysis by this healthcare think tank indicates that, in the U.K., more than 40% of nursing recruits between 2022 and 2023 came from low-income countries, compared to 10% in 2018. With Covid, the demand for professionals grew. Many retired and others burned out and that boosted international recruitment, which has always existed, Buchan adds. Like other experts, he maintains that part of the problem lies with private recruitment agencies. Billy Palmer, a senior fellow at the Nuffield Trust, recalls that, in the British case, the most recent Conservative government (2010-2023) put together a 2019 electoral program that promised that the number of nurses would increase by tens of thousands, and that there was only one place to find them: abroad.

Agreements between countries

One of the measures already underway is the signing of bilateral agreements between countries, which, in theory, should benefit both parties. Yet, experts doubt that the benefit is really mutual. The U.K., for instance, has signed agreements with India, Kenya and Nepal, among other countries. Ghana has one with Barbados. The British government claims that it does not actively recruit in the countries that the WHO considers most vulnerable, unless there is a bilateral agreement between governments.

Dalali Kwasi, a 38-year-old Ghanaian nurse, has joined one of these programs. He plans to emigrate before the end of the year to Barbados, a country that has signed an agreement with Ghana.

EL PAIS meets with Kwasi at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, in Accra. The precarious conditions that can be felt in the emergency waiting room give an idea of what local nurses mean when they describe lack of resources and obsolete technology.

Kwasi explains that he wants to progress in his career: I want to learn more, have more experiences. I earn 3,000 cedis a month (about $200). Two colleagues from the hospital have gone to Ireland, he says. Barbados is a Commonwealth country and has special ties with the U.K., which would make it easier for him to make the leap later on. However, Kwasi would prefer to end up in Ireland or Germany.

Back in Cambridge, Anthony is doing some stretches. He was on duty last night and is going to bed as soon as the interview is over. His apartment is on the hospital grounds. When asked if he thinks his hospital could function without foreigners like him, he laughs. Impossible. Not a single hospital in this country would survive. He says that, in his department, he works alongside Nigerians, Kenyans, Indians, Filipinos

He also explains that theres an elaborate system in place that offers mentoring and training for new arrivals. This is like the United Nations, he concludes.

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The Central Statistics Office (CSO) released the most popular names chosen for babies born in Ireland last year.

The most popular name in 2023 for newborn boys in Ireland was Jack and for girls it was Grace.

Jack has held the top spot since 2007, with the exception of 2016, when James was the most popular name. Grace regains the number one spot for 2023, climbing from second place in 2022.

Prior to 2023, Grace was the most popular girls' name in 2020. Grace knocked Emily from the top spot this year to 3rd place. Emily had been the most popular girls' name for 2022 and from 2011 to 2019. Fiadh holds 2nd place for 2023 but was the most popular girls' name in 2021.

Jack and James have been in the top five boys' names since 1998 and both have maintained their position at first and third respectively. Noah remains in the top three in 2023, maintaining its position at 2nd. Rian, who was a new entrant to the top five in 2021 maintains its place at 4th in 2023. Oisin enters the top five for the first time, rising from 6th in 2022 to 5th in 2023. Charlie leaves the top five this year, falling from 5th in 2022 to 12th in 2023.

This year Grace has been the most popular name chosen for girls, rising from 2nd in 2022 to 1st in 2023. Fiadh rises one place, from 3rd in 2022 to 2nd in 2023. Emily drops two places from the top spot in 2022 to 3rd in 2023. Sophie is the 4th most popular name for the sixth year in a row while Lily retains 5th place in 2023 for the 2nd year in a row.

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There were five new entrants to the top 100 for boys: Caelan, Jude, Paddy, Eanna and Daithi. Caelan was the name rising most in popularity, jumping from 108th place to 50th between 2022 and 2023.

There were three new entrants to the top 100 for girls: Lucia, Cadhla and Siofra. Siofra has grown most in popularity, rising from 157th place in 2022 to 100th in 2023, a jump of 57 places in rank.

There is a wider variety in the names registered for girls, with 4,991 girls' names in 2023 compared with 4,181 for boys.

Jack was the most popular name for baby boys in all provinces in 2023. Noah was the second most favoured name for boys in 2023 and held the top spot in 6 locations including Sligo and Laois. Some counties picked names outside the top five. Tom was ranked 39th nationally yet was most favoured in Roscommon. Patrick was the most popular boys names in Longford yet ranked 19th on a national basis. See table 2.5.

Grace was the most chosen girls' name or joint-first in eleven areas including Meath and Offaly. Fiadh was the second most popular name nationally but was the top girls' name in Connacht. Fiadh also held the top or joint top name in four counties and shared first place with Sophie in Galway County. Names outside the top five were chosen for girls in several counties. Ellie was the most or joint most popular girls' name in five counties, namely, Carlow, Louth, Cork City, Kerry and Waterford County while ranking 6th nationally. Annie was joint first choice in Donegal, with Grace, while ranking 48th on a national basis.
IDF soldiers of the Nahal Brigade prepare to enter Beit Hanoun on December 28. (IDF)

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) detained over 240 suspected terrorists in an operation at the Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza. The raid was completed over the weekend on December 28 after the Israeli military identified that Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad operatives had returned to using the area for terrorist purposes. In another operation, the IDF sent two infantry brigades to encircle Beit Hanoun and search for terrorists in this northern Gaza neighborhood.

The IDF has been operating in northern Gaza since early October, seeking to re-clear areas previously cleared of terrorists during the year-long campaign against Hamas. This multi-pronged operation began in Jabaliya, where around 70,000 civilians were evacuated, and several thousand terrorists were eliminated and detained, according to IDF estimates. Infantry, armored, and special forces units were used in Jabaliya and areas in Beit Lahiya and Beit Hanoun, two other northern Gaza locales close to the border with Israel.

The IDF sent the Kfir Infantry Brigade into an area west of Beit Hanoun on December 22 after it completed operations in Beit Lahiya. Three soldiers from the unit were killed in clashes west of the city. The IDF then sent a second brigade into Beit Hanoun to clear it of terrorists. Following prior intelligence regarding the presence of terrorist infrastructure and operatives in the area, and as part of the effort to maintain security for the residents of the communities in southern Israel, the Nahal Brigade began operating overnight against terror targets in the area of Beit Hanoun, the IDF said.

The battles in northern Gaza have seen many of these Israeli units fight Hamas non-stop over several months. For instance, the IDF said the Nahal Brigade had recently completed operations in Rafah before being sent north. The Kfir Brigade has seen similarly constant operations.

Terrorists in Beit Hanoun fired several long-range rockets at Israel on Saturday amid the IDFs operations in the area. It was some of the first long-range rocket fire in several months from Gaza. Most rockets used by terrorists in Gaza have been destroyed, but it appears these were launched as Israeli forces closed in on the area where the rockets were hidden and primed for firing. The Israeli Air Force struck the area and released images showing the rockets concealed in a launcher in the ground. The airstrike caused another rocket to launch in a secondary explosion.

Kamal Adwan Hospital is one of several hospitals in northern Gaza, along with the Indonesian Hospital, named after donations from Indonesia. Hamas has used Kamal Adwan and areas around it for terrorist purposes numerous times since the beginning of the war. In December 2023, the IDF carried out a raid in this area and detained dozens of terrorist suspects. In late October, Israeli troops returned to the neighborhood and again detained numerous terrorist suspects.

In December 2024, Israeli intelligence identified that terrorists were once again using the Kamal Adwan Hospital as a command center for [] military operations in Jabaliya. Following this intelligence, the IDF conducted and completed a targeted operation against the Hamas terror stronghold inside the Kamal Adwan Hospital, the IDF said on December 28.

The IDF enabled 350 patients to be evacuated from the hospital, along with medical personnel, before the raid. During the course of the targeted operation, an additional 95 patients, caregivers, and medical personnel were evacuated to the Indonesian Hospital in coordination with local officials in the health authorities, the IDF said.

The operation to secure the hospital and its environs and prevent terrorists from escaping was conducted by the IDFs 401st Armored Brigade and the elite Shayetet 13 unit. The soldiers located and confiscated weapons in the area, including grenades, guns, munitions, and military equipment. Anti-tank missiles were also fired at IDF troops. The Israeli military said that terrorist suspects attempted to pose as patients or flee using ambulances. The IDF also detained the director of the hospital for questioning, suspecting him of being a Hamas terrorist operative. Fifteen suspects from Hamass attack on October 7, 2023, were also found, the IDF said.

On December 29, Israel discovered more terrorists using a site that had previously been a hospital in Shejeiya in Gaza. The IDF said it carried out an airstrike on a building that had been El Wafa Hospital. The command and control center was used by the terrorists to plan and execute terrorist attacks against IDF troops in the immediate future, the Israeli military stated, adding that the building does not currently serve as a hospital.

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).
Its clear that 2024 hasnt been a year of good news. Conflicts have increased in number and intensity. According to the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP), there are currently 56 conflicts taking place around the world, involving 92 countries, a figure not seen since World War II. Some of them worry us more  such as Ukraine, or Gaza, where the death toll officially exceeds 45,000  but there are also others that receive much less attention, such as the conflicts in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Haiti.

All wars involve displaced people and refugees, sexual crimes against women, hunger, as well as neglected and sick children. This year, climatic ravages have also increased, from extreme heat in the Sahel to terrible flooding in various parts of Asia.

At EL PAIS, weve been at the scene of these news stories. We returned when the emergencies were over and also reported on important events that happened in places that arent usually reported on in the press. These events will have terrible repercussions on local populations, and their repercussions may also reach closer to home.

To cite just a few examples: we travelled to the Gambia, where there was a threat of decriminalizing female genital mutilation. We reported from Ghana  whose minerals reach many Western countries, but leave the local population mired in poverty and disease  and Senegal, where the great dream of young people seems to be to migrate. We also were in the Democratic Republic of Congo and other countries affected by mpox.

However, even amidst these painful and complicated crises, hopeful news emerged that surprised and moved us. This selection  published by EL PAIS throughout 2024  is proof.

Masagos wedding escape

At the age of 17, Naishorua Masago  a Masai girl from northern Tanzania, known by everyone as Nai  managed to escape the wedding her father had planned for her. Shes now going to continue her studies. All of this is thanks to the support and strength given to her by members of a council of female shepherds. For more than 20 years, these women have been trying to change deep-rooted traditions and defend the most basic rights of women and girls in their community.

The fight against AIDS in Philippi

Philippi struggles with crime, rubbish and poverty. But in this neighborhood on the outskirts of Cape Town, South Africa, a pilot health project is also underway that could change the lives of thousands of people, especially women and girls who are often forced to have unprotected sex. It consists of administering  free of charge, voluntarily and discreetly  the so-called CAB-LA, or injectable, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a preventive treatment that stops contagion and contains antiretroviral drugs, which are similar to those used to treat people carrying the virus. The treatment protects the cells of the immune system from infection.

Aljazzars new batteries in Gaza

Keeping a cellphone charged is vital for survival in Gaza. But in the Gaza Strip  devastated by more than 14 months of war  there is no electricity. From his displaced persons tent in the south of this besieged Palestinian territory, Abdallah Aljazzar  a young graduate in English Literature  has devised a system of panels and batteries. Each day, this allows him to charge dozens of his neighbors devices. It was difficult to raise the money to buy new batteries and find someone to sell them in Gaza  where humanitarian aid comes in dribs and drabs  but it was achieved and the system continues to function.

Pakisonis snails

Three million Malawian farmers have relied on climate-smart agriculture (CSA) initiatives to restore soil fertility and improve crop yields. These often involve simple practices, such as composting or intercropping (growing two or more crops in the same field at the same time). The sustainable control of snails  until recently seen as a pest  has also been a factor. Now, instead of spraying them with chemicals, farmers like Eleniya Pakisoni see them as an unexpected way to make a living.

Ramirezs return home

Osmin Ricardo Tobar Ramirez will never forget the date of January 9, 1997. He was seven-years-old when agents from Guatemalas Attorney Generals Office entered his house and took him and his brother away. This was after a complaint was filed by a neighbor, who stated that the children had been abandoned. They told me that they would return us in the afternoon, but that was the last time I saw my house, he recalls. Around 30,000 children from Guatemala were given up for international adoption between 1977 and 2007. In many cases, the processes were steeped in corruption. Some have returned and are helping other people find their biological families. Osmin is one of them: he was adopted in the United States. In 2018, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights condemned the state of Guatemala for the irregular adoption of him and his brother.

The return of Papa Idrissa Aidara

Since he was a child, Papa Idrissa Aidara was fixated on the omnipresence of Made in China tags on his clothes, toys and everyday objects. At 19, he won a scholarship to go to study in Shanghai. He then returned to Senegal and, today, he owns a hotel in Saint-Louis, in the north of the country. From there, he is carrying out efforts to promote agritourism.

Senegal has about 18 million inhabitants, but there are an additional three million citizens living in the diaspora. The authorities of the African country are trying to encourage the return of many of these migrants. But theres no support for investment, nor partnership [with the state]... its very difficult. The diaspora could play a big role in job creation, but small businesses arent encouraged. Getting a loan is almost impossible, Aidara stresses.

Fighting misinformation in Ghana

A Muslim candidate who eats pork, or a Christian candidate whos apparently an alcoholic: various elections have been marred with different images that have been altered, thanks to artificial intelligence. These examples are just some of the misinformation spread during the electoral campaign for the December elections in Ghana. To stop them, several local fact-checkers joined together and created the Ghana Fact-Checking Coalition (GFC). They also established alliances with civil society organizations and journalists to circulate verified information. For example, over 100 radio and television stations spread across the 16 regions of Ghana collaborated with the GFC to publish their fact-checks in some 45 local languages.

Raingous voice

It took Cyrielle Raingou seven years to film her documentary, The Spectre of Boko Haram (2023). The director lived through the danger of the jihadist group in Cameroon, but also dealt with the sexism that questioned her authority during filming, the stereotypical vision of African cinema by Western countries, as well as the lack of funding received by projects made by female directors on the continent. Her voice  narrating her achievements and her difficulties  was centered at the FCAT African Film Festival, which is dedicated to African female film directors.

A small victory for Dr. Li

Perhaps the greatest threat to health of our time comes from our changing climate. This is according to Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO). The interconnection between the two realities was made clear during the organizations 77th World Assembly in June. Thats when 194 member states of the United Nations voted unanimously in favor of a resolution, in which they committed to integrate climate change into national health policy planning, to equip health personnel adequately so that they can respond to the effects of global warming and to carry out periodic assessments regarding which populations are most vulnerable to the climate crisis, in order to better protect them. This is the battle that Ailan Li  assistant director-general for Universal Health Coverage at the WHO  has been fighting for years. She notes that, for instance, in countries such as Peru, deadly dengue epidemics are increasingly intense, magnified by rising temperatures and rainfall exacerbated by climate change.

Okeyo fights the stigma of AIDS in Africa

Ruele Okeyo records himself taking antiretrovirals on the beach, while hes about to board a plane, at the supermarket checkout and in a restaurant. This 27-year-old Kenyan human rights activist  who has 91,000 followers on TikTok  doesnt hide his illness. He uses social media as a loudspeaker against stigma, hoping to convey a positive message to those who have just discovered that theyre HIV-positive or living with the virus. Other influencers in his country  as well as in other nations, such as Rwanda or Namibia  have also decided to stop hiding the disease, which affects more than 25 million people across the African continent, according to the World Health Organization.

Egypt says goodbye to malaria

More than 3,300 years after the death of Tutankhamun  who apparently had malaria  Egypt has been freed from this disease, thanks to almost a century of collective efforts in public health. One of the keys to Egypts success in this process has been to expand the populations access to health services  especially public ones  and bolster the training of professionals in the sector when it comes to detecting and combating the disease. It has also been essential that malaria diagnosis and treatment are free and universal, as well as the fact that there has been no recent shortage of medicines.

Ahmadis godmothers

When the Taliban entered Kabul in August of 2021, Waheda Ahmadi fled home with practically just the clothes on her back. Days later, this young woman and her family landed in Spain. Ahmadi is still coming to terms with the sadness of being a refugee. On her immigration journey, this 20-year-old has been accompanied by a group of Spanish women. Going to the supermarket together, taking walks, or rehearsing for a job interview are some of the activities of this womens network  called NetWomening  which has provided support to dozens of women who fled Afghanistan, so that they can restart their lives.

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The winter is the perfect time to indulge in a rich cup of hot chocolate.

So to help Massachusetts residents find the best hot cocoa in the state, we consulted readers, staff, social media and online reviews.

Below you can find a list of some of the best places to get a cup of hot chocolate in the Bay State.

Eastern Massachusetts

Cacao: MassLive readers love Cacaos hot chocolate, which is a blend of high-quality chocolate and warm spices inspired by the owners' Dominican roots. Boston Magazine included Cacao on its list of Where to Find Greater Bostons Greatest Hot Chocolate in 2019. Cacao has locations in Newton, Bostons South End and Downtown Boston.

Caffe Vittoria: Caffe Vittoria is not only known for being Bostons first Italian cafe, it is also known for hot chocolate. Customers have raved about the cafes cocoa, with one Yelp reviewer writing, Literally this was the best hot chocolate my daughter and I ever had!! I live an hour away and I will drive into the city just for those hot chocolate and awesome goodies. Caffe Vittoria is located at 296 Hanover St., Boston.

The Fat Cactus: The Fat Cactus is the food stand from Tucks Truffles, which pops up at winter markets, including Snowport Holiday Market and SoWa Winter Festival in Boston. The gourmet cocoa has become a favorite amongst content creators, including Massachusetts Meatless Finds and samsknowhow2eat. You can see The Fat Cactus schedule on Tucks Chocolates website.

Hot Chocolate Sparrow: Customers have left positive reviews about the hot cocoa at Hot Chocolate Sparrow in Orleans on the Cape on both TripAdvisor and Yelp. The hot chocolate was amazing  smooth and strong and almost buttery, one person wrote on TripAdvisor. Probably the best cup of hot chocolate that Ive ever tasted. Meanwhile someone on Yelp said the business had delicious hot chocolate, coffee and treats! Hot Chocolate Sparrow is located at 5 Old Colony Way, Orleans.

L.A. Burdick: L.A. Burdicks award-winning hot chocolate  which some liken to a cup of melted chocolate  is just one of the brands many chocolate creations. The company has earned international praise from outlets such as Time Out, Food & Wine, and Bloomberg. L.A. Burdick has seven locations nationwide, including three in Massachusetts in Back Bay, Harvard Square and Brookline.

Snacks Box Boston: Snacks Box Boston has gone viral on social media for its toasted merengue-rimmed hot chocolate. One content creator said the cocoa is smooth and perfectly balanced, adding that they enjoyed its rich dark chocolate flavor, while the meringue added a fluffy, great aesthetic touch without being too sugary. Snacks Box Bostons truck makes regular appearances in Seaport, near Boston Medical Center, in Charlestown (Navy Yard) on 3rd Ave and in Brighton.

Central Massachusetts

BirchTree Bread Company: MassLive readers and online reviewers suggest trying the hot chocolate at BirchTree Bread Company in Worcester. My group enjoyed a latte, Thai coconut soup, pain au chocolat, toasted country bread and hot chocolate, all delicious, one TripAdvisor review reads. Amazing hot chocolate! Always love the vibe, a Yelp review reads. BirchTree is located in the Canal District at 138 Green St. in Worcester.

The Dogfather Food Truck: MassLive readers are looking forward to being kept warm by The Dogfathers famous hot dogs, chili and hot chocolate all winter. The food truck makes regular appearances at the Worcester Common Oval. You can find The Dogfathers schedule by checking the trucks Facebook page.

Mrs. Moriconis Ice Cream: Mrs. Moriconis Ice Cream in Worcester offers hot beverages, including hot chocolate, at its food truck during the winter. The food truck pops up around the city, including at the Worcester Common Oval and Ecotarium. The storefront is located at 3 Brussels St. Suite 140 in College Square.

N&J Donuts: People typically stop by N&J Donuts in Oxford for the shops highly decorated doughnuts. But MassLive readers also shouted out the business for its hot chocolate. N&J Donuts is located at 315 Main St. in Oxford.

Western Massachusetts / Berkshires

Ana Bandiera Chocolates: Customers say Ana Bandiera Chocolates is a really good place to sit down and chill out with a hot chocolate, according to one Yelp review. The shop sells tons of gourmet chocolates, pastries, beverages and more. Ana Bandiera Chocolates is located at 48 Main St., Northampton.

Chocolate Springs Cafe: MassLive staff and customers agree that Chocolate Springs Cafe is a great place to grab a hot chocolate. One Yelp reviewer said the hot chocolate is smooth and strong while another said the cafe is the best chocolate place in town. Chocolate Springs Cafe is located at 55 Pittsfield Road in Lenox.

Donut Dip: MassLive readers suggest heading to Donut Dip for the doughnuts and staying for the hot chocolate. The West Springfield shop was named the best place for doughnuts in Massachusetts by Food & Wine in 2021, but Donut Dips hot chocolate is also something to write home about. We also had some hot chocolate and that was fantastic, one Yelp review reads. Donut Dip is located at 1305 Riverdale St., West Springfield.

Firetype Chocolate: Firetype Chocolate in Northampton carries imported chocolates from around the world and sells hot chocolate thats been approved by MassLive staff. An Instagram post from the business indicates that Firetype makes the chocolate for Tunic Coffees mochas and cocoa as well. Firetype Chocolate is located inside Thornes Marketplace at 150 Main St., in Northampton.

Pane Dolcetti: Pane Dolcetti in Wilbraham is known for great coffee, pastries and artisanal breads. But MassLive staff thinks that folks should swing by the shop to check out the dark hot chocolate. Pane Dolcetti is located at 2133 Boston Rd in Wilbraham.

Tangle Chocolate: Tangle Chocolate in Williamsburg features a full coffee and chocolate bar with hot chocolate that MassLive staff believes is worth trying. The shop is located at 5 Main St., Williamsburg.

Did we miss a spot? Email reporter David Cifarelli at dcifarelli@masslive.com for suggestions.
Two Holyoke police officers are being commended for their actions during a shooting outside a High Street bar early Saturday morning. One man was apprehended and arrested on nine charges.

Interim Police Chief Isaias Cruz said in a release that officers Ashley Feliciano and Giovanni Abella were monitoring the closing of a High Street bar as it emptied at closing at about 1:40 a.m. As the crowd left the club near the intersection of High and Lyman streets, a fight broke out between patrons. During that fight one man pulled a handgun and fired at the other, narrowly missing him.
Pop psychology gurus love talking about toxicity. Specifically, the harm that toxic people can cause, which run from radioactive residue to minor petrochemical spills. Their message is always the same: there are certain individuals who inherently emanate toxicity. Guides to recognizing these folks abound, how-tos that serve us in our escape from such terrible influences. These resources enumerate traits that serve as a rundown of evil in its most twisted form: energetic vampirism and chronic envy, subtle manipulation and seamless egotism, systematic negativity and cynical Machiavellianism. Toxic is casually lobbed at partners, bosses, parents and so-called friends, their diagnosis discovered by their victims themselves. Apparently, we can all fall prey to toxic people. Not to mention, we can all be labelled as such.

But despite its popularity, toxicity has no basis in science. A definition of its characteristics is impossible, given that it is not an empirically researched phenomenon. Its vagueness is more akin to medieval accusations of witchcraft than any rigorous study of the human mind and behavior. No matter: even without analytical observation or stable criteria, warnings about toxic humans have spread by word of mouth to the point in which they have become a societal mantra.

We live in an era of pop psychology that gives rise to vapid and dangerous tropes, says Oriol Lugo, a clinical psychologist and author of Corta por lo sano! (Cut it out for your healths sake!), a book in which he argues that toxic people dont exist. He goes on to examine what actually underlies harmful relationships, whose existence he does not dispute. Fabian Ortiz, a psychoanalyst who works at the Barcelona office of mental health organization Vida Plena, points out that, we are label-sick and this is yet another label that we throw around indiscriminately. However, if one searches the term online, such dissenting opinions are drowned out by dozens of others  many of them penned by actual mental health professionals  expressing their faith in the fact that toxic people live among us, that they are all but waiting around every corner to drain our self-esteem and corrupt our peace of mind.

Though it is difficult to say with any certainty when the phrase was first used, its like that the toxic tag was coined by U.S. author Lillian Glass, who published her book Toxic People in 1995. Her work became a worldwide best-seller and the irresistibly evocative term began to spread. On her website, Glass, who has no psychological training, calls herself the first lady of communication. Another one of her books goes one step further in the detection of these threatening subjects, and offers a guide to identifying the emotional terrorists by sight by using body language analysis. Elsewhere, other authors have made toxic people their brand, like Spains Bernardo Stamatea. His countrywoman Marian Rojas Estape even coined a term for the antithesis of toxic folk: vitamin people. These are labels that work very well as a marketing strategy to sell books, says Lugo.

According to Buenaventura del Charco, a psychologist and author of the book Hasta los cojones del pensamiento positivo (politely translated as Ive had it with positive thinking), this kind of discretionary labeling responds to the logic of the consumer society in personal relationships: that each one gives or takes away, that one type gives you good things and another gives you bad things, with no gray areas. Aside from this being a Manichean simplism, Del Charco sees labeling someone as toxic as an implication of moral authority that inhibits self-criticism. Lugo adds that blaming others is very convenient. And Ortiz places emphasis on the idea of relationships being a field of personal growth. When I dont like something about someone, perhaps I could question what is happening to me with that other person. Perhaps, that other person questions me, unsettles me, Ortiz says.

Instead of helping us to look within, Ortiz continues, the toxicity metaphor pushes us to attack or flee, logical reactions to perceived danger. There are doubtlessly relationships  both romantic and otherwise  that are so treacherous that a participants best course of action is to take a step back. But the psychologist warns that its important to not forget that the problem is taking place in the space of the relationship and does not stem from some ontological aspect that is inherent to certain people. The infinite diversity of human interactions, collisions and couplings  not to mention the harms and benefits such encounters bring to us  will forever be contextual. There will always be behaviors that are harmful to someone and not to others, says Del Charco.

Narcissism and other personality disorders

Toxic traits are often confused with the symptoms of actual personality disorders. Two manuals published by Cambridge and Oxford Universities include in this category everything from paranoid thinking to antisocial patterns, and dramatic histrionics. Assuming these categories are valid, many descriptions of toxic people would point to them being pathological. But such an alarmist analysis might fail to note the differences between mental illness and that which is traditionally referred to as having a bad temper. Conflating a casually observed toxicity with such diagnoses, says Del Charco, does not encourage individuals who see themselves as victims to understand why some people behave in certain ways. The toxic conclusion is almost always protectionist, moralizing: run away, save yourself!

Irredeemable narcissism is a constant in the swirling laypersons image of a toxic person so reinforced by internet experts. Once again  somewhat paradoxically  Ortiz sees in the labels widespread use a tendency to look out exclusively for ones own needs and to give up relationships with the slightest hiccup. In order not to project, in order to not insist that everything is the other persons fault, Ive got to leave narcissism aside and work on myself, take responsibility for my own discomfort, he says. Lugo notes that mass labeling of toxicity may be related to symptoms of our own infantilized society and a manifestation of the cultural pendulum. We come from a past in which violence was normalized and now we are at the other extreme, where everything can be offensive.

When accusatory fingers are pointed in all directions, Del Charco warns that fear of social stigma can lead to emotional repression, to pretending to be better than we are so that others do not distance themselves from us. On the flip side, he continues, fear of the corrosive power of toxic individuals can lead to excessive feelings of fragility, as if we were made out of porcelain. Del Charco suggests that confidence is key when it comes to moving through the world, and particularly when dealing with people who are not always to our liking  as well as defending ourselves when the situation calls for it. There are people who are a pain in the ass or who are bitter, but except in extreme situations, thats not such a big deal. We can bear it, we dont have to eradicate them from our lives, but rather, we can learn to set limits when necessary.

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A physical examination is crucial for an accurate diagnosis and treatment of tonsillitis.

  Trusted Source

Inter-rater reliability of Centor score assessments between telemedicine and in-person examinations in patients with an acute sore throat



Go to source Trusted Source

What is Tonsillitis



Think #virtual doctor visits can diagnose #tonsillitis? While convenient, relying solely on #digital_consultations for tonsillitis diagnosis might not be reliable. #telehealth

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Inter-rater reliability of Centor score assessments between telemedicine and in-person examinations in patients with an acute sore throat - (https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/23744235.2024.2434878)

arefor safely assessingThe lack of reliability may lead to the risk of over- or undertreatment of sore throats ).Tonsillitis is a common reason for visits to the doctor and prescriptions of antibiotics in primary care. To determine whether a patient needs antibiotics, doctors use the so-called Centor Criteria for tonsillitis . The criteria include fever, tender and swollen lymph nodes in the angles of the jaw and inspection of the tonsils.However, it has been unclear how well these criteria can be assessed during digital healthcare consultations compared to traditional in-person consultations. This lack of scientific evidence has become a growing concern as digital healthcare consultations become more common.The current study, published in the journalexamines whether digital assessments are as reliable as physical examinations in determining whether antibiotic treatment is warranted. The study includes 189 patients who sought care at healthcare clinics and urgent care clinics in Region Vastra Gotaland, Sweden, between January 2020 and October 2023.Each patient in the study underwent two assessments: a digital medical assessment via video and a physical examination conducted by another doctor. The results show that digital healthcare consultations are not sufficient to assess some of the most important criteria, such as tonsil inspection and lymph node examination.One of the driving forces behind the study is Patrycja Woldan-Gradalska, a PhD student at Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg and a Resident Physician at Satila Healthcare Clinic.The authors are active in community medicine and public health at Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg and at Region Vastra Gotaland's FoUUI primary and community healthcare, a support resource for research, education, development and innovation.Source-Eurekalert
The Giants already made one big infield addition by signing Willy Adames, and kept Matt Chapman off the free agent market entirely by signing the third baseman to a six-year, $151MM extension back in September. With the Giants still weighing big moves, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports that Pete Alonso is on their radar as a significant upgrade to the first base/DH mix.

As it stands, LaMonte Wade Jr. will be getting the bulk of first base at-bats, as the left-handed hitting side of what will likely be a platoon situation. That said, reports have suggested San Francisco is open to moving Wade, and that the Giants had some interest in signing Paul Goldschmidt before Goldschmidt landed with the Yankees. Top prospect Bryce Eldridge is viewed as the long-term answer at first base, and with Eldridge making his Triple-A debut in 2024, a shorter-term signing like Goldschmidt made sense as a bridge at the position.

Adding Alonso would only somewhat change that direction. If Alonso took over the everyday first base role, Wade could be shifted into the part-time DH role, and Wade is a free agent next winter so he might not remain part of the Giants future plans. Eldridge played some outfield in 2023 but is largely viewed as a first baseman going forward, so he and Alonso could form a powerful first base/DH combo even if such an arrangement would lock down both positions for years to come.

Theres also a possibility that Eldridge could become a big trade chip the Giants can dangle to address other needs, or that Alonso wouldnt necessarily be a long-term addition. MLB.coms Mark Feinsand hears from various executives around the league that Alonsos next contract might involve an opt-out clause or two, thus allowing Alonso to re-enter the market potentially as early as the 2025-26 offseason. Alonsos agent Scott Boras has included such opt-out provisions in several of his clients deals in recent years, in some cases creating an extra level of flexibility for teams and for players coming off less-than-ideal platform years.

It could be argued Alonso is coming off two relative down years, as he has a solid but unspectacular 121 wRC+ since the start of the 2023 season. The first baseman slugged 80 homers and hit .229/.324/.480 in 1353 plate appearances over that span, while providing little value with his glove or on the basepaths. Clubs are increasingly wary about committing big money to first base-only players in general, and Alonsos increasingly homer-heavy approach raises questions about his overall offensive value.

Oracle Park may not exactly be the best ballpark for a right-handed hitting slugger to re-establish his value, though Alonsos options may be increasingly limited. The Yankees (Goldschmidt), Astros (Christian Walker), Diamondbacks (Josh Naylor), and Nationals (Nathaniel Lowe) have all addressed their needs at first base. MLBTRs Leo Morgenstern recently looked at Alonsos market and cited the Giants along with the Reds, Tigers, Blue Jays, as possible darkhorse candidates for the slugger, along with the more obvious possibility that Alonso just re-signs with the Mets.

Indeed, most of the executives who spoke with Feinsand believe an Alonso/Mets reunion is inevitable, even if such a deal involves opt-out clauses. The Mets remain linked to both Alonso and Alex Bregman, leaving the team with an interesting choice of top-tier corner infielders since Mark Vientos can play first or third base depending on who is signed. (Or, it isnt entirely out of the question that the aggressive Mets could sign both Bregman and Alonso, with Vientos moving to DH.) Jon Heyman of the New York Post writes that a sizable gap remains between Alonso and the Mets in their current negotiations.

Because both Adames and Alonso rejected qualifying offers, the Giants would have to surrender two more draft picks and another $1MM in international bonus pool money if they brought Alonso into the fold to join their new shortstop. This might not necessarily be an obstacle since the Giants already gave up two picks and $1MM to sign Chapman and Blake Snell (two other qualified free agents) last offseason. RosterResource estimates San Francisco for roughly a $167.1MM payroll and $207.5MM luxury tax number in 2025, so adding Alonso is feasible even if it remains unclear how much ownership is willing to spend on next years roster.

The Giants pursuit of Corbin Burnes signaled that the club was willing to make another splurge, though Slusser notes that they didnt offer Burnes more than the $210MM over six years than the righty received from the Diamondbacks. Indeed, Slusser frames the Giants courtship of Burnes as fairly limited, writing that San Franciscos pursuit never advanced much beyond initial talks at the general manager meetingsand an offer made at that point did not get things off the ground.

President of baseball operations Buster Posey addressed the Giants next steps in a text to The Athletics Andrew Baggarly, with Posey writing We believe in our young arms, and feel like they are in a position to take some big steps forward. [We] will continue to look on the offensive side for players that give us a chance to score runs in multiple ways.
Perhaps the most surprising deal of the offseason came together late last night when the Diamondbacks and right-hander Corbin Burnes reportedly reached an agreement on a six-year deal that guarantees Burnes $210MM. Its a deal that Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports came together rapidly after Burness camp expressed the right-handers desire to pitch in the desert. Prior to Burnes pivoting to Arizona, the three teams most frequently connected to the right-hander were the incumbent Orioles, their division rival Blue Jays, and the Diamondbacks own division rival Giants.

USA Todays Bob Nightengale previously reported that the Jays and Giants both offered Burnes more than he ultimately received from the Diamondbacks, but subsequent reports have shed more light on the offers Burnes received prior to signing, particularly from Baltimore and Toronto. The Orioles, according to Danielle Allentuck of The Baltimore Banner, made a competitive offer for Burnes that did not ultimately reach the level of the deal he signed in Arizona. The exact specifics of the clubs offer to Burnes arent entirely clear, but its worth noting that Nightengale later reported that the Orioles and Blue Jays both discussed franchise-record contracts with Burnes while adding that one AL East club offered Burnes a seven-year, $250MM contract that did not come with an opt-out opportunity. The New York Posts Jon Heyman, meanwhile, described the Blue Jays, Orioles, and one other team from the East divisions as the three biggest bidders for Burnes. That report tracks with Nightengales reporting but conflicts with that of Allentuck as Heyman appears to suggest that the Orioles outbid the Diamondbacks for Burness services.

Its unclear which AL East club made the $250MM offer Nightengale mentioned, and its worth noting that both the Yankees and Red Sox were regarded as serious contenders for Burness services before pivoting away from the right-hander to land Max Fried and Garrett Crochet respectively. Both the Orioles and Blue Jays neednt have gone anywhere near that $250MM level to offer Burnes the largest contract in franchise history; Torontos current record for guaranteed money is the six-year, $150MM contract they gave to outfielder George Springer, while the Orioles current record is held by former first baseman Chris Davis and his seven-year, $161MM deal. Those relatively low benchmarks make offering Burnes a franchise-record guarantee a somewhat obvious step for either club to take if at all serious about pursuing the right-hander, as he was wildly expected to land a deal in the $200MM range even from the outset of the offseason before the winters hot market for starting pitching came into focus.

Regardless of how competitive the offers Burnes received from Baltimore and Toronto ultimately were, both clubs will now have to turn their attention to other options as they look to fortify their rotations. The Blue Jays top priority is surely attempting to hammer out an extension with star first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. that will keep him in town following the 2025 season, when hes currently scheduled to hit free agency. Aside from that, however, the club has expressed a desire to both bolster their starting rotation while also bringing in a solid hitter who can help protect Guerrero in the lineup. On the rotation front, the club has reportedly shown interest in right-hander Nick Pivetta, but another possibility for the club could be focusing on adding a bat like Anthony Santander or Jurickson Profar and then focusing on a lower-level rotation signing like Michael Lorenzen or Spencer Turnbull.

As for the Orioles, the club already landed Tyler ONeill and Gary Sanchez for its lineup earlier this winter and figures to be focused squarely on replacing Burnes at the front of its rotation going forward. A reunion with Jack Flaherty, who struggled with the club down the stretch in 2023 but looked much better with the Tigers and Dodgers this past season, has been floated as a possible back-up plan in the past. Its also not difficult to imagine the club opting to explore the trade market, as they did when they first landed Burnes last winter. Padres right-hander Dylan Cease is available as a potential rental ace who mirrors last years acquisition of Burnes to a T, but its possible the Orioles would prefer to land a more controllable piece such as Mariners right-hander Luis Castillo, who theyve reportedly joined a number of teams in inquiring after this winter.
CHARLEVOIX, MI - Charlevoixs landmark drawbridge will take center stage on New Years Eve with hours of holiday festivities leading up to the towns famous Bridge Drop to mark the celebration welcoming 2025.

This downtown party has all the fixings of a small-town gathering that will welcome in plenty of visitors. There will be a free movie shown at the local cinema, horse-drawn wagon rides, and smores and hot cocoa served in Charlevoixs East Park.

You can find the schedule on the Charlevoix Bridge Drop groups Facebook page here.

Ring in the New Year at Charlevoixs Bridge Drop, group members said. This family-friendly celebration features fun activities for all ages, live music at local restaurants, and the highlight of the night - the iconic Bridge Drop countdown.

Gather with friends and family to watch as Charlevoixs beloved bridge lights up and descends at midnight, creating an unforgettable New Years experience. Dont miss this cherished local tradition.

The Bridge Drop is organized by the event group and Visit Charlevoix, the local tourism team. Downtown restaurants and shops will be offering deals that day and evening as part of the celebration.
Instagram and Facebooks terms of service will be updated on January 1, 2025. LinkedIns terms of service were updated on November 20, 2024, X attempted to update its terms without prior notice, and other social networks are likely to follow suit. One common motivation for these changes is to incorporate frameworks for using generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools specific to each platform.

This is not about using ChatGPT or Google Gemini to generate content and post it on social media. In this case, it is Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn themselves offering their own artificial intelligence systems. These tools are integrated into the platforms and easily accessible to users. However, the three social networks shift the responsibility to the user if they share content generated by their AI that is inaccurate or even offensive.

This is even though they admit that the answers offered by their generative AI programs may be wrong or misleading, an inherent issue with this type of technology. Metas terms of service for Meta AI, present on Facebook and Instagram, state: The accuracy of any content, including outputs, cannot be guaranteed and outputs may be disturbing or upsetting.

In LinkedIns updated terms of use, the platform notes that content generated by its AI features might be inaccurate, incomplete, delayed, misleading or not suitable for your purposes. It encourages users to review and edit the generated content before sharing, adding that you are responsible for ensuring it complies with our Professional Community Policies, including not sharing misleading information.

For Sara Degli-Esposti, a researcher from Spains National Research Council (CSIC) and author of the book The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, there is no doubt about the platforms position. This policy is along the lines of: we dont know what can go wrong, and anything that goes wrong is the users problem. Its like telling them that they are going to be given a tool that they know may be defective.

LinkedIns AI is used to generate text that can then be posted on the platform. At the moment, it is only available in English and to paying users. Metas AI on Instagram and Facebook can be used to write messages, ask questions  even in group chats , modify photos, and generate images from scratch. However, it is not yet available in the European Union.

The fundamental issue is that theyre providing functionalities with tools that have not been fully tested, and in fact, the testing will be done by users themselves, says Degli-Esposti. In a way, its as if they subtly admit that they are providing you with a tool available, but they clarify that this tool may still have problems, which is like saying that it is still in the development phase. They would have to inform you that you are assuming an additional risk.

Meta AIs terms of service hint at the fact that generative artificial intelligence is still in its infancy, although it is described positively. AIs are a new technology that are still improving in accuracy, the terms state, before warning: We make no guarantees that they will be safe, secure or error-free, or will function without disruptions, delays or imperfections. In another section, the terms directly address the user: You also recognize and agree that you  not Meta  are responsible for your use of, and/or any actions you take in relation to, content generated by the AIs based on your prompts.

These concepts may be clear to an advanced user of generative AI systems, but not to everyone. The key lies in the current lack of culture and education on generative AI, how we obtain information from it, how it should be verified, and how we should approach it, says Javier Borras, a CIDOB researcher specializing in the intersection of technology and democracy. These systems, by their very nature, do not offer true or false answers. They offer you a result based on a statistical prediction extracted from all the data they have. They do not distinguish between what is true and false, they offer you a probability. This knowledge is not widespread among users.

In search of an educated and informed user

The ethical dilemma lies in whether generative AI tools available should be made easily accessible to the masses on social media. Is this a good idea? Borras points out that users would likely turn to third-party systems anyway. Perhaps what they [social media] should do is make it clear that the results may be inaccurate and should be verified. Users should be constantly reminded of this possibility, with a reminder appearing whenever they receive a result, the CIDOB researcher suggests.

In the English version of Meta AI, there is a small disclaimer under the question bar: Messages are generated by AI and may be inaccurate or inappropriate. This allows users to click on a link for further details. The terms of use also remind users: If you plan to use [Meta AI]outputs for any reason, it is your sole responsibility to verify outputs.

One of the concerns about introducing generative AI tools on social media is the potential spread of misinformation, a problem these platforms have long been criticized for. However, it is unclear whether AI has had a significant impact on this issue during the critical electoral year of 2024, when half the globe went to the polls. Borras does not believe that social media tools will have a greater impact than third-party systems.

This issue brings individual responsibility to the forefront. Degli-Esposti points out that, from an ethical perspective, there is another view that focuses on the debate over individual responsibility: The author is the one who provides the prompt to the system. This means the user maintains some autonomy  they guide the AI in its generation and decide whether to keep the final product.

The counterargument is that when users use generative AI, social networks benefit, competitively, financially and technologically (by being able to train the algorithm). The more content is generated and shared, the more advertising can be introduced on the platform, which is the primary revenue source for social media companies.

A process of educating users is necessary so they understand how generative AI works and the risks it entails. And the companies profiting from it should take responsibility for being part of that process, says Borras. He adds that this training should go beyond the social media platforms and reach the educational system and the business sector  a formula for enabling everyone to use generative AI systems with confidence.

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GRAND RAPIDS, MI  As families travel to visit relatives and friends this holiday season, the Grand Rapids African American Museum and Archives (GRAAMA) hosted its annual Kwanzaa celebration in Grand Rapids on Saturday, Dec. 28.

The museum hosted activities for kids, including author readings, cookie decorating, button making and more, followed by a formal Kwanzaa ceremony.

Some of the best parts are the engagement from the kids having to learn about Kwanzaa, the cookie decorating, and seeing faces light up, said Deborah Pryor-Bayard, education coordinator at GRAAMA. It is a fun way to pass on tradition and having children understand our history.

The celebration at the museum is typically celebrated on whichever day falls on the Saturday during Kwanzaa, hosting activities for young people and focusing on the principle it falls on. The celebration has been occurring at the museum for the past 10 years and this is its third year hosting community kids Kwanzaa.

The celebration falls on the principle of cooperative work and responsibility, said George Bayard, director of GRAAMA. So we will be stressing working together, partnership, teamwork and things like that.

The seven principles featured during Kwanzaa are derived from the communitarian values found throughout the African continent: Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity) and Imani (faith).

Among those celebrating were many new faces and some returning faces as well. Samara Polynice has celebrated Kwanzaa at the museum before but this time she brought her 2-year-old son, Eli.

My favorite part is the unity and everyone coming together, Polynice said. The openness, the community and celebrating values.

Celebrated from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, each day of Kwanzaa highlights one of the seven principles which forms the core of the week-long holiday. For each of the days, a candle is lit and placed on the candle holder, known as the kinara.

Although Kwanzaa is an afro-centric holiday, everyone was welcome to come and celebrate.

We generally do get a diverse crowd of people who want to learn more about Kwanzaa, embrace its principles, celebrate in the ceremony and revelry of digging back into your ancestors, or even coming up with things that might help you, said Bayard.

Kwanzaa was first created by African American activist, author, and professor Maulana Karenga in 1966. The holiday was designed for families and communities to gather, remember the past, and to celebrate African culture.

Due to the African diaspora throughout the United States, Kwanzaa was created to continue the traditions of African values. As many African communities have been dispersed throughout the world, this secular festival has been adapted in many other countries.

Communities bring meaning to each of the seven principles through educational activities, African drumming, sharing African food, and reciting words and writings from Black activists and authors.

On each morning throughout the week, it is tradition for people to ask one another Habari gani? translating to, Whats the news? and the response would be that days Kwanzaa principle.

Being at the museum for a few months now, what I have discovered is that the museum is a hidden gem in Grand Rapids, said Teresa Jones Kelly, GRAAMAs program coordinator. The museum has been in existence for about 10 years now and it was birthed out of the founders desire to celebrate and highlight Grand Rapidians who have made historical impact.

Kelly started working at the museum in July and is looking forward to hosting her first Kwanzaa celebration.

The GRAAMA has hosted several other events in the past including galas honoring historical figures and Grand Rapids historical bus tours across the country.

These events have helped kickstart funds for a potential future expansion of the museum, allowing them to move into a larger space.

We are working on a Third Ward tour where we are working with the city to highlight specific areas that people can tour and find out historical things in that ward -including Floyd Mayweather, said Kelly.

More information about the Grand Rapids African American Museum and Archives, including future events and how to further support it, can be found on its Linktree.
MONROE COUNTY, MI - The Monroe County Sheriffs Office says a deputy shot and killed a person Saturday, Dec. 28 while responding to a suspicious subject.

The deputy was dispatched shortly before 11 a.m. to the 9000 block of Hoffman Road in London Township on a suspicious person call, a news release said. While investigating, the deputy was then dispatched around 11:30 a.m. to the 6300 block of Bluebush Road in Exeter Township after a caller reported a subject matching the description from the first call.

Upon arrival to Bluebush Road, the person began physically assaulting the deputy, according to the sheriffs office.

Police say the deputy then shot the person who was pronounced dead at the scene.

Additional details about the person were not immediately available.

The deputy was transported to a local hospital to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

The incident is currently being investigated by the Oakland County Sheriffs Office to conduct an independent review of the shooting.

Anyone who may have witnessed this incident is asked to contact the Monroe County Central Dispatch at 734-243-7070.
OTTAWA COUNTY, MI  A driver was arrested and faces criminal charges after leading multiple police agencies on a high-speed chase, Ottawa County sheriffs deputies said.

The suspect, who was not identified by gender or age, was lodged in the Ottawa County Jail awaiting arraignment on charges of fleeing and eluding and assaulting a police officer.

The incident unfolded shortly after 2 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 29, as a sheriffs deputy monitored traffic on I-196.

The deputy noticed a dark-colored Ford Mustang heading westbound with no registration plate and tried to initiate a traffic stop. From there, the vehicle accelerated over 100 mph, and the chase was self-terminated.

A short time later, Zeeland police sergeant spotted the vehicle on Chicago Drive and attempted to perform a stop, but the vehicle continued to flee at a high rate of speed.

Police boxed the suspect vehicle in near 120th and Waverly avenues. However, the suspect rapidly accelerated in reverse and rammed a deputies patrol car, police said.

After hitting the police car, the suspect was taken into custody. No injuries were reported during the incident.

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GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Enrollment is up by 7.23% for the 31 Catholic schools within the Diocese of Grand Rapids since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, with 6,456 students enrolled for the 2024-25 school year.
JACKSON, MI - On paper, Joy Collier has been teaching for about 30 years, but her work in educating others on the joys of math goes back even further.

Collier, 54, teaches several high school-level math courses in East Jackson Community Schools, a district shes called home for 29 years.

Originally from Springport, Collier started working as a math tutor while she was in high school, and also taught a community computer programming class.

She attended Michigan State University, graduating in 1992 with a degree in math and teaching and a minor in computer science.

Finding the job market for full-time teachers to be a bit sparse at the time, Collier said she spent her first two-and-a-half post-grad years substitute teaching in Leslie Public Schools, Northwest Community Schools and Springport Public Schools. She also occasionally worked as a tutor at the Sylvan Learning Center.

Collier eventually got a job teaching at Westover High School in North Carolina after moving there with her husband while he was in the military. She taught there for about a year before accepting the job at East Jackson.

In addition to serving as the former math department chair, Collier has taught several levels of algebra and calculus. She has also taught consumer math and geometry, which she considers her favorite subject due to its more visual, hands-on nature.

Collier sat down with MLive/Jackson Citizen Patriot to talk about the early experiences that drew her to math education, and the dedication she feels toward educating future generations.

Jackson Citizen Patriot: Was there a specific moment or experience that inspired you to get into the field of education?

Joy Collier: The biggest thing was probably my brother. He was dyslexic and had learning disabilities, and back then there wasnt much help for kids like him. So when I was very young, I was asked to come into his classroom - he was two years older than me - and help teach him time, because the teacher at that time couldnt get through to him. I was probably 5 or 6 years old, and I think thats probably what sparked my interest. I was always really good at school and got asked for help a lot in classes, and I enjoyed helping people without just giving away the answers. I did some tutoring in high school, and that just became my passion.

JCP: Why was teaching in the field youre in such a calling for you?

Collier: I was always good at math, and I explained it well. The thing I like about math is that theres an answer out there, but you have to use all of your skills and all of your logical thinking to get to it. I paired it with computer science because the two of those together - I mean thats our whole world right now.

JCP: What is your favorite aspect of your job?

Collier: The Aha! moments that kids have. Those are my favorite moments. If weve been working hard and it finally hits them. It nots even necessarily just with math, but when a kid really turns themselves around; when youve been talking to them for months and they finally get that they have to put in the work, and they start doing it and see the success, thats just huge.

JCP: The field of education has changed and evolved in several ways in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic -- in what ways, if any, have you changed or evolved as a teacher in the past few years?

Collier: I feel like during COVID I had to back off from some of my high expectations, not because I wanted to, but because we were told to. Ive also had to do much more review at the beginning of the year with kids, especially the ones new to me. I have the luxury at this smaller school that I teach multiple classes, so Ill have some kids two, three, four years in a row, and I can see that growth. In my opinion, a bigger loss than COVID was social promotion, where the kids are allowed to move on to the next grade without having all of the skills of the previous grade. We can ask for them to be retained and talk with their parents, but in the end its up to the parents, and I think kids caught onto that quite quickly. It very much scares me for our future. Im trying to get it back to where my expectations are a bit higher and the kids will meet them, but the majority arent rising to it - they still have this I dont have to work and Ill get through attitude. Not all of them - we have some great students here, and I dont think its just East Jackson at all. This is across the board at schools.

JCP: Is there a specific moment from your career that you would consider to be the most rewarding?

Collier: Not really a specific moment. The best good feeling times Ive had are when I receive a Thank you either on social media or through a note in the mail, or when a kid will come back to the school and give me a hug a say Thank you for pushing me. Those are the moments and things that keep teachers going. Its funny, because when you start to feel down, thats when one of those moments will happen.

If you know a K-12 educator in Jackson County who might make a good subject for the weekly Meet the Teacher series, send an email with their contact information to mkukulka@mlive.com.

If you would like more reporting like this delivered free to your inbox, click here and signup for our weekly newsletter: Michigan Schools.

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VAN BUREN COUNTY, MI  A man was hospitalized after he crashed his vehicle into the front of an occupied home, Van Buren County sheriffs deputies said.

Alcohol is believed to be a contributing factor in the crash.

The crash happened around 2:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 29, in Bangor Township.

Police said a 38-year-old Battle Creek man was driving eastbound on 32nd Street and failed to stop at the T intersection near 70th Street. The man proceeded to drive through a yard and into the front of a house on the east side of 70th Street.

The homeowner was home at the time of the crash but was not in the room breached by the vehicle, police said.

After the crash, the man was taken to an area hospital for treatment.

A search warrant for blood was executed at the hospital and the blood kit was sent to the Michigan State Police Crime Lab for analysis.

Police say the investigation remains open, pending results of the blood draw with eventual submission to the Van Buren County Prosecutors Office for review.

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KALAMAZOO, MI  Kalamazoo County commissioners are getting a significant raise in 2025  up almost 80%.

The Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners voted in October to raise commissioner base pay from $18,431.11 to $33,155. It passed 5-4, with Dale Deleeuw, Wendy Mazer, Jeff Heppler and John Taylor voting no.

How does their new pay compare to similar-sized counties in Michigan?

Michigan has five counties with between 170,000 and 310,000 residents  with Kalamazoo in the middle at 262,215 residents. Kalamazoos county commissioner pay will be the highest of all five.

In some cases, its double or triple the pay of the other like-sized counties.

MLive gathered the data from a combination of sources, including Freedom of Information Act requests and recent media reports.

Heres the pay for each county, along with the number of commissioners on the board and the county population.

Saginaw County - $10,874, 11 commissioners, population 187,782

Livingston County - $16,000, nine commissioners, population 196,757

Kalamazoo County - $33,155, nine commissioners, population 262,215

Ingham County - $20,400, 15 commissioners, population 284,637

Ottawa County - $20,844, 11 commissioners, population 303,372

In Ingham County, commissioners voted this year to increase their pay in 2025 from $12,360 to $20,400  a 65% raise.

Ottawa County also considered a substantial raise  to $33,250  but the board didnt take action on the proposed increase.

Ingham Countys total pay to county commissioners is the highest among the five counties, at $306,000, due to the higher number of commissioners (15). Kalamazoo Countys total base pay adds up to $298,395 for its nine commissioners.

Several counties, including Kalamazoo County, pay additional amounts to board leadership.

Even Kent County, which has twice as many residents, will pay its commissioners less than Kalamazoo County will. Kent County is hiking its commissioner pay to $29,593 in 2025.

Some communities, like the city of Kalamazoo, have an outside board help set salaries for elected officials. For example, the citys Local Officers Compensation Commission meets every two years to set elected official salaries. That takes some of the heat off the City Commission, even though it still must approve the LOCCs recommendations.

Kalamazoo County has no such board. Pay is determined by the officials themselves.

A county board can establish a county officers compensation commission, though it is not required by law.

Help your employees before yourself

Kalamazoo Countys new raises didnt come without controversy.

Protesters, including county employees, held signs outside of Kalamazoo Countys meeting chambers in October to criticize the proposed raise.

Inside, county commissioners approved the 80% pay hike, effective Jan. 1, 2025.

The raise was approved before the November election, however all nine incumbents were reelected.

11 1 / 11 Kalamazoo County employees protest proposed board pay raises ahead of budget vote

RELATED: Proposed 60% pay raise for Ottawa County commissioners not an option, county lawyers say

Jason Mikkelborg was one of the candidates who unsuccessfully ran for the county board in November.

This self-voted raise is whats wrong with our government today, Mikkelborg said. This raise should have been on the ballot for the people to vote on.

On top of the $33,155, the vice chair pro tem gets an additional $1,000, the vice chair gets an extra $1,500 and the chair gets an extra $2,000.

Some Kalamazoo County commissioners argued the increase was overdue and there are benefits to paying elected officials more  it gives people from all income levels a chance to serve.

Republican John Gisler, who voted for the raise, said he felt comfortable supporting it because the new salary is equal to the countys lowest-paid full-time employee. During discussions, the board reduced the original $40,000 salary proposal from Commissioner Monteze Morales down to $33,155.20 so it wasnt higher than any full-time county employees.

If the county board would have increased its pay incrementally over the past two, maybe three decades, it would not have (needed to be) that big of an increase, Gisler said.

Gisler doesnt know exactly how much time he spends doing commissioner work. I dont keep track of the hours, he said. Critics argue its not a full-time job.

Commissioner John Gisler exchanges words with employees of Kalamazoo County as they gathered at the corner of Rose Street and Kalamazoo Avenue on Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024, ahead of the Kalamazoo County Board meeting where the 2025 budget will be voted on. The employees held signs to protest proposed pay wages for Kalamazoos Board of Commissioners.Devin Anderson-Torrez | MLive.com

The work includes reading hundreds of pages of agendas, two county board meetings a month and answering constituents calls, he said.

Im retired from the pharmaceutical business and I cannot imagine how somebody thats employed full time can do an adequate job of being a county commissioner, Gisler said.

Criticism also came from former county commissioners.

The 80% pay raise borders on ridiculous, said former longtime commissioner David Maturen.

How many of your constituents who put you on the (board) have received anywhere near that kind of a raise in pay? Maturen said in an email to officials. The idea that you are worth it contains a large dose of hubris.

Another former commissioner, David Buskirk, said in an email to county officials that its a part-time position and some of their time should be viewed as giving back to the community.

The raise was set after a review of compensation levels across Michigan and an evaluation of responsibilities for the role, the county said in a statement.

The increased salaries reflect the evolving nature of the commissioners responsibilities, which now often demand schedules akin to full-time work, the statement reads. The adjustments recognize the growing complexity of governance, increased workloads due to a reduced number of commissioners and the need to ensure the role is accessible to qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds, regardless of personal financial means.

There are county board members that make more money  like Washtenaw County, for example, which is raising commissioner pay to $36,315 in 2025. Washtenaw County has 100,000 more residents than Kalamazoo County does, however.

There are differences in structures and scopes of county boards, Kalamazoo County said in its statement.

This makes direct comparisons challenging, the county statement reads.

Plus, some counties pay commissioners benefits, like health insurance and mileage, but Kalamazoo County does not.

State law wont allow counties to raise their salaries again until 2029, another motivator for the change. Starting in 2025, county commissioner terms in Michigan will be four years instead of two. Law says raises cant be put into effect until the start of the next term.

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SAGINAW, MI  Here are a few headlines from Saginaw County last week that attracted reader interest:

Whitmer commutes sentence of Saginaw man imprisoned for decades for 7-Eleven robbery

This holiday season, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued several pardons and commutations for those convicted of armed robbery and drug offenses.

One of the beneficiaries is a Saginaw man, now 67, who has been imprisoned for more than 20 years for robbing a 7-Eleven.

Whitmer on Monday, Dec. 23, announced the three pardons and five commutations. A pardon forgives a persons conviction, while a commutation reduces an inmates sentence.

As a former prosecutor, I am focused on protecting public safety, reducing crime, and building a stronger, smarter criminal justice system, Whitmer said. Im proud of our bipartisan work to help hundreds of thousands of Michiganders convicted of non-violent, low-level crimes get a second chance and reduce crime statewide. Today, we build on that work by granting clemency to eight Michiganders who have taken accountability for their actions. Lets keep working together to build a justice system that treats all Michiganders equally.

One person receiving a commutation is Saginaws Darrell Phillips, currently incarcerated at the Woodland Center Correctional Facility in Livingston County.

A jury in the fall of 2001 found Phillips guilty of armed robbery and felony firearm in connection with a Feb. 3, 2000, holdup of the 7-Eleven. A judge in October 2001 sentenced Phillips to 35 to 60 years, plus a consecutive two-year stint.

Phillips suffers from health issues, Whitmers office said. His family added he is in a wheelchair and on dialysis.

Read more here.

Anonymous tip leads to arrest in ambush killing of father of 7 outside Saginaw party store

A Saginaw man has been arrested on charges of killing a man in an ambush-style shooting in front of an Old Town party store.

Shavar S. Craft Jr., 27, had been wanted on a warrant issued June 21, charging him with murder in the death of 25-year-old DaQuan L. Mims a few days prior. Crime Stoppers in September issued an advisory offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to Crafts arrest.

An anonymous tipster on Friday, Dec. 20, alerted police to Craft being inside a unit within Bavarian Village Apartments, 2800 Williamson Road in Bridgeport Township. Saginaw and Bridgeport Township police found Craft in the apartment and arrested him without incident.

Its always a good thing when people come forward to help us get dangerous people off the street, said Saginaw Detective Sgt. Oscar Lopez.

After spending his weekend in jail, Craft on the morning of Monday, Dec. 23, appeared before Saginaw County District Judge Elian E.H. Fichtner for arraignment on charges of open murder, assault with intent to murder, carrying a dangerous weapon with unlawful intent, and three counts of felony firearm.

Read more here.

Merrill sex offender who exposed child to HIV charged with downloading child porn

A Merrill man already required to register as a sex offender for exposing a child to HIV has been newly charged in federal court with downloading child pornography from the dark web.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in January alerted the Michigan Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force that a person had transferred several images of child porn through their Google email address. The user uploaded the images from a digital device to their Google Photos account, a cloud-based storage service allowing users to store and access files from multiple devices.

Read more here.

Saginaw house fired upon on Christmas morning, leaving woman wounded

Police are investigating a Christmas morning shooting on Saginaws East Side.

Officers at about 6 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 25, responded to the shooting scene at a house in the 600 block of South 23rd Street.

Unknown persons opened fire on the house, at least one of the bullets striking a 28-year-old woman inside.

The woman suffered non-life-threatening injuries and received treatment at a local hospital.

Read more here.

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KYODO NEWS - Dec 29, 2024 - 10:34 | All, World

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un declared at a key ruling party meeting that the country will adopt "the toughest anti-U.S. counteraction" strategy, state-run media reported Sunday.

The United States "is the most reactionary state that regards anti-communism as its invariable state policy," Kim said, vowing to adopt the hard-line stance to defend North Korea's interests and security.

Kim also said the alliance of the United States, Japan and South Korea "has expanded into a nuclear military bloc for aggression," the official Korean Central News Agency reported.

"This reality clearly shows to which direction we should advance and what we should do and how," he said, expressing his willingness to promote relationships with "friendly countries."

No direct reference was made to Pyongyang's nuclear development program and spy satellite launches.

The meeting of the Central Committee of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea from last Monday through Friday, which was presided over by Kim, came before U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration in January.

Kim ordered the intensification of military research "to meet the demands and features of modern warfare," the report said, following the deployment of North Korean troops to support Russia in its war against Ukraine.

The meeting was held to review policies from 2024 and discuss plans for next year.

Related coverage:

Japan defense budget hits record 8.7 tril. yen amid regional threats

Japan, U.S. set up 1st guidelines for "extended deterrence"

Mother of iconic North Korea abductee says faith helped her survive
KYODO NEWS - Dec 29, 2024 - 13:10 | All, Japan

Around 80 percent of female inmates in Japan last year were convicted on charges of theft or violating drug laws, with the percentage remaining almost the same since 2011, according to the government's annual crime report.

Individuals aged 65 or older accounted for 22.7 percent of female inmates in 2023, up 4.2-fold from 2004, with anxiety about aging and isolation likely contributing to crimes, the Justice Ministry said in the white paper released in December.

The ministry conducted a special survey covering around 900 male and female inmates serving prison terms for theft or drug-related crimes.

Among those convicted of theft, 95.9 percent of female inmates aged 60 or older had shoplifted, far above 48.3 percent among the males in the same age group, the survey showed.

Of the women aged 60 or older convicted of theft, 38.7 percent were living alone, while the most common motive for stealing was "having trouble making ends meet" at 37.4 percent, lower than among the other age groups.

As for inmates convicted of drug-related crimes, more female than male inmates had experienced physical and psychological abuse by their spouses or partners, the survey showed.

Meanwhile, the number of crimes recognized by police in 2023, excluding traffic offenses resulting in injury or death, rose 17.0 percent from the previous year, up for the second straight year, due likely to increased activity following the coronavirus pandemic, the ministry said.
KYODO NEWS - Dec 29, 2024 - 13:35 | All, Japan

Arrangements are being made for Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako to visit Hiroshima and other domestic war-related sites next year to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, a government source said Sunday.

The visits under consideration by the Imperial Household Agency are aimed at remembering the war dead, passing on the tragic memories to the next generation and highlighting the pursuit of peace by Japan's first emperor born after the war, the source said.

The imperial couple plan to visit the Peace Park in Nagasaki, one of the two cities devastated by atomic bombings during World War II, when they attend an annual national cultural festival in Sasebo, Nagasaki Prefecture, in September.

In the summer, they are expected to visit Hiroshima, the other atomic bombed city, and Okinawa, which saw a fierce ground battle between Japanese and U.S. troops, the source said.

The emperor and empress may offer flowers at the Cenotaph for the A-bomb Victims in the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima and the national cemetery for the war dead in Itoman, Okinawa Prefecture, the source said.

The visits to Hiroshima and Nagasaki would be the first by the emperor since his enthronement in May 2019. He last visited Okinawa in October 2022.

Related coverage:

Japan's former Emperor Akihito turns 91

Prince Hisahito, 2nd in line to throne, to enroll in Univ. of Tsukuba

Japan's Empress Masako turns 61, reflects on "memorable" U.K. visit
KYODO NEWS - Dec 29, 2024 - 21:49 | All, World

A South Korean plane carrying 181 people veered off a runway and slammed into a wall at an airport in the country's southwestern province of South Jeolla on Sunday, erupting in flames and killing all but two of them, according to fire authorities.

The Jeju Air flight, with 175 passengers and six crew, belly-landed upon arrival at Muan International Airport at around 9 a.m., with the National Fire Agency saying two of the crew were rescued.

The budget airline's plane was engulfed in a fire that was extinguished shortly before 10 a.m., with only the tail portion left intact.

The Boeing 737-800, manufactured in 2009 according to an official of the land ministry, had been scheduled to arrive at the airport around 8:30 a.m.

All of those on the flight from Bangkok were South Koreans, except for two Thais, according to the ministry.

Authorities suspect a bird strike may have contributed to the accident.

According to the land ministry, the airport's control tower officials warned the plane's pilots of a bird threat at 8:57 a.m. as it was seeking to land, two minutes before it made a mayday call.

At a press conference, Jeju Air CEO Kim E Bae expressed deep condolences, adding the cause of the crash remains undetermined and the airline needs to wait for the results of a government investigation.

"(The plane) went through regular maintenance...and there was no signs of any problem at all," Kim said, adding the plane had no history of accidents.

President Yoon Suk Yeol, whose duties have been suspended in the wake of his short-lived declaration of martial law early this month, wrote on his Facebook account that he feels "sorrowful" for the "disastrous" plane crash.

"I trust that the government will do its utmost in handling the incident and supporting the victims," Yoon said in the post, as he commented publicly for the first time since the passage of an impeachment motion again him at the National Assembly.

Acting President Choi Sang Mok called for "all-out efforts for a swift response and damage recovery." Choi designated a week from Sunday to Saturday as national mourning period, while vowing utmost support for the bereaved families and survivors.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba sent a condolence message to Choi.

"I am deeply saddened by the loss of many precious lives due to the airplane accident," Ishiba said, adding he expresses sympathies to the families of the crash victims.
Toys, scarfs and wraps made of pulu, a kind of Tibetan woolen fabric, are pictured at a shop in Xizage, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Sept. 1, 2024. (Xinhua/Sun Ruibo)

LHASA, Dec. 28 (Xinhua) -- Southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region was home to 523,900 private sector entities at the end of the third quarter of 2024, making up 97.4 percent of the region's total business entities, said local authorities.

The tax revenue of Xizang's private sector was 22.49 billion yuan (about 3.13 billion U.S. dollars) during the period, accounting for about 76.3 percent of the region's total. Private entities also provided more than 80 percent of jobs in the whole region, according to the Xizang Regional Federation of Industry and Commerce.

The private sector of Xizang has been expanding. In 1978, the year China began to reform and open up, there were just 53 registered private businesses in the region. The number increased to nearly 120,000 in 2012 and jumped to 486,500 in 2023.

From 2019 to 2023, the region's private sector contributed to over 35 percent of economic output and more than 80 percent of tax revenue, and provided over 80 percent of employment, according to the federation.

Private businesses have contributed greatly to the region's economic development, scientific and technological development, and the improvement of people's livelihoods and well-being.

This year, 858 private enterprises assisted nearly 1,000 villages, with funds reaching 840 million yuan. 
M Snehanjali

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by Xinhua writers Xia Yuanyi and Liu Yuxuan

A network supported by running wheels between China and Europe is turning global trade routes into local livelihoods, fueling cross-continental cooperation.

WARSAW, Dec. 28 (Xinhua) -- Weekday mornings hum with urgency at the shopping complex GD Poland on the outskirts of Warsaw. Electric scooters laden with crates of Chinese goods dart between warehouses and loading docks, as merchants race to load shipments - hauled thousands of kilometers by China-Europe freight trains - into vans bound for stores across Central and Eastern Europe.

What appears to be a chaotic delivery hub is, in reality, the final stop in an intricate supply chain connecting Chinese factories to European storefronts. A network that turns global trade routes into local livelihoods, fueling cross-continental cooperation.





MERCHANTS ON SCOOTERS

Among the swift-moving scooters at GD Poland is Lin Jiangliang, a Chinese merchant who, alongside his wife Hong Meili, has spent the past decade running a lingerie business there.

Chinese merchant Lin Jiangliang (left), a lingerie business owner, is putting a package onto a scooter in GD Poland Chinese Shopping Center on the outskirts of Warsaw, July 19, 2024. (Xinhua/ Zhang Kun)

Drawn to Poland in 2014, three years after the launch of China-Europe freight trains, the couple saw opportunity in a country fast becoming Europe's logistical gateway, as most trains entering the European Union (EU) pass through Malaszewicze, a critical border town in Poland.

"We realized soon that reselling factory-made products wouldn't set us apart," Hong said. Instead, they created their own brand, designing styles based on emerging fashion trends and customer preferences.

China-Europe freight trains quickly became the backbone of their operation. Digital sketches sent to factories in China are transformed into samples and shipped within two weeks, allowing their shelves to stay stocked with the latest designs.

To meet growing demand, Lin hired a local porter and a salesperson, relying on scooters to shuttle goods. Orders averaging dozens of kilograms per shipment are packed and delivered with speed, demonstrating the resourcefulness and hard work that small-scale merchants need to survive and thrive.

Their story mirrors a broader picture of commerce at GD Poland, where about 900 businesses specialize in textiles, appliances, and household goods - 90 percent of which are sourced from China, according to Wang Qi, the center's deputy general manager.

A saleswoman is riding a scooter to delivery goods in GD Poland Chinese Shopping Center on the outskirts of Warsaw, July 19, 2024. (Xinhua/ Zhang Kun)

Similar trading hubs have flourished across Europe over the past few decades, from Aubervilliers in France to Fuenlabrada in Spain. In 2023 alone, China exported 169 billion U.S. dollars worth of light industrial products to the European Union and Britain, supplying affordable goods to consumers while supporting jobs on both sides of the supply chain.

"What keeps me optimistic about the future is how connected we are - suppliers, distributors, and us. It's not just business; it's a shared rhythm that keeps products and ideas moving," Lin said.





TRADE ON TRAINS

Thirteen years ago, the idea of freight trains crossing the vast Eurasian continent seemed "crazy" to many, recalled Markus Bangen, chief executive officer (CEO) of Duisburger Hafen AG (Duisport). Today, it is a reality reshaping cross-continental trade and logistics.

A staff member walks past a container aboard the 100,000th China-Europe freight train at Duisburg Intermodal Terminal (DIT) in Duisburg, Germany, Dec. 3, 2024. The 100,000th China-Europe freight train arrived in Duisburg, Germany on Tuesday morning, marking a historic milestone for this rail link. (Xinhua/Du Zheyu)

Since 2011, when the first China-Europe freight train left the southwestern Chinese city Chongqing, for Duisburg in Germany, the network has grown to connect 227 European and 100 Asian cities. Over the past 13 years, more than 11 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of goods worth more than 420 billion dollars have passed through these tracks.

In Duisburg, a former industrial stronghold, freight rail has spurred reinvention. The port now handles 4 million containers annually, with over 100 Chinese logistics and e-commerce firms establishing operations around it. Similar transformations have turned Poland's Malaszewicze and Spain's Valladolid into thriving logistic hubs.

The network continues to grow. In November, a shipment of electric vehicles made its way from China's Chengdu to Georgia's Tbilisi via rail, sea, and road, traversing Kazakhstan and the Caspian Sea. This new route launched in July runs through the Middle Corridor - a vital trade link across Central Asia and the South Caucasus - providing a reliable alternative to traditional shipping lanes amid geopolitical uncertainties.

For Fan Yuliang, a warehouse manager of AUKLogis GmbH, a German subsidiary of Chinese logistics firm Western Post, the China-Europe freight trains have redefined what's possible. "I thought I'd handled all kinds of cargo, but seeing an entire vehicle loaded into a shipping container still amazed me," he recalled.

An aerial drone photo shows the 100,000th China-Europe freight train, coded X8083, departing from the Tuanjiecun Station in Chongqing, southwest China, Nov. 15, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Quanchao)

By 2023, China-Europe freight trains had transported more than 50,000 types of goods, ranging from Chinese exports like textiles and industrial machinery to European exports such as motorcycles, medical equipment, and agricultural produce.

Bangen described the service as a transformative transportation model that replaces traditional shipping routes and unlocks trade opportunities once out of reach.





INNOVATION ON EV WHEELS

As freight trains bridge continents, Chinese and European firms are joining forces to shape the future of mobility -- this time, on wheels of electric vehicles (EVs).

In Berlin, Chinese EV manufacturer NIO has established a research center focused on smart driving technologies and energy solutions. Its engineers are working on adaptive driving systems, battery-swapping infrastructure, and integrated power grids to meet European standards.

"Our goal is to adapt rapidly to European markets while driving the next wave of innovation," Wei Hezeng, head of NIO Europe's Smart Driving Technology Center, told Xinhua.

Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares (L) and Leapmotor CEO Zhu Jiangming shake hands at Stellantis and Leapmotor Strategic Cooperation Signing Ceremony in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Oct. 26, 2023. TO GO WITH "Stellantis unveils 1.5 bln euros investment in China's EV maker Leapmotor" (Stellantis/Handout via Xinhua)

His vision is echoed by Patrick Stumfol, senior system engineer at NIO Europe. "The combination of German engineering precision and Chinese tech innovation creates a very dynamic environment here," Stumfol said.

Though the EU seeks to shield its market with protectionist tariffs, European carmakers are opting for collaboration over confrontation.

The collaborative momentum extends beyond Berlin. In Spain, Chery has teamed up with Ebro to develop EVs, while BYD is building manufacturing plants in Hungary. European automakers are embracing the trend likewise: Volkswagen has invested 700 million dollars in XPeng for joint EV development, and Stellantis committed 1.5 billion euros (1.56 billion dollars) to Leapmotor for research, production, and overseas expansion.

Carlos Tavares, Stellantis' former CEO, captured this partnership approach, saying the best way to compete with China was to partner with their automakers and "hop on their train." (1 euro = 1.04 U.S. dollar) 
Palak Vij

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Pawan Kalyan reacts sharply to repeated questions on Allu Arjuns legal troubles, says, "Have a bigger heart..."

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Ram Charan's grand 256-Foot cutout unveiled ahead of Game Changer release in Andhra Pradesh, see here

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F*** yourself...': It's Musk's Tech Bros vs MAGA as fierce war erupts in Trump camp over immigration

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Simplification to be the focus for taxation in 2025

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MOSCOW, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- Russia is open to negotiations to resolve the Ukraine conflict, but such talks must address its "root causes" and reflect realities on the ground, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Sunday in an interview with RIA Novosti.

"We are ready for negotiations, but they must aim to address the root causes of the Ukrainian crisis and take into account the real situation on the ground," Lavrov said.

Lavrov noted the need to ensure Ukraine's "non-aligned, neutral and non-nuclear status" to "eliminate long-term threats to Russia's security posed by the West, including NATO expansion."

"Kiev must take on specific obligations to ensure the rights, freedoms and interests of Russian-speaking citizens," he added.

Previously, Ukraine's Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak said that Ukraine was not prepared to enter negotiations with Russia as it lacks sufficient Western support to engage from a position of strength, in an interview with Suspilne on Dec. 12, reported local media Kyiv Independent. 
2024 in retrospect: From Sambhal to Ajmer, religious controversies that grabbed headlines this year

Siddharth Chakravorty

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Explained: How Trump's return has renewed debate on H-1B visas and its impact on Indian talent

Siddharth Chakravorty

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Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia sworn in as new chief justice of Himachal HC

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Kejriwal accuses BJP of manipulating electoral roll: 'Operation Lotus has begun in New Delhi constituency'

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BRUSSELS, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- As Europe steps into the new year, the continent finds itself at a critical juncture, grappling with internal political upheaval and external pressures that threaten its cohesion.

Following a tumultuous 2024 marked by pivotal elections and government shakeups in major economies like France and Germany, the European Union (EU) faces rising fragmentation and mounting geopolitical challenges, placing its unity and future direction under strain.

The conflict between national interests and collective EU priorities continues to grow, raising questions about the very foundation of European integration envisioned by Robert Schuman more than 70 years ago.

FRAGMENTATION, SHIFT TO THE RIGHT

Political fragmentation stands as one of the most pressing issues confronting the EU in 2025. National elections in France and Germany have amplified the rise of right-wing populist parties, challenging the centrist coalitions that have long shaped EU policymaking.

In France, President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Francois Bayrou narrowly formed a new government -- the fourth in the past year -- just ahead of the holiday season. However, questions linger over the government's longevity as it faces heavy public debt, rising pressure from the far-right National Rally, and challenges tied to the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Germany is experiencing its own political turmoil. Shortly after Christmas, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier dissolved the Bundestag, paving the way for early federal elections on Feb. 23. Chancellor Olaf Scholz lost a confidence vote in mid December, a few weeks after his three-party coalition collapsed. Public frustration with economic struggles has fueled support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which now polls at about 18 percent.

"The breakup of the German government on the day after Donald Trump's election will paralyze Berlin for months. While the timing is coincidental, both developments have the same root cause: the rise of populism," said Oliver Meier, policy and research director at the London-based European Leadership Network. In Germany and elsewhere in Europe, populist parties have fragmented the political landscape to a degree that forming coalitions with a coherent worldview has often become impossible, he added.

These developments mirror trends across the EU, where nationalist and populist parties gained significant traction in the 2024 European parliamentary elections. Economic recession and disillusionment with incumbent governments have further eroded public confidence, fueling a surge in anti-establishment sentiment.

Pol Morillas, director of the Barcelona Centre for International Affairs, predicts that 2025 will see an intensification of individualistic diplomacy. "Diplomacy will be increasingly portrayed as a one-man show pretending to represent national interests. Ego-politics and individualism will be the basis on which foreign policy priorities are built. This will come at the expense of the nuances and complexities of exercising world politics," he observed.

Beyond national politics, intra-EU divisions are deepening. Northern and Southern European states continue to clash over fiscal policies, while Eastern and Western members remain at odds over immigration and environmental policies. These disagreements threaten to paralyze collective decision-making.

The Schengen Area has also experienced the impacts of these divisions. In 2024, several countries -- including Germany, Austria, France, Slovenia, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark -- reinstated temporary border controls in response to rising security concerns and migration pressures. These measures, set to remain in place at least in the first half of 2025, have fueled debates over the balance between national security and the core principle of free movement.

MOUNTING GEOPOLITICAL CHALLENGES

The EU's neighborhood is increasingly unstable: the Russia-Ukraine conflict is continuing, while the Israel-Hamas conflict is destabilizing many of Europe's southern neighbors and forcing Europeans to look south as well as east. Relations with China and the U.S. are delicate, while climate change poses ever-growing economic, social and geopolitical challenges.

"The major challenge for Europe is geopolitical," says Erik Brattberg, senior vice president at Albright Stonebridge Group.

Nearly three years into the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, European leaders are ramping up defense spending and pursuing greater strategic autonomy. Trump's return to the White House in January would mean that Europe can no longer -- or at least much less -- rely on the U.S. for its defense and security. However, disparities in military capabilities and defense priorities hinder the creation of a unified EU defense policy.

Brattberg suggests that the trajectory of the conflict, combined with the potential for a Trump-brokered ceasefire agreement, could compel European capitals to seriously consider deploying troops in Ukraine to provide credible security guarantees.

Likewise, the EU must stand united and make collective decisions to serve as a mediator, rather than a mere observer, in the Middle East crisis.

IS THE FUTURE STILL EUROPE?

One of Brussels' most iconic murals, "The Future is Europe," was removed in December to make way for a new European Commission conference center. The artwork by Belgian-Congolese artist Julien Crevaels symbolized European optimism -- a sentiment now tested by the continent's challenges.

The EU's future hinges on its ability to strengthen unity and improve collective decision-making. In an era of economic uncertainty and geopolitical tension, the path forward will require balancing national interests with broader European goals.

Compared to its postwar vision of peace and prosperity, the EU faces a far more complex landscape today. As Seneca's adage reminds us: "If you don't know what port you are sailing to, no wind is favorable."

2025 will be a pivotal year for Europe, demanding resilience, foresight, and decisive action from its leaders. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen underscored this sentiment in a November speech in Budapest, stating, "The future of Europe is in our hands. We've shown that Europe can take responsibility by standing together."

But the question remains -- will European leaders rise to the occasion, continue to bridge divisions for the collective good, and hold the future of the continent in their hands? 
The Satanic Verses' Returns to India: A look back at why Rushdie went into hiding and the books 'silent' comeback

Chhabi Kala

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Swiggy is hiring a 'gifting curator'. Candidate needs to have 'exceptional taste and aesthetic sensibility'

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'Moscow put forward theories ...': Azerbaijan's president says plane that crashed was shot at from Russia

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Chhabi Kala

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Apple's answer to Google Lens is here: How to use Visual Intelligence on these iPhones

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Aabhas Sharma

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From fake cops to cloned voices of loved ones: 2024s most 'dangerous' scams

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JERUSALEM, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- Fighters in the Gaza Strip fired about five rockets at southern Israel on Sunday afternoon, the Israeli military said.

The rockets triggered air raid warning sirens in the city of Sderot and other communities near the Palestinian enclave. No injuries were reported.

In a statement, the military said that two of the rockets were intercepted by the Iron Dome anti-rocket system, while the rest "likely fell in open areas."

This marked the second consecutive day of projectile fire from the besieged enclave as the Israeli onslaught continues. The two long-range rockets fired Saturday from Gaza toward the Jerusalem area were also intercepted.

Israel has been striking Gaza since last October, cutting off most food, medicines, gas and aid to the territory and killing at least 45,500 people, according to Gazan health authorities. 
SEOUL, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's transport ministry said on Sunday that its investigation unit secured both of the two black boxes from a crashed passenger jet that has killed at least 167.

An official with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said in a televised press briefing that the retrieval of both flight data and voice recorders was completed to look into the exact cause of the accident.

The passenger plane with 175 passengers, including 173 South Koreans and two Thais, as well as six flight attendants on board crashed while attempting to land at the Muan International Airport, some 290 km southwest of the capital Seoul, at about 9:07 a.m. local time (0007 GMT) on Sunday. 
KABUL, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- Afghanistan will receive over 9.4 million U.S. dollars in aid from leading aid agencies for thousands of displaced people and returnees in the country, the caretaker government's Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation said in a statement on Sunday.

The ministry has signed three memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with the aid agencies, which will implement public utility projects in five provinces benefiting over 13,610 families, said the statement.

About 1 million Afghan refugees have returned to their homeland from Pakistan, Iran, and Turkiye over the past eight months, according to recent official data from the ministry.

The Afghan caretaker government has called on local and international organizations to invest in the country and help create job opportunities. 
President Emmerson Mnangagwa is expected to seek divine guidance this Sunday, joining thousands of worshippers at the 8th annual Zimbabwe National Thanksgiving and Dedication Service in Bulawayo.

The service, held under the theme Our Country, Our Opportunity, celebrates the nations progress and potential as it strives towards Vision 2030. However, this display of faith comes amidst growing international concern over potential political instability stemming from efforts within his Zanu-PF party to extend his presidency beyond its constitutionally mandated limits.

The strong historical relationship between the Zimbabwean government and religious institutions is well-documented, characterised by mutual support and collaboration on various social and development initiatives. The church frequently plays a pivotal role in community development, offering essential services and support where government resources may be insufficient. This years service, therefore, holds added significance, providing a backdrop against which concerns about the Presidents political future are playing out.

Meanwhile, a report from the United States-based Robert Lansing Institute has cast a shadow over the national thanksgiving. The report, titled Securing a Third Term: Strategies, Risks, and Implications for Zimbabwes Democracy, warns of the potential for widespread civil unrest and international isolation should attempts to amend the constitution to allow President Mnangagwa a third term succeed.

The Institutes analysis highlights the significant legal and political hurdles involved in such an undertaking. Amending the constitution to allow a third term could face legal challenges and would likely require a national referendum, posing significant hurdles, the report notes. It further warns of potential public resistance, stating, There is potential for public resistance, as citizens may view the move as undermining democratic principles, leading to civil unrest or increased support for opposition movements.

President Mnangagwa, 82, has publicly maintained that he does not intend to seek a third term, despite reports of internal party divisions. These divisions appear to centre around the efforts of some within Zanu-PF to push for a constitutional amendment that would pave the way for his continued leadership beyond 2028. The Robert Lansing Institutes report suggests that such a move could have severe consequences, both domestically and internationally.

The report predicts that a push for a third term would likely lead to increased international isolation, potentially resulting in diplomatic sanctions or economic penalties. Pursuing a third term could attract criticism from the international community, potentially resulting in diplomatic isolation or economic sanctions, further impacting Zimbabwes economy, the report states. While acknowledging that nations like China and Russia might support Mnangagwa due to geopolitical interests and Zimbabwes resources, the Institute stresses the potential damage to Zimbabwes democratic institutions.

Pursuing a third term would likely accelerate the erosion of democratic principles in Zimbabwe, entrench authoritarian practices, and deepen public distrust in governance, the report concludes. It further warns that while such a move might consolidate Mnangagwas power in the short term, it risks long-term instability, economic decline, and further marginalisation of Zimbabwe on the global stage.

The Institutes analysis also considers the potential responses of regional bodies such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union (AU). It suggests that these organisations might prioritise regional stability over upholding democratic norms in Zimbabwe, potentially offering tacit support to Mnangagwas extended rule. The report notes that South Africa, as Zimbabwes neighbour and largest trading partner, has a strong interest in maintaining regional stability.

The potential for a third term resonates with the legacy of Robert Mugabe, Mnangagwas predecessor, whose removal in a 2017 coup followed years of political infighting and a failed attempt to manage succession within Zanu-PF. Opposition leaders have vehemently condemned the idea of a third term, warning of a return to dictatorship and the reversal of progress made in Zimbabwes democratic development.

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By Jon Danielsson, Director, Systemic Risk Centre at London School Of Economics And Political Science. Originally published at VoxEU.

Financial crises usually inflict the most damage when banks suddenly shift from pursuing profits to survival. This column argues that such drastic behavioural changes render statistical analyses based on normal times ineffective. That is why we cannot predict the likelihood of crises, or what banks will do during those crises. Since this behaviour arises from a natural desire for self-preservation, it cannot be regulated away.

In times of extreme stress, banks instinctively prioritise self-preservation to weather the storm. Whereas this is understandable from their perspective, it leads to perhaps the most significant harm caused by financial crises.

Milton Friedmans controversial criterion states that a businesss objective is to make money for its owners (see Kotz 2022). When applied by a bank CEO, this principle manifests in two distinct behavioural regimes.

Most of the time  perhaps 999 days in a thousand  banks focus on maximising profit through regular borrowing and lending activities.

However, on that rare one day in a thousand, when a major upheaval strikes and a crisis unfolds, short-term profit takes a backseat to survival. Banks halt the provision of liquidity and start hoarding it, triggering runs, fire sales, and a denial of credit to the real economy. This is usually the main economic damage of crises. It is difficult to predict or prevent  and impossible to regulate  because it arises from self-preservation.

These two vastly different behavioural regimes frustrate investors and regulators, not least because statistical models based on normal times fail to capture them.

The One-in-a-Thousand-Day Problem

The buildup to a crisis and the recovery afterwards are prolonged processes that can span years or even decades. But the actual crisis erupts suddenly, catching almost everyone off guard. It is as if we go to bed one night and wake up the next morning to find ourselves in a crisis.

Fortunately, crises are rare. According to Laeven and Valencias (2018) financial crises database, the typical OECD country experiences a systemic crisis once every 43 years. Given that the high-intensity phase of a crisis is relatively short, it is reasonable to say that a country is not in an acute crisis 999 out of a thousand days, but in crisis on that one remaining day.

The intense phase of a crisis is driven by banks striving to survive. Profit becomes irrelevant because they are willing to incur significant losses if it means securing their future. Critical decisions are made for entirely different reasons than usual  and often not by the usual people.

Survival hinges on having as much liquidity as possible. Banks minimise liquidity outflows and convert their liquidity into the safest assets available  historically gold; today, central bank reserves. When investors went on strike in August 2007, they were motivated by survival.

This drive for self-preservation leads to fire sales and runs. Entities dependent on ample liquidity face hardship or even collapse, while the real economy suffers as credit lines are cancelled and banks refuse to lend. These outcomes constitute the main damage from crises and explain why central banks inject liquidity during such times.

Collectively, this indicates two distinct states: the usual 999 days when banks maximise profit, and that critical last day when they focus on survival. Roys (1952) criterion aptly describes this behaviour  maximising profit while ensuring they do not go bankrupt. Thus, these two behavioural regimes are a direct consequence of aiming to maximise shareholder value.

Speed Is Essential

The shift from pursuing short-term profits to survival happens almost instantaneously. Once a bank decides it needs to weather a storm, acting quickly is crucial. The first bank to withdraw liquidity from the system stands the best chance of survival. Those who hesitate will suffer, and even fail.

This was evident when the Hong Kong family office Archegos Capital Management could not meet margin calls. Two of its prime brokers  Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs  acted almost immediately and mostly avoided losses. The other two  Nomura (which lost about $2 billion) and Credit Suisse (which lost about $5.5 billion)  hesitated, held lengthy meetings, and hoped for the best.

Implications for Risk Measurement

The one-in-a-thousand-day problem signifies a complete structural break in the financial systems stochastic processes because the 999-day regime differs fundamentally from the crisis regime.

Each 999-day regime also differs from others. Crises occur when risks are ignored and accumulate to a critical point. Once a crisis happens, that particular risk will not be overlooked again, and new hedging constraints will alter how prices evolve. This means we have a limited ability to predict price movements after a crisis.

Consequently, models based solely on the 999 normal days  an almost unavoidable practice  cannot forecast the likelihood of a crisis or its developments. Attempting to do so leads to what I have termed model hallucination (Danielsson 2024).

This also explains why market risk techniques such as value-at-risk (VaR) and expected shortfall (ES), which focus on relatively frequent events (for VaR, one in a hundred days; for ES, one in forty days), are inherently uninformative about crises.

After the 2008 crisis, I organised an event with senior decision makers from that period. Tellingly, one of them remarked: We used the models until we didnt.

Policy Consequences

The one-in-a-thousand-day problem leads to significant misunderstandings about crises.

Excessive leverage and reliance on ample liquidity are the underlying causes of crises. But the immediate crisis trigger and the ensuing damage result from financial institutions simply trying to survive.

Therefore, when analysing crises, we must consider both factors: leverage and liquidity as the fundamental causes, and self-preservation as the immediate cause, which influences the likelihood and severity of a crisis.

We can regulate leverage and liquidity through macroprudential measures. However, we cannot regulate self-preservation. Banks behaviour during a crisis is not misconduct or excessive risk-taking  it is the instinct to survive.

In fact, financial regulations can inadvertently exacerbate the one-in-a-thousand-day problem.

Imagine all financial institutions prudently adhere to regulatory demands. Regulators increasingly instruct them on how to measure and respond to risk. When an external shock occurs  such as a virus outbreak or war  all these prudent institutions perceive and react to the risk similarly because they are following the same instructions from the authorities. The result is collective selling in a declining market and uncontrollable fire sales. These prudent banks are not permitted to put a floor under the market and halt the fire sales. Only central bank liquidity injections do so.

This is the fallacy of composition in financial regulations: making all institutions prudent can actually increase the likelihood and severity of crises.

The Impact of Artificial Intelligence

The growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) exacerbates the one-in-a-thousand-day problem (Danielsson and Uthemann 2024).

In banks, one of the primary users of AI and advanced computing is the treasury function  the division that manages liquidity. When the treasury AI detects rising uncertainties, it swiftly decides whether to profit by supplying liquidity and stabilising the market, or to withdraw liquidity, which might trigger systemic stress.

Here, AIs strengths  speed and decisiveness  can be detrimental.

In a crisis, the treasury AI acts swiftly. Stress that might have unfolded over days or weeks now escalates in minutes or hours. AIs ability to handle complexity and respond rapidly means future crises are likely to be much more sudden and vicious than those we have experienced so far.

Conclusion

A common belief holds that one stochastic process governs how banks and other financial institutions behave, regardless of the underlying conditions  maximising short-term profits within set constraints. If this were true, we could use data from normal times to model not only bank behaviour during stress but also the likelihood of crises.

However, this view is incorrect.

There are two states: routine profit maximisation for about 999 days out of a thousand, and self-preservation on that one critical day.

In crises, banks disregard short-term profits to focus on survival. This means that normal-time behaviour cannot predict actions during a crisis or the likelihood of one occurring. It also implies that post-crisis behaviour and market dynamics will differ from previous patterns.

The survival instinct explains why crises can be so suddenly triggered and become so severe.

As we increasingly adopt AI for liquidity management, future crises may become particularly swift and intense, unfolding in minutes or hours rather than days or weeks.

Recognising the one-in-a-thousand-day problem allows authorities to mitigate the damage caused by crises and enables investors to hedge risks or even profit. Otherwise, they risk being blindsided, exacerbating the resulting harm.

References available at the original.
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A winter fishing event is being held on the frozen Lianhuan Lake in Mongolian Autonomous County of Dorbod in China's Heilongjiang, attracting many tourists.




Jakarta, Dec 28 : The Indonesian government has provided emergency assistance to quake-stricken Vanuatu to help the nation carry out emergency relief efforts following the 7.3-magnitude quake on December 17 that killed a dozen people and wounded hundreds of others.

A plane carrying a medical team and 50.5 tonnes of logistics and food departed from Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force base in East Jakarta on Friday afternoon.

Health Minister Budi Sadikin expressed his expectation that the medical team would begin aiding the victims of the catastrophe upon their arrival in the country. According to him, the team is scheduled to conduct the humanitarian mission for 14 days, Xinhua news agency reported.

Earlier on December 24, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) also announced that it had provided $5 million in contingent disaster financing to support emergency relief efforts in Vanuatu following a 7.3-magnitude earthquake that struck the capital, Port Vila, on December 17.

The grant had come from the fifth phase of the Pacific Disaster Resilience Programme, which had also supported progress in strengthening the country's capacity to manage and reduce disaster risks.

The program had been financed by a $20 million concessional loan from the ADB's ordinary capital resources and a $21 million grant from the Asian Development Fund.

The situation in Vanuatu remained concerning after the massive earthquake, and the government had requested international assistance on December 18.

The government of Vanuatu had declared a state of emergency for seven days following the 7.3-magnitude earthquake. At least 14 people had been confirmed dead, with more than 200 injured. Authorities had anticipated that the toll would rise.

To complement the national response, the government had requested international assistance, as Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN chief, had told reporters.

According to local authorities, the damage inflicted by the quake had been extensive, including to hospitals, residential and public buildings, roads, water reservoirs, and gas pipes. Villages near Efate had also experienced landslides. Communications in many areas had been cut off.

Operations at Port Vila International Airport in the capital city had also experienced delays due to damage to its terminal building and road network, although the runway had been functioning, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported. The airport had remained closed to all commercial services. However, on December 22, Port Vila International Airport had reopened to commercial airline operations.

Access to the seaport had also been disrupted by a landslide, limiting the transport of essential supplies and personnel.

The United Nations and its partners had been mobilising resources to respond, OCHA had said. It had been deploying response teams, including a UN disaster assessment and coordination team, in the quake-hit region.

UN humanitarians had said that immediate needs included medical supplies and repairs to medical structures, mobile medical teams, and search and rescue teams with heavy machinery for clearing, as well as safe drinking water.
Melbourne, December 28 : The John Cain Arena played host to a historic PKL Melbourne Raid, featuring a spectacular double-header that showcased kabaddi's finest talent from the PKL as well as from Australia.

The evening witnessed two contrasting matches: a nail-biting encounter between the PKL All Star Masters and PKL Mavericks that ended in a thrilling 41-39 victory for the Mavericks. Meanwhile, the showpiece international clash between the Pro Kabaddi All Stars and the host nation's Aussie Raiders saw the All Stars emerge victorious with a commanding 46-28 scoreline.

The PKL Melbourne Raid's opening match began with strong defensive displays before Saurabh Nandal's Super Raid gave the PKL All Star Masters an early lead. However, the PKL Mavericks responded with an ALL OUT, powered by two-point raids from Ajay Thakur and Pardeep Narwal. Despite this, the momentum shifted when Maninder Singh's Super Raid inflicted an All-Out on the Mavericks, giving the Masters a 22-19 lead at half-time.

The second half saw Pardeep Narwal showcase his prowess with a Super Raid, helping the Mavericks close the gap. Though the Masters briefly regained the lead through Jai Bhagwan's Super Raid, Pardeep Narwal's Super 10 performance proved decisive. Despite late drama threatening to swing the match, the Mavericks held on to secure a thrilling 41-39 victory, keeping the fans at the John Cain Arena on the edge of their seats.

In the second match, it took the Pro Kabaddi All Stars just three and a half minutes to inflict an All-Out on the Aussie Raiders, but Benny Gowers tackled Pardeep Narwal, getting the Australian team to four points on the board. The fifth point for the Aussie Raiders was won by Brett Deledio, with a running hand touch on Saurabh Nandal. By then, the score read 9-24 at the end of the first half.

In a bid to get their match back on track, the Aussie Raiders inflicted an All-Out on the Pro Kabaddi All Stars after Heppel managed to get touches on Jeeva Kumar and Anup Kumar. This move reduced the deficit to 12 points.

Soon after, Maninder Singh and Sukesh Hegde contributed crucial points, whilst Rakesh Kumar and Ran Singh provided solid defensive support, helping the Pro Kabaddi All Stars maintain control throughout most of the match. Despite some impressive moments from the Aussies, including a successful All-Out led by Heppel and Billy Gowers' heroic struggle against Ran Singh, the home team's lack of experience showed in crucial moments.

The Pro Kabaddi All Stars' superior tactical awareness and raid efficiency ultimately proved decisive as they closed out a commanding 46-28 victory at John Cain Arena, with the final raid seeing Joshua Kennedy brought down on the left flank as the Pro Kabaddi All Stars went on to win by 17 points.
Los Angeles, December 28 : Actor and former model Dayle Haddon has died from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning at the age of 76.

The Solebury Township Police Department responded to a call at a home in Bucks County just after 9 am on Friday, reporting a man "lying down, passed out on the first floor of a detached office/in-law suite," The Hollywood Reporter, citing CBS News, reported.

The 76-year-old man, whose identity has not yet been revealed, was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Authorities later found 76-year-old Haddon dead in a second-floor bedroom. During their investigation, the fire department detected high levels of carbon monoxide in the property.

More details regarding the incident are awaited.

Born in Toronto on May 26, 1948, Haddon rose to fame as a supermodel before moving to Hollywood to pursue acting. She landed her first role in the Disney movie The World's Greatest Athlete in 1973. She went on to accumulate about 25 acting credits, including 1975's The Cheaters, 1977's Madame Claude, 1979's North Dallas Forty, 1986's Desert Chase, 1989's Cyborg, 1992's Unbecoming Age, and 1994's Bullets Over Broadway.
New Delhi, December 29 : After a war of words erupted between BJP and Congress over memorial space for former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, BJP leader Gaurav Bhatia, in a counter attack, asked Congress the reasons for not building a memorial and not giving the "deserved" funeral to former PM PV Narasimha Rao.

This comes after Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Saturday lashed out at the Centre's decision to conduct former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's cremation at Nigambodh Ghat and said that the Centre should have thought "beyond politics and narrow-mindedness" in this matter.



Sharpening his attack, Bhatia asked Priyanka to share the pictures of Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi paying tribute to the mortal remains of former PM PV Narasimha Rao.



In a counter attack, Bhatia alleged Priyanka of playing "cheap and petty politics" and stated that former PM Manmohan Singh is the pride of the nation and every citizen of the country, especially the Modi government.





"Did Sonia Gandhi or Rahul Gandhi go to pay tribute to Narasimha Rao after the sad news of his death? Please share the picture." - Gaurav Bhatia

"By not providing an adequate place for the cremation of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, the Government has not done justice to the dignity of the post of former Prime Minister." - Priyanka Gandhi Vadra

Highlights: Political Tensions: A war of words has erupted between BJP and Congress over the memorial space for former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Gaurav Bhatia's Remarks: BJP leader Gaurav Bhatia criticized Congress for not building a memorial for former PM PV Narasimha Rao and questioned the funeral arrangements made by Congress for him. Priyanka Gandhi's Criticism: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticized the government's decision to conduct Manmohan Singh's cremation at Nigambodh Ghat, arguing it lacked dignity and respect. Accusation of Political Games: Bhatia accused Priyanka Gandhi of engaging in "cheap and petty politics" while emphasizing the contributions of Manmohan Singh to the nation. Tribute Requests: Bhatia challenged Priyanka to provide evidence of Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi paying tribute to PV Narasimha Rao after his death. Respect for Narasimha Rao: Bhatia highlighted that Narasimha Rao's body was not allowed to enter Congress headquarters, and his family was told to cremate him in his native city rather than New Delhi. Samadhi Sthal Inquiry: Bhatia asked Priyanka to share the address of any memorial (Samadhi Sthal) built by Congress for Narasimha Rao, expressing a desire to pay tribute together. Governments Recognition: Bhatia noted that the Modi government posthumously awarded PV Narasimha Rao the Bharat Ratna, recognizing his contributions. Congresss Previous Decisions: The UPA government had previously rejected requests for separate memorials in the national capital, citing lack of space. Public Sentiment: Priyanka Gandhi expressed concern over the difficulties faced by Manmohan Singh's family during the cremation and emphasized the need for respectful treatment of former Prime Ministers.

In a social media post on X, Bhatia wrote, "My sister Priyanka, Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji is the pride of the nation and every citizen of the country, especially the government led by Mr. @narendramodi Ji and we the people of BJP, wholeheartedly respect his contribution to the nation.""Since you have decided to play cheap, petty politics and talk about respecting former Prime Ministers, every citizen of the country wants to know why former Prime Minister Shri PV Narasimha Rao ji was not given the funeral he deserved by the Congress Party. Did Sonia Gandhi or Rahul Gandhi go to pay tribute to Narasimha Rao after the sad news of his death? Please share the picture," the X post added.The BJP leader further alleged that former PM PV Narasimha Rao mortal remains weren't allowed to kept at the Congress headquarters and his family was told not to cremate him in New Delhi but in his native city.Attacking further, Bhatia asked Priyanka to share the address of the 'Samadhi Sthal' built by Congress for ex PM Narasimha Rao, saying that they will go together to pay tribute to him."The social media post reads, "His body was not allowed to enter the Congress headquarters. His family was told not to cremate him in New Delhi but in his native city. Is this respect? I am sure that you and Rahul Gandhi will definitely muster the courage to ask these tough questions to your mother, Mrs. Sonia Gandhi. And yes, please share the address of the Samadhi Sthal built by Congress for Narasimha Rao ji, we will go together to pay tribute. Our government has honoured his contribution by awarding him Bharat Ratna posthumously. Waiting your answer, citizen of India, Gaurav Bhatia."On Saturday, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in a social media post on X, wrote, "By not providing an adequate place for the cremation of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, the Government has not done justice to the dignity of the post of former Prime Minister, the personality of Manmohan Singh, his legacy and the self-respecting Sikh community."The Congress MP further said that "earlier all former Prime Ministers" were given the highest honour and respect and Manmohan Singh deserves this "honour and Samadhi Sthal.""Today the whole world is remembering his contribution. The government should have thought beyond politics and narrow-mindedness in this matter. This morning, I felt this when I saw Dr. Manmohan Singh ji's family members struggling for a place at the funeral site, trying to find a place in the crowd, and the general public getting troubled due to lack of space and paying tribute from the road outside," she added.The UPA government had rejected requests for separate memorials in the national capital citing lack of space.
Moscow, December 29 : Gazprom announced that it will reduce natural gas supplies to Moldova to zero starting January 1, 2025, citing contract violations and the Moldovan government's failure to settle debts for gas deliveries, state agency TASS reported.

In a statement, the Russian energy company said it had notified Moldovagaz, one of the largest enterprises in the energy sector in the country, on Saturday about Moldova's repeated failure to meet payment obligations under the current contract, which constitutes a breach of its terms.



"In this regard, based on the provisions of the contract and applicable norms of Russian legislation, PJSC Gazprom will introduce a restriction on natural gas supplies to the Republic of Moldova to 0 cubic metres per day from 8:00 am Moscow time (5:00 a.m. GMT) on January 1, 2025," the Russian company said in a statement.



The company in its statement noted that the restriction will remain in effect until Gazprom notifies Moldovagaz in writing otherwise, TASS reported.



Gazprom emphasized that it reserves all legal rights, including the option to terminate the contract and to seek compensation for damages and penalties from Moldovagaz for non-compliance or inadequate fulfillment of its contractual responsibilities.



According to a Euro News report, Moldova in late 2022 suffered significant power outages following Russian strikes on Ukraine, which is interconnected to the Kuciurgan plant.



When Russia launched its full scale invasion on Ukraine in 2022, Moldova became entirely dependent on Moscow for natural gas.



Earlier on December 13, Moldova's parliament approved the declaration of a state of emergency in the energy sector, citing concerns that Russia might cut off sufficient natural gas supplies during the winter months.



Following the vote, Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean warned that Russia could intentionally use energy supplies as a tool to destabilise the country, potentially leaving citizens "without heat and electricity in the middle of winter."




Srinagar, Dec 28 : The Army on Saturday said that it has launched a Human Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operation in Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district following unprecedented heavy snowfall.

The snowfall rendered the road to Tangmarg impassable, stranding numerous tourists.

Responding promptly to an SOS from the civil administration regarding tourists stranded, the Indian Army undertook a swift action.

"The rescue mission, led by the Indian Army, aimed to evacuate the stranded tourists and provided immediate aid and relief," the statement said.

"Demonstrating efficiency and commitment, the operation successfully rescued 68 civilians, including 30 women, 30 men, and 8 children. The operation, initiated at 1900 hours, showcased exemplary coordination between Indian Army and Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA)."

The rescued individuals were provided with shelter and meals at the Gulmarg Army base.

They remained there until the road was cleared and deemed safe for further travel.

"This prompt and compassionate response earned immense appreciation from the tourists and local authorities," the statement added.

"Indian Army's unwavering commitment, professionalism, and efficiency in the face of adversity highlighted their dedication to public welfare. The operation stands as a testament to the Army's readiness to protect and serve, even in the harshest conditions. The Indian Army is ever committed for the welfare of the citizens."

Besides army, the police have also been in the forefront of rescue operations. On Saturday in view of the snowfall, J&K Police extended helping hands to the people by evacuating ailing patients and rescuing hundreds of stranded passenger vehicles during the ongoing snowfall across the Kashmir valley.

Police said in Anantnag, a distress call was received which reported that a vehicle carrying four tourists traveling from the National Highway via Dalwach to Dooru had stuck in the heavy snow leaving the passengers stranded in extreme weather conditions.

A police team of Police Station Dooru rushed and rescued all four tourists and safely evacuated them to a secure location.

Moreover, police facilitated the emergency evacuation of a female patient from Bragam Dooru to Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Dooru in a police vehicle. The patient, who had recently undergone surgery, experienced severe pain and required immediate medical attention.

Upon receiving the distress call, police acted swiftly, arranging transportation and ensuring the patient was safely shifted to the hospital without delay.

Police in Budgam rescued tourists stranded in Doodhpathri and helped patients, commuters and tourists who were stuck on roads at different places across the district especially in far flung areas.

In Pulwama, a distress call was received, reporting that a group of people along with a deceased body were stranded at Wahibugh while enroute to Qazipora Budgam. Acting swiftly, police ensured the dead body was carried on foot to Qazipora, enabling the bereaved family to perform the final rites.

In another incident early Saturday morning, two women in need of emergency medical attention were rescued near Turkawagan Bridge. Braving adverse weather conditions, police transported the patients to District Hospital Pulwama, where they received the medical treatment.

In Ganderbal, the police extended assistance to tourists, commuters and patients stranded in the snow at various locations across the district.
New York, Dec 29 : Koneru Humpy, India's top-rated female chess player, secured her second World Rapid Championship title, finishing the tournament with 8.5/11 here on Sunday (IST).

She won her first gold in the 2019 edition, in Moscow.

In a seven-way tie at the top at the start of the final, 11th round, Koneru stood out as the only player to score a victory. Playing with the black pieces, she outmanoeuvred Indonesias International Master Irine Kharisma Sukandar in a challenging endgame, claiming the title in style.

"It's not easy to become a world champion when you are 37. It's quite difficult when you get older to keep that motivation and stay sharp when required. I'm glad that I made it," Kuneru said after the triumph, as quoted by FIDE.

"I feel very happy for winning for the second time. In fact, I didn't expect it at all because I lost my first-round game, and I never imagined that I could finish the tournament as a world champion. This victory is very special. When I am on my lower side, I think this gave me the boost to fight and to again work on chess," she added.

Konerus victory adds another feather to the spectacular success of Indian chess in 2024, after the country won gold in the Chess Olympiad this summer in both the Open and the Womens Competition, and Gukesh D won the title of World Champion in classical chess.

"It's high time for India - we have Gukesh as the World Champion and now I got the second world title in the Rapid event," Kuneru.

Konerus path to the top began quietly, with just 2.5 points out of four on day one. By the conclusion of day two, however, she surged into shared first place alongside compatriot Harika Dronavalli and reigning Classical World Champion Ju Wenjun of China.

Entering the last round, the leaderboard featured an unprecedented seven-way tie. Alongside Koneru - Ju Wenjun, Harika Dronavalli, Kateryna Lagno, Tan Zhongyi, Irine Kharisma Sukandar, and Uzbekistans Afruza Khamdamova all held a chance at the title, FIDE reports.

Lagno, one of the pre-tournament favourites, had earlier dealt a critical blow to former World Champion Alexandra Kosteniuk in round nine, while Khamdamova stunned Grandmaster Elisabeth Paehtz to join the leaders.

Konerus 8.5 points secured clear first place, half a point ahead of a pack of six players who tied for second: Ju Wenjun, Kateryna Lagno, Tan Zhongyi, Harika Dronavalli, Alexandra Kosteniuk, and Afruza Khamdamova.

Meanwhile, the 18-year-old Volodar Murzin made history as the second-youngest person to win the Open Rapid.
MANILA, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said that 13 Filipino surrogates convicted by a Cambodian court on Dec. 2, 2024 for violating Cambodia's law on the Suppression of Human Trafficking, returned to the Philippines on Sunday.

"All 13 departed Phnom Penh, Cambodia and arrived safely in Manila following the grant of Royal Pardon by His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni on Dec. 26, 2024," the DFA said in a statement.

The royal decree pardoning all the 13 Filipinos paved the way for their release and immediate repatriation, based on the Philippine Embassy's request and the Cambodian government's endorsement.

The DFA conveyed the Philippines' appreciation to Cambodia for the humanitarian treatment extended to Filipino mothers throughout the investigative and judicial processes.

"Their safe homecoming is a testament to the longstanding friendly relations between the Philippines and Cambodia and the firm commitment of both governments to combat human trafficking and other transnational crimes," the DFA added.

The DFA reminded the Filipinos anew that surrogacy is banned in Cambodia, and any violation thereof is punishable under Cambodian laws.

The 13 were among the 24 foreign women caught by the Cambodian police in Kandal province in September and charged with attempted cross-border human trafficking, according to a statement from the Kandal court. 
Mumbai, Dec 29 : As the Indian real estate sector undergoes transformative changes, driven by evolving consumer expectations, technological advancements, and government initiatives, collaboration between developers, policymakers and stakeholders will be essential to address the growing demand for quality housing, sustainable practices and cutting-edge technology in 2025, according to industry experts.

According to Prashant Sharma, President, Maharashtra National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO), affordable housing remains a cornerstone of Indias real estate agenda, with the governments continued emphasis on schemes like PMAY (Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana) driving momentum in this segment.

2024 saw steady progress in making homeownership accessible to the middle and lower-income groups. However, meeting the dual challenges of affordability and quality will require innovative solutions in 2025. Developers must adopt cost-effective construction techniques and collaborate with policymakers to bridge the demand-supply gap, he mentioned.

Sustainable and green buildings are quickly becoming the standard. According to Sharma, in 2024, we witnessed a significant shift toward eco-friendly practices as developers embraced green construction technologies, energy-efficient designs, and sustainable building materials.

Homebuyers and investors are increasingly valuing projects that offer long-term environmental and economic benefits. This trend will only grow stronger in 2025, as sustainability evolves from being a differentiator to an industry imperative, he noted.

Rapid urbanisation and infrastructure development have been pivotal in shaping the real estate market this year.

Projects such as metro expansions, expressways, and smart cities have fueled demand for residential and commercial spaces in metropolitan and suburban areas.

The momentum is expected to continue in 2025, with developers focusing on creating integrated townships and mixed-use developments that cater to the needs of a growing urban population, said experts.

Indias real estate sector has also emerged as a preferred destination for foreign investment, bolstered by regulatory reforms and a burgeoning middle class.

The private equity (PE) investments in the Indian real estate sector reached $4.2 billion in 2024, marking a 32 per cent year-on-year (YoY) growth amid high demand in the warehousing segment, according to a Knight Frank India report.

In 2024, we saw increased interest from institutional investors and sovereign wealth funds, particularly in commercial and warehousing spaces.

Looking ahead, maintaining transparency, improving ease of doing business, and delivering consistent returns will be crucial to sustaining this momentum and further boosting global investor confidence, said industry experts.

Shishir Baijal, Chairman and Managing Director of Knight Frank India, said that India has seen a rise in investments, particularly over the past decade, driven by economic stability and consistent growth.

As these trends unfold, they bring both challenges and opportunities for the real estate sector and 2025 will require industry leaders to adapt, innovate, and remain attuned to the shifting dynamics of the market.
New Delhi, Dec 29 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the 117th episode of his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat' on Sunday launched a nationwide campaign to honour the milestone of India celebrating 75 years of the adoption of its Constitution

He said, "2025 is just around the corner, knocking on the door. On January 26, 2025, it will be 75 years since the adoption of the Constitution. It is a matter of immense pride for all of us. The Constitution that our Consitution makers gave us has stood the test of time. The Constitution is our guiding light. It is the Constitution of India because of which I am here today and am talking to you."

This year, on Samvidhan Divas, November 26, India celebrated 75 years of the adoption of its Constitution.

The Prime Minister said that to honour this milestone, a nationwide campaign will be held inviting citizens to read the Preamble and share their videos, thereby offering a sense of collective pride and unity.

He said a special website http://Constitution75.com has been created to connect the citizens of the country with the legacy of the Constitution. He urged the school-going children and college-going students to visit the site and be a part of the Consitution Day celebrations.

"You can read the Constitution in different languages and ask questions pertaining to the Constitution," the PM said.

Earlier in a post on X, the PM said that this month's Mann Ki Baat covers a wide range of topics that will interest all.

The Parliament thoroughly discussed the 75 years of India's Constitution. Both Houses -- Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha conducted a discussion which saw the ruling party and the opposition in moments of heated debate. The debate reflected on the significance and evolution of the Constitution since its adoption on November 26, 1949.
New Delhi, Dec 29 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during the 117th episode of his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat', highlighted the preparations for the upcoming Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, stressing its vastness, diversity, and message of unifying spirit.

PM Modi noted that preparations for the Maha Kumbh in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj are progressing at full pace.

Recalling his recent visit to Prayagraj, he said, "A few days ago, I had the opportunity to see the entire Kumbh area from a helicopter. It was overwhelming  so massive, so beautiful, so grand. The Maha Kumbh is special not just because of its vastness but also due to its diversity."

The Prime Minister highlighted the event's inclusiveness, stating, "Crores of people gather, accompanied by lakhs of priests, thousands of traditions, hundreds of communities, and various Akhadas. There is no discrimination  no one is big or small. Such unity in diversity is not seen anywhere else in the world. That is why our Kumbh is also a 'Maha Kumbh of Unity.' This year's Maha Kumbh will further strengthen the mantra of unity."

Urging citizens to take a pledge of unity and removing the "divisional hatred" from the society during the Kumbh, PM Modi remarked, "In a nutshell, I would say, 'Maha Kumbh ka sandesh, ek ho poora desh' (Maha Kumbh's message is to unite the entire country). And in other words, 'Ganga ki aviral dhara, na bate samaaj humara' (Just like the flowing Ganga, our society must not be divided)."

The Prime Minister also spoke about the digital innovations planned for the Maha Kumbh, such as a navigation system for various ghats, temples, and parking areas and an AI-powered chatbot to provide comprehensive information. He encouraged participants to share selfies with the hashtag Ekta Ka Maha Kumbh.

PM Modi also highlighted the upcoming milestone of 75 years since the adoption of India's Constitution, which will be celebrated on January 26, 2025.

"This is a moment of immense pride for all Indians. Our Constitution, crafted by visionary makers, has stood the test of time. It is our guiding light," he said.

To commemorate this milestone, the Prime Minister mentioned year-long activities starting from this year's Constitution Day on November 26. A dedicated website, Constitution75.com, has been launched to engage citizens, especially students, with the legacy of the Constitution.

He urged young Indians to participate in these celebrations and deepen their understanding of the Constitution's values.
New Delhi, December 29 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged the people to resolve to eliminate the feelings of division and hatred in society as they participate in the Mahakumbh Mela in 2025.

The Mahakumbh held once every 12 years, is scheduled to begin on January 13 and conclude on February 26, 2025, in Prayagraj.

Addressing the 117th episode and final episode of 2024, PM Modi said, "The Mahakumbh is going to be held in Prayagraj from January 13. At this time, mammoth preparations are going on at the Sangam banks there. When we participate in the Kumbh, let us make a resolve to annihilate the feeling of division and hatred in society."

PM Modi said that the Kumbh is the Mahakumbh of unity as there is no discrimination here and everyone is equal.

"For the first time, an AI chatbot will be used in the Kumbh event. All kinds of information related to Kumbh will be available in 11 Indian languages through the AI chatbot. There is no discrimination anywhere, no one is big, no one is small. Therefore, our Kumbh is also the Maha Kumbh of Unity. Devotees will be provided information about government-approved tour packages, accommodation and homestay on their mobile phones," he said.

He also said that in the 2025 Mahakumbh digital navigation will be available to aid devotees reach different ghats and temples with ease.

"With the help of digital navigation, you will be able to reach different ghats, temples, and akharas of sadhus in Mahakumbh 2025 The same navigation system will also help you reach parking spaces. The entire Fair area is being covered with AI-powered cameras. If someone gets separated from one's kith and kin during the Kumbh, these cameras will help in finding them. Devotees will also get the facility of a digital lost & found centre," he added.

The main bathing festival, known as the "Shahi Snan" (royal baths), will take place on January 14 (Makar Sankranti), January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), and February 3 (Basant Panchami) when the attendee's number is likely to be highest.

Over 45 crore people are expected to attend the Mahakumbh which is held once every 12 years.

Mann Ki Baat is Prime Minister Modi's monthly radio programme, where he discusses important national issues with the citizens of India. The programme is broadcast on the last Sunday of every month. Launched on October 3, 2014, Mann Ki Baat aims to connect with various segments of Indian society, encompassing women, the elderly, and the youth.

Apart from 22 Indian languages and 29 dialects, 'Mann Ki Baat' is broadcast in 11 foreign languages, including French, Chinese, Indonesian, Tibetan, Burmese, Baluchi, Arabic, Pashtu, Persian, Dari, and Swahili. Mann Ki Baat is broadcast by more than 500 centers of All India Radio.
New Delhi, December 29 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday hailed the Constitution, saying that it has stood the test of time and serves as a guiding light.

Addressing the 117th episode and last 'Mann Ki Baat' episode of 2024, PM Modi said, "On January 26, 2025, our Constitution will complete 75 years of its implementation. It is a matter of great pride for all of us. The Constitution handed over to us by our Constitution makers has stood the test of time. The Constitution is a guiding light for us, our guide. To connect the citizens of the country with the legacy of the Constitution, a special website named http://constitution75.com has been created. Here you can upload your video reading the Preamble of the Constitution. You can read the Constitution in different languages and also ask questions about the Constitution."

India marked a milestone on November 26, 2024, commemorating the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of India. On this day in 1949, the Indian Constituent Assembly adopted the Constitution, which came into force on January 26, 1950, establishing India as a democratic republic. In 2015, the Government of India designated November 26 as Constitution Day (Samvidhan Divas) to honor the adoption of the Constitution. Since then, the nation has celebrated this occasion annually.

PM Modi also praised the farmers of Odisha's Kalahandi district in transforming it into a vegetable hub.

"I want to tell you about an effort in Kalahandi, Odisha - The 'Vegetable Revolution' where once farmers were forced to migrate; today, Golamunda block of Kalahandi has become a vegetable hub. It started with a small group of just 10 farmers. This group together established an FPO - 'Kisan Utpad Sangh', started using modern technology in farming, and today their FPO is doing business worth crores. Today more than 200 farmers are associated with this FPO, including 45 women farmers. This success of Kalahandi teaches us what all can be done with determination and collective effort," he said.

Mann Ki Baat is Prime Minister Modi's monthly radio programme, where he discusses important national issues with the citizens of India. The programme is broadcast on the last Sunday of every month. Launched on October 3, 2014, Mann Ki Baat aims to connect with various segments of Indian society, encompassing women, the elderly, and the youth.

Apart from 22 Indian languages and 29 dialects, 'Mann Ki Baat' is broadcast in 11 foreign languages, including French, Chinese, Indonesian, Tibetan, Burmese, Baluchi, Arabic, Pashtu, Persian, Dari, and Swahili. Mann Ki Baat is broadcast by more than 500 centers of All India Radio.
Dharamshala, December 29 : The Tibetan Parliament-in-exile passed a resolution expressing unwavering solidarity with Tibetans enduring severe repression under Chinese rule.

The official statement reaffirmed the Tibetan people's ongoing struggle for their fundamental human rights, religious freedom, and cultural preservation in the face of the Chinese Communist Party's occupation of Tibet.

The resolution began with a solemn tribute to the Tibetans who had sacrificed their lives and well-being for Tibet's freedom and culture. It emphasised the profound courage shown by Tibetans in Tibet who continued to resist the Chinese government's systematic oppression despite facing extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, and forced disappearances.

The resolution also extended condolences to the families of those who had been martyred in the cause of Tibet.

Central to the resolution was the condemnation of China's "sinicization" policies, particularly the expansion of state-run boarding schools designed to forcibly assimilate Tibetan children. These colonial-style schools, the resolution stressed, separated children from their families, communities, and cultural heritage, deepening the cultural genocide.

It specifically condemned the recent closure of the Ragya Gangjong Norbu Lobling School in Golog, which had long been a beacon of Tibetan education and culture. The resolution demanded an immediate halt to these policies and called for the freedom of Tibetans to practice their religion, language, and culture without coercion.

Another critical point of the resolution was the demand for the release of the 11th Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, who had been detained by the Chinese government since 1995. The resolution also called for the release of all Tibetan political prisoners and demanded accountability for their treatment.

Reaffirming Tibet's historical sovereignty, the resolution challenged China's claim over Tibet, asserting that Tibet had never been a part of China. The Tibetan Parliament-in-exile stood firm in its commitment to the Middle Way Policy, advocating for dialogue to resolve the Sino-Tibetan conflict. However, it stressed that any failure by the Chinese government to engage in meaningful dialogue would hold China responsible for the future consequences.

The resolution also expressed profound gratitude to the government and people of India, and to global supporters, especially the United States, for their unwavering solidarity. Finally, it called on Tibetans in exile to continue advocating for Tibet's rights and cultural preservation in their respective countries. This resolution marked a powerful reaffirmation of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile's commitment to the just cause of Tibet.
New Delhi, Dec 29 : India recorded its highest ever coal production of 997.826 million tonnes (MT) in the financial year 2023-24 which represents an 11.71 per cent increase in comparison to the corresponding figure of 893.191 MT in the year 2022-23, according to the year-end review of the Coal Ministry.

During the calendar year 2024 (up to December 15, 2024), the country supplied about 963.11 MT of coal as compared to about 904.61 MT of coal during the same period of last year with a growth of about 6.47 per cent. This comprised a coal supply to the Power Sector of 792.958 MT as compared to 755.029 MT coal during the same period of last year with a growth of 5.02 per cent.

The coal supply to the non-regulated sector during the calendar year was 171.236 MT as compared to 149.573 MT during the same period of last year with a growth of 14.48 per cent.

The Ministry of Coal has launched 'Mission Coking Coal' to enhance domestic coking coal production to reduce the import of coking coal, keeping in view the demand projection of the steel sector. This mission aims to increase domestic raw coking coal production up to 140 MT by FY 2029-30.

The total domestic raw coking coal production during the financial year 2023-24 is 66.821 million tonnes (MT) while the domestic raw coking coal production target for the financial year 2024-25 is 77 MT.

The target to increase raw coking coal production by FY2029-30 from CIL subsidiaries is about 105 MT by FY2029-30 from 60.43 MT during FY 2023-24.

Modernization and renovation of existing ageing washeries of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) and Central Coalfields Limited (CCL), which have surpassed the designed lifespan, for its optimal utilization to make more high-quality coal available in the country.

Supply of coal to the steel sector through the Non-Regulated Sector (NRS) Linkage auction route to promote domestic coking coal for steel production and implementation of reforms in the auction process with the aim of substitution of coking coal import are also being undertaken.

The Ministry of Coal has also auctioned 14 coking coal blocks to the private sector. These blocks are expected to start production by 2028-29.
Seoul, Dec 29 : A passenger jet carrying 181 people belly-landed and exploded at an airport in South Korea's southwestern county of Muan on Sunday, leaving 176 people dead and three others missing, authorities said. Two crew members survived.

It marked yet another deadliest aviation disaster in the country's history and the worst involving a local airline since the deadly 1997 Korean Air plane crash in Guam that killed 228.

The accident happened at around 9 a.m. when the Jeju Aeroplane, carrying 175 passengers and six crew members, veered off the runway while landing at Muan International Airport in Muan County, South Jeolla Province, about 288 kilometres southwest of Seoul, Yonhap news agency reported.

The plane skidded along the ground without its landing gear deployed, crashing into a concrete wall before bursting into flames with a deafening explosion.

The authorities confirmed 176 deaths from the accident and classified the remaining three as missing persons.

They said search operations will continue overnight to find the three who are still unaccounted for. Earlier, the authorities said they had identified 22 victims.

"After the plane collided with the wall, passengers were thrown out of the aircraft. The chances of survival are extremely low," a firefighting agency official said.

"The aircraft has almost completely been destroyed, and it is difficult to identify the deceased," the official said. "We are in the process of recovering the remains, which will take time."

The 181 people were aboard the Boeing 737-800 plane that had departed from Bangkok at 1:30 a.m. It was scheduled to arrive in Muan at around 8:30 a.m.

Most of the passengers were Koreans, except for two Thai nationals.

Of those on board, 82 were men, and 93 were women, ranging in age from as young as three to 78 years old. Many were in their 40s, 50s and 60s.

A temporary morgue has been set up inside the Muan airport to lay the bodies of the victims.

Only the two crew members survived the accident as they were rescued shortly after the crash. They were treated at separate hospitals in Mokpo and have now been transported to Seoul. Their injuries were not life-threatening.

Officials believe the landing gear failure, possibly due to a bird strike, may have caused the accident. They began an on-site investigation to determine the exact cause.

The land ministry said in a briefing that an airport control tower had warned of a bird strike just six minutes before the crash.

One minute later, the pilot of the Jeju Aeroplane declared "Mayday," an international distress signal sent from a plane in a critical situation.

The South Jeolla authorities raised emergency alerts to the highest levels and deployed all available rescue and police personnel to the accident site.

Acting President Choi Sang-mok declared Muan County a special disaster zone as he visited the crash site to instruct officials to make all-out efforts for search operations.

Choi also expressed deep condolences to the bereaved family members and promised to offer them all possible government assistance.

The presidential office convened an emergency meeting of top secretaries earlier in the day and decided to maintain a round-the-clock emergency system for timely responses to the search and other operations.

At the meeting, presided over by Presidential Chief of Staff Chung Jin-suk, the officials also discussed ways for interagency coordination on the probe into the accident and medical and other support.

Acting National Police Agency Commissioner-General Lee Ho-young also ordered officials to mobilise all available resources and work with firefighting and other related agencies to help with the rescue efforts.

Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae issued an apology and extended condolences to the family members who lost their loved ones, vowing to provide all necessary support to the victims' families.

"Regardless of the cause, I take full responsibility as the CEO," Kim said.
Seoul, Dec 29 : Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced emergency disaster payments for people affected by a major bushfire in the country's southeast.

Albanese on Sunday assessed the damage caused by the ongoing bushfire in the Grampians National Park, approximately 230 km west of Melbourne, along with the Premier of the state of Victoria, Jacinta Allan, reports Xinhua news agency.

Albanese told reporters that federal and state government disaster recovery payments will be available from Monday for workers and sole traders directly affected by the fire, providing up to 13 weeks' worth of income support.

"This has been a devastating fire event," he said. "We live in a country that's got harsh conditions; the truth is they are becoming more frequent and more intense."

The bushfire was ignited by a lightning strike on December 6 and has burnt through over 70,000 hectares of farmland, national park and private property.

No injuries have been reported, but significant livestock was lost is reported.

Additionally, earlier on Saturday, three homes have been lost in the town of Moyston, while 11 outbuildings have been destroyed by the fire across Moyston and Pomonal.

Several towns and communities in and around the park were ordered to evacuate in the lead-up to Christmas Day, but most residents had been allowed to return home as of Sunday as conditions eased.

However, authorities have warned that they expect the fire to continue burning for several weeks.

Earlier on December 25, authorities in Australia's state of Victoria issued an emergency warning to residents in the Grampians mountain range, urging them to evacuate as bushfire conditions worsened. VicEmergency issued a fire warning on Wednesday afternoon, urging residents in Moyston and Pomonal, two towns in western Victoria, to leave immediately as the bushfire in Grampians National Park continued to burn.

Albanese on Sunday urged people to continue abiding by emergency warnings and evacuation orders, describing a failure to take them seriously as disrespectful to firefighting crews.
Dharamsala, Dec 29 : Nestled in the serene folds of this Himachal Pradesh hill station, where prayer flags flutter in the mountain breeze and chants echo against the majestic Dhauladhar ranges, a quiet revolution has been unfolding for the last two decades.

Inspired by the secular ethics of the Dalai Lama, Tong-Len, a humble charity founded by Tibetan monk Jamyang, draped in red robes, has been scripting tales of the transformation of the underprivileged -- one child at a time.

What began as an audacious dream to pull local slum children out of despair has now blossomed into a success story of empowerment. The legacy of Tong-Len isn't just etched in its classrooms or clinics; it lives on in its students. One of its earliest graduates now manages the charity's affairs, while others have stepped into society as a doctor, a nurse, and a journalist -- carrying the torch of hope lit by their mentor.

As Tong-Len celebrates its 20-year milestone, the founder envisions a future where its legacy isn't confined to brick and mortar but thrives in the hearts and actions of the very children it once sheltered. This is the story of a journey that began in the shadows of poverty and now shines brightly.

From its humble beginning in 2004, Tong-Len has grown into a beacon of hope for more than 23,200 people of underprivileged, particularly those who live in the slums.

Currently, Tong-Len School in Sarah village on the outskirts of Dharamsala, where the Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has resided for over six decades, educates 300 children with over 120 of them living in boarding school.

On February 9, 2005, Tong-Len opened a hostel just three km from the Charan Khad slum, home to migrant labourers from Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat and West Bengal. For 35 years, generations had called Charan, now evicted, home.

A turning point came in 2011 when the Dalai Lama inaugurated the Tong-Len Hostel and Campus in Sarah Village surrounded by British-era private tea estates and a resort. The Dalai Lama Trust has provided Rs 75 lakh for setting up the hostel.

In 2017, the charity opened its school, a semi-residential institution that offers classes up to Class 10.

Jamyang, who believes himself as a simple Buddhist monk, who founded Tong-Len Charitable Trust, told IANS that students of Class 11 and 12 continue their studies at nearby public and private schools while residing in their hostel.

After schooling, they are trained in skill jobs through the Tong-Len Vocational Training Centre to make them self-sufficient.

Jamyang, 51, who came to India as a Tibetan refugee at the age of 13, said the Dalai Lama Trust has funded education, health and empowerment projects of Tong-Len charity. A large number of foreign donors are also sponsoring education.

Pinky Haryan, who tops every class and was rehabilitated from the Charan slum, is one of the legacies of transformation. She is a doctor and serves humanity. She was in the first batch of students.

"I want to become a doctor and serve humanity," she had told IANS when she was in Class 6. A Britain-based family sponsored her medical education in China.

"What seemed like an impossible dream for a street child became a reality. The dedication of Tong-Len went beyond academic learning. They nurtured my growth as a compassionate and optimistic individual. This support not only helped me become well educated but also instilled in me the values of kindness and service to humanity," she wrote in a memoir published by the charity to mark two decades of its journey.

Interestingly, the 35-page magazine was authored and produced by another alumnus, Nisha Golyan, who believes her journey from silence to a voice was for change as a freelance journalist.

After graduating from Christ College, one of the prestigious institutions, Golyan earned a degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from New Delhi. Through her writings, she's educating her community about their basic rights and raising awareness about the injustices that once silenced them.

For slum children, their other role model is Poonam, a nurse by profession. She feels proud of serving people with the same hands that once sifted garbage. "When they (slum children) see me, they see hope, they see potential and they see a future," she believes.

Today many like her, and many others from the charity are pursuing nursing.

Sunny Shinde and Renu Haryan's journeys are testaments to resilience and transformation. Both have returned to their community and the charity that has shaped their lives. As committed staff members, they oversee the welfare of slum communities.

From being a student to an educator, Mamta Kumari, who believes the school has the most important role to play in shaping one's personality, came back to her alma mater. She believes her alma mater is her haven and a place she calls her own.

Monk Therchin Gyaltsen, affectionately known as Jamyang Guru-ji, told IANS that "now his wish and desire is that the day-to-day working of the Tong-Len charity should be handed over to former students who learned to stand on their feet and established themselves well in society."

Inspired by the teachings of the 14th Dalai Lama, who believes, "Religion is like tea, but ethics is like water. We can live without tea, but we cannot live without water," Jamyang thanked the Dalai Lama Trust, the Government of India, the Himachal Pradesh government and sponsors for transforming the lives of underprivileged and empowering communities.

At the opening ceremony of Tong-Len Hostel and Campus, the Dalai Lama said: "Poverty and the gap between the rich and the poor are morally wrong and practically a source of problem. We must make every effort to find ways to reduce this gap."

(Vishal Gulati can be contacted at vishal.g@ians.in)
Fireworks are pictured at a snow town scenic area in Hailin City, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Dec. 28, 2024. Located in Hailin City of Heilongjiang Province, the scenic area has seen a peak of tourism recently with the average number of daily visitors exceeding 20,000. (Xinhua/Yang Siqi)

A tourist poses for photos at a snow town scenic area in Hailin City, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Dec. 28, 2024. Located in Hailin City of Heilongjiang Province, the scenic area has seen a peak of tourism recently with the average number of daily visitors exceeding 20,000. (Xinhua/Yang Siqi)

Tourists pose for photos near the sign of a snow town scenic area in Hailin City, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Dec. 28, 2024. Located in Hailin City of Heilongjiang Province, the scenic area has seen a peak of tourism recently with the average number of daily visitors exceeding 20,000. (Xinhua/Yang Siqi)

Children play at a snow town scenic area in Hailin City, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Dec. 28, 2024. Located in Hailin City of Heilongjiang Province, the scenic area has seen a peak of tourism recently with the average number of daily visitors exceeding 20,000. (Xinhua/Yang Siqi)

This photo taken on Dec. 28, 2024 shows the night view of a snow town scenic area in Hailin City, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. Located in Hailin City of Heilongjiang Province, the scenic area has seen a peak of tourism recently with the average number of daily visitors exceeding 20,000. (Xinhua/Yang Siqi)
Centurion, December 29 : South Africa registered their spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 which is set to be played at the Lord's next year following their victory against Pakistan by two wickets in the first Test of their two-match series here on Sunday.

The Proteas were already on top of the WTC standings after a 2-0 series sweep against Sri Lanka at home. Having played 11 Tests in the ongoing cycle, South Africa have won seven games and have a win percentage of 66.67.

Having started off the ongoing cycle with a drawn series at home against India, followed by a clean sweep at the hands of New Zealand, the Proteas bounced back with impressive wins away from home against West Indies and Bangladesh, followed by dominant displays at home.

The Temba Bavuma-led side pipped Australia, India and Sri Lanka - who are also in contention - to become the first team to book a spot in the Final at Lord's next year, barring any point deductions owing to slow-over rate.

Requiring a win to confirm qualification, South Africa had been dealt early blows by Pakistan late on the third day after the visitors had set up a total of 148. At Stumps on Saturday, the Proteas were three down for 27 at the SuperSport Park.

But starting the day's play on Sunday, skipper Temba Bavuma combined alongside Aiden Markram to restore some calm, but Pakistan forged another comeback with pacer Mohammad Abbas snapping six wickets in the second innings.

The Proteas were left teetering at 99/8 when Kagiso Rabada (31*) joined Marco Jansen (16*) in the middle. The duo combined to add runs for the ninth wicket to seal the win.

Earlier, South Africa had won the toss and elected to field first in Centurion.

The hosts were put in the driving seat after Dane Paterson (5/61) and debutant Corbin Bosch (4/63) ran through the visiting batting on the opening day.

With Pakistan putting a fight back with the ball, Aiden Markram and Corbin Bosch gritted it out with the bat to help the home team gain a 64-run lead in the first innings.

Despite half-centuries from Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel, Pakistan were unable to capitalise with the bat and post a challenging total.

Marco Jansen was the pick of the bowlers for the Proteas, snapping the third fifth-wicket haul of his career as Pakistan bundled out for 211.

The hosts eventually managed to chase down the total in the most dramatic of ways to make it to the WTC Final for the first time.

Brief Score: Pakistan 211 & 237 (Saud Shakeel 84, Babar Azam 50, Marco Jansen 6/52) vs South Africa 301 & 150/8 (Temba Bavuma 40, Aiden Markram 37, Mohammad Abbas 6-54).
Seoul, December 29 : The South Korean authorities on Sunday confirmed that 179 people were killed and two people were rescued out of 181 aboard following a plane crash in South Korea's Muan region, Yonhap News Agency reported.

The incident occurred on Sunday morning when a Jeju Air passenger jet, carrying 175 passengers and six crew members, belly-landed and exploded at Muan International Airport, the Yonhap News Agency reported.



The aircraft veered off the runway while landing, with its landing gear not deployed, skidding across the ground, hitting a concrete wall, and bursting into flames.



The two rescued crew members were transported to hospitals in Seoul after receiving initial treatment.



According to Yonhap News Agency, the crash is now the deadliest aviation disaster on South Korean soil and the third most fatal involving a South Korean airline.



A firefighting agency official stated that the chances of survival were extremely low, as the collision threw passengers out of the aircraft, and the plane was almost destroyed.



"After the plane collided with the wall, passengers were thrown out of the aircraft. The chances of survival are extremely low," the firefighting agency official said as quoted by Yonhap News Agency.



"The aircraft has almost completely been destroyed, and it is difficult to identify the deceased...We are in the process of recovering the remains, which will take time," the official added.



The flight, which departed from Bangkok, was scheduled to land in Muan at 8:30 am (local time). A temporary mortuary has been set up at the airport to handle the victims' bodies.



According to Yonhap News Agency, investigators are looking into a potential bird strike causing a landing gear failure, which may have led to the accident. Authorities have recovered the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder.



South Korea's acting President Choi Sang-mok, also declared Muan County a special disaster zone and visited the crash site to direct search operations.



Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae further issued an apology and expressed condolences to the victims' families, taking full responsibility for the incident.



The airline has promised full support for the surviving families, including financial assistance, citing its USD 1 billion insurance plan.



"Regardless of the cause, I take full responsibility as the CEO," Kim said.




Chandigarh, Dec 29 : Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Sunday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared the success story of Kurukshetra's efforts in malaria prevention with the entire country during his Mann Ki Baat programme.

The Prime Minister praised Kurukshetra for presenting a model to tackle malaria. The state Health Department ran special campaigns to control mosquito breeding, spread awareness through radio and other mediums, and successfully reduced malaria cases.

The Prime Minister commended the state's efforts and mentioned that the World Health Organization (WHO) has also recognised Indias initiatives in malaria prevention.

Chief Minister Saini listened to the Mann Ki Baat programme along with party workers in Panchkula.

The Chief Minister said the Prime Minister also talked about the upcoming Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, starting on January 14 and emphasised its cultural and traditional importance.

The speciality of the Maha Kumbh is not only in its vastness. The speciality of the Kumbh is also in its diversity. Crores of people congregate for this event. Lakhs of saints, thousands of traditions, hundreds of sects, many Akharas, everyone becomes a part of this event. There is no discrimination anywhere, no one is big, and no one is small. Such a scene of unity in diversity will not be seen anywhere else in the world. Therefore, our Kumbh is also the Maha Kumbh of unity, the PM said.

Commending Mann Ki Baat as a highly educational and inspiring programme, the Chief Minister said it provides valuable insights into various fields, including sports, agriculture, health, and employment. Collaborative work is being appreciated by the farmers through Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).

Later, the Chief Minister attended a satsang at the Sant Nirankari Bhawan in Panchkula. He praised the Sant Nirankari Mission for its participation in various social initiatives. The CM said he recently participated in the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign held at the Sant Nirankari Adhyatmik Sthal in Samalkha, where approximately 30,000 saplings were planted.

The Chief Minister said that under the leadership of Satguru Mata Sudiksha-ji Maharaj, the mission also participates in blood donation camps and cleanliness drives, which benefit society significantly.

Former Vidhan Sabha Speaker, Gian Chand Gupta, and other dignitaries were also present.
New Delhi, Dec 29 : The year 2024 saw a significant decline in Maoist activities, with the Central government setting a deadline to finish off Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) by March 2026. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is learnt to have asked the officials and agencies responsible to tackle this menace to expedite the process. The Prime Minister wants LWE to be wiped out within the next 15 months.

In the month of October this year, Union Home Minister Amit Shah reaffirmed the government's commitment to eradicating LEW by 2026. As the year draws to a close now, the combination of intensified security operations, increased infrastructure development, and proactive social programmes signals that LWE is nearing its end in India.

Despite the ongoing challenges in regions like Bastar (Chhattisgarh) and the continued presence of key leaders, security forces with the government's support are on the job to eliminate the menace of LWE.

Intelligence estimates suggest that approximately 3,000 Maoists are still active, predominantly in Chhattisgarh. However, LWE's grip on the country is steadily weakening.

This year, security forces made major breakthroughs in dismantling Maoists' strongholds in the state of Chhattisgarh. Regions like Abujmarh, once a LWE-dominated pocket, now see many families returning to their homes. These families had left their homes due to threats by Maoists.

There are several camps of security forces now in these regions, instilling a sense of confidence among the locals. In one of the largest operations, the Border Security Force (BSF) eliminated 29 Maoists, including top Maoist leader Shankar Rao, in April. In October, another major operation in Chhattisgarh resulted in the killing of 31 Maoists, with no casualties on the security forces' side.

The government's efforts to curb Maoist violence have shown impressive results.

The number of LWE-affected districts dropped significantly from 126 in 2018 to just 38 in 2024.

The violence related to LWE has decreased by 73 per cent compared to 2010, with a remarkable 86 per cent drop in deaths.

The reduction in LWE-related incidents continued in 2024, with a 25 per cent decline from the previous year.

The government also allocated Rs 4,350 crore from 2019 to 2024 to enhance security and infrastructure in LWE-affected areas.

This funding supported initiatives like the construction of 14,469 km of roads, the installation of 6,567 telecom towers, and the opening of 1,007 bank branches across the affected districts.

Moreover, 46 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and 178 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) have been set up to provide quality education and skill development for tribal youth, helping to divert them from the LWE influence.
Jaipur, December 29 : Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari on Sunday announced plans to elevate the state's tourism sector, including the development of new tourist destinations and enhancing the facilities at existing ones in a bid to establish Rajasthan as a premier global travel destination.

Diya Kumari highlighted the state's ongoing efforts to boost tourism branding and infrastructure and expressed her excitement about Jaipur hosting the prestigious IIFA Awards for the second time in India, which she described as a significant opportunity for the state's tourism sector.

"We are going to develop new tourist destinations and improve the branding and facilities of existing destinations. We want Rajasthan to be the top spot for global tourists visiting India. It is a happy occasion that the IIFA awards which are happening for the second time in India will take place in Jaipur this time," Kumari told ANI.

Earlier, Diya Kumari also announced the launch of a new tourism unit policy and stated that the government plans to offer more incentives to the tourism sector.

The Rajasthan Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of over Rs 35 lakh crore during the 'Rising Rajasthan' Global Summit 2024.

Rajasthan CM Sharma announced that the state government will present the status of works signed under the MoUs during the Rising Rajasthan Global Summit 2024. CM further mentioned that the status of the initiatives will be reviewed on December 11, marking one year since the summit.

Rajasthan CM highlighted the importance of the Rising Rajasthan summit in elevating the industrial agenda of the state, which will have a far-reaching effect in shaping the state's business environment.

The Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit 2024, which concluded on December 11, attracted global investors, industry leaders, policymakers, and government officials.
DAMASCUS, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- A powerful explosion on Sunday rocked a former Syrian government's weapons depot near the Adra Industrial City in the northeast of the capital Damascus, killing at least two people, according to the war monitor Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Meanwhile, local Sham FM radio confirmed the incident and said the casualties resulted from what is believed to be an Israeli attack.

An online video emerged showing extensive damage and bodies on the ground amid widespread destruction within the facility.

The explosion follows a series of reported Israeli raids against former government-linked sites, as Syria's new administration consolidates power after the collapse of the previous government on Dec. 8. 
From SBI To India Post Payments Bank, List Of Govt Jobs To Apply This Week

Published By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: December 29, 2024, 17:39 IST

From manager to lab technician, we have curated a list of top government organisations that are currently recruiting individuals for varied posts

Top job openings to apply for this week (Representative Image)

Preference for government jobs is soaring in India, but finding a government job that suits your skills and educational qualifications is the toughest thing with the growing demand. But fret not; we have got your back. Here, we have curated top government-recruited organisations that are currently recruiting individuals for varied posts. Check out the eligibility criteria and fill out the application forms for the positions as soon as possible.

Bank of Baroda Recruitment For 1267 SO Posts

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The Bank of Baroda has invited online applications for the post of Specialist Officer (SO). Interested candidates who meet the eligibility criteria can apply through the official website of the bank, bankofbaroda.in, till January 17, 2025. Under this recruitment drive, the bank aims to fill up a total of 1,267 managers and other posts. Candidates will have to undergo a four-tiered selection process, including an online test, a psychometric test, followed by a group discussion and/or interviewread more

NMC Recruitment For 245 Posts

The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has released a recruitment notification for a total of 245 posts across various departments. Interested candidates, between 18-38 years of age, can apply till January 15, 2025. The recruitment drive is for Civil Engineer Assistant, Nurse (GNM), Junior Engineer, and Officer Posts. Candidates who get selected for Nurse (GNM) posts can expect a salary between Rs 35,400 and Rs 1,12,400 per month, whereas the pay scale for Tree Officer, Civil Engineer Assistant, and Junior Engineer posts is Rs 35,400Rs 1,12,400, Rs 25,500Rs 81,100, and Rs 38,600Rs 1,22,800 per month, respectivelyread more

SBI Recruitment For 600 Probationary Officers

Looking for a job in the banking sector? The State Bank of India (SBI) is offering job opportunities for the Probationary Officer (PO) positions. Candidates can apply for SBI PO Recruitment 2024 on the official SBI website till January 16, 2025. To be eligible, candidates should be graduates in any stream and between 21-30 years of age. This recruitment is held for 600 vacancies, which includes 586 regular posts and 14 backlog vacancies. Upon selection as a Probationary Officer (PO), candidates will receive a salary of Rs 41,960 per monthread more

India Post Payments Bank Recruitment 68 For Specialist Officer

The India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) is looking for candidates for the positions of Specialist Officer (SO). Interested candidates can apply for a total of 68 vacancies across various roles. General category candidates are required to pay an application fee of Rs 750 for successfully filling the application form, while those belonging to SC/ST/PWD categories will have to pay Rs 150. It is worth noting that this government job is offering competitive salaries ranging from Rs 1.4 lakh to Rs 2.25 lakh per monthread more

NALCO Recruitment For 518 Non-Executive Posts

The National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) has started the online registration process for the recruitment of various non-executive posts in the Central public sector enterprise. Applicants can apply for the vacancies via the official website mudira.nalcoindia.co.in. As per the notification, the deadline to apply for the posts is December 31. Through this recruitment drive, NALCO will fill 518 vacancies for Fitter, Hemm Operator, Laboratory, Lab Technician, Motor Mechanic, First Aider, Geologist and other non-executive postsread more

UPSSSC Recruitment For 2702 Junior Assistant Vacancies

The Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UPSSSC) has started the registration process for the Junior Assistant positions across various departments. Candidates, between 18 and 40 years as of July 1, 2024, can apply for these posts by visiting the official website till January 22, 2025. As per the official notification, registered candidates can edit their application forms and avail of a fee adjustment facility until January 29, 2025. The recruitment drive aims to fill 2,702 positions in the department, including 1,099 for Unreserved Categories, 583 for SC, 64 for ST, 718 for OBC, and 238 for EWSread more

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RSMSSB Recruitment For 803 Jail Guard Positions

The Rajasthan Staff Selection Board (RSMSSB) is recruiting candidates for the posts of jail guard. The online registrations are underway, and the application window will remain open till January 22, 2025. Interested candidates can apply for 803 posts through the official website. It is important to note that the Jail Guard 2024 recruitment exam is scheduled to be conducted on April 9, April 10, and April 12, 2025. Talking about the selection process, candidates will be selected based on a written exam followed by document verification and a physical fitness testread more

First Published: December 29, 2024, 17:32 IST
7 Illegal Bangladeshi Immigrants, Including 5 Women, Deported From South Delhi

Last Updated: December 29, 2024, 18:18 IST

Raids were conducted in slums, labour camps, and unauthorised colonies, leading to the capture of the illegal immigrants.

Delhi Police teams carry searches to identify illegal stay of Bangladeshi immigrants | Image/ANI

At least seven illegal immigrants were deported from south Delhi, police said on Sunday.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (south) Ankit Chauhan said on Saturday a team apprehended seven nationals of Bangladesh, including five women, near the Arjangarh Metro Station in Fatehpur Beri area.

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He said raids were conducted in slums, labour camps, and unauthorised colonies, leading to the capture of the illegal immigrants.

The detained individuals were identified as Mohammad Umor Faruk (33), Riyaj Miyan (20) and five women, all hailing from Bangladesh, he added.

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During interrogation they revealed that they had illegally crossed the border and were residing in Rajeev Nagar in Gurgaon. Verification of their mobile phones and documents confirmed their Bangladeshi citizenship, said the DCP.

They were handed over to the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) following completion of necessary documentation, he said.

First Published: December 29, 2024, 18:18 IST
Bihar Students, Police Clash In Patna Over BPSC Exam Row, Case Against Prashant Kishor

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 30, 2024, 08:32 IST

The students took to the streets and started the march towards Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's residence.

Aspirants during a protest against the BPSC 70th Integrated Combined Competitive Examination (BPSC), demanding re-examination, in Patna (ANI)

The row over the alleged Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) question paper leak seemed to be heading for an impasse after the students protests intensified in Patna on Sunday.

The students took to the streets and started the march towards Chief Minister Nitish Kumars residence. They also held massive protest at Patnas Gandhi Maidan, demanding a re-exam to be held for the 70th BPSC prelims after alleged irregularities came to the fore.

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During the march towards CM House, the students broke the barricading at JP Golambar near Gandhi Maidan. The police, however, resorted to mild-lathi charge and water cannons to disperse the protestors. An FIR has also been logged against poll strategist Prashant Kishor and 619 other people in the case.

#WATCH | Bihar | Police use lathi charge to disperse the BPSC aspirants protesting in Patna, demanding a re-exam to be held for the 70th BPSC prelims pic.twitter.com/v9bhJYUptI ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2024

#WATCH | Bihar | Police use mild-lathi charge and water cannon to disperse the BPSC aspirants protesting in Patnas Gandhi Maidan, demanding a re-exam to be held for the 70th BPSC prelims pic.twitter.com/qA2enS4Llq ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2024

While the security has been beefed up to deal with any anarchic situation, the students have been resolute to encircle the CM house. This led to minor scuffles between students and police. The aspirants have been staging protests in Gardanibagh for several days, expressing their grievances on the matter.

While the security was beefed up to deal with the anarchic situation, the students were resolute to encircle the CM house. This led to minor scuffles between students and police.

BPSC aspirants said that they dont want politics and only demand re-exam. We dont want to be the victim of their (political leaders) politicsWe have only one demand, we want re-examinationAn attempt is being made to divert the issueWe dont want politics in this issue, we only want re-exam"

#WATCH | Bihar | BPSC aspirants say, We dont want to be the victim of their (political leaders) politicsWe have only one demand, we want re-examinationAn attempt is being made to divert the issueWe dont want politics in this issue, we only want re-exam" https://t.co/8PDYPgFvC1 pic.twitter.com/9ryxH1suqM ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2024

The police said that the they are ready to listen to the students. SP City Sweety Sahrawat said to ANI, We requested the students protesting to vacate the place but they didnt listen to usWe also said that they can put forward their demands, we are ready to listen to themThey also pushed us after which we used water cannon on them"

The Patna administration said, Jan Suraaj Party was denied permission to organise Chhatra Sansad in front of the Gandhi statue. However, a crowd gathered at the Gandhi statue and created law and order problem. A scuffle broke out between the crowd and Police. The crowd broke the loudspeakers installed by the administration. Despite repeated requests, these people violated the guidelines of the administration and disrupted public order. Therefore, the administration removed them by using water cannons and force. An FIR has been registered in Gandhi Maidan police station against 600-700 people including Jan Suraaj Chief Prashant Kishor on charges of unauthorized gathering of crowd, instigating people and creating law and order problems."

Prashant Kishor Joins Protest, Urges Justice

Political strategist and Jan Suraaj Party chief Prashant Kishor on Sunday joined the students and said that a five-member student delegation would meet the Bihar Government Secretary over the ongoing issue.

He appealed to protestors to halt the agitation for now and said that if the protestors are not satisfied with the governments response, tomorrow morning a decision will be made on the further protest.

#WATCH | Bihar | BPSC protest | Jan Suraaj Chief Prashant Kishor says, The government officials present here have assured us that the government has agreed to discuss the demands of the students and the five-member students committee will go and talk to the Chief Secretary pic.twitter.com/hW8PxEJRVK ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2024

The government officials present here have assured us that the government has agreed to discuss the demands of the students and the five-member students committee will go and talk to the Chief Secretary right now so that some decision can be taken on the problems and demands of the students If after talking to the Secretary, the students or the student organization of BPSC candidates are not satisfied, then tomorrow morning a decision will be made on the further protestI would request the students not to do anything right now that is not legal If the decision is not in favour of the students, if any injustice is done to the students, then we will stand with them with full strengthI am with the students" he said as quoted by ANI.

Earlier today, he had called a urging the students to assemble near Mahatma Gandhis statue at Gandhi Maidan in Patna for a Chatra Sansad (students congregation). However, the authorities denied permission for the event.

RJD, Congress Slam Nitish Government

On BPSC protest, RJD leader Sanjay Yadav said, We have been with the BPSC students from the beginning. Our leaders have been there. It was the intervention of our leader Tejashwi Yadav that put the normalization process on one side. Lathi charge was done and even the DM raised his hand on the studentsThe demands they have made are for the future of this country, and state. The government should undoubtedly listen to their demands."

#WATCH | Patna | On BPSC protest, RJD leader Sanjay Yadav says, We have been with the BPSC students from the beginning. Our leaders have been there. It was the intervention of our leader Tejashwi Yadav that put the normalization process on one side. Lathi charge was done and pic.twitter.com/Y0w2vPQijc ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2024

The Congress also hit out at the Nitish Kumar-led NDA government over the lathi-charge of the students. It shared a video of the cops thrashing the students and said, First, the Bihar government used water cannons on the youth in the intense cold and then used lathicharge mercilessly. The police did not spare anyone they just kept raining blows with batons. Unemployed youth in Bihar have been protesting against the rigging in BPSC exams for several days, but the government is not ready to listen to them. The government should leave its ego aside and talk to the youth and accept their demands,"

             ,            ..            BPSC            ,  pic.twitter.com/dEV6oCvccB  Congress (@INCIndia) December 29, 2024

BPSC Chairman Rules Out Cancellation Of Exam

Unfazed by mounting pressure, the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) on Friday made it clear that the 70th Integrated Combined (Preliminary) Competitive Examination (CCE) 2024 held on December 13 across the state will not be cancelled over allegations of question paper leak.

However, the commission confirmed that the BPSC would conduct a re-examination for candidates who appeared at the Bapu Pariksha Parisar examination center on December 13. The re-examination is scheduled for January 4, 2025.

The preliminary examination at the Bapu Pariksha Parisar in Patnas Kumhrar area was recently annulled after an official on duty suffered a fatal heart attack during a commotion caused by unruly" candidates on December 13. The re-examination, expected to involve around 12,000 candidates, will take place at a different center in the city.

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The BPSC has issued show-cause notices to 34 candidates allegedly involved in the disruption at the Bapu Pariksha Parisar center on the same date.

(With inputs from agencies)

First Published: December 29, 2024, 19:43 IST
Kerala MLA On Ventilator Support After Falling 20 Feet From Stadium Gallery

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 29, 2024, 23:47 IST

Thrikkakara Congress MLA Uma Thomas reportedly hit her head on the concrete ground after falling from the gallery.

Thrikkakara Congress MLA Uma Thomas (File image/ X)

In a tragic incident, Congress MLA Uma Thomas sustained serious injuries reportedly after falling from at least 20-feet-height gallery at Kochis Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium on Sunday evening.

The MLA was rushed to a private hospital near the stadium by volunteers and event organisers, as reported by news agency PTI.

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According to a medical bulletin issued by the hospital, injuries were found on the head and the spinal cord. Due to the fractures sustained on the face and ribs, there is internal bleeding in the lungs, it added.

Hospital authorities said the condition of the MLA, who has been placed on ventilator support, is still under critical care treatment.

According to hospital authorities, the Thrikkakara MLA is in critical condition and has been put on ventilator support.

fell from the first floor; Accident to Uma Thomas MLAThe organiser has placed a flat surfaces on the stadium chair #kbfc pic.twitter.com/BQLFe7ZIXw koroustan (@koroustan) December 29, 2024

As per the sources, Thomas reportedly hit her head on the concrete ground after falling from the gallery.

Kerala Minister P Rajeev informed about the health status of Thomas and said that she is being under treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

She is under treatment in the ICUI have discussed this with the CM and the health minister and they will send the medical teamExperts from different departments will come and thereafter they will consult with the doctors here and decide what should be done" he said to ANI.

#WATCH | Kochi | On Uma Thomas, MLA, sustains injuries, Kerala Minister P Rajeev says, She is under treatment in the ICUI have discussed this with the CM and the health minister and they will send the medical teamExperts from different departments will come and thereafter pic.twitter.com/CmbT6APhZQ ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2024

Health Minister Veena George said that an expert medical team from the Health Department would assess the health condition of Thomas. The team, led by Kottayam Medical College Superintendent Dr Jayakumar, includes specialists from Kottayam Government Medical College and Ernakulam Government Medical College, along with the hospitals existing medical board.

The health minister also held discussions with Rajeev, who is in-charge of the district, and interacted with the doctors overseeing Thomas treatment. Leader of Opposition, V D Satheesan, who also visited the hospital, said the immediate priority is to ensure proper medical care for the injured legislator. Her condition is stabilising," he added.

The accident took place today at around 6 pm, when Thomas, who had arrived at the stadium to attend a dance programme inaugurated by Culture Affairs Minister Saji Cherian, was proceeding towards the dais.

According to Congress sources, there was limited space in between the front row seats and the edge of the gallery that was barricaded using a ribbon.

A ribbon was tied at one end to cordon off people from proceeding there. The MLA reached the area and was having a conversation with a group who greeted her. Suddenly, she lost balance and fell down to land on a concrete platform at the ground, nearly 15 feet high. Blood started oozing out of her head and she was rushed to a city hospital in a waiting ambulance," a police official said.

Meanwhile, Congress leaders have alleged lapses in safety protocols at the stadium. According to Hibi Eden MP, there was insufficient barricading in the VIP gallery, with only a ribbon marking the edge.

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Meanwhile, Kochi City Police Commissioner Putta Vimaladitya inspected the accident site. The police said they would register a case regarding the alleged security lapses.

(With inputs from agencies)

Location : Kochi [Cochin], India

First Published: December 29, 2024, 22:00 IST
'Doing Fine Job': Bengal DGP Praises Police For Effective Vigil On Infiltration From Bangladesh

Last Updated: December 29, 2024, 23:50 IST

Indirectly criticising BSFs operations, West Bengal Director General of Police (DGP) Rajeev Kumar alleged several gaps in its handling of border security.

West Bengal Director General of Police (DGP) Rajeev Kumar (File image/ X)

West Bengal Director General of Police (DGP) Rajeev Kumar on Sunday asserted the responsibility of checking infiltration from Bangladesh lies with the Border Security Force (BSF), contending that the state police has effectively handled the issue despite shortcomings" of the central security force.

The IPS officer praised the police for their professionalism, saying they had successfully tackled the issue of infiltration.

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He assured the people that the state police was keeping tabs on the neighbouring countrys situation while referring to their past success in combatting both left- and right-wing extremism.

Its the responsibility of the BSF to look after the issue of infiltration. Despite various challenges, we (state police) are doing a fine job," Kumar said referring to the increasing infiltration through the states international border.

The DGP, who was talking to reporters at the state police headquarters here, was accompanied by ADG and IGP of the state intelligence branch, Javed Shamim, and Kolkata police commissioner Manoj Verma.

West Bengal Police is a very professional force. We would like to assure the people of the state that we are keeping a watch on the situation in Bangladesh. Earlier, we successfully handled left- and right-wing extremism. We will do it again," Kumar assured.

Even if someone enters India through Meghalayas Tura, they must pass through West Bengal to reach other states. The situation in Bangladesh is fragile and we dont want its ripple effects here," the IPS officer said.

Indirectly criticising BSFs operations, Kumar alleged several gaps in its handling of border security.

West Bengal is the only state with borders with three countries. The BSF is responsible for securing the borders, but its operations have several flaws. Recently, many people crossed the border into Bengal, but we are taking action. We arrest the intruders and ensure they are handed over to the relevant authorities," he added.

Kumar praised the police for their role in capturing a Tehreek-e-Mujahideen terrorist who was hiding in the state, and said the Special Task Force (STF) had tracked the person for two days before alerting Kashmir Police.

We are quietly doing our work. We tracked the Kashmiri terrorist for two days based on information from the state STF. Then we informed the Kashmir Police. We cant share too much information about the investigation," he said.

Kumars praise of the state police in handling the right-wing extremism drew flak from West Bengal BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari.

The BJP leader asked the IPS officer to disclose the names of organisations involved in right-wing extremism.

Adhikari also accused the Bengal DGP of peddling propaganda against the Nationalist Sanatani Organisations just like your counterparts across the Border in Bangladesh are falsely accusing the Sanatani Community there".

Mr. DGP @WBPolice; Rajeev Kumar (IPS), you have said that your efficient" Police Force is combating Right Wing Extremism".I dare you to name the Organizations that are involved in so-called Right Wing Extremism" in WB. Provide details regarding any alleged incident of pic.twitter.com/WYXVApHz7S Suvendu Adhikari (@SuvenduWB) December 29, 2024

Mr. DGP @WBPolice; Rajeev Kumar (IPS), you have said that your efficient" Police Force is combating Right Wing Extremism". I dare you to name the Organizations that are involved in so-called Right Wing Extremism" in WB. Provide details regarding any alleged incident of violence and names of the persons responsible, whom you have caught so far," Adhikari posted on X.

He also alleged that the state government had not provided land to the BSF and thus hundreds of kilometres of international border between India and Bangladesh remain open.

Adhikari also criticised Kumar, the additional chief secretary (ACS) of the state IT department, for not knowing the fact".

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Secondly, its surprising that you being the most important IPS Officer Super Cop who doubles up as a Bureaucrat (Principal Secretary) and holds the most powerful post after the CM, dont know that WB Govt hasnt been able to provide land to the @BSF_India for border fencing. Hundreds of kilometres of open border is the primary reason for cross-border infiltration. So blaming the BSF wont help your cause," he said.

Adhikari said on Monday he would hold a press conference where he would share information regarding the border fencing and the deliberate lack of coordination between the police and BSF".

First Published: December 29, 2024, 22:25 IST
Elections, Terrorism In Jammu, Return Of Omar Abdullah: How 2024 Was A Significant Year For J&K

Reported By :

News18.com

Edited By: Pragati Ratti



Last Updated: December 29, 2024, 17:09 IST

While governance challenges await the Omar Abdullah government in 2025, security grid is also watchful that the stone pelting, hartal, violence routine of pre-2019 does not make a comeback.

Omar Abdullah, who had a shock defeat in the Lok Sabha polls to Engineer Rashid, won both his seats for the assembly elections.(Image: PTI/File)

But the 2024 Jammu and Kashmir assembly election is as much a victory for the National Conference as it is for the Election Commission, the security grid and the Centre.

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The Narendra Modi government on August 5, 2019, had stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special status and statehood. Ladakh was bifurcated from the erstwhile state. The Supreme Court set a deadline of September 30, 2024, for elections in J&K. It was widely doubted if Jammuites and Kashmiris would see a free and fair election. The spectre of the 1987 rigged elections, that led to the birth of Hizbul Mujahideen and Syed Salahudin, was still hanging over the psyche of old timers. So, it is no mean achievement that the three phase elections in J&K went without any incident of bullet winning over ballot.

Record breaking numbers

If the assembly elections remained most talked about in Jammu and Kashmir in 2024, the Lok Sabha elections held in May set the tone for the democratic process in the state turned UT. Five seats of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) set a record on May 27, 2024, with a 58.46 per cent voter turnout. As per the ECI, this was the highest poll participation in the last 35 years.

Baramullah, once the hot bed of terrorism, stood out in the Lok Sabha polls with a 59 per cent voter turnout. Sopore, the home turf of former Hurriyat Chief Syed Ali Shah Geelani in Baramullah had seen 4 per cent voter participation in 2019. In 2024, the number, as per chief electoral officer of J&K, stood at 44 per cent.

The trend of voter enthusiasm continued in the assembly polls too. Almost 63.5 per cent voters turned out in the three-phase assembly elections. The third and final phase saw the maximum turnout of 68.72 per cent. The first two phases saw 61.38 per cent and 57.31 per cent voters respectively. Some constituencies like Kishtwar, which saw terror incidents hours before polling, saw 80 per cent voting.

Jamaat-e-Islami, separatists, all voted for democracy

The year 2024 was also significant for the democratic process in Kashmir, because the separatists, the erstwhile terrorists and families of terror accused, all lined up to vote or get voted. The banned Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) threw its hat in the electoral arena in at least 10 seats in the Kashmir valley. Jamaat backed candidates lost their deposit in majority of these seats including their influence zones of Shopian, Kulgam, Pulwama, Sopore. Their democratic foray was initially criticised by anti-BJP parties as Centre trying to interfere with a fair electoral process in the valley. But the electoral results are now touted by central agencies to argue that Jamaats decision to contest elections must be seen as a turning point and minus the conspiracy theory. Jamaat had last contested elections in 1987 and won four seats. Since then it has openly called for boycott of elections. After the Pulwama attack of 2019, which killed 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) men, MHA banned Jamaat-e-Islami under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.

Engineer Rashid

If JeI was the talk of the valley in October, in May, it was Engineer Rashid. Sheikh Abdul Rashid, popularly called Engineer Rashid, had been in jail since 2019 in a terror funding case. He created a flutter by defeating Omar Abdullah from the Baramullah seat in Lok Sabha polls. The MP from Awami Ittehad Party was released from Tihar jail ahead of assembly polls but failed to repeat the Lok Sabha performance. Of the 36 seats AIP contested, they won only one  Langate.

Shadow of Terror

But while elections gave J&K watchers much reason to cheer, the shadow of terror remained in 2024 with Pakistan backed terrorists regaining erstwhile grounds in Jammu division. As per central agency data about 70 terrorists have been killed till mid-December this year and 44 of these were foreign terrorists. The number is comparable to the last two years but what worried security grid is the return of terror to Reasi, Doda, Kishtwar, Udhampur in Jammu division in 2024. As Modi 3.0 took oath, seven pilgrims were gunned down in Reasi on June 9, 2024. The bus carrying them was returning from Shi Khouri pilgrimage site. Three village defence guards were killed in Udhampur and Kishtwar. Eighteen security personnel were also martyred in this area.

The return of terror in these areas, which have seen relative peace in the last 10 years, is the newest challenge for the security grid in 2025. Redeployment of forces in Jammu region, checking infiltration, cracking down on over ground workers are steps that have already been initiated. But infiltration through tunnels and drones continue to pose challenge along the International Border.

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Way Forward

While governance challenges await the Abdullah government in 2025, security grid is also watchful that the stone pelting, hartal, violence routine of pre-2019 does not make a comeback. Union Home Minister Amit Shah in his last review of 2024 has called for continued coordination of various agencies to implement zero terror and area domination plan. Omar Abdullah is looking at providing solutions to governance issues like better electricity supply, addressing reservation concerns for general category etc. But the elephant in the room is Statehood. While Centre has reiterated its commitment, the UT assembly has passed a resolution. But the big question in 2025 is how soon will Jammu and Kashmir return to statehood and what would it entail?

First Published: December 29, 2024, 14:42 IST
Farmers Call For 'Punjab Bandh' Today; Protest Garners Massive Support

Last Updated: December 30, 2024, 00:01 IST

The farmers have been protesting at the Punjab-Haryana border to press the Centre for several demands, including a legal guarantee for a minimum support price (MSP) for crops.

Farmers' protest at Delhi-Haryana border | File Image/PTI

With Jagjit Singh Dallewals indefinite hunger strike entering its 34th day on Sunday, farmer leaders at Khanauri said they have been following the Gandhian way to continue their protest and it is up to the government to decide whether it wants to use force to evict their senior leader.

Their statement comes amid the Supreme Courts strong criticism of the Punjab government for not shifting Dallewal to a hospital.

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The farmers have been protesting at the Punjab-Haryana border to press the Centre for several demands, including a legal guarantee for a minimum support price (MSP) for crops.

Recently, a high-level team of Punjab government officials met Dallewal requesting him to accept medical treatment even if he wishes to continue with his fast.

Dallewal has so far refused medical treatment.

On Sunday, Farmer leader Abhimanyu Kohar at the Khanauri border protest said, "We want to make it clear that the Centre, right from day one, has been trying to defame and suppress our agitation." A narrative is being built that farmers are stubborn, whereas it is the Centre that is adopting such an attitude by not paying any attention to the farmers demands, he said.

"We are continuing our agitation by adopting Gandhian principles. Our agitations have proven, that despite enduring so much due to the governments oppression, we have continued to protest in a Gandhian manner," he added.

"We are following these principles. Now, it is up to the government and constitutional bodies to decide whether they want to use force to evict Dallewal ji," Kohar said.

He further said the farmers wanted to make it clear that whatever situation arises the responsibility will lie with the Centre and the constitutional bodies.

"We also want to appeal to the people of the country that the agitation seeking a guarantee for MSP has reached a decisive stage. We are on the threshold of victory We must take a strong stand. Dallewal has put his life at stake," he said.

Kohar said it was up to the people of the country to decide whether to stay at home or be present in large numbers at the Khanauri Morcha in support of Dallewal.

Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) (Non-political) leader Kaka Singh Kotra said the government can try to evict Dallewal from the current protest site and their unions are appealing to Punjabis to reach Khanauri in maximum numbers.

He also said Dallewal has made it clear that he is ready to sacrifice his life for the sake of farmers in this country.

Meanwhile, farmers on a warpath against the Centre, called for a "kisan mahapanchayat" at the Khanauri protest site on January 4.

SKM (Non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have also called for a Punjab bandh on Monday and claimed their strike call has received strong support from transporters, employees, traders, and other sections of society including religious bodies.

Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said though there will be a complete bandh on Monday, emergency services will remain operational. He added that the Centre is not prepared to listen to the demands of farmers.

"The bandh will be observed from 7 am to 4 pm. However, emergency services will remain operational. Besides, anyone traveling to the airport to catch a flight or anyone going to attend a job interview, or anyone having a marriage function all these things have been kept out of our bandh call," he said.

Meanwhile, a high-level team of Punjab government officials comprising Deputy Inspector General of Police Mandeep Singh Sidhu and retired Additional DGP, Jaskaran Singh met Dallewal at Khanauri border site on Sunday.

Later, farmer leaders said Dallewal has refused to take any medical aid.

Replying to a question, they said if the team comes up with any other proposal then they will see what it is.

On Saturday, while admonishing the Punjab government, the Supreme Court also suggested the possibility that Dallewal may not have been allowed to be taken to a hospital by other farmer leaders.

In response, Dallewal, in a video message on the same day , said, "I am sitting on a fast. Who gave this report to the Supreme Court, and who spread this misconception that I have been kept hostage? Where did such a thing come from?" "Seven lakh farmers in this country have committed suicide due to debt. Saving farmers is necessary, therefore, I am sitting here. I am not under anyones pressure," he added.

Dallewal had earlier said he would not break his fast until the government agreed to the farmers demands. The Supreme Court gave the Punjab government time until December 31 to persuade Dallewal to shift to a hospital, granting the state the liberty to seek logistical support from the Centre, if necessary.

In response the Punjab government said in the court that it is facing significant resistance from the protesting farmers, who have encircled Dallewal and are preventing him from being taken to a hospital.

The apex court also termed the conduct of some farmer leaders accompanying Dallewal as surprising and questionable.

The state government had formed a team of doctors to monitor Dallewals health round-the-clock.

Farmers, under the banner of SKM (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, have been camping at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13, after their march to Delhi was stopped by security forces.

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A "jatha" (group) of 101 farmers attempted to march to Delhi on foot three times between December 6 and 14 but were stopped by security personnel from Haryana.

In addition to a legal guarantee for MSP, the farmers demand include a debt waiver, pensions for farmers and farm labourers, no hike in electricity tariffs, the withdrawal of police cases, and "justice" for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence.

Location : Chandigarh, India

First Published: December 29, 2024, 22:46 IST
Former PM Manmohan Singh's Ashes Immersed In Yamuna Day After Last Rites With State Honour

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 29, 2024, 12:01 IST

The last rites of the former Prime Minister were held with full state honours on Saturday in the presence of several dignitaries, including President Murmu and PM Modi.

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's ashes immersed in Yamuna river in Delhi | Image/ANI

The rituals for immersing the ashes of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in Yamuna were performed near Delhis Gurudwara Majnu Ka Tilla on Sunday.

Manmohan Singh, the architect of economic reforms in India, passed away at the age of 92 on December 26 after being admitted to AIIMS Delhi after a sudden loss of consciousness" at home. The hospital statement attributed his death to age-related medical conditions"

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#WATCH | Delhi: Rituals for the Asthi Visarjan of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh performed at Yamuna Ghat near Gurdwara Majnu Ka Tilla.The last rites of #DrManmohanSingh were performed with full state honours yesterday at Nigam Bodh Ghat. pic.twitter.com/YvpgqYTdRz  ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2024

The last rites of the former Prime Minister were held with full state honours on Saturday in the presence of several dignitaries, including President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Ministers Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, top defence officials and foreign officials, among others.

Manmohan Singhs wife Gursharan Kaur laid a wreath on his body as his family paid their last respects. The former PMs daughter lit his funeral pyre at the crematorium.

#WATCH | Last salute accorded to former Prime Minister #DrManmohanSingh at Nigam Bodh Ghat in Delhi.President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Ministers, Congress leaders and others present at Nigam Bodh Ghat. (Source: DD pic.twitter.com/priOUzdvbJ  ANI (@ANI) December 28, 2024

Dr Singh embarked on his final journey from the Congress headquarters in the national capital where the party leaders paid homage to the former PM earlier in the day. The procession carrying Singhs body reached the crematorium at around 11.30 am.

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The flower-bedecked vehicle carrying the mortal remains of Singh left the Congress headquarters in a procession amid chants of Manmohan Singh Amar Rahe".

As a mark of respect to former PM Manmohan Singh, a seven-day national mourning is being observed throughout the country during which the national flag will be flown at half-mast across the nation, the Union Home Ministry announced.

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: December 29, 2024, 11:33 IST
NEW YORK, Dec. 28 (Xinhua) -- As U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is about to take office in weeks, a major rift has emerged between immigration hardliners and his supporters over how much tolerance the incoming administration should have for skilled immigrants on work visas, The New York Times reported Saturday.

"The tech industry has long relied on foreign skilled workers to help run its companies, a labor supply that critics say undercuts wages for American citizens," the report said.

The dispute, which late Thursday exploded online into finger-pointing and accusations of censorship, presents a policy challenge for Trump.

Laura Loomer, a far-right activist and fervent Trump loyalist, helped set off the altercation earlier this week by criticizing Trump's selection of Sriram Krishnan, an Indian American venture capitalist, to be an adviser on artificial intelligence policy.

"It's alarming to see the number of career leftists who are now being appointed to serve in Trump's admin when they share views that are in direct opposition to Trump's America First agenda," Loomer wrote on X, the social media platform owned by Elon Musk.

"Loomer's comments surfaced a simmering tension between longtime supporters of Trump, who embrace his virulent anti-immigrant rhetoric, and his more recently acquired backers from the tech industry, many of whom have built or financed businesses that rely on the government's H-1B visa program to hire skilled workers from abroad," said the report.

Musk posted regularly this week about the lack of homegrown talent to fill all the needed positions within American technology companies. The expertise needed by U.S. companies "simply does not exist in America in sufficient quantity," he posted on X. 
IMD Issues Cold Wave Alert For North India; Dense Fog Reduces Visibility In Delhi, Other Cities

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 29, 2024, 09:07 IST

The western disturbance near Pakistan is likely to affect the western Himalayan region from January 1 to 6, 2025.

Cold wave conditions likely in north India | Image/Representative

The India Meteorological Department issued a warning for cold wave conditions in north India, starting December 29, with minimum temperatures expected to fall by three to five degrees Celsius.

The western disturbance near Pakistan is also likely to affect the western Himalayan region from January 1 to 6, 2025 and northwest India during the next two days, according to IMD.

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The weather bureau predicted that cold wave conditions are very likely in isolated pockets of Himachal Pradesh from December 29 to January 1, 2025. It may turn into a severe cold wave in some parts of Himachal Pradesh on December 30 and 31.

Punjab and Haryana are expected to experience cold wave conditions from December 29 to January 3, 2025. Additionally, the IMD has forecasted cold days in Rajasthan on December 28 and 29.

Dense Fog To Reduce Visibility

The weather bureau has also predicted that dense to very dense fog conditions are likely to prevail during late night and early morning in areas of Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh and Rajasthan till December 30.

#WATCH | Visibility affected as a thick blanket of fog descended over Rajasthans Jaipur pic.twitter.com/MsiADPvsIW ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2024

Himachal Pradesh is expected to experience dense fog from December 29 to 31. Similar conditions are also likely in states such as Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha, and Jharkhand during this period.

In eastern North India, sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur, and Tripura are expected to experience dense fog conditions from December 30 to January 2, 2025.

Dense Fog In Delhi

The weather forecast for the national capital from December 29 to January 4 shows likely conditions of dense fog, with very dense fog expected on December 29-30, and dense fog on December 31, accompanied by yellow and orange alerts.

#WATCH | A thin layer of fog covers the national capital. As per IMD, the minimum temperature in Delhi today is 12C.(Drone visuals from Akshardham temple area, shot at around 8:15 am) pic.twitter.com/vXrrr8Nlkr  ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2024

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From January 1 onwards, the weather bureau predicted that moderate fog would prevail, which will start disappearing from January 2. Temperatures will remain moderate, hovering at the range of 5 degrees Celsius.

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: December 29, 2024, 09:07 IST
'India Not Lucky On Security Front, Stay Vigilant Against Enemies': Rajnath Singh

Last Updated: December 29, 2024, 21:05 IST

The defence minister also lauded the valuable contribution of the training institutions of the Indian Army in making their personnel proficient in military strategies

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the the Infantry Museum at BR Ambedkar's birthplace, in Mhow (PTI)

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday termed India a not very lucky" nation on the security front and urged soldiers to keep a sharp eye on internal and external foes who he said are always active.

He was addressing Army personnel at the more-than-two-century-old Mhow cantonment in the Indore district of Madhya Pradesh.

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Taking the security scenario into account, Bharat is not a very lucky country because our northern border and western border continuously face challenges," said Singh, who is on a two-day tour of the state.

Mhow cantonment, 25 km from Indore, is home to premier training institutes Army War College (AWS), Military College of Telecommunication Engineering and Infantry School other than the Infantry Museum and Army Marksmanship Unit. Singh is visiting the facilities.

We also face challenges on the internal front. In the backdrop of this, we cant sit quietly, unconcerned. Our enemies, whether internal or external, remain active always. In these circumstances, we must keep a close eye on their activities and take appropriate and timely effective steps against them," he told the Armymen.

To make Bharat a developed and self-reliant country by 2047, the role of the Army is very crucial, said the defence minister.

.. as the countrys defence minister, I would like to tell you that we should be alert always. This patch of time, though often referred to as peacetime, struck me deeply when I arrived and witnessed the discipline and dedication with which you are undergoing training. Your regimen is no less than that of a war," he told the gathering.

To maintain such a level of discipline, dedication and firm conviction are needed," he added.

Singh said he was impressed by the cleanliness at the Army establishments and cantonments across the country.

Your dedication to work inspires me. I can say that the most appealing thing is your devotion towards work and sense of responsibility. It is inspiring to all of us," Singh said.

He told the Army personnel that the country and its borders are becoming increasingly secure and strong due to their hard work and commitment.

The defence minister also lauded the valuable contribution of the training institutions of the Indian Army in making their personnel proficient in military strategies and warfare skills.

Singh was briefed by the Officiating Commandant on the establishment of Advanced Incubation and Research Centre and the various MoUs towards enabling the absorption and transformation of technologies, a release by the Press Information Bureau said.

He visited the Army Marksmanship Unit to witness their contribution towards national sports, it said.

The minister also visited the Infantry Museum, where he was briefed on the history of infantry as well as the induction of modernised equipment into the infantry.

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Earlier, Singh along with the Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi paid floral tributes at the memorial of Dr B R Ambedkar at Mhow.

The memorial of Ambedkar, the chief architect of Indias Constitution, has been built at his birthplace in the Kali Paltan area of Mhow cantonment.

Location : Mhow Cantonment, India

First Published: December 29, 2024, 21:05 IST
Kerala Lottery Results LIVE: Akshaya AK-683 WINNERS For December 29; Full List Here!

Published By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: January 01, 2025, 10:52 IST

Kerala Lottery Results: Here's FULL LIST of winning numbers for Akshaya AK-683 lucky draw for Sunday, December 29.

Kerala Lottery Akshaya AK-683 Results: The first prize winner of Akshaya AK-683 will get Rs 70 lakh. (Image: Shutterstock)

KERALA LOTTERY AKSHAYA AK-683 RESULT ON SUNDAY, 29.12.2024, LIVE UPDATES: The Kerala State Lottery Department has announced the results of the Akshaya AK-683 lucky draw for Sunday, December 29, 2024. The first-prize winners will receive a cash prize of Rs 70 lakh, while the second and third-prize winners will secure Rs 5 lakh and Rs 1 lakh, respectively. A panel of judges will oversee the lottery draw process. Check the Live Updates and Full List of Winning Numbers below.

ALSO READ: Kerala Lottery Results Today: Fifty Fifty FF-123 WINNERS for January 1, 2025; First Prize Rs 1 Crore!

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FULL LIST OF WINNING NUMBERS FOR AKSHAYA AK-683 LOTTERY

WINNING NUMBER FOR 1ST PRIZE WORTH RS 70 LAKH IS AE 173765 (IDUKKI)

Agent Name: SHAMLA SUBAIR

Agency No.: Y 4031

WINNING NUMBER FOR 2ND PRIZE WORTH RS 5 LAKH IS AG 878829 (NEYYATTINKARA)

Agent Name: HALEEMA M A

Agency No.: T 6663

WINNING NUMBERS FOR 3RD PRIZE WORTH RS 1 LAKH ARE

AA 190746 (ERNAKULAM)

AB 322826 (ATTINGAL)

AC 897137 (PUNALUR)

AD 806812 (WAYANADU)

AE 747514 (KOTTAYAM)

AF 774720 (THRISSUR)

AG 255842 (KOLLAM)

AH 895211 (GURUVAYOOR)

AJ 377318 (WAYANADU)

AK 530299 (PUNALUR)

AL 905442 (KARUNAGAPALLY)

AM 769328 (KANNUR)

WINNING NUMBERS FOR CONSOLATION PRIZE WORTH RS 8,000 ARE

AA 173765

AB 173765

AC 173765

AD 173765

AF 173765

AG 173765

AH 173765

AJ 173765

AK 173765

AL 173765

AM 173765

WINNING NUMBERS FOR 4TH PRIZE WORTH RS 5,000 ARE

0883 1958 1988 2066 3197

4316 4339 4963 6559 6599

7670 7688 7701 7890 8490

8675 9120 9900

WINNING NUMBERS FOR 5TH PRIZE WORTH RS 2,000 ARE

0785 0840 2869 3313 3410

3432 8296

WINNING NUMBERS FOR 6TH PRIZE WORTH RS 1,000 ARE

0069 0830 1192 1490 1614

2219 2682 3253 3635 4070

4101 4719 4815 5251 5386

5534 5610 5729 6245 6325

6504 7293 7646 7875 8333

8352

WINNING NUMBERS FOR 7TH PRIZE WORTH RS 500 ARE

0113 0162 0459 0727 0944

1193 1439 1465 1845 1867

2301 2339 2469 2483 2525

2574 2782 3167 3722 3735

3808 3887 4109 4490 4624

4653 4695 4899 4951 5017

5136 5245 5280 5481 5554

5664 5728 5831 6003 6061

6074 6362 6848 6985 7019

7027 7059 7074 7104 7216

7298 7451 7722 7943 8055

8250 8434 8481 8514 8979

9046 9068 9223 9262 9450

9503 9583 9697 9712 9799

9896 9994

WINNING NUMBERS FOR 8TH PRIZE WORTH RS 100 ARE

0036 0135 0391 0393 0416

0423 0456 0490 0503 0538

0585 0629 0687 0768 0904

0934 0977 1213 1292 1310

1407 1413 1416 1446 1480

1608 1778 1806 1942 2068

2099 2317 2327 2331 2466

2484 2703 2784 2984 3011

3090 3118 3163 3463 3473

3510 3528 3556 3654 3723

3867 4059 4255 4295 4315

4323 4476 4505 4589 4782

4826 4930 5010 5013 5039

5092 5101 5103 5107 5117

5290 5388 5494 5574 5708

5726 5808 5852 5947 6099

6190 6305 6344 6447 6522

6607 6613 6742 6784 6834

7028 7061 7077 7262 7425

7684 7882 7921 8105 8176

8313 8357 8383 8453 8473

8495 8508 8534 8563 8655

8772 8918 8927 8932 8940

9010 9043 9077 9289 9432

9496 9579 9706

HOW TO VERIFY AKSHAY AK-683 LOTTERY RESULTS?

To check the results and prize numbers for the Akshaya AK-683 lottery, go to www.keralalottery.info. You can also find the outcomes at the Kerala Government Gazette Office.

HOW TO COLLECT YOUR PRIZE MONEY?

To check if youve won a prize in the Kerala State Lottery, follow these steps:

Match the numbers on your ticket with those published in the Kerala Government Gazette.

If your ticket number corresponds with any of the winning numbers, you can claim your prize.

You can collect your prize money at the Kerala lottery offices in Thiruvananthapuram within 30 days of the draw date.

To obtain your winnings, ensure you bring your winning ticket and a form of identification.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO CLAIM PRIZE MONEY?

A copy of the winning ticket, with a self-certification on both sides, is required.

Two passport-sized photos signed by a Gazette official must be provided.

An extra PAN card with the participants signature should be included.

Fill out the online award money receipt form, attach a revenue stamp, and submit it.

Identification documents, including ration cards, voter IDs, Aadhaar, PANs, and others, are mandatory.

HOW TO DOWNLOAD A PDF WITH A FULL LIST OF WINNING NUMBERS?

Visit the official website of the Kerala Lottery Department at keralalotteries.info or keralalotteryresult.net.

Click on the link to view the Akshaya Lottery Result AK-683.

The winning numbers will be shown in the results section.

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Search for the download link available on the website.

Now, download the lottery results in PDF format.

Location : Thiruvananthapuram [Trivandrum], India

First Published: December 29, 2024, 09:00 IST
Navi Mumbai Intl Airport Tests Validation Flight, Commercial Ops To Start May '25 | Watch

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 29, 2024, 21:41 IST

An Indigo Airlines A320 was the "validation flight" that landed in Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) on Sunday.

Navi Mumbai International Airport completes the validation flight process as an IndiGo passenger flight lands there. (IMAGE: X/@ANI)

The Navi Mumbai International Airport achieved a major milestone on Sunday as it successfully handled the landing of its first validation flight". An IndiGo A320 aircraft successfully landed on Runway 08/26 at NMIA and was accorded a water salute from two Crash Fire Tenders.

#WATCH | Maharashtra: Navi Mumbai International Airport successfully conducts first flight validation test.Water cannon salute was given to an Indigo Airlines A320 aircraft which landed successfully. pic.twitter.com/zEKbpRdKrT  ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2024

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Senior representatives from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Airports Authority of India (AAI), Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), Bureau of Immigration, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO), India Meteorological Department (IMD), Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), and Adani Airports Holdings Limited (AAHL) were present at the occasion.

This is a momentous day for Navi Mumbai International Airport. The successful completion of the validation flight is a major milestone, and we are now one step closer to operationalising the airport, prioritising safety at every step. We are grateful to the DGCA and all the agencies involved in making the validation flight trial successful. NMIA will not only offer world-class aviation facilities, it will also enable the overall development of the region," Arun Bansal, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of AAHL was quoted as saying by the Times of India.

He said that landing a commercial flight at Navi Mumbai International Airport is historic.

Now we have moved one step further towards starting the airport. We will inaugurate the first terminal of the airport around April 17, 2025, and commercial operations will start on it in May. The capacity of the first terminal will be around 2 crore passengers per year."

The landing of the commercial aircraft confirms that the Instrument Approach Procedures at NMIA are working properly. This assessment includes technical checks and landing-takeoff operations, helping the DGCA validate data and NMIA secure the required aerodrome license. After this milestone, NMIAs flight procedures will be added to the Electronic Aeronautical Information Publication (eAIP) to notify international stakeholders.

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NMIA successfully conducted flight calibration of the Instrument Landing System (ILS) and Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) ahead of the validation flight, setting up instrument approach procedures.

Earlier, on October 11, 2024, an Indian Air Force C-295 tactical transport aircraft marked the first landing at this greenfield international airport, which is set to start operations in early 2025.

Location : Navi Mumbai, India

First Published: December 29, 2024, 17:32 IST
Over 100 Booked For Attacking Hindu Activists Protesting Cow Shelters' Poor Conditions

Last Updated: December 29, 2024, 21:12 IST

Charges have also been invoked from the provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and the SC-ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

According to a complaint filed by Bajrang Dal leader Pankaj Deep a group of Hindu activists visited the cow shelter on December 24 to protest against its alleged neglect and poor condition.

More than 100 people, including a village, have been booked for an alleged attack on Hindu activists who were protesting against the neglect and poor condition of a cow shelter in the village, police said on Sunday.

Station House Officer (SHO) Jasvir Singh said that a case has been registered against village head of Badhai Kala, Dharmendra, and over other 100 others. He said the FIR has been lodged under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections 191 (rioting), 190 (member of unlawful assembly), 131 (assault or criminal force), 115 (voluntarily causing hurt), 352 (intentional insult to provoke breach of peace).

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Charges have also been invoked from the provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and the SC-ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, he added.

According to a complaint filed by Bajrang Dal leader Pankaj Deep a group of Hindu activists visited the cow shelter on December 24 to protest against its alleged neglect and poor condition.

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The complaint alleges that over 100 people, led by village head Dharmendra, attacked the activists and injured them during the incident, it said.

Further investigation is underway, the SHO said.

Location : Muzaffarnagar, India

First Published: December 29, 2024, 21:12 IST
'Constitution Our Guiding Light, Stood Test Of Time': PM Modi In Year's Last 'Mann Ki Baat'

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 29, 2024, 11:52 IST

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed the last 'Mann Ki Baat' of 2024 and touched upon several issues, including Constitution and Maha Kumbh.

PM Narendra Modi addresses Mann Ki Baat (PTI File Image)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the Constitution of India has stood the test of time and has been a guiding light for the citizens.

He addressed the years last and 117th episode of the monthly radio show Mann Ki Baat.

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PM Modi Addresses Mann Ki Baat

On 26 January 2025, our Constitution will complete 75 years of its implementation. It is a matter of great pride for all of us. The Constitution handed over to us by our Constitution makers has stood the test of time. The Constitution is a guiding light for us, our guide," the Prime Minister said.

He said that the government has also rolled out a special website to connect the citizens with the legacy of the Constitution.

In this, you can upload your video by reading the preamble of the constitution. You can read the Constitution in different languages and can also ask questions about the Constitution. I request the listeners of Mann Ki Baat, school-going children, college-going youth to definitely visit this website and become a part of it," he said.

PM Modi On Maha Kumbh

The Prime Minister said that the AI chatbot will be used for the first time in Maha Kumbh starting in Prayagraj from January 13, 2025.

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When we participate in the Kumbh, let us make a resolve to annihilate the feeling of division and hatred in society. For the first time, an AI chatbot will be used in the Kumbh event. All kinds of information related to Kumbh will be available in 11 Indian languages through the AI chatbot. There is no discrimination anywhere, no one is big, no one is small. Therefore, our Kumbh is also the Maha Kumbh of Unity. Devotees will be provided information about government-approved tour packages, accommodation, and homestay on their mobile phones," he said.

With the help of digital navigation, you will be able to reach different ghats, temples, and akharas of sadhus in Maha Kumbh 2025 The same navigation system will also help you reach parking spaces. The entire Fair area is being covered with AI-powered cameras. If someone gets separated from ones kith and kin during the Kumbh, these cameras will help in finding them. Devotees will also get the facility of a digital lost & found centre," PM Modi said.

First Published: December 29, 2024, 11:19 IST
Underwater Drones, Multilingual Signages: Prayagraj Gears Up For Mega Maha Kumbh

Last Updated: December 29, 2024, 15:51 IST

The Uttar Pradesh government is making extensive preparations to ensure that Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj is a grand, safe and spiritually enriching event.

Kumbh Mela will start in Prayagraj on January 13, 2025. (Image: Shutterstock)

In a first, underwater drones" capable of diving up to 100 meters will be deployed during the upcoming Maha Kumbh to provide round-the-clock surveillance at Sangam area in Uttar Pradeshs Prayagraj, the Culture Ministry said on Sunday.

Besides, renovation of 92 roads and construction of 30 pontoon bridges and installation of 800 multilingual signages are being undertaken there to facilitate the pilgrims and other visitors showcasing Indias culture and diversity.

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Under Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership, the Uttar Pradesh government is making "extensive preparations to ensure that Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj is a grand, safe and spiritually enriching event", the ministry said.

Expected to host over 40 crore devotees from across the globe, this 45-day festival from January 13 to February 26 will showcase Indias rich cultural heritage and spiritual traditions.

The Culture Ministry shared details on the preparations underway and the civic amenities and security arrangements that will be in place for the mega congregation.

"For the first time, underwater drones capable of diving up to 100 meters will provide round-the-clock surveillance at the Sangam area," it said in a statement.

Also, the deployment of 2,700 cameras with artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities will provide "real-time monitoring" and facial recognition technology will be used at entry points for enhanced safety, the ministry said.

"A team of 56 cyber warriors will monitor online threats. Cyber help desks are being set up in all police stations," it said.

The ministry had recently announced that it would set up a thematic space  Kalagram in Prayagraj to showcase Indias cultural heritage and diversity during the Maha Kumbh.

"Special provisions have been made for international visitors with multilingual signages and cultural programmes showcasing Indias diversity. Through these comprehensive efforts, Mahakumbh 2025 aims to be not just a religious gathering but a global celebration of spirituality, culture, safety, sustainability and modernity," the statement said.

Mahakumbh Nagar is being transformed into a temporary city with thousands of tents and shelters, including super deluxe accommodations like the IRCTCs "Mahakumbh Gram" luxury tent city which offers deluxe tents and villas with modern amenities, the ministry added.

According to the statement, renovation of 92 roads and beautification of 17 major roads are nearing completion. The construction of 30 pontoon bridges using 3,308 pontoons is underway and 28 are already operational.

A total of 800 multilingual signages (Hindi, English and regional languages) are being installed to guide the visitors, the ministry said.

"Over 400 have been completed, with the rest to be ready by December 31," it said.

Besides, "over 2,69,000 checkered plates have been laid for pathways" and mobile toilets and robust waste management systems will ensure hygiene, the statement said.

A number of measures have been taken to ensure robust disaster response in case of any untoward incident.

A state-of-the-art multi-disaster response vehicle would enhance safety and disaster readiness, "capable of handling situations ranging from natural disasters to road accidents", it said.

"This includes a lifting bag with a capacity of 10-20 tonnes, enabling the rescue of individuals buried under debris and specialised machines to lift and move heavy objects weighing up to 1.5 tonnes," the statement said.

The deployment of four Articulating Water Towers (AWTs) capable of tackling fires up to 35 meters high and 30 metres wide will be in place, the ministry said.

"Over Rs 131 crore have been allocated for fire safety measures. The AWTs are equipped with advanced technologies, including video and thermal imaging systems, to prevent fire incidents and enhance safety," it added.

Over 50,000 personnel, including from the paramilitary forces, will be deployed, according to the statement.

Ahead of the grand festival, the anticipation of Maha Kumbh is boosting local trade with a surge in demand for Mahakumbh-themed products like diaries, calendars, jute bags and stationery, the ministry said, adding, "sales have increased by up to 25 per cent due to meticulous branding".

For healthcare facilities, temporary hospitals equipped with surgical and diagnostic facilities are being set up.

"Bhishma Cube", capable of treating up to 200 people simultaneously, is being deployed, the statement said.

Also, a "Netra Kumbh" camp aims to conduct eye tests for over five lakh pilgrims and distribute more than three lakh eyeglasses, aiming to also set a Guinness World Record, it said.

Eco-friendly measures include use of solar power for lighting, promotion of reusable materials and a "ban on single-use plastic", the ministry said.

Also, digital innovations include integration with Google Maps for navigation within Mahakumbh Nagar.

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The Uttar Pradesh Pavillion near Nagavasuki Temple, spanning five acres, showcases UPs tourism circuits such as Ramayana Circuit, Krishna-Braj Circuit, Buddhist Circuit and Bundelkhand Circuit, and features a handicrafts market along with cultural programs.

The development of new corridors like Akshayavat corridor, Saraswati Koop corridor and Patalpuri corridor, and renovation of Nagvasuki Temple and Hanuman Temple corridor are being taken up for the mega festival, the statement said.

Location : Prayagraj, India

First Published: December 29, 2024, 15:51 IST
Kumbh Mela 2025: A Pilgrim's Guide To Staying At The Maha Kumbh Tent Cities

Published By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: December 29, 2024, 11:26 IST

Kumbh Mela 2025: Staying in the Tent Cities during the Maha Kumbh 2025 offers an immersive experience for both pilgrims and tourists.

SDRF personnel during a mock drill conducted as part of preparedness in case of stampede, ahead of Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, at Sangam, in Prayagraj, on December 27, 2024. (PTI Photo)

Kumbh Mela 2025: The Maha Kumbh, one of the largest and most sacred Hindu pilgrimages, is set to take place in 2025 from January 13 to February 26. This grand event, held once every 12 years, will draw millions of devotees, sadhus, and tourists from around the world to the banks of the Ganges River in Prayagraj.

The Uttar Pradesh government and local authorities are making extensive preparations to host this massive gathering, expected to attract over 1.5 to 2 crore visitors. Comprehensive arrangements are being made for accommodations, sanitation, security, and medical facilities.

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ALSO READ: Travelling To Prayagraj For Maha Kumbh 2025? Heres All You Need To Know

For accommodation during the Maha Kumbh Mela, visitors can choose from various options:

Tent Cities

Located near the Triveni Sangam, these offer a range of accommodations, from basic tents to luxurious setups with private amenities. Managed by the UPSTDC Tent Colony, options include Villa, Swiss Cottage, Maharaja Cottage, and Dormitories. Visitors can book through the official website kumbh.gov.in.

ALSO READ: Kumbh Mela 2025: UP Govt To Set Up 2,000 Swiss Cottage-Style Tents

Prices range from Rs 1,500 to Rs 35,000 per day, with extra charges for additional guests (Rs 4,000 to Rs 8,000).

The tent city will be operational from January 1 to March 5, 2025.

Staying in the Tent Cities during the Maha Kumbh 2025 offers an immersive experience for both pilgrims and tourists. The proximity to sacred rituals, baths, and spiritual events allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the festival.

City Area

Prayagraj has numerous hotels, from luxurious to budget-friendly, offering a comfortable stay with modern amenities.

Homestays

A scheme to allow local residents to host pilgrims in their homes has been launched, offering budget-friendly and personalised stays.

Local homeowners will be trained in hospitality and cleanliness and will receive a license after verification.

ALSO READ: What To Expect From The 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela: A Sneak Peek

The accommodation options are listed on the fair administrations website and app for easy access by pilgrims.

Homeowners can host two to five rooms per property under the scheme.

The government is providing special training to homeowners in guest services, cleanliness, security, and food arrangements.

Tent City Amenities

Multi-Cuisine Options: Diverse food offerings to cater to different tastes. Water Sports: For those interested in enjoying the river. Fire and Water Resistant Tents: Ensuring safety during your stay. 24/7 Guest Service: Always available to assist with any needs. First Aid Facility: For emergency health-related support. Meditation & Yoga Centres: Space for spiritual and physical well-being.

Hotel Amenities

Safety and Hygiene: Ensuring a clean and safe environment. Convenient Location: Close to the key areas of the Mela. Housekeeping and Laundry Services: For a comfortable stay. Spacious Rooms and Bathrooms: For relaxation and comfort.

How to book accommodation in Mahakumbh website

Visit the Website: Go to Mahakumbh.in and choose from deluxe camps, royal camps, homestays, or hotels.

Select Package: Pick your preferred package, like Shahi Snan or special experiences.

Book: Enter your travel dates, check availability, and confirm the booking.

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Payment: Provide personal details and choose a payment method (PhonePe, Paytm, or bank transfer).

Confirmation: You will get a confirmation email and a call within 12 hours.

Location : Prayagraj, India

First Published: December 29, 2024, 09:15 IST
Hansal Mehtas Final Words On Clash With Anupam Kher Over Manmohan Singh Film: Wont Resort To Mud-Slinging

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 29, 2024, 15:10 IST

After his clash with Anupam Kher on social media over the film The Accidental Prime Minister, filmmaker Hansal Mehta said that he hopes to make lesser errors of judgement in the future.

Hansal Mehta's final words on clash with Hansal Mehta over The Accidental Prime Minister

Veteran actor Anupam Kher and filmmaker Hansal Mehta recently had a heated exchange on social media. After former Prime Minister Manmohan Singhs death, journalist Vir Sanghvi criticised the 2019 film The Accidental Prime Minister, starring Anupam Kher. Hansal Mehta agreed with him, which led to Anupam Kher pointing out that he was himself the creative director of the film. The filmmaker reacted to his post, admitting that he made a mistake. He has now put an end to the back-and-forth by sharing his final words on the whole situation.

Hansal Mehta took to X (previously Twitter), to share a link of his interview with Hindustan Times, in which he has discussed the clash with Anupam Kher. Sharing the link, he wrote, My final words on this troll fest. Over and out." In the conversation with HT, the filmmaker said that he takes responsibility for both, his successes as well as his failures. He emphasized the importance of self-reflection and introspection, believing that recognizing past errors is his right. But to self-reflect, to introspect and to admit in hindsight that Ive erred is my prerogative. There are times in a career where you carry out professional duties even when in dissonance or not in control with the work assigned to you. By self-reflection I hope to make lesser errors of judgement in the future," he said.

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Hansal Mehta further added that Manmohan Singhs passing away prompted him to express this regret. However, despite the clash, he said that he respects him and will not engage in any mud-slinging or name-calling. He believes what irked the actor was his agreement with Vir Sanghvis criticism of The Accidental Prime Minister.

That might have been ill timed and deemed unnecessary but it reiterated some of my sentiments. Mr Kher is a senior and I will not resort to any mud-slinging towards him, his name calling or his opinions. I might have differences with him but the process of working with him was made pleasant because of his affable nature and commitment. Having said that I have often been self-critical and that is who I am. It helps me evolve and move forward. Nothing or nobody can stop that," he concluded.

What Is Anupam Kher And Hansal Mehtas Clash All About?

It started when Hansal Mehta re-tweeted Vir Sanghvis post on X about Anupam Kher starrer The Accidental Prime Minister. The journalist wrote, If you want to remember the lies that were told about Manmohan Singh, you should rewatch The Accidental Prime Minister. It is not only one of the worst Hindi movies ever made but is an example of how media was used to tarnish the name of a good man." Hansal Mehta re-tweeted this, and wrote, +100."

Anupam Kher lashed out at Hansal Mehta over this, accusing him of hypocrisy. The HYPOCRITE in this thread is NOT @virsanghvi. He has the freedom to not like a film. But @mehtahansal was the #CreativeDirector of #TheAccidentalPrimeMinister. Who was present at the entire shoot of the film in England! Giving his creative inputs and must have taken the fee also for it. So for him to say 100% to #VirSanghvis comment is so messed up and full of double standards! Not that I agree with Mr. Sanghvi but we are all capable of doing bad or indifferent work. But we should OWN it. Not like #HansalMehta trying to earn some brownies from a certain section of people. Common Hansal!! Grow up! I still have all our videos and pics of the shoot together!" he wrote.

Responding to this, Hansal Mehta acknowledged his mistakes, and wrote that he admits he made a mistake. While he did his job as professionally as he was allowed to. Can you deny that? But it doesnt mean I have to keep defending the film or that it makes me lose objectivity about my error of judgment."

The Accidental Prime Minister, starring Anupam Kher as Dr. Manmohan Singh, released in 2019. It was directed by Vijay Ratnakar Gutte, and was based on the 2014 memoir of the same name by Sanjaya Baru.

First Published: December 29, 2024, 15:10 IST
Shark Tanks Aman Gupta Slams Celebrity Brand Ambassador: Extremely Egotistic, Opposite Of Humble

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 28, 2024, 20:22 IST

Entrepreneur Aman Gupta, co-founder of Boat, opened up about his disappointing experience with a brand ambassador who publicly portrays himself as "sweet" and "humble" but behaved arrogantly during their collaboration.

Aman Gupta reveals his experience with a sweet and humble movie star who turned out to be arrogant while working as a brand ambassador.

Entrepreneur Aman Gupta, co-founder of Boat, recently recounted a disappointing encounter with one of his brand ambassadors. Known publicly for being sweet" and humble," the actor displayed a starkly different attitude while working with Amans brand. Aman shared his experience during a podcast appearance alongside fellow Shark Tank India judge Anupam Mittal, as they promoted the shows upcoming season debuting on January 6. Aman highlighted how some individuals present a facade of humility while harboring arrogance in reality.

Speaking on Dostcast, Aman said, We had this actor as our brand ambassador. He was an extremely egotistic man. In the news, I had always heard good things about him. People only wrote that he is sweet, nice, kind, and humble They often mentioned his good behaviour with the paps and his fans, they also wrote that he travels in economy class, but his attitude was the extreme opposite when he worked with us. This experience taught me that people today have mastered the art of being humble."

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He further remarked, However, Indians are pretty smart. One day or the other, they will get to know the reality. They do understand the difference between a genuine person and a pretentious person. They quickly understand which hero has ego, attitude, style and rizz." While Aman chose not to reveal the actors identity, his comments hint at the dichotomy between public persona and reality.

This isnt the first time a Shark Tank India judge has shared such an incident. Former shark" Ashneer Grover previously recalled his experience working with Salman Khan as a brand ambassador. Speaking at an event, Ashneer said, In the finance world, your business completely runs on trust. For me to gain overnight trust, I had to do something big, so I thought of making Salman Khan my brand ambassador. When we approached his team, they quoted Rs 7.5 crore. I made all the calculations, and asked the actor to charge less. He then agreed to do it for Rs 4.5 crore. After a point, his manager told me, Sir, are you here to buy bhindi? Why are you bargaining so much? I said I dont have that kind of money."

Ashneer also claimed that Salmans team initially forbade him from taking a photo with the actor. Later, when they met on the Bigg Boss 18 stage, Salman confronted Ashneer, saying, I heard you talking about me. You said, We have signed him for this much. You also gave wrong figures." Ashneer defended himself by responding, The decision to make you brand ambassador was one of the smartest moves I made." Salman quickly quipped, You didnt have the same attitude earlier."

First Published: December 28, 2024, 20:22 IST
DAMASCUS, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- Syria's new interim authorities have detained around 300 people since the start of a crackdown on "remnants of Assad's militias" on Thursday, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said on Sunday.

The state-run news agency SANA confirmed that the interim authorities apprehended "several remnants of Assad's militias and suspects" in the coastal province of Latakia on Saturday, and in Hama on Thursday. SANA also reported the confiscation of "quantities of weapons and ammunition."

The Observatory said those arrested include "security informants, pro-regime and pro-Iranian armed elements, as well as lower-ranking military officers."

Security forces under the new administration launched an extensive operation Thursday targeting individuals linked to the previous authorities around Damascus, Latakia, Tartus, and Homs.

The Observatory noted that arrests have gone more smoothly "with cooperation from local residents," adding that the campaign also involves "disarming civilians."

Earlier this month, armed factions led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) mounted a surprise offensive, capturing major cities and entering Damascus by early December.

International rights groups, including Human Rights Watch, have urged the factions now in power to uphold humane treatment and due process for all detainees, including former officials.

Meanwhile, Anas Khattab, newly-appointed head of Syria's General Intelligence Service, said on Saturday that the entire security apparatus in Syria would be reorganized "after dissolving all branches." 
AAP Alleges BJP 'Manipulating' Voter Lists After MP Claims His Wife's Name Was Erased

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 29, 2024, 17:13 IST

AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh alleged that that two applications were filed on December 25 and 26 for deletion of his wifes name from the voters' list of the New Delhi constituency.

AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh. (PTI)

A new political tussle broke out between Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh claimed that the saffron party was trying to get his wifes name deleted from the voters list ahead of the assembly elections.

While addressing a press conference, the senior AAP leader accompanied by his wife Anita Singh alleged that the BJP was trying to delete the names of Purvanchali people (people from Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar).

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VIDEO | Delhi Assembly Elections: AAP MP Sanjay Singh (@SanjayAzadSln), during a press conference in Delhi, says I raised the issue that BJP is removing the names of the voters in Delhi. I asked the BJP national president that are these people Rohingyas or Bangladeshis. Because pic.twitter.com/ykTj8WUMeh Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 29, 2024

Singh alleged that that two applications were filed on December 25 and 26 for deletion of his wifes name from the voters list of the New Delhi constituency, which is represented by AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal.

Purvanchalis are people from eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar settled in Delhi for decades, and form a significant chunk of voters in the city.

He further claimed that the saffron camp is taking a revenge from him for raising the issue of names of Purvanchali voters being deleted from the voters list in Delhi in the Rajya Sabha during the winter session of the Parliament.

Kejriwal Accuses BJP of Manipulating Electoral Roll

Earlier today, Kejriwal accused the BJP of trying to manipulate voter list in the run-up to the Delhi Assembly elections, alleging that applications were filed for deletion of over 5,000 votes in New Delhi since mid December.

BJP has already lost the elections. They dont have a chief ministerial face or even proper candidates. They only aim to win through manipulation, but we wont let them succeed," Kejriwal said.

The former Delhi chief minister also alleged that the BJP had filed 11,000 voter deletion applications in one constituency alone, but the move was halted at Chief Election Commissioners intervention. We exposed this, and thankfully, it was stopped."

Kejriwal said that a large-scale operation began on December 15, with 5,000 voter deletion applications and 7,500 addition requests filed so far in his assembly constituency, New Delhi.

Kejriwals Mental Equilibrium Is Disturbed: Hardeep Puri

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri accused Kejriwal of losing his mental equilibrium after Kejriwal alleged the BJP of running Operation Lotus" in his constituency.

Speaking to ANI, Puri said, I think when Arvind Kejriwal was in state hospitality, his mental equilibrium got disturbed What is the vision of Arvind Kejriwal  disruption? Arvind Kejriwal is left with very little time (as govt in Delhi)."

BJP Attacks AAP on Settling Illegal Rohingyas, Bangladeshis

Meanwhile, the BJP has alleged that the names of Rohingya and Bangladeshi people illegally staying in Delhi were added to the voters list at the AAPs behest.

It further accused the AAP of helping the illegal residents in Delhi settle down by providing them official documents, and then use them as its vote bank.

Former BJP MP Parvesh Verma told PTI We all know they do not vote for the BJP they are AAPs vote bank." Verma alleged once illegal immigrants laid Jhuggis (tenements) in the city, AAP leaders provided them with help and official documents like ration cards to settle them down so that they could get their votes in the elections.

A BJP delegation recently met Election Commission officials, alleging illegal Rohingya and Bangladeshis were registered as voters in Delhi at the behest of the AAP.

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Earlier this week, the Delhi Police arrested 11 persons, claiming to have unearthed a gang involved in illegal immigration of Bangladeshi nationals. Among those arrested, four are Bangladeshi citizens and the rest were allegedly involved in making forged documents, an official said.

(With inputs from PTI)

First Published: December 29, 2024, 16:23 IST
'Congress Pushes Its Own Away, BJP More Inclusive': Pranab Mukherjee's Daughter Sharmishtha To News18

Curated By :



Last Updated: December 29, 2024, 19:59 IST

Former President Pranab Mukherjee's daughter Sharmistha Mukherjee's views on the Manmohan Singh memorial issue also stem from the fact that her father was upset with the Congress

Sharmishtha Mukherjee's statement comes as the BJP showed the Congress the mirror citing past instances of how the party had been disrespectful to Dr Manmohan Singh and another former PM, PV Narasimha Rao. (Image: News18)

Amid the Manmohan Singh memorial row, former President Pranab Mukherjees daughter Sharmishtha Mukherjee has criticised the Congress for the misappropriation" of its own leaders. She said the party pushes its own leaders away while the BJP, in that regard, was more inclusive".

The BJP is more inclusive. They respected our leaders more than the Congress did. Look at how they gave awards to Tarun Gogoi, Ghulam Nabi Azad; they were all Congressmen. The Congress pushes its own away," she told CNN-News18 in an exclusive interview.

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The Congress is planning to pipe up the issue of a memorial for former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh by accusing the Centre of being anti-Sikh" and disrespectful towards him. But, Sharmishtha, who is one of their own, has blown the lid off and accused the party of being disrespectful.

Her statement comes as the BJP showed the Congress the mirror citing past instances of how the party had done the same to Dr Manmohan Singh and another former prime minister, PV Narasimha Rao. It also slammed the Grand Old Party for indulging in dirty" politics over Singhs state funeral and memorial.

I dont know why the Congress is making a political issue over the memorial. The Congress is right to ask for it, but the government has agreed to this so why make a fuss?" she said.

Sharmisthas views on the issue, however, also stem from the fact that her father was upset with his party. In her earlier tell-all biography about her father, which was based on his diaries, she mourned the fact that the party did not even hold a Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting when he died; one, however, was held for Singh.

When I asked them about this, they told me they dont do such things for the President. But, when I checked later, I found that they had done one for former President KR Narayanan," she said.

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She said the party should have proudly owned up to Pranab Mukherjee. Not only this, barring Ahmed Patel, Hooda, Anand Sharma, no one turned up for the Bharat Ratna ceremony of my father. I didnt say much then, but now I feel that was so wrong," she added.

Sharmishtha was also highly critical of senior leader Rahul Gandhi tearing up an ordinance in 2013 (which could have effectively protected him from being disqualified as an MP 10 years later), saying: This was showing arrogance, this was disrespect to a PM, who was abroad. If it had been anyone else, there would have been a show-cause notice, or he could have even been sacked. But, he was not, because he is Rahul Gandhi."

First Published: December 29, 2024, 19:59 IST
Controversy Created, Dirty Politics: Hardeep Puri Slams Congress On Row Over Manmohan Singhs Funeral

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 29, 2024, 17:22 IST

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh breathed his last on Thursday at the age of 92.

Puri also addressed claims that BJP ignored protocol, explaining that a letter from Congress requesting specific arrangements for the funeral arrived late. (X)

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Sunday hit back at the Congress over its allegations of mismanagement during the state funeral of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, saying the grand old party is engaging in dirty politics" and vitiating the poise and dignity of the somber moment with controversies."

Several Congress leaders, including, Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi, Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Jairam Ramesh, Pawan Khera, have attacked the government for allegedly insulting the former PM by holding his cremation ceremony at Delhis Nigambodh Ghat instead of Rajghat.

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Read More: Hope Congress Stops Exploiting: BJPs Rebuttal On Row Over Manmohan Singh Funeral

Puri rebutted the claims and said that the Congress is creating a controversy. There is no controversy, but it is being created. The Congress is playing dirty politics. Congress party is isolated in the INDI alliance and even in the country," he said as quoted by news agency ANI.

Those who are manufacturing a parallel narrative with regard to the last rites of Sdr Dr Manmohan Singh Ji are doing a huge disservice to his memory and the ethos he embodied as a human being.With his body draped in Tricolour, the late former Prime Minister was accorded full pic.twitter.com/bYurxjbk4U Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) December 29, 2024

He further pointed out that the grand old party insulted" its own leaders in the past, saying, This is the same Congress which didnt allow PV Narasimha Raos mortal remains to come to the party headquarters, and his final cremation was done in Hyderabad."

Puri also addressed claims that BJP ignored protocol, explaining that a letter from Congress requesting specific arrangements for the funeral arrived late. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge wrote a letter, and the Home Ministry released a communication agreeing to their request. The letter reached us the day after Singhs demise, at three minutes past midnight," Puri said.

The union minister assured that a memorial will be built to honour the memory of the former PM.

The Sikh community came and prayed for him (Manmohan Singh). We have always admired his work and drawn inspiration from him. Even today, when his ashes were immersed, our people were there and not the people from Congress. In the days to come, a memorial will be built for sure. I dont think that we should give a free run to those who are creating controversy," he added.

#WATCH | Delhi | On Congress alleging BJP of dishonouring former PM Manmohan Singh, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri says, The Sikh community came and prayed for him (former PM Manmohan Singh). We have always admired his work and drawn inspiration from him. Even today, when his pic.twitter.com/N7fhdl4q7s ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2024

Puri further said no one from the Gandhi family was present when Dr Singhs ashes were taken for immersion today. I looked hard into that picture, even Congress party office-bearers, I did not see any of them. What are we discussing here?"

Earlier today, the BJP jabbed the Congress and the Gandhis for being absent when Dr Manmohan Singhs family came to collect his remains on Sunday.

The BJP hit out at the Congress and said it should stop exploiting" Singh in his death and accord him the dignity he deserves". For media attention and to politicise, the Congress was present, but when it came to honouring him with dignity, they were absent. Truly shameful," BJP leader Amit Malviya said.

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Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh breathed his last on Thursday at the age of 92. He was cremated with full state honours on Saturday in the presence of top dignitaries from the country and abroad.

(With inputs from agencies)

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: December 29, 2024, 17:22 IST
'Hope Congress Stops Exploiting': BJP's Rebuttal On Row Over Manmohan Singh Funeral

Reported By :

News18.com

Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee



Last Updated: December 29, 2024, 13:09 IST

The BJP also slammed the Congress and the Gandhis for being absent when former PM Manmohan Singh's family came to collect his remains today

Former PM Manmohan Singh died on December 26. (Image: News18)

Politics is peaking over the arrangements made at the funeral of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, with the BJP putting out a point-by-point rebuttal of the allegations made by the Congress.

The BJP also slammed the Congress and the Gandhis for being absent when Dr Manmohan Singhs family came to collect his remains on Sunday. The Grand Old Party has alleged mismanagement at Nigambodh Ghat during the funeral.

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Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera said news agencies, except Doordarshan, were not allowed; and that the Doordarshan focused on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, barely covering Singhs family.

Senior BJP leader and spokesperson Amit Malviya countered the accusations saying the ministry of defence has no role in covering functions. In past as well, only DD has done the coverage. Restriction of entry is by security agencies. National functions are also covered by DD only," (sic) he said.

It is a shame that Congress continues to politicise former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh death. Here is point wise demolition of baseless allegations made by the Congress media manager:No news agencies except DD were allowed; DD focused on Modi & Shah, barely covering Dr. https://t.co/mN4CtYTunZ  Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) December 29, 2024

Another claim made by Khera was that only three chairs were kept in the front row for the late Congress stalwarts family. Congress leaders had to insist on seats for his daughters and other family members," he alleged.

Malviya countered this by saying seating at the funeral site is arranged by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) in consultation with the Delhi Police. Number of seats in the front row was kept at a maximum, as per the available space. Five (5) seats were earmarked for family members in first row. These were occupied by Mrs Manmohan Singh and her three daughters. The Balance 20 seats were for constitutional authorities who were to lay a wreath like the President of India, King of Bhutan, Prime Minister, the Vice President, the Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, Leaders of the Opposition and Service Chiefs among others" (sic) he said.

He further said no other person was allotted a front row seat. In second row 8 seats were earmarked for family members. In the next two rows, (rows 3 and 4) the enclosure was earmarked for family members," (sic) he added.

Khera claimed that Modi and the cabinet ministers did not stand up when the National Flag was handed to Singhs widow, or during the gun salute. To this, Malviya said the state funeral was done with full military honours and there was no deviation in the process.

Khera also claimed that Singhs family was given inadequate space around the pyre due to soldiers occupying one side. Site for funeral was communicated by MHA (ministry of home affairs). Only ceremonial personnel were there around pyre. The whole space was available for family and priests. No other officials occupied that area," (sic) Malviya countered.

Khera said the public was kept out, left watching from outside the venue and alleged that Shahs motorcade disrupted the funeral procession, leaving family cars outside. The gate was closed, and family members had to be located and brought back in," (sic) he said.

The BJP spokesperson said public restriction is imposed by the agencies for overall security, and the whole venue was full. The funeral procession was managed by Traffic Police. Details of family cars were sought in advance and passes were issued to them by security unit for parking. There was no disruption in funeral procession," (sic) he said.

The Congress said Singhs grandchildren performing last rites had to jostle for space to reach the pyre. Malviya countered this by saying only family members, priests and ceremonial guards were present near the pyre.

The Congress also said diplomats were seated elsewhere and were not visible. Diplomats were also seated in designated place. King of Bhutan and Foreign minister of Mauritius were seated in front row as per protocol," (sic) Malviya said.

Finally, the Congress said the entire funeral area was cramped and poorly organised, leaving no space for many participants in the procession. To this, Malviya said there were no such restrictions on well-wishers, supporters and visitors to come in and pay their respects.

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Opportunities included the residence, the party office, the funeral procession and the Venue of the funeral. The MoD is tasked with conduct of the Funeral with full military honours. The same was carried out," (sic) he concluded.

The BJP hit out at the Congress and said it should stop exploiting" Singh in his death and accord him the dignity he deserves". For media attention and to politicise, the Congress was present, but when it came to honouring him with dignity, they were absent. Truly shameful," he added.

First Published: December 29, 2024, 12:49 IST
London Driver's Obsession With Qatari Princess Leads To Stalking Charges And Divorce

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: December 29, 2024, 11:00 IST

Jihad Abousalah was hired to drive the atari princess in London, but he started sending her flowers, a birthday card and various gifts, believing they were in a relationship.

The driver divorced his wife and hoped to spend life with the Qatari princess. (Representative Image)

A former driver of Qatari princess Haya Al-Thani has been convicted of stalking her after he believed they were in a relationship. Jihad Abousalah was hired to drive the princess during her trip to London, but his behaviour became questionable. He sent her flowers, a birthday card and various gifts, including a bracelet. Believing they were together, Abousalah even divorced his wife in the hopes of spending life with the princess. Al-Thani also received phone calls and was forced to hire private security, for her and her childrens safety. For the incident that took place between March 1 and March 23, the driver pleaded guilty and was given a 12-month community order by the Westminster magistrates court.

As per The Guardian, prosecutor David Burns, in the court said, The complainant [Al-Thani] was staying in Doha and began to receive a number of calls. The complainant stated she spoke to her husband about hiring bodyguards. She said the whole incident caused her alarm and distress. She has said she could not go about her normal day-to-day life. She feels she needs protection for herself and for her children."

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Jihad Abousalah went as far as visiting the princess home and attempted to give flowers to one of her staff members on his behalf. This made Haya Al-Thani feel scared, because he knew details about her childrens routine. She also became anxious and often checked her window to see if he was around. Due to the incident, she felt uneasy and became concerned for her safety.

In defence of the driver, his lawyer, Sundeep Pankhania, argued in court that his client was experiencing mental health issues at the time of the stalking. Pankhania said, He had an ill-formed view that he was in a relationship with the princess. He divorced his wife because he genuinely held that belief."

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Judge Louisa Cieciora explained that she carefully reviewed a medical report before making her decision. The judge acknowledged that Abousalahs mental health problems became a big reason for his behaviour and because of this, he was less responsible for his actions.

However, she also pointed out that his actions left the victim in distress. The judge accepted that he genuinely regrets his actions. Because of his issues, the judge gave Abousalah a 12 month community order, which includes a 30 day rehabilitation program. She also ordered a 3 year restraining order, meaning he is not allowed to contact Princess Haya Al-Thani, her husband or go near the Hyde Park area.

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: December 29, 2024, 11:00 IST
On Camera, Indian-origin Man Rescues Dog Stranded On Frozen Lake

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: December 29, 2024, 14:00 IST

The ordeal unfolded on Christmas Eve when the dog, named Brooklyn, ran from her dog sitter onto the lake.

The incident occurred in New Jerseys Lake Parsippany. (Photo Credits: X)

Humanity truly shines when compassion goes beyond sentiment and manifests as tangible action. These simple acts of kindness resonate deeply with viewers, leaving them in awe. In one such act of kindness, an Indian-origin man in New Jersey rescued a 20-month-old dog stranded on the treacherous, frozen surface of Lake Parsippany.

A video of the same has emerged online showing how the mans efforts helped the furry animal reach home safely after being stuck for nearly a day on the frozen lake. The ordeal unfolded on Christmas Eve when the dog, named Brooklyn, ran from her dog sitter onto the lake. Despite several efforts by the local residents and authorities, the dog refused to return to safety from the treacherous thin ice, reported ABC7.

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Later, a cop managed to find the Sheepadoodle off the frozen water with the help of a drone. The snow on top of Lake Parsippanys frozen surface was filled with a trail of paw prints of the confused and scared dog.

Local resident Kishan Patel, who lives right on the lake, thought he might be able to help the police officers as he had a drone. Patel, a dog owner himself, had been moved by the situation, which made him want to help out even more. Just because I can imagine what the owner must be going through," Kishan Patel was quoted as saying by ABC7.

Using his drone, Patel attempted to lure Brooklyn back to shore with tempting pieces of chicken. This attempt almost worked and brought the Doodle about 20-30 feet off the shore.

However, Brooklyn stepped back as soon as she saw the people waiting for her. Elaborating further, Patel said, The police officers were here all night, until about 11:30 at night on Christmas Eve."

Once darkness filled the sky, Patels drone became instrumental in pinpointing Brooklyns location on the frozen lake. Then, police officials used weights to determine the ices thickness and an officer carefully made his way out to Brooklyn. The officer went close enough to scare her to run back to shore. Their plan worked, and the spooked dog ran to shore, eventually seeking shelter on a front porch, where she was finally found.

Upon learning that Brooklyn was safe and doing well, Patel expressed relief, saying, Id be heartbroken."

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He added that of all the drones that may or may not be flying around New Jersey these days, hes happy he was put to use for something helpful.

I feel even more happy that the dog is safe and back home," Patel concluded.

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: December 29, 2024, 14:00 IST
'Unexpected Tragedy': 179 Killed In South Korea's Deadliest Plane Crash, Just 2 Survivors Found

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 29, 2024, 21:23 IST

Jeju Air Flight 7C2216 crashed into a wall at South Korea's Muan International Airport, killing 179 out of 181 passengers aboard. This is the worst aviation disaster in the country since 1997.

An excavator is used to lift burnt chairs from the wreckage of an aircraft that crashed after it went off the runway at Muan International Airport. (Reuters)

A Jeju Air passenger plane from Bangkok carrying 175 passengers and six crew members crashed at South Koreas Muan International Airport on Saturday in the countrys worst-ever aviation disaster, killing all but two people aboard.

Rescue operations have officially concluded as all passengers were confirmed dead and only two out of the six crew members managed to survive the fatal crash of the Boeing 737-800 plane. The crash of Jeju Air Flight 7C2216 marks the deadliest ever incident in South Korea since a 1997 Korean Air Lines crash killed over 200 people.

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The flight attempted a crash landing after it suffered a malfunction in its landing gear. Horrifying visuals showed the twin-engine aircraft crashing into the wall at the outer edge of the airport, erupting into a fireball followed by large plumes of black smoke.

South Koreas new Acting President Choi Sang-mok has announced a seven-day national mourning period following the crash. We extend our deepest condolences and sympathy to the bereaved families of those who lost their lives in this unexpected tragedy," he said.

Choi also designated Muan as a special disaster zone, making it eligible for state support, according to Yonhap news agency. We will provide all necessary assistance for recovery efforts, support for the bereaved families and medical treatment for the injured," he stated.

Bird Strike Or Mechanical Glitch?

Various possible reasons for the crash have emerged, with initial investigations pointing to airframe failure following a bird strike". Fire officials said the bird strike flung passengers out of the plane and left it almost completely destroyed".

According to Yonhap, the Jeju Air passenger jet took approached Muan Airport at around 8:54 am (local time) and declared mayday at 8:58 am just one minute after the control tower issued a bird strike warning, while attempting to crash land in the opposite direction of the runway at 9 am.

Some analysts have suggested alternative reasons for the crash, including technical glitches. They argued that both the engines and brakes on both sides of the aircraft must have failed for such a crash, and that a bird strike alone could not have caused simultaneous failures in all critical components.

Aviation experts largely agreed that the inoperable landing gear was a direct cause of the crash. An airplane has multiple brakes, and if the landing gear doesnt work, the reverse-propelled engines lift the wing flaps, which act as airbrakes. But they didnt seem to have worked in this case," said professor Choi Kee-young from Inha University.

Crash Site Smelled Of Fuel And Blood

Rescue workers used a giant yellow crane to lift the burned-out fuselage of the orange-and-white aircraft on the runway at Muan. Bits of plane seats and luggage were strewn across the field next to the runway, offering a grim sight of the catastrophic impact of the crash.

At least 177 people were killed in South Koreas deadliest air accident when Jeju Air flight 2216 crashed at Muan International Airport. Investigators are looking into bird strikes and weather conditions as potential causes https://t.co/UCBiW1DBka pic.twitter.com/YqIqfqHFZR Reuters (@Reuters) December 29, 2024

Lee Jeong-hyun, the chief of Muan Fire Department, said only the tail part retained a bit of shape after the crash, while the rest of the fuselage was almost impossible to recognise". The two surviving crew members were hospitalised while mortuary vehicles lined up to take the bodies away.

Witnesses told Reuters that the crash site smelled of aviation fuel and blood" as workers in protective suits and masks probed the area while the military was looking for bodies. A temporary morgue was set up in the area.

Plane Crash Triggers Outpouring Of Grief From Families

South Koreas fire agency said 65 out of the 179 deceased victims had been identified. As the names of the victims were announced by Muan fire chief Lee inside the airport terminal, each name triggered fresh cries of grief as relatives screamed and wept.

One person shared that they had received a heartbreaking message from a passenger just moments before the crash, reporting that a bird had struck the planes wing. Should I say my last words?" a message on the phone read.

Is there no possibility of survival at all?" asked another grieving family member. Regrettably, it appears so," said Lee with his head bowed. Some people demanded they be allowed to visit the site of the crash so that they could identify their family members.

I had a son on board that plane," an elderly man waiting in the airport lounge, who asked not to be named, told AFP. My younger sister went to heaven today," a 65-year-old woman said. All of the passengers were Korean apart from two Thai nationals.

Two black boxes  the flight data recorder and the cockpit voice recorder  for Jeju Air flight 2216 have been found, a transport official said Sunday, with one in a partially damaged condition. It is expected to take months to determine the exact cause of the crash of this magnitude.

World Leaders Express Condolences

India on Sunday expressed its condolences with the bereaved families of the 179 victims who were killed in the plane crash. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed condolences following the plane crash. Deeply saddened by the tragic airplane crash at the Muan international airport. Extend condolences to the bereaved families. Our thoughts are with the people of Republic of Korea at this difficult time," he said.

Deeply saddened by the tragic airplane crash at the Muan international airport.Extend condolences to the bereaved families. Our thoughts are with the people of Republic of Korea at this difficult time.@FMChoTaeyul  Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) December 29, 2024

Deeply saddened to learn of the tragic plane crash at Muan airport today. We extend our heartfelt condolences to bereaved family members," said Amit Kumar, the Indian Ambassador to South Korea. The Indian Embassy stands in solidarity with the people & government of RoK in this difficult hour," he added.

Deeply saddened to learn of the tragic plane crash at Muan airport today. We extend our heartfelt condolences to bereaved family members. The Indian Embassy stands in solidarity with the people & government of RoK in this difficult hour. Amit Kumar (@KumarAmitMEA) December 29, 2024

Chinese President Xi Jinping also expressed his condolences to the victims. On behalf of the Chinese government and people, I express my deep condolences to the victims and my sincerest consolations to the victims families, and wish for the swift recovery of the injured," he was quoted by state-run CCTV as saying.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba also expressed his condolences over the incident ion the neighbouring country. I am deeply saddened by the painful loss of so many precious lives due to the tragic airliner accident," he said in an official statement.

Two Thai passengers were confirmed killed in the crash by the foreign ministry in Bangkok. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra sent condolences to the families of the dead and injured in a post on X, saying she had instructed the foreign ministry to provide assistance.

Jeju Air Apologises, Boeing Issues Statement

Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae apologised for the accident, bowing deeply during a televised briefing. He said the aircraft had no record of accidents and there were no early signs of malfunction. The airline will cooperate with investigators and make supporting the bereaved its top priority, he added.

This was the first fatal flight for Jeju Air, a low-cost airline founded in 2005 that is South Koreas third-most popular airline behind Korean Air Lines and Asiana Airlines. The accident occurred three weeks after Jeju Air started regular flights from Muan to Bangkok.

Meanwhile, Boeing, which has seen a turbulent time in the last few years due to a series of embarrassing safety missteps, extended its condolences to the families of victims and offered support to Jeju Air.

We are in contact with Jeju Air regarding flight 2216 and stand ready to support them. We extend our deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones, and our thoughts remain with the passengers and crew," it said in a statement.

All domestic and international flights at Muan airport were cancelled.

Grim Period For Global Aviation

The fatal plane crash in South Korea follows the December 25 crash-landing of an Azerbaijan Airlines flight near Aktau in Kazakhstan, killing 38 of the 67 on board. South Koreas aviation industry has a solid track record for safety, according to experts.

The crash was the worst for any South Korean airline since a 1997 Korean Air crash in Guam that killed more than 200 people, according to transportation ministry data. The previous worst accident on South Korean soil was an Air China crash that killed 129 in 2002.

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In a separate incident, Canadas Halifax Airport was temporarily closed on Saturday night after a plane arriving from St. Johns encountered a landing issue, causing it to skid down the runway and partially catch fire.

(with inputs from agencies)

Location : Seoul, South Korea

First Published: December 29, 2024, 19:44 IST
'Moscow Should Admit...': Azerbaijan President Says Passenger Plane Shot At From Russia

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 29, 2024, 18:15 IST

Azeri President Ilham Aliyev said the plane which crashed into Aktau was damaged due to shooting from Russia. At least 38 people were killed in the plane crash on Wednesday.

The Azerbaijan Airlines Flight J2-8243 crashed on Wednesday, killing 38 people. (Reuters Image)

In a big claim, Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev said on Sunday that the passenger plane that crashed in Kazakhstan, claiming the lives of 38 people, was damaged due to shooting from the ground in Russia, as per the Azeri state media.

Aliyev said he regretted that some circles" in Russia had tried to hush up the truth about the crash of the Azerbaijan Airlines planes by sowing false narratives about the causes of the crash. This came after Russian President Vladimir Putin apologised to Aliyev for the crash.

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The Azeri President claimed the plane was shot down by accident" as Russian air forces engaged with Ukrainian drone attacks, adding that the plane had come under some sort of electronic jamming and had been shot at while it was approaching the Russian city of Grozny.

He criticised absurd" reports from Russia which attributed the crash to bird strikes and gas cylinder explosions. We witnessed clear attempts to cover up the matter," said Aliyev, who has close ties to Russia and was educated at a top university in Moscow.

ALSO READ: Azerbaijan Airlines Plane Crash: All You Need To Know About Mishap That Killed 38 On Board

Want Russia To Accept Its Guilty: Aliyev

The Azerbaijan President said he wanted Russia to accept that it was guilty of downing the plane and punish those responsible for fatally damaging the craft. The Azerbaijan Airlines Flight J2-8243 carrying 67 passengers crashed on Wednesday near Aktau after diverting from southern Russia due to drone attacks from Ukraine, resulting in the deaths of 38 people.

Azerbaijan paid tribute to the pilots and passengers, as Captain Igor Kshnyakin and co-pilot Alexander Kalyaninov  both ethnic Russians with Azerbaijan citizenship  were given full honours alongside flight attendant Hokuma Aliyeva in central Baku. The pilots have been lauded in Azerbaijan for landing in a way which allowed 29 people to survive but led to their own deaths.

The ceremony at the Alley of Honour, Azerbaijans most sacred modern burial ground, was attended by Aliyev and his wife. Azerbaijans presidential office said the pilots battled to control the plane after being hit with holes in the fuselage and some crew members injured. Only through the courage and professionalism of the pilots was an emergency landing successfully carried out," it added.

Vladimir Putin Apologises To Aliyev

On Saturday, Putin apologised to his Azerbaijan counterpart over the plane crash, describing it as a tragic incident". Putin expressed condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.

(President) Vladimir Putin apologised for the tragic incident that occurred in Russian airspace and once again expressed his deep and sincere condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to the injured," the Kremlin said in a statement.

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The Kremlin further said that air defence systems were firing near Grozny due to a Ukrainian drone strike. At that time, Grozny, Mozdok and Vladikavkaz were being attacked by Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles, and Russian air defence systems repelled these attacks," it said. Russia stopped short of saying that it had shot down the plane, saying a criminal case was opened.

(with agency inputs)

Location : Baku, Azerbaijan

First Published: December 29, 2024, 18:01 IST
Bangladeshi Hindu Monk Chinmoy Krishna Seriously Ill In Prison, Denied Proper Treatment: Report

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 29, 2024, 23:48 IST

Bangladeshi Hindu groups called for nationwide prayers at every temple on January 1.

Bangladeshi Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari has been arrested on charges of sedition by the Yunus government. (IMAGE: X/@DrSukantaBJP)

Bangladeshi Hindu groups have called on Bengali Hindus and like-minded people to hold prayers for quick recovery of jailed ISKCON monk Chinmoy Krishna Prabhu Das on New Years Day as they claimed that the Bangladeshi government is denying the monk proper medical care in prison.

Chinmoy Krishna Prabhu is seriously ill in prison and not receiving proper treatment from the government. He has been hospitalized twice. A call has been made for prayers at every temple in Bangladesh on January 1 for his recovery," Bangladeshi Bengali Hindu rights group Bangladesh Shommilito Sanatan Jagaran Jote (BSSJJ) said in a statement.

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Chinmoy Krishna Prabhu aka Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, who is the spokesman of BSSJJ which was leading protests calling for the protection of the minority following the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina regime, was arrested in November on charges of sedition by the Bangladeshi interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.

A case was filed against Brahmachari in October after he led a large rally in the city of Chittagong, where he was accused of disrespecting Bangladeshs national flag.

His supporters say that the charges are motivated and are being used to silence the monk who has been raising voice against atrocities against Bengali Hindus and other minorities.

A court in Chattogram sent him to jail, rejecting his bail petition as he was accused of a sedition charge for allegedly disrespecting the countrys flag. The hearing in the case will be held on January 2, 2025.

The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council (BHBCOP) also released a statement demanding his immediate release.

In the immediate chaotic days following Hasinas ouster, there was a string of reprisals on Hindus  seen by some as disproportionate supporters of her regime  as well as attacks on Muslim Sufi shrines by Islamist hardliners.

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Islamist groups have been emboldened to take to the streets after years of being suppressed, and Hindu groups have rallied in counter-demonstrations.

His arrest also sparked concern from India and Hindus in India as well communities living in the states bordering Bangladesh have expressed concern over the attacks on Bengali Hindus, Bengali Christians, hill tribes and adivasis in Bangladesh.

Location : Dhaka, Bangladesh

First Published: December 29, 2024, 23:41 IST
New Footage Claims To Show Bird Hit, Sparks In Engine Before Deadly South Korea Plane Crash

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 29, 2024, 10:34 IST

A bird strike is suspected to have caused the malfunction in the landing gear of the Boeing 737-800 jet, leading to its fatal crash at South Korea's Muan Airport.

Jeju Air flight crashes in South Korea | Image/X

A Jeju Air passenger plane carrying 181 people crash-landed at South Koreas Muan International Airport on Sunday, likely killing all but two people, according to reports.

The flight attempted a crash landing after it suffered a malfunction in its landing gear, reported South Korean news agency Yonhap. It added that the flights first landing attempt failed, with the second turning into a mishap.

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A bird collision is suspected behind the malfunction in the landing gear of the Boeing 737-800 jet, carrying 175 passengers and 6 crew members, from Bangkok in Thailand.

 SHOCKING FOOTAGE: BIRD STRIKE SEEN ON JEJU AIR FLIGHT 2216 BEFORE CRASHMBC News releases footage allegedly showing a bird strike moments before the fatal crash of Jeju Air flight 2216. Investigation underway.#JejuAir #Muan #BirdStrike #Crash #SouthKorea #BreakingNews pic.twitter.com/jidQJchCEU  Breaking News (@PlanetReportHQ) December 29, 2024

The accident visuals showed the twin-engine aircraft landing in Muan with no apparent landing gear and crashing into the wall at the outer edge of the airport, erupting into a fireball.

A black smoke was seen billowing into the air from the airport, with firefighters carrying out extinguishing operations. According to Yonhap, rescue teams have saved three victims two passengers and a crew member.

BREAKING: Video shows crash of Jeju Air Flight 2216 in South Korea. 181 people on board pic.twitter.com/9rQUC0Yxt8 BNO News (@BNONews) December 29, 2024

The incident happened at 9:07 am local time at the southwestern coastal airport, a key regional hub in South Koreas South Jeolla Province. It marks the first such major incident at Muan International Airport.

Acting President Choi Sang-mok, named interim leader of the country on Friday after the previous acting president was impeached amid an ongoing political crisis, ordered all-out rescue efforts, his office said.

Month Of Turbulence For Global Aviation

The fatal plane crash in South Korea follows the December 25 crash-landing of an Azerbaijan Airlines flight near Aktau in Kazakhstan, killing 38 of the 67 on board.

Several reports claimed that the plane came under fire from Russian air defence en route to the Chechen capital of Grozny  forcing it to divert. Russian President Vladimir Putin later apologised to his Azerbaijani counterpart over the downing of the commercial airliner in Russian airspace.

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In a separate incident, Halifax Airport was temporarily closed on Saturday night after a plane arriving from St. Johns encountered a landing issue, causing it to skid down the runway and partially catch fire.

Passenger Nikki Valentine told CBC News that one of the planes tyres did not deploy properly upon landing. A statement issued by the airport said the incident involved Air Canada Flight 2259, which was operated by PAL Airlines.

Location : South Korea

First Published: December 29, 2024, 10:19 IST
BEIJING, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- China's fast-growing new-energy sector is not only a domestic success story, but also serves as a global game-changer, offering collaboration dividends across the entire industrial chain and providing a fresh boost to the global economy.

This global impact is evident in the Thai government's backing for Chinese automakers to build an electric vehicle supply chain in the country, a move that Surasit Thanadtang, director of the Thai-Chinese Strategic Research Center under the National Research Council of Thailand, deems a smart strategy.

Already, several Chinese car manufacturers have established factories in Thailand, including SAIC, Great Wall, BYD and Chery. This influx of Chinese electric vehicles is not only attracting further investment but also inspiring Chinese automotive supply chain companies to expand their presence there.

Firms like Gotion High-Tech and SVOLT Energy Technology have set up battery production bases, while electronics manufacturers such as Ningbo Sunrise Elc Technology and Changzhou Aohong Electronics have announced new investments in Thailand.

Thailand is tapping into China's knowledge and technical expertise to bolster its own electric vehicle sector, drive technological advancements, and generate employment opportunities, Surasit said.

China's foray into the new-energy sector is not an isolated endeavor. It is an open-door policy aimed at fostering growth. This approach has led to an increasing number of multinationals aligning with China's new-energy sector to capitalize on the opportunities it presents.

Tesla's rapid development serves as a fitting example. Since the launch of its Shanghai plant in 2019, the facility has leveraged China's comprehensive supply chain system and top-tier intelligent manufacturing capabilities to become the most efficient vehicle factory within Tesla's global network.

With the ability to produce a car in less than 40 seconds, the factory has emerged as Tesla's primary global export center. In 2023, it delivered 947,000 vehicles, accounting for more than half of Tesla's global deliveries last year.

In April, Mercedes-Benz announced an upgrade to its Shanghai R&D hub to expedite intelligent innovation in China, and Volkswagen Group China declared a 2.5-billion-euro investment to expand its production and innovation center in Hefei, Anhui Province. BMW's production base in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, has seen cumulative investments nearing 100 billion yuan (about 13.91 billion U.S. dollars) since 2010.

These investments are not just about growth in China but also about leveraging China's expertise to enhance their global competitiveness.

"In the past, it was often said that China needs Bosch and its innovative technologies for the development of the country's automotive industry. But today, the narrative has shifted: Bosch also needs China," Xu Daquan, president of Bosch China, said at the second China International Supply Chain Expo in November.

China's new-energy industry also helps forge a win-win model for green and low-carbon energy transitions. For instance, the De Aar Wind Farm in South Africa, the first wind power project financed, constructed and operated by a Chinese company in Africa, has eased the local electricity crunch. While in Kenya, the Garissa Solar Power Plant, also built by a Chinese company, has started operations, lifting tens of thousands of households out of energy poverty.

China is ready to fulfill its responsibilities as a major developing country by collaborating with others to enhance clean energy industries and supply chains, share knowledge and experience, promote the shift to green and low-carbon energy, and contribute to global sustainable energy development, according to the white paper titled "China's Energy Transition," published in August.

Currently, China is collaborating on green energy projects with over 100 countries and regions. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency, the average global cost per megawatt-hour for wind and solar power has plummeted by over 60 percent and 80 percent, respectively, over the last decade.

A substantial portion of these savings is credited to Chinese innovation, manufacturing prowess, and engineering excellence, which are driving down costs and making renewable energy more accessible worldwide, experts say. 
Deeply Saddened: EAM Jaishankar Extends Condolences To South Korea After Muan Air Tragedy

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 29, 2024, 23:58 IST

Jaishankar said Indias thoughts are with people affected by the air tragedy that killed 179.

A Jeju Air passenger plane carrying 181 people crash-landed at South Korea's Muan International Airport, killing 179 flyers. (IMAGE: AP PHOTO)

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the tragic airplane crash at South Koreas Muan International Airport. The crash, which claimed 179 lives, has been described as the worst aviation disaster in South Koreas history.

Deeply saddened by the tragic airplane crash at the Muan international airport. Extend condolences to the bereaved families. Our thoughts are with the people of the Republic of Korea at this difficult time," he said in a post in X.

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A Jeju Air plane flying from Bangkok to South Korea with 181 people on board crashed on landing Sunday, killing 179 with just two people plucked alive from the wreckage.

The pilot was warned of a bird strike by the control tower, officials said, during its first attempt at landing shortly after 9:00 am (0000 GMT).

Minutes later, the pilot issued a mayday" warning and tried to land again. Video showed the plane, its landing gear still retracted, attempting a belly landing.

Dramatic video shows the plane skidding along the runway with smoke trailing behind until it slams into a wall at the end and bursts into flames.

Only the tail part retains a little bit of shape, and the rest of (the plane) looks almost impossible to recognise," Muan fire chief Lee Jung-hyun told a press briefing.

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The two crew members, a man and a woman, were rescued from the tail section of the burning plane, Lee said. They were being treated at hospitals with medium to severe injuries, said the head of the local public health centre.

Investigators are examining bird strikes and weather conditions as possible factors, Lee said. Yonhap news agency cited airport authorities as saying a bird strike may have caused the landing gear to malfunction.

Location : Seoul, South Korea

First Published: December 29, 2024, 23:58 IST
Great Statesman: Maldives President Muizzu Pays Tribute to Ex-PM Manmohan Singh

Published By :

PTI

Last Updated: December 29, 2024, 21:09 IST

Muizzu in the Indian High Commissions condolence book wrote that former PM Dr Manmohan Singhs 2011 visit cemented Mauritius-India ties.

President Muizzu remembered Dr. Singhs 2011 visit to Maldives, signed a condolence book and offered sympathies to people of India on his passing. (IMAGE: Government of Maldives)

Calling Dr Manmohan Singh as a great statesman", President Mohamed Muizzu on Sunday reminisced about his November 2011 visit to the Maldives and said it marked a momentous milestone that further cemented the bonds of friendship with India.

Singh, Indias prime minister for 10 years from 2004 to 2014, died in New Delhi on Thursday night. He was 92.

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Muizzu signed the condolence book at the High Commission of India in the Maldives following Singhs demise when his message also conveyed sympathies to the former Indian prime ministers family and the government and people of India, on behalf of the Government and people of the Maldives, during this time of profound loss," a statement from the presidents office said.

The Indian High Commission here reciprocated with a post on X: We appreciate the thoughtful gesture of HEP @MMuizzu for being the first dignitary to sign the condolence book @HCIMaldives on sad demise of Honble former PM Dr Manmohan Singh. His words of support are truly valued & comforting." Earlier on Friday, Muizzu had paid tributes to Singh through a post on X and recalled that his historic visit to the Maldives in November 2011 marked a significant milestone in advancing our economic and social development." Dr Singhs commitment to progress, and his leadership to strengthen Look East Policy played a pivotal role in fostering development and cooperation across the South Asia region," he added in the post.

Location : Male, Maldives

First Published: December 29, 2024, 21:09 IST
Israel Could Keep Areas Near North Gaza As Closed Buffer Zone If Fighting Ends: Reports

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 29, 2024, 19:26 IST

Israeli forces order Beit Hanoun residents to evacuate amid ongoing offensive, citing militant rocket fire.

A drone view shows smoke above Beit Hanoun in the Gaza Strip, amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza between Israel and Hamas, as seen from near Kibbutz Nir Am in southern Israel. (IMAGE: REUTERS)

Israeli forces carrying out a weeks-long offensive in northern Gaza ordered any residents remaining in Beit Hanoun to quit the town on Sunday, pointing to Palestinian militant rocket fire from the area, residents said.

According to Reuters, much of the area around the northern towns of Beit Hanoun, Jabalia and Beit Lahiya has been cleared of people and razed, fuelling speculation that Israel intends to keep the area as a closed buffer zone after the fighting in Gaza ends.

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A separate report by the New York Post said that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), who currently control the Netzarim Corridor and a buffer zone of about 46 square kilometers around it, have no intentions to leave the buffer zone anytime soon. The corridor splits Gaza Strip in half and now houses dozens of outposts and several bases from which the Israeli military has launched operations against Hamas, one of which was a hostage rescue mission.

The Israeli military announced its new push into the Beit Hanoun area on Saturday.

The instruction to residents to leave caused a new wave of displacement, although it was not immediately clear how many people were affected, the residents said.

Israel says its almost three-month-old campaign in northern Gaza is aimed at Hamas militants and preventing them from regrouping. Its instructions to civilians to evacuate are meant to keep them out of harms way, the military says.

Palestinian and United Nations officials say no place is safe in Gaza and that evacuations worsen humanitarian conditions of the population.

The Palestinian Civil Emergency Service said it had lost communication with people still trapped in the town, and it was unable to send teams into the area because of the raid.

On Friday, Israeli forces stormed the Kamal Adwan hospital in northern Gaza. The military said it was being used by militants, which Hamas denies.

The raid on the hospital, one of three medical facilities on the northern edge of Gaza, put the last major health facility in the area out of service, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in a post on X.

Some patients were evacuated from Kamal Adwan to the Indonesian Hospital, which is not in service, and medics were prevented from joining them there, the Health Ministry said. Other patients and staff were taken to other medical facilities.

On Sunday, health officials said an Israeli tank shell hit the upper floor of the Al-Ahly Arab Baptist Hospital in Gaza City near the X-ray division.

Meanwhile, Palestinian health officials said Israeli military strikes across the enclave killed at least 16 people on Sunday. One of those strikes killed seven people and wounded others at Al-WAFA Hospital in Gaza City, the Palestinian civil emergency service said in a statement.

The Israeli military said the strike was aimed at members of the Hamas Aerial Defence Unit", who operated from the compound, saying the place no longer served as a hospital. It said the militants used the compound to plan and execute attacks against Israeli troops in the immediate future.

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Israels campaign against Hamas in Gaza has killed more than 45,300 Palestinians, according to health officials in the Hamas-run enclave. Most of the population of 2.3 million has been displaced and much of Gaza is in ruins.

The war was triggered by Hamas attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, in which 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken to Gaza as hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

Location : Gaza Strip, Palestinian Territories

First Published: December 29, 2024, 19:26 IST
Italian Tourist Killed In Egypt Shark Attack, Another Injured

Last Updated: December 29, 2024, 23:56 IST

The shark attack in Egypt's Red Sea killed a tourist and injured another Italian national, according to an Italian foreign ministry source.

Deadly shark attacks are a near-yearly occurrence in Egypt's Red Sea. (Representative Image)

A shark attack off Egypts Red Sea coast killed a tourist and injured another, authorities said Sunday, with an Italy foreign ministry source identifying both as Italian nationals.

Two foreigners were attacked by a shark in the northern Marsa Alam area, which led to the injury of one and the death of the other," Egypts environment ministry said in a statement.

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A source at the Italian foreign ministry told AFP the man killed was a 48-year-old resident of Rome. The injured man was 69 years old.

They were both taken to a hospital in Port Ghalib, around 50 kilometres (30 miles) north of Marsa Alam, the Egyptian ministry said.

Authorities have closed the area to swimmers for two days following the incident, which the ministry said occurred in deep waters outside the designated swimming area".

The Red Sea is a major tourist destination whose marine life make it popular with divers.

It is also a key employer and source of foreign currency for Egypt, a country of 107 million people trying to navigate out of its worst ever economic crisis.

Last month, at least four people died when a large wave hit and capsized a dive boat carrying more than 30 tourists of various nationalities off Marsa Alam.

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Deadly shark attacks are a near-yearly occurrence in Egypts Red Sea, where marine experts warn unregulated construction, over-fishing, and irresponsible tourism practices contribute to changing the ecosystem and shark behaviour.

In June 2023, a shark attack killed a Russian off the Red Sea resort city of Hurghada.

Location : Cairo, Egypt

First Published: December 29, 2024, 23:56 IST
North Korea Vows 'Toughest' Anti-US Counteraction Policy Weeks Before Trump Takes Office

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 29, 2024, 16:28 IST

Kim Jong Un and Donald Trump held talks three times during the latter's first term to dial down long-standing tensions between the two countries, before the talks collapsed in 2018.

Trump's presidency has raised speculation about chances of diplomatic talks between US and North Korea. (Reuters/File)

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has vowed that he will implement the toughest" anti-US policy, less than a month before Donald Trump takes office as the American president, marking a potential escalation in tensions between the two countries.

During the annual year-end general meeting of the Central Committee of the Workers Party of Korea that ended on Friday, Kim said the military cooperation among South Korea, the United States and Japan has expanded into an aggressive nuclear military bloc, Yonhap news agency reported citing state media.

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The North Korean leader called the US the most reactionary state" and unwaveringly adhering to anti-communism". He said the strategy for the toughest anti-US counteraction to be launched aggressively" for North Koreas long-term national interests and security.

He also ordered the enhancement of North Korean military capabilities for fighting a war" to meet the demands of modern warfare and the ever-changing war scenario.

Kim Jong Un clarified the strategic and tactical policies for more reliably guaranteeing the bolstering of war deterrence for self-defence through accelerated progress of defence science and technology and radical development of the defence industry to cope with the ever-increasing military provocations of the US and its vassal force," said North Koreas state-run KCNA.

What Trumps Return Means For North Korea?

Trumps return to the White House raises prospects for high-profile diplomacy with North Korea. During his first term, Trump met Kim three times for talks on the Norths nuclear programme.

However, experts believe a quick resumption of diplomacy between Kim and Trump is unlikely as the upcoming US President would first focus on conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. North Koreas support for Russias war against Ukraine has also posed a challenge for diplomatic efforts.

The previous meetings between Trump and Kim had not only put an end to their exchanges of fiery rhetoric and threats of destruction, but they developed personal connections. Trump once famously said he and Kim fell in love." Their talks eventually collapsed in 2019, as they wrangled over US-led sanctions on the North.

Since the collapse of the talks, North Korea has sharply increased the pace of its weapons testing activities to build more reliable nuclear missiles targeting the US and its allies as tensions escalated particularly under the Biden administration.

The US and South Korea have responded by expanding their military bilateral drills and also trilateral ones involving Japan, drawing strong rebukes from the North, which views such US-led exercises as invasion rehearsals. These rivalries were exacerbated with North Koreas deepening military cooperation with Russia.

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Last month, Kim said that his past negotiations with the United States only confirmed Washingtons unchangeable" hostility toward his country and described his nuclear buildup as the only way to counter external threats.

(with inputs from agencies)

Location : Pyongyang, North Korea

First Published: December 29, 2024, 16:28 IST
'Can Lead To Obscene Acts': Taliban Leader Bans Windows Overlooking Women's Areas

Published By :

AFP

Last Updated: December 29, 2024, 23:43 IST

Taliban's supreme leader said seeing women working in kitchens or courtyards can "lead to obscene acts" and encouraged homeowners to build a wall to obstruct the view.

Since the Taliban's return to power in August 2021, women have been progressively erased from public spaces. (Image: AFP/File)

The Talibans supreme leader has issued an order banning the construction of windows in residential buildings that overlook areas used by Afghan women and saying that existing ones should be blocked.

According to a statement released late Saturday by the Taliban government spokesman, new buildings should not have windows through which it is possible to see the courtyard, kitchen, neighbours well and other places usually used by women".

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Seeing women working in kitchens, in courtyards or collecting water from wells can lead to obscene acts," according to the decree posted by government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid on social media platform X.

Municipal authorities and other relevant departments would have to monitor construction sites to ensure it is not possible to see into neighbours homes.

In the event that such windows exist, owners would be encouraged to build a wall or obstruct the view to avoid nuisances caused to neighbours", the decree states.

Since the Talibans return to power in August 2021, women have been progressively erased from public spaces, prompting the United Nations to denounce the gender apartheid" the administration has established.

Taliban authorities have banned post-primary education for girls and women, restricted employment and blocked access to parks and other public places.

A recent law even prohibits women from singing or reciting poetry in public under the Taliban governments ultra-strict application of Islamic law. It also encourages them to veil" their voices and bodies outside the home.

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Some local radio and television stations have also stopped broadcasting female voices.

The Taliban administration claims that Islamic law guarantees" the rights of Afghan men and women.

Location : Kabul, Afghanistan

First Published: December 29, 2024, 23:43 IST
'What Happened? Why Am I Here?' South Korea Plane Crash Survivor Asks In Hospital

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 29, 2024, 21:19 IST

The survivor, identified as Lee, appeared to experience shock as he suffered from a fractured left shoulder and head injuries after the plane crash killed all but two of the 181 passengers.

The Jeju Air plane crash was South Korea's worst-ever aviation disaster in decades. (Reuters)

The entire country of South Korea is currently in a state of deep mourning following the devastating Jeju Air passenger plane crashed at the Muan International Airport on Sunday, killing 179 out of 181 passengers aboard.

Jeju Air flight 7C2216, a Boeing 737-800, was arriving from the Thai capital Bangkok with 175 passengers and six crew on board, was attempting to land shortly after 9 am at the airport when an alleged bird strike caused the plane to crash land, but failed miserably and crashed into a wall, erupting into a fireball.

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Two flight attendants, a man and a woman, were rescued from the tail section of the burning plane, according to Muan fire chief Lee Jung-hyun. They were being treated at hospitals with medium to severe injuries, said the head of the local public health centre.

What Happened?: Survivor After Regaining Consciousness

According to The Korea Times, one of the surviving flight attendants asked, What happened?" when questioned by doctors about his condition after being rushed to the hospital. The 32-year-old crew member, identified as Lee, appeared disoriented and asked, Why am I here?"

Lee said that he had fastened his seatbelt as the plane prepared to land but could not recall events after the crash-landing. Another hospital official suggested that the survivors reaction might stem from shock.

It seems he was in a near-panic state, possibly worried about the safety of the plane and passengers," the official said. Lee was reportedly stationed in the rear of the aircraft to assist passengers, and sustained a fractured left shoulder and head injuries but remained conscious.

The other survivor was identified as Kwon, 25, who also did not remember the crash and told doctors that she was experiencing pain in her head, ankle and abdomen. Hospital staff suffered a scalp laceration and a fractured ankle and is undergoing tests for abdominal injuries.

What caused the crash?

Various possible reasons for the crash have emerged, with initial investigations pointing to airframe failure following a bird strike". Fire officials said the bird strike flung passengers out of the plane and left it almost completely destroyed".

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Some analysts have suggested alternative reasons for the crash, including technical glitches. They argued that both the engines and brakes on both sides of the aircraft must have failed for such a crash, and that a bird strike alone could not have caused simultaneous failures in all critical components.

The crash was the worst for any South Korean airline since a 1997 Korean Air crash in Guam that killed more than 200 people, according to transportation ministry data. The previous worst accident on South Korean soil was an Air China crash that killed 129 in 2002.

Location : Seoul, South Korea

First Published: December 29, 2024, 21:19 IST
Independent candidate Dragan Primorac backed by the ruling Croatian Democratic Union votes for the Croatian presidential election at a polling station in Zagreb, Croatia, on Dec. 29, 2024. Voting for the Croatian presidential election began at 7 a.m. (0600 GMT) on Sunday, with over 3.7 million eligible voters across the country set to vote for a new president. (Slavko Midzor/PIXSELL via Xinhua)

ZAGREB, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- Voting for the Croatian presidential election began at 7 a.m. (0600 GMT) on Sunday, with over 3.7 million eligible voters across the country set to vote for a new president.

Recent polls showed incumbent President Zoran Milanovic and independent candidate Dragan Primorac backed by the ruling Croatian Democratic Union have ranked first and second respectively among the eight candidates.

Croatia's president is elected using a majority voting system. If no candidate wins an outright majority, the top two candidates will face a runoff two weeks later, on Jan. 12.

According to the State Electoral Commission, Croatian voters this year can cast their ballot not only at 6,650 polling stations set up in Croatia but also abroad, across 38 countries at 105 polling stations.

The Croatian president serves a five-year term and can be re-elected once. 

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic votes for the Croatian presidential election at a polling station in Zagreb, Croatia, on Dec. 29, 2024. Voting for the Croatian presidential election began at 7 a.m. (0600 GMT) on Sunday, with over 3.7 million eligible voters across the country set to vote for a new president. (Marko Lukunic/PIXSELL via Xinhua)

Croatia's incumbent President Zoran Milanovic votes for the Croatian presidential election at a polling station in Zagreb, Croatia, on Dec. 29, 2024. Voting for the Croatian presidential election began at 7 a.m. (0600 GMT) on Sunday, with over 3.7 million eligible voters across the country set to vote for a new president. (Luka Stanzl/PIXSELL via Xinhua)
Bet you didn't have this one on your TikTok trend bingo card: The buzziest skincare trend on the platform involves whipping up homemade beef tallow creams (or paying big bucks for artisan blends). The New York Times, however, notes that not all dermatologists are on board with the practice.



What doctors say: Dr. Zakia Rahman, a clinical professor of dermatology, told the Times that beef tallow has too much oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid, for the face, and too little linoleic acid, which should make up more content in facial creams. "I give it a thumbs down from the scientific and dermatologic perspective. It could potentially cause acne flares or cause irritation."
Every year the US egg industry kills about 350 million male chicks because, while the fuzzy little animals are incredibly cute, they will never lay eggs, so have little monetary value. That longtime practice is changing, thanks to new technology that enables hatcheries to quickly peer into millions of fertilized eggs and spot male embryos, then grind them up before they mature into chicks. The system began operating this month in Iowa at the nation's largest chick hatchery, which handles about 387,000 eggs each day, the AP reports. "We now have ethically produced eggs we can really feel good about," said Jorg Hurlin, managing director of Agri Advanced Technologies, the German company that spent more than a decade developing the SUV-sized machine that can separate eggs by sex.

Even Americans who are careful to buy cage free or free range eggs typically aren't aware that hundreds of millions of male chicks are killed each year, usually when they are only a day old. Most of the animals are culled through a process called maceration that uses whirling blades to nearly instantly kill the baby birdssomething that seems horrifying but that the industry has long claimed is the most humane alternative. Chick culling is an outgrowth of a poultry industry that for decades has raised one kind of chicken for eggs and another for meat. Egg-laying chickens are too scrawny to profitably be sold for meat, so the male chicks are ground up and used as additives for other products.

It wasn't until European governments began outlawing maceration that companies started puzzling out how to determine the sex of embryos. AAT's machine, called Cheggy, can process up to 25,000 eggs an hour, a pace that can accommodate the massive volume seen at hatcheries in the US. Besides the Cheggy in Iowa city, an identical system has been installed in Texas, both at hatcheries owned by Hy-Line North America. The process has one key limitation: It works only on brown eggs because male and female chicks in white eggs have similar-colored feathers.

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Hurlin said he thinks his company will develop a system to tell the sex of embryos in white eggs within five years. Eggs from hens screened through the new system will supply NestFresh Eggs, a Southern California-based business that distributes organic eggs. The eggs will begin showing up on store shelves in mid-July and NestFresh executive VP Jasen Urena says any price increase would be minimal.

(More animal welfare stories.)
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10 Most and Least Caring Cities in the US

Virginia Beach has the most compassion, per WalletHub; Birmingham comes in last
China's expanding navy has added to its capability with a new-generation amphibious assault ship that can launch and land fighter jets. The Sichuan, the nation's largest combat ship in the world's largest navy, was launched Friday in a ceremony at the Hudong-Zhonghua shipyard in Shanghai, Deutsche Welle reports. The ship is built to deliver ground troops for combat and provide air support for them. An electromagnetic catapult lets fighter jets launch directly from the Sichuan's deck, per the state news agency Xinhua, and "arrestor technology" enables the jets land on the deck. The USS Gerald R Ford is the only other warship in service with the catapult technology.

That system allows Type 076 ships, of which the Sichuan is the first, to launch larger, heavier aircraftwhich can carry more fuel and missiles and have a greater operating range, per CNN. The People's Liberation Navy is more than a decade into its modernization effort, which includes developing a fleet that can operate globallyas can the 11 US nuclear-powered aircraft carriers. China's ongoing maritime disputes include several in the South China sea and a conflict with Japan over the Senkaku Islands. And its navy has become increasingly active around Taiwan.

The launch of the Sichuanwhich is slated for sea trials before going into active servicealso sends a message, said a military analyst and former US Navy captain, per CNN. "It demonstrates China's growing maritime power projection capability at a time when the US Navy's commitment and capability for expeditionary, amphibious, and humanitarian assistance missions has diminished significantly," said Carl Schuster. (More China military stories.)
The Israeli military has forced patients and staff members out of one of the last hospitals in operation in northern Gaza, and the health ministry said Saturday that the hospital's director was taken into custody. An Israel foreign ministry post on X described Kamal Adwan as a Hamas stronghold, NBC News reports, saying troops ensured the "secure evacuation" of civilians before launching its raid. The World Health Organization said it was "appalled" by the operation, saying that forcibly evacuating patients posed "grave risks to their survival." Colleagues said they don't know where Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya and other staff members were taken, per CNN .

The Israeli military confirmed Saturday that it had detained the director, saying he is "suspected of being a Hamas terrorist operative." Gaza's health ministry said the hospital that the patients were removed to lacks medical supplies, water, and electricity. Fires burned in Kamal Adwan that Israel said were unconnected to its raid. Fighting has raged around the hospital, which is caught in Israel's offensive against Hamas militants in the area, for almost three months, per the New York Times. The hospital is a main provider of medical care for those who have stayed in the towns of the northernmost part of Gaza, including Jabaliya.

Earlier in the week, the health ministry said, an Israeli strike on the hospital killed five medical personnel. Nour al-Muqayad, who works in the intensive care unit, sent her sister voice messages Friday as the military moved in. She said a bus was on its way to take the last patients and medical staff. "Tonight, Kamal Adwan will be empty," she said. "Nobody will be inside other than the army." (More Israel-Hamas war stories.)
President-elect Trump appears to have picked a side in a fierce debate unfolding among his most prominent allies, and it's the side with Elon Musk. In an interview with the New York Post, Trump voiced support for H-1B visas, used by many Silicon Valley companies to bring in skilled tech workers.

"I've always liked the visas, I have always been in favor of the visas," Trump said. "I have many H-1B visas on my properties. I've been a believer in H-1B. I have used it many times. It's a great program."

However: Both the New York Times and the Washington Post note that Trump's companies have mostly used different visasH-2Bs for seasonal workers in areas such as tourism and hospitality, and H-2As for agricultural workers. Trump also has previously criticized H-1B visas, including in 2016 when he called them "very bad for workers." Still, his new statement of support "allows tech workers in Silicon Valley and the companies that employ them to breathe a huge sigh of relief in what has been a tumultuous several months," attorney Stephanie Alcorn, a specialist in the issue, tells the Post.
Two Portland men who apparently wanted to catch a glimpse of the mythical Bigfootaka Sasquatchhave instead lost their lives in a forest in Washington state. The Skamania County Sheriff's Office says the unidentified men, ages 37 and 59, were found in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest after a three-day search, reports KOIN. "Both deaths appear to be due to exposure, based on weather conditions and ill-preparedness," says the sheriff's office in a news release.
Officials assessed the damage on Sunday after a strong storm system moved across the southern US over the weekend, spawning tornadoes and killing at least four people, the AP reports. There were at least 45 reports of tornado damage across Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia, said Brian Hurley, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service's Weather Prediction Center. Crews will do damage surveys to confirm tornadoes. The storms during busy holiday travels caused some treacherous road conditions along with delays or cancellations at some of the busiest US airports. As of Sunday afternoon, there were over 600 flight delays affecting Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, according to flight tracker FlightAware.

"It's not unheard of, but it is fairly uncommon to have a severe weather outbreak of this magnitude this late in the year," said Frank Pereira, a meteorologist with the Weather Prediction Center. In the Houston area, National Weather Service storm survey crews confirmed that at least five tornadoes hit north and south of the city on Saturday. At least one person died, a 48-year-old woman found about 100 feet from her home in the Liverpool area, said Madison Polston of the Brazoria County Sheriff's Office. Four other people in Brazoria County had injuries that weren't considered critical, said Polston, adding that at least 40 homes and buildings were significantly damaged. In Montgomery County, north of Houston, about 30 homes were destroyed and about 50 others sustained major damage, county official Jason Smith said.

In North Carolina, a 70-year-old man was killed Sunday in Statesville, just north of Charlotte, when a tree landed on the pickup truck he was driving. Highway Patrol Trooper DJ Maffucci said "it was just a freak accident" and he believed Matthew Teeple, of Cleveland, North Carolina, was killed instantly. Two people were killed in storms in Mississippi, officials said. An 18-year-old died after a tree fell on her home Saturday night in Natchez in Adams County, said Emergency Management spokesperson Neifa Hardy. Two other people in the home were injured. Another person died in Lowndes County and at least eight more were injured across the state, officials said. This story has been updated with the latest death toll and other details.

(More tornadoes stories.)
BEIJING, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- In 2024, experts, scholars and specialists from various fields across the world have shared their opinions with Xinhua on China's economy, diplomacy as well as international relations.

The following are the highlights of their insights on the Chinese economy:

John Ross, former director of economic and business policy for the mayor of London.

Guest Opinion: A fair narrative on Chinese economy

-- China's economy grew more than twice as fast as the United States but Western media put out all claims that there's a deep crisis in China and the U.S. economy is doing incredibly well, which is contradicted by the facts.

-- China's system is its biggest advantage. When running its economy, China is able to use state investment, and at the same time has a very strongly developing private sector. If you want to put it that way, the Chinese economy can walk on two legs.

-- Naturally, you can't repeat any country's policies mechanically somewhere else. China insists upon applying the general laws of economics in its own specific national conditions. That is why, as a result, China is so successful.

William Jones, Washington bureau chief of U.S. publication Executive Intelligence Review.

Guest Opinion: "Two sessions" will pave way for China in an increasingly uncertain world

-- While the Western "hype" about China's imminent decline as a major economic power is not taken seriously by most scholars, there have been difficulties created for China by the rather hostile attitude exhibited by the United States toward China's rise as a major technical power.

-- China will no doubt continue taking measures to open its economy to foreign investment.

-- What China is being deprived of due to the restrictions from abroad will have to be made up by China's own domestic talents.

Teddy Kaberuka, an economic analyst and international consultant from Rwanda.

Guest Opinion: Robust growth of Chinese economy will contribute to the development of Africa and global economy

-- Through rapid industrialization, urbanization and technological advancements, China has emerged as a pivotal player in the global economic landscape.

-- China's economic growth has reflective implications for the global economy. As the world's largest exporter and second-largest importer, China is pivotal in global supply chains, technology transfer and trade networks.

-- The robust growth of the Chinese economy is transforming Africa and shaping the global economic landscape.

Yi Xin, a political observer based in Beijing.

Guest Opinion: China's new quality productive forces: a force for good

-- Large-scale technological innovation across the industry has provided a strong foundation for Chinese EV makers to offer faster and more convenient services to consumers.

-- Thanks to long-term strategic planning and relentless investment, China has emerged over the past few decades as the world's leading player in solar power production, solar panel manufacturing and battery technology, making solar energy more affordable and accessible worldwide.

-- By promoting new quality productive forces, a continuation of its vision for high-quality development, China has made development smarter and greener for not only itself but also the world at large.

Jeffrey Sachs, professor and director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University.

Guest Opinion: China's economic success in face of growing U.S., EU protectionism

-- We are told regularly that China's fast growth is over, that China's data are manipulated, that a Chinese financial crisis looms, and that China will suffer the same stagnation as Japan during the past quarter century. This is U.S. propaganda, not reality.

-- China's economic growth benefits not only China but the whole world.

-- The absolute best solution for the world economy would be for China, the United States, and Europe to maintain open trade and mutually agreed industrial policies. 
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TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

The Bahrain Tender Board has reaffirmed its commitment to applying uniform regulations and standards across all sectors in government tenders. This approach aligns with the objectives of the Law Regulating Government Tenders, Auctions, Purchases, and Sales, along with its executive regulations, ensuring transparency and fairness in public procurement processes.

Comprehensive Response to Parliamentary Inquiry

Responding to an inquiry from MP Dr. Hisham Ahmed Al Asheeri, the Board outlined the stringent criteria for bid acceptance. According to the Board, bids must strictly adhere to the tender document's conditions and provide all required documentation. Furthermore, suppliers and contractors are expected to possess the necessary qualifications, professional and technical competence, financial resources, equipment, and administrative capabilities to fulfill contract obligations.

The Board emphasized that participants must also meet legal eligibility requirements, be free from bankruptcy or insolvency, and comply with Bahraini laws and regulations.

Rigorous Procurement Procedures

The Tender Board detailed its robust procurement procedures, which are managed by trained teams approved by the Board. For direct contracting, these teams ensure that goods, services, or constructions meet the specified standards and that the prices remain competitive based on market conditions and the received bids.

Legal Consultancy Contract Highlighted

Addressing a specific case, the Board clarified details surrounding a legal consultancy contract for the Electricity and Water Authority (EWA). The original contract, awarded in 2021, was valued at BD 1.5 million and utilized direct contracting, permitted under Bahraini law in urgent and specialized circumstances.

The consultancy was engaged to represent EWA in a dispute at the Bahrain Dispute Resolution Centre, involving claims totaling BD 11.44 million. The urgency of the matter and the firm's extensive expertise in both local and international disputes, including prior work for the EWA, justified the direct contracting decision.

In 2024, an amendment to the original agreement increased the contract value to accommodate a change order, underscoring the evolving nature of the legal requirements in this high-stakes case.

Commitment to Fairness and Transparency

The Bahrain Tender Boards response underscores its dedication to ensuring that all government procurement processes are conducted with fairness, transparency, and strict adherence to the law. These measures aim to foster trust among suppliers and contractors while maintaining high standards in the execution of public projects.

For more details on Bahrains tender regulations and updates, visit the Tender Boards official website or follow their announcements.
TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed regret over the crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines flight in Russian airspace near Grozny, Chechnya. The incident occurred on Wednesday, claiming the lives of 38 passengers. However, Putin stopped short of acknowledging Russian responsibility for the tragedy.

According to a Kremlin statement, the passenger jet repeatedly attempted to land at Grozny Airport but was unable to do so. The plane diverted eastward and ultimately crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan. Passengers aboard included citizens of Azerbaijan, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, with two children among the survivors.

Conflicting Theories on the Cause

While the exact cause remains unconfirmed, a U.S. official told CNN that preliminary evidence points to a Russian anti-aircraft system potentially downing the plane. Video footage and images of the wreckage reveal perforations on the fuselage resembling damage caused by shrapnel, though this has not been officially verified.

CNN aviation analyst Miles OBrien noted that bent metal around the holes suggests an explosion near the aircraft's tail. Survivors accounts and investigations by Azerbaijani authorities also indicate "external physical and technical interference," according to Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev.

Aliyev shared these findings with Putin during a phone call, stating that injuries and damage were consistent with "foreign particles penetrating the cabin mid-flight." The Kremlin, however, linked the crash to simultaneous drone attacks on the Grozny, Mozdok, and Vladikavkaz regions by Ukrainian forces, which prompted Russian air defenses to respond.

Official Responses

In a call with Aliyev, Putin apologized for the tragic incident in Russian airspace but did not confirm that Russian air defenses were responsible. He also conveyed condolences to Kazakhstans President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky, meanwhile, demanded clear answers from Russia, emphasizing that visible damage to the plane strongly suggests a missile strike. Russia must provide clear explanations and stop spreading disinformation, Zelensky stated on X.

U.S. President Joe Biden, when asked about the incident, noted that Putin appeared to have accepted some responsibility but withheld further comments pending discussions with his team.

Broader Impact

The crash has prompted at least five airlines, including Azerbaijan Airlines, Turkmenistan Airlines, Flydubai, El Al Israel, and Qazaq Air, to suspend flights to certain regions in Russia. Most cited safety concerns as their primary reason.

Russian authorities have opened a criminal investigation into the incident, but no official conclusions have been released. The tragedy highlights escalating tensions in the region and raises fresh concerns about the safety of civilian air traffic near conflict zones.
This photo taken on Dec. 29, 2024 shows the multi-purpose deep-sea scientific exploration and archaeological vessel, Tan Suo San Hao, or Exploration No. 3. Tan Suo San Hao on Sunday arrived at a port in Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, and was officially commissioned here.

The 104-meter-long self-developed and built vessel has a displacement of around 10,000 tonnes, an endurance of 15,000 nautical miles and a crew capacity of 80. It is equipped with two-direction ice-breaking capabilities at both the bow and stern. (Xinhua/Zhao Yingquan)

An aerial drone photo taken on Dec. 29, 2024 shows the multi-purpose deep-sea scientific exploration and archaeological vessel, Tan Suo San Hao, or Exploration No. 3. Tan Suo San Hao on Sunday arrived at a port in Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, and was officially commissioned here.

The 104-meter-long self-developed and built vessel has a displacement of around 10,000 tonnes, an endurance of 15,000 nautical miles and a crew capacity of 80. It is equipped with two-direction ice-breaking capabilities at both the bow and stern. (Photo by Li Duojiang/Xinhua)

An aerial drone photo taken on Dec. 29, 2024 shows the multi-purpose deep-sea scientific exploration and archaeological vessel, Tan Suo San Hao, or Exploration No. 3. Tan Suo San Hao on Sunday arrived at a port in Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, and was officially commissioned here.

The 104-meter-long self-developed and built vessel has a displacement of around 10,000 tonnes, an endurance of 15,000 nautical miles and a crew capacity of 80. It is equipped with two-direction ice-breaking capabilities at both the bow and stern. (Photo by Li Duojiang/Xinhua)
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BEIJING, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- As 2024 draws to a close, Xinhua News Agency has curated a selection of top 10 news stories that defined the year in China. Join us as we recap the standout moments of 2024.

1. CPC launches discipline education campaign to ensure strict Party self-governance

In April, the General Office of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee issued a circular to launch a Party-wide campaign on CPC discipline education. Running from April to July, the campaign is the first of its kind in Party history that centers around discipline education.

Through the study of the newly revised Party regulations on disciplinary action and other content, the campaign aimed to guide Party members and officials to study and abide by discipline so as to create a strong driving force and synergy for advancing Chinese modernization.

2. Breakthroughs made in high-tech fields of strategic significance and key projects

The Shenzhou-18 and the Shenzhou-19 manned spaceships were launched in April and October respectively. In December, the Shenzhou 19 crew broke the record for the longest single extravehicular activity by Chinese astronauts.

On June 25, the Chang'e-6 lunar probe wrapped up a 53-day mission, bringing back samples collected from the moon's far side for the first time in human history.

On Nov. 1, China's 41st Antarctic expedition team set sail to build the supporting infrastructure for the Qinling Station in Antarctica and conduct international research and logistics cooperation.

As of Nov. 26, China's Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope had identified more than 1,000 new pulsars, outnumbering those identified by all foreign telescopes combined.

3. Mainland resolutely deters "Taiwan independence" separatist forces

In response to Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te's pursuit of "Taiwan independence" and his attempts to seek it through foreign backing and military means, the mainland side has firmly declared its intolerance of any form of separatism.

From May 23 to 24, the Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army conducted Joint Sword-2024A military drills around the island of Taiwan, involving the army, navy, air force and rocket force.

On Oct. 14, the Eastern Theater Command conducted Joint Sword-2024B drills in the Taiwan Strait and to the north, south and east of the island of Taiwan.

These exercises served as a decisive punishment for Lai's provocations, a strong warning for separatist forces, and a stern message for external entities that aid or abet the pursuit of "Taiwan independence" and interfere in China's internal affairs.

4. Key CPC plenum rolls out further comprehensive reform measures

The third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee was held in Beijing from July 15 to 18. The key policy meeting adopted a resolution on further deepening reform comprehensively to advance Chinese modernization.

Focusing on advancing Chinese modernization and implementing the strategic plans made by the CPC's 20th National Congress, the resolution clarifies the goal of basically achieving socialist modernization by 2035, outlines China's key reform tasks for the next five years and proposes over 300 major reform initiatives.

The resolution serves as a declaration of objectives and an overall roadmap for further deepening reform comprehensively on the new journey in the new era.

5. Head-of-state diplomacy ushers in new chapter, high-standard opening-up advances

Over the past year, Chinese President Xi Jinping has engaged in intensive head-of-state diplomacy both at home and abroad. He attended major events such as the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation -- the largest China-hosted diplomatic event in recent years, and the Conference Marking the 70th Anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence.

Xi made four overseas visits in 2024 -- to Europe, to Central Asia, for the BRICS Summit, and to Latin America. He also participated in a series of multilateral summits.

China's major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics has fostered a favorable external environment for Chinese modernization.

Meanwhile, high-standard opening-up has advanced steadily, and the high-quality Belt and Road cooperation has achieved new progress. Events such as the China International Import Expo and the China International Supply Chain Expo have been held in succession, and policies optimizing foreign entry into China have been widely welcomed.

China is advancing the building of a community with a shared future for humanity, promoting an equitable and orderly multipolar world and inclusive economic globalization that is beneficial for all. By implementing the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, China contributes its solutions to addressing global challenges.

6. Retirement age reform introduced to better utilize human resources

On Sept. 13, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress approved a decision on gradually raising the statutory retirement age. Starting Jan. 1, 2025, China will implement a 15-year phased plan to incrementally increase the retirement age to 63 for male employees and to 55 or 58 for female employees.

This marks the first adjustment to the statutory retirement age in over 70 years and represents a major reform aimed at proactively addressing population aging and promoting the full utilization of human resources.

7. Founding anniversaries of NPC, CPPCC highlight China's whole-process people's democracy

This year marked the 70th founding anniversary of the National People's Congress (NPC) and the 75th founding anniversary of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

Speaking at a meeting celebrating the NPC founding anniversary on Sept. 14, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, emphasized continuous efforts to uphold, improve and run the system of people's congresses, China's fundamental political system, to good effect.

At a meeting celebrating the founding anniversary of the CPPCC on Sept. 20, Xi delivered a speech highlighting the high-quality development of the CPPCC's cause on its new journey in the new era.

Staying firmly on the path of socialist political advancement with Chinese characteristics, China has further strengthened its confidence in the path, theory, system and culture of socialism with Chinese characteristics. Continuous efforts have been made to develop the country's whole-process people's democracy.

8. Decisive deployment of a package of incremental policies to boost economic recovery

On Sept. 26, the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee held a meeting to analyze and study the current economic situation, announcing the decisive deployment of a package of incremental policies.

The Chinese economy has posted a generally stable performance this year while facing intensified external pressures and increasing domestic challenges. Over the past year, China has enhanced counter-cyclical adjustments through fiscal and monetary policies, stabilized the real estate market, boosted the capital market, and assisted enterprises in overcoming difficulties.

The country's total grain output surpassed 700 billion kilograms for the first time this year, and people's well-being has been improved. Risks in key areas have been addressed in an orderly and effective manner.

China's economic, technological and comprehensive national strengths have continued to grow, and this year's main economic and social development goals and tasks have been accomplished.

9. Celebration of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC)

Oct. 1 marked the 75th anniversary of the founding of the PRC, with a series of solemn events held for it.

On Sept. 29, China held a ceremony to confer national medals and national honorary titles. On Sept. 30, China's Martyrs' Day, a ceremony was held in central Beijing to present flower baskets to fallen heroes. Later on the day, a grand reception to celebrate the 75th founding anniversary of the PRC was held at the Great Hall of the People.

With pride and joy, the country's over 1.4 billion people celebrated the anniversary together. Over the past 75 years since the founding of the PRC, the CPC has united people of all ethnic groups to work hard and create the twin miracles of rapid economic growth and long-term social stability. China has undergone tremendous changes, and is now advancing toward the great national rejuvenation.

10. Celebration of the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland

Dec. 20 marked the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland. A meeting to celebrate the anniversary and the inaugural ceremony of the sixth-term government of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) was held on the day. President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, attended the meeting and delivered an important speech.

Over the past 25 years since Macao's return, enormous success has been achieved in advancing the cause of "one country, two systems" with distinctive Macao features. Macao has undergone a fundamental transformation and its international standing has risen significantly.

The great achievements of Macao since its return to the motherland have proven that the "one country, two systems," with its distinctive institutional strengths and strong vitality, is a good system that sustains the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and Macao.

It is also a good system that facilitates endeavors to build China into a great country and achieve national rejuvenation, and a good system for ensuring peaceful coexistence and mutual benefit between different social systems, which must be upheld in the long run. 
By Michael Noll

The 100th birthday of Bell Labs is January 1, 2025. Should we celebrate and applaud, or should we mourn the loss of an R&D national treasure? Tribute or eulogy?

Bell Telephone Laboratories, Inc. -- known as Bell Labs  originally was headquartered at 463 W. Street in Manhattan on New Years Day, 1925. In 1941, it initiated a gradual move to what would become its sprawling complex on Mountain Avenue in Murray Hill, New Jersey. More buildings were added over ensuing years, including a pyramid-like, exterior structure that seemed to embrace the older original buildings with their copper roofs.

Since its formation, BTL performed the research and development for the Bell System, which then provided efficient and affordable telecommunication service for the United States.

The transistor, automated switching, coaxial cable, stereophonic audio, speech compression, information theory, cellular radio concept, and polyethylene cable sheathing are examples of some of the innovations from Bell Labs. The discovery of chemiluminescence, which is the basis for light sticks, was made at Bell Labs.

Bell Labs was essentially a national R&D facility, making its discoveries available to all  and continuing the innovation tradition of the past Thomas Alva Edison research laboratory.

But Bell System was dissolved on Jan. 1, 1984, and Bell Telephone Laboratories, Inc. ceased to exist.

Attempts were made to continue it in other forms. An AT&T Bell Laboratories, Inc. and a Bell Communications research, Inc. (nicknamed Bellcore) were created. In 1996, AT&T Bell Labs split to become Bell Laboratories (as a division of Lucent Technologies, Inc.) and AT&T Laboratories (as a division of AT&T).

An international journey followed.

Alcatel, the French telecom, acquired Lucent in 2006, and what was called Bell Labs became a division of Alcatel-Lucent. Then, in 2016, the Finnish telecommunication company Nokia purchased Alcatel-Lucent, and a Nokia Bell Labs appeared and remains today. But Nokia Bell Labs clearly does not have the mission and history of the original Bell Telephone Laboratories, Inc. of 1925. Along the convoluted history, an Avaya Labs and an Agere Systems, Inc. were created. Meanwhile, the Swedish telecommunication firm Ericsson ultimately acquired Bellcore in 2012.

Yet with all the progenies, mergers, and acquisitions, does any one entity have exclusive claim to the legacy of Bell Labs?

It might be claimed that occupying the Murray Hill site is a strong factor. But some years ago, Lucent-Bell Labs tore down many wings of the original buildings to save on taxes (sadly, the wing I worked in is now gone). Nokia Bell Labs, which occupies the Murray Hill site, has announced that it will move to New Brunswick. Bell Telephone Laboratories, Inc. has been long gone  and soon, so will the legendary Murray Hill site.

But whatever the convoluted and tortured history of Bell Telephone Laboratories, January 1, 2025 is indeed its 100th birthday.

As an appropriate birthday gift, I suggest that the Arnold Auditorium, archives, and some sort of public museum be carved from the Murray Hill site and be given to the public. The first invention state was New Jersey, and that deserves more attention and public education.

Bell Labs seems to have become just a name that can be acquired by some new owner who then cloaks itself in its identity. What is called AT&T today is Southwestern Bell -- rebranded itself as AT&T -- with no resemblance to the AT&T of the past that owned Bell Labs and the Bell System. The various companies that owned Bell Labs have similarly cloaked themselves under the Bell Labs name, but bear no resemblance to the Bell Telephone Laboratories, Inc. of the past.

The factors that made Bell Labs unique and influential are not possible anymore. These factors were secure and stable funding from the Bell monopoly, a long-term view, freedom to take chances and perhaps even fail, management that rose through the organization, closeness to practical problems, and a broad mission to assure the future of telecommunication in the United States.

The current emphasis on short-term profits makes these factors impossible today. That is why there no longer can be a Bell Labs of 1925.

Yes, this is a eulogy  a memorial -- to a great R&D facility of the past that brought us all much closer through todays telecommunication world of satellites, optical fiber, wireless, digital, and automated switching. Just the same, Happy Birthday, BTL.

Dr. A. Michael Noll has written books, papers, and articles about Bell Labs and its key people. He was employed as a Member of Technical Staff at Bell Labs in Murray Hill starting in 1961, and is currently professor emeritus of communications at the Annenberg School at the University of Southern California.

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On my way home after my day off, I gas up at one gas station in Monmouth County. For the last year, one recent immigrant from India fills my tank. Last time, I noticed he looked so tired around 7 in the evening. Speaking a little English, he mentioned he had been working since 6 in the morning and would close at 9 oclock  thats 15 hours straight.

Other employees who want to earn extra money might agree to such a grueling daily schedule, but I wonder if recent immigrants know they do not have to work so long in a day.

Reflecting on her many years as an immigration lawyer, Susan N. Rosti, whose office as a solo practitioner is in Caldwell and who had until recently lived and worked for years in Jersey City, finds that immigrants populate the healthcare, travel, food and construction industries.

They want to improve their communities, take care of their families and be productive members of society, she said.

Many migrants have come to the United States because of terrible conditions in their homelands and seek to stay through the asylum process. According to the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse out of Syracuse University, there are 1.6 million asylum seekers waiting for their hearings  the most ever in U.S. history.

Rosti explained that there is a one-year deadline from the moment someone enters the U.S. to file for asylum and this is difficult because most immigrants do not have the financial resources to hire a lawyer. Another hurdle is the waiting time  150 days  to apply for a legal work permit after filing for asylum.

In May 2023, I met Usman (not his real name), an African refugee who had just arrived at the Lighthouse in Union City, a residence for migrants seeking asylum. His life had been threatened and twice he was arrested, imprisoned, brutalized and almost poisoned in his former home country, Ghana. Within days of his arrival here, though, he was pounding the Bergenline Avenue pavement looking for any kind of work. Eventually he found a job in Passaic County, but his employer paid him well below the prevailing hourly wage, he said. He took the job until he was able to get an authorization to work and found a reputable position in New York.

This causes a great deal of financial distress for individuals who have the ambition and desire and ability to work, Rosti said. She also noted some employers subject immigrants to work for extremely low wages and even abuse.

Migrants, she said, also face extremely long wait times to see a judge to present their case against deportation or removal as well as extremely long processing times for affirmative asylum claims. As of November, she said, there were 3.6 million people in removal proceedings. Many of her clients have to wait until 2026 with some in 2028 and even 2029 for their asylee hearings.

Usman, a Muslim, called me Christmas Day with greetings and told me his asylum hearing is scheduled for 2026. In the meantime, hes hoping to bring the mother of his daughter and the baby he left behind to the U.S. He said they are safe and he FaceTimes them regularly, but he misses them.

Migrants loved ones die and get sick and they cannot attend funerals because to do so would be self-deporting, Rosti said.

Despite all the legal hurdles now, Rosti is worried for the future. She expects President-elect Trump to eliminate DACA completely, to terminate Temporary Protected Status for Haitians  many of whom are her clients  and eliminate the Immigration Court system and any form of due process.

Immigration lawyer Susan Rosti describes the many challenges and hurdles those seeking asylum in the United States face. (Marie Papp photo courtesy of Susan Rosti)Marie Papp photo courtesy of Susan Rosti

Rostis parents immigrated from Iran.

When I was younger, I had a dream of assisting other Iranians who were interested in immigrating from Iran to the United States as well as providing assistance to battered and abused women, she said.

She graduated from Rutgers and Pace Law School. Though Muslim, Rosti attends Catholic Mass with her husband, Michael, and she knows the Bible.

Migration is historic. Even Jesus, Mary and Joseph were migrants. According to the Bible, an angel of the Lord told Joseph to flee to Egypt in a dream, as described in Matthew 2:1323, and to stay there until Herod died and the angel gave further instructions. This ancient example of forced migration drives much of the movement today of peoples across national and even continental boundaries.

Pope Benedict XVI wrote that Jesus, the true son, himself went into exile in a very deep sense in order to lead all of us home from exile.

The incoming Trump administration plans to rescind a long-standing policy preventing Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents from making arrests in houses of worship, schools and hospitals, according to many news outlets. Trump has pledged to carry out the largest deportation program in American history. He wants to financially penalize sanctuary cities and has also indicated his willingness to involve the military to carry out the deportation program, which is technically illegal to use military on U.S. soil.

All houses of worship should be worried since it may depress attendance out of fear of being arrested. Migrants, whether documented or not, may also delay needed medical care or going to work.

The U.S. bishops should be very concerned about this deportation scheme and push back against it strongly, as it is as much an attack on the life of the church in this country as it is against immigrant families, J. Kevin Appleby, senior fellow for policy at the Center for Migration Studies of New York, told America Magazine.

Despite a bleak future, Rosti has been inspired by her clients.

They want to go to school and get a good education, she said. They want to live their lives in safety and freedom. To not be afraid to be who they are and who they can love.

Reverence for the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph can inspire us to extend that same dignity to any immigrant or refugee family desiring residence in the U.S. Lets work toward implementing humane treatment for all families  no matter their country of origin.

The Rev. Alexander Santora is the pastor of Our Lady of Grace and St. Joseph, 400 Willow Ave., Hoboken, NJ 07030. Email: padrealex@yahoo.com; X: @padrehoboken.
Politicians and officials from across New Jersey  and from both parties  are mourning former President Jimmy Carter, who died Sunday at age 100.

Carter, a Democrat and the 39th U.S. president, is being remembered as a dedicated and kind public servant who left a legacy far beyond his polarizing presidency.

Heres what Jerseys political world is saying about Carter:

President Jimmy Carter was a man whose tremendous faith was equaled by his sense of moral courage and purpose, Murphy, a Democrat, said in a statement. He saw a nation scarred by Watergate and sought to heal its wounds and restore its faith. He saw the promise for peace in the Middle East and took the first steps toward that elusive goal, including personally brokering a peace treaty between Israel and Egypt. He saw a world imperiled by the threat of nuclear war and endeavored to protect it.

In addition to his accomplishments in public office, it is what President Carter did when he did not have an official title that has solidified his place among our nations greatest citizens. He served in the United States Navy with distinction. And he committed his life after the White House to charitable endeavors large and small to better our world  to promote peace, to fight disease, and to house the homeless, among so much else.

We pray that, in rest, President Carter will be reunited with his beloved wife Rosalynn. And we are sending our prayers, as well, to their children Jack, James II, Donnel, and Amy, along with their families, and all who had the pleasure of knowing President Carter through the years.

In his youth, few probably ever fathomed the lasting imprint this son of Plains, Georgia would leave on the world. He proved that good people, wanting nothing more than to do good, can excel in politics and life. And, as he leaves us, we are forever grateful.

When I was in grade school, our teacher had a mock election in our class and I was so proud to vote for Jimmy Carter, Booker, a Democrat, wrote on social media.

He embodied so many of the qualities I hold dear  service, leadership, discipline, grace, kindness, and living your faith more than speaking your faith. But perhaps the value he epitomized most to me was radical love.

One of the greatest road trips of my life was about 5 years ago, driving from Atlanta to Plains, Georgia, with John Lewis to visit with President Carter and Rosalynn and hear President Carter teach Sunday school to people from all over the world from all different faiths.

I recounted my grade school vote, and how his lifelong legacy had influenced me throughout my career. As always, he accepted it with humility and humor, and then, as if thinking about my coming year or two, encouraged me to run for president ONLY he said, if you run from here and then he poked gently at my chest, at my heart.

President Jimmy Carter gave us a pure and lasting example of a public servant, Kim, a Democrat, wrote on social media. His life and legacy will forever be a lesson on the power in one persons will to do good. Im sending love to the Carter family today as we honor his life and untiring, humble mission to help others.

Former Gov. Chris Christie

President Jimmy Carter was a good & decent man who loved our country and served it loyally in the U.S. Navy, as Governor of Georgia and as President, Christie, a Republican, wrote on social media. My first vote was for his opponent for re-election, Ronald Reagan, but despite his flawed Presidency he was a great American.

I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of former President Jimmy Carter, a man of unparalleled moral courage, faith, and humanity, Way, a Democrat, said in a statement.

While his presidency left an undeniable mark, it was his life after the White House that cemented his place among our nations greatest citizens. Whether building homes for the homeless, fighting disease, or advancing human rights, President Carter exemplified the belief that public service is a lifelong calling.

His life taught us what it means to lead with compassion and purpose.

President Carter was a true American patriot who dedicated his life to public service, Norcross, D-1st Dist., wrote on social media. He served his nation honorably as a naval officer, governor, and as the 39th President of the United States. ... Today, I join the entire country in mourning the loss of one of our nations great leaders.

From his farm in Georgia to his work at The Carter Center & Habitat for Humanity, President Carters impact spanned far beyond the WH walls, Gottheimer, D-5th Dist., and a Democratic candidate for governor, wrote on social media. While today we say goodbye to our 39th president, we will forever remember his legacy and the lives he touched at home and around the world.

President Jimmy Carter was a true servant of the people, Kean, R-7th Dist., wrote on social media. His dedication to building a better world, both in the United States and abroad, will continue to inspire generations to come. May he rest in peace.

He lived 100 great years and never forgot where he came from  always looking out for the average American and those in need, Pallone, D-6th Dist., wrote on social media.

President Jimmy Carter was a devoted husband and father, a decorated veteran, a champion for peace and a tireless public servant, McIver, D-10th Dist., wrote on social media. His remarkable legacy will not be forgotten.

Jimmy Carter was selfless, humble, principled, and kind, Menendez, D-8th Dist., wrote on social media. He was a patriot who lived a life in service to our nation during his time in the White House and in the decades that followed. May he rest in peace, and may we all strive to live a life as full and impactful as his.

As a Naval Academy graduate and Navy veteran, President and a humanitarian, President Carter answered the call of duty every day of his life, Sherrill, D-11th Dist., a Democratic candidate for governor, and a former Navy helicopter pilot, wrote on social media. The nation will forever be grateful for his service, patriotism, compassion, and integrity.

A profound faith and compassion for humanity drove his political career, and his post-presidential life. It brings me joy to know he is reunited with his beloved Rosalynn, Watson Coleman, D-12th Dist., said in a statement.

An estimated crowd of 35,000 people gather for a noontime speech by then-presidential candidate Jimmy Carter in downtown Philadelphia in October 1976.AP Photo, File

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka

President Jimmy Carter embodied the true spirit of public service, dedicating his life to humanity, peace, and justice, Baraka, a Democratic candidate for governor, wrote on social media. My heartfelt condolences go out to the Carter family. May his legacy and memory continue to inspire us all.

NJEA President Sean Spiller

I am deeply saddened by the passing of President Carter, who redefined what it means to be a humanitarian, a statesman, and a leader, Spiller, president of the New Jersey Education Association teachers union and a Democratic candidate for governor, wrote on social media. A genuinely decent man who made this world a better place. May we all aspire to live up to the example he set.

Former state Senate President Stephen Sweeney

From the White House to his charitable work with Habitat for Humanity, his legacy is one of selflessness and a relentless pursuit of peace and justice. His impact, both at home and abroad, is a testament to his enduring love for humanity. ... Rest in peace, President Carter  you leave behind a world forever changed for the better, Sweeney, a Democratic candidate for governor, wrote on social media.

State Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin

A humble, decent, and inspiring man who led our nation with integrity and compassion, Coughlin, D-Middlesex, wrote on social media.

State Attorney General Matthew Platkin

Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of Jimmy Carter, Platkin, a Democrat, wrote on social media. A Navy lieutenant, a governor, a president, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, a champion of civil rights, and so much more, he represented the very best of the American spirit.

Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription.

Brent Johnson may be reached at bjohnson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on X at @johnsb01.
Rain is expected to bring soaked New Years Eve celebrations across much of New Jersey as a warm, soggy trend continues this week.

Colder temperatures are expected to replace warmer weather later in the week as the rain clears out.

The National Weather Service on Sunday said it expects more rain to arrive Tuesday from the west. The system will likely be fast-moving, keeping rainfall totals to nearly one-half inch on New Years Eve while it passes over the state and off the coast, meteorologists said.

Forecasters are not ruling out chances of locally heavier rainfall totals.

The system will add to strong rainfall that has soaked much of New Jersey over the weekend. The system that passed over much of the state included the chance of freezing rain in North Jersey, creating hazardous conditions for weekend motorists.

New Years Eve rainfall will be driven by warmer temperatures that could reach into to low 60s, the weather service said. The warming trend began on Saturday, with temperatures ranging from the lower 40s to the upper 50s, was expected to carry into Sunday.

An upper-level area of low pressure is expected to move across the Great Lakes into Canada Monday before shifting farther north and east, the National Weather Service said.

After the trough moves across the area, a second one pushing east from Tennessee and Ohio will arrive Tuesday evening. With it will likely come increased clouds and a band of rain from the west and southwest later in the day, moving across the area while many prepare to welcome 2025.

The warmer temperatures and moisture will come days before cold temperatures descend on New Jersey from the north. The high could only reach the 40s on Thursday and the upper 30s on Friday, the National Weather Service said.

Nighttime temperatures would likely fall into the upper 20s on both days.

Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription.

Eric Conklin may be reached at econklin@njadvancemedia.com.
A U.S. youth delegation visited Hengshui City in China's Hebei Province for a two-day cultural exchange program, participating in diverse activities aimed at fostering cross-cultural understanding.




TUNIS, Dec. 28 (Xinhua) -- Tunisian security forces have dismantled a drug trafficking network active in the southeastern province of Sfax, arresting two individuals, the Tunisian National Guard said Saturday on its Facebook page.

It said that one of the arrestees had been wanted on various charges, and that the forces have also seized five plaques of cannabis and a sum of money from drug trafficking during the operation.

Upon reviewing the case, the public prosecution authorized their detention pending investigations, it said, without mentioning the timing of the operation or the nationalities of the arrestees.

The Tunisian government has taken a strong stance against drug trafficking, arresting hundreds of suspects in recent nationwide operations. 
It's now just a distant, and at times very vague memory, but 'The Harriers' in Tullamore was the spot for a number of generations to head to on a Saturday night and there was no bigger night than New Year's Eve!!!

And it wasn't just people from Tullamore who descended on the venue. Buses came from all across Offaly and further afield emptying their loads of excited teenagers in the car park.

Take a trip down memory lane and see how many of these 15 things you remember!

1  Waiting nervously in the queue to more than likely be asked for ID you most certainly didn't have. No such thing as Age Cards back in the day which made life much easier for intrepid 15, 16 and 17-year-olds. This was followed by the sense of sheer relief or bitter disappointment when you did or didn't get past the front desk. It was all down to confidence and, for the lads, that little scruffy bit of facial hair.

2  Finding someone in the long, long line for the cloakroom who would hang up your denim jacket or alternatively, finding a dark corner up the back to dump it for the night as standing in the queue was wasting valuable drinking time.

3  Getting in early on a busy night to avoid the long queue when the buses arrived from all points in the midlands. You were also trying to get a booth near the bar or up the back in 'The Restaurant'.

4  Being a hero at the bar and ordering double vodkas or double Famous Grouse knowing full well it was all going to end badly before you got out the door that night.

5  If you were a lad, prowling the floor when you knew the slow set was about to start in the hopes of getting the shift.

6  If you were a girl, watching out for the lads prowling the floor when the slow set was about to start and doing your level best to dodge them.

7  The sound of numerous teens puking in the toilets while you waited outside the door trying desperately not to lose the contents of your stomach all over the floor!

8  What live music was really like and how many great Irish bands were touring the country during the late 80s and early 90s with The Stunning, The 4 of Us and An Emotional Fish being among the regular visitors.

9  The pain in your neck the next day after head banging to Thunderstruck, Whole Lotta Rosie, Black Betty and various other metal tunes.

10  The helpful hand picking you off the floor in the mosh pit after you unwisely chose to bounce off someone twice your size and half as drunk when Smells Like Teen Spirit was blasted out.

11  The drunk lad who seemed to knock a drink out of everyone's hand no matter how much you tried to dodge him while coming up the steps from the dance floor

12  Gyrating your body in some weird and wonderful way and trying to convince other people that you were actually dancing.

13  Trying to jump the queue to get your coat from the cloakroom (if you bothered putting it there in the first place) as the girl you were snogging earlier in the night had already left with her friends and you were desperate to catch up with her before she got on her bus to God knows where.

14  Staggering home afterwards with a curry chips because someone told you that hid the smell of alcohol on your breath. Turns out it didn't and you spent a lot of time trying to convince your irate parents you really only had one pint despite the puke stains all down your clothes.

15  Not having to worry about your every move and indiscretion being posted all across social media the next day. Back then we had to rely on vague flashbacks and the day after postmortem with friends to piece together what we did.
There is a bird in east China's Jiangxi Province so rare that it has come to be known as the "fairy bird." Travel with us to Wuyuan County to see its vibrant blue feathers and hear its crisp call!
SHANGHAI, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- China's first domestically built large cruise ship, Adora Magic City, has completed 84 journeys with 600,000 inbound and outbound visits in the first year of its commercial operation, according to Shanghai Customs.

The ship embarked on its maiden voyage on Jan. 1 and gained popularity among tourists, accounting for 40 percent of China's international cruise market in 2024.

Over 3,000 passengers boarded the ship docking at Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal on Sunday for a six-day New Year trip.

The cruise ship, 323.6 meters long, has a gross tonnage of 135,500 tonnes and can accommodate up to 5,246 passengers in 2,125 guest rooms.

With its long industrial chain and a high degree of internationalization, the cruise industry is often called "the golden industry that floats." Over 1,000 domestic and foreign manufacturers were involved in building Adora Magic City.

Meanwhile, China's second homegrown large cruise ship is expected to be delivered by the end of 2026 and will start international journeys from Guangzhou in 2027.

China's cruise economy is witnessing a steady recovery, bolstered by the visa-free policy for international tourists and the resurgence of the global cruise market. Market analysts said the cruise economy plays a crucial role in expanding domestic demand, unlocking consumption potential and cultivating new economic drivers.

To boost the industry, China has implemented a series of targeted policies. In May, a policy was rolled out allowing visa-free entry for foreign tourist groups arriving on cruise ships at any of the country's cruise ports along the coastline.

In June, new regulations were unveiled to facilitate the replenishment of supplies for international cruises at Chinese ports. 
YANGON, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- Two Myanmar nationals and a Malaysian national were arrested for drug trafficking in Yangon, along with a large haul of drugs and drug-making devices, the official daily The Global New Light of Myanmar reported on Sunday.

Acting on a tip-off, a joint anti-narcotic task force searched a vehicle in Botataung Township of Yangon region on Dec. 22 and confiscated 238.5 grams of "Happy Water" drug, 27 grams of ketamine, and 400 stimulant tablets along with a suspect, the report said, citing Myanmar Police Force.

Investigation revealed that another suspect was arrested in Tamwe Township of Yangon on the same day, with 129 grams of "Happy Water" drug. A search of his home in Pazundaung Township led to the seizure of 6.125 kg of "Happy Water" drug, 950 grams of ketamine, and 240 ecstasy pills.

A Malaysian national was arrested on Dec. 23 in Dagon Myothit (Seikkan) Township. He was found with 75 grams of ketamine, 450 ecstasy pills, 600 happy-5 tablets, and drug-making equipment.

In total, the seized drugs were valued at 278 million kyats (about 132,000 U.S. dollars), the report said.

According to the investigation, the suspects were selling drugs to young people in KTVs, bars, clubs, and restaurants in Yangon, it said.

Legal action has been taken against the suspects, and the investigation is ongoing, it added. 
An aerial drone photo shows the expressway linking Urumqi and Yuli County in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Dec. 25, 2024.

The 22.13-km Tianshan Shengli tunnel, world's longest expressway tunnel, will soon be drilled through. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)

Workers operate at the construction site of Tianshan Shengli tunnel along the expressway linking Urumqi and Yuli County in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Dec. 25, 2024.

The 22.13-km Tianshan Shengli tunnel, world's longest expressway tunnel, will soon be drilled through. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)

This combo photo shows the exit of Tianshan Shengli tunnel under construction on May 19, 2020 (above, aerial drone photo), and on Dec. 25, 2024 (below, aerial drone photo), respectively, along the expressway linking Urumqi and Yuli County in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

The 22.13-km Tianshan Shengli tunnel, world's longest expressway tunnel, will soon be drilled through. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)

This combo photo shows the exit of Tianshan Shengli tunnel under construction on May 19, 2020 (above, aerial drone photo), and on Dec. 25, 2024 (below, aerial drone photo), respectively, along the expressway linking Urumqi and Yuli County in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

The 22.13-km Tianshan Shengli tunnel, world's longest expressway tunnel, will soon be drilled through. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)

A worker takes measurements at the construction site of Tianshan Shengli tunnel along the expressway linking Urumqi and Yuli County in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Dec. 25, 2024.

The 22.13-km Tianshan Shengli tunnel, world's longest expressway tunnel, will soon be drilled through. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)

Workers operate at the construction site of Tianshan Shengli tunnel along the expressway linking Urumqi and Yuli County in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, May 19, 2020.

The 22.13-km Tianshan Shengli tunnel, world's longest expressway tunnel, will soon be drilled through. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)

An aerial drone photo shows the exit of Tianshan Shengli tunnel along the expressway linking Urumqi and Yuli County in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Dec. 25, 2024.

The 22.13-km Tianshan Shengli tunnel, world's longest expressway tunnel, will soon be drilled through. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)

Workers operate at the construction site of Tianshan Shengli tunnel along the expressway linking Urumqi and Yuli County in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Dec. 25, 2024.

The 22.13-km Tianshan Shengli tunnel, world's longest expressway tunnel, will soon be drilled through. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)

A worker operates at the construction site of Tianshan Shengli tunnel along the expressway linking Urumqi and Yuli County in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Dec. 25, 2024.

The 22.13-km Tianshan Shengli tunnel, world's longest expressway tunnel, will soon be drilled through. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)

A worker sets up supporting racks at the construction site of Tianshan Shengli tunnel along the expressway linking Urumqi and Yuli County in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Feb. 4, 2021.

The 22.13-km Tianshan Shengli tunnel, world's longest expressway tunnel, will soon be drilled through. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)

This photo shows the entrance of Tianshan Shengli tunnel along the expressway linking Urumqi and Yuli County in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Dec. 20, 2024.

The 22.13-km Tianshan Shengli tunnel, world's longest expressway tunnel, will soon be drilled through. (Xinhua/Wang Fei)

This combo photo shows the exit of Tianshan Shengli tunnel under construction on May 19, 2020 (above, aerial drone photo), and on Dec. 25, 2024 (below, aerial drone photo), respectively, along the expressway linking Urumqi and Yuli County in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

The 22.13-km Tianshan Shengli tunnel, world's longest expressway tunnel, will soon be drilled through. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)

Workers weld at the construction site of Tianshan Shengli tunnel along the expressway linking Urumqi and Yuli County in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Feb. 3, 2021.

The 22.13-km Tianshan Shengli tunnel, world's longest expressway tunnel, will soon be drilled through. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)

A worker welds at the construction site of Tianshan Shengli tunnel along the expressway linking Urumqi and Yuli County in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Dec. 25, 2024.

The 22.13-km Tianshan Shengli tunnel, world's longest expressway tunnel, will soon be drilled through. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)

Workers operate at the construction site of Tianshan Shengli tunnel along the expressway linking Urumqi and Yuli County in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Feb. 4, 2021.

The 22.13-km Tianshan Shengli tunnel, world's longest expressway tunnel, will soon be drilled through. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)
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An Essay review of "Why the Bible Began," by Jacob L. Wright

The Bible: A Community's Survivor Tale told through the Hebrew Alphabet

According to this author's hypothesis, the Bible emerged as a community survival project initiated by the Judean peoples of the Levant, driven mostly by anonymous warring biblical scribes.

After suffering two devastating wars against Babylon and Assyria, respectively, the people of the Levant were defeated and dispersed into exile. Disillusioned and believing their god had abandoned them, they lost faith in the Kingdom as a means of community organization.

Upon their return from exile, they became increasingly receptive to scribes who advocated for a novel form of community. This community would be based on rebuilding the Temple and establishing a Hebrew community rather than resorting to destruction through war.

Thus, the rebuilding of the Temple and the walls of Jerusalem transcended its original sacred purpose and became an act of identity, imbued with newfound dignity and respect. It held equal value to going to war, transforming the Judeans of the Levant into a community of Jews rather than a nation or a kingdom of Judeans.

Professor Wright presents two contrasting narratives: one written by the warring scribes of the Bible and the other written by the stones of archeology. These stories often corroborate each other, but even when they diverge, they enrich the overall understanding of the subject matter.

Professor Wright's hypothesis directly confronts the theories of competing religious scholars. As a professor of religion in addition to his renowned status as a biblical scholar and archaeologist, he firmly believed from the outset that the Bible was an integral part of a Jewish cultural survival project.

The Bible served as both an intra-Levant community recovery project from two centuries of defeat and trauma and a mid-course correction and reassessment in the wake of repeated defeats of their respective Kings and Kingdoms, collectively perceived as abandoned by their god Yawah.

As the biblical texts and archaeological records are scrutinized, we witness a fascinating interplay.

Surprisingly, only one archaeological discovery, found on the stone tablet of Babylonian King Merneptah, provides concrete evidence of the existence of a nation called Israel. This solitary reference proclaims, "Israel is now extinct."

In contrast, the biblical texts, particularly Lamentations and Isaiah I-II, delve into profound emotional turmoil. They grapple with the profound sense of abandonment experienced by the Israelites during the devastating defeat and ruin inflicted by the Babylonian empire of the Bronze Age. A century later, they face another existential crisis at the hands of the Assyrian empire of the Iron Age.

However, amidst these cataclysmic events, the biblical texts make a remarkable turnabout. They celebrate the imminent recovery of Israel with the assistance of the very god who had abandoned them to catastrophic and collective defeat.

These two cataclysmic events had a profound and lasting impact on the Jews of the Levant. They not only left the individuals psychologically traumatized but also disarmed, scattered, and in and out of exile. Dispossessed of their land and riches, they found themselves unprotected and replaced by communities of conquerors. Fear loomed large in their future.

Consequently, the Jews no longer felt compelled to rely on or defend a system that had repeatedly failed them. Driven by a sense of self-determination, they embarked on an extraordinary journey to create an entirely new system of survival.

At the heart of this transformative system lay a new and elevated version of Yahweh, a deity transcending all worldly kings and leaders of earthly empires.

Likeminded scribes from both sides of the Levant, armed with their pens as swords, engaged in a fierce competition to rewrite their respective versions of the new book, the Bible.

The fundamental principles of these revised texts shared a fresh perspective on society. Instead of focusing on survival after repeated defeats, they embraced a narrative centered around community survival in the face of challenges. This new perspective emphasized faith in a community capable of thriving and even flourishing despite the downfalls of worldly kingdoms.

The scribes, dogmatic theocratic scholars, instinctively understood the delicate nature of their sacred calling. The previous Bible, which recounted the story of the "losers of history," underwent a radical transformation. It was amended and elevated to a new narrative of the "losers who formed a united community of heroic survivors of history."

This radical revision of their survival orientation led to a piecemeal reorganization and rewriting of the new Jewish origin story. The scribes skillfully edited the Old Testament, interspersing known truths with wishful post-destruction thinking. They meticulously filled in the gaps of the pre-destruction era, creating an illusion of nonexistent tribal unity. Building upon this foundation, they creatively amended the longstanding biblical narrative, sometimes subtly and often forcefully.

Yahweh, now transformed into the first transcendental unitary god, became the central figure of a newly constructed social, political, and philosophical framework. This framework was socially engineered by the pens of learned, likeminded, but dogmatic, and anonymous theocratic scribes of Jewish history.

As modern forms of writing emerged, particularly the Hebrew alphabet, it also played a crucial role in the actual social engineering of a society.

Beyond their faith in survival under the new Yahweh, another unifying concept among the scribes was the notion that what could not be achieved militarily in the past could be achieved spiritually in the future through creative storytelling about that past and envisioning a different future. As the author aptly put it on page 91, "they could become part of an updated imagined-past, revised as a mental benchmark for the future."

The mental gymnastics required to reconcile the pre-destruction and post-destruction discrepancies was akin to the "lost cause" of the American Civil War. Even after military defeat, the Confederacy persisted in claiming victory in the spiritual battle through cultural means.

Quentin Tarantino exemplified this in two recent movies: "Inglorious Basterds" and "Django Unchained." In "Inglorious Basterds," a Jewish heiress of a Paris movie house sacrifices herself and her lover to decapitate the Nazi Party attending a premiere at her theater.

Similarly, in "Django Unchained," a black slave is miraculously freed and becomes a bounty hunter, seeking retribution by burning and killing those who had enslaved him and his wife.

However, Dr. Wright's cultural redemption story concludes abruptly. Despite archaeological evidence, the newly invented stories about the Bible's origins, regardless of their rationale, are unlikely to withstand academic scrutiny.

Notably, none of the familiar biblical heroes, except for a brief mention of King David's defeat, appear on any of the stone tablets left by the conquering empires.

The infamous wall of Jericho is mentioned in the book of Joshua a millennium after its supposed destruction in the archaeological record.

Furthermore, the word "Israel" is the only archaeological attestation to the existence of a nation, the united community known as Israel. This solitary reference, found on a single carbon-dated Bronze Age stone tablet by the Egyptian King Merneptah, simply informs readers of Israel's extinction.

As if to salvage the project with his own wish-fulfilling words, the author concludes from this solitary archaeological reference that Israel must have been significant enough to be included in the text of the tablet.

Although I'm not a biblical scholar, I suspect I've only touched the surface of a much deeper discussion among biblical scholars who are knowledgeable. Nevertheless, the book still strikes me as important. I say this after listening to Jordan Peterson's lectures on the deeper mythical interpretation of biblical texts and reconsidering Nietzsche's negative critique of religious morality. Three stars.


'Kamala Harris channeling Christie Love'

(Image by A 'Cecil' I) Details DMCA



Johnson could see the future and he was none too happy at what he conjured up in his tired old man's mind. He'd seen it before. Knew how it was done. He thought of himself as one step ahead of Turd Blossom's anti-reality-based thinking modus o. Turd Blossom aka Karl Rove, Dubya's Dirty Tricks operative and deep state liaison, had supposedly try to rig the results of the 2012 presidential election by calling on Ohio election officials to throw away some provisional votes. Greg Palast had himself intervened. Someone somewhere got the shot beat out of them that night. Obama won re-election. Next thing we know the Big O suspended funding for gain-of-function research. He was pissed off. Donald Trump had mouthing off again, calling on Obama to cough up his birth certificate. When the Big O did, placing the jpeg on the White House website, conspiracies sizzled, some saw anomalies, question protocols, and some nitwit talked about those goddamn popping rivets of the freefalling twin towers again. You could scream sometime, Johnson told his bride to be, Leah. Yeah, she said, you could.

Johnson saw the end of the world if DJ were allowed to take office. Was the upshot. He was terrified by the thought of what might happen if DJ let RFK Jr. take fluoride away and refuse to let people take vaccines for the bird flu just waiting for DJ to raise his hand at the Inauguration and swear to uphold the law of the land. Old Joe would snigger, but he was no slouch on the scofflaw front. He'd helped coup Ukraine and was afterward its presider while they groomed the winner of Ukraine's Dance with the Stars and smash hit funny guy for the sitcom, Servant of the People, Volodymyr Zelensky. Servant of the People was his political party, and he was a song-and-dance man (h/t Dylan) for a nation revving up for war.

Anyway, Johnson was pissed off at his president, whose office he respected implicitly. It was a nice office. He'd been there once on a tour. Grabbed some candies from a crystal bowl, Zagnuts, the ones with toasted goodness in every bite. Johnson blamed Old Joe for the catastrophe about to happen: Trump 2. He's not dropped out of the presidential race soon enough, leaving Kamala on stages in catch-up mode trying to capture votes with that wide-open smile at everyone that seemed to say, Right? And the pantsuits. Jesus! She was channeling Hillary Clinton. Some said she was doing the Big O's keep hope alive thing (oh, wait, that was Jesse Jackson, who had been three when MLK died as the result of COINTELPRO agents), and, some said that Kamala had an earpiece and was taking messages directly from the Big O during the debate with Trump. Was she a Manchurian Candidate? And besides, as DA of California she had once jailed a Jew.

Johnson wanted DJ dead. He was upset that Biden was so "obtuse" (to borrow a phrase from Shawshank Redemption, America's favorite film, for some reason) that he couldn't see the thing to do was to not just drop out but f*cking resign instead, making Kamala president of these United States of America, and giving folks a taste of a Black woman as president. If she's won, maybe she's switched to retro minidresses or even gone all Angela Davis militant, reinventing her hairstyle and talking about making America great again, like when Black neighborhoods were lighting sh*t on fire as if to say, enough was enough and we ain't gonna take it anymore. Sass. And maybe during the debate she would have gone right over to DJ and punched him in the chimichangas with an uppercut learned from her native Mumbai. (What? Psssst. Never mind.)

Now, Johnson told his fiance and financier, Old Joe would have to up and die to help Kamala's chances. He could go easy or hard. He could have a stroke. Or he could be bumped off. Up to him. Time was running out though. The Inauguration and return of the Clown President loomed large and he seemed intent on getting back at the f*ckers who'd made him a felon and who had impeached him and who seriously dented his wealth. Especially the woman who scored an $83 million dollar payday from a court because DJ had groped her -- and everything.

Johnson deeply respected the office of president.

After Old Joe refused to resign following the election Kamala lost and then gave his kid, Biden, a pardon, for lying about packing a gat, and then pardoned shitloads of turkeys at Thanksgiving and then pardoned all the federal death row killers, I wanted to hurt Old Joe. I tried to reach Corn Pop on the phone but no answer. Corn Pop was Black and had worn pomade and no cap at a public pool where Old Joe lifeguarded when he was Mighty Young Joe, and the two had altercated, with Corn Pop (and friends) pulling switchblades in the parking lot near Joe's car and Joe swinging a length of chain. Joe had called Corn Pop a name -- Esther, as in, Hey, Esther, get off the board if you don't have a cap. Joe was sorry, in the parking lot, for calling the Black man Esther Williams. Now Old Joe would have to die. Suicide. Or resign. Or Bang. Because we were running out of time.

DJ was the new Hitler, combined with a randy Mussolini, and fascism, clownshow style, was about to take over the country. DJ had to die, thought Johnson. Leah agreed. So, Joe could shoot DJ at the Inauguration and stay on as president and forgive himself, or he could go f*ck himself, and take what's coming. Also, Johnson wanted to shoot RFK, Jr. Oh, no, exclaimed Leah, Not another one. But Johnson was a chicken sh*t and as the day approached he grew more and more trepidatious. He paced. He overly respected the office. He downed toasted goodness until his glucose levels went to high double figures. Then as he was about to cop out like a punk. Kamala grew a pair of six shooters and at the Inauguration, before Trump could swearingly uphold the law of the land again, she channeled Christie Love and shot Toy Piano Rachmaninoff to deaf. And Old Joe. And RFK Jr. And Nancy. And Mitch. And".

Angela Davis was duly impressed at the chaos and civility that ensued. K forgave herself. She released all the motherfuckin prisoners. She fired her Colt 45s in the air again, as if to say, Blaxploitation is back, baby! Corn Pop threw her a pack of Kools. America was frisky again! And when Old Joe said he coulda beat Trump had he stayed in the race, Kamala waited outside the White House and took him before he could hop in his limo to another pardon party, and beat the sh*t out of him. I'm Christie Love, not Courtney Love, bee-atch.
At present it is difficult to talk about the exact time of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war's ending. However, the public's fatigue with the conflict is becoming increasingly obvious.

The UK positions itself as a champion of international investment in Ukraine. It has provided a wide range of assistance to support Ukraine during the war and the government does not intend to stop.

At the same time, a new Ipsos poll reveals that the British public is deeply concerned about the situation. Almost half of the British public expresses concern about the war's impact on themselves personally.

According to the UK government, helping Ukraine continues to be one of the UK's top foreign policy priorities, and it has so far provided or pledged around 7 billion in military assistance. It is interesting, that 20% of surveyed believe the UK has provided too much.

It is well known, that any war will continue if there is money for it. In November, UK Defence Secretary John Healey met with the defence ministers of four other European nations to discuss further support for Ukraine as Donald Trump returns to the White House.

The more so, on December 18, John Healey arrived in the capital Kyiv to discuss plans to provide more support to Ukraine in the coming year.

Britain has been training Ukrainian troops in the UK since 2022. There is also a small team of British Army medics providing training inside Ukraine. Healey came to Kyiv with the promise of an additional 225m of military support - for more drones, artillery shells and air defences.

The new support package includes:

A 186m package of key military equipment through the International Fund for Ukraine, including:

92m for equipment to bolster Ukraine's navy, including small boats, reconnaissance drones, uncrewed surface vessels, loitering munitions, and mine countermeasure drones, directly supporting the maritime coalition co-led by the UK and Norway

68m for air defence equipment including radars, decoy land equipment, and counter-drone electronic warfare systems

26m to provide support and spare parts for critical systems previously delivered to Ukraine

39m to provide more than 1,000 counter-drone electronic warfare systems and for joint-procurement of respirators and equipment to enhance the protective capabilities of Ukraine's Armed Forces

Explosive charges to equip more than 90,000 155mm artillery rounds, which can be used by the dozens of AS-90 self-propelled artillery guns the UK has previously provided

Latest poll highlights that British public opinion remains divided over support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. There continue to be high levels of concern about the war's impact, particularly on the UK's own economy and security.

Germany today faces economic crisis, which leads to cutting financing of social programs. Government is falling short on its promise to "fix the crisis in social care" as chronic understaffing, rising waiting lists and patchwork funding place sustained pressure on local authorities.

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Sheriffs deputies arrested a man after he allegedly stabbed an 86-year-old man in a grocery store parking lot in unincorporated Clackamas County in the early afternoon on Friday.

Jesus Ascencio-Molina, 31, of Portland, faces allegations of first-degree assault, second-degree attempted murder and first-degree robbery for the alleged stabbing outside a grocery store near the 8900 block of Southeast 82nd Avenue, the Clackamas County Sheriffs Office said in a statement.

Deputies arrived at the scene around 2:15 p.m. and gave first aid to an 86-year-old man with multiple stab wounds, but the man who had stabbed him had already fled the scene, officials said.

The injured man told the deputies that the suspect attacked him while he was trying to load groceries into his car and tried to carjack him, officials say. When he failed to take the car, he ran away on foot, the injured man told deputies.

Deputies got a description of the suspect from other people who saw the suspect flee the parking lot  and at 4:30 p.m. they found and arrested Ascencio-Molina, who matched the description, officials say.

The sheriffs office asks anyone with additional information about the incident to contact the tip line at 503-723-4949 or by using the online form at http://www.clackamas.us/sheriff/tip and reference case number 24-027204.

 Tatum Todd is a breaking news reporter who covers public safety, crime and community news. Reach them at ttodd@oregonian.com or 503-221-4313.
The red and white striped Pietros pizza parlor on Milwaukies Main Street  a retro dining experience dating to 1969  has been sold to a developer.

Its not clear when, or even if, the Portland areas only remaining Pietros Pizza location will close. But the restaurant chain plans a new location about a mile away at the former McGraths Fish House in the Milwaukie Marketplace shopping center.

From its height of about 80 chain locations, Pietros now has just two other remaining restaurants, in Salem and Hood River.

Pietro's Pizza in Milwaukie has a cool retro neon sign.Michelle Brence

The current site of the Milwaukie Pietros has been sold to Pahlisch Commercial. The Portland Business Journal reported that the Bend-based developer purchased the property at 10300 S.E. Main St. but has not yet filed project permits.

In 2022, Pahlisch Commercial demolished the former Kellogg Bowl bowling alley, located next door to Pietros, and developed it into the 178-unit Henley Place apartment complex, which opened this year.

Kellogg Bowl had closed permanently in 2020 after a 58-year run and several months of forced pandemic closure. (Milwaukie old timers will remember the special pizza phone inside the bowling alley that connected callers directly to Pietros pizza for orders.)

The former McGrath's Fish House is under construction as the future home of a Pietro's Pizza.Samantha Swindler/ The Oregonian

As for Pietros, the restaurant plans to remodel the kitchen and seating areas, replace the roof, and add an exterior seating area at its new location at 11050 S.E. Oak St., according to building permits filed with the city. No opening date has been announced, and the Main Street pizza parlor location remains open.

Pietros Pizza was founded in Longview, Washington, in 1957 by a former plumber named  no, not Pietro  Norm Kolln.

Kids line up at Pietro's Pizza in Milwaukie to trade their ticket receipts from the arcade games for prizes. Most kids will come away with some candy and cheap trinkets.Michelle Brence

The chain was purchased by Campbells Soup Company in the early 1970s, which began a rapid expansion that led to nearly 60 Pietros locations in Oregon and Washington. The chain was then purchased by California investors, who expanded to about 80 stores before Pietros fell into bankruptcy in 1995. BJs Restaurant and Brewhouse then bought the chain, and many of the Pietros parlors were converted into BJs locations.

By 2004, just three Pietros remained, all in Oregon, and they were purchased by two longtime employees, Ken Bay and Ray David. The partners subsequently opened a Beaverton location, which closed in 2023.

An ad in the Aug 3, 1969 edition of The Oregonian touts the new Pietro's location on Main Street in Milwaukie. The street number has changed (as addresses sometimes do) but the phone number is the same, you just need to add the area code.Oregonian archives

The Milwaukie location first opened in 1969. Since 2002, its had an arcade and prize-redemption center, making it a popular spot for kids birthday parties.

It remains to be seen whether the iconic neon sign outside the Milwaukie location, of a running cartoon chef carrying two pizzas, would survive the renovation of the site or move to the new restaurant.

Pietros owners did not return requests for comment.

 Samantha Swindler covers features for The Oregonian/OregonLive and Here is Oregon. Reach her at sswindler@oregonian.com.

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From inside the Sabin CDC center in Northeast Portland, a chorus of percussion music carried out the open door and onto the street outside. At the back of the newly expanded community center, a group of children sat in a circle with African drums at their feet.

While one attendee knocked two drumsticks together to keep pace, a group of children joined in on dundun (or djun djun) drums  barrel shaped drums played with a drumstick  forming the heartbeat of the music. Across the circle, more children joined in on djembe drums  goblet-shaped drums played with their hands  layering bass and tone on top. Instructor Chuk Barber joined last on a clave  a handheld percussion instrument  playing a seven-eight beat.

The drummers held the beat for a few moments before Barber directed them into the final note. Wandering into the center, youd never guess that most were playing African drums for the first time.

The quickest way to create community is around food or music, Barber told the children. In that gathering, you find avenues to empower each other, and before you know it, you have an empowered community which threatens the status quo.

The drum circle was just one segment of the afternoon activities centered around Kwanzaa, a weeklong celebration of African American culture that takes place from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1 this year.

Kwanzaa means first fruits in Swahili, said JT McElrath, community outreach and cultural events coordinator for Sabin Community Development Corp. Thats where the name originates from. And to me, its just to reaffirm African heritage and culture  and to remind me where we came from.

Hosted by the affordable housing nonprofit, Saturdays event brought the community together with music, art and food to celebrate and educate children on the meaning of Kwanzaa.

Sabin CDC was formed in 1991 to address the housing needs of African Americans impacted by gentrification. While the center has celebrated Kwanzaa in the past, this year was its second hosting the event in their Center for ReEngagement.

The intention behind this space is to have a community space where we can also invite other organizations to use the space at low or no cost, allow residents to be able to throw events for themselves and then host events like this that are for residents and community, said Mitike Lyons, resident services coordinator for Sabin CDC.

The Kwanzaa event was emceed by Nikki Sandoval, who performs under the stage name Nikki Brown Clown, a literacy advocate and entertainer, who followed the drum circle with story time. Teaching the children about the seven principles of Kwanzaa, Nikki read The Journey to Nguzo Saba: A Kwanzaa Story by Latricia Smith and Phyllis G. Williams.

It took me a long time when I was a young girl to figure out what my purpose was, Nikki told the children. Nia, or purpose, is the fifth principle. But I remember that I always liked books, and I remember I always liked working with children. So, my purpose is to help children read books.

Nikki has partnered with Sabin CDC for the past decade to promote reading, cultural pride and awareness among the Black community. Over that time period a lot has changed about the way diversity is celebrated, Nikki said.

What it means to celebrate Kwanzaa is to be able to outwardly and publicly celebrate my own culture, which I wasnt always able to do as a Portlander, said Nikki, who bills herself as the first Black clown in Portland. I was always ashamed, or, you know, just kind of like, shoved to the side. So it is nice to be able to just celebrate culture, food and literacy.

Having a space for the African American community to gather is at the center of the event, McElrath said.

Kwanzaa originally is an African event, and for mainly people who are African Americans to appreciate their heritage, they said. We just like to make sure we have it as a space for the people that the event is for.

Nikki ended the event with a demonstration of lighting the Kinara, a seven-branched candle holder with red, green and black candles. Each day, celebrants light one candle to highlight a new principle: umoja (unity), kujichagulia (self-determination), ujima (collective work and responsibility), ujamaa (cooperative economics), nia (purpose), kuumba (creativity) and imani (faith).

Those principles of unity and collective collaboration, that is something that has been important for the history of Black community members to preserve and to flourish in this society, Lyons said.

Centering the principles and teaching them to the next generation is one way Sabin CDC shows their commitment to cultural celebrations and empowering the Black community, Lyons said.

I think being able to teach kids at a young age about (Kwanzaa) and feel proud of who they are and just create this sense of connection is awesome, Lyons said. I think empowering youth here to feel like they have ground here and they matter  these stories about Kwanzaa are just as much theirs as they are the stories that theyre learning about.

 Chiara Profenna covers religion, faith and cultural connections. Reach her at 503-221-4327; cprofenna@oregonian.com or @chiaraprofenna.

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.
Two Portland men who had been looking for Sasquatch were found dead in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest Saturday, officials said.

A family member reported the two men missing around 1 a.m. Christmas Day after they didnt return on Christmas Eve as expected, the Skamania County Sheriffs Office said in a statement on Facebook Saturday.

More than 60 volunteers helped look for the men, and the U.S. Coast Guard sent a helicopter.

The men, 59 and 37, were found dead on Dec. 28 in a wooded area of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, the sheriffs office said. They appeared to have died from exposure, the sheriffs office said, based on weather conditions and ill-preparedness.

The Skamania County Sheriffs Office extends our deepest sympathies and condolences to the families of the loved ones lost in this tragic incident, the sheriffs office said.

 Fedor Zarkhin is a breaking news and enterprise reporter. Do you have a story? Reach him by phone or text at 971-373-2905 or by email at fzarkhin@oregonian.com.

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Four Alaska Airlines crew members were hospitalized after severe turbulence struck their Boeing 737 MAX on a flight from Seattle to Phoenix.

One passenger aboard Alaska Airlines Flight 700 was also injured during the midafternoon incident Thursday, but was treated at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and not hospitalized, Alaska Airlines said Saturday.

Medical professionals met the aircraft at the gate, and several crew members and one guest received medical attention, after the plane encountered severe turbulence at around 2:30 p.m Mountain Standard Time, an Alaska spokesperson said Saturday in an emailed statement.

The airline isnt providing details about the severity of the crew members injuries or their hospitalization status to protect their privacy, according to Alaska.

We are appreciative of our dedicated crew for their skill and professionalism in responding to this situation, and are supporting them as they seek additional medical attention, the airline said in its statement, adding that it apologized for any concern this experience may have caused our guests.

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the incident, which involved a Boeing 737 MAX 9, according to the agencys website. The plane landed safely at around 3:10 p.m. following a report by the flight crew of a medical emergency following severe turbulence, the FAA said.

Thursdays incident comes less than a week after a passenger on an Alaska Airlines 737 parked at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport opened the emergency exit and stepped onto the wing.

Airport officials said the woman became anxious as the aircraft, which had just arrived from Milwaukee, was unloading and she opened the emergency exit, according to a report by KOMO.

Emergency responders helped the woman off the wing and she was taken to a hospital for evaluation, KOMO reported.

-- Paul Roberts, The Seattle Times

2024 The Seattle Times. Visit seattletimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
by Xinhua writer Guo Yage

CAIRO, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- In a region where turmoil has long been the norm, the cascade of events in the Middle East in 2024 has nevertheless shocked the world due to its intensity and complexity.

The Israel-Palestine conflict entered the second year, leaving Gaza stranded in a dire humanitarian crisis and creating ripple effects across Lebanon, Yemen and Iran. Apart from Israel's multiple-front wars, the escalating fighting in Sudan, rising instability in Libya, as well as the swift toppling of Bashar al-Assad's government in Syria, have created further chaos in the Middle East.

The human tragedies, geopolitical shifts and socioeconomic challenges befalling the region throughout the year have cast a shadow over the future of the Middle East in 2025.

INCREASING HOSTILITIES

As mediators are still working to bridge the chasm between Israel and Palestine to create a Gaza ceasefire deal through indirect negotiations, Israel is launching more airstrikes and bombardment on the brittle enclave.

The 14-month conflict has claimed more than 45,300 Palestinian lives and injured nearly 108,000 others, according to Gaza's health authorities. The UN estimates that, as of early December, over 1.6 million people were living in makeshift shelters, with 80 percent of Gaza under ongoing evacuation orders since October.

"There is nowhere that civilians in Gaza are safe," Tom Fletcher, UN under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator, said Monday, noting that more humanitarians in Gaza have been killed in 2024 than any on record.

The conflict in Gaza, the "eye of the storm," has also spread to neighboring regions, raising concerns that the Middle East is teetering on the brink of a wider regional war.

Israel's airstrike on the Iranian Embassy in Syria in April prompted Iran to retaliate with a large-scale drone and missile assault on Israel and triggered further tit-for-tats between the two sides. Israel then killed Hamas Politburo Chief Ismail Haniyeh in July and Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah in September. In the following month, Israeli tanks crossed the border and advanced onto Lebanese soil.

Despite a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, effective from Nov. 27 and aimed at ending a conflict that have reportedly claimed more than 4,000 lives in Lebanon, Israeli forces have continued their strikes, causing further casualties.

Following a 12-day military operation by Syrian militant groups that resulted in the fall of al-Assad's government on Dec. 8, Israel launched extensive airstrikes on Syria and moved its troops into a demilitarized zone near the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. As the year comes to an end, Israel has vowed to "act with force" against the Houthis in Yemen amid heavier exchanges of fire between the two sides.

"Today, the Middle East serves as a battleground for Israel, which is engaged in multiple military confrontations," Washington-based think tank the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace said in mid-November, adding that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his allies "appear resolute in sustaining these conflicts ... rejecting negotiations and political settlements."

"If there ever was a time to use superlatives about Middle Eastern affairs, the year 2024 is it ... The region's reordering is accompanied by great violence and renewed competition," the Financial Times opined last Sunday.

INVISIBLE HAND

While it is widely agreed that the chaos in the Middle East should be primarily understood from a historical viewpoint featuring unresolved problems among different ethnic groups in the region, many experts have agreed that external influences from the West, notably the United States, have also been a key factor in the region's ongoing war of attrition.

In mid-November, the Council on Foreign Relations, a U.S. think tank, revealed that "Israel has long been the leading recipient of U.S. foreign aid, including military assistance" and that "the United States has provisionally agreed via a memorandum of understanding to provide Israel with 3.8 billion U.S. dollars per year through 2028."

"U.S. military aid to Israel has soared to its highest in decades amid Israel's yearlong war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip," as it has enacted legislation providing at least 12.5 billion dollars in direct military aid to Israel, the think tank said.

Researchers at Brown University estimated in early October that U.S. President Joe Biden's administration provided an additional 17.9 billion dollars to Israel since the start of the Gaza war.

While the United States has dubbed itself a mediator in the Gaza ceasefire, it has repeatedly vetoed UN Security Council draft resolutions calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza.

A Politico report in late September revealed that while Washington publicly urged Israel to curtail its strikes on Lebanon, senior White House figures privately backed Israel's military push against Hezbollah.

Earlier this month, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken publicly admitted that his country's efforts spanning the last 20 years to seek regime change in Iran did not yield much success.

The Pentagon also recently confirmed the first official increase in U.S. troops in Syria from around 900 to 2,000, noting that the additional deployments were made before al-Assad's ouster in response to the evolving security situation in Syria and to safeguard critical U.S. interests in the region.

"The U.S. has a major role in these conflicts, as it is the one fueling these conflicts, standing behind them, planning them, and supporting them, although it always tries to deny its presence and direct intervention in these actions," Muthanna Mishaan al-Mazrouei, a professor of political geography at Iraq's Tikrit University, told Xinhua.

"It's frankly embarrassing ... to see just the way we give in to the demands of the Israeli government and continue to support what the Israeli government is doing even though we know it's wrong," former U.S. State Department official Mike Casey told Al Jazeera on Dec. 21.

UNATTAINABLE "LUXURIES"

Some 1.9 million people had been displaced in Gaza as of October out of a population of 2.2 million. A study of children living through the Gaza war published in December found that 96 percent of them feel their death is imminent and almost half want to die due to the trauma they have been through.

Nearly one million people, or one in five of Lebanon's population, have been displaced. In Syria, over 880,000 have fled their homes since Nov. 27, with around 6 percent living with disabilities. Cases of psychological trauma are surging across Syria, particularly among children.

In Yemen, 385,000 children face severe acute malnutrition, while a failing health system leaves 540,000 vulnerable to diseases like cholera. Over 9 million people in Libya, Palestine, and Sudan urgently need humanitarian aid.

The conflicts have taken a heavy economic toll on the region. The IMF projected in October that Middle Eastern economies may face prolonged recovery, with per capita gross domestic product (GDP) expected to drop by 10 percent even a decade after the Gaza conflict.

Given the recurring armed conflicts and the subsequent socioeconomic setbacks in the Middle East in 2024, the international community has voiced its call for regional stability for the new year.

"My hope is that Israel will change course and seek to advance a two-state solution with the Palestinians, paving the way for peacemaking and further normalization," Nimrod Goren, a senior fellow for Israeli Affairs at the Washington-based Middle East Institute, told Xinhua.

UN agencies and countries worldwide have repeatedly called for an end to Israel's "aggression" against Gaza and urged a long-overdue ceasefire, expressed hope for a lasting Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire, supported an "inclusive, credible, and peaceful" Syrian-led political transition, and pledged increased humanitarian aid to war-torn Middle Eastern countries.

Yet, for many experts, peace and development remain unattainable "luxuries" for the Middle East in the upcoming year.

"As long as entrenched political elites, external interventions, and sectarian divisions remain dominant, the Middle East is likely to remain a volatile and contested region, with peace a distant and uncertain prospect," Mohamed Elchime, professor of Political Science at Helwan University in Egypt, told Xinhua.

"Today the Middle East faces much uncertainty. There are countless questions about past-Assad Syria, Iran-Israel hostilities, the Gaza war, Israel's land theft in the West Bank, Houthi militancy, and the unpredictable nature of the incoming U.S. administration," Giorgio Cafiero, CEO of Washington-based geopolitical risk consultancy Gulf State Analytics, said Monday.

"The regional situation is heading towards tension, deterioration and the unknown," Iraqi political analyst Ali Moussa told Xinhua. Enditem

(Xinhua reporters Yao Bing and Dong Xiuzhu in Cairo, Wang Zhuolun in Jerusalem, Duan Minfu and Li Jun in Baghdad, and He Yiping in Amman contributed to the story.)
SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  A passenger plane skidded off a runway at a South Korean airport Sunday, slammed into a concrete fence and burst into flames after its front landing gear apparently failed to deploy. All but two of the 181 people on board died in one of the countrys worst aviation disasters.

The Jeju Air plane crashed while landing in the town of Muan, about 290 kilometers (180 miles) south of Seoul. The Transport Ministry said the plane was a 15-year-old Boeing 737-800 jet that had arrived from Bangkok and that the crash happened at 9:03 a.m.

A total of 179 people  85 women, 84 men and 10 others whose genders werent immediately identifiable  died in the fire, the South Korean fire agency said. Emergency workers pulled two people, both crew members, to safety. Health officials said they are conscious and not in life-threatening condition.

Among the 177 bodies so far found, officials have so far identified 88 of them, the fire agency said. The passengers were predominantly South Korean, as well as two Thai nationals. Thailands Foreign Ministry said its embassy in Seoul received confirmation from South Korean authorities that the two Thai passengers were among the fatalities.

Firefighters work to extinguish a fire off the runway of Muan International Airport in Muan, South Korea, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. (Maeng Dae-hwan/Newsis via AP)AP

The fire agency deployed 32 fire trucks and several helicopters to contain the blaze. About 1,570 firefighters, police officers, soldiers and other officials were also sent to the site, according to the fire agency and transport ministry.

Footage of the crash aired by South Korean television channels showed the plane skidding across the airstrip at high speed, apparently with its landing gear still closed, overrunning the runway and colliding head-on with a concrete wall on the outskirts of the facility, triggering an explosion. Other local TV stations aired footage showing thick plumes of black smoke billowing from the plane, which was engulfed in flames.

Lee Jeong-hyeon, chief of the Muan fire station, told a televised briefing that the plane was completely destroyed, with only the tail assembly remaining recognizable among the wreckage. Lee said that workers were looking into various possibilities about what caused the crash, including whether the aircraft was struck by birds, Lee said.

Transport Ministry officials later said their early assessment of communication records show the airport control tower issued a bird strike warning to the plane shortly before it intended to land and gave its pilot permission to land in a different area. The pilot sent out a distress signal shortly before the plane overshot the end of the runway and skidded across a buffer zone before hitting the wall, the officials said.

Senior Transport Ministry official Joo Jong-wan said workers have retrieved the flight data and cockpit voice recorders of the planes black box, which will be examined by government experts investigating the cause of the crash and fire. He said it may take months for investigators to complete their probe. The runway at the Muan airport will be closed until Jan. 1, the ministry said.

Thailands prime minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, expressed deep condolences to the families of those affected by the accident in a post on social platform X. Paetongtarn said she ordered the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to provide assistance immediately.

Kerati Kijmanawat, the director of Airports of Thailand, confirmed in a statement that Jeju Air flight 7C 2216 departed from Suvarnabhumi Airport with no reports of abnormal conditions with the aircraft or on the runway.

Jeju Air in a statement expressed its deep apology over the crash and said it will do its utmost to manage the aftermath of the accident.

In a televised news conference, Kim E-bae, Jeju Airs president, bowed deeply with other senior company officials as he apologized to bereaved families and said he feels full responsibility for the incident. Kim said the company hadnt identified any mechanical problems with the aircraft following regular checkups and that he would wait for the results of government investigations into the cause of the incident.

Family members wailed as officials announced the names of some victims at a lounge in the Muan airport.

Boeing said in a statement on X it was in contact with Jeju Air and is ready to support the company in dealing with the crash.

We extend our deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones, and our thoughts remain with the passengers and crew, Boeing said.

The incident came as South Korea is embroiled into a huge political crisis triggered by President Yoon Suk Yeols stunning imposition of martial law and ensuing impeachment. Last Friday, South Korean lawmakers impeached acting President Han Duck-soo and suspended his duties, leading Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok to take over.

Choi, who traveled to the site in Muan, called for officials to employ all available resources to find the missing and identify the victims as soon as possible. The government declared Muan a special disaster zone to provide assistance to the families of victims and designated a weeklong national mourning period through Saturday.

Yoons office said his chief secretary, Chung Jin-suk, presided over an emergency meeting between senior presidential staff to discuss the crash and reported the details to Choi. Yoon expressed condolences to the victims in a Facebook posting.

The Muan crash is one of the deadliest disasters in South Koreas aviation history. The last time South Korea suffered a large-scale air disaster was in 1997, when a Korean Airline plane crashed in Guam, killing 228 people on board. In 2013, an Asiana Airlines plane crash-landed in San Francisco, killing three and injuring approximately 200.

Sundays accident was also one of the worst landing mishaps since a July 2007 crash that killed all 187 people on board and 12 others on the ground when an Airbus A320 slid off a slick airstrip in Sao Paulo and collided with a nearby building, according to data compiled by the Flight Safety Foundation, a nonprofit group aimed at improving air safety. In 2010, 158 people died when an Air India Express aircraft overshot a runway in Mangalore, India, and plummeted into a gorge before erupting into flames, according to the safety foundation. World leaders expressed their sympathies as South Korea dealt with the tragedy.

During his Angelus prayer in Romes St. Peters Square, Pope Francis said he joins in prayer for the survivors and the dead. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said he was deeply saddened by the loss of many precious lives in a message released through Tokyos Foreign Ministry. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on X that each life lost is an immeasurable tragedy and that he extends his heartfelt condolences on behalf of Ukrainian people and himself.
Former Lt. Gov. Mark S. Singel writes, President-elect Donald Trump is obsessed with Liz Cheney. That is not what I have seen. I saw Liz Cheney using whatever power she has to destroy Donald Trumps chances of occupying the White House again. Her home state of Wyoming knew the score and responded accordingly. Then, this statement by John Sigle, Lets examine election results going back 129 years.

And Singel follows, Donald Trump won the popular vote with 49.81% of the popular vote, which is not a majority. And this means that Donald Trump does not have the backing of enough Americans to make a difference. We will see if this actually reduces his authority as president.

Frank Stearns, Warrington Township, York County, Pa.
South Korea's transport ministry said on Sunday that its investigation unit secured both of the two black boxes from a crashed passenger jet that has killed at least 167. #crash #SouthKorea #jet








The UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar, Cross River, was abuzz with excitement on Friday night as Nigerian music sensations, Runtown and Iyanya, displayed electrifying performances at the 2024 Calabar Carnival Live Concert.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the duos energetic performances were a perfect blend of their hit songs, infectious beats, and captivating stage presence.

Runtown, known for his unique sound and style, performed some of his biggest hits, like Mad Over You and For Life.

Iyanya, on the other hand, brought the stage down with his signature blend of R&B and Afrobeats, performing crowd-pleasers like Kukere, Ur Waist and more.

The crowd was thoroughly entertained, singing along to every song and dancing.

The energy was palpable, with fans waving their hands and screaming for more.

A reveller, Kennedy Amadi, from Imo, in an interview with NAN, said he deliberately travelled from Abuja, his base, to experience performances by Runtown and Iyanya.

Mr Amadi said he was not disappointed as he got value for his money after being entertained.

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Also, Jidenna Akpan who was attending a live concert for the first time, said she enjoyed every bit of the artistes energetic performances.

This is so interesting and I will be looking forward to the next edition of the carnival concert. Then, I believe other artistes will be allowed to perform as well, she said.

For Frank Udo, meeting Runtown at the concert was the highlight of the carnival for him.

NAN reports that other up-and-coming musicians also performed to the excitement of the revellers.

(NAN)

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Former First Lady Aisha Buhari on Saturday made a stunning appearance at the 2024 Calabar Carnival Street Party with impeccable style and elegance.

Her presence added a touch of sophistication to the carnival, renowned for its colourful costumes, mesmerising performances, and infectious energy.

Mrs Buharis fashion sense was on point, as she donned a pink outfit that showcased her taste and style.

The former first lady sat in the VIP area with other dignitaries to enjoy the beautiful sights and sounds as seven competitive and seven non-competitive bands thrilled revellers with a series of performances.

Her attendance at the carnival showed her commitment to promoting Nigerian culture.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was also attended by Governor AbdulRahman AbddulRasaq of Kwara and Governor Ahmed Ododo of Kogi, some National Assembly members and some foreign countries ambassadors.

(NAN)

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Nigerian human rights activist and lawyer Dele Farotimi has attributed his release from 20-day detention to the collective support of Nigerians, and lauded their unity in demanding Justice.

Premium Times reported that Mr Farotimi was released from the correctional facility in Ekiti State on Tuesday after meeting the bail conditions granted him in a case where he faces criminal charges of defaming senior lawyer Afe Babalola in his book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System.

In his Amazon best-seller book, Mr Farotimi accuses Mr Babalola, a Senior Nigerian advocate and founder of the Afe Babalola University Ado Ekiti, of corrupting Nigerias Supreme Court in service of his clients.

Subsequently, the police charged him with 16 counts of criminal defamation, leading to his arraignment before the Chief Magistrates Court in Ado Ekiti. In addition, he faced 12 counts of cybercrime at the Federal High Court in Ado Ekiti. Mr Babalola petitioned the police in Ekiti State, citing 31 excerpts from the book, which he alleged defamed him.

The author also faces cybercrime charges at the Federal High Court in Ado Ekiti.

Thank you Nigerians

On Sunday, breaking his silence by posting a YouTube video titled The Walk to Freedom, Mr Farotimi expressed his profound gratitude to Nigerians. He highlighted the power of collective action, attributing his freedom to the voices of Nigerians who rallied for his release. This collective action, he emphasised, is a testament to the power of the people when they unite for a common cause.

I thank you. I thank each and every one of you. I am deeply grateful for what you all did: the calls to my family, the amazing show of support, and its easy for me to speak with specificity to certain persons. We stopped being humans because we became Nigerians. They divided us and we fell for it. Because you wouldnt see me as a Yoruba man, you spoke for me. Because you wouldnt see me as a Christian, you spoke for me. Because you spoke, Nigeria couldnt happen to me.

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The 57-year-old also reflected on his experience, describing his detention as an abduction rather than a lawful arrest.

For my release. I appreciate you all. I must say in all humility that you are the one who came out of prison. It wasnt me. You came out of prison. You found your voice. You demanded that the right thing be done consistently. You made sure that I knew I wasnt walking alone. You found your voice. I became you. And in our collective, in our collective, you couldnt be silenced, and I could not be silenced.

Your voice has strengthened me because I heard you even beyond the walls of the prison. I heard you loud and clear. You left nobody in any doubt as to what you were demanding. It wasnt about the deference to me, even though I was the one who bore your totem. It was essentially a demand by each of you that the law be allowed to rule in this situation, he stated.

Acknowledgements

Describing his experience as both humbling and revealing, Mr Farotimi lauded Nigerians for setting aside religious, ethnic, and political divisions to demand justice and acknowledged prominent figures for securing his release.

You all spoke as one, and because of that, Nigeria couldnt happen to me. I could say, for instance, that Mr Peter Obi came to the prison to see me.

I should say thanks to him for that. And then there is my brother, Omoyele Sowore. Not only did he call my family, as he called them, but he mobilised the AAC and the revolution now movement behind the demand for my release. Everybody, there is a show of support across the entire strata of our society. Its humbling, he said.

The human rights lawyer known for his outspoken stance on justice and good governance highlighted the systemic flaws in Nigerias judicial system, urging Nigerians to unite and demand meaningful reforms.

He vowed to pursue legal actions against those responsible for his detention and reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for justice and citizens rights.

He said: Im not going to be a citizen. I will be seeking legal relief and redress against everyone involved in my adoption. I shall defend every one of the many civil and criminal suits that have been filed against me rigorously. When we are done, I shall be writing petitions to the LPDC. I want to ensure that some lawyers never practice law in this country again. Let us be clear.

READ ALSO: Dele Farotimi leaves prison after 20 days of detention

Prison life

Mr Farotimi also shared his prison experience in the video while narrating how much of an expose it was.

I was happy about the free accommodation. I didnt like the food and didnt have to eat it. So, Im not talking about me in some pity form. I went to prison, and I view it as a finishing school. It showed me exactly how ugly our country is. Because we have so many high-profile cases, the internet has brought its own to all of us.

Lets talk about Naomi, the former queen. Lets talk about the proprietress of that school in the bible. Precisely, what they have done has ended their need to be in prison. We should ask that question not because of them but because of the many other persons without names that you and I do not know who are languishing in prison. he said.

Farotimis book, published on 2 July, initially experienced modest sales until his arrest in December. Within 24 hours, it topped Amazons bestseller list in the elections category.

The surge in sales was driven by heightened public interest, especially among younger readers newly introduced to Mr Farotimi, indicating a growing interest in Nigerias human rights and justice issues.

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DAMASCUS, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- Ahmed al-Sharaa, head of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and Syria's de facto leader, gave his most comprehensive remarks yet on Sunday about how he plans to steer the country through its current transition.

Speaking to Saudi state-owned broadcaster Al Arabiya, al-Sharaa discussed various issues, from maintaining ties with Russia to negotiating with Kurdish forces in northeastern Syria.

Al-Sharaa sought to reassure Moscow of its continued importance in post-Assad Syria. "We do not want Russia to depart in a manner unbefitting its longstanding relationship with our country," he said, referring to the presence of Russian bases at Hmeimim and Tartous.

Al-Sharaa said Syria shared "strategic interests" with Russia. The Russian officials earlier stressed international treaties legitimated their bases.

In a possible breakthrough for the fractured northeast, al-Sharaa confirmed his administration is in talks with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), predominantly led by Kurdish units.

"We aim to resolve issues in the northeast and eventually integrate them into the governmental armed forces," he said, adding that "the Kurds are integral to Syria's makeup, and partition is off the table."

Al-Sharaa reiterated that all armed factions, including the HTS, will dissolve "in due course," stating that the authority will "manage the country with a state-centered approach" rather than a revolutionary ethos. This restructuring is expected to happen in tandem with a national dialogue conference and the creation of a Ministry of Defense.

On the home front, al-Sharaa affirmed that establishing a new constitution could take up to three years, with credible elections possibly requiring four years to organize.

A comprehensive census must precede the voting process, he said, to ensure transparency and fairness. The leader also emphasized the urgent need to restore the rule of law and end the chaos caused by years of war.

While acknowledging isolated acts of retribution, he claimed they are fewer than anticipated, given the scale of societal ruptures.

Al-Sharaa welcomed Saudi Arabia's "very positive" comments and expressed gratitude for the kingdom's past support. He envisions major Saudi investments that could help rebuild the war-ravaged nation.

He also appealed for an end to Western sanctions, voicing hopes the incoming U.S. administration under Donald Trump would rescind measures like the Caesar Act that have squeezed the Syrian economy.

Meanwhile, al-Sharaa questioned Iran's ongoing role, urging Tehran to reconsider its regional policies. He also acknowledged that some Syrians desire a more constructive Iranian contribution.

The new authority's military arm reportedly took steps "to secure all Iranian facilities" after the transition, though al-Sharaa expressed disappointment at the lack of positive signals from Tehran. 
The Ahmadu Bello University Teaching University (ABUTH) Zaria is set to commence kidney transplant surgeries in 2025 towards bringing relief to patients with kidney failure and reversing medical tourism.

The Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Ahmed Umdagas, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Zaria.

Mr Umdagas said the Urology Centre of Excellence would be ready by the first quarter of 2025 to offer high-quality urology services.

By the first quarter of 2025, ABUTH would commence kidney transplant. What was just holding us back was a few infrastructure.

Besides that, most of the machines and equipment for kidney transplant were available and our personnel have been adequately trained to offer the services, he said.

Mr Umdagas added that aside from the urology centre, there would also be an Amenity Wing that can take any class of patients.

According to him, the amenity wing will have a single-bed room, a room and parlour for the affluent patients; stressing that ABUTH was determined to offer global-best services.

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Mr Umdagas said, The amenity wing would have a dedicated line and a website; the website will have the profile of doctors in the hospital.

When a patient wants to see a certain professor or specialist what he will just do is to make a call on the dedicated line or the website to see him seamlessly.

Similarly, the CMD said a contract had been awarded for the procurement of linear machines to enhance cancer care at the facility.

While speaking on additional efforts to reverse medical tourism, the chief medical director said ABUTH had a fully functional 128 Slice CT Scan machine.

He said, If you are doing investigation abroad that requires the use of the 128 slice CT Scan, one must pay an amount not lower than $200 which is over N300,000 while ABUTH charges for such service is just N30,000

The CMD disclosed that many patients were coming to ABUTH to do the scan, take it abroad and continue their treatments.

We also have 1.5 Tesla MRI and 0.2 Tesla MRI machines which are high imaging machines.

They are fully functional at the hospital and the cost for such services was far below what is being charged in other places within Nigeria.

We also do lithotripsy at ABUTH which is breaking stones by laser instead of a surgery, he said.

Mr Umdagas said the hospital had celebrated over five successful IVF cases in collaboration with its partners.

According to him, the hospital plans to build a unit that would house all the necessary equipment for IVF services in its subsequent budgets.

(NAN)

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Governor Dauda Lawal has approved the payment of a 13th-month salary to Zamfara state civil and public servants.

The approval was communicated in a circular issued on the 28th of December 2024 by the Zamfara State Head of Service.

The 13th month salary is the second of its kind in Zamfara States history, with the first being paid by Lawals administration last December.

Zamfara civil and public servants, including retirees, will receive a bonus of 30% of their basic salary as the 13th month salary.

This initiative acknowledges the dedication and hard work of the Zamfara workforce by providing them with extra financial support during the holiday season.

The 13th-month salary payment is one of several ideas to empower workers and foster economic growth in Zamfara State.

To fulfill its promises, the government has cleared over N10 billion in gratuities owed over the past 11 years, approved a minimum wage of N70,000, and ensured workers salaries were paid on time.

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The police in Enugu State, south-east Nigeria, have denied allegations that they abandoned the search for a missing student of the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN).

The student, Flourish Uzodinma, has been missing since November 2024.

The police spokesperson in Enugu State, Daniel Ndukwe, explained the stance of the police in a statement on Saturday.

How it began

A social media user, Ege Obetta, in a post on his X handle on Thursday night, raised an alarm that authorities of the Nsukka Urban Police Station had abandoned the search for the missing student.

The man, whose X profile said he is a lawyer, claimed the police authorities, on request, were paid N25,000 to track the missing student.

Mr Obetta claimed that after the payment, the police told the missing students father that they tracked the missing girl to Calabar, but could not continue because they had no contact with the police in Calabar.

ALSO READ: Missing Nigerian university student found dead

He also claimed that the police consequently asked the missing girls father to go to Calabar and rescue his daughter by himself.

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The social media user appealed to national police spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, to intervene in the matter.

Police speak

But Mr Ndukwe, a deputy superintendent of police, denied the allegations and described them as misleading and baseless.

The police spokesperson said Ms Uzodimma is an 18-year-old first-year Computer Robotics student in UNN.

He said the student left her parents residence in Owerre-Eze Orba, a community in Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State on 28 November to an unknown destination.

Mr Ndukwe said although the father, Charles Uzodimma, approached the police and reported the matter on 3 December, he did not ask the police to rescue his daughter and was not asked to pay N25,000 tracking fee.

He said despite Mr Uzodimmas insistence that the case be treated as mere information, the police initiated an investigation.

The spokesperson said Mr Uzodimma later independently engaged a private tracker whom he paid N25,000 for the tracking, but efforts to track his daughters mobile phone were unsuccessful because it was switched off.

He added that Mr Uzodimma later informed the police that Flourish was seen in a Facebook photograph with another girl whom he had warned her against associating with.

Mr Ndukwe said the other girls phone number was tracked to Calabar, Cross River State.

He did not confirm if the second tracking was carried out by the police and whether the parents paid for it.

The spokesperson was also silent on whether the police proceeded to the tracked location for possible rescue of the girl.

Contrary to claims of police inaction, Mr Uzodimma stopped collaborating with the police, hampering the investigation, Mr Ndukwe stated.

The police spokesperson said the case remains under investigation, although progress has been hindered by the non-cooperation of Flourishs parents.

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The Nigerian Army has announced that it has arrested a woman who supplies arms and ammunition to terrorist kingpin Bello Turji.

Sundays announcement comes about a week after the army announced the detention of some of Mr Turjis suspected lieutenants.

PREMIUM TIMES reported, however, that the terrorist released a video on Christmas Day, saying those arrested were innocent elderly people in his ancestral community.

He threatened reprisal attacks on communities in Zamfara and other parts of north-west Nigeria where he operates.

On Sunday morning, the army announced that troops of Sector 2 Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, apprehended the 25-year-old suspected female ammunition courier, Shamsiyya Ahadu.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Coordinator of the Joint Media Coordination Centre of the operation, Abubakar Abdullahi.

According to the statement, Ms Ahadu was arrested on 28 December alongside her accomplice, a motorcyclist, Ahmed Husaini, in the Badarawa area of Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

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She was found in possession of 764 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and six magazines meant to be delivered to Mr Turjis camp.

Her arrest followed an intelligence report regarding the movement of the terrorists logistics along the road from Kware to Badarawa communities in the Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

In response to the development, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma promptly established a roadblock leading to the apprehension of the suspects.

Both suspects are currently undergoing investigation by appropriate authorities, the spokesperson added.

Mr Abdullahi, a lieutenant colonel, reiterated the commitment of the troops to dismantling all terrorist networks as well as preventing the illegal movement of arms and ammunition within their theatre of operation.

Members of the public are therefore urged not to relent in their efforts at providing credible information that would lead to the arrest of wanted terrorists and their collaborators, he wrote.

The statement appreciated the sustained local support the troops are enjoying from residents of the area towards the fulfilment of the operations mandate.

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President Bola Tinubu has commended the Guards Brigade of the Nigerian Army for checkmating all forms of security threats in the nations seat of power as well as his personal security.

Mr Tinubu, represented by the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, gave the commendation at the elite guards West Africa Social Activities on Saturday in Abuja.

He said that the presidential guard had during the year displayed exceptional commitment towards securing the seat of government, the Federal Capital Territory, and its environs.

I also appreciate the efforts of the commander, officers, and men of Guards Brigade for always willing to sacrifice an extra hour of hard work of planning and coordinating the presidential security duties.

The ceremonial parade and operational endeavours are very much appreciated.

Your style in managing the security threat in the FCT has ensured the safety of not only the president, but that of other citizens, visitors, and diplomats.

I, therefore, urge you to continue to be extraordinarily compassionate and empathetic in the conduct of your operations and to always strive for excellence in discharging your responsibilities.

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I say thank you for your dedication and commitment to security and securing lives and properties, and for sacrificing your today for our tomorrow, he said.

The president also extended his appreciation to the personnels families for their overbearing support and understanding that made it possible for them to dedicate time required to perform various duties.

He expressed confidence that the brigade would always rise to the challenges of its duties and keep the flag of the Nigerian Army flying at all times.

According to him, the diversity of experience, skill, and talent of officers and soldiers of the Brigade is an asset to the Nigerian Army and indeed the nation.

I believe that your dedication to duty will encourage and motivate other soldiers elsewhere to emulate your exemplary effort.

I also thank you all not just for your service to this great nation, but for reminding us why Nigeria will always be a great nation, he added.

Mr Tinubu lauded the brigade for organising the WASA event, adding that the traditional dance and local dishes on display would no doubt allow them to appreciate their culture better.

He said the event would also help them to preserve their cultural heritage and distinct identity.

Todays WASA is not just about our culture and traditions alone, but also a celebration of our collective spirit that falls on Guards Brigade, and indeed the Nigerian army.

In his welcome remarks, the Commander of the Guards Brigade, Adebisi Onasanya, said the brigade recorded several operational successes recorded in the FCT and parts of Nasarawa and Niger states.

He said that discharging their responsibilities has kept troops away from their families, who had remained supportive, patient and resilient.

Mr Onasanya, a brigadier general, said that troops also simultaneously and efficiently coordinated the conduct of all routine and national surveillance targets in the course of the year.

He said that the 2024 WASA was aimed at appreciating the troops and their families by creating an avenue for officers and men to engage in a relaxed atmosphere after a very busy year.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event featured the display of various cultural dances, traditional costumes and dress by the various ethnic groups.

It also featured a raffle draw that saw many people going home with different items such as refrigerators, smart television sets, bags of rice and other household items.

The star prize was a cow, while the presidents representative added a cash gift of N1m to the winner and other cash prizes.

Of note is the recognition of some soldiers who distinguished themselves in operational activities during the year, as well as the tug of war between female soldiers and soldiers wives, which was won by soldiers wives.

The event climaxed with the beating of the retreat, layering of flags as well as lighting of the bonfire.

(NAN)

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The Police Command in Kwara says it rescued 13 kidnap victims in a swift and coordinated operation in the state.

The commands Public Relations Officer, Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, said this in a statement on Saturday in Ilorin.

According to Ms Ejire-Adeyemi, the achievement demonstrates the commands commitment to ensuring the safety and security of residents in the state.

He said a joint operation involving the police and the Oke-Ero Local Government Security Initiative personnel rescued the victims, who were forcefully abducted by armed assailants on their way to a wedding in Kogi.

The Kwara State Police Command has achieved yet another remarkable success in its fight against criminal activities with the rescue of 13 kidnapped victims following a distress call on December 21, 2024.

Acting on credible intelligence and with the support of local informants, the security operatives swiftly mobilised to the suspects hideout located in the Idofin-Igbana area.

Upon sighting the security team, the kidnappers, six in number and some dressed in military uniforms engaged the operatives in a gun battle but were overpowered by the superior firepower of the rescue team.

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The suspects fled the scene with various degrees of injuries, abandoning their captives in the process, he said.

According to him, the rescued victims include three females and 10 males from various locations, including Odo-Owa in Oke-Ero LGA, Ilorin, Ogbomoso, and a group of trailer drivers enroute to Kogi.

While two victims sustained minor gunshot injuries, all other victims were immediately provided with medical care at a nearby hospital, stabilised, and subsequently reunited with their families, Ms Ejire-Adeyemi said.

She quoted the state Commissioner of Police, Victor Olaiya, as commending the resilience and swift response of the operatives.

ALSO READ: Two police operatives killed during shootout with suspected kidnappers

Olaiya expressed gratitude to the local communities for the timely provision of credible information.

The CP assured the public of the commands commitment to sustaining the fight against criminality in all forms, the commands spokesperson said.

The CP urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the Commands emergency hotlines 07032069501 or 08125275046.

(NAN)

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The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says troops on internal security operations have apprehended two terrorist ammunition couriers and 256 other suspects and killed 148 terrorists within one week.

The DHQs Director of Defence Media Operations, Edward Buba, made this known in a statement in Abuja on Saturday.

Mr Buba said the troops also rescued 291 hostages, arrested 51 suspected oil thieves and recovered stolen crude worth N798.1 million.

He said the suspected ammunition couriers identified as Danweri and Abubakar Hamza, were apprehended in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

He added that the troops, also within the week, recovered 146 assorted weapons and 2,599 assorted ammunition, comprising two PKT guns, 72 AK47 rifles, 33 fabricated rifles, 28 dane guns, among others.

Others, according to him, included 1,596 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 636 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 111 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm ammo, 114 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 25 rounds of 9mm ammo and 98 live cartridges.

Also recovered are three baofeng radios, three vehicles, 36 motorcycles, 40 mobile phones and the sum of N1.8m among other items.

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Meanwhile, in the Niger Delta area, troops discovered and destroyed 66 illegal refining sites, 68 crude oil cooking ovens, 13 dugout pits, 41 boats and 45 storage tanks.

Other items recovered include; four speedboats, one pumping machine, 150 drums, one generator, two motorcycles, two mobile phones, one drone and five vehicles among others.

Troops also recovered 657,470 litres of stolen crude oil, 127,870 litres of illegally refined AGO and 5,000 litres of DPK, he said.

(NAN)

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From the growing deadly attacks in the region to the fatal stampede in Anambra and the arrest and imprisonment of Simon Ekpa, 2024 was an action-packed year in Nigerias South-east.

The continued detention of Mr Ekpas fellow Biafra agitator, Nnamdi Kanu, also added to the list of defining events in the region within the year.

PREMIUM TIMES highlights some of the regions defining events in 2024.

Deadly attacks

Like in the previous years, 2024 will be remembered for the deadly attacks in the South-east.

Gunmen said to be part of the Biafra agitation in the region abducted, killed and beheaded several people, mainly government officials and security operatives in the region, during their numerous attacks in the year.

Unfortunately, there are no indications that the attacks will end soon.

Security facilities in the five South-east states  Enugu, Anambra, Ebonyi, Imo and Abia suffered recurring attacks by gunmen in 2024.

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The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has been linked to some of the attacks in the region and some parts of the South-south of Nigeria.

IPOB has, however, repeatedly denied any involvement in the attacks.

The separatist group is leading the agitation for an independent state of Biafra, which it wants carved out from the two regions.

Some of the prominent incidents include the killing of five soldiers by gunmen in Abia State on 30 May and the massacre of eight community leaders on 3 August in Imo State.

Kidnap attacks also intensified in 2024 in the South-east, with several people abducted and others killed by the abductors across the region.

The hoodlums have kidnapped Catholic priests, politicians, university lecturers, and even students suspected pro-Biafra gunmen and armed herders killed and abducted several people across the South-east in 2024.

In April, for instance, at least four people were killed by suspected herders who invaded Nimbo, a community in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State.

Failed efforts to secure the release of Nnamdi Kanu

In January 2024, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, raised the hopes of many Igbo-speaking people of the South-east when he announced that Nnamdi Kanu would soon be released from detention.

The moves to secure the release of the IPOB leader intensified on 2 July with the resolution by South-east governors to meet President Bola Tinubu over the issue.

Apart from the governors resolution, 15 senators from the South-east region met with the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister for Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, in Abuja the following day.

Led by Enyinnaya Abaribe, who represents Abia South District, the senators sought the release of the IPOB leader based on a political solution.

Like the senators, the South-east caucus in the House of Representatives, on 4 July, also sought the IPOB leaders release.

Earlier on 6 June, Mr Kanus legal team delivered a copy of an appeal letter to the AGF, Mr Fagbemi, seeking the IPOB leaders freedom.

By 19 June, about 50 members of the House of Representatives wrote to Mr Tinubu seeking Mr Kanus release. The letter, however, became public knowledge in late July.

Despite all the efforts, Mr Kanu was yet to be released.

The IPOB leader has now spent his fourth Christmas in detention since his repatriation to Nigeria from Kenya in June 2021 under controversial circumstances.

He is being detained at the State Security Service (SSS) facility.

Meanwhile, Mr Kanu, in 2024, had repeated squabbles with the SSS over the refusal by the secret police to allow lawyers access to the IPOB leader.

The disagreement was later resolved through a political compromise after the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, and a member of the House from Abia State, Obi Aguocha, visited Mr Kanu at the SSS facility over the issue.

Lecturers marriage proposal to student in classroom

There was a drama on 14 February when a university lecturer proposed to his fiancee in her Abia State University Uturu classroom.

In photographs circulating on Facebook, the lecturer, Wisdom Anucha, is seen kneeling with a ring in his hand while proposing to his heartthrob.

Some students watched in apparent excitement while others were busy recording as the lecturer proposed to the lady, who is said to be a student of Optometry in the institution.

Mr Anucha, this newspaper learnt lectures in the department of sociology at the institution.

The incident elicited several reactions, with many Nigerians criticising the lecturer for proposing to the student in the classroom.

The lecturer later married the student on 6 April.

Launching of Geometric Power

It was a remarkable moment in the South-east on 26 February when Nigerias Vice-President Kashim Shettima commissioned the 188-megawatt Geometric Power Plant in Aba, Abia State.

Because of its significance, the commissioning of the power project was among the top stories that trended in the South-east and across Nigeria for weeks. Many applauded the initiative as a great step to ending Nigerias power supply woes.

Built by Nigerias former Minister of Power, Barth Nnaji, the power plant was expected to accelerate power supply to industrial clusters in the South-east, beginning with Aba.

The commissioning happened after over 20 years following intense legal battles between the power plant owner, Mr Nnaji and others, including management of the Enugu State Electricity Distribution Company.

The project is said to be worth over $800 million.

Death of Junior Pope

It was a tragic day on 10 April when popular Nollywood actor John Paul Odonwodo, popularly known as Junior Pope and four other actors drowned after their boat capsized in Anam River in Anambra State while returning from a movie shoot.

Of a total of 12 individuals who boarded the ill-fated boat, only seven were rescued alive, while five died, including Mr Odonwodo.

His death was felt across Nigeria, especially in the South-east, where he hailed from.

The Nollywood actor was buried on Friday, 17 May, at his country home after a burial mass at Saint Peters Catholic Church, Ukehe.

Labour Partys crisis, Ottis romance with ZLP

There was a mild drama in October when Governor Alex Otti of Abia State allied with an opposition party, the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), ahead of the conduct of local government elections in the state, which were held on 2 November.

The ZLP later won chairmanship seats in 15 of the 17 local government areas of Abia State despite the state being governed by Mr Otti, a member of the Labour Party (LP) under which he was elected governor.

The LP won none of the chairmanship seats, and the Young Progressives Party won the remaining two.

Instructively, ZLP enjoyed the support of Mr Otti. The governor asked his aides and allies to contest the election under the ZLP platform, not the LP.

An intense leadership crisis has torn apart the LP.

Mr Otti and the LP presidential candidate in the 2023 presidential election, Peter Obi, belong to the same faction of the LP.

In September, the faction appointed Nenadi Usman, a former Nigerian Minister, to manage the partys affairs by heading its caretaker committee.

But, about a month after Mrs Usmans appointment, a federal court recognised Julius Abure as the authentic national chairperson of the LP.

Mr Abure dismissed the convention that produced Mrs Usman and threatened to suspend Mr Otti and others from the party.

Observers say the leadership crisis and the romance between Mr Otti and the ZLP would be a major setback in the LPs move to consolidate its grip in the South-east region ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Innosons first electric vehicle

September was historic in Nigeria as an indigenous firm, Innoson Manufacturing Company Limited, unveiled its first locally produced electric vehicle.

Innoson is a vehicle manufacturing company based in Nnewi in Anambra State.

The unveiling of the electric vehicle suggested that the plan to reduce carbon emissions from vehicles using petrol for road transport in Nigeria is nearly a reality.

Killing of truck driver in Abia

For the family of Chinedu Ukwu, 14 August will remain an unforgettable day because of the painful memories it brings.

On the fateful day, a stray bullet hit Mr Ukwu during a reported shootout between two police teams in the Alaoji Area of Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State.

The shootout occurred between police patrol teams from the Police Area Command in Aba and another police team from Umuahia.

Residents claimed the operatives appeared to have mistaken themselves for members of the separatist group IPOB.

The victim was returning from a trip when the incident happened.

In November, his family detailed how they had been battling to survive following the death of their breadwinner.

Sacking of UNIZIK VC

November 2024 was a month of intrigue and drama at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (NAU), in Anambra State, known as UNIZIK.

Hours after PREMIUM TIMES exclusive report, President Bola Tinubu sacked the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor of the university, Bernard Odoh.

Mr Tinubu also dissolved the universitys Governing Council led by Greg Mbadiwe.

The sack of Mr Odoh, now a disputed professor, came about three weeks after his appointment.

On 20 November, the lecturer rejected the sack and argued that the education ministry had no power to sack him as vice-chancellor, even as Bayo Onanuga, the special adviser to Mr Tinubu, also announced Mr Odohs sack as UNIZIKs vice-chancellor.

The Nigerian government, later on the same 20 November, announced the appointment of the acting vice-chancellor of the university.

The following day, there was another drama when the management of the Federal University, Gusau (FUGUS), Zamfara State, disowned the sacked vice-chancellor.

The FUGUS Registrar, Yakubu Anivbassa, narrated how Mr Odoh allegedly obtained his professorship fraudulently. Mr Odoh later sued FUGUS for denying his professorship.

Simon Ekpas arrest, imprisonment

On 21 November, Nigerians woke up to the news that the Finnish authorities had arrested Simon Ekpa, a controversial pro-Biafra agitator alongside four others in Finland, on suspicion of terrorist activities.

The Finnish police said Mr Ekpa has contributed to violence and crimes against civilians in South-eastern Nigeria.

The District Court of Paijat-Hame later ordered that the pro-Biafra agitator be imprisoned with probable cause on suspicion of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent.

The Finnish-Nigerian citizen is being held at the Kylmakoski Prison in the North European country.

According to Finnish authorities, he is expected to face charges in May 2025.

Mr Ekpa was indicted for financing terrorism alongside the four other suspects.

The police suspect that the Biafra agitator committed the crime of collecting money, violating the Finnish Money Collection Act.

The Finnish police said he allegedly committed the crimes between 23 August 2021 and 18 November 2024 in Lahti, a town in Finland.

Days after his imprisonment, Finnish authorities announced that Mr Ekpas assets and those of other suspects had been frozen.

Arrest of Anambra LG chairperson in US

In November, Nigerians were shocked to learn about the arrest in the US of Franklin Nwadialo, the chairperson of Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation arrested Mr Nwadialo, 40, on his arrival at an airport in Texas on 2 November, the US Department of Justice announced in a statement.

He is accused of romance scam.

According to the indictment and criminal complaint filed in the case, the politician allegedly defrauded victims of more than $3.3 million in the alleged romance scam.

If convicted, Mr Nwadialo could spend up to 20 years in prison in the US.

In response, the Anambra State Government said it was not concerned about the arrest of the council chairperson in the US, given that local government is now autonomous in Nigeria.

Fatal stampede in Anambra

On 21 December, tragedy struck in Okija Community, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, when many people were killed during a fatal stampede in the community.

The victims had gone to take part in the sharing of bags of rice and other food items donated by a renowned entrepreneur, Ernest Obiejesi, popularly known as Obijackson.

The police in Anambra State, the following day, confirmed that 22 people were killed in the stampede.

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The Governor of Kano State, Abba Yusuf, has announced automatic employment for some postgraduate students returning from the governments foreign scholarship programme.

He stated this after he welcomed 150 beneficiaries of the programme who had completed their masters degree programmes in India.

Mr Yusuf, on his verified X handle, said the beneficiaries are graduates of engineering, medicine, pharmaceutics and other health-related fields.

He said they studied in different institutions, with 150 from Sharda University, India.

They are parts of 420 first-class holders sponsored under the 1001 foreign postgraduate scholarship scheme.

Apart from the 150 graduates from Sharda University, there are 98 from Mewar University, 58 from Symbiosis University, 30 from Kalinga University, 29 from SR University, 23 from Swarnim University, and 33 from the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU), among others.

In a reception held at the Government House, I commended the students for their hard work, dedication and outstanding performance, noting that the foreign scholarship programme is a cornerstone of our administrations vision for human capital development.

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This move underscores our administrations commitment to addressing the shortage of skilled healthcare professionals and improving the states healthcare system and infrastructure development, Mr Yusuf stated.

Governor Yusuf approved N4.6 billion for scholarships to be awarded to 1,001 postgraduate students who study abroad.

However, the Kano State Anti-corruption and Public Complaints Commission quizzed some senior officials of the states Ministry of Higher Education over releasing huge funds under the scheme without the governors approval.

The agency found that only 418 students were sent abroad, despite the release of a substantial part of the budget for the programme.

The agency subsequently recovered over N700 million after the governor ordered an investigation, said an official who spoke off the record with PREMIUM TIMES.

The states commissioner for higher education, Yusif Kofar-Mata, who the anti-corruption agency also quizzed, was removed from the ministry in a recent cabinet reshuffle.

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Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a 48-year-old businessman, Ifeanyi Orizu, for ingesting 74 wraps of heroin and cocaine.

Femi Babafemi, NDLEA spokesman, said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

Mr Babafemi said Mr Orizu was intercepted while attempting to board an Air France flight 844 from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, to Paris, France.

He said that the suspect was arrested at the boarding gate of the Abuja airport on Sunday, 22 December during the outward clearance of passengers on Air France.

When he was pulled aside for a body scan, he turned down the request claiming his medical condition wont allow him.

He was thereafter taken into custody for excretion observation during which he excreted a total of 74 wraps of the Class A drugs over a period of seven days.

In his statement, Orizu claimed he owns a shop at Balogun market, Lagos Island where he sells school and travelling bags, adding that he was promised 3,000 Euros upon successful delivery of the consignment in Paris.

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He left his base in Lagos for the Abuja airport to connect his Air France flight to Paris, hoping to escape detection, he said.

In another interdiction effort, operatives of the Marine Command of NDLEA at 2:30 a.m. on Christmas eve intercepted two boats.

Mr Babafemi said that they were loaded with 1,960 kilogrammes of Ghanaian Loud, a strong strain of cannabis, at the Eleko beach in the Lekki area of Lagos.

He said that six foreign nationals who brought the consignments from Ghana were arrested during the operation.

They include two Ghanaians: Godsway John, 38; and Freedom Kelvin, 33; as well as four Beninese: Chegoun Hounsou, 23; Gadabor Nyameto, 47; Adantg Sasa, 34; and Ayao Kayivi, 21, he said.

In another development, in Katsina, a suspect, Ibrahim Shaibu, 35, was arrested in possession of 40 album-size parcels of compressed cannabis sativa weighing 35kg on Christmas day at Central Motor Park, Katsina.

Mr Babafemi said that another suspect, Umar Ahmed, 47, was nabbed along Zaria-Malumfashi road, Katsina, with 27 parcels of a psychoactive substance weighing 13.5kg on 28 December.

Also, a 21-year-old suspect, Kosisochukwu Ozigbo, was arrested at new Lagos road Benin City, Edo State, when the area was raided on 23 December by NDLEA operatives.

Recovered from the suspect include: 32,490 pills of tramadol 225mg, 200mg and 100mg; 936 bottles of codeine-based syrup and various quantities of other opioids, he said.

In a concerted effort to address drug abuse, he said commands across the country merged their drug supply reduction operations with War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiatives, conducting advocacy campaigns in various community settings.

Some of the advocacies include a WADA sensitisation lecture delivered by Lagos State Strategic Command in collaboration with Menitos Foundation to residents of Akoka community at Ayetoro primary school, Akoka Bariga.

Also, the Adamawa State command of NDLEA delivered the same lecture to members of Jamaatul Nasril Islam during their annual first aid group and leadership camping in Adamawa, among others.

Mr Babafemi quoted the NDLEA Chairman, Buba Marwa, as commending the efforts of the officers and men of NAIA, Katsina, Edo and Marine Commands of the Agency for jobs well done in the past week.

Mr Marwa tasked them and their compatriots nationwide not to rest on the achievements of 2024 but to continue to raise the bar in their offensive action against drug barons and cartels.

This, he said, should be with an equal measure of WADA sensitisation campaigns in the new year.

(NAN)

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JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, Dec. 28 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Film Night kicked off on Friday in Saudi Arabia's Jeddah, during which six Chinese films will be screened for local audiences.

Highlighting the growing appeal of Chinese films in Saudi Arabia, Wang Qimin, consul general of the Chinese Consulate-General in Jeddah, said that cinema -- by transcending language barriers -- serves as a vital bridge for cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

He expressed hope that the event would inspire further dialogue and cooperation between Chinese and Saudi filmmakers.

Saudi Film Festival Director Ahmed Al Mulla said the Chinese Film Night not only brought a colorful visual feast and unique cultural experience to the Saudi audience, but also created a platform for China-Saudi Arabia film exchanges and cooperation.

The three-day event is jointly organized by China Film Administration and the Chinese Consulate-General in Jeddah, and facilitated by the China Film Archive. Over 100 guests from the diplomatic, film, cultural, and business sectors attended the opening ceremony.

According to event organizers, nearly 1,000 tickets for the six scheduled screenings sold out within half a day, demonstrating the strong interest of Saudis in Chinese films. 
One of the underlined issues is the understanding of the DG that passengers whose flights were cancelled or delayed should be ignored. No Nigerian passenger in the past one year can confirm being compensated for a delayed or cancelled flight. We have had cases of passengers sleeping in the airport for days over flight delays. NCAA cannot point to a single passenger who has benefited in terms of compensation, either from an airline or the regulatory body.

Industry watchers, experts and passengers received the shocker recently when the Acting Director General of Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Mr Chris Najomo disclosed how he shared government money to staff in order to improve their welfare, boasting that the money shared belongs to nobody but the Federal Government, hence he fears no evil. This was revealed in a viral video.

He went further to hail the minister whom he said God was using to do a lot for NCAA.

In another shocking comment, the NCAA acting boss also announced that over 5,225 flights were delayed, and 190 were cancelled in 2024. No details on sanctions or punishments for erring airlines.

In a BusinessDay report, he said, Adequate compensation is provided where applicable. Non-compliance with these regulations will not be tolerated, and going forward, the NCAA will not hesitate to impose the necessary penalties where violations are observed. I have instructed my team to monitor and enforce compliance and apply sanctions.

Apprehension Over Future of Aviation

Currently, there are concerns by major industry players and passengers over the future of aviation sector going by the handling of its regulations.

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First, the Acting DG has become chronically patronising in his effort to continually gain the support of the staff at the detriment of aviation safety. His claims that monies are being shared to staff who constantly get bank alerts because they belong to the Federal Government is an aberration and speaks volume about administrative insensitivity. Its not entirely wrong to prioritise staff welfare in line with civil service rules, but it amounts to recklessness when you prioritise this at the expense of aviation safety.

Unfortunately, throughout his speech where he constantly hammered on his intention to continue in office, he did not mention any airline that was sanctioned over delayed or cancelled flights. The Acting DG showed no mercy to stranded passengers whose flights were either delayed or cancelled when he said going forward, erring airlines would be sanctioned. So what happened in the past one year? How many airlines were sanctioned or queried in the period under review? This is a complete lack of incompetence and the sad reality of the regulatory agency.

Its unfortunately disturbing to tag incompetence as a success story and should we continue on this trajectory, the aviation sector will face grave setback. What then is the job of the regulator when 190 flights were cancelled in a single year and 5,225 were delayed yet no question was asked? This unfortunate collaboration between the airlines and the regulator portends serious danger and must be stopped now.

Its unfortunately becoming clearer that instead of engaging in the job of regulation, the atmosphere in the NCAA is that of joke, merriment, speech making, campaign and sharing of money to staff to gain support for continuation and confirmation of the Acting DG. What difference does it make if staff smile, eat fat and make merry but passengers lament delayed and cancelled flights? It shows a near absence of regulations.

One of the underlined issues is the understanding of the DG that passengers whose flights were cancelled or delayed should be ignored. No Nigerian passenger in the past one year can confirm being compensated for a delayed or cancelled flight. We have had cases of passengers sleeping in the airport for days over flight delays. NCAA cannot point to a single passenger who has benefited in terms of compensation, either from an airline or the regulatory body. This is not only sad, but capable of bringing to disrepute the renewed confidence in Nigerian aviation.

When staff get compensated for allowing airlines to operate without regulation, when the attention is shifted from regulation to celebration, when the regulator becomes the collaborator, then danger looms.

Findings have revealed that while more than 5,000 flights were canceled in September and October alone, yet the NCAA staff and airline owners have continued to write to the President to confirm the DGs appointment from an acting position. This looks more like an irony in which incompetence is being rewarded.

Many believe that the alleged insistence of the Minister to confirm the DG for a five-year tenure is tearing the industry apart. It is equally unfortunate that the erstwhile DG, Captain Musa Nuhu has not been subjected to any serious investigation for a year now.

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) report indicting NCAA indicated that the fatal helicopter crash, which resulted in the deaths of eight individuals, including six NNPC employees was due to the NCAA permission allowing the helicopter to operate without a valid flight data recorder (FDR), autopilot, life raft, and other essential equipment.

It is also not news that the recent Bell Police helicopter crash was as a result of the NCAAs inadequate supervision and the permissibility that enables unqualified pilots to fly aircraft.

Sadly, the recent multiple aviation incidents, including two aircraft engine failures and a cargo aircraft overshooting the runway within a span of five days call for serious concern.

These alarming developments should ordinarily reawaken the Minister of Aviation in order to take action against Captain Chris Najomo, who some claim is an uncle of his and that they hail from the same village. If this is true, it is worth emphasising that safety in the aviation industry is far more important than relationships or kindred ties.

This current disregard for safety concerns has raised international scrutiny on Nigerias management of its airspace. The country has lost its FAA Category One Certificate, prohibiting Nigerian airlines, including Air Peace, from operating passenger flights to the United States. The concerns of many is actually the Ministers seeming inaction or reluctance to intervene and prioritise the safety of citizens.

The current leadership incompetence in NCAA has continued to re-echo and must be addressed now before its too late, else we will return to the era of Sosoliso and those dark years in the sector.

Politicising NCAA at the expense of professionalism will take us 100 steps backwards.

Femi Johnson, an aviator writes from Canada.

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In this case of Precious Eze and Olawale Olurotimi, that should be even moreso, given that the travesty is procured at the instance of a commercial and corporate actor. We are both citizens and customers. In this dual capacity we have the muscle to resist the determined conspiracy of politicians and corporates who seek to muzzle and destroy an informed and responsible civics. It is not too late for GTBank to retrace its steps.

By the time Muhammadu Buhari ran for a second presidential term in 2019, it seemed clear that the judicial process in many parts of the country had been actively co-opted in the intimidation of civic opponents of the government, both real and imagined. The case of Steven Kefas was a defining moment in that process.

Steven was a compelling activist and amplifier of the crisis of human security in Southern Kaduna under former governor, Nasir el-Rufai. For this, el-Rufai arranged his abduction from his residence in Rivers State on 8 May 2019. From there they bundled Steven into interminable detention in Kaduna, on the imagined crime of criminally defaming Cafra Caino, an acolyte of the governor who was also chair of the Kajuru Local Government Council.

For this invented crime, el-Rufai had Steven charged before a Magistrate in Kaduna, who refused him bail even when the crime was clearly a misdemeanour. Steven renewed his application for bail before the Federal High Court in Kaduna where the presiding judge, Peter Mallong, incredulously ruled that his suit was an abuse of court process because the Magistrate had previously refused bail. Turning judicial precedent on its head, Peter Mallong held that the decision of the Magistrate was binding on the Federal High Court.

Gloria Ballason, who argued Stevens case, was also my lawyer when el-Rufai sought to abduct me too in circumstances that would have been not dissimilar to what he did to Steven. On the eve of the presidential election in 2019, el-Rufai went public with claims of the massacre of scores of Fulanis in Kajuru, a community against which he appeared to have an implacable beef. The following morning, I publicly rebutted his claims. The security services were pointedly unable to support his claims.

After the 2019 elections, el-Rufai instructed my prosecution before the Magistrates Court in Kaduna on the fanciful charges of incitement and injurious falsehood. The case did not even have a charge number. The magistrate called up the case on two successive occasions and, when I did not show up, decided the time was ripe to issue a warrant for my abduction. Contrary to my entitlements under the Nigerian constitution, they did not even bother to bring the charges to my attention. It seemed as if the entire objective from the beginning was to set me up for abduction.

Informed off-record about the case by sympathetic law enforcement agents subsequently, Gloria Ballason first issued filings objecting to how the court had chosen to proceed. Thereafter, she instituted proceedings before Peter Mallongs Federal High Court in Kaduna against el-Rufai and the police, arising out of these facts, alleging the breach of my constitutional rights.

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On 14 October, the police re-arraigned them. Ten days later, the amended charges filed against them included six counts of cyberbullying and two each of conspiracy and extortion. To prosecute them, GTBank secured the fiat of the Inspector General of Police to instruct a high-powered team of ten lawyers, including three Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs). This is a classic example of oppressive elites capturing the criminal process for destructive purposes against poor citizens.

One year after the case was instituted, in October 2020, Peter Mallong issued his decision. He claimed that the affidavit in support of my court processes, sworn to by a litigation clerk in the law firm of my lawyers, was incompetent because the deponent was someone other than me. It was as if he had never heard of the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules, which allowed for what the litigation clerk did. As a result, Peter Mallong said my case was incompetent and his court lacked jurisdiction over it. After holding that he lacked jurisdiction, however, Peter Mallong went on to dismiss my case.

The judgment was manifestly crooked on the face of the record. A judge can only dismiss a case that s/he has had the opportunity to consider but a judge cannot consider a case over which s/he lacks jurisdiction. So, a judge who rules that he or she lacks jurisdiction cannot thereafter decide to dismiss the same case. That is exactly what Peter Mallong did. Having accomplished such crookedness, he then went on to award punitive costs against me.

It was this kind of casuistic and crooked jurisprudence that emboldened el-Rufai and his ilk to routinise the persecution of Nigerian citizens by abduction under the cover of law. I was lucky. Steven Kefas was not. Gloria Ballasons tenacity and an international campaign eventually enabled to Steven to make bail after 162 days in pre-trial detention in Kaduna prison.

According to Steven, while he suffered prolonged pre-trial detention for an imaginary crime framed against him for being a critic of government, he witnessed kidnappers caught in the act being released without charges. Stevens explanation is that: What the oppressive elites do in Nigeria is that they will hire rogue lawyers to help them draft all manner of petitions to get critics and enemies of the government abducted and locked up.

This appears to be the perfect description for what is happening in an ongoing case involving the prosecution of Precious Eze, Olawale Olurotimi, Rowland Olonishuwa and Seun Odunlami before the Federal High Court in Lagos. The accused are all bloggers who run different platforms as citizen journalists or aggregators.

On 19 September, Country Hill, a law firm acting on behalf of Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) and its CEO, Segun Agbaje, wrote a petition in which they complained against the accused for what they called acts of cyberbullying, criminal extortions (sic) and conducts (sic) likely to cause a breach of public peace arising reportedly from material published on their blogs about Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank). Importantly, the complaint omitted any mention of the sums that any of the suspects allegedly extorted or sought to. Subsequent investigation by the police showed clearly that upon the material being brought to their attention by intermediaries, the suspects had voluntarily pulled down the publications complained of.

It took the police just four days to conclude investigation. Michael Abu, the chief superintendent of Police (CSP) who led the investigation into GTBanks petition, wrote in his report of 23 September, with reference to Precious Eze and Olawale Olurotimi, that these types of people be used as scapegoat and recommended that they be charged to court for the offence (sic) of conspiracy, cyberbullying, attempt to extort money through fraudulent means and conduct likely to cause the breach of peace.

Acting on this petition, nevertheless, the police promptly arrested and detained Precious Eze and Olawale Olurotimi, both of who have been held in pre-trial custody since then. By the date you read this, each of them would have been in pre-trial custody for over 91 days. That is more than double the maximum duration of 42 days of pre-trial custody allowed by the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.

It took the police just four days to conclude investigation. Michael Abu, the chief superintendent of Police (CSP) who led the investigation into GTBanks petition, wrote in his report of 23 September, with reference to Precious Eze and Olawale Olurotimi, that these types of people be used as scapegoat and recommended that they be charged to court for the offence (sic) of conspiracy, cyberbullying, attempt to extort money through fraudulent means and conduct likely to cause the breach of peace.

On 14 October, the police re-arraigned them. Ten days later, the amended charges filed against them included six counts of cyberbullying and two each of conspiracy and extortion. To prosecute them, GTBank secured the fiat of the Inspector General of Police to instruct a high-powered team of ten lawyers, including three Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs). This is a classic example of oppressive elites capturing the criminal process for destructive purposes against poor citizens.

Until now, the people who orchestrate these kinds of travesties and their judicial and legal co-travelers have enjoyed earthly impunity. Judges like Peter Mallong made this possible. The one lesson, however, of the Dele Farotimi case is that citizens now have the wherewithal to make these kinds of perversion of the legal and criminal process costly for those who orchestrate them.

In this case of Precious Eze and Olawale Olurotimi, that should be even moreso, given that the travesty is procured at the instance of a commercial and corporate actor. We are both citizens and customers. In this dual capacity we have the muscle to resist the determined conspiracy of politicians and corporates who seek to muzzle and destroy an informed and responsible civics. It is not too late for GTBank to retrace its steps.

Chidi Anselm Odinkalu, a lawyer, teaches at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and can be reached through chidi.odinkalu@tufts.edu.



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In Brain Gain, which addresses the Japada imperative, Akpapunam shifts emphasis from loss to gain. He probed the transformative impact of Nigerian immigrants on their home country. Journalist Alhumphrey Amayenabo, in his brilliant review, wrote: Through compelling storytelling and rigorous research, Collins Akpapunam demonstrates how Nigerian immigrants are leveraging their international experience, networks, and expertise to create jobs, stimulate investment, and foster development. From technology and healthcare to education and the arts, Brain Gain showcases the diverse ways in which the diaspora is giving back to Nigeria.

If you ever ventured near the World Headquarters Shrine of the Palmwine Drinkerds Club at the University of Ife of yore, you would hear the constant refrain:

Things fall apart, the centre must hold;

A house divided against itself shall stand;

Few are called, many are chosen

In the midst of all the light-heartedness for which that club is known, what is embedded in the philosophy underpinning its chants, songs and pulsating beats, can only be described as joyful optimism. The glass may be half empty but the story is not complete if we fail to acknowledge the fact that it is also half full. A story is only half told if it addresses only one side of the societal coin. At first, it may all look funny, but when we look deeply, we realise that what appears to harm us on one hand may be bringing beatitudes on the other.

That is the lesson that our very own internationally acclaimed documentary filmmaker, Collins Akpapunam, taught the world in 2024. Before his intervention, it was fashionable to address the brain drain phenomenon in which thousands of qualified professionals and artisans in all fields of human endeavour migrate to Europe and America in search of better working and living conditions. The mass exodus is popularly tagged Japa and is the sing-song of the youths and the not-so-young.

But Akpapunam draws our attention to the other side of the trend: Japa embodies the seeds of return or Japada. You could put it this way: He who japas will eventually japada. The initial loss of the professionals to foreign lands becomes a blessing when we consider the economic fallouts of their sojourn and how that is an unquantifiable blessing to the society from whence the pilgrims emerged.

The Drain

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The premiere of Japa at the Main Auditorium of the United Nations House, Abuja, attracted the cream of the local gentry, bureaucrats, culturepreneurs and members of the diplomatic corps. The film brings together both the losers and the beneficiaries of the Japa syndrome. Without being offensive or rude, the film makes the point that migration happens because the system where the migrant is migrating from is faulty, unfriendly or too stultifying.

Laurent MJ de Boeck, Chief of Mission of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) to Nigeria said, This is a great moment for us all. And I thank the producers of this documentary for using this opportunity to redraw our attention to migration. It will reopen discussions on this issue. It is almost turning into a pandemic and the world has to sit up by addressing the concerns raised in this film. But as it is, the issue at home is just to see a way to engage, enable and empower the Diaspora. In it all, we think about human mobility.

Boeck, whose Organisation is an organ of the UN, also believes that through brain drain those who have left these shores can constantly remit money home to reduce poverty and agony. Large remittance has a direct impact on Nigerias economic growth and advancement. It must be noted, though, that as African nations lose their best brains on a daily basis, so do they also lose their chance for speedy development. Boeck advocates a well-structured harnessing of the situation because the Diasporas are best suited now to transfer technology, increase social capital and make life better. That is how brain drain can be turned into brain gain.

Brain Drain, the documentary, featured in this years New York film festival and the silicon African Film festival in San Jose, California Akpapunam and his Efizzi Communications also make the point that when, on the one hand, you subject Japa to the crucible of analysis, you must, on the other hand, do the same to Japada in order to achieve a balance. Thus the need for a sequel.

He insists that migration to foreign lands should not necessarily entail abandonment: You might not necessarily return home completely. But if the atmosphere is conducive you can come and re-invest. Leaving Nigeria therefore does not mean abandoning Nigeria. No. Migration in itself is not a bad idea. What we are saying is that the government has to be proactive and involved in such a way to assist those who wish to return home to invest to do so more conveniently.

Brain Drain, the documentary, featured in this years New York film festival and the silicon African Film festival in San Jose, California.

Akpapunam and his Efizzi Communications also make the point that when, on the one hand, you subject Japa to the crucible of analysis, you must, on the other hand, do the same to Japada in order to achieve a balance. Thus the need for a sequel.

The Gain

In Brain Gain, which addresses the Japada imperative, Akpapunam shifts emphasis from loss to gain. He probed the transformative impact of Nigerian immigrants on their home country. Journalist Alhumphrey Amayenabo, in his brilliant review, wrote: Through compelling storytelling and rigorous research, Collins Akpapunam demonstrates how Nigerian immigrants are leveraging their international experience, networks, and expertise to create jobs, stimulate investment, and foster development. From technology and healthcare to education and the arts, Brain Gain showcases the diverse ways in which the diaspora is giving back to Nigeria.

The beauty of Akpapunams documentaries is that they humanise the statistics, putting faces to stories, and names to achievements, with the impact to the larger society, for good or for ill, as the ultimate consideration.

Chinua Achebe warned us to always strive to tell our own stories because, Until the lion learns how to write every story will glorify the hunter. Thanks to Akpapunam and Efizzi for telling what is essentially an African story from our own perspective and proffering suggestions on how what is perceived as a curse can be transformed into a blessing.

To heap all the blame for such tragedies at the doorsteps of the philanthropists appears cruel because that would be tantamount to making them reap the very opposite of the appreciation that would have been their just payback. It is easy to pontificate on how the philanthropists involved in the recent fatal stampedes in Ibadan, Okija and Abuja failed to ensure adequate security to prevent the stampedes.

Blessed Are the Givers

It could have happened to anybody. No public spirited person would wish the recipients of his/her philanthropy dead. When a stampede ensues as desperate people attempt to force their way into the venue or forcefully grab items, which they could otherwise have collected gracefully in an orderly atmosphere, we must temper our anger at the needless loss of lives with a charitable flavour. I join the nation in praying for the sweet repose of the souls of all the departed.

To heap all the blame for such tragedies at the doorsteps of the philanthropists appears cruel because that would be tantamount to making them reap the very opposite of the appreciation that would have been their just payback. It is easy to pontificate on how the philanthropists involved in the recent fatal stampedes in Ibadan, Okija and Abuja failed to ensure adequate security to prevent the stampedes.

The first question some perceptive people asked was, Where were the police?

If the events had been about convening an unauthorised radical political gathering, the police would have shown up, whether they were invited or not. They would have scattered the gathering. But who cares about the poor? Now, the police are strutting all over the place when they, indeed, should join the organisers of those tragic events in the dock.

Looking back, I should thank God that I have been exposed to crowd control in the university through student unionism. My decision to feed 500 children of the IDP Camp near Games Village, Abuja in 2016, could also have ended tragically if we hadnt secured the use of the premises of St. Christophers Catholic Church, Kaura, and pre-packed the food and drinks to make distribution seamless.

Suppose something had gone wrong? My associates and I would have spent all that money only to buy dormitory spaces in the penitentiary. No, that is not a good way to end the movie. I say blessed, indeed, are the givers.

Wole Olaoye is a Public Relations consultant and veteran journalist. He can be reached on wole.olaoye@gmail.com, Twitter: @wole_olaoye; Instagram: woleola2021

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The glory of this latter temple shall be greater than the former, says the Lord of hosts. And in this place, I will give peace, says the Lord of hosts. Haggai 2:9 NKJV

Who is left among you who saw this temple in its former glory? (Haggai 2:4)

Look at the phrase, Temple in its former glory.

A Temple in a New Testament context speaks to you and I  the ecclesia. We are the temple of God. The Body of Christ is the temple of God, according to the New Testament. Here what Apostle Paul says about this temple:

Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?  I Corinthians 6:19 NKJV

Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?  I Corinthians 3:16 NKJV

What is this former glory that Haggai was talking about in Haggai 2:4? We need to understand what the former glory of the church was?

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Discipleship was the central focus of the church, not membership.

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.  Matthew 28:19 NKJV

Prayer altar and personal fellowship were central to the church. Ministers were grossly focused on the message of righteousness. Soul winning was a priority of the church. Signs and wonders and the power of God were present in the church.

Lets tie things together and look at the next verse (Vs 4).

God said, in spite of this collapse, we should be STRONG. When God says be strong, it means that what has happened to the glory of the church brings weakness:

When you see believers mock prayers on social media, it brings weakness. When you see believers mock miracles, signs and wonders, it brings weakness. When you see pastors trade their gifts for, obey and corrupt the anointing on their lives for money, it brings weakness. When you see ministers fight, compete, envy and bring down one another, it brings weakness. When you see the younger generation mock fathers and their sacrifices, it brings weakness. When you see the Gen Z folks speak down on the pillars of our faith: giving, honour, church work, it brings weakness. When you see pastors brunt accused left right and centre of corruption and all kinds of evil vices, it brings weakness.

But God says, BE STRONG. Its not an advice or a suggestion. Its in the imperative. If you notice, God is speaking strength to three categories of people: 1. Priests, 2. Kings, and 3. The people of the land.

This current situation is not the end of the matter. A new season is coming upon Nigeria and upon the church. Consider the destiny of the church:

Now it shall come to pass in the latter days That the mountain of the Lords house Shall be established on the top of the mountains, And shall be exalted above the hills; And peoples shall flow to it.  Micah 4:1 NKJV

The church will be a mountain in the days coming to us round the corner.

Mountain of righteousness. Mountain of financial empowerment. Mountain of wisdom and creativity. Mountain of power. Mountain of love and compassion.

Thats our destiny. But theres a missed key, WORK (vs 4)

Its not the time to play but the time to work. God wants the church to wake up and work. Nothing works until we work.

If God says we must work, it means that we are either not working at all or not doing the right work. Lets see some of the work we must do to connect to our destiny in Micah 1-4.

A. Works of righteousness (righteousness exalts a nation)

Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people. Proverbs 14:34 NKJV

The work of righteousness will be peace, And the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever. Isaiah 32:17 NKJV

B. Work of love, loving one another as one body, advancing the kingdom with one mind, not by competing

For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister. Hebrews 6:10

By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:35 NKJV.

C. Work of faith  living in the realm of faith and the spirit  and NOT LIVING IN THE FLESH LIKE THE WORLD

Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father. I Thessalonians 1:3 NKJV (https://bible.com/bible/114/1th.1.3.NKJV)

For we walk by faith, not by sight. II Corinthians 5:7 NKJV

D. Work of evangelism, souls, souls, souls are crying. Islam is gradually evangelising the world while the church is arguing.

But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. II Timothy 4:5 NKJV

E. Work of discipleship

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19 NKJV

Nothing works until we work, and when we work. See be 5-8, God will release true kingdom wealth into the church for last days gathering of soulsand then this amazing prophecy will be fulfilled:

The glory of this latter temple shall be greater than the former, says the Lord of hosts. And in this place, I will give peace, says the Lord of hosts. Haggai 2:9 NKJV

Ayo Akerele is the senior Pastor of Rhema Assembly and the founder of the Voice of the Watchmen in Ontario, Canada. He can be reached through ayoakerele@gmail.com

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Bereaved Governor of Jigawa State, Umar Namadi on Saturday received several dignitaries who paid him condolence visits in his hometown of Kafin-Hausa, Jigawa State.

Top on the list of the dignitaries was Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He was accompanied by the governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum and the Emir of Machina.

Other top shots who also came to Jigawa on condolence visit included the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, the Emir of Kano, Sanusi Muhammadu Sanusi II, Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni and his Bauchi counterpart, Bala Mohammed as well as a former military administrator of Jigawa State, Zakaria Maimalari among others.

Governor Namadi lost his mother, Maryam Namadi on Wednesday following a brief illness while his 24-year old son, Abdulwahab died in motor accident on Thursday while traveling to Kafin-Hausa to join other family members in mourning his grandmother.

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Insight Publicis, Nigerias leading creative advertising and marketing communications agency, has once again demonstrated its industry dominance by clinching the coveted Agency of the Year title at the 2024 Lagos Advertising and Ideas Festival (LAIF) Awards. With an unprecedented 327 pointsmore than double the scores of its nearest rivalsthe agency has set a new benchmark for creative excellence and innovation.

Adding to its triumphs at LAIF, Insight Publicis shone at the Women in Marketing Communications Awards (WIMCA), where it was named Most Outstanding Creative Advertising Agency in Gender Inclusion. The agencys Creative Director, Esosa Osagiede, was also honored with the title of Most Outstanding Creative Advertising Professional of the Year, reinforcing Insight Publicis position as a leader in creativity, inclusivity, and strategic solutions.

Leadership Reflections on the Milestone

Esosa Osagiede, the award-winning Creative Director, attributed the agencys success to its relentless pursuit of bold ideas and innovative strategies.

Winning Agency of the Year is a testament to our unwavering commitment to creativity and inclusivity. Our recognition for gender inclusion is particularly meaningful, as it underscores our belief that diversity fuels innovation and excellence. This moment belongs to our passionate team, whose dedication continues to inspire and push boundaries, she said.

For Dolapo Ogunbambo, Chief Operating Officer, the accolades signify more than just creative brilliancethey represent the agencys purpose-driven approach.

These awards go beyond recognition. They reflect the vision, resilience, and impact that define Insight Publicis. We create campaigns that move people and deliver tangible results, and this achievement propels us to continue leading the industry into a bold new future, Ogunbambo noted.

Adding to this sentiment, Dr Tayo Oyedeji, Group CEO of Insight Redefini, highlighted the agencys unique blend of global standards and local expertise.

Insight Publicis continues to demonstrate that creativity and impact go hand in hand. By combining global best practices with local insights, we deliver solutions that are not only innovative but also drive measurable business success. These accolades are a reflection of our commitment to delivering excellence for our clients, he said.

Raising the Bar in Advertising

The record-breaking wins at LAIF and WIMCA are not just milestones for Insight Publicis but a statement about the future of advertising in Nigeria. The agencys ability to craft campaigns that inspire, engage, and deliver results sets a benchmark for the industry.

With a legacy of groundbreaking campaigns and award-winning ideas, Insight Publicis has become synonymous with creativity and strategic impact. The agencys innovative approach and commitment to diversity have made it a preferred partner for brands seeking transformative growth both in Nigeria and on the global stage.

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As Insight Publicis looks to the future, its focus remains on pushing boundaries, redefining possibilities, and creating work that inspires and delivers.

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Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State on Saturday signed the states 2025 Appropriation Bill into Law.

While signing the bill, Mr Aliyu pledged to deliver additional dividends of democracy and accelerate ongoing development initiatives in the state.

Describing the states 2024 budget implementation as a resounding success, the governor reaffirmed his commitment to pursuing people-focused projects aimed at improving the quality of life for citizens.

In the outgoing year, we successfully executed numerous developmental projects that positively impacted our people.

We will, In Sha Allah, sustain this commitment by delivering even more dividends of democracy to the doorsteps of our citizens, he said.

The governor also reiterated his administrations dedication to tackling security challenges, including the fight against banditry and other forms of criminal activity in the state.

He expressed gratitude to the state lawmakers for their expeditious passage of the budget, commending their unwavering commitment to the welfare of their constituents.

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I thank the lawmakers for their dedication, which reflects their determination to improve the lives of the people they serve.

ALSO READ: Nigerian govt pledges to investigate airstrike that killed civilians in Sokoto

I also extend my appreciation to the citizens of the state for their continued prayers and support for our administration, Mr Aliyu said.

Earlier, the Speaker of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Tukur Bala, noted that the legislative arm thoroughly scrutinised the appropriation bill to ensure it aligned with the electorates needs and aspirations.

He commended the governor for his impressive delivery of democratic dividends and pledged the assemblys support for policies and programmes that aimed to transform the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state assembly on 17 December, passed the states 2025 Budget of N526.9 billion.

The appropriation bill includes N349.4 billion for capital expenditure and N176.3 billion for recurrent expenditure.

(NAN)

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Two Nigerian soldiers were killed during a shootout with suspected members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), the armed wing of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The spokesperson of the 34 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Joseph Akubo, in a statement on Saturday, said the two soldiers were killed and one missing on Friday in Osina, Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State, south-east Nigeria.

How it happened

Mr Akubo, a captain, said troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade of the Army, while returning from their routine patrol on Friday, responded to a distress call about an attack by IPOB/ESN fighters in Osina Community.

The army spokesperson said the troops, with an overwhelming firepower, consequently engaged the IPOB fighters in the shootout.

The dissidents, caught off guard, retreated in disarray. Regrettably, two security agents were killed in action, while another remains missing.

Their weapons, including an AK-47 rifle and a tear gas launcher, were seized by the terrorists, he said.

The bodies of the fallen agents (soldiers) were recovered as troops launched a pursuit of the fleeing assailants.

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IPOB fighter killed in subsequent shootouts

Mr Akubo said the troops further intercepted the suspected IPOB/ESN fighters at Nkwachi Community which resulted in another intense shootout.

During this engagement, one of the dissidents was neutralised, while others fled into a nearby forest, unable to withstand the troops superior firepower.

An AK-47 rifle with a fully loaded magazine was recovered during this operation, he said.

The army spokesperson said the troops subsequently pressed deeper into Umalouma Forest where a fierce encounter ensued.

Overwhelmed by the troops firepower, the dissidents abandoned their weapons and fled into the dense forest with severe injuries, he stated.

Five AK-47 rifles, one fabrique nationale rifle, two magazines and one tear gas launcher were among the items recovered from the suspects, according to the Army.

Surrender now or face actions

Mr Akubo stressed that the troops were currently trailing the injured IPOB and ESN fighters and making efforts to dismantle their hideouts.

He urged the IPOB and ESN fighters, as well as other criminals, to surrender to the nearest military location or decisive action.

He said the Brigade remains committed to ensuring that the people of Imo State enjoy a peaceful and secure Yuletide season devoid of fear or intimidation.

We appeal to peace-loving residents of Imo State to support ongoing military operations by providing timely intelligence on the movements and hideouts of these criminals, he said, assuring that the support would help crime fighting in the state.

IPOB, a group seeking to carve out a sovereign state of Biafra from the south-east and some parts of the south-south of Nigeria, has been linked to some deadly attacks in two regions.

However, the separatist group has repeatedly denied any involvement in the attacks.

Nigerian security agencies, mainly the military, have been carrying out counter operations against IPOB fighters and other separatist groups, in the South-east.

Many personnel of the security agencies and members of the separatist groups have been killed during such operations in the region.

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Celebrating Helsinki Day with a dinner under the sky. Photo: Svante Gullichsen, Helsinki Partners

HELSINKI, Dec. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Next year, Helsinki promises a remarkable cultural program celebrating Finnish design, art, architecture, and storytelling. From the grand reopening of the iconic Finlandia Hall to the magical 80th anniversary of the beloved Moomins, the year will be filled with exhibitions, celebrations, and international events.

The newly renovated Finlandia Hall, a masterpiece of modern architecture, will reopen in January with exciting new offerings, inviting visitors to explore themes of identity and creativity. Meanwhile, the timeless Moomin stories, created by Tove Jansson, continue to welcome everyone into imaginative worlds where joy and acceptance are at the heart of every tale. As summer unfolds, the Helsinki Biennial will bring art and nature into dialogue under the theme "Shelter", transforming the Esplanade park and Vallisaari island into a stage for thought-provoking works. In autumn, Helsinki Design Week celebrating its 20th anniversary will highlight creativity and explore happiness as a design principle, envisioning a brighter, more hopeful future. Whether you are a local or a visitor from afar, Helsinki warmly invites you to experience its vibrant cultural scene, where creativity and inspiration are always close at hand.

Renovated Finlandia Hall seen from above. Photo: Tuomas Uusheimo, Helsinki Partners

Step Inside a Classic: Finlandia Hall Returns with New Experiences

Designed by Alvar Aalto and completed in 1971, Finlandia Hall is one of Finland's most renowned modern architectural creations. Following an extensive renovation, the buildingformerly known primarily as a venue for congresses and eventswill reopen on January 4th with an array of new services, including unique accommodation facilities, a bistro restaurant, and a wine cafe.

A permanent exhibition will open at Finlandia Hall in June 2025, offering an experiential exploration of both Finnish identity and the life's work and creative inspirations of Alvar, Aino, and Elissa Aalto. The exhibition provides an opportunity to gain deep insights into Alvar Aalto's legacy and design principles. The exhibition also offers visitors a chance to engage in their own creative experiments inspired by Alvar, Aino, and Elissa. Visitors can also admire contemporary Finnish art from the HAM, Helsinki Art Museum collections displayed throughout the building. The newly renovated Finlandia Hall warmly invites both locals and visitors to step inside, explore Aalto's architectural masterpiece, and enjoy local flavors, concerts, and events.

80 years of Moomin: Tove Jansson's Art and Imagination on Display in Helsinki

It all began with the first tale, The Moomins and the Great Flood, published in 1945. Written by Tove Jansson in Helsinki during World War II as a fairytale to comfort herself in dark times, the story follows Moominmamma and Moomintroll as they find a new home in Moominvalley. There, a tall blue house standsa joyful and welcoming place where everyone is accepted, no matter who they are or when they arrive.

Helsinki celebrates this anniversary year with two major exhibitions. The festivities opened with Tove Jansson  Paradise (25.10.20246.4.2025) at HAM Helsinki Art Museum. This exhibition delves into her public paintings, showcasing how Jansson created joy, beauty, and windows into magical worlds through her art. The celebrations will culminate in October 2025 with an exhibition at the Architecture and Design Museum Helsinki. This exhibition will provide a unique perspective on Tove Jansson's world, how she perceived architecture and design in her life and how these elements come to life in the stories of Moominvalley. The door is always open.

Vallisaari Island is one of the main locations of Helsinki Biennial. Photo: Matti Pyykko / HAM / Helsinki Biennial

Helsinki Biennial brings art on land and at sea

Helsinki Biennial 2025 is a summer-long celebration of art, hosted with a big heart across three venues: Vallisaari Island, Esplanade Park, and HAM Helsinki Art Museum. Taking place from June 8 to September 21, 2025, the third edition will feature works by around 35 artists, with roughly half of the pieces being site-specific commissions premiering in Helsinki. Curated by Blanca de la Torre and Kati Kivinen, the biennial explores the delicate relationship between humankind and nature under the theme "Shelter". Committed to sustainability and lasting impact, Helsinki Biennial also aims to leave a legacy by permanently showcasing selected artworks around the city. The full program, including the artist lineup, works, and sponsors, will be unveiled in spring 2025.

Helsinki Design Week 2024 opening party. Photo: Justus Hirvi, Helsinki Design Week

Helsinki Design Week: A Celebration of Design and Happiness

Helsinki Design Week 2025 invites international guests to celebrate the diversity of design. The theme for the year, "Celebration", encourages reflection on achievements and envisioning the future with optimism and hope. The main exhibition and symposium, "How to Design Happiness", focuses on the concept of happiness, offering a fresh perspective through the lens of design. Combining international and local elements, the exhibition will highlight the role of design in shaping well-being and will be curated by a prominent figure to be announced in early 2025.

The program features diverse flagship events, including Design Market, Open Studios, and PechaKucha Night, alongside innovative symposium talks and satellite events that showcase various design fields. Helsinki Design Week 2025 will also revisit some of its best moments from previous years, emphasizing Helsinki's role as a global hub for design and architecture.

The five entries selected to the Stage 2. Photo: Finland's New Museum of Architecture and Design

Architecture and Design Museum

A new museum dedicated to architecture and design is set to open in Helsinki in 2030. Designed to be a must-visit destination for architecture and design enthusiasts, the museum will also serve as a hub for learning, sharing, and exploration for all curious minds. The new building, located in Helsinki's historic South Harbour, will be chosen through an open, international, and anonymous two-stage competition, which began on April 15, 2024. The first stage concluded on August 29, 2024, with an impressive 624 submissions. The 5 selected entries advancing to Stage 2 were revealed in 18.12.2024, and the final results will be announced in September 2025. In the meantime, visitors can enjoy inspiring exhibitions at the museum's current premises.

Find out more on MyHelsinki.fi, your local guide to discovering Helsinki's most inspiring sights, events, and novelties  the site will be renewed in early 2025 to serve you even better.



More information and images:

Vappu Manty

Director, PR & Communications

[email protected]

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/helsinki-partners/r/helsinki-s-cultural-highlights-for-2025--a-year-of-design--art--and-celebration,c4084834

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ZHONGSHAN, China, Dec. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A report from Zhongshan Daily & Zhongshan International Communications Center:

At 3:00 AM in Gangkou, Zhongshan, Jerry, an Australian who has settled in Zhongshan, is standing before China's largest fresh aquatic product production base for Macao, ready to embark on a unique journey. From here, a live fish will make its way from a fishpond in Zhongshan to a dining table in Macao in just a few hours. This journey is not just a logistics process, but a vivid example of the deep collaboration among the cities of the Greater Bay Area.

Zhongshan and Macao were part of Xiangshan County historically. According to incomplete statistics, around 150,000 Zhongshan natives now live in Macao. Even before Macao's return to China, Zhongshan was a key supplier of agricultural products to Macao. Twenty-five years ago, on December 20, 1999, the Chinese government restored its sovereignty over Macao, ushering the city into a new phase of development.

Today, Jerry will follow "a fish" to see how it makes its way from a fishpond in Zhongshan to the dining tables in Macao.

Zhongshan, located at the junction of saltwater and freshwater, boasts rich aquatic resources with an annual output value exceeding 9 billion yuan. Known for safety, abundance, and efficiency, the live aquatic products make up about 70% of Macao's market. For example, Zhongshan Shuichu Group (Zhongshan Foodstuffs & Aquatic IMP. & EXP. Group Co. Ltd.), which operates this fishpond, has been supplying freshwater fish to Macao and Hong Kong for nearly 70 years, offering varieties like the crispy grass carp (a Zhongshan specialty), bighead carp, and mud carp.

Zhongshan is home to more than a dozen of enterprises supplying goods to Macao. Since Macao's return to China 25 years ago, a large volume of essential goods has been supplied to Macao under the supervision of Zhongshan Customs, including around 400,000 live pigs, 105,000 tons of aquatic products, and 285,000 tons of fresh vegetables.

Through this unique journey, Jerry has witnessed the deep integration of the cities within the Greater Bay Area. In just a few hours, a live fish can travel from a fishpond in Zhongshan to a dining table in Macao. He believes the story of Macao and Zhongshan will continue to unfold.

Youtube link: https://youtu.be/CalP9vPaOsE?si=mYwIa23VwTcZSrd-

SOURCE Zhongshan Daily & Zhongshan International Communications Center
ISTANBUL, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- Turkiye is drawing increasing numbers of Chinese tourists to iconic sites like Cappadocia, Pamukkale, and Ephesus, while also promoting lesser-known treasures such as the Black Sea coast.

Efforts led by the Turkish Tourism Promotion and Development Agency and regional travel agencies are underway to promote new tourist destinations, according to Irfan Karsli, head of Ligarba Tourism Agency.

At the forefront of these efforts is the Eastern Black Sea region, which stands out for its rich cuisine, Roman ruins, and natural beauty.

"Plans include organizing familiarization trips and tours for Chinese travel agents, with a particular focus on Trabzon in the Black Sea region," Karsli said.

Fatma Sahin, the mayor of Turkiye's southeastern Gaziantep province's central municipality, also promoted her city's UNESCO-recognized gastronomy at an event earlier this month.

Bertan Oner, CEO and founder of Hotelz, Turkiye's first online travel agency, highlighted how the rise of the Z generation in China is driving a new wave of eager travelers.

"They want to experience the new places they've seen on social media firsthand," Oner told Xinhua.

Turkiye welcomed 381,200 Chinese visitors in the first 11 months of 2024, a 70.88 percent increase year-on-year. 
NEW YORK, Dec. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ --

Why: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, continues to investigate potential securities claims against Immutable resulting from allegations that Immutable may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public.

So what: If you purchased IMX tokens 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=31342 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action.

What is this about: On November 1, 2024, Immutable revealed the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") had filed a Wells Notice to Immutable over its sales of IMX tokens. Immutable believes that the SEC "are targeting the listing and private sales of IMX in 2021."

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 achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Contact Information:

Laurence Rosen, Esq.

Phillip Kim, Esq.

The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.

275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor

New York, NY 10016

Tel: (212) 686-1060

Toll Free: (866) 767-3653

Fax: (212) 202-3827

[email protected]

www.rosenlegal.com

SOURCE THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A.
SAN DIEGO, Dec. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The law firm of Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP announces that purchasers or acquirers of Wolfspeed, Inc. (NYSE: WOLF) securities between August 16, 2023 and November 6, 2024, all dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), have until Friday, January 17, 2025 to seek appointment as lead plaintiff of the Wolfspeed class action lawsuit. Captioned Zagami v. Wolfspeed, Inc., No. 24-cv-01395 (N.D.N.Y.), the Wolfspeed class action lawsuit charges Wolfspeed as well as certain of Wolfspeed's executives with violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

If you suffered substantial losses and wish to serve as lead plaintiff of the Wolfspeed class action lawsuit, please provide your information here:

https://www.rgrdlaw.com/cases-wolfspeed-class-action-lawsuit-wolf.html

You can also contact attorneys J.C. Sanchez or Jennifer N. Caringal of Robbins Geller by calling 800/449-4900 or via e-mail at [email protected].

CASE ALLEGATIONS: Wolfspeed operates as a bandgap semiconductor company that focuses on silicon carbide and gallium nitride (GaN) technologies.

The Wolfspeed class action lawsuit alleges that defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) Wolfspeed's optimistic claims of potential growth of its Mohawk Valley fabrication facility and general demand for Wolfspeed's 200mm wafers in the electronic vehicle market fell short of reality; and (ii) Wolfspeed had overstated demand for its key product and placed undue reliance on purported design wins while the Mohawk Valley facility's growth had begun to taper before recognizing the $100 million revenue per quarter allegedly achievable with only 20% utilization of the fabrication, let alone the promised $2 billion revenue purportedly achievable by the facility.

The Wolfspeed class action lawsuit further alleges that on November 6, 2024, Wolfspeed announced its financial results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, revealing that 20% utilization of the Mohawk Valley fabrication facility would result in 30% to 50% below the $100 million mark defendants had claimed, attributing the results and lowered guidance to "demand . . . ramp[ing] more slowly than we originally anticipated" as "EV customers revise their launch time lines as the market works through this transition period." On this news, the price of Wolfspeed stock fell more than 39%, according to the complaint.

THE LEAD PLAINTIFF PROCESS: The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 permits any investor who purchased or acquired Wolfspeed securities during the Class Period to seek appointment as lead plaintiff in the Wolfspeed class action lawsuit. A lead plaintiff is generally the movant with the greatest financial interest in the relief sought by the putative class who is also typical and adequate of the putative class. A lead plaintiff acts on behalf of all other class members in directing the Wolfspeed class action lawsuit. The lead plaintiff can select a law firm of its choice to litigate the Wolfspeed class action lawsuit. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff of the Wolfspeed class action lawsuit.

ABOUT ROBBINS GELLER: Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP is one of the world's leading law firms representing investors in securities fraud cases. Our Firm has been #1 in the ISS Securities Class Action Services rankings for six out of the last ten years for securing the most monetary relief for investors. We recovered $6.6 billion for investors in securities-related class action cases  over $2.2 billion more than any other law firm in the last four years. With 200 lawyers in 10 offices, Robbins Geller is one of the largest plaintiffs' firms in the world and the Firm's attorneys have obtained many of the largest securities class action recoveries in history, including the largest securities class action recovery ever  $7.2 billion  in In re Enron Corp. Sec. Litig. Please visit the following page for more information:

https://www.rgrdlaw.com/services-litigation-securities-fraud.html

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

Services may be performed by attorneys in any of our offices.

Contact:

Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP

J.C. Sanchez, Jennifer N. Caringal

655 W. Broadway, Suite 1900, San Diego, CA 92101

800-449-4900

[email protected]

SOURCE Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP
Patna, Dec 29 : The Patna police have issued a warning to Guru Rahman, popularly known as "Daroga Guru" in Bihar, instructing him to refrain from visiting the dharna (protest) site in Gardanibagh until January 3.

Rahman appeared at the Gardanibagh police station where he met with a Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM)-rank officer.

The officer reportedly cautioned him against inciting the protesting Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) candidates.

Rahman confirmed the development, saying, "I received a notice from Patna police and went to the Gardanibagh police station to meet the officers. An SDM was also present and advised me not to visit the protest site in Gardanibagh until January 3."

He added that the discussion with the police officers was conducted in a "healthy atmosphere" and that he did not feel pressured during the interaction.

Rahman clarified that his concerns were centered around the normalisation process and the chaos reported at the Bapu Examination Centre in Patna on December 13, and not on the issue of the leaked question papers.

Earlier, Patna police accused prominent educationists, including Guru Rahman, of provoking candidates to protest against the BPSC.

A notice was issued to Guru Rahman, instructing him to appear before Sanjeev Kumar, Station House Officer (SHO) of Gardanibagh police station, with evidence supporting the paper leak.

"Guru Rahman has been instructed to stay away from the dharna site at Gardanibagh till January 3. If he violates the instruction, the department will take action against him," SHO Kumar said.

On Friday, Guru Rahman and Khan Sir joined the students protesting at the protest site in Gardanibagh to express solidarity.

The district police felt that they were involved in instigating protestors against BPSC.

The protesters, with the majority of them claimed to be BPSC candidates, have been demanding the cancellation of the 70th Preliminary Competitive Test examination, citing allegations of malpractice during the examination held on December 13.

The protesting BPSC candidates have been holding a protest since December 13 at Gardanibagh.

In response to the ongoing protests by the candidates, the BPSC, on Friday, said that the 70th BPSC examination will not be cancelled.

BPSC had already announced the re-examination at the Bapu examination centre on January 4.
New Delhi, Dec 29 : Union Railways Minister and senior BJP leader Ashwini Vaishnaw, on Saturday, hit out at the Congress for playing politics over the last rites of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and said that the latter was insulted by the grand old party when the then Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi publicly tore an ordinance which was approved by the Union Cabinet under Dr Singh in 2013.

In a post on social media platform X, Union Minister Vaishnaw said: "The ultimate insult came in 2013 when Rahul Gandhi publicly tore up an ordinance approved by the Cabinet chaired by Dr Singh as Prime Minister of India. Height of hypocrisy indeed."

Manmohan Singh, a man of intellect and integrity, remained steadfast in his leadership despite facing insults and challenges, particularly from within his own party. As he breathed his last on December 26, the country remembers how, despite Rahul Gandhi's insults, the isolated PM continued to stand firm in his commitment to the nation.

In a dramatic moment that shook the corridors of Indian politics, Rahul Gandhi, the then Vice-President of the Congress Party, publicly tore up a crucial ordinance supported by his own government in 2013.

The ordinance, aimed at protecting convicted lawmakers from immediate disqualification, was a controversial piece of legislation that had already been passed by the Union Cabinet and was presented as a way to address the issues faced by politicians with pending criminal cases.

However, it was Rahul Gandhi's shocking move that turned the ordinance into one of the most discussed moments in Indian political history.

This event took place just days before the Congress-led UPA government's proposed ordinance was to be introduced in Parliament. The ordinance, seen as a protectionist measure for politicians facing charges, had been endorsed by then Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and several members of the Cabinet.

Dr Singh, known for his calm demeanour and technical approach to governance, was caught in a political storm when Rahul Gandhi made an unexpected announcement on the matter.

Later at a press conference, Rahul Gandhi not only condemned the ordinance but also took the bold step of publicly tearing it up, declaring it as "complete nonsense". His fiery stance shocked many, including his party colleagues, and revealed a clear rift between the Congress leadership.

Rahul Gandhi's actions were seen as a direct challenge to former Prime Minister Dr Singh's authority and his government's decisions, sending a clear signal of the young leader's growing discontent with the old guard and his desire to chart a new political course for the Congress Party.

This ordinance, which came at a time when Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was on a foreign trip, had severely embarrassed the then UPA government, which went on to withdraw the Act.

AIIMS informed that Dr Manmohan Singh breathed his last on Thursday night at the age of 92 due to age-related medical conditions. Dr Singh retired from the Rajya Sabha earlier this year after serving for 33 years in the Parliament.

Dr Manmohan Singh, born in Punjab in 1932, served two terms as Prime Minister of India -- from 2004 to 2014. He took the oath of office for the first time in 2004, after Congress' win in the 2004 Lok Sabha election against Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led NDA. He served his second term from 2009 to 2014. He was then succeeded by PM Narendra Modi in 2014.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government is committed to setting up a memorial for former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, Punjab unit BJP General Secretary Anil Sarin said in Chandigarh on Saturday.

The BJP has always been keen on giving due respect to national heroes like the great economist Dr Manmohan Singh, who heralded major economic reforms in the country, he told the media.

"The BJP has always risen above politics, and it has even conferred Bharat Ratna on Congress leaders Madan Mohan Malviya, P.V. Narasimha Rao and Pranab Mukherjee," said Sarin.

He said the Central Cabinet has already decided to erect a national memorial in memory of Dr Manmohan Singh at its meeting on December 27. He said the place for the memorial requires to be acquired, transferred, setting up of a trust and there are certain other paperwork too involved.

"Once the ball is set rolling, the work shall be completed on the memorial as soon as possible," he clarified.

He said that despite Union Home Minister Amit Shah having conveyed the decision to erect a memorial to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, the grand old party "is wrongly propagating that the Modi government is not keen to erect a memorial. The Congress has never respected Dr Manmohan Singh and it's a matter of shame that the Congress is playing petty politics over the death of its own stalwart leader".

Sarin said that apart from Nehru and Gandhi's family, Dr Manmohan Singh was the only Prime Minister that has served the nation spanning 10 years in a row.

"All of us are well aware of the disgrace of late P.V. Narasimha Rao, who served the nation for five years as PM, suffered at the hands of his own party. Even the autobiography of Pranab Mukherjee mentions it," he added.

Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, who was also a noted economist, passed away at the AIIMS in Delhi on Thursday. He was 92.

Dr Singh is credited with bringing reforms and transformational changes to the country's economy when it was passing through a tough phase.

His demise has been condoled by leaders cutting across political lines, eminent personalities as well as global leaders.
New Delhi, Dec 29 : Union Minister and senior BJP leader Pralhad Joshi has criticised the Congress for playing politics over the last rites of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh while the country mourned his demise.

In a post on Saturday on social media platform X, the Minister said: "It is very unfortunate and shameful that the Congress is playing dirty politics while the nation mourns the sad demise of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh."

The BJP leader added that such disrespectful attitude by the Congress was not surprising and is unfortunately in line with the age-old tradition of the Congress to insult towering personalities, whether they were from their own party or others, who do not belong to the Nehru-Gandhi family, including former Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao.

Sharpening his attack on the Congress for spreading false information that the Central government did not allow space for a memorial to be built for former PM Manmohan Singh, Union Minister Joshi further wrote in a post on X: "Even after Union Home Minister Amit Shah clearly informed Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge that space for a memorial would be allocated as per the rules applicable to all former Prime Ministers, the Congress chose to spread lies & hate during this moment of grief."

"Our Government holds the contributions of Dr Manmohan Singh in the highest regard and remains committed to preserving his legacy for future generations," the Minister added.

"History shows the moments when Congress ill-treated statesmen during the final rites of Sardar Patel, Narasimha Rao and even Pranab Mukherjee."

The Minister also said: "The Congress must show maturity and dignity, at least in the passing of one of its tallest leaders, and must refrain from its disgraceful & divisive politics, instead of exploiting Dr. Singh's legacy for petty gains."

The senior BJP leader said that PM Modi personally ensured all arrangements were made to bid farewell to Manmohan Singh and alleged that Congress was still resorting to cheap politics.

"PM Modi himself took care of everything and made all the arrangements to give him the last respects," he added.

In a sharp rebuke, BJP President and Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Saturday accused the Congress party of 'politicising' Singh's demise and engaging in 'cheap politics'.

He alleged that the Congress party had never shown respect to the late veteran Manmohan Singh when he held office.

"It is indeed very unfortunate that former Congress President Rahul Gandhi and current President Mallikarjun Kharge are not refraining from doing politics even on the sad demise of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Congress, which never gave respect to Dr Manmohan Singh while he was alive, is now doing politics in the name of his respect," JP Nadda said.

"This is the same Congress which tarnished the dignity of the post of the Prime Minister by placing Sonia Gandhi as super PM above PM Manmohan Singh," Nadda added.

After the Cabinet meeting on Friday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah communicated to Congress President Kharge and the family of the late Manmohan Singh that the government will allocate space for the memorial. In the meanwhile, cremation and other formalities can happen because a trust has to be formed and space has to be allocated to it.

Manmohan Singh was accorded a state funeral with military honours at the Nigambodh Ghat, a public cremation ground in north Delhi, on Saturday.

Manmohan Singh passed away at AIIMS, Delhi, on Thursday night at the age of 92 due to age-related medical conditions. He had a sudden loss of consciousness at home after which he was rushed to the hospital.
Guna : , Dec 29 (IANS) A 10-year-old boy fell into a 140-foot borewell in Madhya Pradesh's Guna district on Saturday prompting the concerned authorities to immediately initiate a rescue operation, an official said.

According to the Guna police, the boy, identified as Sumit Meena, fell into the open shaft of the borewell, while flying a kite.

The incident reportedly occurred at Pipliya village, located about 50 km from the Guna district headquarters, around 5 p.m.

The borewell is around 140 feet deep, Guna Collector Satendra Singh said.

A parallel 25-feet deep pit has been dug to rescue the child, he added.

The borewell did not strike water, and hence no casing had been put on it, the Collector said.

While police and other local agencies started the rescue operation immediately, a team of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) also arrived from Bhopal late Saturday evening.

Oxygen was being pumped into the borewell, Singh said.

The family members of the boy began to panic when they did not see him for a long time.

A search was carried out and then they realised that he had fallen into the borewell, a local person said.

Further developments regarding the ongoing rescue operation are being awaited.

Meanwhile, in Rajasthan's Kotputli-Behror district, a desperate rescue effort continues to save three-year-old Chetna, who has been trapped in a 150-foot deep borewell since December 23. Her mother, Dholi Devi, has been anxiously praying for her child's safe recovery for more than 110 hours.

On Saturday, a video of Dholi Devi pleading for help surfaced.

Initial attempts to rescue Chetna using an iron ring attached to a rope failed.

On Wednesday (December 25), a piling machine was brought in, and a parallel pit was dug. Heavy rain disrupted the rescue efforts on Friday.

Despite continuous efforts, rescuers have been unable to supply food or water to Chetna, raising concerns about her survival. A team of doctors with an ambulance is stationed at the site.

This incident followed a similar case two weeks ago in Rajasthan's Dausa district, where a five-year-old boy fell into a borewell. Although rescuers worked for more than 55 hours, the boy could not be saved.

--IANS

khz/
Chandigarh, Dec 29 : Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk visited the Khanauri border protest site and met with farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been fasting for more than a month to support farmers' demands.

Dallewal's hunger strike reached its 33rd day, highlighting the ongoing struggle for farmers' rights.

Wangchuk, accompanied by other farmer leaders from two unions leading the protest, expressed his solidarity with Dallewal.

He conveyed warm wishes and support from the people of Ladakh.

Wangchuk noted that due to Dallewal's prolonged fast, he could barely speak.

The meeting aimed to show support rather than engage in lengthy discussions.

The farmers have been protesting for several demands, including a legal guarantee for a minimum support price (MSP).

Under the banners of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, they have camped at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13. Their march to Delhi was halted by security forces.

Wangchuk urged people to empathise with the farmers, stating, "The food we eat is produced by the farmers."

His visit was a gesture of solidarity with those fighting for their rights.

The ongoing protest reflects the farmers' determination to secure their demands despite challenges.

A group of 101 farmers attempted to march to Delhi on foot three times between December 6 and 14.

However, Haryana's security personnel stopped them each time. This persistence underscores the farmers' resolve in their fight for justice and fair treatment.

The protests have drawn attention to the plight of farmers and their crucial role in food production.

The ongoing demonstrations highlight the need to address their concerns and ensure their livelihoods are protected.

The situation at the Khanauri border remains tense as farmers continue their protest.

The presence of prominent figures like Wangchuk brings additional attention to their cause.

The farmers' movement seeks to secure essential rights and protection for those who feed the nation.

On October 5, Wangchuk began an indefinite hunger strike to draw attention to Ladakh's demands for statehood and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. He and his supporters are advocating for constitutional safeguards to empower Ladakh's local population to protect their land and cultural identity
Chandigarh, Dec 29 : Farm activists at the Khanauri border point have increased security around the protest site, fearing that the Punjab government might once again try to whisk away the fasting veteran farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal and get him hospitalised.

The steps came in the wake of the Supreme Court's order that gave the Punjab government time till December 31 to persuade Dallewal, who has been fasting for over a month, to shift to hospital.

The 67-year-old has been on hunger strike since November 26 to press the Centre to accept farmers' demands, including a legal guarantee for a minimum support price (MSP).

The apex court on Saturday granted the state government additional time to comply with its December 20 order and instructed the Centre to provide logistical support if requested.

The Punjab government, while acknowledging the court's concerns, maintained that the government was in a difficult position.

"The entire protest site is under siege by farmers who refuse to let him be moved. Any use of force may lead to collateral damage, both to the farmers and the police," Punjab Advocate General Gurminder Singh argued in the court.

The farmers have set up 24x7 vigils at the site and restricted access to Dallewal has become a major challenge for the police.

The Supreme Court on Saturday lashed out at the Punjab government for its inability to hospitalise Dallewal, who has been on a hunger strike for over a month, despite repeated medical advice, observing that this is not just a "failure of law-and-order machinery" but also an "abetment to suicide".

Marking the second consecutive day the state faced the court's ire for not complying with repeated orders to ensure Dallewal's hospitalisation, the top court also lambasted those obstructing his hospitalisation, stating that the Supreme Court would not succumb to pressure and would not tolerate "a violent face" of the farmers' movement.

Convening a special sitting during the vacation, a bench of justices Surya Kant and Sudhanshu Dhulia condemned the state's handling of the situation, questioning why it allowed "a virtual fort to be created" around the protest site, adding the state government seems to support the agitation that may result in Dallewal's death.

The matter has been adjourned to December 31, with the court warning that it would take strict action against the state chief secretary KAP Sinha and DGP Gaurav Yadav if its directions regarding Dallewal's hospitalisation were not followed.

The Bhagwant Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government came under fire from the Supreme Court on the second consecutive day on Saturday even as the state's chief secretary and director general of police (DGP) cited "fear of resistance and violence" and "collateral damage" as reasons for not being able to shift Dallewal to a hospital.

The two officers, who face contempt proceedings for not complying with the December 20 order of the court regarding Dallewal's hospitalisation, remained present virtually during the court proceedings, as per the bench's directive on Saturday.

Punjab's advocate general Gurminder Singh went on to the extent of saying that the state is "helpless" in complying with the court order for moving Dallewal to a hospital.

Singh informed the court that multiple medical boards have been monitoring Dallewal's health and that senior Ministers and the Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan had attempted to persuade him to seek medical aid.

However, Dallewal and several groups of farmers continued to resist hospitalisation, citing their demands for MSP guarantees and other agrarian reforms.

Reading out the affidavit submitted by the chief secretary and DGP, the Attorney General admitted that multiple groups of farmers had encircled the protest site, preventing authorities from moving Dallewal to a hospital.

"Who has allowed this situation to perpetuate? Who has let a virtual fort be created around him? Is this not a failure of law-and-order machinery?" the bench asked pointedly.

"This is not a question of demands or agitation. Preventing someone who is critically unwell from receiving medical treatment is unacceptable and unheard of. This is a criminal offence and nothing short of abetment to suicide," it added.

The bench further observed that the Punjab government's actions suggested tacit support for the protestors preventing Dallewal's hospitalisation.

"Your affidavit gives the impression that the state is supporting him in continuing his fast at the site. Let us be very clear -- the farmers' agitation is a separate issue and we have repeatedly said through our orders that their demands would be looked into. But allowing a manas life to be endangered in this manner is a failure of constitutional duty," the bench remarked.

The court expressed dismay that the state was failing to strike a balance between maintaining law and order and protecting human life. Addressing the AG and the top officials present, the bench said: "Your officers have seen Punjabas history of tackling significant challenges. Punjab has a glorious history of dealing with difficult situations in the past."

As Singh said that farmers could agree to Dallewal's hospitalisation if some "conciliation" was offered to them, the court responded: "It's becoming clear that the government is speaking in their voice, but we are a constitutional court and we will not budge. If anyone wants to pressure us or put a precondition, we are not going to accept it...And you don't have to be their spokesperson. We have already offered our platform to them."

The bench granted the Punjab government additional time to comply with its December 20 order. It also instructed the Centre to provide logistical support if requested.

"We are with the people of Punjab and the farmer community. Our orders are not adversarial but aim to protect the life of one of the stateas tallest farmer leaders," the court said.

The matter has been adjourned to December 31, with the court warning that it would take strict action against the state chief secretary and DGP if its directions regarding Dallewal's hospitalisation were not followed.

The court also questioned the motives of those obstructing Dallewal's hospitalisation, describing their actions as detrimental to the farmer community.

"There appears to be peer pressure. What kind of farmer leaders are there who want Dallewal to die? We don't want to comment on the bona fide of such leaders who want him to die like this. He seems to be under pressure or such kind of leader. If Dallewal is under peer pressure, what does it say about the bonafide of these so-called leaders?" the bench asked.

Emphasising the urgency of the situation, the court observed, "Dallewal can continue his fast in a hospital where his vitals can be managed. He does not need to break his fast, but he cannot be allowed to endanger his life in this manner."

It told the top officers that they must communicate to the people at the protest site that those preventing Dallewal's hospitalisation want to deprive the farmer community of one of its tallest leaders.

During previous hearings on December 18 and 20, the court had cautioned that "the entire state machinery will bear the blame" if any harm befell Dallewal.

Dallewal's hunger strike, which began on November 26, is part of a broader agitation demanding systemic agricultural reforms and legal guarantees for MSP. Protests under the banners of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have caused significant disruptions in Punjab and Haryana.

Despite mediation efforts by a Supreme Court-appointed committee, the impasse has continued.

The committee's report has highlighted critical agrarian challenges, including unsustainable farming practices and mounting farmer debts, urging swift government intervention.
Seoul, Dec 29 : At least 28 passengers died after a plane carrying more than 170 people, caught fire on landing at the airport in southern South Korean city of Muan on Sunday, the emergency office said.

The emergency office said that rescue officials were trying to remove passengers from the aircraft.

Local TV stations aired footage showing thick pillows of black smoke billowing from the plane engulfed with flame.

The plane reportedly belonged to Jeju Air and was a Boeing 737-800.

The Jeju Air plane, which was carrying 175 passengers and six flight attendants, was flying back from Thailand and the accident took place while it was landing, the report said.

One person was found alive as the rescue mission was continuing, according to a Yonhap news agency report.

A plane caught fire on Sunday at a southern South Korean airport after its landing gear

Yonhap news agency reported the Jeju Air flight plane veered off the runway and collided with a fence. It said the plane was returning from Bangkok.

An Embraer passenger jet crashed near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan on Wednesday (Dec 25), killing 38 people, after diverting from an area of Russia that Moscow has recently defended against Ukrainian drone attacks.

29 survivors received hospital treatment.

Azerbaijan Airlines flight J2-8243 had flown hundreds of miles off its scheduled route from Azerbaijan to Russia to crash on the opposite shore of the Caspian Sea after what Russia's aviation watchdog said was an emergency that may have been caused by a bird strike. But an aviation expert suggested that cause seemed unlikely.

Officials did not immediately explain why it had crossed the sea, but the crash came after Ukrainian drone strikes this month hit the Chechnya region of southern Russia. The nearest Russian airport on the plane's flight path was closed on Wednesday morning.

Kyiv has not acknowledged strikes this month in the Chechen city of Grozny, where the flight was headed.

Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev said according to information he had received, the plane changed course due to poor weather, but he added the cause of the crash was unknown and must be fully investigated.

"This is a great tragedy that has become a tremendous sorrow for the Azerbaijani people," he said.

Video of the crash showed the plane descending rapidly before bursting into flames as it hit the seashore, and thick black smoke then rising. Bloodied and bruised passengers could be seen stumbling from a piece of the fuselage that had remained intact.
Mumbai, Dec 29 : Filmmaker Onir has long explored themes of 'identity' in his work, particularly LGBTQ+ issues, and complex human relationships, topics largely neglected by mainstream Hindi cinema.

His latest film, 'We Are Faheem and Karun', shot in the breathtaking Gurez Valley of Kashmir, had its world premiere at the recent Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF).

The film features a largely local cast and tells the story of Karun, a young security officer from southern India stationed in the remote Gurez Valley, and Faheem, a Kashmiri man he meets at a checkpoint.

The movie depicts the doomed romance that follows between the two men.

However, Onir laments that queer narratives are often not given the attention they deserve.

"In this heteronormative world, these stories are sidelined. Finance becomes a major issue, and there's a clear division -- 'our' stories vs. 'their' stories. While some major studios may dabble in tokenism with a single gay film, there's still a lack of maturity in decision-making spaces -- and among audiences. It's no surprise that we have to keep submitting our films to queer festivals," he tells IANS.

The National Award-winning director, known for films like 'My Brothera Nikhil', 'I Am', 'Bus Ek Pal', 'Shabd', and 'Kuchh Bheege Alfaaz', even invested his own insurance money to fund his latest film, which is presented by filmmaker Deepa Mehta.

Sharing that his desire to make a sequel to 'I Am' -- titled 'We Are', to celebrate the landmark 2018 Supreme Court verdict decriminalising homosexuality, eventually led to 'We Are Faheem & Karun', he recalls that the movie was originally conceived as an anthology with four stories -- gay, lesbian, trans, and bisexual.

However, the director found that each story worked better on its own, giving birth to his current project.

Shot in the stark yet stunning Gurez Valley, Kashmiri actors were chosen deliberately.

"Representation matters. For queer stories, we need more queer voices behind the camera. Similarly, in this film, it's important that the community is represented by people from there. In Hindi cinema, non-Kashmiris often portray people from the region, not to mention the one-dimensional depictions. The film is in Kashmiri because I did not want to indulge in tokenism, adding a few words in accented Kashmiri to show authenticity," says Onir, who believes the Valley holds immense untapped talent, though it can be challenging to get women in front of the camera.

Reflecting on the role of 'identity' in his work, he stresses that when one's identity is ignored, one becomes more aware of other marginalised communities.

"Being queer doesn't limit your empathy -- it expands it. Even in 'I Am', not all stories were solely about queer identity," he says.

Now, the filmmaker, who co-wrote his memoir (along with his sister) 'I Am Onir and I Am Gay' hopes to explore more Kashmiri stories, not necessarily tied to the region's conflict.

Mir Salman, who plays the lead role, believes that the movie will help break stereotypes about Kashmiri actors.

"I am confident this film will challenge perceptions. Also, Kashmiri actors need to work hard to expand their range, improve language skills, and break barriers," he says.

Sana, who plays Mir's mother, relates to her character's instinct to protect her child.

"I have two sons of the same age, and a mother's first instinct is always to protect her children. Many asked if a mother in the Kashmiri countryside would react the way my character does to her son being gay. My answer is yes -- geography does not define a mother's instinct," she concludes.
The Chinese Film Night kicked off on Friday in Saudi Arabia's Jeddah, during which six Chinese films will be screened for local audiences.

Highlighting the growing appeal of Chinese films in Saudi Arabia, Wang Qimin, consul general of the Chinese Consulate-General in Jeddah, said that cinema -- by transcending language barriers -- serves as a vital bridge for cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

He expressed hope that the event would inspire further dialogue and cooperation between Chinese and Saudi filmmakers.

Saudi Film Festival Director Ahmed Al Mulla said the Chinese Film Night not only brought a colorful visual feast and unique cultural experience to the Saudi audience, but also created a platform for China-Saudi Arabia film exchanges and cooperation.

The three-day event is jointly organized by China Film Administration and the Chinese Consulate-General in Jeddah, and facilitated by the China Film Archive. Over 100 guests from the diplomatic, film, cultural, and business sectors attended the opening ceremony.

According to event organizers, nearly 1,000 tickets for the six scheduled screenings sold out within half a day, demonstrating the strong interest of Saudis in Chinese films.




BEIJING, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese military on Sunday conducted combat readiness patrols in the surrounding areas of and airspace over the territorial waters of China's Huangyan Dao.

The Chinese People's Liberation Army Southern Theater Command said that since December, the troops have organized naval and air forces to continuously strengthen patrol in waters and airspace surrounding the territorial waters of Huangyan Dao, and further strengthen relevant maritime and airspace control and management.

According to the statement, the move aims to resolutely safeguard China's sovereignty and security, and to uphold peace and stability in the South China Sea. 
Jerusalem, Dec 29 : Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to undergo prostate removal surgery on Sunday, his office confirmed in a statement.

The statement on Saturday noted that on Wednesday, Netanyahu underwent a test at Hadassah Medical Centre in Jerusalem, where a urinary tract infection was detected, resulting from a benign prostate enlargement, Xinhua news agency reported.

The Israeli Prime Minister has since received antibiotic treatment, which has resolved the infection.

Despite the upcoming surgery, the Prime Minister's office said the Israeli Cabinet's weekly meeting will proceed as scheduled on Sunday.

Earlier this year, Netanyahu underwent hernia surgery in March under general anaesthesia, during which Israel's Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister, Yariv Levin, temporarily assumed the role of Prime Minister.

In July 2023, Netanyahu was hospitalised for a pacemaker implant after suffering from arrhythmia, just one week after experiencing dehydration.

The incident led to considerable speculation among many in Israel as to the health of the Prime Minister and to what degree details had been hidden from the public.

A medical report released in January said Netanyahu was in a "completely normal state of health," that his pacemaker was working correctly and that there was no evidence of heart arrhythmia or any other problematic conditions.

Despite protocols requiring Prime Ministers to release an annual health report, Netanyahu did not release one between 2016 and late 2023.

He could not be legally forced to share his health information as these protocols, developed by the PMO, were not enshrined in law.

The latest health issue comes the same week that Israel unleashed a torrent of airstrikes on parts of Yemen controlled by the Houthis in retaliation for a barrage of missile attacks by the Iranian-backed group. After the Israeli military's strikes, which included an attack on the international airport in Sana, the Houthis have continued to fire rockets at Israel.

Israel has been embroiled in a conflict on multiple fronts since the Hamas-led terror attack on October 7, 2023, fighting the Palestinian group in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, as well as striking targets in Syria and trading fire with Iran.
Damascus, Dec 29 : Military forces of Syria's interim administration have begun deploying attack helicopters against what it described as "remnants of the former regime" in the country's coastal regions, media reported.

The helicopters are taking off from Istamo Airfield in rural Latakia, targeting armed elements still active in the coastal countryside, media channels cited a statement by the administration, which did not elaborate on the number of helicopters in use or the scope of the operation.

The deployment came as part of a series of security initiatives nationwide, aimed at consolidating the new leadership's authority, Xinhua news agency reported.

On Saturday, Syria's newly-appointed intelligence chief Anas Khattab pledged in an official statement to restructure the country's security apparatus "in a manner befitting our people's sacrifices and long heritage".

All existing security branches in Syria will be dissolved and reorganised, Khattab said, without outlining a timeline or providing specific details for the overhaul.

Khattab's announcement came as Syria navigates a sensitive political transition following the downfall of the previous government on December 8.

A military coalition led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham waged a major military operation from northern Syria on November 27. It swept southwards, captured the capital Damascus, and overthrew former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government within 12 days.

The Syrian Information Ministry declared a ban on what it described as "the circulation or publication of any media content or news with a sectarian tone aimed at spreading division" among Syrians.

The Syrian civil war took on sectarian dimensions as Assad drew on Shia militias from across the Middle East, mobilised by his ally Iran, to battle the insurgency dominated by members of the Sunni Muslim majority, many of them Islamist.

Dissent has also surfaced in the city of Homs, 150 km (90 miles) north of Damascus.

State media reported that police imposed an overnight curfew on Wednesday night, following unrest linked to demonstrations that residents said were led by members of the Alawite and Shia religious communities.

Footage posted on social media on Wednesday from Homs showed a crowd of people scattering, and some of them running, as gunfire was heard.

Assad's long-time Shia regional ally, Iran, has criticised the course of events in Syria in recent days.

On Sunday, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called on Syrian youth to "stand with firm determination against those who have orchestrated and brought about this insecurity".

Khamenei forecast "that a strong and honourable group will also emerge in Syria because today Syrian youth have nothing to lose", calling the country unsafe.

Syria's newly appointed Foreign Minister, Asaad Hassan al-Shibani, said in a social media post on Tuesday that Iran must respect the will of the Syrian people and Syria's sovereignty and security.

"We warn them against spreading chaos in Syria and we hold them accountable for the repercussions of the latest remarks," he said.

Lebanon said on Thursday it was looking forward to having the best neighbourly relations with Syria, in its first official message to the new administration in Damascus.

Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah played a major role in propping up Assad during the civil war, before bringing its fighters back to Lebanon over the last year to fight in a bruising war with Israel -- a redeployment that weakened Syrian government lines.
Seoul, Dec 29 : At least 47 passengers lost their lives when a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 carrying more than 170 people caught fire upon landing at Muan Airport in southern South Korea on Sunday, authorities reported.

The aircraft, which had been returning from Bangkok, veered off the runway and collided with a fence, triggering a devastating fire. Local TV footage showed thick black smoke billowing from the burning plane, with flames engulfing much of the aircraft.

The emergency office stated that rescue teams were working tirelessly to evacuate passengers from the wreckage. As of now, one survivor has been found, and efforts to locate others are ongoing.

The ill-fated flight carried at least 175 passengers and six crew members.

The crash is suspected to have been caused by "contact with birds, resulting in malfunctioning landing gear," according to initial reports.

Acting President Choi Sang-mok has called for all available resources to be mobilised to save lives. "All related agencies must mobilize all available resources to save the personnel," he said in an official statement.

The tragic incident has left the nation in mourning as rescue operations continue amid challenging circumstances.

This is the second such incident in a week.

Earlier, on Wednesday, an Embraer passenger jet crashed near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan on Wednesday (December 25), killing 38 people, after diverting from an area of Russia that Moscow has recently defended against Ukrainian drone attacks.

29 survivors received hospital treatment.

Azerbaijan Airlines flight J2-8243 deviated hundreds of miles from its planned route while travelling from Azerbaijan to Russia, ultimately crashing on the opposite shore of the Caspian Sea. Russia's aviation watchdog indicated that the emergency situation might have been caused by a bird strike.
New Delhi, Dec 29 : Here is a guide to the week ahead for you. This is your forecast for December 30-January 5

Aries

This week is the perfect time to come out and make your voice heard, especially in meetings or one-on-one conversations. You will feel confident, and others will notice this in you. For job seekers, networking can potentially take you to great places, so do not hesitate to make that call. In love, people could find a fascinating partner at a party or just during a conversation with friends. Do not be too serious -- curiosity will lead to attraction. If you are serious, it is high time to discuss the future with your other half without any reserve. Serious talks will strengthen your connection. It is time to plan something different and exciting for the change. Favoured days for love are Tuesday and Friday, and the lucky colour is red. In education, this week is good for such subjects as literature, law, or media.

Tip of the week: Make yourself heard

Taurus

Taurus, this week, you should stay as stable as possible. The stars will make you want to change your financial situation or buy something significant. If you have been feeling frustrated, it's a good time to ask for a raise or to start looking for new jobs. To the unemployed, confidence in interviews can be the deciding factor, so go with your gut. In love, singles are likely to meet a person who is loyal and sincere regarding the relationship. One of your friends will likely attract you in a way you did not expect. Friday is considered lucky for love, so colours like green, which are earthy in nature, will be auspicious. Family relationships seem warm, and you may have a desire to spend more time with your parents or siblings. If financial issues are discussed at home, your opinion will be useful.

Tip of the week: Look for a new job

Gemini

Gemini, this week is full of confidence and energy. Your courage will compel people to act, and others will follow you. This is the right time to be in control of career issues. Candidates will make memorable first and lasting impressions, while employees may volunteer for leadership positions or other projects without reluctance. Your energy will attract the right attention, so just leave it to fate to be noticed. You will attract attention in love, and the singles may find someone who enjoys your energy. Do not hesitate to make the first move -- your lightness will save the situation. For those who are in relationships, this week marks the renewal of passion, so it is high time to think about something unexpected with your other half. Wednesday is lucky for love, and wearing yellow enhances your beauty. A nice-looking watch is a perfect gift.

Tip of the week: Stay light-hearted

Cancer

Cancer, this week you need to take a break. You may feel more self-absorbed, which is normal -- it is a good time to take a break emotionally and mentally. In your career, look at the goals you have set and take a pause. Applicants may be better off working on things less visible to the employer, such as preparing a resume or researching an organisation. For employees, the best way to work through the tasks without much stress is to work quietly and avoid any flamboyant demonstrations. Love might attract singles to someone they least expect, but they should learn to wait. Let things unfold naturally. If you are in a relationship, this week is about strengthening the bond you share with your partner -- a simple act of kindness or a quiet dinner can make a world of difference. Monday is for love, and soft blue is for peace.

Tip of the week: Take a break

Leo

Leo, this week, you will strongly desire to share your ideas with others and implement them. Networking might help job seekers get their foot in the door, so don't be afraid to make a connection. It will be beneficial to have employees work with other employees and develop a new way of solving the problem. Your leadership skills will emerge automatically, and people will start admiring you. In love, singles can find an interesting person with whom they can be together through friends or at a party. Stay flexible -- you never know, you might meet your potential partner in a supermarket. For those in relationships, going out with friends as a couple will enhance the relationship. Thursday is lucky for love, and gold highlights your charm.

Tip of the week: Share your ideas

Virgo

Virgo, your career and public image are in the spotlight this week. You will desire to perform a task, and the results of your efforts will be appreciated. Job seekers should target the positions that interest them and in which they believe they can perform well. At the same time, the employees may switch to higher-ranking positions or tasks that make them more visible within the organisation. Your determination is magnetic, and people in authority will recognise your efforts, so go ahead confidently. In love, people can find a partner at the workplace or during a work-related event. Be as cute as a kitten this week -- flirtation goes a long way. When in a relationship, balancing career and time with your partner improves the relationship. Saturday is lucky for lovers, and navy blue is good for your energy field.

Tip of the week: Stay confident but humble

Libra

Libra, this week, you will need to explore and develop yourself. You will be attracted to new things and may start daydreaming about travelling or coming up with new ideas. In career, it is time to make those big leaps -- going for a job far away or starting a course could lead to a whole new opportunity. Applicants should remain flexible in their search for employment while working individuals can benefit from gaining acknowledgement for proposing a new strategy. In love, singles can meet an interesting person during education or the journey. An interesting flame could ignite from a simple encounter, so do not lose interest. If you are willing, going on a vacation or getting out of the daily rut will spice up your relationship. Thursday is a good day to woo someone, and Maroon makes you feel fresh and energetic.

Tip of the week: Explore your interests

Scorpio

Scorpio, this week, you are going to be charged. You may be thinking about self-development and releasing things that are not good for you. In your career, go with your gut -- even the slightest changes in how you approach tasks can make a difference. Job seekers should aim for jobs with more than an ordinary interest, while the employees may do tasks involving problem-solving and guesswork. In love, singles may be attracted to a person with charisma who is somewhat elusive. It may feel like you are destined to be together, so let things take their course. If you are in a relationship, this week is about telling the truth -- vulnerability can make you and your partner feel connected. Wednesday is a lucky day for love, and dark red makes you appealing.

Tip of the week: Go with your gut

Sagittarius

Sagittarius, this week, people around you are in focus. You will need to interact and share information with the people around you. Throughout your career, relationships are the way forward. The candidates might need cooperation or recommendations while searching for a job, and the workers can achieve success through cooperation in the performance of significant tasks. Negotiation and leadership skills will come to the foreground, and you will find it easy to resolve conflicts and gain cooperation. In love, singles may meet someone who looks like an extension of their energy and enthusiasm for life. Do not wait for the other person to make the first move -- this time, you can afford to be aggressive. The flames are burning for those in a relationship, and a little rivalry with your partner can only be good for you. Friday is lucky for love, and white makes you attractive.

Tip of the week: Work with people

Capricorn

Capricorn, this week is all about productivity. One can find oneself handling tasks with lots of accuracy, and there is always a good feeling when one completes a task. For job seekers, it's the word 'perseverance' -- always follow up on applied jobs or interviews and ensure one is well organised. Employees may be given additional tasks to perform, and how well you manage them will be remembered by your superiors. Singles in love may experience love due to a chance encounter at work or while performing an activity. Perhaps one day, someone will see your commitment, creating interest. If you are in a relationship, the best way to make it work is to encourage each other to achieve your goals -- little gestures mean a lot. Tuesday is considered lucky for love, and grey will enhance your aura.

Tip of the week: Enhance your productivity

Aquarius

Aquarius, this week, you should brace yourself for a boost of energy and enthusiasm. You will have the motivation to engage in projects that allow you to be creative. Don't be afraid to bring out your creativity in your career -- this is the time to do so. Recipients of the letter should consider positions in creative fields or those that afford creative freedom. Employees may derive satisfaction from organising fun activities or coming up with new ideas. In love, singles have confidence and charm, making them attractive to potential partners. A more relaxed and joking attitude might help someone like them catch your attention. If you are in a relationship, this is the best time to organise a fun date or surprise your significant other. Thursday is a lucky day for love; orange hues will help you shine.

Tip of the week: Stay creative in work

Pisces

Pisces, this week you are more introspective. It is possible to be inspired to declutter or complete tasks that may be left undone but provide you with order and calmness. In your career, the ability to manage your own needs and the needs of your family will be important. Employers could gain by having their employees work in a less stressful atmosphere, and job seekers could find jobs close to where they live or through family members. In love, singles may come across a potential partner, usually through family-related functions or among close friends. It is always romantic to be in familiar territory because it sets the mood right for lovemaking. For those in a relationship, it will enhance the intimacy of your relationship -- whether cooking together or just watching movies at home. Monday is considered lucky for love, and white symbolises serenity or harmony.

Tip of the week: Introspect your goals

(Neeraj Dhankher is an astrologer proficient in Vedic, KP, and Nadi astrology. He is the founder and CEO of Astro Zindagi. The observations are made by the writer based on his analysis)
New Delhi: The call for 'Digital India' coming from Prime Minister Narendra Modi provides a timely push to business transactions by encouraging corporates to switch over to online work, use computerisation for speedy delivery and facilitate an outreach to customers that was not so easy to achieve earlier.

An ultimate advance of Information Technology symbolised by Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now sweeping the business world in a manner that makes it necessary to administer a word of caution to all concerned against presuming that AI is the quick-time panacea for all their problems -- big and small.

The important point here is that India on its way to becoming the third largest economy in the world in the foreseeable future, is benefitting a great deal from the strategic initiative of speeding up with 'digitisation'.

This policy flowed right from the top and gave this country a significant competitive advantage in today's globalised world enabling it to move ahead of others in the 'knowledge economy'. India is a leading power and a storehouse of talent so far as IT is concerned and it will not be presumptuous to conclude that it will guide the world in the area of AI applications, too.

These applications will expedite growth, improve efficiency and also take care of the issues of security that 'digitisation' would create for all stakeholders.

There cannot be a one-fit for all, however, and a progressive understanding of the specific needs of an organisation will go a long way in giving that particular business a competitive advantage.

AI will never replace human jobs completely. It can free human hands of routine tasks that do not bank on creativity, strategic thinking and leadership qualities.

A company that makes its employees do their jobs better or 'more swiftly' than earlier, is adding to their 'efficiency' by improving the output per unit of 'time' -- time being a recognised 'resource' now.

This does not necessarily entail laying down any part of the workforce -- the new requirement is to make the existing manpower more productive.

This is not all that easy to achieve since it calls for deep planning for 'customising' the AI applications to the employee's tasks and duties.

AI is adopted for creating business value and this has to be done in an innovative and ethical way to win customer's confidence.

Human intelligence and imagination are needed while planning for an AI application -- it can be said, therefore, that AI is a 'product' not a 'substitute' of the human mind.

AI aims at enhancing operational efficiency and has to be built into the concerned 'processes'.

Its validation takes time and cannot be fixed in a moment.

AI applications also get linked to a possible organisational resetting, training regimen and investment of time because they worked for long-term advantage -- often altering the decision-making protocols.

It is advisable to start with AI applications for small management projects and make them a part of the evolution of the larger organisational growth.

It has to be understood that AI lays the path of steady progress and cannot be 'ordered' to produce instant results except in the area of 'data analytics' where algorithms can be devised to read the 'patterns' for further deductions and 'machine learning' introduced to help a certain degree of 'automation'.

AI is important but there is something unnatural about the way every business is feeling pressurised to embrace it like a blind spot for success in terms of achieving an immediate enhancement of 'productivity' and 'return on investment'.

When the Information Technology revolution appeared on the scene in 1991, the world transitioned from the Industrial Age to the Information Age and a new level of globalisation set in because of instant communications that could be made across geographical frontiers and the advent of a level of competitiveness that had not been encountered earlier.

Businesses got new opportunities for reaching out to customers and prospects of diversification, mergers and acquisitions multiplied.

With the advent of AI, it became possible to analyse a large amount of data that was humanly impossible to examine earlier.

Also, 'machine learning' could be used for improving 'processes' and making transactions cost-effective in terms of time utilisation, which would boost 'productivity' and consequently enhance 'profitability'. There is literally a transformation of the Age of Information into the Age of Intelligence because AI does add to the ability of business houses to have a peep into the future and read the 'risks and opportunities' ahead of others.

Analysis of what is available in the public domain always helped to produce 'intelligence' that could provide this insight.

Analysis is the instrument that allowed for the advantage of human imagination and far-sight to be built into AI applications.

Digitisation in general and AI in particular has produced a new socio-economic atmosphere that gave intensive for launching start-ups and innovating 'products' and 'services'. On the other hand, in the strategic sphere, it has allowed 'proxy wars' to replace open military attacks -- social media emerging as a particularly powerful instrument of combat.

Misinformation, 'deepfakes' and indoctrination are used for narrative building against a regime.

They were affecting people's lives by exposing them to newer kinds of cyber fraud and also creating a new risk profile for businesses.

Just as Information Technology fundamentally altered the lifestyle of people, AI is likely to impact the cultural outlook of society -- creating new normals for businesses, inter-personal interactions and even social values to an extent.

The Information Age had mandated that being well-informed is the key to success in any field and Artificial Intelligence has further added to the importance of being aware of what was happening within the society and also in the world outside.

Business-customer relations, people's approach to the ruling elite and life in the universities are all impacted by AI offerings.

'Writing assistants' are helping the 'cost-effective' management of organisations.

What has gained in importance is the discipline of accepting and acting only on reliable information.

One should not run into the erroneous belief that whatever appears on the internet is trustworthy.

There are both promises and perils associated with AI and this is a sobering thought for all well-informed people.

It is interesting to recall that the awardees of the Nobel Prize in Physics this year are two pioneers of Information Technology -- John Hopfield of Princeton University and Geoffrey Hinton of the University of Toronto.

Hinton warned that AI -- which he compared with 'another Industrial Revolution' -- could produce unforeseen consequences creating a situation where 'things could get out of control'.

Hopfield was even more forthright in declaring at a university Conclave that 'AI could create an apocalypse'. Hinton praised GPT4 -- an AI offering -- saying that 'if I want to know the answer to anything I would just ask it' but added with a twist that 'I do not totally trust it because it can hallucinate'.

AI is subject to the fundamental principle of 'garbage in garbage out' that did not apply to human intelligence because the latter could invoke 'logic', 'power of recall' and 'imagination' which were not available to the former while absorbing information.

AI applications are situation-specific, anchored on processes and meant to produce a long-term gain for the organisation. They are used after deep consideration and planning and have a strategic perspective -- there is nothing tactical about them.

In the times ahead successful CEOs would be leaders that were well-versed in AI and the personnel working for them would be individuals who had been up-skilled about AI applications -- even though they might not be 'technologists' themselves.

The new-age businesses would be different from the traditional-looking ones in as much as they would be far more competent and aggressive about exploring the 'opportunities' and averting the 'risks'.

(The writer is a former Director of the Intelligence Bureau. Views are personal)
New Delhi, Dec 29 : The Delhi Police on Sunday said that they deported eight Bangladeshi nationals, including six children, who were residing in the capital without valid Indian documents.

The operation, conducted by the South West District Police, aimed to tackle the rising concern over unauthorised migrants in the Vasant Kunj area.

Special teams, including officers from local police stations and special units, carried out extensive searches and intelligence gathering to locate undocumented immigrants.

Under the supervision of ACP Satyajeet Sarin and SHO Arvind Pratap Singh, officers from the Vasant Kunj South Police Station initiated a door-to-door verification drive, checking nearly 400 families and collecting documents for scrutiny.

Verification forms (Parcha-12) were sent to West Bengal for further authentication, and a special team was dispatched to the state for manual verification of suspects.

During the operation, eight Bangladeshi nationals were apprehended. Among them, Jahangir, a resident of Dhaka, Bangladesh, confessed to entering India through jungle routes and trains. He later brought his wife, Parina Begum, and six children -- Jahid, Ahid, Sirajul, Fatima, Ashima, and Wahida"to Delhi after settling in the Rangpuri area, concealing their identities.

Upon further investigation, Jahangir revealed their original address in Bangladesh's Madaripur district. Police found that the family had destroyed their Bangladeshi identification documents to avoid detection.

Following legal procedures, the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) facilitated their deportation back to Bangladesh.

Earlier, the city police arrested and deported a 50-year-old man back to Bangladesh from Delhi's South East R.K. Puram area for illegally residing in the country.

Similarly, on Friday, a 28-year-old woman was deported to Bangladesh following a verification drive. It was found out that the woman had been living in Delhi and Mumbai for the past six years.
Mumbai, Dec 29 : As the Indian real estate sector undergoes transformative changes, driven by evolving consumer expectations, technological advancements, and government initiatives, collaboration between developers, policymakers and stakeholders will be essential to address the growing demand for quality housing, sustainable practices and cutting-edge technology in 2025, according to industry experts.

According to Prashant Sharma, President, Maharashtra National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO), affordable housing remains a cornerstone of India's real estate agenda, with the government's continued emphasis on schemes like PMAY (Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana) driving momentum in this segment.

"2024 saw steady progress in making homeownership accessible to the middle and lower-income groups. However, meeting the dual challenges of affordability and quality will require innovative solutions in 2025. Developers must adopt cost-effective construction techniques and collaborate with policymakers to bridge the demand-supply gap," he mentioned.

Sustainable and green buildings are quickly becoming the standard. According to Sharma, in 2024, we witnessed a significant shift toward eco-friendly practices as developers embraced green construction technologies, energy-efficient designs, and sustainable building materials.

"Homebuyers and investors are increasingly valuing projects that offer long-term environmental and economic benefits. This trend will only grow stronger in 2025, as sustainability evolves from being a differentiator to an industry imperative," he noted.

Rapid urbanisation and infrastructure development have been pivotal in shaping the real estate market this year.

Projects such as metro expansions, expressways, and smart cities have fueled demand for residential and commercial spaces in metropolitan and suburban areas.

The momentum is expected to continue in 2025, with developers focusing on creating integrated townships and mixed-use developments that cater to the needs of a growing urban population, said experts.

India's real estate sector has also emerged as a preferred destination for foreign investment, bolstered by regulatory reforms and a burgeoning middle class.

The private equity (PE) investments in the Indian real estate sector reached $4.2 billion in 2024, marking a 32 per cent year-on-year (YoY) growth amid high demand in the warehousing segment, according to a Knight Frank India report.

In 2024, we saw increased interest from institutional investors and sovereign wealth funds, particularly in commercial and warehousing spaces.

Looking ahead, maintaining transparency, improving ease of doing business, and delivering consistent returns will be crucial to sustaining this momentum and further boosting global investor confidence, said industry experts.

Shishir Baijal, Chairman and Managing Director of Knight Frank India, said that India has seen a rise in investments, particularly over the past decade, driven by economic stability and consistent growth.

As these trends unfold, they bring both challenges and opportunities for the real estate sector and 2025 will require industry leaders to adapt, innovate, and remain attuned to the shifting dynamics of the market.
Patna, Dec 29 : Acharya Kishore Kunal, a retired Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, who founded Mahadev Mandir Trust in Bihar, passed away on Sunday morning due to cardiac arrest in Patna.

Kunal breathed his last at Mahavir Vatsalya Hospital in Patna, his son confirmed.

After retiring from the police force, Kunal played a significant role in the Ayodhya Temple Trust's formation and served as chairman of the Bihar State Religious Trust Board.

His contributions extended to being the secretary of the prestigious Mahavir Mandir Trust in Patna, a philanthropic organisation known for its widespread contributions to education and healthcare.

Under his leadership, the Mahavir Mandir Trust initiated and managed several impactful projects, including schools, cancer hospitals, and charitable activities.

He was instrumental in establishing notable institutions such as Gyan Niketan, a renowned school in Patna, and the Mahavir Cancer Institute, which provides vital healthcare services.

Kunal's work exemplified his deep commitment to societal welfare, leaving behind a legacy of transformative contributions to education, healthcare, and spiritual endeavours.

Born on August 10, 1950, in Baruraj village, Muzaffarpur district, Kunal made achievements in public service, academia, and philanthropy.

Kunal completed his schooling at Baruraj and pursued higher education at Patna University. A gifted Sanskrit scholar, he combined his academic proficiency with a commitment to societal service.

Kunal joined the Indian Police Service (IPS) in 1972 from the Gujarat cadre. Over the years, he rose through the ranks, serving as a Senior Superintendent of Police in Patna, with significant contributions to law enforcement.

From 1990 to 1994, Kunal served as an Officer on Special Duty in the Home Ministry, where his mediation skills were pivotal.

During VP Singh's tenure as Prime Minister, he was appointed as a Special Officer to mediate between the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the Babri Masjid Action Committee on the Ayodhya issue.

After retiring from the IPS in 2000, Kunal transitioned into academia, becoming the Vice Chancellor of Kameshwar Singh Darbhanga Sanskrit University (KSD Sanskrit University), where he served until 2004. His tenure was marked by efforts to revive traditional Sanskrit education and research.

As the Administrator of the Bihar State Religious Trust Board (BSRTB), Kunal spearheaded reforms in religious practices, advocating for inclusivity and eradicating caste-based discrimination in religious institutions. He also streamlined the administration of temples and trusts, ensuring greater transparency and efficiency.

Kunal's life was a testament to his unwavering commitment to service, reform, and spiritual growth. His contributions to resolving religious conflicts, modernising Sanskrit education, and promoting social welfare will be remembered as a significant part of his legacy.
New Delhi, Dec 29 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during the 117th episode of his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat', highlighted the preparations for the upcoming Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, stressing its vastness, diversity, and message of unifying spirit.

PM Modi noted that preparations for the Maha Kumbh in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj are progressing at full pace.

Recalling his recent visit to Prayagraj, he said, "A few days ago, I had the opportunity to see the entire Kumbh area from a helicopter. It was overwhelming a" so massive, so beautiful, so grand. The Maha Kumbh is special not just because of its vastness but also due to its diversity."

The Prime Minister highlighted the event's inclusiveness, stating, "Crores of people gather, accompanied by lakhs of priests, thousands of traditions, hundreds of communities, and various Akhadas. There is no discrimination a" no one is big or small. Such unity in diversity is not seen anywhere else in the world. That is why our Kumbh is also a 'Maha Kumbh of Unity.' This year's Maha Kumbh will further strengthen the mantra of unity."

Urging citizens to take a pledge of unity and removing the "divisional hatred" from the society during the Kumbh, PM Modi remarked, "In a nutshell, I would say, 'Maha Kumbh ka sandesh, ek ho poora desh' (Maha Kumbh's message is to unite the entire country). And in other words, 'Ganga ki aviral dhara, na bate samaaj humara' (Just like the flowing Ganga, our society must not be divided)."

The Prime Minister also spoke about the digital innovations planned for the Maha Kumbh, such as a navigation system for various ghats, temples, and parking areas and an AI-powered chatbot to provide comprehensive information. He encouraged participants to share selfies with the hashtag Ekta Ka Maha Kumbh.

PM Modi also highlighted the upcoming milestone of 75 years since the adoption of India's Constitution, which will be celebrated on January 26, 2025.

"This is a moment of immense pride for all Indians. Our Constitution, crafted by visionary makers, has stood the test of time. It is our guiding light," he said.

To commemorate this milestone, the Prime Minister mentioned year-long activities starting from this year's Constitution Day on November 26. A dedicated website, Constitution75.com, has been launched to engage citizens, especially students, with the legacy of the Constitution.

He urged young Indians to participate in these celebrations and deepen their understanding of the Constitution's values.
SHANGHAI, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- China's first domestically built large cruise ship, Adora Magic City, has completed 84 journeys and welcomed 600,000 tourists in the first year of its commercial operation, according to Shanghai Customs.

The ship embarked on its maiden voyage on Jan. 1 and gained popularity among tourists, accounting for 40 percent of China's international cruise market in 2024.

Over 3,000 passengers boarded the ship docking at Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal on Sunday for a six-day New Year trip.

The cruise ship, 323.6 meters long, has a gross tonnage of 135,500 tonnes and can accommodate up to 5,246 passengers in 2,125 guest rooms.

With its long industrial chain and a high degree of internationalization, the cruise industry is often called "the golden industry that floats." Over 1,000 domestic and foreign manufacturers were involved in building Adora Magic City.

Meanwhile, China's second homegrown large cruise ship is expected to be delivered by the end of 2026 and will start international journeys from Guangzhou in 2027. 
Kolkata, Dec 29 : Abiyur Rahaman, the illegal Bangladeshi infiltrator who was arrested on December 27 by Kolkata Police from a hotel in Marquis Street in central Kolkata along with fake Indian identity documents, including passport, had been frequently changing his accommodations since he started residing in India permanently since 2023.

Kolkata Police insiders said that although he started residing in different places of West Bengal in 2023, he started the process of getting the fake Indian documents in 2017.

In this case, too, sources said, he followed the same pattern of first getting the ration card, followed by EPIC, PAN and Aadhaar cards and finally the fake Indian passport in 2023, after which he started residing permanently in West Bengal.

Incidentally, at the time when he was arrested, he suppressed the fact of holding a fake Indian passport, which the investigating officials later recovered.

He first started residing at Madhyamgram in North 24 Paragans district of West Bengal and subsequently shifted to the minority-dominated Khidirpur area in south Kolkata. The last two places where he had been staying were in the New Market area and finally at the hotel in the Marquis Street area where he was arrested.

A city police insider said that such frequent changes in the locations of his accommodation have made the investigating officers apprehensive that Rahaman was for something quite major which the cops are trying to extract through interrogation.

Incidentally, the hotel from where Rahaman, an original resident of Nariel in Bangladesh, was arrested was located at Marquis Street under Park Street Police Station in central Kolkata, the same locality from where former Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) associate Selim Matabbar was arrested. He was also staying at a hotel there posing as an Indian citizen with a fake passport.

Incidentally, there are several hotels in the Marquis Street area providing accommodation to Bangladeshi citizens coming to India on either tourist or medical visas.
Sydney, Dec 29 : Two people have drowned at a notorious dangerous beach on Australia's southwest coast, police in Western Australia (WA) said on Sunday.

Three people were swimming at Conspicuous Cliff beach, 355 km south of the state capital of Perth, on Saturday when they became caught in a dangerous current at about 2:40 p.m. local time, Xinhua news agency reported.

The trio were pulled unconscious from the water by members of the public before police officers arrived at the scene and commenced CPR.

A 44-year-old man and a 40-year-old woman could not be revived and were declared dead at the scene. A 42-year-old man was resuscitated and taken to a nearby hospital.

"All three adults are known to each other and were visiting from the Perth area," police said in a statement.

The beach is located on WA's south coast -- an area renowned for strong seas and large, unpredictable waves -- and is not patrolled by lifesavers.

Earlier on Saturday a man has died after a shark attack off the Central Queensland coast in eastern Australia, local media reported .

The man in his 40s died after suffering life-threatening injuries to his neck in the shark bite incident in waters off Yeppoon, the second in Central Queensland within the past month.

A Queensland Police Service spokesman said the man had been fishing with family members when he was bitten by a shark. The incident occurred about 4:37 p.m. on Saturday, the Brisbane-based, The Courier Mail daily newspaper reported.

The man suffered life-threatening injuries and succumbed just before 6 p.m., the police spokesman said.

There have been at least four other shark attacks in Australian waters so far this year, the newspaper reported, quoting the Australian Shark-Incident Database.
Kolkata, Dec 29 : The Kolkata Police, on Sunday, arrested a man in connection with a racket operating out of West Bengal which was engaged in arranging fake Indian identity documents, including passports, for illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators entering India through the porous borders of the state.

This is the seventh arrest from the state made in the case. The arrested agent has been identified as Manoj Gupta. He had been arrested from his rented accommodation in the Chandpara area under the Gaighata Police station in North 24 Parganas district.

He will be presented at a court in Kolkata on Sunday and the public prosecutor will seek his police custody.

City police insiders said that Gupta had connections with a fake travel agency operating from Behala in the southern outskirts of Kolkata which was actually engaged in a racket for arranging fake Indian identity for illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators.

The main role of Gupta, city police insiders said, was to act as the middleman between the fake travel agency operators and those illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators willing to pay hefty amounts to get fake Indian identity documents for them.

Sources said that from the hard disc of the personal computer at Guptaas residence several incriminating documents regarding the creation of the fake Indian documents have been seized by the investigating officials.

Incidentally, Dipankar Das, who was arrested earlier by the city police in this connection, also had connections with the same travel agency operating from Behala.

Since December 15, the West Bengal Police have arrested seven persons in connection with a fake passport racket.

The investigating officials have identified a pattern in the operations of such rackets engaged in arranging fake Indian passports for the illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators. Any infiltrator illegally crossing over to the Indian territory, contacting the local agents and showing willingness to pay out hefty amounts for getting fake Indian identity documents are first provided with safe shelters at the different villages adjacent to the borders with Bangladesh in the state, both land and coastal.

Thereafter, the agents arrange for fake ration cards for them which are the first step for making other identity documents. By virtue of the fake ration cards, other identification documents like EPIC, PAN, and Aadhaar cards are acquired. The last step is getting the fake passports on the basis of these other fake identity documents.
Gangtok, Dec 29 : Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on Sunday extended greetings on the occasion of the Kagyed Dance Festival being celebrated across the mountain state.

CM Tamang said, "On this auspicious occasion of the Kagyed Dance Festival, I extend my warmest greetings to the people of Sikkim. May the masked monks' performances symbolize the victory over negativity and inspire a year of peace and prosperity. Let us honour the cultural heritage of our festivals with mutual respect and unity."

"Wishing everyone enduring happiness, love, and the dawn of new opportunities in our lives," he added.

A customary dance festival, it is celebrated annually in Sikkim and falls on the 28th and 29th day of the 10th month of the Tibetan calendar, which as per the English calendar is December. In various monasteries, Lamas dance and sing in honour of eight tantric gods and goddesses known as the Kagyed. The Lamas also pray to these deities, asking them to protect people from evil spirits that torture them and provide them with good health and good fortune.

According to an official release, the festival is celebrated by Buddhists and takes place in monasteries, particularly at the Old Rumtek Monastery, Phodong Monastery and the Tshuklakhang Palace. Kagyed Dance or Chaam is another Buddhist festival unique to Sikkim. The celebrations commence two days before the onset of the Loosong festival, which is another major festival. Monks elaborately dress in traditional attires with ceremonial swords and masks swaying to the rhythm of echoing drums and trumpeting horns swiftly and gracefully in perfect coordination with their fellow dancers depicting narrativized tales from Buddhist mythology, particularly the chronicles of Guru Padmasambhava and his powers.

"Not only is the Chaam a symbol of victory but it is also believed that those who witness it are supposedly blessed with good health and wealth. It eventually comes to a closure with the burning of effigies made with flour, wood and paper. A number of variants are performed on different festivals, with one thing remaining common in all, i.e., the masks representing scores of human, deities and animal faces enacting an interesting story from Buddhist mythology," the official statement added.
New Delhi, Dec 29 : A day after Dr Manmohan Singh's cremation, his family members collected his ashes on Sunday while leaders from the Congress and the Gandhi family remained conspicuous by their absence, said a Sikh leader who was present at Nigambodh Ghat in the morning.

Dr Singh, 92, died on Thursday and was cremated with full state honours amid a row over the choice of the cremation site, with Rahul Gandhi claiming that the BJP had "totally insulted" the former PM by selecting Nigambodh Ghat for the last rites.

On Sunday's chilly morning, there were alleged murmurs among those present at the cremation ground over the Gandhi family's decision to skip the ritual of collecting the ashes of the departed leader.

The absence of Rahul Gandhi, who had accompanied the former PM's body in an Army vehicle adorned with flowers to the cremation ground, was among the talking points.

"Very sad to see that not a single person from Congress or the Gandhi family came to collect the remains of Dr Manmohan Singh Ji," said an attendee.

On the cremation day, the Congress and its leaders were present in strength to get media attention and to politicise the memorial matter but when it came to honouring Dr Singh with dignity, only some Sikh leaders and Dr Singh's family members were there for ash-collection, he said.

The absence of Congress leaders and the Gandhi family added fuel to the fire over the grand old party's perceived habit of ill-treating non-Gandhi leaders.

Pointing to the memorial demand, BJP president J.P. Nadda said on Saturday that the Congress and Rahul Gandhi were playing "cheap politics" on Dr Singh's name and accused the party of not doing justice to any leader who was not from the Nehru-Gandhi family.

"The government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, allocated land for the memorial of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh ji and duly informed his family. Despite this, Congress continues to spread false narratives," he said.

Union Railways Minister and senior BJP leader Ashwini Vaishnaw hit out at the Congress for playing politics over the last rites and recalled the then Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi publicly tore an ordinance which was approved by the Union Cabinet under Dr Singh in 2013.

In a post on social media platform X, Union Minister Vaishnaw said: "The ultimate insult came in 2013 when Rahul Gandhi publicly tore up an ordinance approved by the Cabinet chaired by Dr Singh as Prime Minister of India. Height of hypocrisy indeed."

BJP National Spokesperson and Rajya Sabha MP Sudhanshu Trivedi on Saturday slammed the Congress party for engaging in what he termed "dirty politics" around demands for a memorial in Dr Singh's honour.

Trivedi said, "Everyone is aware that when Dr Manmohan Singh was alive, he did not get proper respect from the Congress and now condemnable politics is being done after his demise."

A day before the funeral, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and, citing Dr Singh's stature and his contributions to the country requested that the last rites be conducted in a place where a memorial could also be built in his name.

As the controversy over the memorial gathered steam, the Centre issued a release ahead of the funeral stating that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had said a place would be allocated for Dr Singh's memorial.

Earlier, Nadda said it is important to recall Congress' history of insulting non-Gandhi leaders.

On December 23, 2004, after the demise of former Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao ji, a request was made to establish a memorial in Delhi. However, the Congress denied approval for the same, he said

"The Congress did not even allow P.V. Narasimha Rao ji's mortal remains to be placed at the Congress headquarters. They did not want his last rites to be conducted in Delhi, which is why the cremation ultimately took place in Hyderabad," said Nadda.

"It was PM Modi who, in 2015, ensured the construction of a Samadhi for Narasimha Rao Ji in Delhi and honoured him by awarding the Bharat Ratna in 2024, truly recognising and restoring his legacy," said Nadda.
Imphal, Dec 29 : Despite hectic search by Army and other security forces, the 56-year-old man who was working as a supervisor for a contractor at a Military station in Manipur went missing and remains untraced for 35 days, officials said on Sunday.

Defence sources said that around 2,000 soldiers of the Army and Assam Rifles continued their hectic search operation to locate Laishram Kamalbabu Singh, who has been missing since November 25.

Manipur Police also separately conducted the search operation to locate Kamalbabu Singh, a resident of Gossaipur under Cachar district in southern Assam, who was staying at Loitang Khunou village in Imphal West district. He had left his residence on November 25 for the Leimakhong military station but went missing.

He was working as a supervisor for a contractor working with the Military Engineering Services (MES) in Leimakhong Military Station of the 57th Mountain Division at Kangpokpi.

A top Manipur government official told IANS on Sunday that the state government handed over the "missing" case to CBI.

A Joint Action Committee (JAC) and the Meira Paibis (women vigilantes in Manipur), which have been separately agitating demanding the rescue of the "missing" man, have also sought intervention of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to locate the man.

The JAC leaders and other agitating organisations' representatives on a number of occasions met Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and discussed the "abduction" of Kamalbabu Singh.

The Chief Minister earlier urged the Army to undertake all-out efforts to locate and rescue Kamalbabu Singh and take responsibility for finding him.

State Social Welfare Minister Heikham Dingo Singh said that all documents related to Kamalbabu Singh were sent to the Prime Minister's Office as well as the offices of Defence Minister and Home Minister to take appropriate actions.

According to a defence spokesman, the Army officials are constantly interacting with village heads and community elders to gather information to further intensify the search operation.

The CCTV feeds have been scanned, Kamalbabu Singh's co-workers were being spoken to, and an intense search operation, including with the aid of sniffer dogs, has been continued, he said.

The Manipur High Court had earlier constituted a four-member committee to conduct an enquiry in connection with the missing man.

A Home Department official said that the Division Bench of the High Court comprising Chief Justice D. Krishnakumar and Justice Golmei Gaiphulshillu Kabui heard the petition filed by the brother of the missing person and constituted the committee headed by the District Magistrate of Kangpokpi.

Leimakhong military station, located 16 km away from the capital Imphal, is surrounded by Kuki-Zo-Hmar tribal-dominated areas.

After ethnic violence broke out in Manipur in May last year, people belonging to the Meitei community fled the areas near Leimakhong village.
Bhubaneswar, Dec 29 : At least three people died and 20 others sustained serious injuries when a bus carrying pilgrims met with an accident at Sukunala Ghati under Boipariguda police station area in Odisha's Koraput district on Sunday.

The bus carrying around 50 to 60 pilgrims belonging to different places in the Puri and Cuttack districts was en route to the famous Gupteswar shrine in Koraput. Local sources claimed that the bus lost control and turned turtle at a turning point at Sukunala in the Boipariguda area early morning.

Upon being informed, the police, fire services officials and the BSF personnel reached the accident spot and engaged in the rescue of passengers trapped inside the bus. As many as three persons, including a 12-year-old child, lost their lives in the unfortunate road mishap

The injured persons were initially treated at Boipariguda Hospital while critical cases were later shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital at Jeypore in Koraput.

"I was jolted out of sleep at around 5.05 a.m. today as the vehicle lost its balance. I immediately jumped off the bus through the emergency window," said one of the survivors.

A family member of an injured pilgrim from Nilai area of Cuttack district told media persons that her sister and brother-in-law along with more than 50 pilgrims from Nimapara and Cuttack area had left for Gupteswar shrine on Friday night.

"We just got the information today that my sister is admitted to Boipariguda Hospital following the accident," said the relative.

Expressing deep grief over the tragic accident, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday extended condolences to the bereaved family members of the deceased persons.

The Chief Minister also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for the family members of the deceased persons. He directed the local administration to provide medical care to the injured pilgrims.

Police have launched an investigation to find out the cause of the accident.
Seoul, Dec 29 : The United States experienced surging labour strikes in 2024, with workers across various sectors staging protests over issues ranging from wages to working conditions.

The nation witnessed 334 labour actions across 515 locations as of Friday, continuing an upward trend in strike activity in recent years, according to the Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations's Labor Action Tracker, a database of strike and labour protest activity.

One of the year's most notable strikes occurred at Starbucks, where at least 5,000 workers from over 300 stores across 45 states walked off their jobs on Christmas Eve, according to their union, Starbucks Workers United, reports Xinhua news agency.

The strike, the largest ever at the coffee chain, involved workers from 12 major cities, including New York, Los Angeles, Boston, and Seattle. Workers demanded higher wages and fair scheduling while criticising the company's executive compensation practices, particularly CEO Brian Niccol's $113 million compensation package.

Just days before the Starbucks walkout, Amazon faced what the striking workers called the largest-ever strike during the peak Christmas shopping season.

While the labour union reported nearly 10,000 workers joining the movement for higher wages and improved workplace safety, Amazon disputed these figures, claiming that the striking workers aren't even Amazon employees.

The manufacturing sector was also affected when approximately 33,000 Boeing machinists launched a seven-week strike in September.

Their union accepted a contract offer in November, and the striking workers returned to work. The strike, involving workers who assemble the bestselling 737 Max airliner in Washington, added to Boeing's challenges in a turbulent year.

Maritime commerce faced major disruption in October when nearly 50,000 members of the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) struck against East and Gulf Coast ports, affecting the flow of imports and exports from Maine to Texas.

The hospitality industry wasn't spared from labour actions, as about 10,000 hotel workers struck across several major tourist destinations in September. The walkout impacted 24 hotels operated by Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt in cities including San Francisco, San Diego, Honolulu, Boston, and Seattle.

The hotel workers' union, Unite Here, highlighted understaffing issues, with three staff members often doing the work meant for four.

Several factors contributed to the surge in labour activism. The US Department of Labor reported a doubling of union representation petitions from 1,638 in fiscal 2021 to 3,286 in fiscal 2024.

"Unions continue to be more popular than at any time since the 1960s, with 70 per cent public approval," said the Labor Notes, an organisation and network for rank-and-file union members and grassroots activists.

In addition, economic conditions played a crucial role in driving labour actions. The unemployment rate remained low, giving workers more leverage in negotiations.

The rise of remote work and concerns about technological displacement have added new dimensions to labour negotiations as workers seek protection against job losses due to automation and artificial intelligence advancement. These issues have become particularly pressing in industries undergoing rapid technological transformation.

This was especially evident in the recent port workers' dispute, where automation became a central issue. The ILA said automation at ports would cost some members their jobs.

Besides, reform movements in labour unions have also led to effective strike threats.

With a January 15 deadline looming to resolve the automation dispute at East and Gulf Coast ports, tensions remain high, raising the possibility of another significant port disruption in the new year.
New Delhi, Dec 29 : BJP leader and former West Delhi MP Parvesh Verma on Sunday claimed that the party has come across complaints of women losing money from bank accounts after they shared their details and OTP with AAP volunteers for the "monthly financial assistance scheme".

"Many incidents have come to light in which women said they got an OTP and thereafter money was stolen from their bank accounts," Verma told IANS.

He said this is a big cyber fraud through which AAP workers want to steal money from the bank accounts of women and use the funds for their Assembly election campaign.

"This is a scam and those responsible for it should be punished," said Verma, son of former Delhi Chief Minister and BJP stalwart Sahib Singh.

Welcoming Lieutenant Governor V. K. Saxena's decision to order a probe into the matter, he said Delhi Chief Minister Atishi and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal called the proposed Rs 2,100 monthly dole to women as 'Mukhya Mantri Mahila Samman Yojana' but the state government officials claimed through a public notice that no such scheme existed.

Verma said AAP volunteers were randomly setting up kiosks and collecting details and OTPs from women on the assurance that money would be sent into their wallets. "The shocking aspect is that money is not being sent but taken out of bank accounts of women," he said.

On the issue of the presence of alleged Bangladeshis in the city, Verma said the BJP has been demanding the deportation of infiltrators. "But every time, police round up infiltrators, AAP leaders, legislators and even the CM come to the rescue of such people and describe them as genuine residents," he said.

Verma congratulated the Delhi Police for launching a concerted drive to weed out infiltrators from the city and demanded thorough inquiry across the city.

The former MP also hit out at the AAP government in Punjab for promising financial assistance to women but never delivering it.
New Delhi, Dec 29 : Venture capital (VC) activity in India has witnessed significant growth from January to November 2024, with investments reaching $16.77 billion across 888 deals, according to the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF).

Venture capital activity in India from January to November 2024 has surged to US$ 16.77 billion across 888 deals, reflecting a robust 14.1 per cent increase in value and a 21.8 per cent rise in deal count compared to the same period in 2023, according to figures gathered by the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF).

The technology sector emerged as the frontrunner, attracting $6.50 billion, a remarkable 52.5 per cent increase year-over-year. Consumer discretionary investments followed with $2.30 billion, up 32.2 per cent, while the financial sector saw a slight decline to $2.20 billion, the IBEF report said.

Noteworthy deals included KiranaKart Technologies (Zepto) at $1.3 billion and Poolside AI SAS at $500 million. Industry leaders express optimism about continued momentum into 2025, with expectations for more initial public offerings (IPOs) and increased activity in later-stage funding rounds as funds that have been cautious begin to deploy capital.

Experts like Bhaskar Majumdar and Sajith Pai foresee a positive shift in the Indian startup ecosystem, anticipating "great easing" in 2025. Despite concerns about the economy's reliance on the India1 engine, which comprises around 30 million households contributing significantly to GDP, optimism remains high due to ongoing capital flows supported by savings.

The energy transition presents new opportunities in electric mobility and green hydrogen sectors. At the same time, traditional areas like fintech and e-commerce continue to attract investment.

Additionally, there is a growing focus on intellectual property (IP) -led businesses, particularly deep tech, with significant investments in robotics, drones, and semiconductor technologies.

As the landscape evolves, the influence of the US market under the new administration could shape global capital flows, presenting both challenges and opportunities for Indian startups, the IBEF report added.
This photo shows the CR450AF bullet train in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 29, 2024. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)

BEIJING, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- Prototypes of the CR450 bullet train, with a test speed of up to 450 kilometers per hour and an operational speed of 400 kilometers per hour, were debuted in Beijing on Sunday, highlighting China's cutting-edge advancements in rail technology and contributions to the global rail industry.

The CR450 is significantly faster than the CR400 Fuxing high-speed trains currently in service, which operate at speeds of 350 kilometers per hour.

The China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. (China Railway) will arrange a series of line tests for the prototypes and optimize technical indicators to ensure the CR450 enters commercial service as soon as possible.

INNOVATION-DRIVEN

Compared to its predecessors, the overall operational resistance of the CR450 will be decreased by 22 percent and its weight will be cut by 10 percent, according to China Railway.

The new prototypes are two CR450 models: the CR450AF and the CR450BF, both featuring an eight-car formation with four powered and four non-powered carriages, according to CRRC Corporation Limited (CRRC), China's leading train maker.

The high-speed trains are characterized by an advanced, water-cooled, permanent magnet traction system, and a reliable, high-stability bogie system, ensuring excellent performance and safety throughout operations.

The trains are equipped with an advanced, multi-level emergency braking system and over 4,000 sensors for the real-time monitoring of key systems, including car body, high-voltage pantograph, train control and fire detection systems. An over-the-horizon system has also been utilized for improved emergency situation recognition, according to the CRRC.

The CR450 introduces a new bogie enclosure design to minimize air resistance at high speeds, along with a streamlined low-drag, sharp-nosed front, aerodynamic windshields and lightweight materials.

It integrates advanced noise reduction techniques across different areas and frequencies, reducing interior noise by 2 decibels and increasing passenger service space by 4 percent compared to its predecessors.

These innovations are set to breathe new life into the global advancement of high-speed rail technology, according to the CRRC.

GLOBAL REACH

Since it launched the Beijing-Tianjin Intercity Railway in 2008 with designed speeds of 350 kilometers per hour, China has built the world's most extensive and advanced high-speed rail network.

Major projects such as the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link have significantly enhanced connectivity and regional development. To date, the total length of China's operational high-speed rail tracks has reached about 47,000 kilometers, as shown by data from the National Railway Administration.

The expansion of the national high-speed rail network has played a crucial role in the country's economic and social development, reducing travel times and boosting industrial development along railway routes.

China's high-speed trains -- a successful example of independent innovation -- are now seen as a Chinese calling card and have been welcomed globally.

It was noted in July this year that Indonesia's Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway had carried 4 million passengers since it began commercial operations on Oct. 17, 2023. Indonesian drivers have been operating trains at speeds of 350 kilometers per hour, in the first overseas high-speed railway project to fully utilize Chinese rail systems, technology and industrial components.

The Belgrade-Novi Sad high-speed railway, another Chinese-built project, celebrated its second anniversary in March. Over the past two years, the project has effectively enhanced local connectivity.

Initiated by the International Union of Railways (UIC) in 1992, the UIC World Congress on High-Speed Rail has been held every two to three years since. The 12th congress will be held in Beijing from July 8 to 11, 2025, and is set to be a powerful testament to China's progress in and contributions to the global high-speed rail industry.

China has spearheaded the development of all 13 system-level international high-speed rail standards set by the UIC, as announced at the influential 17th Zhan Tianyou Railway Science and Technology Award ceremony in November. 

This photo shows an interior view of a carriage of the CR450AF bullet train in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 29, 2024.

A prototype of the CR450 bullet train that will run at 400 kilometers per hour debuted in Beijing on Sunday, said the country's railway operator China State Railway Group Co., Ltd.

The train is capable of running at 450 kilometers per hour in test. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)

This photo shows a CR450AF (R) and a CR450BF bullet train in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 29, 2024.

A prototype of the CR450 bullet train that will run at 400 kilometers per hour debuted in Beijing on Sunday, said the country's railway operator China State Railway Group Co., Ltd.

The train is capable of running at 450 kilometers per hour in test. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)

This photo shows the driving cab of the CR450BF bullet train in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 29, 2024.

A prototype of the CR450 bullet train that will run at 400 kilometers per hour debuted in Beijing on Sunday, said the country's railway operator China State Railway Group Co., Ltd.

The train is capable of running at 450 kilometers per hour in test. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)

This photo shows an interior view of a business class carriage of the CR450AF bullet train in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 29, 2024.

A prototype of the CR450 bullet train that will run at 400 kilometers per hour debuted in Beijing on Sunday, said the country's railway operator China State Railway Group Co., Ltd.

The train is capable of running at 450 kilometers per hour in test. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)

This photo shows a multi-purpose room aboard a carriage of the CR450AF bullet train in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 29, 2024.

A prototype of the CR450 bullet train that will run at 400 kilometers per hour debuted in Beijing on Sunday, said the country's railway operator China State Railway Group Co., Ltd.

The train is capable of running at 450 kilometers per hour in test. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)

This photo shows the CR450BF bullet train in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 29, 2024.

A prototype of the CR450 bullet train that will run at 400 kilometers per hour debuted in Beijing on Sunday, said the country's railway operator China State Railway Group Co., Ltd.

The train is capable of running at 450 kilometers per hour in test. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)

This photo shows a private compartment aboard the CR450BF bullet train in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 29, 2024.

A prototype of the CR450 bullet train that will run at 400 kilometers per hour debuted in Beijing on Sunday, said the country's railway operator China State Railway Group Co., Ltd.

The train is capable of running at 450 kilometers per hour in test. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)

This photo shows the CR450BF bullet train in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 29, 2024.

A prototype of the CR450 bullet train that will run at 400 kilometers per hour debuted in Beijing on Sunday, said the country's railway operator China State Railway Group Co., Ltd.

The train is capable of running at 450 kilometers per hour in test. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)

This photo shows a CR450BF (R) and a CR450AF bullet train in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 29, 2024.

A prototype of the CR450 bullet train that will run at 400 kilometers per hour debuted in Beijing on Sunday, said the country's railway operator China State Railway Group Co., Ltd.

The train is capable of running at 450 kilometers per hour in test. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)

This photo shows an interior view of a business class carriage of the CR450BF bullet train in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 29, 2024.

A prototype of the CR450 bullet train that will run at 400 kilometers per hour debuted in Beijing on Sunday, said the country's railway operator China State Railway Group Co., Ltd.

The train is capable of running at 450 kilometers per hour in test. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)

This photo shows a pulled-down tray table aboard the CR450BF bullet train in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 29, 2024.

A prototype of the CR450 bullet train that will run at 400 kilometers per hour debuted in Beijing on Sunday, said the country's railway operator China State Railway Group Co., Ltd.

The train is capable of running at 450 kilometers per hour in test. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)

This photo shows an interior view of the economy class carriage of the CR450AF bullet train in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 29, 2024.

A prototype of the CR450 bullet train that will run at 400 kilometers per hour debuted in Beijing on Sunday, said the country's railway operator China State Railway Group Co., Ltd.

The train is capable of running at 450 kilometers per hour in test. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)

This photo shows a CR450AF (R) and a CR450BF bullet train in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 29, 2024.

A prototype of the CR450 bullet train that will run at 400 kilometers per hour debuted in Beijing on Sunday, said the country's railway operator China State Railway Group Co., Ltd.

The train is capable of running at 450 kilometers per hour in test. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)
New Delhi, Dec 29 : Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva on Sunday accused former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of spreading rumours about an alleged ongoing probe against Chief Minister Atishi in the Transport Department.

Claiming that Kejriwal uses false claims to scare his party leaders, Sachdeva said an administrative note has been sent by Delhi's ACS (Transport) Prashant Goyal to CM Atishi in which he has clarified that there is no investigation going on against her in the department

"This note has exposed the false claims of Kejriwal that a conspiracy was on to arrest Atishi over alleged wrongdoing in the Transport Department," Sachdeva said at a media briefing.

The Delhi BJP chief said: "We have been saying for a long time that Kejriwal keeps his fellow leaders intimidated and politically confused by spreading lies about impending inquiries and arrests."

In this case, Kejriwal's allegation that an investigation had been launched against CM Atishi has fallen flat, he said.

The Delhi BJP President said that it is regrettable that Kejriwal, for his petty politics, first tarnished the dignity of the post of Chief Minister himself and now is embroiling CM Atishi in controversial issues.

Sachdeva also claimed that Delhi voters had made up their minds to bid Kejriwal and his party a political farewell and it would be better if Kejriwal stopped worrying about BJP's vision and Chief Ministerial face.

Sachdeva said that the BJP has a face of collective leadership but the AAP's problem was that all its faces are tainted.

The Delhi BJP chief said, "Kejriwal should first answer Delhiites' questions about the corruption he perpetrated during the 10 years of AAP rule in the city."

Sachdeva also hit out at Kejriwal for "stalling development" in the city. "By not giving a single new school, college, hospital to Delhi in ten years, by not giving any big development project, by worsening pollution and by stopping public transport, Kejriwal has shown that he has no development vision," he said.

Besides this, the liquor scam and the illegal construction of Sheesh Mahal - official CM residence - have exposed his corruption, he said.
Neemuch : , Dec 29 (IANS) During the challenging financial period amid the Covid epidemic, Banshilal Mali, a farmer and flower trader from Nayagaon in Neemuch district, Madhya Pradesh, faced a severe crisis when he suddenly suffered a heart attack.

The incident brought immense distress to his family, already struggling with the economic repercussions of the pandemic.

In such difficult times, the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 23, 2018, in Ranchi, Jharkhand, proved to be a lifeline.

The scheme aims to provide free treatment to economically weaker families in leading government and private hospitals, ensuring access to quality healthcare for millions of Indians.

Under the scheme, families are entitled to free treatment worth up to Rs 5 lakhs annually in empanelled hospitals. Beneficiaries like Banshilal Mali have experienced the transformative impact of the scheme.

Sharing his story with IANS, Banshilal said, "In November 2020, during the Covid epidemic, I suffered a heart attack. My family rushed me to the nearest hospital, where I was diagnosed with a blockage in one of my heart's veins. The doctors advised immediate surgery, with the cost estimated at Rs 2.5-3 lakhs. It was an amount we could not afford."

Banshilal mentioned that he was admitted to a hospital in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, where he received free treatment using my Ayushman card.

"My seven-day hospital stay, surgery, and medicines were all covered under the scheme. I am deeply grateful to the government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for this initiative, which gave me a new lease on life," he added.

His daughter, Payal Mali, recounted the family's relief, saying, "When my father was diagnosed, we were extremely worried as we did not have the money for private hospital treatment. Thanks to the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, he received free and effective treatment. Today, my father is healthy and back to taking care of the family. We are profoundly thankful to the Prime Minister."

Echoing the gratitude, Banshilal's brother, Jagdish Mali, added, "When my brother experienced sudden chest pain, we rushed him to the hospital. The estimated treatment cost was beyond our means. Then, we learned about the Ayushman Bharat Yojana. After making the Ayushman card, we got him treated in a hospital in Ahmedabad. Today, he is healthy, and it is all thanks to this scheme. We are immensely grateful to PM Modi."

The Ayushman Bharat Yojana has emerged as a beacon of hope for countless families across India, enabling them to access free treatment for serious illnesses in both private and government hospitals.

By reducing the financial burden of healthcare, the scheme ensures that even the poorest citizens can receive life-saving medical care.

With initiatives like these, the government is not only addressing healthcare inequalities but also bringing smiles to millions of families, proving that quality healthcare is a right for all.
New Delhi, Dec 29 : E-commerce company Snapdeal has managed to cut down its loss to Rs 160.38 crore in FY24 from Rs 282.20 crore in FY23.

Apart from this, the company's Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortisation (EBITDA) loss declined by 88 per cent to Rs 16 crore in FY24. It was Rs 144 crore in FY23.

The reason for the reduction in the company's loss is the decline in expenses.

The company's total expenditure in FY24 was Rs 540.76 crore. It was Rs 687.93 crore in FY23.

The employee benefits expenditure of the company in FY24 declined by 48.5 per cent on YoY (year-on-year) basis to Rs 158.4 crore. It was Rs 307.53 crore in FY23. During this period, the company's advertising expenditure was reduced by 23.5 per cent on YoY basis to Rs 70.37 crore.

Snapdeal's operating income increased by 2.1 per cent to Rs 379.76 crore in FY24 from Rs 371.96 crore in FY23.

Market services have the biggest contribution of Rs 252.55 crore to the company's revenue. However, it decreased by 9.6 percent on YoY basis as compared to FY23.

The company's enablement income increased by 14.8 per cent year-on-year to Rs 103.36 crore in FY24. The company's income from other items has increased 8 times to Rs 23.85 crore in the last financial year.

According to the stock exchange filing, Snapdeal has reduced its stake in Unicommerce. The company had raised Rs 33 crore from the secondary sale of 3.4 per cent stake during May-June 2024 ahead of the IPO and Rs 81 crore from the sale of 9.2 per cent stake under the offer for sale in the IPO that came in August 2024.

Snapdeal is one of Indiaas leading e-commerce platforms. Founded in 2010, Snapdeal focuses on the value commerce market in India and has served more than 10 Crore online shoppers over the past 14+ years.
Hyderabad, Dec 29 : Investigations are on in the December 4 stampede at Sandhya Theatre which claimed the life of a woman during the premiere show of "Pushpa 2: The Rule" and law would take its own course, Telangana Director General of Police Dr Jitender said on Sunday.

The police chief's statement came in response to a query about the case against actor Allu Arjun.

"Let us not talk about this. A lot of things have gone. The case is already under investigation. The court is also looking into various aspects of the case. It's sub judice also," he said.

"Moreover, the law will take its own course. This is what I have to say. Nothing more," the DGP added.

A 38-year-old woman was killed and her eight-year-old son was critically injured during the premiere of the movie at Sandhya Theatre which was attended by actor Allu Arjun.

Day after the stampede, the police booked the theatre management, Allu Arjun, and his team for culpable homicide not amounting to murder.

Allu Arjun, who is named accused number 11 in the case, was arrested on December 13. He was produced before a city court, which remanded him to 14-day judicial custody.

The High Court granted him interim bail the same day. He was released from Chanchalguda Jail the next day.

As the 14-day judicial remand period ended on December 27, the actor appeared before the Nampally Court virtually.

The court adjourned the hearing in the stampede case to January 10. The court also adjourned the hearing on his regular bail petition to December 30.

As part of the investigation into the police, the police interrogated Allu Arjun on December 24. He was questioned for three hours at Chikkadpally Police Station.

Meanwhile, on the suicides of police personnel in different parts of Telangana, the DGP there may be several reasons for the suicides. He did not agree that work pressure was the reason for the suicides.

"There may be several issues like financial issues, family issues, emotional issues, and personal issues. I cannot say this is happening because of one issue. We can't generalise that it is because of work pressure. There may be some cases of work pressure also. I am not saying no," Dr Jitender said.

The police chief said they were responding to the problem through an internal mechanism. The department has officers who counsel employees having family, emotional, and financial issues.

"If we are unable to handle the issue at the department level, we take the help of professional counsellors," he said.
Seoul, Dec 29 : The United States and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) will face a "decisive response," including military-technical countermeasures, should they make new missile threats against Russia, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Sunday.

"We are prepared for any scenario. If new missile threats are established, our adversaries will face a decisive response in the form of military-technical countermeasures. At the same time, hypothetical steps to create acceptable conditions for equitable dialogue will be considered," Lavrov said in an interview with RIA Novosti.

Lavrov underscored that Russia is primarily interested in a comprehensive approach to reducing conflict potential, focusing on addressing the root causes of fundamental security disagreements, reports Xinhua news agency, quoting the interview.

"NATO's years-long eastward expansion remains a significant driver of the Ukrainian crisis and continues to pose a threat to Russia's security. Arms control issues could hypothetically be discussed, but only as part of a broader agenda," Lavrov added.

In the interview, Lavrov said that Russia would have to abandon its unilateral moratorium on the deployment of ground-based intermediate- and shorter-range missiles as it has become nearly untenable despite officially remaining in effect.

Lavrov highlighted the recent test of Russia's latest medium-range hypersonic system, Oreshnik, under combat conditions.

"This convincingly demonstrated our capabilities and our determination to implement compensatory measures," Lavrov said.

He also mentioned that Russia is open to negotiations to resolve the Ukraine conflict, but such talks must address its "root causes" and reflect realities on the ground.

"We are ready for negotiations, but they must aim to address the root causes of the Ukrainian crisis and take into account the real situation on the ground," Lavrov said.

Lavrov noted the need to ensure Ukraine's "non-aligned, neutral and non-nuclear status" to "eliminate long-term threats to Russia's security posed by the West, including NATO expansion."

"Kyiv must take on specific obligations to ensure the rights, freedoms and interests of Russian-speaking citizens," he added.

Previously, Ukraine's Head of the Presidential Office, Andriy Yermak, said that Ukraine was not prepared to enter negotiations with Russia as it lacks sufficient Western support to engage from a position of strength, in an interview with Suspilne on December 12, reported local media Kyiv Independent.
New Delhi, Dec 29 : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath met President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday and invited her to attend the Maha Kumbh 2025, set to take place in Prayagraj.

In a post on social media platform X, the official social media handle of the President said, "Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ji met President Smt. Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan and invited her to attend the upcoming Maha Kumbh 2025."

CM Yogi also met with BJP National General Secretary (Organisation) B. L. Santhosh.

Taking to X, Santhosh posted, "Participation in Kumbh Mela is every Hindu's invariable wish. Dip in Ganga during Kumbh is an occasion never to be missed. Got to know about the level of preparation that goes into Kumbha Mela from Respected CM of UP Sri Yogi Adityanath."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed Maha Kumbh 2025 on Sunday, describing the upcoming event as the "Maha Kumbh of unity."

He urged people to return from the grand religious congregation with a commitment to eliminate hate and division from society.

In his monthly 'Mann ki Baat' broadcast, PM Modi said, "Mahakumbh ka sandesh ek ho pura desh" (The message from the Maha Kumbh should be that the entire country must be united)."

Earlier on Saturday, CM Adityanath met prominent leaders in the national capital to invite them to the grand Maha Kumbh 2025.

He met former President Ram Nath Kovind, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National President J. P. Nadda, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Mizoram Governor Gen. (retd) V.K. Singh.

A statement mentioned that CM Adityanath presented each dignitary with an official invitation along with symbolic gifts.

With just 15 days until Maha Kumbh begins, the Uttar Pradesh government led by CM Adityanath is intensifying efforts to invite distinguished personalities and the general public from across states.

Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj will start on January 13, 2025, and conclude on February 26, 2025.
Kolkata, Dec 29 : The Border Security Force (BSF) claims to have arrested a cross-border smuggler in the North 24-Parganas district of West Bengal on Saturday with silver ornaments weighing 8.5 kg. He was planning to smuggle the ornaments, valued at nearly Rs 6,17,004, to Bangladesh.

"Troops of the 143 Battalion BSF, posted at Tarali-1 Border Outpost, were carrying out checks at the Hakimpur checkpoint when they came across a motorcyclist moving towards the Indo-Bangladesh Border (IBB). The jawans stopped the man and carried out a thorough search. The ornaments were found inside the air filter and tail light cavities of the motorcycle," said N K Pandey, DIG and spokesperson, BSF, South Bengal Frontier.

The man, along with the motorcycle, was taken to the Tarali-1 BOP, where he was interrogated. He claimed to be a resident of the Swarupdaha village in the Swarup Nagar police station area of North 24-Parganas.

"He also claimed that an unknown person from Bithari Bazaar had given him the motorcycle and informed him of the silver ornaments inside. He was supposed to cross the BSF domination line through the Hakimpur checkpoint and hand over the vehicle, along with the silver, to another person close to the IBB. For this, he was to receive Rs 1,300. We have handed him over, along with the seized silver and motorcycle, to the customs department in Tentulia," Pandey added.

The DIG praised the efforts of the BSF jawans. "Due to their alertness, criminals are being apprehended along the IBB on a regular basis and seizures are being made. The BSF will not allow smuggling or any other crimes along the border. Those involved in such activities will get into trouble unless they mend their ways," he said.

Another senior BSF official said that while gold is smuggled from Bangladesh to India, silver  particularly ornaments  is illegally sent from India to the neighbouring country. There is high demand for Indian-made silver ornaments in Bangladesh, and smugglers take advantage, he said.
New Delhi, Dec 29 : Under the Bihar Laghu Udyami Yojana, 1,752 individuals were awarded training certificates at the District Industry Center premises after completing courses in 61 different trades. Along with the certificates, each trainee received the first instalment of Rs 50,000 to kickstart their ventures.

Notably, the programme witnessed significant participation from young women, highlighting their growing entrepreneurial aspirations.

Vivek Kumar Sharma, General Manager of the District Industry Center, explained that the scheme targets economically weaker sections with an annual income of less than Rs 72,000. Out of 2,038 selected candidates from the district, 1,752 were trained in diverse trades such as beauty services, spice production, flour milling, mosquito net manufacturing, fish farming, and more.

"The first instalment of Rs 50,000 enables beneficiaries to procure tools and materials to start their businesses," Sharma shared with IANS adding, "Once the beneficiaries submit the utility report for the Rs 50,000, they will receive a second instalment of Rs 1 lakh to further expand their businesses. Upon submitting the investment report for this amount, an additional Rs 50,000 will be provided by the government, totalling Rs 2 lakh in financial assistance."

The programme aims to empower economically weaker individuals by enabling them to start their ventures and improve their financial conditions.

Juhi Barnwal from Morwa Block of Samastipur district shared with IANS, "I received training in beauty services. With the Rs 50,000, I will purchase equipment and open a beauty parlour. Once I upload photos of my setup, I will receive another instalment of Rs 1 lakh."

Lovely Kumari, trained in spice production, said, "I will source raw spices from rural areas, process them, and sell packaged spices in the market. The Rs 50,000 instalment has been very helpful."

Pooja Jaiswal from Warisnagar highlighted her plans, saying, "I was trained in mosquito net production. The first instalment will help me manufacture nets that can be used for mosquito protection, fish farming, and crop safety fencing in rural areas."

This initiative is set to transform lives by providing training and financial support, fostering self-reliance, and boosting the local economy.
Kolkata, Dec 29 : Foresters claimed that they have managed to isolate Zeenat - the three-year-old tigress from Odisha's Simlipal National Park - in a wooded area near Bangopalpur Reserve Forest in West Bengal's Bankura district.

Kolkata, Dec 29 (IANS) Foresters claimed that they have managed to isolate Zeenat  the three-year-old tigress from Odisha's Simlipal National Park  in a wooded area near Bangopalpur Reserve Forest in West Bengal's Bankura district.

Zeenat, one of the two tigresses relocated from the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra to Simlipal, strayed into neighbouring West Bengal nearly 10 days ago. During this period, radio-collared Zeenat moved over 100 km through West Bengal's Purulia district and then stepped into adjoining Bankura.

"Attempts were made to tranquilise the tigress on Saturday and again during the early hours of Sunday. However, we are not sure if the darts hit her at the intended spot. Her radio collar is now emitting a continuous signal and we have traced her to a forested area near Bangopalpur. We have surrounded the area with nets. Only after verifying her physical condition will another attempt be made to tranquilise the tigress, or it may be life-threatening for the animal," a senior forest department official said.

Authorities are on tenterhooks as Zeenat's present location is within a km of densely populated villages. Prohibitory orders have been imposed to prevent people from gathering in numbers or entering the forest. Villagers have also been advised to stop sending goats and cows to graze in the forested areas. During her travel through the Purulia district, the big cat killed and partly consumed 4-5 domestic goats that were grazing in the forests.

"We have to act fast and capture the tigress. The nearby forests have an ample supply of deer. If she manages to get there, it will be very difficult to trap her. Moreover, the area is just 3-4 km from Mukutmanipur  a very popular tourist destination in West Bengal. People from Kolkata and other places are expected to flock there over the next few days for New Year celebrations. Bangopalpur is a popular destination for tourists who put up at Mukutmanipur. It will be very difficult to keep them away. The tigress will be an added attraction for many. We don't want that to happen. It will only make our task more difficult," another senior forester said.

Forest department teams comprise experts from Odisha and the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve. Over the last few days, nylon nets have been used to confine Zeenat and trap cages laid out with game inside, to lure her. The tigress, clearly in very good shape, refused to fall into the trap and on one occasion, leapt across a net and escaped.
KHOST, Afghanistan, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- At least four people were killed late Saturday night in a gas cylinder blast in eastern Afghanistan's Khost province, a local official confirmed Sunday.

Khost provincial government spokesman Mustaghfir Gurbaz told Xinhua that the incident took place in a residential apartment located on the outskirts of Police District 2 in Khost City, capital of the province, leaving four people dead, including a woman and three children.

According to Gurbaz, the family members were attempting to heat their house when the incident occurred.

In Afghanistan, it is common for people to use gas cylinders to heat their residential houses during winter, which can lead to fatal accidents on occasions. 
Hyderabad, Dec 29 : Telangana Police have initiated the process to bring back two accused, including the former chief of Special Intelligence Bureau (SIB) T. Prabhakar Rao, to India from the United States in the phone-tapping case.

Director General of Police Jitender that their request for Red Corner Notices (RCNs) is with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

"We have initiated the process. It is already with the CBI. Let us hope because the international process takes some time. I have worked in CBI. I know about it. In many cases, it takes years," the police chief said while replying to a query during a year-ender press conference.

"The international process is not that simple because there are so many guidelines, so many practices," he said.

The DGP said that Interpol, which issues Red Corner notices, has several standard operating procedures.

It was in August that the state police approached the CBI for a request to issue an RCN against Prabhakar Rao and managing director of a private news channel Sravan Kumar.

The phone-tapping allegations under the previous government of BRS came to light in March this year with the arrest of Deputy Superintendent of Police Praneeth Rao following a complaint from his superior, D. Ramesh, Additional SP with the SIB.

Then chief of SIB, Prabhakar Rao had allegedly constituted a team within the bureau with his trusted aides including Praneeth Rao for surveillance of rival political leaders, their families and dissidents within the ruling party, businessmen, journalists and even judges.

The police have so far named six accused in the case. Praneeth Rao, Additional SPs Thirupathanna and Bhujanga Rao and former DCP P. Radha Kishan Rao were arrested in the case.

The police had last month questioned former MLAs Jaipal Yadav and Chirumarthi Lingaiah in the phone tapping case.

Last week, Telangana High Court reserved the orders on a bail petition filed by Bhujanga Rao. It also extended his interim bail till December 30. The public prosecutor had prayed to the court to dismiss the petition on the ground that his ailments were not as serious as claimed by him and on this ground, he has been out of prison for the last four and half months.

The High Court also granted interim bail to retired police officer Radhakishan Rao for four days to attend his father-in-law's death anniversary rituals.
New Delhi, Dec 29 : Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva claimed on Sunday that as part of AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal's "conspiracy to rig Assembly elections", his supporters are trying to get bogus names included in the electoral rolls even after the list was frozen on December 23.

Addressing media persons, Sachdeva said that in the Narela constituency alone, over 2,000 people applied for new voter registration on December 24. Similarly, applications have been filed in various constituencies on December 25, 26, and 27.

Dismissing allegations that the BJP was involved in cancelling the voter ID of AAP MP Sanjay Singh's wife, Sachdeva said that the BJP does not engage in such low-level politics. "These allegations against the BJP are baseless and driven by personal disputes," he said.

Sachdeva revealed that two women, Madhu and Suresh Devi, who submitted the applications to cancel the voter ID of Sanjay Singh's wife have "family ties" with the AAP leader.

He asked Sanjay Singh to clarify the nature of these women's relations with him and his wife.

Sachdeva reiterated that the BJP has consistently highlighted Kejriwal's and the AAP's "involvement in the registration of illegal votes" in Delhi, presenting "substantial evidence" to back these claims.

With the updated voter list set to be released on January 6, 2025, Sachdeva said that the electoral roll was frozen on December 23 but despite this, applications for new voters have been submitted in every Assembly constituency in Delhi.

"This is not merely a coincidence but evidence of Arvind Kejriwal's manipulation plan affecting 70 constituencies. What is most surprising is that none of these applications belong to 18-20-year-olds; the applicants' age ranges from 30 to 48 years," he said.

Where did these voters, aged 30 to 80, suddenly appear ahead of the Assembly elections? asked the Delhi BJP President.

"The BJP sent a complaint to the Election Commission on Saturday and will be submitting another complaint," he said.

Sachdeva demanded immediate action to stop the "fake" voter registration practices going on in Delhi.

He noted that before the 2014 Assembly elections, 13 lakh new votes were registered and before the 2020 elections 9 lakh new votes were added. However, voter numbers did not increase significantly during the Lok Sabha elections and thereafter this time before Assembly elections.

The Delhi BJP President clarified that every Delhi citizen has the legitimate right to register to vote, but the BJP will not allow fraudulent registrations or voting.

Investigations will be conducted, and strict action will be taken against the officials and individuals involved in such scams, he said.
Chandigarh, Dec 29 : Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Sunday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared the success story of Kurukshetra's efforts in malaria prevention with the entire country during his 'Mann Ki Baat' programme.

The Prime Minister praised Kurukshetra for presenting a model to tackle malaria. The state Health Department ran special campaigns to control mosquito breeding, spread awareness through radio and other mediums, and successfully reduced malaria cases.

The Prime Minister commended the state's efforts and mentioned that the World Health Organization (WHO) has also recognised India's initiatives in malaria prevention.

Chief Minister Saini listened to the 'Mann Ki Baat' programme along with party workers in Panchkula.

The Chief Minister said the Prime Minister also talked about the upcoming Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, starting on January 14 and emphasised its cultural and traditional importance.

"The speciality of the Maha Kumbh is not only in its vastness. The speciality of the Kumbh is also in its diversity. Crores of people congregate for this event. Lakhs of saints, thousands of traditions, hundreds of sects, many Akharas, everyone becomes a part of this event. There is no discrimination anywhere, no one is big, and no one is small. Such a scene of unity in diversity will not be seen anywhere else in the world. Therefore, our Kumbh is also the Maha Kumbh of unity," the PM said.

Commending 'Mann Ki Baat' as a highly educational and inspiring programme, the Chief Minister said it "provides valuable insights into various fields, including sports, agriculture, health, and employment. Collaborative work is being appreciated by the farmers through Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)".

Later, the Chief Minister attended a 'satsang' at the Sant Nirankari Bhawan in Panchkula. He praised the Sant Nirankari Mission for its participation in various social initiatives. The CM said he recently participated in the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign held at the Sant Nirankari Adhyatmik Sthal in Samalkha, where approximately 30,000 saplings were planted.

The Chief Minister said that under the leadership of Satguru Mata Sudiksha-ji Maharaj, the mission also participates in blood donation camps and cleanliness drives, which benefit society significantly.

Former Vidhan Sabha Speaker, Gian Chand Gupta, and other dignitaries were also present.
New Delhi, Dec 29 : The year 2024 was marked by various events that had a profound impact on the nation. Several of these incidents sparked widespread discussions, leaving both the government and the public in a state of shock. Here's a look at some of the key events that created a stir across the country.

New Delhi, Dec 29 (IANS) The year 2024 was marked by various events that had a profound impact on the nation. Several of these incidents sparked widespread discussions, leaving both the government and the public in a state of shock. Hereas a look at some of the key events that created a stir across the country.

Kolkata rape and murder case

On 9 August, a 31-year-old female postgraduate trainee doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, West Bengal, was raped and murdered in the college building. Her body was found in a seminar room on campus.

On August 10, a 33-year-old male civic volunteer was arrested under suspicion of committing the crime.

Three days later, the Calcutta High Court transferred the investigation to the CBI. The junior doctors in West Bengal undertook a strike action for 42 days, demanding a thorough probe of the incident and adequate security at hospitals.

Wayanad landslide:

On the night of 30 July, a devastating landslide struck Wayanad district in Kerala. The massive disaster caused widespread destruction over several kilometers.

The death toll from the landslide was confirmed to be over 231, with reports suggesting that more than 420 people may have lost their lives.

Following the tragedy, rescue operations were launched in several affected areas.

The scene of devastation was heart-wrenching, and the disaster resulted in an estimated loss of Rs 1,200 crore.

Gruesome murder in Bengaluru:

The whole country was horrified by the murder of Mahalakshmi in Bengaluru, the capital of Karnataka.

The accused murdered his girlfriend Mahalakshmi, cut her body into 59 pieces and kept them in the refrigerator.

The killer had written in his suicide note that he had committed this brutal crime because he was fed up with Mahalakshmi's behaviour and had murdered her on September 3.

Tirupati laddu controversy:

A controversy erupted regarding the use of animal fat in the prasadam (sacred offering) of the Tirupati Temple.

The issue came to light on September 18 when Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP leader N. Chandrababu Naidu alleged that animal fat was being mixed into the sacred laddus.

This accusation placed the Tirupati temple administration under scrutiny and sparked a major debate about the purity of temple offerings.

Reasi terrorist attack:

On June 9, terrorists attacked a bus in the Pouni area of Reasi district, Jammu and Kashmir.

The bus was travelling from Shiv Khori to Katra when the attackers opened fire. Following the attack, the bus fell into a gorge, resulting in the deaths of 9 people, including a child.

The incident highlighted the ongoing security challenges in the region.

Hathras stampede incident:

On July 2, a tragic stampede occurred in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, after a religious satsang (spiritual gathering), resulting in the death of 123 people.

The incident happened when thousands of people gathered for the satsang, and due to a lack of adequate security arrangements by the police and administration, a massive stampede ensued, causing many to be crushed to death.

Following the tragedy, the spiritual leader of the gathering, Bhole Baba (Narayan Sakar Hari), relocated to Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh.

The hottest year in history:

2024 has been declared the hottest year on record. Due to climate change, temperatures worldwide saw a record increase.

India was no exception, experiencing extreme heat in July and August that significantly impacted people's daily lives. The intense heat waves raised concerns about the growing effects of climate change across the globe.
Samba, Dec 29 : Farmers in Samba district of Jammu & Kashmir are moving past traditional crops and opting for exotic vegetables for better returns.

Arjun Singh, a farmer of Ramgarh, border tehsil of Samba district, is an example of this change. He has started cultivating zucchini, a European-origin exotic vegetable, and is happy with the returns the crop is fetching him.

First-time zucchini cultivator Arjun Singh told IANS that the government has been of great help in this pursuit. "It has been very beneficial for me to grow this vegetable," he said.

Another farmer Karan Singh came to visit Arjun Singh's farm. "I had heard that he had got these new seeds and I came to talk to him about it. He said that this crop requires less effort and the output is more," he said, speaking to IANS.

"We used to grow wheat and paddy. We do not get proper returns for that and expenses are mounting. So, if the government supports, I will take advice from him [Arjun Singh] and farm this vegetable which will fetch more profits," he said.

Pointing to support for the farmers that the government is providing, Singh said: "I have heard that the agriculture department helps a lot with procuring seeds. I hope for the same."

"This government is helping farmers the way a father helps their son. There are subsidies, help in procuring seeds, making farmers aware and making them self-dependent. More people should come and see this, learn, and enhance their sources of income," he added.

Chief Agriculture Officer, Samba, Madan Gopal informed that the farmers of the district are being motivated for modern farming. He said, "Today farmers are earning better income from new techniques and cultivation of foreign vegetables. The Agriculture Department is providing them all possible help."

"More farmers are now drawn to cultivate this crop as they seek maximum returns. With is crop, the farmer can reap benefits up to more than five times compared to the traditional farming method. Government of J&K's holistic agriculture development programme has a provision for exotic vegetables that farmers can avail of," he said.
New Delhi, Dec 29 : AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal's claim that the elected government in Delhi is just a "half government" - with the other half being under the Central government - is nothing but a canard, said Vijender Gupta, Leader of the Opposition in Delhi Assembly, on Sunday.

New Delhi, Dec 29 (IANS) AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal's claim that the elected government in Delhi is just a "half government"  with the other half being under the Central government  is nothing but a canard, said Vijender Gupta, Leader of the Opposition in Delhi Assembly, on Sunday.

In a video message, the BJP leader said each Delhi voter casts a full one vote so the city government cannot be a "half government".

"Delhi voters do not want to elect a 'half government' under the AAP but a 'full government' under the BJP," he said.

"If Kejriwal and the AAP are finding it difficult to run the elected government, they should step aside as the BJP, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is ready to respect every single vote and give a full government to voters," Gupta said.

"The BJP government will make Delhi the best Capital in the world," he said.

Gupta said Kejriwal and his partymen are staring at defeat in the upcoming Assembly elections and due to this the AAP convenor has started levelling baseless charges against rivals in the New Delhi seat.

"The voters of New Delhi Assembly seat are not with Kejriwal. Surveys have shown that his vote share has dropped and his state of panic is a clear indication that the AAP's ship is sinking," he said.

Gupta said the AAP's attempt to shore up its chances by using bogus voters has also been foiled and its politics of falsehood has been exposed before voters.

"My message to Kejriwal is that after wasting 10 years in political accusations, it is time to accept that he stands exposed," he said.

He also predicted a tough fight for former Education Minister and Kejriwal's confidant Manish Sisodia in the Jangpura seat due to the Delhi voter's anger against the AAP government.

"Sisodia has changed his seat from Patparganj to Jangpura but Delhi's angry voters will punish him wherever he contests from," said Gupta.
Los Angeles, Dec 29 : Actress Rebel Wilson has once again married Ramona Agruma for a second time. This comes after the 44-year-old actress initially tied the knot with Ramona on the Italian island of Sardinia in September.

She recently revealed that they had also said their vows in her native Australia so her grandmother could attend the special day, reports 'Female First UK'.

She wrote on Instagram, "My sister Liberty officiated our legal wedding in Sydney! It meant my 94 year old grandmother Gar could come which was very special to us to have her included and just felt right to do it in my hometown at this glorious time of the year".

As per 'Female First UK', the actress, who has two-year-old daughter Royce with Latvia-born Ramona, had originally planned to marry in 2025, they had brought their plans forward and were looking forward to a "very elegant" ceremony in Europe.

A source told DailyMail.com, "Rebel doesn't want to wait any longer, she is happy to marry this month because she is very much in love with Ramona and wants to be wed. It will be a small ceremony with close friends and family, and also very elegant".

The actress went public with her romance with Ramona in June 2022, as she shared a selfie of them together on Instagram.

She wrote in the caption, "I thought I was searching for a Disney Prince but maybe what I really needed all this time was a Disney Princess (heart and rainbow emojis) #loveislove".

Rebel also used Instagram to announce she and Ramona had got engaged last year when she posted two photos of herself and her girlfriend wearing matching pink tops".

She captioned the images: "We said YES! Thank you @tiffanyandco for the stunning ring and to Bob Iger and the incredible team at Disneyland @disneyweddings for pulling off this".
Hyderabad, Dec 29 : Telangana recorded 43.33 per cent increase in cybercrimes during 2024 while the overall crime rate has jumped by 22.53 per cent.

A total of 25,184 cybercrime cases were reported during 2024 as against 17,571 cases in 2023.

The state reported 1,69,477 cognizable crimes from January to November against 1,38,312 cognizable crimes last year.

Director General of Police Dr Jitender on Sunday released the annual report of the police department, which revealed an increase in crimes like murders, rapes, cheating, robbery and burglary.

Referring to cybercrimes, the police chief said Rs 180 crore was traced and refunded to victims in 2024 compared to Rs 8 crore in 2023. He stated that there was an increase of 2,060 per cent.

The DGP said Rs 247 crore was put on hold/freeze in 2024 as compared to Rs 128 crore in 2023.

The police also blocked 14,984 SIMS, 9,811 IMEIs and 1,825 URLs/websites of cyber offenders during the year.

The DGP said law and order was maintained well in the State, with effective checks on violent crimes, and activities of Maoist, communal and terror outfits.

The Maoist activities remained largely under check. He claimed that police succeeded in countering the nefarious designs of the CPI (Maoist) to form small action teams and commit offences in the State, which resulted in four exchanges of fire, neutralising 14 extremists and seizure of 24 firearms in Telangana.

The police chief said 85 extremists were arrested and they included one Special Zonal Committee Member of CPI (Maoist), one State Committee Member and one State Committee Secretary of CPI (ML) ND. He said 41 extremists surrendered.

The DGP said the government was giving the highest priority to control of narcotics and wants to make it a zero drug availability state. Telangana Anti-Narcotics Bureau (TGANB) was established to combat drug trafficking comprehensively, including cultivation, production, transportation, smuggling, sale, purchase, possession or consumption of psychotropic substances, drugs and narcotics.

TGANB registered 1942 drug cases, arrested 4,682 persons and seized drugs worth Rs 142.95 crore and orders were obtained from the Competent Authority (SAFEMA) for freezing of properties worth Rs 55.8 crore of accused involved in 10 NDPS Act cases. The process is on to obtain freezing orders in 122 cases.

The police chief also noted that there was a smooth transition into the new criminal law regime with effect from July 1, 2024: The Crime and Criminal Tracking Network System (CCTNS) has been updated to align with the new criminal laws. Telangana became the first state in the country to issue a digitally signed FIR copy under the new laws.

A total of 85,190 cases were booked under New Criminal Laws from July 1 to November 30. These include 15,360 cases in Cyberabad, 10,501 in Hyderabad and 10,271 cases in Rachakonda. As many as 1,313 zero FIRs were booked as per provisions of new criminal laws.
Mahakumbh Nagar, Dec 29 : The 2025 Mahakumbh will take place in Prayagraj from January 13, and special preparations are underway for the same. For the first time, an AI chatbot will be used during this major religious congregation, providing information in 11 Indian languages.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also mentioned the Constitution Day and Mahakumbh in the 117th episode of his radio programme Mann Ki Baat. In a special conversation with IANS, Ravindra Puri, President of the All India Akhada Parishad, and Yoganand Giri, Mahant of the Juna Akhada, discussed the significance of the event.

In Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi emphasised that participating in the Kumbh should be an opportunity to resolve to eliminate division and hatred from society. Ravindra Puri commented: "We believe our Prime Minister is a great protector of Sanatan Dharma. All Hindus take pride in him, and I would like to say that after Jagatguru Shankaracharya, it is PM Modi who has contributed immensely to reviving Sanatan Dharma. Saints and the work being done for religious gatherings and fairs deserve high praise for PM Modi."

Ravindra Puri further stated: "We have always tried to eliminate caste and discrimination, and we will continue to do so. We have provided leadership positions to people from all castes. However, once we become sanyasis, we do not discuss caste; we are all sanyasis. All castes have representation in our leadership, and we strive to remain united. We want to ensure no negative messages are sent from Prayagraj that would harm the interests of saints and the government."

This year's Kumbh will also have a digital dimension, offering pilgrims many conveniences.

Ravindra Puri said: "This is the first time the Mahakumbh is going digital. Our Mahakumbh is now divine, grand, and clean. We now also have digital services. We have walkie-talkies, mobile phones, and drones monitoring the entire fairground. If we need anything or want to know where something is, we can use the app that provides all the information. The administration has worked tirelessly to make this possible."

Ravindra Puri concluded: "I urge pilgrims from India and abroad to come to Prayagraj, bathe in the holy waters, and take advantage of this beautiful opportunity for atonement. Bathing in the sacred Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers will purify you and bring you closer to salvation. Whatever wishes you bring will be fulfilled, we believe."

Meanwhile, Dr. Yoganand Giri, speaking with IANS, expressed his gratitude for Prime Minister Modi's mention of the Kumbh in Mann Ki Baat.

"The way Prime Minister Modi has brought up the Kumbh with respect to its divinity, grandeur, cleanliness, and modernisation is praiseworthy. The integration of AI technology and complete digitalisation of the Kumbh is a commendable step. A digital aLost and Founda centre is also being created. The way the Kumbh is being digitised is highly appreciated."

Yoganand Giri also pointed out that the Kumbh Mela promotes unity in society, fostering harmony and goodwill.

He said: "The Kumbh Mela is all about eliminating animosity and encouraging mutual love and respect. The saint community has always worked towards uniting society. Even those communities that society has marginalised have found a place among the saints. We have made them Acharyas and Mahamandaleshwars. Since ancient times, saints have worked towards societal unity, and today Prime Minister Modi acknowledged this in Mann Ki Baat. He deserves all the praise for his deep understanding of our Sanatan traditions. We thank him immensely."
by Chen Dongshu, Wu Yue

COLOMBO, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- In the sweltering heartland of Sri Lanka, where sunshine, heat, and abundant water conspire to create a tropical paradise, a seed sown often bursts into life with astonishing speed.

Yet, for Darshani Jayamanne, additional director of the sustainable agriculture research and development center in Makandura, in Sri Lankas northwestern province, a nagging question persisted: Why did the island's bountiful harvests consistently fall short of expectations?

The landscape shifted dramatically with the launch of the China-FAO Sri Lanka South-South Cooperation Project in 2023. Soon after, Chinese tropical agriculture specialists arrived, bringing cutting-edge technologies that transformed the previously lackluster, traditionally managed orchards. The impact was nothing short of remarkable.

As 2024 drew to a close, the fruits of this collaboration were becoming evident. In the Chinese technology demonstration plots in Makandura, pineapples and bananas, nurtured over the past year, were finally ripening.

In the scorching December sun, when the temperature climbed to 33 degrees Celsius, Zhao Zengxian, a renowned expert from the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, was guiding local agricultural technicians through the intricacies of fruit bagging technology.

"Why the need for fruit bagging?" asked a curious local farm worker. "We've never thought of doing this before."

With patience, Zhao explained, "Isolating the fruit protects it from pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical pesticides."

"It shields them from sun and rain damage and even prevents those cheeky peacocks and squirrels from taking bites. Ultimately, this improves the fruit's flavor, keeps the skin clean and evenly colored, and boosts your profits," Zhao added, listing the numerous benefits of this innovative approach that has been widely adopted back in China.

The root of Sri Lanka's struggle with fruit production lies in the limited adoption of modern agricultural management practices. Locally, fruit bagging was unheard of. The thousands of bags used in the demonstration plots were a commitment to the Chinese experts' dedication, brought all the way from their homeland.

"Half of our suitcase space was for personal items, the other half was filled with these bags," they chuckled. "Demonstrating our techniques with the right tools is crucial for showing the best outcomes."

The results spoke for themselves. The first batch of mango orchards adopting Chinese planting management techniques saw a 50 percent more yield than before. Pineapple harvests are expected to increase by more than three times, and the quality and quantity of bananas have also significantly improved.

As the successes mounted, so did the trust. Farmers, initially hesitant, were quickly won over, increasingly seeking the advice of the Chinese experts in their own fields.

About 10 km from the demonstration site, local farmer Rishan Poorna has just planted five acres of pineapple. With the translation helped by Darshani Jayamanne, he proudly recited the Chinese experts' teachings: "Raising ridges to prevent flooding, precise drip irrigation, intensive planting, and soil film coverage --- each technique a game-changer for our farm's productivity and efficiency."

Kapila Munasinghe, a national project specialist of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), praised the Chinese experts' dedication to farm innovation in Sri Lanka.

"They have embedded themselves in the fields, sharing practical agricultural techniques tailored to local needs. Their presence has brought new hope to Sri Lankan farmers," said Munasinghe.

Sun Dequan, leader of the Chinese expert group of the cooperation project, elaborated on the team's diverse skills.

"Our experts specialize in various tropical fruits like bananas, mangoes, and pineapples. Their expertise covers everything from seedling cultivation and management to pest and disease control, water and fertilizer management, good agricultural practices, product processing, and even agricultural economics," he said.

"We aim to provide comprehensive technical guidance, ensuring that the promise of increased yields becomes a tangible reality for the local communities," added the Chinese expert.

In the lush orchards of this South Asian island, fruits and hope ripen side-by-side, growing resiliently towards the sun -- a testament to the power of international cooperation, innovation and China-Sri Lanka partnership. 
Mumbai, Dec 29 : Veteran actor Anupam Kher, who was last seen in the streaming movie 'Vijay 69', is making the most of his trip to Thailand.

On Sunday, the senior actor took to his Instagram, and shared many pictures and videos from his vacation in which he could be seen enjoying fusion delicacies.

He also penned a long note in the caption, as he wrote, "This trip to #Thailand with my brother and childhood friends has been really special in many ways. Apart from my motivational lecture, travelling to #Ayutthaya (read Ayodhaya) temple to street shopping has been exceptional. But we ate some delicious food at some great restaurants too. Two of them stood out (Apart from @restaurant_gaa). Chef. @harinayak's @jholbkk and @clarabangkok. Loved it and the people behind these wonderful places. Thank you and #Dhanyawad! #FriendsInThailand".

One of the delicacies was made from malabar parota and mushroom.

Earlier, the actor took a walk down the memory lane as he felt that every experience in life counts. The senior actor earlier took to his Instagram, and shared pictures of himself at different locations, and in the company of different people. He also penned a long note in the caption, as he recollected his journey of 40 years in cinema, and the struggles that he went through.

He wrote, "Casa Maria, Bandra: Casa Maria on St Paul's Road is my third house in the city. This is during Saaransh (his debut film in 1984) and I was staying on the first floor". He continued, "Bal Gandharva Rang Mandir, ( Bandra West). The first place I worked at when I came to Mumbai on June 3rd 1981 for a job in an acting school. Then I discovered that actually there was no building or a place or an acting school! We were conducting classes on the beach".
Srinagar, Dec 29, : In the aftermath of heavy snowfall, J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday virtually chaired a comprehensive meeting with Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and Deputy Commissioners (DCs) of Kashmir division.

The meeting was held at the Raabita Public Outreach Office to assess the ongoing restoration efforts and review the status of essential services, including snow clearance, power and water supply, health facilities and other critical services, an official statement said.

"During the meeting, MLAs across the party lines appreciated the efforts of CM-led Administration in swift response to snowfall, acknowledging the commitment of Government in times of weather adversaries," the statement said.

At the outset, the Chief Minister sought feedback from MLAs across party lines regarding the restoration measures in their respective constituencies.

Discussions centred on snow clearance operations, the restoration of power and water supply and the provision of other essential services and supplies.

The Chief Minister also held one-on-one discussions with Deputy Commissioners of the Kashmir Valley and snow-affected districts of Jammu Division.

The DCs provided updates on the current situation and detailed the measures taken to restore normalcy, particularly in challenging weather conditions.

During the meeting, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah urged officers to remain sensitive and responsive to public grievances, directing them to identify gaps in service delivery and take immediate corrective actions.

"He emphasised the need to minimise hardships faced by the common people and praised the dedication of the Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners and employees who have been working tirelessly in adverse climatic conditions," the statement added.

"Looking ahead, the Chief Minister called for enhanced preparedness in light of the snowfall forecast for the following week.

He instructed officials to improve action plans based on lessons learnt from recent weather events."

The Chief Minister emphasised the need to prioritise snow clearance on link roads, inner lanes, and bylanes to ensure accessibility for residents.

He directed the Jal Shakti Department (PHE) to address water supply issues promptly and enhance the deployment of water tankers in affected areas.

CM Omar Abdullah instructed Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) and concerned departments to implement measures to prevent waterlogging in low-lying areas.

Stressing the importance of smooth traffic movement on the National Highway, the Chief Minister called for enhanced coordination between the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Traffic Police, and District Administrations.

The Chief Minister stressed the importance of continuous monitoring and synergy among various departments to avoid any inconvenience to the public.
Hyderabad, Dec 29 : A special session of the Telangana Assembly will be held on Monday to pay tribute to former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh who passed away on December 26.

Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar has convened the second meeting of the fourth session of the third Telangana Assembly at 10 a.m. on December 30, as per a notice issued by State Legislature Secretary V. Narasimha Charyulu.

The special sitting has been convened during the ongoing mourning period.

The state government had declared a holiday for all government offices and educational institutions on December 27 as a mark of respect to Manmohan Singh. It had also announced a seven-day mourning.

Members cutting across party lines will pay tributes to Manmohan Singh, who served as the Prime Minister for two terms.

The ruling Congress and the main opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) are also likely to recall the key role played by the former Prime Minister in the creation of Telangana.

It was during the regime of the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) that the Bill for bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh was passed in the Parliament.

Telangana came into existence as the 29th state on June 2, 2014.

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy paid tributes to Manmohan Singh at the AICC office on December 28.

Revanth Reddy was attending the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting at Belgavi in Karnataka when news of Manmohan Singhas demise reached the top party leadership.

The Chief Minister called Manmohan Singh one of the greatest economists, leaders, reformers, and above all, a humanitarian of our times.

While paying his tributes to Manmohan Singh, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) president and former Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao mentioned that during Telangana movement, his party, then the TRS, as its strategy for a separate Telangana state, had an alliance with the Congress and recalled his association with Manmohan Singh as a minister in his Cabinet.
Bareilly, Dec 29 : Ahead of the New Year, a controversial statement was made by Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi, President of All India Muslim Jamaat. On Sunday, he spoke about a fatwa issued against participating in New Year's celebrations and offering greetings for the occasion.

He advised Muslims not to engage in such activities and stated that those who do would be considered criminals according to Sharia law. He stressed that Muslims should refrain from participating in these practices.

In a video message, he said: "Chashma Darul Ifta Bareilly Sharif has issued a fatwa regarding the celebration of the New Year. The fatwa states that celebrating the New Year as per the English calendar in January is inappropriate for Muslims. It also mentions that many Muslim boys and girls celebrate the New Year and exchange greetings, which is a religious ritual of Christians. Islam prohibits participating in or following the religious rituals of any other religion."

He further explained: "The fatwa also highlighted that New Year celebrations often involve dancing, loud noise, drinking alcohol, gambling, and other activities strictly prohibited in Islam. Anyone who participates in such events will be considered a sinner. Therefore, Muslims have been clearly instructed to stay away from such activities and not celebrate the New Year, as it goes against Islamic principles. In the eyes of Sharia, people who engage in such acts are criminals. They should refrain from such actions and never indulge in them."

However, Kashish Warsi, the national president of the Sufi Foundation, has reportedly criticised the fatwa.

He has reportedly called it a product of a "fatwa factory" that places undue restrictions on Muslims. Warsi questioned the selective labelling of practices as forbidden, arguing that genuine issues within the community remain unaddressed.
New Delhi, Dec 29 : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday lauded the contribution of the training institutions of the Indian Army in making the personnel proficient in military strategies and skills of warfare.

He was on a visit to the three Premier Training Institutes of the Indian Army - Army War College (AWC), Infantry School and Military College of Telecommunication & Engineering (MCTE) - in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, on Sunday, accompanied by Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi and other senior officers of the Indian Army.

The Defence Minister was briefed by the Officiating Commandant on the establishment of Advanced Incubation and Research Centre and the various MoUs towards enabling absorption and transformation of technologies, said a statement.

He visited the Army Marksmanship Unit to witness their contribution towards national sports.

The Defence Minister also visited the Infantry Museum, where he was briefed on the history of Infantry as well as the induction of modernised equipment into the Infantry.

Singh also interacted with all ranks of the three institutes at AWC.

Addressing the troops, he commended the courage of the Indian Army personnel in safeguarding the borders and ensuring national security.

"Your dedication and devotion to duty are an inspiration to all of us. It is due to your hard work and commitment that our country and its borders are becoming increasingly secure and strong," he said.

The Defence Minister called upon the armed forces to continue keeping a vigilant eye on the current geopolitical scenario, and always remain alert and ready to deal with any kind of threats.

He emphasised that there are times when India faces challenges on the borders as well as on the internal front, which makes it imperative for the soldiers to keep a close eye on the activities of the adversaries and take timely and effective steps against them.

The Defence Minister asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government's aim is to make India a developed and self-reliant nation by 2047, and the Armed Forces will play a crucial role in achieving this goal.

Earlier, Rajnath Singh visited the Bhim Janm Bhoomi, a memorial dedicated to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in Mhow, and paid homage to the Bharat Ratna awardee and the architect of the Indian Constitution at his birthplace.
Guwahati, Dec 29 : The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), which operates in the northeastern states and in seven districts of West Bengal and five districts of north Bihar, would soon integrate 'Kavach 4.0' to improve train operations, officials said here on Sunday.

NFR Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Kapinjal Kishore Sharma said that a 1,966 route kilometre length from Malda town (in West Bengal) to Dibrugarh (in Assam) has been identified for implementation of Kavach.

"NFR, being a part of the nation's railway connectivity system, would be integrating this advanced technological system 'Kavach 4.0' soon, providing safer, more reliable, and efficient rail services within its jurisdiction," he said.

The CPRO said that the Indian Railways is speeding up to deploy advanced Kavach 4.0 - automatic train protection system across its key routes.

According to Sharma, the Kavach 4.0 is an enhanced comprehensive, technology-driven solution developed by Indian Railways to prevent accidents and ensure the smooth operation of trains, providing an additional layer of safety and control.

All the locomotives where lower versions of Kavach were installed will be replaced with the upgraded Kavach 4.0, he said.

The implementation of Kavach 4.0 by Indian Railways across its key routes is a broader initiative to modernise its infrastructure and improve safety standards.

The NFR CPRO said that by leveraging technology such as Kavach 4.0, the connectivity system would ensure smoother operations, minimising human error, and most importantly, preventing accidents.

The Kavach 4.0 system is built upon several critical technological components, including Station Kavach, which receives information from Loco Kavach and signalling systems to guide the locomotive and RFID tags, which are installed along the tracks at regular intervals and signal point to monitor the train's location and direction.

Over the past period, Indian Railways has been taking several steps to cut down train accidents.

By rolling out Kavach 4.0, Indian Railways is committed to making rail travel even safer for passengers.

This step is part of a larger plan to strengthen the railway network and boost safety measures across the rail network of the country, Sharma said.

The system is capable of automatically applying brakes if the loco pilot fails to do so, as it displays real-time line-side signals in the driver's cab, and provides continuous movement authority updates through radio-based communication, he pointed out.

Other key features of the "Kavach 4.0" include automatic whistling at level crossing gates, direct locomotive-to-locomotive communication to prevent collisions, and an SOS function to alert authorities in case of emergencies.
Thiruvananathapuram, Dec 29 : Malayalam film and television actor Dileep Shankar has been found dead in the room of a hotel here, the police said on Sunday.

A source in the Kerala Police told IANS that Dileep Shankar had checked into the hotel two days ago.

However, the hotel staff became suspicious after noticing no activity in his room and detecting a foul smell emanating from it.

When the staff broke open the door, they found the actor dead.

The police were immediately informed and a team of police personnel arrived at the spot to initiate further inquiries.

Police sources stated that investigations are ongoing and that forensic tests will be conducted to determine the cause of death.

It has been reported that Dileep Shankar had been dealing with certain health issues which may have contributed to this tragic incident.

Dileep Shankar was well-known for his performances in several Malayalam serials, including Amma Ariyathe, Sundari, and Panchagni.

Cantonment police SHO Peajeesh Sasi told mediapersons that the death is estimated to have happened at least two days ago.

He said that the AC in the hotel room was functioning and that the body had not decomposed as much as it would have in normal conditions.

The police officer said that the actor was known to have had some health issues, but the exact cause of

death can be ascertained only after the post-mortem.

Some reports suggested that Dileep Shankar was in the capital city of Kerala for the shooting of television series 'Panchagni'.

The director of the show reportedly told the police that the actor had been suffering from a serious illness. The nature of the illness, however, could not be immediately known. Dileep Shankar was undergoing treatment for the ailment.

Meanwhile, sources said that the police have launched an investigation into the incident, adding that a forensic team will examine the hotel room in which Dileep Shankar stayed.

Initial examination of the hotel room did not hint at any foul play, a police source said.

Dileep Shankar, a native of Ernakulam in Kerala, has been part of several popular Malayalam shows.

He is known for playing roles in serials like 'Amma Iriathe', 'Panchagni' and 'Sundari'.
Hyderabad, Dec 29 : Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Sunday visited Kanha Shanti Vanam, the headquarters of Heartfulness on the outskirts of Hyderabad.

The Chief Minister inquired about the soft skills being imparted to children and students at Kanha Shanti Vanam in Kanha village of Nandigama mandal in Rangareddy district.

He praised the students for demonstrating skills like identifying colors and reading words in blindfold.

Revanth Reddy expressed his opinion that steps need to be taken to provide such wonderful skills in government schools and residential schools as well.

Later, he visited the Tree Conservation Centre in the same premises. The Shanti Vanam administrators explained to the CM the procedures related to the development of various types of trees and the cultivation of plants.

The Chief Minister also visited the rain forest which has been developed especially in the Shanti Vanam and the tissue-culture lab housed at the facility. He also planted a sapling at the meditation centre.

Chief Minister's Advisor Vem Narender Reddy, Government Advisor Srinivasa Raju, MLA Shankaraiah and senior officials were present, according to a statement from the Chief Minister's Office.

During his maiden visit to Kanha Shanti Vanam, the Chief Minister met Daaji, guide of Heartfulness and president of Shri Ram Chandra Mission. He also had a special guided tour of a unique rainforest which is thriving at Kanha Shanti Vanam.

Revanth Reddy discussed with Daaji the good work that Heartfulness has been doing in the fields of sustainability, afforestation, women empowerment and education. He appreciated the vision and keen guidance of Daaji that has propelled Shri Ram Chandra Mission to newer heights in terms of reach and making lives better. The two discussed the various initiatives and how the programmes can be extended for public welfare.

"Kanha Shanti Vanam is the pride of Telangana today. Under Daaji's guidance Heartfulness has set the standards for global communities in building an ecosystem. There is so much that international communities can learn from Kanha Shanti Vanam today a" be it afforestation, sustainability, education," a statement from Heartfulness quoted the Chief Minister as saying.

"While Heartfulness has selflessly strived to improve lives, we are motivated because of the government's support in this direction. Our aim is to make heaven on earth through a balanced approach while raising human consciousness," said Daaji.
Patna, Dec 29 : The protest by Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) aspirants demanding a re-examination of the 70th Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) intensified on Sunday in Patna. The situation had come to such a pass that the police resorted to cane-charge and the use of water cannons.

Thousands of students gathered at Gandhi Maidan, alleging irregularities in the December 13 exam, and later marched toward JP Golambar.

A heavy police presence was deployed to manage the escalating protests.

Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor joined the protest. He has offered his full support to the protesting students and aspirants. Kishor had earlier called for a "Chhatra Sansad" (Student Parliament) at Gandhi Maidan on Saturday, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti, to discuss students' demands and chart future actions.

However, the city administration denied permission for the event.

The protests, now entering 10th day, are primarily driven by allegations of a paper leak at the Bapu exam centre.

Although the BPSC conducted a re-examination at that centre, the commission maintains that the irregularities were isolated and do not justify cancelling the entire exam.

On Friday, BPSC Examination Controller Rajesh Kumar Singh reiterated the commission's position, stating that the 70th CCE exam would not be annulled under any circumstances.

He confirmed that the main examination would proceed as scheduled in April and urged candidates to focus on their preparations rather than continuing protests.

Singh also stated that the exam was conducted transparently and pointed out that only a small group of candidates were protesting, without any substantial evidence to support their allegations.

Despite BPSC's assertions, the protests show no signs of subsiding. Students remain resolute in their demand for a full cancellation of the exam.

Earlier this week, police in Patna resorted to cane-charges when protesting students attempted to enter the BPSC office. While BPSC has acknowledged the irregularities at the Patna centre, it maintains that the exam proceeded smoothly at over 900 other centres across the state without any issues.

Meanwhile, earlier, the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) had announced the release of admit cards for the 70th Integrated Combined Competitive (Preliminary) Examination (CCE) 2024 re-exam.

The re-examination, scheduled for January 4, 2024, will only apply to approximately 12,000 candidates who appeared at the Bapu Campus Exam Centre in Patna on December 13, 2024.
New Delhi, Dec 29 : Congress' Delhi unit President Devender Yadav said on Sunday that the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Aam Aadmi Party are facing an imminent rout in the upcoming Assembly elections and both the parties are creating a false narrative through blame games to divert voters' attention.

New Delhi, Dec 29 (IANS) Congress' Delhi unit President Devender Yadav said on Sunday that the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Aam Aadmi Party are facing an imminent rout in the upcoming Assembly elections and both the parties are creating a false narrative through blame games to divert votersa attention.

The two parties were accusing each other to divert peopleas attention from their failures and total neglect of the issues affecting the city over the past 10 years, he said.

Yadav said that the national capital's voters had now made up their minds to support the Congress and this was the feedback he got during the month-long Delhi Nyay Yatra.

He said that Congress had made Delhi a world-class city during the 15 years when the party was in power, but the BJP and the AAP, with their mutual bickering and incompetence, destroyed it.

The two parties have reduced the city to a huge garbage dump with crumbling civic infrastructure, he said.

Yadav said that the AAP leaders, led by former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and CM Atishi, have been misleading the people with fraudulent, non-existent schemes for women and the elderly, despite the departments concerned of the Delhi government putting out disclaimers in newspapers.

It was strange that the BJP and the AAP were suddenly thinking of the welfare of the poor and the marginalised who were totally neglected in the past 10 years, he said.

He said that Congress does not play vote bank politics as the party has always given priority to the welfare of the people when it is in power, both in Delhi as well as at the Centre.

Yadav said that neither the BJP nor the AAP were talking about the misery caused to the people due to broken roads, garbage accumulation, water-logging and massive traffic jams when winter rains lashed the city.

He also highlighted peopleas objection to the setting up of a garbage dump at the Sanoth village at Bawana as the AAP-ruled Municipal Corporation of Delhi had failed to flatten the existing three garbage mountains in the city.

Yadav said that the rhetoric of BJP and AAP will not influence voters of Delhi anymore, as they have suffered enough due to their misgovernance, and people now are looking for a change with the Congress being the only option before them.
BEIJING, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- Chinese authorities have summoned the principal official of the government of Benxi City in northeast China's Liaoning Province, after a local school canteen was accused of serving students leftovers retrieved from garbage bins.

The office of the food safety commission under China's State Council, as well as the Ministry of Education and the State Administration for Market Regulation, said that the extremely severe incident has revealed that the school in question failed to fulfill its responsibilities and meet relevant requirements, and that there were obvious flaws in its canteen management.

The authorities stressed that food safety is crucial to the lives and health of the public, and that school food safety is paramount, adding that ensuring school food safety is an unshirkable responsibility of Party committees and governments at all levels.

The authorities ordered Benxi City to take strong, effective measures to rectify the problem and make efforts to improve regulations regarding school food safety.

The office of the food safety commission under the State Council will conduct on-site inspections and oversee the implementation of the rectifications in Benxi City. 
Mumbai, Dec 29 : Bollywood actress and BJP member of Parliament, Kangana Ranaut, recently attended the grand Ram Katha event held at Thakur Village in Kandivali, Mumbai.

The event, featuring the revered saint Swami Rambhadracharya Maharaj, marked the seventh day of his spiritual discourse on the Ramayana. Ranaut's presence at the event highlighted her deep connection to Indian culture and spirituality.

Speaking to the media, Kangana expressed the profound impact the Katha had on her. "While we are all familiar with the Ramayana, the way Gurudev has intertwined it with patriotism and religion is incredibly inspiring. The youth of today need to learn this," she said, while emphasizing the importance of understanding the teachings of the Ramayana.

The Queen actress further elaborated on her thoughts, quoting Swami Rambhadracharya Maharaj, who said, "The nation is not just a piece of land; it has its culture, religion, and symbols. The character of Shri Ram is a symbol of our eternal culture." She encouraged young people to connect with their heritage and culture, stressing that understanding and embracing one's roots is essential for the growth of the nation.

Responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for unity, encapsulated in the message "Ek Hai Sandesh" at the Maha Kumbh, Ranaut shared her views. "Throughout history, there have been many attempts to divide us, but Prime Minister Modi is working tirelessly to unite the nation. The Maha Kumbh is a perfect example of our culture and unity," she remarked.

On the subject of Hindutva, Kangana emphasized the importance of embracing Sanatan Dharma and connecting with one's cultural roots without hesitation. She urged the youth to take pride in their heritage and traditions.

On the professional front, Kangana will next be seen in the upcoming film Emergency, which is based on an emergency period imposed by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The biopic is slated to hit theatres January 17, 2025.
New Delhi, Dec 29 : Delhi BJP General Secretary and MP Yogender Chandolia addressed a protest organised by the Guest Teachers Democratic Forum on Sunday against their alleged exploitation by the Arvind Kejriwal and Atishi governments over the past 10 years.

Claiming that the protest by teachers had exposed the AAP government's claims on a world-class education model, Chandolia assured the protesting guest teachers of Delhi government schools that he would speak to Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena for regularisation of their service.

He promised the protesting guest teachers that once the BJP forms a government after the coming Assembly elections, all guest teachers will be regularised.

During the protest on Sunday, guest teachers raised several demands, including a refund of Rs 15,000 for tablets purchased by 26,000 guest teachers on the directions of the Delhi government's education department, which remained unpaid for over a year.

The teachers also demanded job security with a retirement policy up to the age of 60.

They have also sought fixed monthly salaries with basic pay and dearness allowance and leave benefits.

The agitating teachers are also demanding reinstatement of terminated or released guest teachers.

Chandolia said that the Delhi government has consistently exploited guest teachers. "The insensitive Kejriwal government only makes promises but fails to fulfil them," he said.

The BJP MP lamented that it was an unfortunate situation where teachers, responsible for educating children in schools, were forced to protest on the streets for their rights.

He further highlighted that guest teachers, in service since 2010, are now overage and, therefore, no longer eligible to take competitive exams for reemployment.

"Guest teachers were a necessity for the government in the past, and now, the Delhi government has compelled them to protest on the streets to demand justice," he concluded.

Earlier, BJP leaders pointed to the failure of the AAP's education model in Punjab as well where a fast-unto-death by a computer teacher on Sunday entered the eighth day against the Bhagwant Mann government's failure to pay their salary dues.

Exposing the AAP's much-touted education model, Johnny Singhla's fast-unto-death entered the eighth day while a relay fast by his fellow government computer teachers entered its 120th day to protest against the Punjab government's failure to take note of their demands related to wage revision and parity.
Agartala, Dec 29 : Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi on Sunday said that the government has recently approved a Private Enterprise Guarantee (PEG) scheme for enhancing storage space in northeastern states.

With this initiative, the Food Corporation of India (FCI) aims to double its storage capacity in Tripura by constructing an additional capacity of 70,000 MT in a two years time, he said.

The Union Minister, who during his two-day (December 28-29) visit to Tripura held a series of meetings with Chief Minister Manik Saha, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Sushanta Chowdhury and senior officials, said that to control price volatility, the government maintains an onion buffer under the Price Stabilisation Fund.

"To make the disposal cost-effective and efficient, for the first time, transportation of onions from Nashik to major destinations including Guwahati in the northeastern region have been carried out by rail," he said in one of the meetings with officials.

The Union Minister also said that today, the Centre, under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), is providing free food grains to 81 crore people, which is twice the population of the European Union.

Under the scheme rice, wheat and coarse grains are being provided free of cost to state-identified beneficiaries as per local need, he said, adding that the Narendra Modi government has extended this free ration scheme till December 31, 2028.

Recently, the Central government has also extended the universal supply of fortified rice enriched with essential micronutrients such as iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12 under all government welfare schemes, including the PMGKAY, Integrated Child Development Services and PM POSHAN from July 2024 until December 2028, Joshi said.

Highlighting that the 'One Nation, One Ration Card' plan has been implemented by all 36 States/UTs, across the country to benefit the migrant labourers, he said that the beneficiaries are empowered to lift their entitled food grain from any Fair Price Shop of their choice, anywhere in the country.

To protect the interest of the consumers in the country, the Strengthening of Consumer Commissions scheme is being implemented by the Department of Consumer Affairs, he added.

The Central government has been providing financial assistance to the state governments under the scheme to supplement their efforts and the total funds released since inception to Tripura is Rs 3.65 crore.

Joshi, who also holds the New and Renewable Energy portfolio, has lauded initiatives of the Tripura government in the New and Renewable Energy sector, saying that the state has made good progress in this sector.

Before 2018, a total of 2.5 MW of electricity was generated through solar energy, but in the last 6.5 years, the BJP-led government in Tripura has increased the generation 10 times to more than 20.5 MW now, he pointed out.
Shillong, Dec 29 : Akash Sagar, a social media influencer who last week chanted 'Siya Ram Jai Jai Ram' inside a church in Meghalaya's East Khasi Hills district, is likely to be arrested soon, the police said on Sunday.

A senior police officer said that Meghalaya Police had learned of Sagar's whereabouts and are taking necessary action to arrest him.

The police officer, however, refused to disclose further details about the youth.

Sagar reportedly intruded inside a church in Mawlynnong village on December 26 and chanted 'Siya Ram Jai Jai Ram' drawing serious criticism from people across the state.

Soon after the incident, an FIR was registered against him at Pynursla police station.

The Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) has demanded the immediate arrest of Sagar for the "blatant act of insulting and disrespecting" Christians with his objectionable act in the Mawlynnong church.

Taking a strong exception to the act, the HYC's Central Executive Council termed it a direct attack on people following the Christian faith and belief.

Asking the police to arrest Sagar and his accomplices at the earliest and make him face the consequences of his actions according to the provisions of the law, the HYC said in a statement an example should be set by the law-enforcing agencies in Meghalaya in the instant case so that such acts are not repeated and Christians in the state are not disrespected in the future.

Meghalaya Police have registered the case after a social activist, Angela Rangad filed a complaint against the youth for allegedly harming the religious sentiments of people by intruding inside a church and chanting 'Siya Ram Jai Jai Ram' in the state's East Khasi Hills district.

Rangad, in her complaint to the police, said that she came across videos on various social media including Facebook and Instagram, by one Akash Sagar, where he is found criminally trespassing the Church of Epiphany, Mawlynnong, East Khasi Hills, and deliberately desecrating the religious sanctity of the church.

"The youth deliberately and in a premeditated and planned way trespassed into the altar area and shouted non-Christian slogans and mockingly sang non-Christian songs. This act was deliberately and in collusion with two others who appear in the video, done to create communal disharmony, insulting the minority culture and to establish a majoritarian culture of hate in violation of all constitutional rights of religious freedom," she said in her FIR.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma had also condemned the act and said that legal action in this regard is on.

BJP's Meghalaya unit also earlier condemned the incident at the Mawlynnong Church, "where an individual could be seen engaging in acts that have the potential to hurt the sentiments of Christians across the state and the country".

Demanding his immediate arrest, Chief Spokesperson of Meghalaya BJP Mariahom Kharkrang said that such cheap publicity stunts, aimed at furthering one's personal agendas, only hurt the sensitivities of every right-thinking citizen across faiths and can act as a catalyst to inter-religious frictions.

Kharkrang in a statement said that it is important to note that Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself joins the Church leaders on Christmas eve and leads the nation in celebrating the message of universal love.

The President of Central Puja Committee, an influential Hindu organisation in Meghalaya, Naba Bhattacharjee has also condemned the act.
Patna, Dec 29 : After a daylong 'Chhatra Sansad', the Bihar government is ready to meet a delegation of five students on Sunday, officials said.

The meeting will occur between the student delegation and Bihar's Chief Secretary Amrit Lal Meena.

This marks a significant development following 13 days of protest by the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) candidates.

The Chhatra Sansad was organised to address grievances and demands raised by BPSC candidates, the event has drawn attention to prolonged administrative inaction, as highlighted by Prashant Kishor, leader of the Jan Suraaj Party.

Kishor, who participated in the event, confirmed that this meeting was the first substantial engagement after 13 days of protests during which no official addressed the students' concerns.

Describing the Chief Secretary as the second-highest authority in the state's administration, Kishor emphasised the meeting's significance for the student movement.

In his interaction with the media in Patna, the Jan Suraaj Party Chief also warned, aIf the government does not concede to the students' demands, a decision on the next steps will be announced on Monday."

Earlier on Sunday, a significant gathering of students, accompanied by Prashant Kishor, actively participated in the Chhatra Sansad held at Gandhi Maidan, Patna.

The assembly was a platform to voice student grievances and push for their demands.

Later on Sunday evening, tensions escalated as the participants decided to march towards the Chief Minister's residence.

Demonstrators broke through barricades set up at the J.P. roundabout and proceeded toward Dak Bungalow Chowk, intensifying the situation.

In response, Patna Police deployed a substantial force along the routes leading to the Chief Minister's residence, aiming to manage the mob and prevent further escalation.

BPSC had conducted the 70th BPSC Combined Preliminary Examination held at 912 centres across Bihar.

The candidates are demanding the cancellation of the examination following a ruckus that arose at the Bapu Examination Centre in Patna on December 13.

The chaos at the Bapu Examination Centre led to the cancellation of the examination at that centre.

BPSC announced a re-examination at the centre on January 4.

Protesters are dissatisfied with BPSC's decision to only cancel the examination at the Bapu Examination Centre. They are demanding the cancellation of the entire examination and argue that irregularities were not limited to one examination centre.
Chennai, Dec 30 : The two-member fact-finding committee of the National Commission for Women (NCW) arrived in Chennai on Sunday to probe the alleged sexual assault of a 19-year-old student at Anna University.

On Saturday (December 28), NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar constituted the committee to investigate and recommend action.

The two-member committee consists of Mamta Kumari, a Member of the NCW, and Praveen Dixit, IPS (retd.), former Director General of Police (DGP) of Maharashtra and Special Rapporteur for Maharashtra and Goa in the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

Praveen Dixit arrived in Chennai via an Indigo flight from Pune while Mamta Kumari arrived via an Indigo flight from Kolkata.

The committee will investigate the case, examine the circumstances leading to the incident, and assess the actions taken by the authorities, as per the statement.

The committee will also interact with concerned officials, the victim, her family, friends, and various NGOs to ascertain the facts and propose measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.

The Commission has taken a suo moto cognisance of an alleged sexual assault of a student at Anna University.

It has already issued a notice to the Tamil Nadu Director General of Police (DGP) regarding the incident.

On Saturday, the Madras High Court ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising three IPS officers to investigate the Anna University alleged sexual assault case.

A second-year student of Anna University was allegedly sexually assaulted on the Anna University campus on Monday night, Chennai Police said.

One person has been arrested in connection with the case.

In her December 23 complaint to police, the student alleged that an unidentified man had threatened and sexually assaulted her when she was talking to her friend on campus on Monday around 8 p.m.

Based on the complaint, a case has been registered at the Kotturpuram All Women Police Station and an investigation is underway.

Pulling up the Chennai Police for revealing the contents of the FIR on its website, including the rape survivor's identity, a Bench of Justices S.M. Subramaniam and V. Lakshminarayanan ordered the Tamil Nadu government to pay an interim compensation of Rs 25 lakh to the victim.

--IANS

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Notwithstanding the economic issues faced by it back home, the Pakistan Army is fully backing the terrorist infrastructure as 60 percent of terrorists killed in Jammu and Kashmir this year were Pakistanis.

IMAGE: Army and Jammu and Kashmir police personnel during an anti-terrorist operation at Sopore in Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir, November 8, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

The local recruitment of terrorists in the Pakistan-sponsored terror groups is also very low as only four locals have joined these groups this year, Army officials told ANI.

In different encounters and operations, the security has been able to eliminate around 75 terrorists in different regions of the state including the Jammu region and the Kashmir valley along with the firefights that take place during infiltration attempts by terrorists on the Line of Control, they said.

Notably, Pakistan has traditionally been seen as one of the biggest hubs for exporting terrorists to almost all parts of the world with a main focus on India.

Islamabad has tried to give a strong push to terrorism in the Jammu region since last year but the activities of the Pakistani terrorists in this area of Jammu region including districts in Rajouri, Poonch, Doda, Kishtwar, Kathua and Reasi govern been curbed with additional deployment of troops and filling up of the vacuum created thereafter withdrawal of the Uniform Force of Rashtriya Rifles from there for the China border deployments.

Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi and Northern Army Commander Lt Gen MV Suchendra Kumar have been laying focus on eliminating the terrorists from the area looked after by the White Knight Corps of the force.
The Bharatiya Janata Party has accused the Congress of politicising the death of former prime minister Manmohan Singh and levelling "baseless allegations" of disrespect and mismanagement at his State funeral.

IMAGE: Rituals for the 'Asthi Visarjan' of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh perform at Yamuna Ghat near Gurdwara Majnu Ka Tilla, in New Delhi, December 29, 2024. Photograph: Mohd Zakir/ANI Photo

The opposition party had called the government's arrangements for Singh's State funeral a "shocking display" of disrespect and mismanagement

Hitting back, the BJP asked the Congress to stop "politicising" the former prime minister's death by levelling "baseless allegations" and accord him the dignity he deserved.

On Saturday, the Congress' media and publicity department chief Pawan Khera levelled a host of allegations against the Centre on the arrangements for Singh's State funeral at Nigambodh Ghat, saying it was "a shocking display of disrespect and mismanagement".

"No news agencies except DD (Doordarshan) was allowed; DD focused on Modi and Shah, barely covering Dr Manmohan Singh's family. Only three chairs were kept in the front row for Dr Singh's family. Congress leaders had to insist on seats for his daughters and other family members," he had said in a post on X.

"The prime minister and ministers did not stand up when the national flag was handed to the widow of the late prime minister or during the gun salute. The family was given inadequate space around the pyre due to soldiers occupying one side. The public was kept out, left watching from outside the venue," he had added.

Khera had also alleged that Union Home Minister Amit Shah's motorcade disrupted the funeral procession, leaving cars belonging to Singh's family members stuck outside.

The gate was closed and the family members needed to be located and brought back in, he had claimed.

"Dr Singh's grandchildren performing the last rites had to jostle for space to reach the pyre. Diplomats were seated elsewhere and were not visible. Shockingly, the prime minister did not stand when the king of Bhutan stood," Khera had said.

In a point-by-point rebuttal to Khera's charges, the BJP's IT department head Amit Malviya on Sunday accused the Congress of politicising the former prime minister's death.

"It's a shame that the Congress continues to politicise former prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh death," he said.

On Khera's charge that no news agencies except DD was allowed in to cover the event, Malviya said, "MoD (defence ministry) has no role in the coverage of functions. In the past as well, only DD has done the coverage. Restriction on entry is by security agencies. National functions are also covered by DD only."

"Seating at the funeral site is arranged by the CPWD (Central Public Works Department) in consultation with the Delhi Police. The number of seats in the front row was kept at a maximum, as per the available space. Five seats were earmarked for family members in the first row. These were occupied by Mrs Manmohan Singh and her three daughters," he said.

The remaining 20 seats were for constitutional authorities who were to lay a wreath, he added.

"These included the president of India, the king of Bhutan, the vice-president, the prime minister, Cabinet ministers, leaders of the opposition and service chiefs, among others," he said.

"No other person was allotted a front-row seat. In the second row, eight seats were earmarked for family members. In the next two rows, the enclosure was earmarked for family members," he added.

On Khera's charge that Modi and the Union ministers did not stand up when the national flag was handed to Singh's widow or during the gun salute, Malviya said the State funeral was done with "full military honours".

"There was no deviation in the process," he added.

Reacting to the charge that Singh's family was given inadequate space around the pyre, Malviya said the site for the funeral was communicated by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.

"Only ceremonial personnel were there around the pyre. The whole space was available for family and priests. No other officials occupied that area," he added.

Malviya said only family members, priests and ceremonial guards were present near the pyre.

Public restriction was imposed by the security agencies for "overall security", he said. "The whole venue was full."

On the allegation that Shah's motorcade disrupted the funeral procession, Malviya said the procession was managed by the traffic police.

"Details of family cars were sought in advance and passes were issued to them by the security unit for parking. There was no disruption in the funeral procession," he said.

The BJP leader also said that while diplomats were seated in designated places, the king of Bhutan and the foreign minister of Mauritius were seated in the front row, according to protocol.

"No restriction was imposed on well-wishers, supporters and visitors to come in and pay respect. Opportunities included the residence, the party office, the funeral procession and the venue of the funeral. The MoD is tasked with conduct of the funeral with full military honours. The same was carried out," Malviya said.

"We hope the Congress will stop exploiting Dr Manmohan Singh in death and accord him the dignity he deserves," he added.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday termed India a 'not very lucky' nation on the security front and urged soldiers to keep a sharp eye on internal and external foes who he said are always active.

IMAGE: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh tries his hand at shooting during his visit to the Vijay Shooting Range, at Mhow near Indore, Madhya Pradesh, December 29, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

He was addressing Army personnel at the more-than-two-century-old Mhow cantonment in the Indore district of Madhya Pradesh.

"Taking the security scenario into account, Bharat is not a very lucky country because our northern border and western border continuously face challenges," said Singh, who is on a two-day tour of the state.

Mhow cantonment, 25 km from Indore, is home to premier training institutes Army War College, Military College of Telecommunication Engineering and Infantry School other than the Infantry Museum and Army Marksmanship Unit. Singh is visiting the facilities.

"We also face challenges on the internal front. In the backdrop of this, we can't sit quietly, unconcerned. Our enemies, whether internal or external, remain active always. In these circumstances, we must keep a close eye on their activities and take appropriate and timely effective steps against them," he told the Armymen.

To make Bharat a developed and self-reliant country by 2047, the role of the Army is very crucial, said the defence minister.

".. as the country's defence minister, I would like to tell you that we should be alert always. This patch of time, though often referred to as peacetime, struck me deeply when I arrived and witnessed the discipline and dedication with which you are undergoing training. Your regimen is no less than that of a war," he told the gathering.

"To maintain such a level of discipline, dedication and firm conviction are needed," he added.

Singh said he was impressed by the cleanliness at the Army establishments and cantonments across the country.

"Your dedication to work inspires me. I can say that the most appealing thing is your devotion towards work and sense of responsibility. It is inspiring to all of us," Singh said.

He told the Army personnel that the country and its borders are becoming increasingly secure and strong due to their hard work and commitment.

The defence minister also lauded the valuable contribution of the training institutions of the Indian Army in making their personnel proficient in military strategies and warfare skills.

Singh was briefed by the Officiating Commandant on the establishment of Advanced Incubation and Research Centre and the various MoUs towards enabling the absorption and transformation of technologies, a release by the Press Information Bureau said.

He visited the Army Marksmanship Unit to witness their contribution towards national sports, it said.

The minister also visited the Infantry Museum, where he was briefed on the history of infantry as well as the induction of modernised equipment into the infantry.

Earlier, Singh along with the Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi paid floral tributes at the memorial of Dr B R Ambedkar at Mhow.

The memorial of Ambedkar, the chief architect of India's Constitution, has been built at his birthplace in the Kali Paltan area of Mhow cantonment.
JERUSALEM, Dec. 28 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to undergo prostate removal surgery on Sunday, his office confirmed in a statement on Saturday.

The statement noted that on Wednesday, Netanyahu underwent a test at Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem, where a urinary tract infection was detected, resulting from a benign prostate enlargement. Netanyahu has since received antibiotic treatment, which has resolved the infection.

Despite the upcoming surgery, the prime minister's office said the Israeli cabinet's weekly meeting will proceed as scheduled on Sunday.

Earlier this year, Netanyahu underwent hernia surgery in March under general anesthesia, during which Israel's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice, Yariv Levin, temporarily assumed the role of prime minister.

In July 2023, Netanyahu was hospitalized for a pacemaker implant after suffering from arrhythmia, just one week after experiencing dehydration. 
With Jagjit Singh Dallewal's indefinite hunger strike entering its 34th day on Sunday, farmer leaders at Khanauri said they have been following the Gandhian way to continue their protest and it is up to the government to decide whether it wants to use force to evict their senior leader.

IMAGE: Ladakhi environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk meets farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal who is fasting to death, at the Khanauri border in Sangrur, December 28, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

Their statement comes amid the Supreme Court's strong criticism of the Punjab government for not shifting Dallewal to a hospital.

The farmers have been protesting at the Punjab-Haryana border to press the Centre for several demands, including a legal guarantee for a minimum support price for crops.

Recently, a high-level team of Punjab government officials met Dallewal requesting him to accept medical treatment even if he wishes to continue with his fast.

Dallewal has so far refused medical treatment.

On Sunday, farmer leader Abhimanyu Kohar at the Khanauri border protest said, "We want to make it clear that the Centre, right from day one, has been trying to defame and suppress our agitation."

A narrative is being built that farmers are stubborn, whereas it is the Centre that is adopting such an attitude by not paying any attention to the farmers' demands, he said.

"We are continuing our agitation by adopting Gandhian principles. Our agitations have proven, that despite enduring so much due to the government's oppression, we have continued to protest in a Gandhian manner," he added.

"We are following these principles. Now, it is up to the government and constitutional bodies to decide whether they want to use force to evict Dallewal ji," Kohar said.

He further said the farmers wanted to make it clear that whatever situation arises the responsibility will lie with the Centre and the constitutional bodies.

"We also want to appeal to the people of the country that the agitation seeking a guarantee for MSP has reached a decisive stage. We are on the threshold of victory... We must take a strong stand. Dallewal has put his life at stake," he said.

Kohar said it was up to the people of the country to decide whether to stay at home or be present in large numbers at the Khanauri Morcha in support of Dallewal.

Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-political) leader Kaka Singh Kotra said the government can try to evict Dallewal from the current protest site and their unions are appealing to Punjabis to reach Khanauri in maximum numbers.

He also said Dallewal has made it clear that he is ready to sacrifice his life for the sake of farmers in this country.

Meanwhile, farmers on a warpath against the Centre, called for a "kisan mahapanchayat" at the Khanauri protest site on January 4.

SKM (Non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have also called for a Punjab bandh on Monday and claimed their strike call has received strong support from transporters, employees, traders, and other sections of society including religious bodies.

Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said though there will be a complete bandh on Monday, emergency services will remain operational. He added that the Centre is not prepared to listen to the demands of farmers.

"The bandh will be observed from 7 am to 4 pm. However, emergency services will remain operational. Besides, anyone traveling to the airport to catch a flight or anyone going to attend a job interview, or anyone having a marriage function... all these things have been kept out of our bandh call," he said.

Meanwhile, a high-level team of Punjab government officials comprising deputy inspector general of police Mandeep Singh Sidhu and retired additional DGP, Jaskaran Singh met Dallewal at Khanauri border site on Sunday.

Later, farmer leaders said Dallewal has refused to take any medical aid.

Replying to a question, they said if the team comes up with any other proposal then they will see what it is.

On Saturday, while admonishing the Punjab government, the Supreme Court also suggested the possibility that Dallewal may not have been allowed to be taken to a hospital by other farmer leaders.

In response, Dallewal, in a video message on the same day , said, "I am sitting on a fast. Who gave this report to the Supreme Court, and who spread this misconception that I have been kept hostage? Where did such a thing come from?"

"Seven lakh farmers in this country have committed suicide due to debt. Saving farmers is necessary, therefore, I am sitting here. I am not under anyone's pressure," he added.

Dallewal had earlier said he would not break his fast until the government agreed to the farmers' demands.

The Supreme Court gave the Punjab government time until December 31 to persuade Dallewal to shift to a hospital, granting the state the liberty to seek logistical support from the Centre, if necessary.

In response the Punjab government said in the court that it is facing significant resistance from the protesting farmers, who have encircled Dallewal and are preventing him from being taken to a hospital.

The apex court also termed the conduct of some farmer leaders accompanying Dallewal as surprising and questionable.

The state government had formed a team of doctors to monitor Dallewal's health round-the-clock.

Farmers, under the banner of SKM (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, have been camping at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13, after their march to Delhi was stopped by security forces.

A "jatha" (group) of 101 farmers attempted to march to Delhi on foot three times between December 6 and 14 but were stopped by security personnel from Haryana.

In addition to a legal guarantee for MSP, the farmers demand include a debt waiver, pensions for farmers and farm labourers, no hike in electricity tariffs, the withdrawal of police cases, and "justice" for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence.
The ashes of former prime minister Manmohan Singh were immersed in the Yamuna River near the Majnu ka Tila Gurdwara by members of his family following Sikh rituals.

IMAGE: Rituals for the 'Asthi Visarjan' of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh perform at Yamuna Ghat near Gurdwara Majnu Ka Tilla, in New Delhi, December 29, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

The ashes were collected from the Nigambodh Ghat on Sunday morning by Singh's family members and later taken to the 'Asth Ghat' on the Yamuna river bank near the gurdwara.

Singh's wife Gursharan Kaur, their three daughters -- Upinder Singh, Daman Singh and Amrit Singh -- along with other relatives were present at the immersion site.

As part of Sikh rituals, the family will hold an akhand path at its official residence on 3, Motilal Nehru Marg on January 1.

A bhog ceremony, antim ardas and kirtan would be held on January 3 at the Rakab Ganj Gurdwara near Parliament complex.

Singh passed away at AIIMS Delhi on December 26 due to of age-related medical complications. He was 92.

The former prime minister, who ushered in an era of economic liberalisation in the 1990s, was accorded a state funeral at the Nigambodh Ghat on Saturday.

President Droupadi Murmu led the nation in paying last respects to the former prime minister.

"We all will always remember Manmohan Singh Ji's service to the nation, his dedication and his simplicity," the Congress said on its official X handle while sharing pictures of the immersion.

However, Bharatiya Janata Party leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa lamented that there was no one from the Gandhi family when the ashes of the former prime minister were immersed.

"It's a sad moment for all of us. However, it's true that no one was there from the Gandhi family today (during the immersion of Singh's ashes)... Today, when there was no camera, there was no one from Congress. This is a sad thing. Manmohan Singh is highly respected," Sirsa said.
Five associates belonging to the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria and Amritpal Bath gangs, who had allegedly planned targeted killings, were arrested by the Punjab Police, officials said on Sunday.

Image used for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo

"In a major breakthrough, Tarn Taran Police arrested 5 associates of the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria and Amritpal Bath gangs, seizing 4 weapons, including a Glock 9mm pistol, Punjab's Director General of Police, Gaurav Yadav, said in a post on X.

He said the preliminary investigation reveals the accused had planned targeted killings.

"Important information has been uncovered about the shooter involved in a recent targeted murder by the gang in the Tarn Taran area. This marks a major breakthrough in identifying their network," said the DGP, adding that further investigations are ongoing to trace their backward and forward linkages.

Meanwhile, according to a Punjab police statement, those arrested have been identified as Gurmeet Singh alias Rawal of village Bhagwanpur in Batala, Harpal Singh of village Nurpur in Gurdaspur, Lovepreet Singh alias NP of village Nawapind in Amritsar, Shamsher Singh alias Shera Passian and Sandeep Singh alias Goli of Kot Khalsa in Amritsar.

Police teams have recovered four weapons including a sophisticated USA-made 9MM Glock pistol, two .32 bore pistols and one country-made pistol along with 15 live cartridges and three magazines.

They have also impounded the accused's vehicle, which does not have a registration number, used in the crime.

Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav later said in a statement that during interrogation the accused confessed that the seized weapons were supplied by Jaggu Bhagwanpuria through his associate and they were planning to execute target killings on the instance of gangster Amritpal Batth.

The arrested individuals are linked to multiple criminal cases, including attempted murder, illegal arms possession and gang-related violence, he added.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Tarn Taran, Abhimanyu Rana, said based on a tip-off about the suspects travelling in a Hyundai Creta car, a police team laid a 'naka' (check barrier) at Jandiala to Tarn Taran road.

The team intercepted the vehicle, leading to the immediate arrest of Gurmeet Singh alias Rawal, Lovepreet Singh alias NP and Harpal Singh, he said.

Further, after interrogation of the accused two more gang members, Shamsher Singh alias Shera Passian and Sandeep Singh alias Goli, were also apprehended, he added.

"This operation is a significant success in our ongoing efforts to curb gang activity in the region," he said.

A case has been registered under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and under the Arms Act at Police Station Sadar Tarn Taran, the SSP said.
A case has been registered against the close aide of Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge, Raju Kapanur and five others in connection with hatching a conspiracy to kill Bharatiya Janara Party MLA Basavaraj Mattimadu and other leaders, the police said on Sunday.

IMAGE: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah with deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, state minister Priyank Kharge (left) and vice president in charge of recovery, economic development, attractiveness and innovation for Paris Region, Alexandra Dublanche and BIOCON chairperson Kiran Mazumdar Shaw (right) at an event in Bengaluru, November 19, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

The case was registered based on a suicide note by a civil contractor, Sachin Panchal, who had mentioned that the Congress leaders had connived to kill Mattimadu, Siddalinga Swami of Andola Math, BJP leaders Manikanth Rathod and Chandu Patil.

Panchal, a contractor from Bidar, allegedly ended his life by lying down in front of an approaching train on Thursday.

In his suicide note, he had accused Kapanur and his aides of making death threats.

Meanwhile, the Bidar District-In Charge Minister, Eshwar Khandre, who holds the forest portfolio, visited Panchal's residence in Bhalki Taluk.

As soon as the officials visited the house, the angry family members shouted at them to go away as they held them responsible for Sachin's death.

Khandre consoled and assured them that action would be taken against the accused persons involved in the death.

"The government will ensure that justice is done, and the accused persons are punished. Government is with you," the minister told the inconsolable family members.

Later, the minister announced an ex gratia of Rs 10 lakh to the family members of Panchal.

"I spoke to the family members who complained to me that the police refused to register a case. I have spoken to senior police officials. Action has been taken against a few policemen," he added.

Khandre said the Government Railway Police (GRP) is probing the suicide case and the government would also consider handing over the investigation to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

The BJP has taken the case seriously. It has demanded that the case should be handed over to the CBI.

"The death note written by Panchal, a contractor from Bidar who committed suicide due to harassment by Minister @PriyankKharge's right-hand man, Raju, reveals alarming and serious information that he had given Supari' (contract killing) to kill our MLA Basavaraj Mattimadu, BJP leaders Chandu Patil, Manikantha Rathod and Andola Swami," the party's state president B Y Vijayendra said in a statement.

Vijayendra and senior BJP functionaries have also decided to visit Panchal's house soon, party sources said.

Priyank Kharge, who is the son of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, hit out at the BJP for making baseless allegations against him and politicising Sachin's death.

He said nowhere in Pancha's death note is his name mentioned, and added that there were financial transactions between Panchal and Kapanur which need to be investigated.
Sharmistha Mukherjee, the daughter of former president Pranab Mukherjee, alleged on Sunday that decay has set in the Congress and stressed the need for serious introspection on the "sad state of affairs" in the party.

IMAGE: Sharmistha Mukherjee dedicates the first copy of her book 'Pranab, My Father: A Daughter Remembers' to her father, at India International Centre in New Delhi, December 11, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo

Mukherjee lamented that several old Congress workers feel alienated from the party today due to the current state of affairs and the lack of an ideology among the top leaders.

She also raised questions as to why no Congress Working Committee meeting was convened after her father's death and a resolution passed.

Mukherjee said she felt bad when no CWC meeting was convened after her father's demise.

The CWC is the highest decision-making body of the Congress.

"The Congress has to answer for this. I can only state the fact. But I would like to just add, I do not know whether it was deliberate or sheer negligence. What are the conventions in such a grand old party?" she asked.

"If there is this loss of institutional memory, if Rahul Gandhi and the people around him do not know how the Congress acted in these earlier situations, that itself is a serious and sad state of affairs within the Congress," Mukherjee told PTI Videos.

Asked about recognising the contributions of non-dynastic leaders in the Congress, she said, "Let us not forget what was done to (former prime minister) P V Narasimha Rao."

"The whole Congress ecosystem, as in, its social media was relentlessly trolling me and my father over this and some other issues. The kind of language that was used on me and one of the tallest leaders like my father shows that there is a real rot in the Congress.

"The Congress, rather than unleashing trolls on social media, should do serious introspection that why a person like me who believed in the hardcore Congress ideology, today feels alienated by the party," she said.

Earlier, in a post on X, Mukherjee said: "When baba passed away, Congress didn't even bother to call CWC for a condolence meeting. A senior leader told me it's not done for Presidents. That's utter rubbish as I learned later from baba's diaries that on K R Narayanan's death, CWC was called and condolence msg was drafted by baba only."

Speaking on the row over the setting up of a memorial for former prime minister Manmohan Singh, Mukherjee said she would not venture into the controversy as she is not part of the Congress anymore and has quit politics.

She, however, pitched for a memorial for Singh and said Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award of the country, should also be conferred on the former prime minister posthumously.

"I would not like to say anything about this, I am not associated with the Congress anymore, I have quit politics. The Congress needs to clarify what Rahul Gandhi has said.

"I think the demand to have a memorial for Manmohan Singh is absolutely justified. He was the architect of economic reforms in India, he was the father of India's growth story, he was a two-time prime minister. So the demand for a memorial in his honour is absolutely justified. Also, on behalf of the ordinary citizens of India, I demand Bharat Ratna for him, he thoroughly deserves it," Mukherjee said.

Singh passed away at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) here on December 26. He was 92.
Ukraine has agreed to a US proposal for a 30-day cease-fire in the war against the Russian invasion, prompting the United States to say it would immediately lift the suspension of military aid, including the sharing of intelligence.

The outcome of nine hours of talks on March 11 in Jeddah marked a stunning turnaround less than two weeks after an acrimonious meeting between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The clash between the two leaders preceded the US pause in aid and limits on intelligence sharing, which the United States said were imposed because of doubts that Ukraine was committed to seeking peace.

"The President wanted this war to end yesterday... So our hope is that the Russians will answer 'yes' as quickly as possible, so we can get to the second phase of this, which is real negotiations," US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters after the agreement was announced.

A joint statement issued by the two countries said Ukraine expressed a "readiness" to accept the US proposal to enact an immediate, interim 30-day cease-fire, "which can be extended by mutual agreement of the parties, and which is subject to acceptance and concurrent implementation by the Russian Federation."

Speaking to reporters in Washington, Trump said a meeting with Russia would take place later on March 11 or the following day.

Rubio, who attended the talks in Saudi Arabia along with national-security adviser Mike Waltz, said the cease-fire plan puts the ball in Russias court.

Were going to tell them this is whats on the table, he said of Russian President Vladimir Putins government. Ukraine is ready to stop shooting and start talking. And now itll be up to them to say yes or no."

Russian officials have repeatedly said that they want a comprehensive peace deal, not a cease-fire or other temporary arrangement.

Russia's Foreign Ministry said it wouldn't rule out contacts with US officials over next several days, but gave no further comment.

The US and Ukrainian delegations said they also discussed the importance of humanitarian relief efforts as part of the peace process, particularly during the cease-fire, including the exchange of prisoners of war, the release of civilian detainees, and the return of forcibly transferred Ukrainian children.

"I have confirmation that the security assistance from the United States has been restored," Pavlo Palisa, deputy head of the Ukrainian President's Office and a member of the delegation, said in a post on Facebook.

"Arrangements are starting to be fulfilled."

In addition, Ukraine and the United States agreed to conclude a pact on joint development of Ukrainian critical minerals and other resources as soon as possible.

That deal had been expected to be signed at the White House meeting on February 28, but Zelenskyy left early after the argument in the Oval Office, leaving it in limbo.

Ukraine Invasion: News & Analysis RFE/RL's Ukraine Live Briefing gives you the latest developments on Russia's invasion, Western military aid, the plight of civilians, and territorial control maps. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

The talks were closely watched across Europe, which has grown concerned Washington's renewed contacts with the Kremlin would sideline both Kyiv and Brussels from the peace process.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who recently traveled to the White House to meet Trump, congratulated the US and Ukrainian delegations, saying it is now up to Moscow to end the fighting.

European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen saidthe proposal for a ceasefire agreement and the resumption of U.S. intelligence sharing and security assistance was a welcome development.



"This is a positive development that can be a step towards a comprehensive, just and lasting peace for Ukraine. The ball is now in Russias court," she added.

The talks in Jeddah on March 11 followed a large-scale Ukrainian drone attack that struck the Moscow region and other Russian provinces overnight, killing three people.

John Herbst, a former US ambassador to Ukraine, said before the joint statement that restoring intelligence cooperation should be seen as a positive result for Kyiv.

He also said sequencing in future negotiations will be crucial. While an early cease-fire can be key part of a future peace process, he stresses that it's important that it be followed by further steps toward a lasting peace deal, such as continued military shipments to Ukraine, a potential demilitarized zone, and a greater role for European countries, including their forces deployed as peacekeepers.

These are all serious ideas that have been floated, Herbst said.

That might not be a just peace, because a just peace wouldnt see Ukraine have to concede territory, but it could still be a durable one that makes it very hard for Russia to renew aggression.

What Role Will Russia And Europe Play In Peace Talks?

As Ukrainian and US officials met in Saudi Arabia, attention was also shifting to the other two players that will decide how the war ends: Russia and Kyivs European allies.

Top military officials from more than 30 nations met in Paris on March 11 for talks on the creation of an international security force for Ukraine.

The force is being envisaged by Britain and France. Its aim is to reassure Ukraine and deter another large-scale Russian offensive after any cease-fire. The force might include heavy weaponry and weapons stockpiles that could be rushed within hours or days to aid in Ukraines defense.

Russia has so far said it is against accepting European troops in Ukraine as part of a deal.

The Kremlin has also spoken about getting Western sanctions lifted on its economy as part of a peace process, including in Saudi Arabia where US and Russian officials held talks nearly a month ago.

Marie Dumoulin, a former French diplomat and an analyst at the European Council on Foreign Relations, says that this gives European governments some leverage when the dust settles from the talks in Jeddah.

She said that doubts remain in European capitals about whether Russia is willing to make any concessions of its own and that Europe can use both its own offer of security guarantees to Ukraine and the possibility of lifting European Union sanctions on Russia as a way to shape discussions in both Moscow and Washington.

This gives Ukraine a few more cards to hold at the table, Dumoulin told RFE/RL. These can give Ukraine some room to say whether the deal being offered to them is good enough yet or not.

RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service and RFE/RL's Kosovo Service contributed to this report
MARY, Turkmenistan -- Maral became a sex worker to feed her two young children.

The 38-year-old, who is the sole breadwinner for her family, said financial desperation forced her into prostitution four years ago.

There were times when I couldnt even afford to cook a hot meal for my children for weeks, let alone buy them school supplies, said Maral, whose name has been changed to protect her identity.

Maral is believed to be one of thousands of sex workers in Turkmenistan, where widespread poverty, unemployment, and crippling food shortages have driven some women to prostitution.

A native of the southeastern town of Turkmengala, Maral depended on remittances from her husband, who worked in Turkey. But she said that he stopped sending money and communicating with her.

Maral registered with her local employment center but could not find a job. She found seasonal work in the cotton fields.

The work was grueling and poorly paid. Maral said she was barely able to pay her rent, and her family mostly survived on bread and tea.

There was no one to help me. My parents were old, and my mother-in-law suffered from ill-health, said Maral. I repeatedly sought help from social services but did not receive any support.

Prostitution is a taboo in Turkmenistan, and most sex workers try to hide their profession from their families.

Maral is not alone.

We have resorted to [prostitution] not because we want it; it is desperation that has imposed this situation upon us, said a sex worker in the southeastern province of Mary, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

If the government provided us with jobs, none of us would have become [sex workers], the woman added.

Exploited By Police

Prostitution is a criminal offence in Turkmenistan, and punishable by various administrative measures, including fines. Repeat offenders face up to two years in prison.

Despite being banned and widely condemned in the predominantly Muslim country, prostitution has long existed in Turkmenistan.

It has become more widespread in recent years as living costs skyrocket in the country, according to several sex workers and residents of Mary and the eastern province of Lebap who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Younger women find their clients mostly in bars and restaurants, charging an equivalent of $60 to $140 for their services, sex workers said.

Older women usually look for clients in truck stops and highway intersections and charge much lower fees, ranging from the equivalent of $15 to $30, they said.

But there are many risks for women, including contracting sexually transmitted diseases and becoming the victims of abuse and human trafficking.

Some clients refuse to pay the fee that had been agreed upon beforehand. Some of them are very rude and physically and sexually abusive, and even beat us, said a sex worker in Lebap.

Sex workers also accuse law enforcement of exploiting and blackmailing women involved in prostitution.

Police often round up sex workers and force them to pick cotton and do other agricultural work during harvest season, according to several women engaged in prostitution in Mary and Lebap.

Turkmen authorities routinely make students, teachers, and other state employees work in cotton fields.

We especially face pressure from high-ranking officials at [regional] police and prosecutors offices, said a sex worker in Mary.

They take us to police stations and tell us that they will let us go without a fine or criminal probe, but they warn: Whenever we ask, you have to come and serve us for free. They call us from time to time and we serve them free of charge, the sex worker said.

She did not name any officials.

RFE/RL contacted the authorities in Mary, Lebap, and the capital, Ashgabat, for comment but did not receive any response.
SEOUL, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's transport ministry said on Sunday that its investigation unit secured both of the two black boxes from a crashed passenger jet that has killed at least 167 people onboard.

An official with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said in a televised press briefing that the retrieval of both flight data and voice recorders was completed to look into the exact cause of the accident.

The passenger plane with 175 passengers, including 173 South Koreans and two Thais, as well as six flight attendants on board crashed while attempting to land at the Muan International Airport, some 290 km southwest of the capital Seoul, at about 9:07 a.m. local time (0007 GMT) on Sunday.

The Jeju Air flight 7C2216 from Bangkok, Thailand skidded off runway and crashed into the outer wall of the runway, with its fuselage broken in half and catching fire.

Most of the 181 people aboard the plane was presumed to have been killed except two rescued crew members at the age of 33 and 25 each, according to the fire authorities. Operations were underway to recover the missing bodies.

The fire authorities estimated that the accident may have been caused by bird strike that led to landing gear failure.

After making the first landing attempt, the aircraft went around into the air due to the estimated malfunctioning of landing gear and made the second landing attempt with a belly-landing that resulted in the crash into the wall.

A TV footage showed a big plume of black smoke billowing out of the Boeing 737-800 engulfed by flames. Another footage showed an engine on the plane's right wing emitting smoke with flames before attempting to land.

The transport ministry added that it may take at least months to years to figure out the exact cause of the accident. 
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By Cillian Sherlock, PA

Benjamin Netanyahu visited Dublin years before he became Israeli prime minister, in a bid to establish a diplomatic presence in the capital.

The Israeli embassy is now in the process of closing.

In February 1990, Mr Netanyahu was the deputy foreign minister in the Likud government and Ireland held the presidency of what was then the European Community (EC).

Files released by the National Archives in Dublin show that the Department of Foreign Affairs prepared a brief resume of his career, so that officials could familiarise themselves with a man who would become a defining figure in Israeli politics.

His meeting with Irish foreign affairs minister Gerry Collins took place in Dublin on February 21st 1990.

Mr Netanyahu suggested there was a natural feeling of sympathy towards Israel among the Irish people, but relations had not been helped by Irish soldiers who had been killed in Lebanon while serving with Unifil.

Many of these attacks had been blamed on Lebanese militias supported by Israel.

Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu. Photo: Gareth Fuller/PA.

Mr Netanyahu told Mr Collins that 95% of the Israeli people were against Palestinian aspirations, and defended Israels refusal to withdraw from the territories it had occupied since 1967.

He was also questioned about settlements in the Occupied Territories and responded by saying only a fraction of a percentage of Jewish immigrants to Israel lived there.

He maintained they were not being incentivised or encouraged to live there.

Mr Collins cited a statement by the Israeli prime minister Yitzhak Shamir in the Knesset in the previous week, in which he said he would strengthen Jewish settlements through Judaea, Samaria, Gaza and the Golan.

Judaea and Samaria are names used by Israel to refer to the West Bank.

The report of the meeting said that when Mr Shamirs statement was put to Mr Netanyahu, he made no reply.

At the time of the meeting, Ireland was one of the few states in Europe which did not have an Israeli embassy, and did not have an embassy in Israel either.

Gerry Collins. Photo: Johnny Green/PA.

This was the subject of much correspondence between the Israeli embassy in London, which included Ireland, and the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Mr Netanyahu said Ireland was important to Israel, not just as a result of the EU presidency which it then held.

As Israel would soon have embassies in all the newly formed eastern European states, Mr Netanyahu said he did not want Ireland to lag behind either in the intensity or intimacy of diplomatic contacts with Israel.

The absence of an Israeli embassy in Dublin was a source of concern for Irelands small Jewish population at the time.

In 1992, Mr Collins met the Jewish Representative Council of Ireland.

Joe Briscoe, whose father Robert Briscoe had been involved with smuggling guns into Ireland during the War of Independence, told him that the Jewish community was being seen as a proxy for an official Israel presence in Ireland and it was being blamed for many of the actions of Israel.

An Israeli embassy in Ireland was opened in December 1993, and an Irish embassy in Israel was opened three years later.

However, Israel announced in late 2024 that it would close its embassy in Dublin, and the Israeli foreign minister accused Ireland of antisemitic rhetoric and of crossing every red line in its relations with Israel.

Ireland had earlier that year recognised Palestinian statehood, and announced an intention to intervene in South Africas case against Israel for genocide at the International Court of Justice.

Irish premier Simon Harris has rejected the claims and accused Israel of distracting from the deaths of children in the Gaza conflict.

 This article is based on material in 24/52/118.
County Roscommon native and Seanad candidate Hilary Beirne was recently honoured by the Irish Business Organisation of New York.

The Boyle man was presented with the 2024 Sean McNeill Award by President Paul Finnegan in New York City. This award is given to those who exemplify and inspire the positive values, and behaviours that Sean possessed: extraordinary generosity, giving and sharing of their time and abilities, with a sense of community and pursuing a mission to network, communicate, reciprocate, and Hilary Beirne is that and more, said Mr Finnegan.

In accepting the award, Mr Beirne said he was so appreciative to the Irish Business Organisation for the kind recognition and for the support over the years. This award is so important to me, as we seek a seat in Seanad Eireann for 20% of Irelands population who live abroad. They need to have at least one person to represent their interests in the land of their birth, where they grew up and where their friends, relatives and families live, and I hope to be that person.

If elected in the National University of Ireland constituency, I will be the only senator in the Seanad who will actually advocate for resources for NUI universities, for NUI graduates at home and abroad, and for all Irish citizens who live abroad and in Ireland, said Mr Beirne.

Boyle native Hilary Beirne with Irish Business Organisation of New York President, Paul Finnegan.

Mr Beirne grew up on a farm outside Boyle. His father was the local veterinary surgeon, and he is from a family of ten. He attended St Marys College, Boyle, for secondary education, and attended University College Galway, University College Dublin, Atlantic Technology University (Mountbellew Campus), and Hunter College at the City University of New York.

He has a Certificate in Agriculture, a Bachelors Degree in Agricultural Science, and a Masters in Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences. He is well known across the world as the face of New York Citys St Patricks Day Parade. He is the chairman of the Foundation and chief administrator officer. Since emigrating from the West of Ireland, he has been an educator in New York, and prior to emigrating he worked as an agriculture advisor with farmers in the West.
Punjab Bandh PRTC Punjab Roadways Strike Tomorrow farmers protest latest news

Private bus operators, however, have announced their support for the protest and may continue services

Punjab Bandh, PRTC, Punjab Roadways Strike Tomorrow, farmers protest latest news: Punjab is set to witness a partial shutdown on December 30 as farmers intensify their protest to press for 13 demands, including a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) on crops. The state-wide bandh will impact government-run Panbus and PRTC (Pepsu Road Transport Corporation) services, with buses staying off the roads for four hours from 10 am to 2 pm.

577 Routes Across Seven States to Be Affected

PRTC operates on 577 routes connecting Punjab to other states, including Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi, Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand. During the four-hour window, over 1,125 buses will remain stationary, impacting thousands of passengers.

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PRTC officials, led by Union Chairman Baljinder Singh Rath and Pradhan Resham Singh, announced the decision to curtail bus services in solidarity with the farmers protest while minimizing inconvenience to the public. The farmers have called for a bandh from 7 am to 4 pm, but a day-long strike is not feasible. To balance public convenience and support for the cause, weve decided to halt services for four hours, the officials said.

Advance Notice to Passengers

Conductors have been instructed to inform passengers about the disruption before issuing tickets, ensuring travelers are aware of the planned strike. With PRTC employing over 3,000 workers across nine depots in Patiala, Bathinda, Kapurthala, Barnala, Sangrur, Budhlada, Faridkot, Ludhiana, and Chandigarh, the impact is expected to be significant.

Private bus operators, however, have announced their support for the protest and may continue services, mitigating the overall impact on transportation.

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The bandh is part of a broader movement by farmers who have been demonstrating for over a year, demanding comprehensive agricultural reforms and safeguards.

(For more news apart from Punjab Bandh, PRTC, Punjab Roadways Strike Tomorrow, farmers protest latest news, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
South Korea will on Monday release November numbers for industrial production and retail sales, highlighting a light day for Asia-Pacific economic activity.

Industrial output is expected to slip 0.4 percent on month and rise 0.4 percent on year following the flat monthly reading and the 6.3 percent jump in October. Retail sales were down 0.4 percent on month in October.

Japan will see December results for the manufacturing PMI from Jibun Bank, with forecasts suggesting a reading of 49.5 - up from 49.0 in November.

Hong Kong will provide November figures for imports, exports and trade balance. In October, imports were up 4.5 percent on month and exports rose 3.5 percent for a trade deficit of HKD31.0 billion.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

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A tragic accident has claimed the life of a Tata Tigor driver in the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli. The incident occurred in the Rakholi area when a moving container toppled and fell onto the sedan, crushing it completely. The driver, who was in the vehicle at the time of the accident, was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

Incident Details

Eyewitnesses reported that the container, transported by a heavy truck, suddenly tipped over onto the moving car. Video footage from the scene shows a crane being used to lift the container off the crushed Tata Tigor. The operation to remove the container took considerable time, delaying efforts to rescue the trapped driver. Unfortunately, despite the helpers efforts to extract the driver and transport him to the hospital, his injuries proved fatal.

The video of the incident has gone viral on social media, drawing widespread anger and concern from citizens. Many have pointed out the lack of stringent regulations for heavy vehicles like container trucks compared to the numerous safety tests and compliance norms mandated for passenger vehicles. In the comments, users highlighted critical safety concerns:

Overloaded Containers: Many believe overloading contributed to the containers instability.

Speed Limits for Trucks: Suggestions have been made to enforce speed governors on heavy vehicles, limiting their speed to 40 kmph.

Dedicated Freight Corridors: There is growing demand for dedicated freight routes to separate heavy trucks from passenger vehicles.

Unfit Trucks on Roads: Citizens criticized the continued use of poorly maintained and unfit trucks on public roads, posing significant risks to other road users.

Echoes of Bengaluru Accident

This incident follows a similar tragic event near Bengaluru a few days ago, where a family lost their lives after a container fell on their Volvo XC90. Such back-to-back occurrences have raised serious questions about road safety and the enforcement of regulations for heavy vehicles.

Need for Reform

The public outcry underscores a critical gap in Indias road safety framework. While passenger vehicles are subjected to stringent safety protocols, heavy vehicles, especially container trucks, often operate with minimal oversight. Calls for reform include stricter checks on vehicle fitness, load limits, and mandatory speed restrictions to prevent such tragedies.

Authorities are yet to issue a statement regarding the incident. However, the growing number of fatalities linked to container trucks necessitates immediate action to ensure safer roads for all.
Honda will be building the battery swapping infrastructure first before commencing deliveries to ensure a hassle-free experience

As part of its electrification goals, Honda has introduced the Activa e: and QC1 electric scooters in India. While QC1 will be readily available, Activa e: will be introduced pan-India in a phased manner. Activa e: will be initially available in Bengaluru, Delhi and Mumbai.

Honda Activa e: Delhi, Mumbai rollout

Unlike the Honda QC1 that can be charged like any other electric scooter, the Activa e: does not come with a standard charging port. For refuelling the Activa e:, the only option is to use any of the nearest battery swapping stations. These battery swapping stations are being set up by Honda Power Pack Energy India. As per the original plan, the deliveries in Bengaluru, Mumbai and Delhi were to commence from February 2024.

Rollout in Bengaluru will commence as per plans, as 85 battery swapping stations are already operational in the city. These are strategically placed to cover most parts of the city. But in the case of Delhi and Mumbai, the battery swapping infrastructure is yet to be fully developed. As mentioned earlier, Activa e: can only be refuelled at a battery swapping station. Unless these stations are available all across the city, commencing deliveries will be a hassle for customers.

On the official website of Honda Power Pack Energy India, the Honda e-Swap Network shows good availability of battery swapping stations across Bengaluru. But in the case of Delhi, only around 10 battery swapping stations are shown. Most of these are located in the central part of Delhi. As the city is huge, Delhi will need a much higher number of swapping stations to ensure a hassle-free experience for customers.

Activa e: battery swapping stations in Mumbai

Talking about Mumbai, there is currently no map available for the battery swapping network in the city. Honda is likely to expedite the setup of battery swapping stations in Mumbai in the coming months. Since the battery swapping infrastructure is not ready in Delhi and Mumbai, deliveries of Activa e: in these cities will commence from April 2025. This information was recently provided by Honda Power Pack Energy India. Deliveries in Bengaluru will commence as per the original plan from February.

Battery swapping to be a gamechanger?

Battery swapping for electric two-wheelers has been widely successful in international markets like Taiwan. But in India, this system was never implemented. With Honda taking the lead in battery swapping, it could be a gamechanger for the electric two-wheeler industry.

Customers will benefit immensely, as they wont have to pay a hefty upfront price for the battery. Users will only be charged for the energy used, similar to petrol or CNG. Safety is also enhanced with battery swapping, as users dont need to take the risk of charging batteries inside their homes. Users who do not have access to charging options will find battery swapping a convenient and time-saving option.

Honda will continue to expand its battery swapping network in the coming years. This will ensure easy availability and avoid unnecessary miles being wasted in refuelling. For Bengaluru, Delhi and Mumbai, there are plans to expand the battery swapping network to 500 stations by March 2026.
TVS Motor Company has reported a positive growth trajectory in November 2024, achieving a 6.36% year-on-year (YoY) increase in domestic two-wheeler sales. The company sold a total of 3,05,265 units during the month, compared to 2,87,017 units in November 2023. This growth was driven by strong performances from key models, though some segments showed a decline.

TVS Motor Sales Breakup Nov 2024  YoY Comparison

TVS Jupiter scooter emerged as the top performer with sales of 99,710 units, marking a significant 36.85% YoY growth over the 72,859 units sold in November 2023. This accounted for a commanding 32.66% share of TVSs domestic sales in November 2024. TVS XL moped retained its strong presence, recording sales of 45,923 units, an increase of 5.61% compared to 43,482 units last year. It contributed 15.04% to the companys overall sales.

Apache series recorded sales of 35,610 units, reflecting a 13.20% decline from the 41,025 units sold in November 2023. Despite this dip, it held an 11.67% share of domestic sales. Similarly, Raider saw a sharper drop of 20.24%, selling 31,769 units compared to 39,829 units last year, contributing 10.41% to the total. Ntorq scooter reported sales of 26,664 units, a 12.28% decline compared to 30,396 units sold in November 2023. However, the electric iQube continued its impressive growth, with sales surging by 53.76% YoY to 25,681 units, up from 16,702 units last year, securing an 8.41% share.

Radeon posted an impressive 28% growth, selling 13,722 units compared to 10,720 units in November 2023. Sport experienced a significant 31.48% drop, with sales falling to 11,756 units from 17,157 units last year. Zest scooter saw a marginal decline of 1.99%, with sales at 7,764 units compared to 7,922 units in November 2023. Ronin recorded a robust 51.87% growth, selling 3,200 units compared to 2,107 units last year, demonstrating growing interest in premium bikes. Meanwhile, Star City registered sales of 3,009 units, down 27.05% YoY from 4,125 units. Apache 310, TVSs flagship motorcycle, saw a sharp decline of 34.05%, with sales falling to 457 units from 693 units in November 2023.

TVS Motor Sales Breakup Nov 2024  MoM Comparison

While TVS Motor Company posted year-on-year (YoY) growth in November 2024, its month-on-month (MoM) sales performance showed a significant decline. The company sold 3,05,265 units in November, which is 85,020 units fewer than the 3,90,285 units sold in October 2024, reflecting a 21.78% drop. Jupiter experienced a 9.11% decline in November, with 99,710 units sold compared to 1,09,702 units in October. Similarly, XL moped recorded a 12.33% decrease, with sales dropping from 52,380 units in October to 45,923 units in November.

Apache series faced the steepest MoM decline among premium models, with sales falling by 28.92% from 50,097 units in October to 35,610 units in November. Raider saw an even sharper drop, with a 37.89% decline, selling 31,769 units in November compared to 51,153 units in October. Among scooters, Ntorq registered a 33.45% decline, with November sales at 26,664 units, down from 40,065 units in October. The electric iQube showed resilience but still saw an 11.21% drop in sales, falling to 25,681 units from 28,923 units in October.

Commuter motorcycles also faced challenges. Radeon sold 13,722 units in November, a 15.23% decline from 16,188 units in October. Sport recorded a significant 45.40% drop, with sales falling from 21,532 units in October to 11,756 units in November. Other models also saw MoM declines. Zest recorded a 17.93% dip, selling 7,764 units compared to 9,460 in October. Ronin bike saw a 23.13% decline, with sales falling to 3,200 units from 4,163 units. Star City had the steepest decline percentage-wise, with sales plummeting by 49.49%, from 5,957 units in October to 3,009 units in November. Apache 310 recorded a 31.28% drop, selling 457 units compared to 665 in October.

Also Read  TVS Apache 300 ADV Spied
DAMASCUS, Dec. 28 (Xinhua) -- Military forces of Syria's interim administration have begun deploying attack helicopters against what it described as "remnants of the former regime" in the country's coastal regions, local media channels reported.

The helicopters are taking off from Istamo Airfield in rural Latakia, targeting armed elements still active in the coastal countryside, media channels cited a statement by the administration, which did not elaborate on the number of helicopters in use or the scope of the operation.

The deployment came as part of a series of security initiatives nationwide, aimed at consolidating the new leadership's authority.

Also on Saturday, Syria's newly-appointed intelligence chief Anas Khattab pledged in an official statement to restructure the country's security apparatus "in a manner befitting our people's sacrifices and long heritage."

All existing security branches in Syria will be dissolved and reorganized, Khattab said, without outlining a timeline or providing specific details for the overhaul.

Khattab's announcement came as Syria navigates a sensitive political transition following the downfall of the previous government on Dec. 8.

A military coalition led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham waged a major military operation from northern Syria on Nov. 27. It swept southwards, captured the capital Damascus, and overthrew former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government within 12 days. 
ABU DHABI, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), held talks with visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi in Dubai on Sunday, according to Emirates News Agency (WAM).

The two diplomats exchanged views on regional developments and discussed various issues of common concern, underscoring their commitment to fostering stability and cooperation in the region, the report said.

The meeting focused on enhancing bilateral relations between the UAE and Iran to advance mutual interests, the report added. 
Bona Film Group announced Thursday its groundbreaking military action film about China's nuclear submarine fleet will premiere during the lucrative Spring Festival film season.

The cast and crew of "Operation Hadal" pose at a press event in Beijing, Dec. 26, 2024. [Photo courtesy of MicroEnt]

"Operation Hadal," directed by Dante Lam, marks the first cinematic portrayal of China's nuclear submarines and their naval personnel in combat. The film, previous known as "Operation Leviathan," follows Lam's 2018 military blockbuster "Operation Red Sea," which grossed a staggering $576 million and became the highest-grossing Chinese film of the year.

At a Beijing press conference on Dec. 26, Yu Dong, chairman of Bona Film Group, referred to the film as a tribute to the country and the Chinese navy, emphasizing how the film raised the bar in terms of production complexity. "This is China's'  and the world's  first nuclear submarine film," Yu said. "It is a modern film with a new style, telling the story of China's modernized navy and modern warfare."

Yu's choice of the press date carried symbolic weight, coinciding with Chairman Mao Zedong's birthday and the anniversary of China's first nuclear submarine deployment in 1970. "We ventured into the deep sea with our national dream," Yu said.

The production demonstrates Bona Film Group's commitment to large-scale authenticity, following their previous projects that featured more than 100 tanks for "The Battle at Lake Changjin" and a full-scale Airbus A320 for "The Captain." For "Operation Hadal," the studio constructed multiple submarine sets for the climactic battle scenes.

Actor Zhang Hanyu described his awe upon first entering the nuclear submarine set. "It was so real that I didn't dare touch anything. I thought to myself, I absolutely must perform well and not waste such a great set," Zhang said. "As an actor, I feel incredibly honored to be part of such a project."

The production team faced significant technical challenges at China Movie Metropolis in Qingdao, Shandong province, where they excavated a pit measuring 110 meters long and 18 meters deep. Yu revealed that the actors performed their own water scenes without stunt doubles in temperatures of minus 10 degrees Celsius, while the director filmed underwater sequences upside down.

"In my 30 years of filmmaking, this has been the most challenging project," said executive producer Candy Leung. The vast subject matter required more than a year of research and nearly every shot needed custom-built sets. She revealed the cast filmed for 10 days on an offshore platform owned by China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) in the Bohai Sea  a set too immense to replicate. The crew worked in harsh environments, braving strong sea winds and sleeping on the floor. Securing permission to use the platform also required extensive negotiations with CNOOC leadership.

Production costs have consistently exceeded initial estimates, prompting Chairman Yu to seek additional financing. While the exact budget remains undisclosed, Yu indicated in April that the film's cost rivals major Hollywood productions, making it China's most expensive film project for 2024.

According to Bona Film Group's website, "Operation Hadal" follows the Chinese Navy as they battle mercenaries occupying the offshore platform Deep Blue 3. As the elite Jiao Long commandos work to reclaim the facility, they uncover a broader conspiracy that tests the navy's capabilities in deep-sea operations.

The star-studded cast includes Huang Xuan, Yu Shi, Du Jiang, Zhang Hanyu and Li Chen. The actors underwent intensive month-long training with international specialists in combat, diving and weapons handling. Pop star Karry Wang portrays a submarine sonar operator, marking the first cinematic depiction of this crucial naval role.

An IMAX poster for "Operation Hadal." [Photo courtesy of IMAX China]

Director Lam views "Operation Hadal" as a worthy successor to "Operation Red Sea." "But the most important thing is that I believe every major power in the world should have its own submarine film. Therefore, China should have its own submarine film too. And now we have it. This is the most meaningful thing."

Bona Film Group, renowned for producing "The Battle at Lake Changjin," China's highest-grossing film of all time, has entered this year's Spring Festival film race with its new film "Operation Hadal". The film will compete against other highly anticipated blockbusters, including "Ne Zha 2," "Legends of the Condor Heroes: The Gallants," "Creation of the Gods II: Demon Force," "Detective Chinatown 1900" and "Boonie Bears: Future Reborn."

However, "Operation Hadal" stands out as the only movie under the Filmed for IMAX program to be released during the holiday, featuring exclusive aspect ratios that provide up to 26% more picture on giant screens.

"It breaks new ground in both filmmaking techniques and production scale," said Daniel Manwaring, CEO of IMAX China. "The IMAX camera now dives deep into the ocean with 'Operation Hadal.' Working alongside a limitless creative team, we have upgraded production standards to bring audiences battle scenes unlike anything they have seen before."
CAIRO, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- A tourist was killed and another injured in a shark attack in Egypt's Red Sea resort of Marsa Alam, the Egyptian Environment Ministry said on Sunday.

Both victims are foreigners, according to the ministry, but their nationalities were not disclosed.

The area where the incident took place will be closed and swimming will be prohibited for two days starting Monday, said the statement, noting that an urgent committee will be formed to investigate the incident.

The ministry said it was working closely with the Red Sea Governorate and the concerned authorities to address the situation swiftly and effectively.

A similar incident happened in June 2023 when a tiger shark killed a Russian national in Hurghada, another coastal city on the Red Sea north of Marsa Alam. 
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- More than 15,000 New York City residents have been booted from their homes this year, as the citys housing affordability crisis continues to make it difficult for residents to keep up with rising rent prices.

The Staten Island Advance/SILive.com recently analyzed residential eviction data from New York Citys Open Data portal to determine how many New Yorkers have been evicted from their homes in 2024.

The data set includes all residential evictions throughout the five boroughs from Jan. 1 through Dec. 18, the last date for which data was available at the time of the analysis.

Through Dec. 18, there were 15,086 residential evictions across New York City, with the Bronx leading the way with 4,351.

Brooklyn had the second-most residential evictions so far this year with 4,041, followed by Queens with 3,366, Manhattan with 2,691 and Staten Island with 637.

ON STATEN ISLAND

Further analysis showed that certain Staten Island neighborhoods have seen far more evictions than others in 2024, with West Brighton-New Brighton-St. George leading the way with 107, followed by Grymes Hill-Clifton-Fox Hills with 76 and Stapleton-Rosebank with 64.

Heres a look at how many residential evictions have taken place in each Staten Island neighborhood in 2024.

Annadale-Huguenot-Princes Bay-Eltingville

13 residential evictions

Arden Heights

12 residential evictions

Charleston-Richmond Valley-Tottenville

26 residential evictions

Grasmere-Arrochar-Ft. Wadsworth

12 residential evictions

Great Kills

26 residential evictions

Grymes Hill-Clifton-Fox Hills

76 residential evictions

Mariners Harbor-Arlington-Port Ivory-Graniteville

61 residential evictions

Silver Lake

29 residential evictions

New Dorp-Midland Beach

22 residential evictions

New Springville-Bloomfield-Travis

36 residential evictions

Oakwood-Oakwood Beach

12 residential evictions

Old Town-Dongan Hills-South Beach

17 residential evictions

Port Richmond

38 residential evictions

Rossville-Woodrow

7 residential evictions

Stapleton-Rosebank

64 residential evictions

Todt Hill-Emerson Hill-Heartland Village-Lighthouse Hill

21 residential evictions

West New Brighton-New Brighton-St. George

107 residential evictions

Westerleigh

9 residential evictions

No neighborhood listed
College students in New York who attend eligible City University of New York (CUNY) and State University of New York (SUNY) schools can now apply for the upcoming semesters Excelsior Scholarship and free tuition.

The New York York State Excelsior Scholarship for the 2025 Spring academic semester is now open and available to eligible students from households that make less than $125,000 a year.

The scholarship fills a tuition gap after federal and state financial aid  providing the potential for a tuition-free college experience for eligible state residents.

Interested students must fill out the FAFSA and New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) applications or apply through the New York State DREAM Act, according to the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation.

The deadline to apply is Feb. 3.

The scholarship is for students who plan to attend a CUNY or SUNY school, including the College of Staten Island in Willowbrook.

Here are the eligibility requirements, according to the state:

Have an adjusted combined federal household income of $125,000 or less

Pursue an undergraduate degree at a SUNY or CUNY college or university

Enrolled in full-time study (at least 12 credits per term)

Complete at least 30 credits per year

In addition, Excelsior scholars must live and work in New York state for a duration equal to the number of years they receive the scholarship. For example, if you received the award for four years, you will be required to live and work in New York state for four years.

The Excelsior Scholarship transforms lives by making higher education more affordable and accessible for students across New York State, Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement. I encourage every eligible New Yorker to apply for this scholarship to pursue their higher education goals and build a brighter future for themselves, their family, and their community.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - Rates of gonorrhea and chlamydia, two common sexually transmitted infections (STIs), have risen noticeably in New York City, according to the newly-released 2023 data from the city Health Department -- except on Staten Island, the only borough to show a year-over-year decline for one of the illnesses.

Citywide, chlamydia was up 8% year-over-year for men and 5.4% for women, but on Staten Island the rate of infection was nearly flat, while gonorrhea rates citywide increased among men by 15.9% and among women by 1.1%, while Staten Island showed a small decline.

Charts show a borough breakdown of rates of sexually transmitted diseases in recent years, according to data from the city Health Department.NYC Health Department

Experts note, however, that the data only represents those who have sought a diagnosis and treatment.

Undiagnosed and untreated STIs can cause serious health problems for New Yorkers. The Health Department strongly encourages regular testing and the use of preventive measures, said Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse.

According to the citys release, gonorrhea and chlamydia disproportionately affect people living in neighborhoods with very high poverty -- defined as areas where 30% or more of residents live below the federal poverty level.

In 2023, the Chelsea-Clinton area in Manhattan reported the highest case rates for both infections among all neighborhoods in the city.

Other neighborhoods with high STI case rates include Hunts Point-Mott Haven and Highbridge-Morrisania in the Bronx for chlamydia and Central Harlem-Morningside Heights in Manhattan and Williamsburg-Bushwick in Brooklyn for gonorrhea.

In contrast, Staten Island reported the lowest rates among the five boroughs for both infections.

These maps published by the city Health Department show rates of sexually transmitted diseases using the most recent data available.NYC Health Department

Chlamydia trends in New York City

Chlamydia is a common bacterial STI that is treatable and curable.

It often doesnt cause symptoms, so many people with the infection are unaware and can unknowingly spread it.

From 2022 to 2023, chlamydia rates increased by 8% in men and 5.4% in women. In recent years, the rate of chlamydia in men has increased to rates similar to that in women, according to the City Surveillance Report.

Among women, teenagers and young adults are most affected by chlamydia. In 2023, women ages 15 to 24 made up 56% of all cases, with a rate five times higher than the overall rate for women.

Its important to treat chlamydia as soon as possible. Antibiotics can clear it up in about a week or two, but doctors say you should finish all of your medicine, even if symptoms improve.

If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications and permanent damage to your reproductive organs, according to Cleveland Health.

Gonorrhea trends in New York City

Gonorrhea is an STI caused by bacteria.

In many people, gonorrhea infection causes no symptoms. If symptoms occur, they usually affect the genital tract but can also appear in other areas.

From 2022 to 2023, the gonorrhea rate increased among men by 15.9% and among women by 1.1%, city data reports.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), since 2013, national gonorrhea rates among men have been higher than those among women -- likely reflecting increased testing and cases identified in gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men.

The CDC assures that gonorrhea can be cured with the right treatment, emphasizing the importance of taking all prescribed medicine.

However, treating some cases is becoming harder due to the rise of drug-resistant strains. If symptoms persist for more than a few days after treatment, consult your healthcare provider.
VATICAN CITY (AP)  Pope Francis on Tuesday formally inaugurated the 2025 Holy Year, reviving an ancient church tradition encouraging the faithful to make pilgrimages to Rome, amid new security fears following a Christmas market attack in Germany.

At the start of Christmas Eve Mass, Francis pushed open the Holy Door on St. Peters Basilica, which will stay open throughout the year to allow the estimated 32 million pilgrims projected to visit Rome to pass through.

The first Holy Year was called in 1300, and in recent times they are generally celebrated every 25 to 50 years. Pilgrims who participate can obtain indulgences  the centuries-old feature of the Catholic Church related to the forgiveness of sins that roughly amounts to a get out of Purgatory free card.

The last regular Jubilee was in 2000, when St. John Paul II ushered in the churchs third millennium. Francis declared a special Jubilee in 2015-2016 dedicated to mercy and the next one planned is in 2033, to commemorate the anniversary of the crucifixion of Christ.

What are indulgences?

According to church teaching, Catholics who confess their sins are forgiven and therefore released from the eternal or spiritual punishment of damnation. An indulgence is designed to remove the temporal punishment of sin that may remain  the consequence of the wrongdoing that might disrupt the sinners relationships with others.

Martin Luthers opposition to the churchs practice of selling indulgences inspired him to launch the Protestant Reformation in the 1500s. He was excommunicated, and the practice of buying and selling indulgences has been illegal since the 1562 Council of Trent. But the granting of them has continued and is an important element in Holy Year pilgrimages.

According to the norms issued for the 2025 Jubilee, Catholics can obtain an indulgence if they:

 Undertake a pious pilgrimage, participating in Masses and other sacraments, at any of the four papal basilicas in Rome or the Holy Land, or other sacred Jubilee sites so as to manifest the great need for conversion and reconciliation.

 Participate in works of charity, mercy or penance, such as visiting prisoners, sick people or elderly people or undertaking corporal works of mercy to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, welcome the stranger, heal the sick, visit the imprisoned and bury the dead.

 Abstain, in a spirit of penance, for at least one day of the week from futile distractions, such as social media, or from superfluous consumption, such as fasting; or donating the proportionate sum to the poor or to help migrants.

Why the focus on prisoners?

Francis has long made ministry to prisoners a hallmark of his priestly vocation, and a Holy Year dedicated to a message of hope is no exception.

In fact, the only other Holy Door that Francis will personally open this year is located at the chapel of Romes Rebibbia prison, to draw attention to the need to give prisoners in particular hope of a better future.

The final big event of the Holy Year before it closes on Jan. 6, 2026, is the Jubilee of Prisoners on Dec. 14, 2025.

Whats on the calendar?

The Jubilee calendar is a compilation of official and unofficial Holy Year events that will test the stamina of Francis, who just turned 88 and went into the Christmas season with a cold that made it hard for him to catch his breath.

Every month has two, three or four official Jubilee events that Francis is expected to attend which are designated for particular categories of people: the armed forces, artists, priests, poor people, volunteers and teachers. Then there are the unofficial Jubilee events, in which individual dioceses and other groups have organized their own pilgrimages to Rome.

One item on the Jubilees unofficial calendar, Sept. 6, has made news because it has been organized by an Italian association, La Tenda di Gionata or Jonathans Tent, which is dedicated to making LGBTQ+ Catholics feel more welcome in the Catholic Church.

What about security for so many people?

Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri has said the security plans call for a mix of traditional policing  a reported 700 extra officers  plus high-tech surveillance using drones and closed-circuit cameras that, thanks to algorithms informed by artificial intelligence, can keep track in real time of crowd sizes and congestion points.

There will be more vehicles, more men, and very, very, shall we say, robust and important security devices, Gualtieri told reporters last week.

The Vatican has tried to reduce congestion for pilgrims by allowing them to reserve their visits to St. Peters Basilica online in advance.

After a driver plowed into a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, killing five people, Italian authorities last week sent a circular to police stations around the country recommending maximum investigative efforts and to immediately boost surveillance and police patrols around Christmas markets and displays and tourist attractions.

The Vatican, with its life-sized creche and giant Christmas tree in St. Peters Square and outdoor exhibit of nativity scenes in the Bernini colonnade ringing it, qualifies as an at-risk target.

How else is Rome preparing?

Rome has had two years of intense preparations for the Holy Year that involved major public works projects and artistic renovations that have coincided with separate initiatives paid for by the European Unions COVID-19 recovery funds.

Fewer than a third of the 323 Jubilee projects have been finished or will wrap up by next month, meaning the traffic headaches and eyesores will continue well into 2025 and even 2026. But Romans and visitors are beginning to see some of the finished products.

Berninis fountains in Piazza Navona are glistening white again after a monthslong cleaning. A spiffed-up Trevi Fountain reopened over the weekend, and on Monday the main Jubilee project was unveiled: A pedestrian piazza linking Castel St. Angelo to the Via della Conciliazione, the main boulevard leading to St. Peters Square.
Can you feel the target on your back?

You can if youre a driver in New York City.

Not only are you demonized by the anti-car crowd, but youre also the cash cow for greedy city and state officials.

And its going to get worse in 2025.

The biggest hit, of course, is going to come from congestion pricing. Gov. Kathy Hochul had the program on pause for a bit but has put it back into effect.

Come Jan. 5, its going to cost you $9 just to drive into Manhattan below 60th Street.

This is supposed to be an improvement over the $15 initially called for under the congestion pricing plan.

Only in New York can a lower, useless tax be sold as some kind of win. Does Hochul think drivers are dopes? Remember that $9 fee when Hochul comes asking for your vote.

And it wont end there. The congestion fee will rise, as it has in London, the poster-child city for congestion pricing. The program could also be instituted in other boroughs than Manhattan.

Hochul for the moment has backed off a plan for surge congestion pricing, where steeper fees would be applied when the city Department of Transportation issues gridlock alerts.

You could easily see how more revenue could have been generated if the state piggybacked on the citys gridlock alerts and instituted surge congestion pricing on those days.

How convenient for them. And how bad for drivers.

Its just another demonstration of how congestion pricing can be effortlessly scaled to cost drivers more and more money.

And dont be fooled. This surge-pricing model could rear its ugly head again in the future. Its just too perfect for the states purposes.

Meanwhile, the Port Authority is planning to hike tolls on its bridges and tunnels, including on the three Staten Island spans under its control: the Goethals Bridge, the Outerbridge Crossing and the Bayonne Bridge.

Also starting on Jan. 5, nice coincidence that, drivers using E-Zpass can expect a 4.4% toll increase. Those using Tolls by Mail to pay for personal vehicles will see an approximately 3.9% increase on their bill.

Borough residents will also see 4.4% increase reflected in the Staten Island Bridges discount plan.

The Port Authority also hiked tolls starting at the beginning of 2024, so this is nothing new. And what are you going to do, swim to New Jersey and back?

And, hey, at least weve gotten a better Goethals Bridge and an improved Bayonne Bridge out of the deal. What is Staten Island likely to see out of congestion pricing except for more truck traffic, more pollution and still no subway connection?

But wait, theres more.

The MTA could also be getting into the act.

The authority recently approved its budget plan for the upcoming year. That could mean and toll and fare hike in August 2025.

MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber characterized the increase as procedural, pointing out that the transportation authority typically approves raises of 4% in its financial plan every two years to keep up with increasing costs.

In other words, nothing to see here, folks. Except more money out of your pocket.

Remember that the MTA is going to be the big beneficiary from whats projected to be a free windfall of billions of dollars from congestion pricing. They still need to nickel-and-dime us with toll and fare hikes?

Sure, the increase has to be approved by the MTA board and the state Legislature. Hochul could put the brakes on it.

Ill believe it when I see it.

When it comes to ripping of New York drivers and commuters, too much is never enough.

(This post has been updated to reflect the fact that the city Department of Transportation issues gridlock alerts.)
New York will welcome the new year with a series of new laws aimed at protecting consumers, improving public health and safety, helping workers earn a living wage and returning unclaimed money to state residents.

Heres a quick look at some of the new laws that will go into effect in 2025:
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul recently signed a legislative bill package aimed at protecting the personal data of consumers online.

During this time of year, companies and organizations are subject to elevated levels of fraudulent activity pertaining to consumer information online. With the signing of this bill, it is the governors hope to bolster the online security of New York residents susceptible to these data breaches.

New Yorkers should never have to worry about their personal information being misused or falling into the wrong hands, Gov. Hochul said. With this legislative package, we are taking bold action to hold companies accountable, strengthen protections, and give consumers the transparency and security they need and deserve. My administration will continue to lead the fight to protect privacy, combat fraud, and ensure every New Yorker can live and work with confidence in an increasingly digital world.

The package consists of six legislative bills in total.

Legislation S895B/A6789B requires social media companies to post terms of service for each platform in a reasonable manner that allows consumers to know of their contents. Additionally, the bill requires social media companies to submit to the attorney general certain terms of service reports; and provides remedies for violations.

Legislation S2376B/A4737B seeks to protect residents from identity theft by reinforcing protections of medical and insurance information.

Legislation S5615/A2833 directs state agencies to ensure that personal computing goods, services and solutions meet the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework. This will ultimately ensure devices procured by the state government are equipped with enhanced security features.

I thank Governor Hochul for signing this important legislation strengthening NYS procurement practices among State agencies to help prevent cyberattacks, State Senator Kevin Thomas said. Cyber security attacks cost business and government billions each year, we need to take all available measures to combat this growing problem. Utilizing best practices that have been adopted by the U.S. Government is an important step in protecting the data of our residents.

Legislation S2659B/A8872A states that businesses who fall victim to a data breach must provide notice of such a breach within 30 days. This also adds the department of financial services to the list of entities that must be informed in the event of a data breach which affects any New York resident.

Legislation S5703B/A1035B prohibits the use of social media platforms for the collection of debt.

Legislation S1759B/A1057C pertains to how online dating sites manage fraudulent members; and requires certain disclosures and regulations.

Americans lose billions each year to scams, and dating sites are often used to target those looking to connect, State Senator James Skoufis said. This new law permits online dating platforms to disclose to its users when someone theyve been in contact with has been previously banned or when someone theyve previously been in contact with has since been banned. Having this fuller picture can help New Yorkers make informed decisions about with whom they want to invest their time. Im pleased the Legislature recognized the changing social landscape and I thank the Governor for signing this common sense bill.
While drivers await a judges decision on a congestion pricing lawsuit that could stop New Yorks plan to charge $9 to enter lower Manhattan, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said shell eliminate a proposal to charge drivers an even higher toll during the citys gridlock alert days.

Hochul said Thursday she directed the MTA not to levy a 25% higher toll on the 20 gridlock alert days proclaimed by the city.

We have spoken to the MTA and made it clear: under no circumstances will I allow this discretionary 25% surcharge on gridlock days to be used, she said in a statement reported by WABC-TV.

Congestion pricing, scheduled to start on Jan. 5, is intended to reduce traffic, crashes and air pollution. It will raise $1 billion annually for subway, bus and commuter rail projects by charging a fee to enter Manhattans central business district south of 60th Street. It would the first program of its kind in the nation.

Under congestion pricing toll rate policies passed in November, the MTA had the option to charge a 25% higher congestion fee during 20 Gridlock Alert Days during the United Nations General Assembly and the holiday season, when heavy traffic is expected in Manhattan.

Hochul left intact a rate plan that allows the MTA to phase in rate increases that would mean the $9 fee would increase in 2028 to $12 for non-commercial passenger vehicles and to $15 in 2031.

Hochuls decision was welcomed by congestion pricing foe U.S. Rep Josh Gottheimer, D-5th Dist.

New York thought they could sneak through another way to whack hardworking families with its Congestion Tax cash-grab but got caught with their hand in the tax jar again, said Gottheimer, who is running for governor in New Jersey. Its time for the MTA to stop treating Jersey and New York drivers like their personal piggy bank.

Congestion pricing is scheduled to start on Jan. 5, pending a decision on New Jerseys lawsuit that seeks to overturn the June 2023 Federal Highway Administration decision that allowed it to proceed. It is the last lawsuit that could block the plan.

U.S. International Court of Trade Judge Leo M. Gordon heard arguments in the case in April and has yet to render an opinion on the case based on two days of arguments in court in Newark.

Gordon encouraged New Jersey and New York to reach a settlement of the suit that contends a more strict Environmental Impact Study should have been conducted by the MTA.

New Jersey and Fort Lee argued last April in U.S. Federal Court that the MTAs environmental assessment provided no mitigation of effects of added pollution in Bergen County due to traffic detouring across the George Washington Bridge to avoid the congestion zone in Manhattans central business district.

While media reports have cited offers of money by New York to mitigate those air pollution effects and funding for cash strapped NJ Transit, Gov. Phil Murphy has not said if New Jersey is negotiating to end the lawsuit. Hochul has only said multiple offers have been made to settle the suit.

Pending a decision by the court, the final wild card for congestion pricing is what the administration of President-elect Donald Trump will do once he is in office. Trump is opposed to congestion pricing and said on social media he will terminate it on his first week in office.
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.

Marilyn Ann Mattei, 65, of Bay Terrace, Staten Island, passed away on Dec. 27, 2024, at Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan. Born in Brooklyn on Aug. 18, 1959, Marilyn graduated from Tottenville High School and earned her Masters in Journalism from New York University. She was the Customer Relations Manager for E-ZPass for 33 years. A September 11th survivor, Marilyn was diagnosed with myelofibrosis in 2002 but never let fear or illness define her life. She loved spending time with loved ones, going to the beach, and traveling. Read the full obituary on SILive.

Margaret Mary McGinn (nee McKeon), 87, affectionately known as Maggie and Aunt Marge, passed away peacefully on Dec. 26, 2024. Born on May 19, 1937, she was the proud and loving wife to Thomas G. McGinn M.D. for over 57 years. A graduate of Bay Ridge High School, Long Island College of Nursing, and St. Johns University, Margaret lived her faith through her nursing career and service to others. Her legacy of commitment to her husband, family, nursing, and helping others will live on in all who met her. Read the full obituary on SILive.

Generative AI was used to produce an initial draft of this story based on data from Legacy.com. It was reviewed and edited by Staten Island Live staff.
NEW YORK (AP)  The Biden administration has finalized a rule limiting overdraft fees banks can charge, as part of the White Houses campaign to reduce junk fees that hit consumers on everyday purchases, including banking services. President Joe Biden had called the fees, which can be as high as $35, exploitative, while the banking industry has lobbied extensively to keep the existing fee structures in place.

Under the finalized rule announced Thursday, banks will be able to choose from three options: they may charge a flat overdraft fee of $5, they may charge a fee that covers their costs and losses, or they may charge any fee so long as they disclose the terms of the overdraft loan the way they would for any other loan, typically expressed as an annual percentage rate, or APR.

While banks have cut back on overdraft fees in the past decade, the nations biggest banks still take in roughly $8 billion in the charges every year, according to data from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and bank public records. Currently, there is no cap on the overdraft fees that banks can legally charge.

Right now, when a bank temporarily lends a consumer money when their account has reached a zero balance, the consumer is typically responsible for paying back both the overdrawn amount and an additional fee, which can be more than the original amount charged. In one example often cited by opponents of the fees, a $3 cup of coffee can end up costing someone more than $30.

The finalized rule is set to take effect in October 2025, but the incoming Trump administration has yet to tap anyone to lead the CFPB, and has mentioned the idea of eliminating the agency.

The finalized rule applies to banks and credit unions that have more than $10 billion in assets, which includes the nations largest banks. Banks have previously sued the CFPB over these rules and caps on credit card late fees, and are likely to sue again. Congress also has the ability to challenge or overturn the rule.

Overdraft fees originated during a time when consumers wrote and cashed checks more frequently  so that the checks would clear instead of bouncing, if there was an issue of timing  but banks steadily increased the fees in the first two decades of the 2000s. The fees disproportionately affect banks most cash-strapped consumers. A majority of overdrafts (70%) are charged to customers with average account balances between $237 and $439, according to the CFPB.

The agency estimates the new rule would save consumers about $5 billion in annual overdraft fees, or $225 per household that typically experiences the fees.
Ouyang Daobing, counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Myanmar, speaks during a ceremony to mark the completion of a rural clean water project at Aung Thar Village in Lewe township, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, Dec. 27, 2024. A ceremony to mark the completion of a rural clean water project, funded by Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Special Fund, was held in Nay Pyi Taw on Friday. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe)

NAY PYI TAW, Dec. 28 (Xinhua) -- A ceremony to mark the completion of a rural clean water project, funded by Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Special Fund, was held in Nay Pyi Taw on Friday.

During the ceremony held at the project site in Aung Thar Village, Lewe township, Myanmar's Union Minister for Cooperatives and Rural Development U Hla Moe thanked China for supporting the drinking water project.

He said that China has actively helped the development of the people's livelihood in countries within the Mekong-Lancang River region through both intergovernmental and private projects.

The project not only provides clean drinking water for villagers, but also supports agriculture and animal husbandry in the village, he said.

Ouyang Daobing, counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Myanmar, said that in order to actively promote practical cooperation on Lancang-Mekong water resources, China has funded a series of projects that focus on needs and benefit people's livelihood.

The project in Myanmar's Nay Pyi Taw is important for China-Myanmar cooperation and rural development. It can not only solve the water shortage problem faced by villagers, but also promote green and sustainable development of Aung Thar Village, he said.

Ouyang said that China will continue to actively promote cultural exchanges between China and Myanmar, enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the people, and provide more help for Myanmar's prosperity and development, people's happiness and the construction of a closer China-Myanmar community with a shared future.

Undertaken by the Changjiang River Scientific Research Institute of Changjiang Water Resources Commission of China's Ministry of Water Resources, and constructed by SPIC Yunnan International Power Investment Co., Ltd, the rural clean water project effectively solved the drinking water problem for more than 300 villagers and improved the safety of their drinking water.

Meanwhile, the project alleviated the problem of water access for livestock, ensured drinking water for livestock in the dry season, improved the survival rate of livestock and poultry, and increased villagers' income. 

A villager collects water from a water storage tank aided by Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Special Fund at Aung Thar Village in Lewe township, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, Dec. 27, 2024. A ceremony to mark the completion of a rural clean water project, funded by Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Special Fund, was held in Nay Pyi Taw on Friday. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe)
A man has been shot dead in western Sydney and a nearby car set ablaze in what police believe are linked incidents.

Police cars and ambulances arrived in Sutherland Street, Canley Heights about 6.50pm on Sunday after residents reported shots being fired.

NSW Fire & Rescue were called to a car set alight a suburb over from the fatal shooting. Credit: Fire & Rescue NSW Smithfield

Paramedics treated a man, who had gunshot wounds, but he died from his injuries. He was believed to have been in his 30s.

The person responsible for the shooting was not yet known on Sunday night.
It also spawned fresh evidence Reynolds now wants to use as a weapon in her bid to have Higgins $2.4 million compensation claim probed by the corruption watchdog. Lehrmann has maintained his innocence since his 2022 criminal trial was aborted due to juror misconduct, but a Federal Court judgment found, on the balance of probabilities, that he did rape Higgins. Lehrmann is now appealing that ruling. Justice Paul Tottle is expected to hand down a judgment in the court row in the New Year, but we suspect there wont be any winners in this saga. Western Australias mining dynasty, of which the nations richest person Gina Rinehart is the most famous member, was embroiled in a court fight over the rights to the Hope Downs projects in the states iron-rich Pilbara region. Credit: Marija Ercegovac Gina Rinehart: 1, Bianca and John: 0

The high-stakes clash over the Hope Downs iron ore project, which pitted Australias richest person Gina Rinehart against two mining dynasties and her eldest children, occupied two floors of the Supreme Court for more than six months in 2023. And yet still, there was unfinished business in the battle for the multibillion-dollar asset. The case made headlines again in April, when Rineharts eldest children lost an eleventh-hour bid for 82 top secret documents their billionaire mother claimed were protected by legal privilege. The pair, who have been locked in a bitter battle with their mother over mining assets left behind by their pioneer grandfather Lang Hancock, believed the files might aid their pursuit for ownership of Rinehart-led Hancock Prospectings sprawling mining tenements in the states north-west. But Justice Natalie Whitby ruled the pair had insufficient evidence, lashing the handling of the case and its burden on the public justice system after revealing the court book spanned 6000 pages.

To say that the resources dedicated to these privilege claims was grossly disproportionate to the issues in the dispute is an understatement, she wrote. Ouch... Were still awaiting a judgment from Justice Jennifer Smith on the broader row. We hope Justice Smith is not spending the whole festive season in the area of or contiguous to her desk and what we imagine is a very lengthy draft judgment. Beleaguered Mineral Resources boss takes on media to keep court row quiet

He gained a reputation as the uninhibited billionaire mining boss behind Mineral Resources meteoric rise, but it would be what Chris Ellison kept hidden that would be his downfall. Depressed lithium prices, sweeping cost cuts and a debt-laden balance sheet saw Ellison declare it the shittiest time to be a managing director in one newspaper interview. Loading Just a few months later, he would announce plans to vacate the top job, undone by an expose in the Australian Financial Review detailing his involvement in an alleged decade-long tax evasion scheme. But as shareholders were demanding answers and the corporate regulator was beginning its own probe, Ellisons lawyers were busy fighting to keep the media from undoing sweeping gag orders over documents filed in his now-settled row with a former contracts boss.

The documents were central to the two-year court row MinRes, Ellison and self-proclaimed whistleblower Steven Pigozzo had been fighting on several fronts until inking a peace deal in July  which featured explosive allegations of misconduct. While a string of Pigozzos claims had been republished by the media, much of the case had been covered by suppression orders which were broadened when both parties asked that more than 16 legal documents be permanently removed from the case file. The non-publication orders are sought to fortify matters raised previously about allegations that were not just irrelevant but scandalous, Ellisons lawyer told the court. WA Health, scientist ink top-secret stem cell patent peace deal She was the face of Royal Perth Hospitals state-of-the-art cellular therapy facility, the Perth scientist behind a medical invention that saw her wheeled out by the health departments publicity team to showcase its life-changing research.

That was until the day of Dr Marian Sturms retirement in 2021, when the health service dragged her to court demanding compensation and that the licence agreement for the invention be torn up. The three-year medicine ownership battle came to an abrupt end in March after the East Metropolitan Health Service and Sturms company Isopogen inked a top-secret peace deal. The lawsuit centred around intellectual property rights to an improved method of manufacturing mesenchymal stromal cells used to treat inflammatory illnesses, which Sturm developed in 2007 and registered in her name and that of her capital-raising vehicle Isopogen. Sturms relationship with the EMHS soured amid claims she had breached her contract by asserting ownership over the medicine, which saw Isopogen, two former employees, the states own patents attorneys and its insurer embroiled in a bitter legal pursuit with the health service. The parties claimed they had reached a mutually acceptable, confidential settlement which provided a comprehensive framework for an ongoing relationship.

A spokesperson for the health service told this masthead that gag order extended to how much this three-year sparring match cost the taxpayer. How convenient. Loading Vegan activist Tash Peterson, partner cop $280k bill in defamation row Shes not quite the top end of town, but we couldnt take a look back at the biggest civil cases of 2024 without referencing the whopping damages bill handed to Perths most prominent animal rights activist. In November, Tash Peterson and her partner were ordered to pay $280,000 in damages to the owners of a Perth veterinary clinic for defamation after a bizarre dispute in 2021.

The dispute, which was later circulated on social media, was sparked after Peterson and Jack Higgs spotted two cockatiels in a large cage at the front of Dr Kay McIntosh and Andrew McIntoshs Bicton Veterinary Clinic. What unfolded was a bizarre tirade in which Peterson accused the clinic of advertising animal slavery  despite neither of the birds being able to survive in the wild  and of eating their own patients. Peterson and Higgs had claimed their tirade was justified as honest opinion, defending the content on the basis it was substantially true and a matter of public interest. But the part of the trial that managed to capture the most attention were revelations about just how deep Petersons pockets were, with the V-Gan Booty Pty Ltd entity behind her burgeoning OnlyFans account generating more than $380,000 in earnings in 2022 alone. We suspect this wont be the last we see of Peterson.
2. Best performance by a shadow minister. James Paterson. Elected to the Senate in 2016 aged just 28, the Liberal Partys youngest-ever senator soon lived down the view that he was too young for the job. First as chairman of parliaments intelligence committee during the Morrison government, then as shadow minister for home affairs, he quickly mastered the national security brief. Patersons indefatigable presence in the media , where every answer is word-perfect, as well as his lethal performances in Senate estimates have won him a deserved reputation as a baby-faced political killer.

1. Best performance by a minister. Don Farrell . Nicknamed The Godfather, the minister for trade flies below the radar. A consummate dealmaker and political fixer, he is the quiet achiever among a cabinet of high-profile mediocrities. In a government dominated by Labors Left, Farrell owes his power to his control of the right-wing shop assistants union (the shoppies). As a social conservative, he would give John Howard a run for his money. Farrell is emblematic of an older Labor Party  a living reminder of the days when Labor politicians were real working people, not apparatchiks, activists and ambulance-chasers. Also the deputy Senate leader, his negotiating skill makes him much better at winning over difficult crossbenchers than the famously rude Penny Wong.

The festive season is a time for lists. Shopping lists. Christmas card lists. (Of course I still send Christmas cards.) Lists of New Years resolutions. And, for newspapers, lists of the best (and worst) of the past year. There isnt any objectivity about them. There isnt meant to be. They unapologetically reflect the interests, sympathies and prejudices of the compiler. Thats what makes them fun. Here are 10 things that stood out for me in 2024.

3. Best performance by a crossbencher. Jacqui Lambie. The Tasmanian senator may not be an orator of Ciceronian eloquence. Much more importantly, she is a down-to-earth, fearless, passionate fighter for her causes. And her causes are not the vaporous abstractions so beloved by wealthy teals, but real people  the classic Aussie battlers, like Lambie herself, who suffer from real injustices. In particular, veterans. She is hugely effective at getting results out of the supine bureaucrats who live in fear of her. If there were one politician Id want in my corner if I had a fight on my hands, it would be Jacqui.

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4. Best performance by a judge. Justice Michael Lee. This pleasingly idiosyncratic jurist  one of his hobbies is collecting Richard Nixon memorabilia  has presided over some of the Federal Courts most complex cases. But it was the way he handled the Bruce Lehrmann defamation trial that rocketed him to public acclaim. It is exquisitely difficult to conduct the hearing of a case which is already a cause celebre, yet his honour did so with exemplary skill. His judgment was painstaking, fair and  important, given the huge public interest  comprehensible. He even managed to be drily humorous  which, given the sensitivity of the issues, was no mean feat. He also gave us the word of the year, omnishambles. Appointing Lee in 2017 was one of my best decisions as attorney-general. But, in a spirit of full disclosure, I must confess I also gave Lehrmann his first job in Parliament House, which was undoubtedly one of my worst. In the Federal Court in Sydney this year, my alpha and omega came face to face.

5. Gutsiest small country. Moldova. This tiny nation of 2.4 million people, landlocked between Ukraine and Romania, held elections late this year. Russian military units were encamped along its eastern flank in its breakaway province Transnistria. Further to its east, Russian armies continued to butcher Ukraine and its people. Its western neighbour Romania elected a Putin apologist as president. Yet Moldovans heroically withstood immense regional pressure, overt Russian threats and industrial-scale election interference to stare Vladimir Putin down. During the first round of voting on October 20, they also approved (by the wafer-thin margin of 50.35 per cent to 49.65 per cent) a referendum to include the goal of European Union membership in the nations constitution. Then, in the second-round voting on November 4, they re-elected the pro-European President Maia Sandu over a Putin-backed goon, by 55 per cent to 45 per cent  an important event that was barely noticed because of another election, elsewhere, the following day.
NSW has a history of inadequately planning for school infrastructure needs. Schools have closed, only for populations to boom in those areas, leaving successive state governments scrambling to play catch-up with demand.

One area hit with poor planning decisions was the north shore, where flawed demographic modelling in the early 1990s led to the then Greiner Coalition government closing eight primary schools in the northern Sydney region, arguing it was selling the assets to fund development in the west.

At the time, demographic modelling forecast a decline in the number of families with young children living on the north shore. The modelling proved flawed. Populations swelled. To meet demand, a new comprehensive high school opened in Crows Nest in 2015, named Cammeraygal after the Cammeraygal people of the Guringai nation who lived in the Willoughby area.

The school was meant to alleviate some of the demand for public high school places on the north shore, but by 2018 it needed to expand to the former Crows Nest TAFE site to accommodate its Years 10 to 12 students. Now the school is full and has taken the unusual step of telling its community that local students who live within its boundaries will need to attend Mosman High.

The Department of Education regularly reviews its boundaries to ensure a fair distribution of student enrolments, in the hope schools are not left under- or over-utilised. This is reasonable and far preferable to simply closing schools and prematurely selling assets, as has happened in the past.
Moskeeta has become the star of a battling stable and can take her winning strike rate to 35 per cent at Mondays home Coffs Harbour meeting.

The flying six-year-old mare boasts a career record that most country gallopers would envy, and given how lightly raced she is, it threatens to climb even higher.

Racing heads to Coffs Harbour on Tuesday. Credit: Fairfax

Moskeetas importance to Cathleen Rode can never be understated, even though the veteran trainer holds the honour of winning the first NSW Country Championship Final at Randwick in 2017 with the late gelding Free Standing.

Fast forward several years, and Moskeeta has provided six of her last seven wins stretching back an incredible 31 months.
Brisbane: A relaxed Novak Djokovic has shed light on what it is like to be the target of Nick Kyrgios vitriol, as well as sharing his thoughts on Jannik Sinner, the anti-doping process in tennis, and hiring Andy Murray as his coach.

The 10-time Australian Open champion arrived in the country on Saturday and is the top seed for this weeks Brisbane International, where he will also partner Kyrgios in doubles after they first discussed the possibility at Wimbledon mid-year.

Novak Djokovic is back in Australia, hunting another grand slam title. Credit: AAP

At age 37 and with specks of grey through his hair, Djokovic has slid from world No.1  a status he enjoyed for a record-obliterating 428 weeks  to No.7 but remains hungry to make more history.

He can even picture himself still playing at 40 after winning an Olympic gold medal this year and reaching the Wimbledon final in a comparatively low season by his lofty standards.
Baku: Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said on Sunday that a passenger plane that crashed last week, killing 38 people, had been damaged by accidental shooting from the ground in Russia, adding that some in Russia had lied about the cause of the disaster.

Russian President Vladimir Putin apologised to Aliyev on Saturday for Wednesdays tragic incident in Russian airspace involving Azerbaijan Airlines Flight J2-8243 after Russian air defences engaged Ukrainian attack drones.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in a file picture. Credit: Bloomberg

A Kremlin statement did not say Russia had shot down the plane, only noting that a criminal case had been opened.

Our plane was shot down by accident, Aliyev said on state television on Sunday, adding that the plane had come under some sort of electronic jamming and had then been shot at while it was approaching the southern Russian city of Grozny.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Government of Sint Maarten expresses profound sorrow over the passing of Dominico Felipe Martina, better known as Don Martina, former Prime Minister of the Netherlands Antilles, a statesman whose legacy of leadership, diplomacy, and vision left an indelible mark within the former Netherlands Antilles. In honor of his contributions, the national flags at the Government Administration Building in Philipsburg will be flying half-mast on the day of his funeral Monday, December 30, 2024.

The Honorable Prime Minister of Sint Maarten, Dr. Luc Mercelina, paid tribute to Don Martina, calling him a "pillar of wisdom and unity" whose impact extended far beyond his years of public service.

"Don Martina was a true statesman, a visionary leader who dedicated his life to the progress and unity of the islands of the Netherlands Antilles," remarked Prime Minister Mercelina. "His steadfast commitment to dialogue and his principled approach to governance remain an inspiration to us all. Sint Maarten stands in solidarity with the people of Curacao in the loss of this remarkable leader."

He served two terms as Prime Minister of the Netherlands Antilles. His first term was from from November 1979 to October 1984 and his second term was from January 1986 to July 1988.

As Sint Maarten lowers its flags in solemn tribute on Monday, Prime Minister Mercelina called on the community to reflect on the values that Don Martina embodied. "Let us honor his memory by striving for unity, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to the betterment of our people," he concluded.

The Government of Sint Maarten extends heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Don Martina, as well as the people of Curacao.
SEOUL, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- At least 28 people were killed and three others were rescued in an airplane crash that occurred on Sunday at an airport in the southwest of South Korea, according to multiple media outlets.

The passenger plane with 175 passengers, including 173 South Koreans and two Thais, as well as six crew members aboard, crashed while attempting to land at the Muan International Airport, around 290 km southwest of the capital Seoul, at about 9:07 a.m. local time (0007 GMT).

Twenty-eight people were confirmed dead, with three more rescued. Rescue operations were underway to determine additional possible casualties.

The Jeju Air flight 7C2216 from Bangkok, Thailand veered off the runway and crashed into the outer wall of the runway, with its fuselage destroyed in half and catching fire.

The accident was presumed to have been caused by a bird strike that led to landing gear failure.

After making the first landing attempt, the aircraft went around into the air due to the estimated malfunctioning of landing gear and made the second landing attempt with a belly-landing that resulted in the crash into the wall.

The fire was initially extinguished some 43 minutes later, with about 80 firefighters and helicopters being dispatched to the scene.

Minister of Economy and Finance Choi Sang-mok, who became an acting president following the impeachments of both President Yoon Suk-yeol and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, ordered relevant high-ranking officials to make all-out efforts by mobilizing all available equipment and manpower to save lives.

Choi, who doubles as deputy prime minister for economic affairs, stressed that special attention should be paid to prevent rescuers from suffering additional accidents during the rescue operations.

After giving those orders, Choi departed for the scene of the accident. 
Trump sides with Musk in right-wing row over worker visas



Washington, Dec 28 (AFP) Dec 28, 2024



Donald Trump weighed in Saturday in a bitter debate dividing his traditional supporters and tech barrons like Elon Musk, saying that he backs a special visa program that helps highly skilled workers enter the country.

"I've always liked the (H1-B) visas, I have always been in favor of the visas, that's why we have them" at Trump-owned facilities, the president-elect told the New York Post in his first public comments on the matter since it flared up this week.

An angry back-and-forth, largely between Silicon Valley's Musk and traditional anti-immigration Trump backers, has erupted in fiery fashion, with Musk even vowing to "go to war" over the issue.

Trump's insistent calls for sharp curbs on immigration were central to his election victory in November over President Joe Biden. He has vowed to deport all undocumented immigrants and limit legal immigration.

But tech entrepreneurs like Tesla's Musk -- as well as Vivek Ramaswamy, who with Musk is to co-chair a government cost-cutting panel under Trump -- say the United States produces too few highly skilled graduates, and they fervently champion the H1-B program.

Musk, who himself migrated from South Africa on an H1-B, posted Thursday on his X platform that luring elite engineering talent from abroad was "essential for America to keep winning."

Adding acrimony to the debate was a post from Ramaswamy, the son of immigrants from India, who deplored an "American culture" that he said venerates mediocrity, adding that the United States risks having "our asses handed to us by China."

That angered several prominent conservatives who were backing Trump long before Musk noisily joined their cause this year, going on to pump more than $250 million into the Republican's campaign.

"Looking forward to the inevitable divorce between President Trump and Big Tech," said Laura Loomer, a far-right MAGA figure known for her conspiracy theories, who often flew with Trump on his campaign plane.

"We have to protect President Trump from the technocrats."

She and others said Trump should be promoting American workers and further limiting immigration.



- 'MAGA civil war' -



Musk, who had already infuriated some Republicans after leading an online campaign that helped tank a bipartisan budget deal last week, fired back at his critics.

Posting on X, the social media site he owns, he warned of a "MAGA civil war."

Musk bluntly swore at one critic, adding that "I will go to war on this issue."

That, in turn, drew a volley from Trump strategist Steve Bannon, who wrote on the Gettr platform that the H1-B program brings in migrants who are essentially "indentured servants" working for less than American citizens would.

In a striking jab at Trump's close friend Musk, Bannon called the Tesla CEO a "toddler."

Some of Trump's original backers say they fear he is falling under the sway of big donors from the tech world like Musk and drifting away from his campaign promises.

It was not immediately clear whether Trump's remarks might soothe the intraparty strife, which has exposed just how contentious changing the immigration system might be once he takes office in January.
Trump sides with Musk in right-wing row over worker visas



Washington, Dec 29 (AFP) Dec 29, 2024



Donald Trump weighed in Saturday in a bitter debate dividing his traditional supporters and tech barons like Elon Musk, saying that he backs a special visa program that helps highly skilled workers enter the country.

"I've always liked the (H1-B) visas, I have always been in favor of the visas, that's why we have them" at Trump-owned facilities, the president-elect told the New York Post in his first public comments on the matter since it flared up this week.

An angry back-and-forth, largely between Silicon Valley's Musk and traditional anti-immigration Trump backers, has erupted in fiery fashion, with Musk even vowing to "go to war" over the issue.

Trump's insistent calls for sharp curbs on immigration were central to his election victory in November over President Joe Biden. Trump has vowed to deport all undocumented immigrants and limit legal immigration.

But tech entrepreneurs like Tesla's Musk -- as well as Vivek Ramaswamy, who is set to join Musk in co-chairing a government cost-cutting panel -- say the United States produces too few highly skilled graduates, and they fervently champion the H1-B program.

Musk, who migrated from South Africa on an H1-B, posted Thursday on his X platform that luring elite engineering talent from abroad was "essential for America to keep winning."

Adding acrimony to the debate was a post from Ramaswamy, the son of immigrants from India, who deplored an "American culture" that he said venerates mediocrity, adding that the United States risks having "our asses handed to us by China."

That angered several prominent conservatives who were backing Trump long before Musk noisily joined their cause this year, going on to pump more than $250 million into the Republican's campaign.

"Looking forward to the inevitable divorce between President Trump and Big Tech," said Laura Loomer, a far-right MAGA figure known for her conspiracy theories, who often flew with Trump on his campaign plane.

"We have to protect President Trump from the technocrats."

She and others said Trump should be promoting American workers and further limiting immigration.



- 'MAGA civil war' -



Musk, who had already infuriated some Republicans after leading an online campaign that helped tank a bipartisan budget deal last week, fired back at his critics.

Posting on X, he warned of a "MAGA civil war" over the visas, which he said were critical "for those who want America to win."

Musk swore at one critic, adding: "I will go to war on this issue."

That, in turn, drew a volley from Trump strategist Steve Bannon, who wrote on the Gettr platform that the H1-B program brings in migrants who are essentially "indentured servants" working for less than American citizens would.

In a striking jab at Trump's close friend Musk, Bannon called the Tesla CEO a "toddler."

Some of Trump's original backers say they fear he is falling under the sway of big donors from the tech world like Musk and drifting away from his campaign promises.

It was not immediately clear whether Trump's remarks might soothe the intraparty strife, which has exposed just how contentious changing the immigration system might be once he takes office in January.

bbk/nro/lb

Tesla
Gaza rescuers say Israeli strike on hospital kills 7



Gaza Strip, Palestinian Territories, Dec 29 (AFP) Dec 29, 2024



Gaza's civil defence agency said an air strike hit a hospital Sunday, killing at least seven people, while Israel said it had targeted militants at the no longer functioning facility.

"Seven martyrs and several injured people, including critical cases, have been recovered following the Israeli strike on the upper floor of Al-Wafaa Hospital in central Gaza City," a civil defence agency statement said.

Israel's military said it had carried out a "precise strike" targeting members of Hamas's aerial defence unit operating from a "command and control centre in a building that served in the past as the Al-Wafaa hospital".

"The building does not currently serve as a hospital," the military said.

The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said the hospital was still in use.

"The Al-Wafaa Hospital is partially operational, providing care to patients with physical disabilities," the ministry's director general, Munir al-Barsh, told AFP.

"The hospital had been rehabilitated and was getting ready to receive patients. Had it not been targeted by Israeli shelling today, it would have been ready to fully reopen in the next few days," he said.

The strike on Al-Wafaa Hospital came a day after the military ended a raid on Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, an assault the World Health Organization reported left the facility empty of patients and staff.

The military also detained the hospital's chief, Hossam Abu Safiyeh, saying he was suspected of being a Hamas militant.

Since October 6, Israel's operations in the Palestinian territory have focused on northern Gaza, where it says its land and air offensive aims to prevent Hamas from regrouping.

However, the military has also carried out air strikes and shelling in other areas of Gaza as it presses on with its campaign against the militants.
NEW DELHI, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- At least four persons were killed and more than 30 others injured after their bus overturned in India's eastern state of Odisha on Sunday, a local government official said.

The mishap occurred in the state's Koraput district.

Carrying nearly 50 people, the bus was moving toward the Gupteswar temple. The bus driver lost control of the bus on a sharp turn in the hilly terrain of Daparighati, resulting in the accident.

The injured, some of them critical, included women and children.

The state's Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed condolences and announced monetary compensation to the families of the victims. 
Unable to return to Syria, she is also no longer able to receive cancer treatment in the UK after her passport expired in 2020 - although its unclear if she allowed this or if ministers stepped in to prevent her return. She has been under an asset freeze and travel ban since sanctions were imposed on the couple in 2012.
90s girl band star confesses she is homeless and has been living in her car for three years

90s music star is homeless and been living in her car for three years
MOSCOW, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- The United States and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) will face a decisive response, including military-technical countermeasures, should they make new missile threats against Russia, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Sunday.

"We are prepared for any scenario. If new missile threats are established, our adversaries will face a decisive response in the form of military-technical countermeasures. At the same time, hypothetical steps to create acceptable conditions for equitable dialogue will be considered," Lavrov said in an interview with RIA Novosti.

Lavrov underscored that Russia is primarily interested in a comprehensive approach to reducing conflict potential, focusing on addressing the root causes of fundamental security disagreements.

"NATO's years-long eastward expansion remains a significant driver of the Ukrainian crisis and continues to pose a threat to Russia's security. Arms control issues could hypothetically be discussed, but only as part of a broader agenda," Lavrov added.

In the interview, Lavrov said that Russia will have to abandon its unilateral moratorium on the deployment of ground-based intermediate- and shorter-range missiles as it has become nearly untenable despite officially remaining in effect.

Lavrov highlighted the recent test of Russia's latest medium-range hypersonic system Oreshnik under combat conditions. "This convincingly demonstrated our capabilities and our determination to implement compensatory measures," Lavrov said. 
In 1882, the Post-Dispatch published this article detailing fortunes that were made, then "lost." (Some were not lost so much as divided between many descendants.)

The article has been edited for length; notes about the families are in italics.

One Generation Accumulates and the Next Dissipates.

"It is a very mournful thing," said a veteran barrister a few davs ago, "to look back and contemplate the families who used to rank as the leaders in fashion and fortune in this community and then think how most of them have faded out, rusted away; many of them ruined by extravagance and dissipation. ... "

The Lindells.

The great Lindell estate was the result of the work and fortunate speculations of Jesse and Peter Lindell. Their deaths resulted in their enormous fortunes, amount to about $8 or $9 millions, going to collateral relatives (nieces and nephews). The Lindell stock has died out, and future generations will know of the famous old family by name only.

Lindell Boulevard is named for Peter Lindell, who died in 1861. Jesse Lindell's wife was Jemima. The brothers also operated the Lindell Hotel.

Thos. J. Payne was at one time one of the most notably wealthy men in the west, and he was quoted as one of the Croesuses of the day. Even during the panic of 1836, during which he lost fearfully, he was able to weather the storm and came out with something left. Of a once magnificent estate there is not a vestige left, and but few of the present residents of the city are aware that such a man ever existed.

The Benoists.

Louis A. Benoist's estate was estimated to be worth $2,000,000. Upon his death, however, this was divided between an enormous family, he leaving 23 children; each getting about $100,000. Some of the sons devoted themselves assiduously to getting rid of their wealth in various ways. Some had expensive tastes in the shape of horse flesh. No considerable portion of this once magnificent property remains together, and it is not to be quoted any longer as one of the great estates of the time. Several of the sons are in business, and are hard-working and useful members of society.

Benoist was a banker. His country home, the Oakland House, still stands in Affton. Among Benoist's grandchildren was Conde Nast, founder of the company that still bears his name and publishes Vanity Fair, Vogue and the New Yorker.

The O'Fallons.

John O'Fallon was one of the warmest hearted and finest gentlemen this city has ever been graced with. His estate reached in round figures $10,000,000, being chiefly in real estate. Upon his death his property was well divided up amongst his relatives. The largest portion went to his oldest son, James O'Fallon, this being $1,500,000. This gentleman was under the influence of a chimerical politician named Hatch, and his fortune wis dissipated in schemes of no practical value. Some of the heirs were prudent and have their means intact. Others of the boys have some very lively blood circulating amongst them, and have been concerned in several escapades about town, which have made them prominent.

John O'Fallon, who died in 1865, is remembered in the names of two towns, one in Illinois and one in St. Charles County. Part of his estate is now O'Fallon Park.

Daniel D. Page was at one time an enormously wealthy man, but lost his property through one way or another until he got down to actual poverty. A constable levied on his horse and buggy while he was driving through a street, and Mr. Samuel Gaty re-purchased it and sent it home to him. His son-in-law, W.T. Coleman, is in San Francisco, a wealthy man, and his other son-in-law, Henry D. Bacon, went into the banking business and prospered. Mr. Page's estate was estimated to be worth at one time $8,000,000.

Page Boulevard is named for this man, who was also a mayor of St. Louis from 1829-1833.

The Soulards were an enormously wealthy family in the lower part of the city. The property has been scattered among a very numerous family and as an estate it cuts no very great figure. The Soulards however are a very circumspect and high-bred family and are comparatively easy in circumstances.

Julia Soulard donated the land where Soulard Market now stands to the city, for use as a market.

Mr. Wm. Christie owned enormous tracts of land in north St. Louis, which were very valuable. The heirs ran through their fortunes as a rule, getting rid of them as soon as possible and by the most expeditious ways. There are a number of them in the city yet, but they are not ranked amongst the wealthy ones. The family is an old and good one.

The Chouteaus.

The Chouteau estate is well divided up, but the family is splendidly circumstanced, having taken excellent care of their means. The Maffitt and Chouteau branches of the descendants of Henry Chouteau are noted as being amongst the richest people in the Mississippi Valley. The ownership of Iron Mountain is in this family and it is a source of great revenue. The estate is in no one of its parts, however, equal to its former greatness.

Auguste Chouteau was one of the founders of St. Louis (at 14).

John Thornton was an eccentric man who was very wealthy. He was a bachelor and exceedingly miserly in his ways. He would lunch off a herring and a cracker with the top of a barrel for a table, and it was estimated that a suit of clothes would last him a dozen years. This property suffered diminution, and yet there remained a surplus of $575,000, which he willed to the Catholic Church.

Andrew Christy was at one time the owner of an enormous estate. At his death he left $1,000,000, which was scattered and dissipated through various channels.

The Mullanphys were one of the largest and most notable of all the old properties and was worth about $7,000,000. The founder or this estate was the famous John Mullanphy, a public spirited and liberal hearted man.

His son Bryan was the founder of the Mullanphy emigrant fund and Home, which has done untold good for many years, although at present much of its efficiency is impaired by the red tape method of transacting matters. Bryan Mullanphy, was an eccentric, and in 1847 was the mayor of the city. He inherited much of the liberal qualities of his father, and at one time donated one-third of his estate to the city. At one time both Thornton and himself were confined in the Sisters' Hospital for treatment for mental disorder.

In a correction to the original article (which had several errors), another writer wrote of Bryan Mullanphy: "His mind sometimes got off track, otherwise he was far above the average of lawyers even in those days. In manners, education, habits, sentiment and principle he was a man of honor in the sense bot of honestly and chivalry." Mullanphy was mayor from 1847-1848.

Miss Ann Mullanphy, daughter of John Mullanphy, married a Maj. Biddle, who was afterwards killed in a duel with Mr. Pettis, fought at Bloody Island. Indeed, both principals fought at five paces. The widow. Mrs. Biddle, built a female orphans' asylum upon her husband's death, and gave away enormous sums in charities of various kinds. She built a number of charitable institutions and and even gave up her fine residence in the cause of mercy. Major Biddle and his noble wife now rest together, and the inclosed monument at Tenth and Biddle streets is an interesting remembrance of the good works done in life. The property of the Mullanphy family is divided up well and is in good bands. If the monument referred to here is the burial place of the Biddles, it now stands in Calvary Cemetery. Among the descendants of the Mullanphys are the Frosts. Confederate Gen. Daniel M. Frost's daughter donated funds to St. Louis University, and its main campus now bears his name.

The Carrs.

The famous Carr estate, which was accumulated by the work of Judge Wm. C. Carr, was another handsome property. This was divided up very fine amongst a very numerous family, and is no longer regarded as an important estate.

William C. Carr was among the first attorneys in Missouri; he died in 1851.

The Colliers.

George Collier was the greatest of old time merchants, and by his business tact and perseverance gathered a large fortune together, while most of the old time millionaires got their fortunes by holding on to property until its value compounded and compounded. Mr. Collier made his by legitimate business methods. In this case the property fell to worthy heirs. The daughters of Mr. Collier were well married and the sons are prosperous business men.

Robert Campbell made an immense fortune through trading with Native Americans. His three sons inherit this and as they possess enough or the thrifty Scotch attributes of their father to take good care of it, it is apt to remain in the family.

The sons were all bachelors; their home is now the Campbell House Museum.

William Russell was one of the most successful land speculators the West has ever produced. His ventures were made in all parts of the country and were almost invariably successful, and at his death be left about $2,000,000. A large proportion of this went to Mrs. Thos. Allen, his daughter.

Russell Avenue is named for William Russell; after the death of his daughter, Ann Allen, her family developed a subdivision on the land he owned.

The Wiggins Estate was a fine one, having been made by three brothers, Samuel, Charles and William Wiggins, out of their ferry. They owned two ferryboats and about 1,000 acres of land about half a century ago, and their interest grew with the area. Finally the owners of the company became alarmed at the bridge project and disposed of their rights. The money found various outlets, and William Wiggins, who had the largest portion of it, went at a good pace for a long time, and, being of a very free and warm-hearted disposition, gave away a great deal in one way or another. "Billy" was one of the most popular men about town and found no end of friends who were willing to accept his bounty. Of late he has devoted much of his time to hunting, being of an ardent sportsman and of late he has been seldom seen in St. Louis.

Bernard Pratte was a man of very large property, and was at one time mayor of the city. His estate was well divided up, and as such cannot be quoted as important. Mrs. Dr. Robinson, who died a short time ago, was a daughter of Mr. Pratte.

Pratte was mayor from 1844-1846.

John B. Sarpy was another representative of the old French element, and his possessions in real estate acquired a great value. He was also largely interested in the fur trade and made a great deal of money in that way. Col. Don Morrison married one of his daughters.

The Blows.

Henry Taylor Blow was a Virginian, and one of the most remarkable men that ever attained prominence in business and political circles in this state. He made vast sums of money in the white lead business and at his mining and smelting works at Granby. He married Miss Minerva Grimsley, and by her had a very extensive family. His fortune was a very large one, however, and upon his death several years ago, he left large sums to each of his children. Some of his sons were very expensive livers, and Johnny, who was a very liberal and impulsive young man, lost not time in getting rid of his fortune. His early and untimely death was a matter of regret to his many associates. His brother, Peter Blow, is well known in the social world of St. Louis, and he has also lived up to his fortune.

Blow's daughter, Susan Blow, began the first kindergarten in the United States.

The Lucas Family is another example where enormous wealth has been gathered through the accumulated value on real estate investments. The family is of old French stock, and retains its possessions, although well divided up among the heirs of the late Judge Lucas.

Judge Lucas refers to John Baptiste Charles Lucas, an early settler in St. Louis. His son Charles Lucas was killed in the infamous duel with Thomas Hart Benton. His daughter Anne married Theodore Hunt, then his cousin Wilson Price Hunt. Lucas and Hunt Road's name remembers this part of the family. Lucas Place was developed by John B.C. Lucas, and was once the premier neighborhood in St. Louis. The Campbell House is the sole remaining residence from that neighborhood.

Nearly all the people mentioned in this article enslaved people.
At the end of a bitter and closely divided election season, theres a genuine bright spot for democracy from our 49th state: Alaskans decided to keep the states system of open primaries and ranked choice voting because it is working.

This is good news not only for Alaska, but for all of us ready for a government that works together to get things done for voters.

Alaskas new system has only been in place for two years. Yet, voters protected it from a repeal effort driven from the extremes because it has already delivered results that Americans in other cities and states would be wise to look to.

I was born and raised in Alaska, so I can attest that ranked choice voting and open primaries have returned a spirit of problem-solving and collegiality to a state where voters want practical results instead of partisan plays. The reality of the states terrain and climate require Alaskans to rely on our neighbors no matter their politics.

Before voters enacted this reform, however, Alaskas Legislature had stopped working this way. Like so many legislatures across the country, lawmaking was stifled by elected leaders beholden to a small partisan primary electorate rather than the needs of the majority. Many Alaskan voters felt alienated by how toxic and partisan elections had become, contributing to lower turnout and engagement, particularly among rural and Alaska Native communities.

As a result, Alaskas Legislature was one of the least productive in the country. Lawmakers failed to agree on a budget and couldnt pass key bills on topics like education, pensions and health care.

Now, that problem-solving spirit is back. With ranked choice voting and open primaries, Alaskans running for office need to talk  and listen  to all of their voters. In Alaskas system, the top four finishers in an open primary advance to the general election. There, voters have the option of ranking candidates according to their preferences. The winner is the candidate supported by the majority of Alaskas voters.

In other words, candidates campaign not just to a partisan base, but to all voters in their state.

Voters  including the nearly 60% of Alaska voters unaffiliated with either party  have seen firsthand how effective this new system is. In 2022, nearly 20% of Alaskans ranked candidates of multiple parties, simply voting for the candidates they thought would do the best job. Alaskans have found ranked choice voting easy to use and like the results it generated.

Yet, the most important improvement hasnt been the election itself, but what comes after. Those who win know that they have a mandate to solve problems, having won support from a real majority of voters. As a result, lawmakers from across Alaskas political landscape  Republicans, Democrats and independents  have come together to create governing coalitions that have made real nonpartisan progress on addressing energy issues, growing the states economy and workforce, and improving public education.

And so a broad coalition of Alaskans came forth to protect the reform, even as extreme partisans encouraged them to repeal it and put them back in charge.

The final results were close. But Alaskans of all backgrounds were heard loud and clear. The new system worked, and it is here to stay.

This is a proven and viable system that rescued Alaskan politics from the ditch of dysfunction and potholes of polarization. Just think what ranked choice voting and open primaries could do in your state.

Its true that voters in three other states (Idaho, Colorado and Nevada) turned down similar systems this year  in part because they were drowned out by millions of dollars and old-fashioned partisan misinformation from those seeking to preserve their hold on power. But Alaska is proof that the people who use this system like it and will work to retain it.

Meanwhile, ranked choice votings momentum continued unabated at the city level in November. Washington, D.C., voted overwhelmingly to adopt it, as did Oak Park, Ill. That makes 31 wins in its last 32 votes at the city level, for what has become one of the nations most potent and popular election reforms.

That march forward will continue, and the governing results from Alaska are the reason why. Ranked choice voting will keep growing because it works for voters and elected leaders who want to get things done  and voters know it.

Meredith Sumpter is president and CEO of FairVote, a nonpartisan organization seeking better elections.
MOSCOW, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- Russian energy giant Gazprom said on Saturday that it will cease gas supplies to Moldova starting Jan. 1 due to unpaid debt by Moldova's national gas company, Moldovagaz.

Gazprom said on Telegram that Moldovagaz "regularly fails to fulfill its payment obligations under the current contract, which is a significant violation of its terms."

The suspension is set to be in effect at 8 a.m. Moscow time (0500 GMT) on Jan. 1, 2025 and will remain in place until further notice, it said.

In response, Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean said his government does not recognize the debt and will carefully analyze legal options, including appealing to international arbitration, to protect its national interests, Sputnik reported Saturday.

Moldova's parliament has voted to impose a national state of emergency for 60 days starting Dec. 16 due to an expected cut-off of Russian gas supplies from Jan. 1, 2025. 
Portraits of missing people whose families say they were taken by the Assad regime are plastered across a monument in Damascus, Syria, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024 (Mosaab Elshamy/AP)

BEIRUT  Syrias de facto leader said Sunday it could take up to four years to hold elections in Syria, and that he plans to dissolve his Islamist group that led the countrys insurgency at an anticipated national dialogue summit for the country.

Ahmad al-Sharaa, who leads Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the group leading the new authority in Syria, made the remarks in an interview with Saudi television network Al-Arabiyya. It comes almost a month after a lightning insurgency led by HTS overthrew President Bashar Assads decades-long rule, ending the countrys uprising-turned civil war that started back in 2011.

Al-Sharaa said it would take time to hold elections because of the need for Syrias different forces to hold political dialogue and rewrite the countrys constitution following five decades of the Assad dynastys dictatorial rule. Also, the war-torn countrys battered infrastructure needs to be reconstructed, he said.

The chance we have today doesnt come every 5 or 10 years, said al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani. We want the constitution to last for the longest time possible.

Al-Sharaa is Syrias de facto leader until March 1, when Syrias different factions are set to hold a political dialogue to determine the countrys political future and establish a transitional government that brings the divided country together. There, he said, HTS will dissolve after years of being the countrys most dominant rebel group that held a strategic enclave in the countrys northwest.

Earlier, an Israeli airstrike in the outskirts of Damascus on Sunday killed 11 people, according to a war monitor, as Israel continues to target Syrian weapons and military infrastructure even after the ouster of Assad.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the airstrike targeted a weapons depot that belonged to Assads forces near the industrial town of Adra, northeast of the capital. The observatory said at least 11 people, mostly civilians, were killed. The Israeli military did not comment on the airstrike Sunday.

Israel, which has launched hundreds of airstrikes over Syria since the countrys uprising turned-civil war broke out in 2011, rarely acknowledges them. It says its targets are Iran-backed groups that backed Assad.

Unlike his criticism of key Assad ally Iran, al-Sharaa hoped to maintain strategic relations with Russia, whose air force played a critical role in keeping Assad in power for over a decade during the conflict. Moscow has a strategic airbase in Syria.

The HTS leader also said negotiations are ongoing with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces in northeastern Syria, and hopes that their armed forces will integrate with the Syrian security agencies.

The Kurdish-led group is Washingtons key ally in Syria, where it is heavily involved in targeting sleeper cells belonging to the extremist Islamic State group.

Turkish-backed Syrian rebels have been clashing with the SDF even after the insurgency, taking the key city of Manbij, as Ankara hopes to create a buffer zone near its border in northern Syria.

The rebels attacked near the strategic northern border town of Kobani, while the SDF shared a video of a rocket attack that destroyed what it said was a radar system south of the city of Manbij.

In other developments:

 Syrian state-run media said a mass grave was found near the third largest city of Homs. SANA said civil defense workers were sent to to the site in al-Kabo, one of many suspected mass graves where tens of thousands of Syrians are believed to have been buried during a brutal crackdown under Assad and his network of security agencies.

 An Egyptian activist wanted by Cairo on charges of incitement to violence and terrorism, Abdulrahman al-Qardawi, was detained by Lebanese security forces after crossing the porous border from Syria, according to two judicial and one security officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to to talk to the press.

Al-Qardawi is an Egyptian activist residing in Turkey and an outspoken critic of Egypts government. He had reportedly visited Syria to join celebrations after Assads downfall. His late father, Youssef al-Qaradawi, was a top and controversial Egyptian cleric revered by the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood. He had lived in exile in Qatar for decades.

 Lebanese security forces apprehended an armed group in the northern city of Tripoli that kidnapped a group of 26 Syrians who were recently smuggled into Lebanon, two Lebanese security officials said on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to share the information with the media. The Syrians included five women and seven children, and security officials are working to return them to Syria.
Santa Monica, California, police have arrested a suspect in a Dec. 22 hit-and-run crash that killed a Vietnam War veteran, authorities said. (Dreamstime/TNS)

(Tribune News Service)  A man accused of being involved in a hit-and-run crash that killed a Vietnam War veteran in Santa Monica is now in custody, authorities said.

Rod Sharif, 30, was arrested Friday at his Santa Monica Canyon home five days after the collision, which took place at the intersection of Wilshire Boulevard and Chelsea Avenue, according to the Santa Monica Police Department. He was booked on suspicion of murder and felony hit-and-run, police said.

The victim was walking in a crosswalk on Wilshire Boulevard around 6:40 p.m. Sunday when she was struck by a white Toyota RAV4 and sent flying several feet into the air, according to a video and information shared by Santa Monica police. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Her name has not been publicly released. Authorities identified her only as a Santa Monica resident and a Vietnam War veteran.

Witnesses saw a vehicle speeding away from the collision, prompting police to launch a multiday search and enlist the publics help in identifying the driver. Traffic investigators identified Sharif and on Friday served search and arrest warrants at his home, police said.

Police said they recovered several pieces of evidence from his residence, including a white Toyota RAV4 with significant front-end damage.

Sharif has previously been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and reckless driving, according to authorities.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

2024 Los Angeles Times.

Visit latimes.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Mourners stand before the gravesite of Edward Hoffner, a World War II veteran who died in 2016. His daughter, Ann Hoffner, chose a green burial for her father that used only biodegradable materials and no embalming chemicals, grave liner or vault. Hoffner was buried at Steelmantown Cemetery, a natural burial preserve in New Jersey. (Courtesy of Ann Hoffner)

WASHINGTON  Christopher, a Marine Corps veteran who survived a truck explosion while serving in Afghanistan, said the near-death experience caused him to consider his own mortality and how he wants his burial to be handled.

The 35-year-old Colorado resident, who declined to provide his last name, said he has done advance planning and conveyed his desire to have a natural burial, also known as a green burial, that does not burden loved ones with thousands of dollars in funeral bills.

In contrast to the pomp and circumstance of traditional military funerals, a growing number of veterans say they prefer a simple, low-cost burial that forgoes the luxury of lined caskets and marble urns for a natural interment with minimal impact to the environment, according to a recent survey of veterans by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Based on survey feedback, the VA recently opened green burial sections at three national cemeteries that limit markers and landscaping, forgo chemicals and embalming fluids, and use caskets, shrouds and urns from natural materials that degrade over time.

The green burials are offered at Pikes Peak National Cemetery in Colorado Springs, Colo.; the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Phoenix; and Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, which is north of Tampa.

The VA survey showed respondents ages 40 and under had the greatest interest in natural burials and overwhelmingly supported green alternatives.

Just put me in a pine box where my body can decompose and return to nature, said Christopher, a former sergeant who served between 2007 and 2016 in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Interest by veterans and their families in green burials parallels a national trend among Americans seeking alternatives to formal funerals with costly grave sites, underground vaults and a standardized burial process that does not allow for individual expression, according to Ann Hoffner, who publishes Green Burial Naturally, a state-by-state guide to natural burials.

The number of cemeteries offering green burials has grown from 42 in 2016 to more than 300 in 2024, Hoffner said.

Hoffner first learned about green burials through her own experience seeking an alternative to a conventional funeral for her 94-year-old father, a World War II veteran who died in 2016.

Edward A. Hoffner was an Army lieutenant who participated in the liberation of France, his daughter said.

Hoffner published an essay about her fathers natural burial at a wooded sanctuary, comparing it to a cousins traditional funeral in a painted casket in a concrete vault under an Astroturf temporary covering at a memorial park.

An American flag was draped over her fathers body, which was wrapped in a shroud of natural material. Mourners placed his body in a wooden wagon that was wheeled to his grave at Steelmantown Cemetery, a woodland burial preserve in New Jersey.

An honor guard played Taps and fired a three-volley salute as a final farewell after the body was lowered into the ground.

An honor guard folded the American flag at the 2016 funeral of Edward Hoffner, a World War II veteran buried at a woodland preserve in New Jersey dedicated as a natural burial site. Hoffners body was wrapped in a shroud of natural material before being lowered into the ground. (Courtesy of Ann Hoffner)

The wild blueberries had been pulled back to admit his body and would be replanted, Ann Hoffner wrote. It was an extraordinary realization that he had joined an ecosystem. It would recycle the nutrients in his flesh and bones and weave them into life.

While the Hoffner family holds a deed to his burial plot, there are no grave markers or head stones.

The simplicity of green burials also makes them less costly for the survivors. They typically cost about $6,000, but prices vary by location and the services selected, according to the Green Burial Council.

Conventional funerals can run up to $15,000  with fees for viewing, burial, refrigeration, transport, casket purchase and embalming. Standard caskets and urns alone can cost thousands of dollars.

When a veteran dies, the Department of Veterans Affairs provides a burial allowance to offset the costs of a funeral, with the family responsible for the difference.

For service-connected deaths, VA pays up to $2,000 for burial expenses of former service members who died after Sept. 11, 2001. It provides up to $1,500 for deaths prior to that date.

If the veteran is buried in a VA national cemetery, some or all of the cost of transporting the deceased may be reimbursed.

For non-service-connected deaths, VA will pay up to $978 toward burial and funeral expenses with a $978 plot-interment allowance, if the veteran is not buried in a national cemetery.

The National Cemetery Administration will accept cremated and intact remains for green burials at the three cemeteries participating in the pilot program.

According to the National Funeral Directors Association, nearly 70% of Americans surveyed expressed interest in learning about green burials as a funeral option because of the lower costs and benefits for the environment.

Congress in 2022 authorized the VA to establish green burial sections in national cemeteries.

Under the National Cemeteries Preservation and Protection Act, a veterans remains interred in a green burial section must be prepared without chemicals and using caskets and urns that will naturally degrade in the environment.

The idea behind green burials is to allow the body to recycle in the natural environment with little disturbance to the surroundings, according to the Green Burial Council.

When it comes to green burials, I like to say there are many shades of green. For some families, green burial means no chemical preservation of the body, a casket made of natural material, and no vault or grave liner if the cemetery allows, said Lily Buerkle, director of funerals for the historic Congressional Cemetery in Washington, where 1,700 veterans are interred.

The private, nonprofit cemetery is unique among burial grounds in Washington for providing both natural burials and conventional funerals.

The Circle of Life as seen Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024, is a living memorial to those who had green burials at Congressional Cemetery in Washington. Congressional Cemetery is the only site in Washington, D.C., that offers green burials. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)

At green burials, families tend to want to be active participants in their loved ones funerals, Buerkle said. They want to put their grief to action  whether that is helping to bathe and shroud their person, or hand-shovel earth at the cemetery, or lead their own heartfelt ceremonies without clergy. They want to be a vital part of it, she said.

Buerkle, who is a licensed mortician in D.C., Maryland and Virginia, said she appreciates that the National Cemetery Association is giving veterans and their families the option of green burials at some of its cemeteries.

Natural burials are unavailable at most U.S. cemeteries, despite their growth in popularity over the last decade, she said.

This is a giant leap forward to allow veterans families access to greener burial options, Buerkle said. I love knowing that our veterans are beginning to have these choices.

Jane Pennington, 98, of Maryland said she sought a more eco-friendly alternative to cremation, which dumps toxins into the air, when she began making funeral arrangements for her late husband, an Army and Air Force veteran who served in 1945 and 1946.

Crematoriums are usually located in disadvantaged areas in the city, so my husband and I had decided while he was alive that we would start looking for an alternative, Pennington recalled.

Kenneth Pennington, 96, died in 2023. The former Air Force corporal had served in an Army specialized training corps while studying to be an engineer in college. He joined the Air Force after graduation and was assigned to a military installation in Dayton, Ohio.

After her husbands death, Jane Pennington said she found Serenity Ridge, a new cemetery in Maryland where burial vaults and embalming chemicals are not permitted. A trail network leads to wooded burial sites.

By offering a recreational green space with walking trails, families are invited to embrace the space itself, and the cemetery enjoys a dual purpose, said Ed Bixby, founder of the Global Green Burial Alliance, which promotes eco-friendly funeral options.

Jane Pennington on Friday, Dec. 27, 2024, at her apartment in Glen Arm, Md., holding a photo of her deceased husband World War II veteran Ken Pennington. Ken Pennington was buried using green burial methods. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes) The gravesite of World War II veteran Ken Pennington as seen Friday, Dec. 27, 2024, at Serenity Ridge Natural Burial Cemetery in Windsor Mill, Md. Pennington was buried using green burial methods. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)

There are more than 18 million U.S. military veterans. Many of the veterans are at an advanced age, which means a higher number of deaths are expected each year.

Christopher, the Marine Corps veteran in Colorado, said he has thought about that statistic when considering a natural burial for his funeral someday.

America basically has been at war every 10 years. In my view, we dont have the space it will take at veterans cemeteries to put people in $8,000 caskets and concrete vaults in the ground, he said. The amount of land that these cemeteries take up is ridiculous.

I see natural burials as another way for veterans like myself to give back to our country and community. Guys I served with did not enlist for the recognition, he said. We were just doing our job.
ISTANBUL, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- Turkiye aims to increase its high-speed train (YHT) lines by 83 percent by 2027, expanding the current 2,251-kilometers to 4,122 kilometers, Turkish Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu announced on Sunday.

"We receive significant demand from our citizens for the YHT, which are both more affordable and comfortable compared to other modes of transportation," Uraloglu was quoted by the state-run Anadolu Agency as saying.

The minister also revealed that the Super High-Speed Train Project connecting Istanbul and Ankara, which will travel at speeds of up to 350 kilometers per hour, has officially begun. To be completed by 2034, the line is expected to reduce the journey between the two cities to 80 minutes.

Highlighting Turkiye's strategic position bridging Asia and Europe, the minister noted that the Halkali-Kapikule Railway Project, part of the YHT lines under construction, will be a crucial part of the Asia-Europe corridor.

The 229-kilometer high-speed train line will connect Istanbul, Turkiye's largest city, to the Kapikule border gate with Bulgaria, located in the northwestern province of Edirne, according to Uraloglu. 
Video footage of Noel Burke was streamed online showing him being confronted by members of a group called Child Protection Awareness

A 44-year-old Wexford man found himself being filmed by child protection activists who confronted him at his mothers house, the Circuit Court was told.

Video footage of Noel Burke from Ballygalvert, Ballywilliam, Co Wexford was put out live online showing him being confronted by members of a group called Child Protection Awareness (CPA).

Burke came before Judge James McCourt having pleaded guilty to attempted sexual exploitation of an underage female. However, the court learned that no such female existed and that the defendant had fallen for a decoy who posed as a teenaged girl.

The case arose after the CPA, described in court as a vigilante group targeting online predators, called the gardai to a house in Ballygalvert, on February 10, 2019.

Detective Garda Lar Dempsey arrived to find that the accused had been caught in a sting operation and the activists were now confronting him.

They provided the gardai with transcripts of Burkes conversations with someone he believed was a 13-year-old female. In fact, no child was involved, and his highly sexually explicit chat was conducted with an adult decoy.

The detective learned that he had also forwarded naked pictures of himself to the woman. One of the photos showed him in the bath with his penis erect.

All told, the court learned, 1,300 messages were exchanged over a period of more than four months up to January of 2019.

Despite requests his correspondent, who called herself Sofia Kelly, declined to send any pictures of herself.

At one stage he suggested that, as he would be in Dublin, they might go for a spin together but she failed to give him her address. Once the guards became involved, Burke immediately admitted that his behaviour had been inappropriate.

He handed over his phone and lap-top for examination. Nothing suggesting that he had any further unhealthy interest in girls was found on either device.

Before he could be charged, he left for Australia, but he was finally arrested in July of this year while on a return visit to Ireland. Defending barrister David Bulbulia said his client realised he had a problem even before the vigilantes came knocking on the door.

He told investigators that he knew what he was doing was wrong and that he felt sick about it. Burke, according to his counsel, had addressed an alcohol dependency issue in the past. Reference was also made in court to his miserable childhood.

Giving his verdict, Judge McCourt acknowledged that the accused had been on the receiving end of violence meted out by his late father. The boyhood beatings were so bad that home life was a house of horrors and he sometimes took refuge with neighbours.

Burke was an experienced carpenter with farming skills, clearly keen to return to Adelaide where he had a partner and a young child.

This was a most unusual case, the judge observed, in which the defendant had been confronted by self-appointed vigilantes.

Their methods did not amount to a fair trial, he concluded.

You were being teased and you were ready prey, he said in describing the use of the decoys.

The law had been broken, however, and the conviction was marked with imposition of an 11-month sentence, suspended in full.
Gerard Stokes said he is going back to Dublin with his passport and is going to warmer climates

A 56-year-old man before Sligo Circuit Court for harassing another man on various dates in Enniscrone was told by Judge Keenan Johnson he must have moved out of the village by January 1 and not come within 500m of the man.

Gerard Stokes, Cahermore Holiday Village, Enniscrone, Co Sligo was charged with two counts of intimidation of a witness at Cliff Road, Enniscrone on September 18 2022 and also at Main Street, Enniscrone on January 11 2023.

He was also charged that on dates between September 18 2022 and January 17 2023 at various locations in Enniscrone, he threatened Michael Breen.

Mr Leo Mulrooney BL with Ms Elisa McHugh State Solicitor were prosecuting, while Mr Colm Smyth SC with Mr Eoin McGovern BL instructed by McGovern & Walsh solicitors appeared for Stokes.

Gda Brendan Gardiner was outlining the evidence in the case, led by Mr Mulrooney.

Stokes was returned for trial on January 25 2024 on three charges, the first two were intimidation of a witness in proceedings and the third count was harassment in various locations in Enniscrone on dates between September 18 2022 and January 17 2023, a four-month period.

On December 10 2024 he was arraigned and he pleaded guilty on a full facts basis with the two other counts taken into consideration.

The court was told the defendant is 56 and was 53 at the time.

The victim, Mr Breen, was present in court. He is 65 years of age.

Mr Mulrooney said the primary evidence was Mr Breens statements.

In relation to the incident on December 18, he said he was walking the Cliff Road at 9:20am to the Main Street.

He passed apartments and seen Stokes on the same side of the street.

Mr Breen said that he kept walking.

The court heard that Mr Breen was a witness in a pending case in the District Court at the time.

He said that Stokes said to him that he was going to get him in court.

He also called him a f**king halfwit.

Stokes also said he was going to batter the sh*t out of him.

He was shouting at Mr Breen about him knocking his (Stokes) teeth out and Gda Gardiner said gardai were satisfied this was not true.

The court heard that Mr Breen had received an adult caution for another incident previously involving Stokes but gardai were satisfied there was no force used.

Stokes was making other allegations and told Mr Breen ye are all a bunch of shits.

Mr Breen made another statement to gardai the following day.

He said he was walking to Gala.

Stokes was in front of him. He shouted at two individuals that Mr Breen was an informer and needed to be got rid of.

On another occasion, September 20 2022, Mr Breen said he was at the lifeguard station talking to a friend when Stokes shouted to his friend to stay away from that bully.

Two days later, Mr Breen was on the street when he met Stokes. He said he will have him all over social media.

Mr Breen ignored him and he said Stokes was right up in his face.

On other occasion, he was at the pier speaking to another when Stokes got his phone out and started pushing buttons recording him.

On January 11 2023, Mr Breen was walking up Main Street when Stokes got on his bike and was shouting that he better get a solicitor.

The incident on Cliff Road, Stokes was shouting to leave him alone.

In another incident, he claimed Mr Breen was a bully and to leave him alone.

The court heard Stokes has ten previous convictions, including for assault and threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour.

Mr Smyth said that Stokes alleged that Mr Breen assaulted him in June 2020.

Gda Gardiner said his understanding was that there was pushing and shoving between them and Stokes then fell onto the ground.

Mr Smyth said his client had taken a number of videos and handed them to gardai.

The barrister said that Stokes said that his intentions are that he is going to move from Enniscrone.

He has been residing there for a number of years.

Mr Smyth said if he moves, that will be most helpful to Mr Breen.

Mr Breen, who was present in court, read out his own Victim Impact Statement to the court.

He said that he wished to make the statement regarding Gerard Stokes.

Mr Breen said: Gerard Stokes has harassed, tormented and threatened me since March 2020 and still continues to do so.

He has made offensive comments to me, he has ridiculed me in public in front of my friends, people who know me, and strangers.

He has spread malicious stories about me among people in Enniscrone.

He has threatened me with violence, he has threatened to send me to jail.

Mr Breen continued: Gerard Stokes has infringed my rights of privacy by videoing me, using his phone, without my permission and against my expressed wishes.

He has posted videos of me on Facebook to defame me.

He has defied a court order to video me on December 10 2022 and used that video to make false allegations against me to the Garda.

I also know that he has shown that same video to people in Enniscrone, repeating the false allegations.

And he has continued to video me on numerous occasions since, Mr Breen said.

I fear what he might do with these videos on social media and would hope that they can be permanently deleted.

I have been inconvenienced and upset about having to attend the Garda station to refute his malicious allegations.

It has been a most difficult five years.

Gerard Stokes constant harassment and intimidation has created stress and worry and fear, impacting my daily life and affecting personal relationships.

However, I do not wish to reveal the details of particular impacts because in my opinion, Gerard Stokes takes a pleasure in annoying, harassing and intimidating people, so I do not want him to know of, nor be able to gloat upon, any details of how his unsociable and offensive behaviour has affected me, Mr Breen said.

Judge Johnson thanked Mr Breen for reading his Victim Impact Statement to the court.

He said it was appalling what was going on and it should not be happening.

Mr Smyth said that Stokes is now fully apologetic for the hardship suffered.

He said that it seems an assault had taken place and it rattled him.

He said that Stokes has expressed desire to leave Enniscrone.

He is making arrangements to leave by January 1.

Taking to the witness box, Stokes said he wanted to apologise for his actions.

He said he was going to leave Enniscrone.

Mr Smyth said that both Mr Breen and him cant continue to live in the same area.

Stokes then thanked Judge Johnson for his patience overall.

The judge enquired what about all the stuff on social media and if it was taken down.

Stokes said he had deleted them and gardai checked with Mr Breen.

Judge Johnson said he was satisfied if everything was deleted on social media.

He then asked Stokes where is he going.

He said that he has been evicted.

He said he is going back to Dublin with his passport and is going to warmer climates.

Judge Johnson said the position was the accused pleaded guilty to the charge of harassment.

The background was the accused over a protracted period of time had harassed Mr Breen.

He was abused on the public street, while Stokes was also videoing him and there were in excess of twenty occasions where he was constantly harassing him.

This had a profound negative impact on Mr Breen.

Judge Johnson said he could appreciate it was a terrible thing that someone was not able to walk down the street without getting harassed and abused.

He said it was clear to the court that Stokes was someone with a short fuse who can get easily agitated.

He seems to now realise his behaviour.

He said anyone should be able to walk down the street without being harassed or bullied.

He adjourned the case to March.

The judge said that first of all he wants evidence that he has moved and he is making that order that he has no contact whatsoever with Mr Breen.

He said he must not come within 500m of Mr Breens house and have no communication with him for twenty years.

He also warned him not to post anything about him on social media.

If there is a breach, he is facing a five-year prison sentence.
Convicted torturer Jonathan Dowdall and some members of his family are expected to enter the programme next year

The cost of expenses needed to fund the lifestyles of people in the Witness Security Programme (WSP) is on the rise, with an overspend of almost 1m in 2023, new figures reveal.

The programme is used for those whose lives are deemed in danger after giving evidence in court against criminals.

Multiple sources acknowledged it has never proved a very popular option for Irish trial witnesses as it involves people being relocated overseas and cutting off all contact with their previous lives.

Convicted torturer Jonathan Dowdall and some members of his family are expected to enter the programme next year, on his release from prison.

The former Sinn Fein councillor turned State witness against Gerry The Monk Hutch and gave evidence against him, alleging he was behind the Regency Hotel shooting, which claimed the life of Kinahan cartel lieutenant David Byrne in 2016. His evidence was deemed unreliable by the court and Hutch was acquitted of the gangland murder and walked free in April last year.

If Dowdall does go ahead with plans to enter witness relocation, the cost of the programme is expected to soar in 2025.

Latest figures available show that in 2023 the State budgeted 1.8m in expenses for relocated witnesses but had to supplement it with an additional 919,000. In addition, general spend on the WSP last year [2023] was budgeted at just under 1.2m and an additional 150,000 was needed to prop it up.

The State again underestimated the expenses needed for relocated witnesses the year before (2022), with 1.8m being provided for but an additional 500,000 being spent. The cost of the WSP that same year was estimated at 1.2m but an additional 600,000 was needed.

Figures show that the State had a better handle of forecasting the costs associated with the highly secretive programme in 2021. That year witnesses expenses were expected to cost 1.8m but overran by just under 320,000.

In terms of costs directly linked to the WSP that same year, just under 1.2m was set aside to run it and an additional 400,000 was required.

The WSP was set up in 1997 to combat attempts by criminals to prevent the normal functioning of the criminal justice system, including threats of violence and intimidation of witnesses.

It was introduced after the murder of Sunday Independent journalist Veronica Guerin, but has been openly criticised by judges and a former justice minister.

John Gilligan. Photo: Collins

Charles Bowden and Russell Warren both testified as protected witnesses against John Gilligan over the murder of Ms Guerin, of which Gilligan was ultimately acquitted.

Both witnesses were later relocated under assumed identities.

In another case in 2011, a Crumlin man who gave evidence against four former criminal associates became a state witness and entered the programme along with members of his family.

A contract was put on the life of Joseph OBrien after he gave evidence in the murder trial of John Champagne Carroll. OBrien, his girlfriend and his family  except for one of his sisters, who declined to participate  left Ireland following the conclusion of the trial.

The State accepted the witness played a role in Carrolls murder. With his family, OBrien was set up in another country, given a new identity, retrained and jobs.

Whatever it is in the Irish psyche, they dont want to leave their home, start up a new life

Following the failed murder trial against Gilligan, Judge Brian McCracken warned that the programme was badly thought-out, and one of the most worrying features is that there never seems to have actually been a programme.

Former justice minister Dermot Ahern also expressed concerns.

Unfortunately, people who are targeted for witness protection, whatever it is in the Irish psyche, they dont want to leave their home, start up a new life, he said.

This view was backed up in 2009 by then director of public prosecutions James Hamilton, who said he felt the scheme was of limited use.

The WSP is operated by a specialist unit within An Garda Siochana.
The defendant was 15 years of age when he and three of his peers set upon their victim

A teenager who joined in meting out a form of rough justice to someone he believed had sexually assaulted a girl appeared before Wexford Circuit Court.

The defendant was 15 years of age when he and three of his peers set upon their victim on the banks of the River Slaney in Enniscorthy.

The accused  too young to have his name published  pleaded guilty to assault causing harm on a date in 2022. The court heard how, around that time, rumours were swirling around Enniscorthy after a girl complained that a male had put his hand up her skirt.

She invited this male to meet her for a talk near the Country Walk, where her alleged molester found himself at the mercy of four youths.

Two of the four, though not the accused, were wearing balaclavas as he was knocked into the river and repeatedly hit.

During the course of the attack he was held under the water and he also received an eye injury when his head knocked off a beam under a bridge.

The beating stopped after fishermen who happened to be in the area intervened.

Garda Cristian Dorneanu confirmed that the defendants three accomplices were dealt with through the juvenile diversion scheme.

However, the fourth member of the team was not eligible for the scheme and he was prosecuted through the courts for assault.

His mother was in court to hear Judge James McCourt describe what happened as a row among a bunch of unruly teenagers.

An order requiring the young man to carry out 20 hours of community service was handed down.

The judge felt it would not serve the interests of society to put him behind bars.
I always say those who cry show how much they loved. The more you cry, the deeper the love was. So dont be afraid!

The heartbroken 13-year-old daughter of a young mum, found dead in her home in Wexford before Christmas, was told at her funeral Mass: Its okay to cry.

Almost 200 mourners gathered at St Marks Church in Springfield in Tallaght to say a final heartbreaking goodbye to 32-year-old Paula Lawlor and to support her daughter Layla Rose.

Mother-of-one Paula was found dead in her home in the Baile Eoghain estate in Gorey in the early hours of December 19.

Gardai initially suspected she had been the victim of an assault, and a man known to her was arrested at the scene.

He was later released without charge after a post-mortem examination discovered no evidence of foul play in the hours prior to Paulas death.

Its understood the results from tests carried out during the post-mortem are now likely to determine the course of the investigation.

At her funeral mass, Layla Rose was told by the funeral celebrant Fr Pat ORourke that her mother was a very young, sweet, kind-hearted lady.

She probably gave out to you and gave you a clip on the ear when you did something wrong to help you to be better, he said.

She had a hunger and passion for life. And she adored the ground Layla walked on and loved her like no other mother.

She was there for her at her school and activities. She was a good mammy.

And Paulas life centred around Layla Rose. She loved her unconditionally.

And I think thats probably why the heartbreak is probably a little bit harder for you (Layla Rose) today than anybody else. And its alright to cry!

I always say those who cry show how much they loved. The more you cry, the deeper the love was. So dont be afraid!

During the mass, symbols of Paulas life were placed on a table next to her white coffin.

These included a mobile phone, a bag, her perfume and hairbrush and a photo of her daughter and her mother Sheila who predeceased her by several years.

During his eulogy, the priest joked that the next most important thing in Paulas life after Layla was her phone.

He said she was always taking photos of the food she was eating, the friends she was with and the places she went.

A cousin, Caroline, told mourners that Paula would have loved the fuss that was being made of her at her funeral.

Paula would have loved this, she said.

If she only knew how much she was loved. It takes for somebody to go to realise then how much they really were loved.

All Paula ever talked about in her video calls with me was how much she loved Layla and what she was going to do with Layla.

Me and Paula got close, really close, the last seven years. We laughed together and cried together.

Another cousin, Byron, told mourners how when he was small he always asked his parents for another brother or sister and they said: No, youve enough cousins.

Looking around the church, he said, he could see about 200 of them present.

He told mourners he had spent most of his youth with Paula going over to her mother Sheilas house after school.

He said he had lost count of the number of times he had watched Titanic and The Lion King in her home.

I was there when she was first brought home, he said. And to Sheila and Brendan (her parents) she was the apple to their eye.

She was loved. And I saw the same glint in her eye when she had Layla  that exact same glint.

He said when Paula grew older and moved to Wexford, she would come back up to Dublin and stay with his family when attending FAS courses.

The annoying little sister was back, he said. And instead of The Lion King and Titanic over and over again, shed play a song she liked over and over again.

In the words of one of those songs, shine bright like a diamond and look after your little diamond.

Paulas remains were later taken to Newlands Cross Crematorium.
Jailed top cop was given temporary time out before Christmas to visit family member

Disgraced ex-garda super-intendent John Spud Murphy has been booted out of Shelton Abbey open prison after it was claimed he had been socialising in a pub while on compassionate leave from the prison.

The Sunday World understands Murphy was given a 24-hour period of temporary release from the Wicklow open prison early prior to Christmas to visit with a family member.

The 64-year-old returned to the prison as scheduled but its claimed a report was subsequently made to authorities that he had been seen socialising at a pub in north Co Dublin.

Under the terms on which temporary release is granted, prisoners are prohibited from consuming alcohol or attending at licensed premises.

Two days after his return to the lock-up, Murphy was informed he was being returned to the Midlands Prison.

Shelton Abbey open prison

He has not been subjected to P19 disciplinary proceedings following his return to the prison.

The former top cop is more than halfway through his six-and-a-half-year sentence after pleading guilty to the possession of 260,000 worth of cannabis in court in 2022.

He had only been moved to the open centre from the Midlands Prison in September and is due for release in 2026.

The move to the open prison in Wicklow would have allowed Murphy to work outside in the community if he was deemed suitable.

At Shelton Abbey, he joined a number of other high-profile prisoners who are working towards their eventual release.

These include gangland inmates such as Brian Meehan, the only member of the Gilligan gang convicted over the murder of journalist Veronica Guerin in 1997. Another is Limerick gangster Christopher Smokey Costello, serving life for the murder of rival gang boss Kieran Keane in 2003, who was transferred there last May.

Murphys transfer to the open prison came despite his previous arrest at the Midlands Prison by gardai investigating suspected links between officers and the Hutch Organised Crime Gang.

In January 2023, he was taken from his cell to a Dublin garda station to face questioning by officers with the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

Drain

In October 2022, it was heard during Murphys sentencing hearing that he owed 855,000 due to poor business decisions made in the 10 years after he retired from the force.

Murphy was in debt

Counsel said that Murphy had whatever the opposite of the Midas touch is and that any investments he made went down the drain.

One of his bad decisions was a 300,000 investment in taxi licences which he lost when the industry was deregulated.

It was added that he was consuming large amounts of booze every day for as long as anyone could remember and was a functioning alcoholic.

He said his drinking had clouded his judgement and brought him to this sorry pass.

The trial judge said that Murphy was holding the drugs for some type of financial reward in order to alleviate his debts but that he should have known better. A garda witness gave evidence of how they searched his home in Clontarf on September 29, 2021.

During the search they found eight bags of cannabis herb in a bag in the walk-in wardrobe of an upstairs bedroom.

Seven vacuum packed bags of cannabis were found hidden in a coal bunker at the back of the house and another five bags of cannabis were found in Murphys car.

Inmate Smokey Costello

Inmate Brian Meehan

The court heard that CCTV footage was harvested from an industrial estate in Co Meath showing Murphy collecting the bags of cannabis and putting them into his car.

Murphy worked at major Dublin garda stations including the Bridewell, Pearse Street, and the traffic bureau.

Celebrities attended his retirement party, held at the Aviva Stadium in 2010 when he was 50.

A statement from the Irish Prison Service said: The Irish Prison Service does not comment on individual prisoner cases.
Sources said the suspect cannot be questioned while under medical care in hospital

Anto and Georgina on their wedding day

Family, friends and neighbours gather at the location in Blanchardstown of the fatal hit and run

Anthony Hogg and his wife Georgina both died after being struck by a car while crossing a road near Blanchardstown Shopping Centre

The crossing where the couple were struck

A convicted drug dealer arrested over the fatal hit and run that claimed the lives of a married couple on St Stephens Day was under armed guard in hospital yesterday.

A source confirmed to the Sunday World that the man, who is in his 40s, remains under arrest but had to have his period of detention suspended to allow for hospital treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.

Sources said the suspect cannot be questioned while under medical care in hospital.

The man was arrested in connection with the fatal hit and run that claimed the lives of Anthony (Anto) Hogg (40) and his wife Georgina Hogg-Moore (39) near the Blanchardstown Shopping Centre on Thursday, after he presented himself at Blanchardstown Garda station, almost five hours after the crash occurred.

He was detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 on suspicion of dangerous driving causing death.

Anthony and Georgina were with their daughter and crossing Blanchardstown Road South when they were struck by the Audi A7 at 5.45pm.

Anthony Hogg and his wife Georgina both died after being struck by a car while crossing a road near Blanchardstown Shopping Centre

Georgina was pronounced dead at the scene.

Anthony was rushed to hospital but tragically later died.

A fundraiser to help with the future of the couples two children has been organised by friends and neighbours and is now operational on the GoFundMe website.

It reads: On St Stephens Day, our community of Dublin 15 was shaken by a devastating tragedy that has left us all heartbroken.

Georgina and Anto Hogg, two beloved members of our community, tragically lost their lives in a hit-and-run incident.

Georgina and Anto were not just cherished parents, but also incredible individuals who touched the lives of everyone they met.

They were always the first to lend a helping hand, to support others without hesitation, and to spread kindness wherever they went.

Their beautiful children have been left without their loving Mam and Dad.

As a community, we are rallying together to ensure that (they) are supported during this unimaginable time.

It added that the purpose of the fundraiser was to ensure the children have the care, resources, and opportunities their parents would have wanted for them.

While nothing can replace the love and presence of Georgina and Anto, we hope to ease the financial burden and create a foundation for their children to thrive.

We are calling on the incredible spirit of Dublin 15 and the wider community to come together.

Every contribution, no matter how small, will make a difference and is deeply appreciated.

The crossing where the couple were struck

By evening time yesterday, donations had reached in excess of 7,000 towards a fundraising target of 10,000.

Ms Hogg-Moores heartbroken sister, Katie Moore, vowed in a series of social media post to care for her sister and brother-in-laws orphaned children.

She said: Rest easy sis and bro Ill always mind your babies, absolutely heartbroken.

In another message, she wrote: Thanks for all the texts and calls as you can imagine as a family, we are absolutely broken-hearted, but if anyone knows anything please come forward, I beg you.

Forensics investigators who sealed off the scene of the crash on Thursday evening recovered a vehicle registration plate that linked an Audi A7 to the hit and run.

Its understood CCTV from nearby businesses has also been harvested for use in the ongoing investigation.

The Audi A7 was discovered abandoned a short distance from the collision.

The car was removed by gardai and is the subject of ongoing forensic examination.

Family, friends and neighbours gather at the location in Blanchardstown of the fatal hit and run

Almost five hours after the collision occurred the man Garda suspect to have been driving the vehicle presented himself at Blanchardstown Garda Station.

Its understood officers were actively looking for him when he handed himself in.

He is known to gardai and was jailed over a six-figure drug seizure a number of years ago.

Sources say investigators will resume questioning him with a view to charging him as soon as he is released from hospital.

Gardai do not believe the victims were targeted intentionally and are focussed on dangerous driving as the primary factor in the crash.

Local Sinn Fein TD Paul Donnelly has called for the driver to face the full rigours of the law.

Deepest condolences to the family, friends and neighbours of the two people who died following a horrific hit and run, he said.

We simply cannot imagine the pain, hurt and anger of the family and community.

Anto and Georgina on their wedding day

The person who drove away leaving one person dead and another fighting for his life, sadly to lose it later, must face the full forces of the law and justice.

One person has been arrested and is being questioned.

If anyone has seen anything at the time of the incident or has any information, please let the gardai know as soon as possible.

Gardai are continuing to appeal to anyone who may have witnessed the hit-and-run to contact them.

Any road users or pedestrians who were in the vicinity of Blanchardstown Road South, between 5pm and 6pm on Thursday, December 26 and have camera footage (including dash-cam) are asked to make this available to investigating gardai.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Blanchardstown Garda Station at 01 666 7000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.
Friends say he struggled after his sisters deaths and was too trusting of strangers.

Mark Dorrian died after an evening of drinking at his Newtownards flat.

It is understood the 50-year-old suffered significant injuries after a fallout among friends at the apartment on West Street.

Described as a harmless fella who liked a drink, he is believed to have been with friends on Wednesday evening when things got out of control.

He died in hospital, having sustained a number of injuries, including some to his head, after he was found unconscious inside the flat shortly before 2am on Thursday.

A man and woman have today been charged with his murder.

The 33-year-old woman and 36-year-old man are due to appear before a district judge at Downpatrick Magistrates Court on Monday.

Police said on Saturday that a 58-year-old woman who had also been arrested in relation to Mr Dorrians death has been released unconditionally.

People around the crime scene yesterday said Mark was someone who would have been seen in an around the shops in the town centre but largely kept to himself.

One said he would always say hello and there was never any suggestion that he kept bad company.

Known as Dokey, he is understood to have lived in the Newtownards area all his life.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil McGuinness said: A murder investigation was launched after a report was received that a man was unconscious inside a flat in the West Street area, just before 1.50am on December 26.

Evidence being taken from his flat

Mark sadly died later in hospital, having sustained a number of injuries, including head injuries.

My thoughts at this time are first and foremost with Marks friends and family.

I am asking anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to contact detectives on 101. Please quote reference 98 of 26/12/24.

On Thursday, neighbours speaking to the Belfast Telegraph described their shock at what was unfolding in an area they said is normally very quiet.

Alliance Alderman Alan McDowell appealed to the public to come forward with any information. He added: This is a terrible tragedy and an appalling loss of life.

Christmas is meant to be a time of joy, peace, and togetherness, and for something so horrific to happen around this time is especially difficult to come to terms with.

The town is in a state of shock right now. My thoughts and sympathies are with the victims family and loved ones at whats sure to be an unthinkably difficult time.

Marks friends say he had struggled after the deaths of his two sisters.

One of his friends, Ryan Preston, said that Mr Dorrian was a good friend with a heart of gold adding that he would have given you his last fiver.

Friends say he struggled after his sisters deaths and was too trusting of strangers.

One former school friend said: Dokey would have let people into his house that werent really his friends and they would have taken advantage of his good nature.

He was just a kind person but probably a bit lonely at times, they added.

Anyone with information can use the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport.

Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
Dubliner Carl Ryan punched pensioner and threatened to kneecap and burn children, and then nail them to floorboards

Irelands worst neighbour Carl Ryan was found dead in his prison cell on Christmas morning, the Sunday World has learned.

The 56-year-old Dubliner terrorised a quiet housing estate in Co. Donegal for more than five years, even threatening to burn his neighbours children and nail them to the floorboards.

The neighbour from hell was sentenced to 14 months in prison in September 2023 after being charged with a series of vicious threats in Buncrana over a 13-month period stretching from 2019 to 2020.

This was on top of a sentence of handed down in May 2022, when he was given a five-and-a-half years for causing havoc on the Burwood estate in Buncrana.

His litany of criminality included a one-punch assault on a pensioner neighbour and demanding money with menaces from his own landlord.

Following his incarceration, Ryan  who had been in ill-health in recent months  was accommodated in a single cell in Wheatfield Prison. It was there that he was found dead on Christmas Day.

A source stressed that early indications are he died of natural causes.

Pensioner Peter Deeney was punched by Ryan

Raging Ryan, who had 44 previous convictions, most recently appeared at Letterkenny District Court by video link from Castlerea Prison in September 2023.

The court heard how, on August 15, 2020, John McLaughlin and his son Pauric observed Ryan in the Burwood estate and he began verbally abusing them.

Ryan told Mr McLaughlin he would kill him and slash his tyres.

After telling Mr McLaughlin that he would never sleep comfortably in your bed again, he threatened to burn his children, kneecap them and nail them to the floorboards.

Ryan also threatened to burn Mr McLaughlins house down.

It was one of several incidents Ryan was charged with, details of which were outlined by Sergeant Jim Collins.

On July 14, 2019, gardai attended the scene of a row between neighbours at Burwood, Buncrana. As gardai were leaving, Ryan began walking across the green area.

He shouted abuse at gardai and stuck the fingers up to officers before he was arrested.

On October 6, 2019, a drunk Ryan went to the door of a person a number of doors away.

A woman came to the door holding a year old baby in her arms and Ryan attempted to aggressively push past the woman, who told him that the gardai were on their way.

After attempting to open another door at the side of the house, Ryan returned to the front door and tried to gain access to the property. Ryan fled to his own home, but was arrested by gardai a short time later.

On August 13, 2020, John McLaughlin observed Ryan videoing a house at Burwood, Buncrana. Mr McLaughlin became concerned and began to record Ryan, who told the man that he would burn his house down. Ryan told Mr McLaughlin: Youll be gone out of here before I will.

On August 17, 2020, Pauric McLaughlin was washing a friends tractor when Ryan approached and threatened to f**king kill him.

Ryan proceeded to abuse and threatened Mr McLaughlin further, with the incident captured on a mobile phone.

Mr Rory OBrien, solicitor for Ryan, said there was an element of tit-for-tat in some but not all of the incidents.

Mr OBrien said his clients health had deteriorated since his earlier incarceration and had to have a leg amputated.

Judge Eiteain Cunningham sentenced Ryan to eight months for one of the offences and six months for another with the sentences to run consecutively.

In 2022, Ryan was given a five-and-a-half year sentence for causing havoc on the Burwood estate.

He appeared at Letterkenny Circuit Court charged with assaulting 67-year-old Peter Deeney.

Mr Deeney had complained that Ryan was playing music too loud at his house.

Ryan came out of the house and hit Mr Deeney with one punch knocking him in and out of consciousness and forcing him to be hospitalised with facial injuries.

Finding him guilty and sentencing him to five and a half years in total, Circuit Court Judge John Aylmer remarked that it was only a matter of luck that Ryan was not before a higher court on a more serious charge.

Ryan was also charged with demanding money with menaces from the landlord of the house he was renting  telling him that he wanted 1,000 to move out or he would burn the house down.

The court was played a 12-minute audio message of a phone call between Ryan and the landlord of his house William Baldrick.

Ryan is heard accusing Mr Baldrick of blackening his name and he then says he will leave the house if he gets 1,000 but if he does not that he will burn the house down and also burn Mr Baldricks own home down.

Youre going to have no house. Im going to burn it down. Im going to burn this house and your house. I hope you have that on tape. Im f***ing genuine, he said.

A spokesperson for the Irish Prison Service said of the death: "The Irish Prison Service can confirm that there was a death of a person in custody in Wheatfield Prison on December 25th 2024 and the next of kin have been notified.

All deaths in custody are investigated by the Irish Prison Service, the Inspector of Prisons and An Garda Siochana, where circumstances warrant. The cause of death is determined by the Coroners Office.

The Irish Prison Service wish to express our condolences to the deceaseds family and friends.
All week there were tributes paid to her on social media but also at a huge vigil in the Co Limerick town, where balloons were released into the sky

There were sombre scenes on Saturday at the wake for tragic young mum Marguerita Sheridan, who will be laid to rest today after her funeral Mass in Rathkeale.

The 22-year-old, who became a mother just four weeks ago, died from her injuries after a van crashed into gates at a house on December 21.

Also known by her married name of Marguerita ORourke, she was waked yesterday afternoon at Crosss funeral home in Limerick city.

She will be buried today in St Josephs Cemetery following her funeral in St Marys Church, Rathkeale.

The funeral of Marguerita Sheridan

All week there were tributes paid to her on social media but also at a huge vigil in the Co Limerick town, where balloons were released into the sky.

Among the many heartfelt tributes online was one from her brother Freddy, who said it had taken him days to able to put his feelings into words.

He said that Christmas would never be the same, not just Christmas; my life will never be the same and that she had left behind a very special boy. He added that he couldnt believe he was saying rest in peace, our Marguerita.

Her father John paid tribute to the people who had shown such public support for the family for the daughter he described as a true legend.

Hundreds of family and friends turned out on Christmas at a candlelit vigil in the town on Christmas Eve.

In a social media post he thanked the gardai, nurses, doctors, priests, the settled people in Rathkeale, the Travelling people and everyone for their messages.

The local shops, hotels for everything and everyone who called to my house and everyone over the world, thank you.

Marguerita Sheridan's funeral sets off from Crosses Funeral Home

Margueritas husband Denis held a photo of his wife and their baby son Edward and his Christmas gifts.

Marguerita died from her injuries after a van hit gates at Bank Place, Well Lane, Rathkeale, at around 12.15pm, last Saturday, December 21.

A 42-year-old man, Danny ODonoghue, from Lower Main Street, Rathkeale, was later arrested in connection with the incident.

He initially appeared before a special late sitting of Limerick District Court on Christmas Eve.

He was charged with dangerous driving causing Ms Sheridans death and causing criminal damage to a set of gates.

ODonoghue is also charged with threatening to kill or cause serious harm to Patrick Sheridan and producing a machete while he made the alleged threat, along with a count of causing criminal damage to Mr Sheridans van.

He was remanded in continuing custody at another hearing on Friday and will appear in court on January 21.
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 28 (Xinhua) -- The United States experienced surging labor strikes in 2024, with workers across various sectors staging protests over issues ranging from wages to working conditions.

The nation witnessed 334 labor actions across 515 locations as of Friday, continuing an upward trend in strike activity in recent years, according to the Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations's Labor Action Tracker, a database of strike and labor protest activity.

One of the year's most notable strikes occurred at Starbucks, where at least 5,000 workers from over 300 stores across 45 states walked off their jobs on Christmas Eve, according to their union Starbucks Workers United.

The strike, the largest ever at the coffee chain, involved workers from 12 major cities, including New York, Los Angeles, Boston, and Seattle. Workers demanded higher wages and fair scheduling, while criticizing the company's executive compensation practices, particularly CEO Brian Niccol's 113 million U.S. dollar compensation package.

Just days before the Starbucks walkout, Amazon faced what the striking workers called the largest-ever strike during the peak Christmas shopping season.

While the labor union reported nearly 10,000 workers joining the movement for higher wages and improved workplace safety, Amazon disputed these figures, claiming that the striking workers aren't even Amazon employees.

The manufacturing sector was also affected when approximately 33,000 Boeing machinists launched a seven-week strike in September.

Their union accepted a contract offer in November and the striking workers returned to work. The strike, involving workers who assemble the bestselling 737 Max airliner in Washington, added to Boeing's challenges in a turbulent year.

Maritime commerce faced major disruption in October when nearly 50,000 members of the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) struck against East and Gulf Coast ports, affecting the flow of imports and exports from Maine to Texas.

The hospitality industry wasn't spared from labor actions, as about 10,000 hotel workers struck across several major tourist destinations in September. The walkout impacted 24 hotels operated by Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt in cities including San Francisco, San Diego, Honolulu, Boston, and Seattle.

The hotel workers' union, Unite Here, highlighted understaffing issues, with three staff members often doing the work meant for four.

Several factors contributed to the surge in labor activism. The U.S. Department of Labor reported a doubling of union representation petitions from 1,638 in fiscal 2021 to 3,286 in fiscal 2024.

"Unions continue to be more popular than at any time since the 1960s, with 70 percent public approval," said the Labor Notes, an organization and network for rank-and-file union members and grassroots labor activists.

In addition, economic conditions played a crucial role in driving labor actions. The unemployment rate remained low, giving workers more leverage in negotiations.

The rise of remote work and concerns about technological displacement have added new dimensions to labor negotiations, as workers seek protection against job losses due to automation and artificial intelligence advancement. These issues have become particularly pressing in industries undergoing rapid technological transformation.

This was especially evident in the recent port workers' dispute, where automation became a central issue. The ILA said automation at ports would cost some members their jobs.

Besides, reform movements in labor unions have also led to effective strike threats.

With a Jan. 15 deadline looming to resolve the automation dispute at East and Gulf Coast ports, tensions remain high, raising the possibility of another significant port disruption in the new year. 
The drug she allegedly used is mainly produced in Colombia and comes from the seeds of the borrachero tree.

A woman accused of robbing tourists using a dangerous memory-erasing drug known as Devils Breath has been arrested by police in Colombia.

Carolina Meija Montoya, dubbed the Queen of Scopolamine by cops in Medellin after the drug she incapacitated her alleged victims with, was paraded in handcuffs in a tight-fitting leather dress after her capture.

Most of the eight crimes she has been accused of involved foreign tourists.

Investigators say she targeted male holidaymakers in a park in the upmarket neighbourhood of Medellin famed for its sex tourism called El Poblado and invited them to drinks she spiked in hotels and apartments before stealing their belongings while they were unconscious.

The drug she allegedly used is mainly produced in Colombia and comes from the seeds of the borrachero tree.

Devils breath, also known as burundanga, comes as a fine white powder which is blown into the victims face or used to spike food or drinks and renders people helpless within minutes.

It then disappears from the bloodstream within around four hours, meaning it often becomes untraceable before a victim has had time to be tested. In high doses it can be lethal.

Mejia Montoya is suspected of making up to 36k from each of her alleged crimes. She has been described locally as one of the leaders of crime gang La Marina, which specialised in drink spiking thefts.

Three alleged accomplices were arrested during police raids in May but she managed to escape, abandoning a child who was subsequently taken into care.

A spokesman for Valle de Aburra Metropolitan Police, which covers Medellin, confirmed overnight on X alongside a mugshot of the pretty brunette: A woman known as the Queen of Scopolamine has been arrested in Medellin.

This 27-year-old woman is allegedly involved in at least eight cases of theft using chemical substances.

It also released footage of officers taking her into custody in her eye-catching leather dress in handcuffs and a woman thought to be Mejia Montoya entering a residential property with a suspected accomplice and one of their alleged foreign victims.

Medellin made headlines earlier this year over the high number of tourist deaths in the city, with one every six days in the first part of 2024.

Yiri Milena Amado, former director of the Attorney Generals Office in Valle del Aburra, gave an interview to respected Colombian news website Semana in March, saying deadly cocktails represented a common thread in the spate of tourists deaths.

Medellins mayor Federico Gutierrez announced a temporary ban on prostitution in two city neighbourhoods in April including El Poblado.

Marbellas Costa del Sol Hospital began to test for Devils Breath in rape cases as part of a new protocol in 2017.

The move came after it was confirmed the drug was used on a British man in the holiday resort who woke up after letting two women into his house to find thousands of pounds worth of valuables and cash missing.

Two British women - a 19-year-old holidaymaker raped in the nearby resort of Puerto Banus in the early hours of New Years Day 2017 and an expat sexually attacked on waste ground in the Costa del Sol town of Estepona later the same month - were also tested for the drug before the protocol was put in place.
The biggest sale was a Rolex Daytona watch that fetched 26,000 and a Hermes bag

The Criminal Assets Bureau raised 216,000 from its latest online auction of designer watches, clothes and jewellery seized from criminals and money launderers.

The biggest sale was a Rolex Daytona watch that fetched 26,000, followed by a Hermes Birkin bag that sold for 18,250.

The online auction sold 130 designer items to buyers in Ireland and across the world, including New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates.

A chinchilla fur owned by one of Cabs key targets in the past year, Yan Yan Fan, fetched a bargain price of 1,120

A chinchilla fur owned by one of Cabs key targets in the past year, Yan Yan Fan, fetched a bargain price of 1,120. The silver grey coat made from the fur of the south American rodent was one of 76 luxury items that Cab seized from Fan, who is suspected of involvement in cannabis grow houses.

The 216,000 raised from Cabs second online auction is significantly less than the 446,000 it raised in its first online auction held this time last year.

However, it is still a significant financial boost for the asset confiscation agency, which sold a record number of seized properties in 2024 in a year of escalating house prices.

Cab sold 20 such properties this year, compared with 12 in 2023. Michael Gubbins, Detective Chief Superintendent with Cab, said he expects the bureau to sell at least 20 properties again in 2025.

Buyers appear to be undeterred by a propertys criminal association

One of the biggest sales last year was Coldwater Lakes, a four-bedroom, three-bathroom detached house in Saggart, Co Dublin, that was once owned by Daniel Kinahan. The property was put on the market for 550,000 but sold for 931,000.

The Kinahan house got a lot more than we thought it would. It went on sale for 550,000 because, although a fine house, it needed work, said Mr Gubbins.

Buyers appear to be undeterred by a propertys criminal association and most of Cabs properties are getting the sale price or more.

There are a lot of properties and we are getting good prices. We get market value for most of the property that we sell, he said. What is not considered is the capital that the criminals have invested or spent on these assets, which in relation to house purchases and renovations can be extensive.

The cash that criminals plough into their homes, often hundreds of thousands, will never be reflected in the value achieved at auction, said Mr Gubbins.

Criminals spend money on a house that they will never get back, nor will the Criminal Assets Bureau, he said. Why? Theyve got the money. They want the trappings of the lifestyle. They dont want to move out of the area.

The High Court granted 15 applications to Cab in 2024, allowing it to seize assets under Proceeds of Crime legislation.

One of the bureaus biggest assets seizures of the year included those belonging to previously low-profile drug dealer, David Waldron. Cabs application to seize his assets under proceeds of crime legislation was one of the 15 approved by the High Court this year. Waldron, a drug dealer for 24 years, owned three properties in Riverforbes in Leixlip, on the Ratoath Road in Cabra, and Darview Heights, a mansion in Gorey.

The properties and their extravagant interiors cost the drug dealer 3.3m. He spent 1.6m alone on Darview, an opulently decorated detached house with a man den, gym and pool. Cab put the property on the market earlier this year for 415,000.

Earlier this month, Cab seized a mansion valued at more than 1m from Eduard Chiper.

Natalia and Eduard Eddie Chiper spent huge sums on their lavish Co Louth mansion

Chiper and his wife, Natalia, moved to Ireland from Moldova more than 20 years ago. A suspected trafficker of drugs and guns, he ploughed a fortune into the White House in Drogheda, a gated mansion. It was seized on December 18, along with a Mercedes and 94,108 in eight bank accounts.

Yan Yan Fan was another key target of Cab this year. It believes she is working with a group of cannabis grow house operators in Ireland.

Bureau officers seized 292,500 in a bank draft and from her bank account, as well as cash of 14,255 and 3,000 held on account with DNG estate agents. This was in addition to the 76 designer items allegedly bought with the proceeds of crime, valued by the bureau at more than 100,000.

Fan claimed fashion was her only hobby and Cabs unfair targeting of her made her more famous than Gerry Hutch. She denies criminality and is appealing.

The one thing that people should not forget is that the assets the bureau target have been acquired through criminal means and the persons responsible have left a trail of destruction in their wake, said Mr Gubbins.

He encouraged the public to keep on reporting individuals in their communities who have the trappings and the wealth without showing evidence of having earned it.

The bureau has a network of trained asset profilers around the country, but it does appreciate the receipt of good citizen reports, he said.

Cabs biggest seizures of the year

David Waldron

David Waldron

The low-key drug dealer, right, invested 3.3m in three expensively refurbished properties which Cab seized. He spent 1.6m on Darview Heights, an extravagant Wexford mansion. Cab sold it for just 522,000.

Eduard Chiper

Eduard and Natalie Chiper

The Moldovan crime suspect and his wife Natalia spent 1.2m on their Drogheda mansion  including a 126,000 dog run. It was seized by Cab along with 94,108 cash and a Mercedes.

James Mago Gately

James 'Mago' Gately

Cab seized the family home in Coolock of suspected Hutch gangster Gately, claiming he spent 440,000 on the extension alone. The judge said Gately and his wife Charleen were hardly ever in the State, and spent much of their time on cruises and in airport terminals.

Yan Yan Fan

Yan Yan Fan

Cannabis grow-house suspect Fan had 76 designer pieces worth around 100,000 seized by Cab, along with 292,500 in cash and 14,255 and 3,000 in a DNG estate agents account.  John Coone

John Coone and his wife Pamela

The west Cork drug dealer accused of laundering money through his wifes beauty business lost 59,120, a Land Rover, a Kia Sportage, a VW Passat a Skoda Superb and several Louis Vuitton bags to Cab.  Edward Blondie Stokes

Edward 'Blondie' Stokes

The jailed Longford criminal bought a house for 24,000 and then spent 400,000 on expensive refurbishment. Cab seized the house, 78,000 and a Ford Focus as the proceeds of crime. Stokes is appealing.
If you could see how happy she looked, it was such a big change for her and it was a difficult moment as well for the staff

Wounded Palestinian children are taken to hospital after an Israeli attack on the Nuseirat refugee camp in Deir al-Balah in Gaza earlier this month. Photo: Getty

She was nine years old and had suffered a serious leg injury; collateral damage from an explosion in Gaza. Unable to walk, the child was literally carried through conflict by her exhausted mother. The family spent the last few months as refugees in Egypt and the week before Christmas she was medically evacuated to Ireland.

At Connolly Hospital in Dublin she sat in her own wheelchair for the first time. The occupational therapists taught her how to use it. As she propelled herself around, smiling broadly, staff broke into applause and some cried.

If you could see how happy she looked, it was such a big change for her and it was a difficult moment as well for the staff, said Dr Ike Okafor, clinical director of Childrens Health Ireland, the paediatric hospitals group.

There was no dry eye on that day. There was nobody that didnt cry.

The child is one of eight Palestinian children medically evacuated to Ireland via Egypt just before Christmas. They arrived in Dublin late on Thursday, December 19, with their 11 siblings and eight carers  in most cases their mothers  three HSE doctors and a translator on a plane supplied by the Slovakian government.

The next day, the children were assessed at a special clinic at Connolly Hospital by doctors, nurses, occupational and physiotherapists, play therapists, psychologists and a psychiatrist, many giving up their time voluntarily. Their siblings were also checked.

They are the first of 30 children the Government has agreed to bring to Ireland for medical treatment, in response to a request from the World Health Organisation.

The happiness on her face, I cannot describe it to you

Dr Ike Okafor has seen a big improvement in children's wellbeing

Children are on the sharp edge of Israels bombardment of Gaza with 14,500 reportedly killed, according to Unicef. Thousands more children have been injured, many of them appallingly.

With the destruction of Gazas health infrastructure, hundreds of Palestinians are awaiting medical evacuation, most of them via Egypt.

Of the eight children evacuated to Ireland, five have haemophilia, a condition treated with regular injections of blood clotting factor.

One child has a vascular malformation, a type of abnormality of the blood, and is likely to need a combination of treatments, including plastic surgery, radiation and dermatology.

A child with a blast injury will need surgical intervention, and possibly plastic surgery, as well as several months of rehabilitation.

One child has inflammatory bowel disease, or Crohns disease. The child became unwell before the evacuation, and on the journey had been unsettled, crying, really upset, according to Dr Okafor. It was anticipated the child may have to be hospitalised.

Dr Okafor sought out the doctor treating the child at the Connolly Hospital clinic the following day. Peering through the glass-paned door of the consultation room, he was amazed.

She was on the floor, playing with toys, with the biggest smile I have ever seen on a child, he said.

When I knocked on the door, the doctor came out, and I asked is this child going to need admission. He looked at her and said: Do you think she will? I said, no, said Dr Okafor.

The happiness on her face, I cannot describe it to you. The misery that I had described to me by the evacuating doctor that misery, that upset faded away.

We want to help as many children as we can, but we also have to be realistic

Children soaked up the care they were offered at the Connolly Hospital clinic that day, according to Dr Okafor. As did the childrens mothers.

A three-year-old child with haemophilia also has severe ADHD and behavioural issues. His mother, a young woman in her 20s, has been caring for him and two younger siblings.

She watched her child interacting with play therapists, happy and responsive, and broke down in tears, as did many of the staff, said Dr Okafor.

It was just the small things like these. Not the big things, he said. They showed the environment these children were coming from and what their new environment now means to each to child.

The CHI is currently working with doctors and agencies on the ground in Egypt to identify other children suitable for medical evacuation.

Irelands healthcare system has the skills to care for the most seriously ill children, but it does not have the capacity, according to Dr Okafor.

This means selecting children who preferably wont require prolonged hospital admissions, especially in intensive care or critical care areas where we dont have beds, he said.

We want to help as many children as we can, but we also have to be realistic in terms of the limited capacity in our health system. I would hope very early in the new year we would be able to take more.

Dr Okafor thanked all of those who volunteered their time, charities Gaza Paediatric Care, Children Not Numbers and the Red Cross, and the departments of Health and Foreign Affairs. The children, their siblings and carers are staying in accommodation organised by the Irish Red Cross. Community and psychological supports are in place.

I cannot imagine that any of these children went through what they have gone through without trauma, significant psychological trauma, Dr Okafor said.
A woman has also been arrested as investigation into the incident on St Stephens Day continues

A man arrested following the fatal hit-and-run road traffic collision in Blanchardstown in which a married couple died is to appear in court tomorrow morning to face charges.

A woman has now also been arrested in relation to the investigation and is being questioned at a Dublin garda station.

In the incident on the evening of St Stephens Day Anthony Hogg (40) and his wife Georgina (39) were struck by a car, which failed to remain at the scene, while crossing a road near Blanchardstown Shopping Centre at around 5.45pm.

Georgina Hogg Moore was pronounced dead at the scene while her husband Anthony was rushed to hospital but died from his injuries.

One of the couples children was understood to be with them at the time but was uninjured.

A damaged car found nearby was seized by gardai for a technical examination and a man in his 40s was arrested in relation to the incident.

The Garda Press Office has confirmed that the man has since been charged and is scheduled to appear before the District Court at the Criminal Courts of Justice tomorrow morning.

It also confirmed a second person, a female, has also been arrested and is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984, at a Garda station in Dublin.

A vigil for the family, from the local Whitestown area, was held at the scene of the incident on Friday evening and attended by a large crowd who laid flowers and lit candles in memory of Anthony and Georgina and in support of their family.

Gardai are continuing to appeal to anyone who may have witnessed this collision to contact them.

Any road users or pedestrians who were in the vicinity of Blanchardstown Road North, between 5pm and 6pm on Thursday, December 26, and have camera footage , including dash-cam, are asked to make this available to investigating gardai.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Blanchardstown Garda Station at 01 666 7000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.
Una and Kenneth Ennis have been told that there is a groundbreaking gene therapy programme in Los Angeles that will show the progression of the condition

WHEN Santa arrived to little Archie Ennis his brave parents had to try and act as normal as possible despite being given devastating news about their precious son just days before Christmas.

Una and Kenneth Ennis had been told in Tallaght Hospital just over a week ago that their seven-year-old boy had a rare condition called Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

This is a rare genetic condition that will weaken Archies muscles, a devastated Una (31) revealed in a video she posted, which has gone viral. It will start to weaken Archies muscles in his hips and then in his shoulders.

(The doctor) said his muscles will continue to get weaker. She said that it will progress over time to weaken his heart and his lungs.

"She also told us most boys with this condition will end up in a wheelchair at the age of 10, so as you can imagine we are devastated and looking for help.

Una and Kenneth have been told that there is a groundbreaking gene therapy programme in Los Angeles that will show the progression of the condition, but it costs a minimum of 3.2 million to start with.

Archie with his parents Una and Kenneth Ennis

Its just devastating, we are just devastated, Una tells the Sunday World.

We are just grieving the life that we thought we were going to have for our little boy, and now we are being told this is the life that he is going to have  and we cant accept it, we need to just try and help him.

We have really no other option. I think any other mammy would do anything that they could really.

The family live in Jobstown in Tallaght where Una is a health care assistant in a hospital, while Kenneth (32) is a Sergeant in the Irish Army. They have one other child, Maisie (three).

Una explained that as Archie grew up, he physically started declining. They got physiotherapy for him and also occupational therapy.

In recent months he has been finding it hard to get up the stairs, so the familys GP referred him to a paediatrician in Tallaght Hospital.

Professor Denise McDonald dismissed that their initial speculation Archie might have dyspraxia.

Archie Ennis struggling to get up the stairs

I said do you think its something worse? and she said yeah. I said do you think I should be worried? and she said yeah, recalls Una.

She said Una, Im going to send off this test and its going to take four weeks then last week we went in, she sat myself and my husband down and said what I said in the video.

The diagnostic confirmation was earth-shattering.

Our world was literally turned upside down, we never thought that it would be this, sobs Una.

I suppose last week when we first found out we had to kind of keep it together when the kids were here. We had to try and act as normal as possible and then when they finish school, we just try to do stuff.

The Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Association reached out to me and kind of had a counselling session with me. The lady from it said, just try your very best to have a good Christmas, as if you hadnt had this news.

Archie is so young he doesnt really understand.

Archie Ennis

We have taken time off work. As any father would be, he is struggling too.

She reveals other families have reached out to her that are in the same boat.

Theres one in 5,000 boys affected by this genetic condition, its more common in little boys, she elaborates.

The professor is a neuromuscular professor and she said theres 10 boys in her clinic (with the same condition). Its mainly little boys when they start showing symptoms.

When they are born with this their mother is the carrier and I didnt know I was the carrier. I have never been tested, because I have never had anybody in the family that has had this.

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She discloses the life expectancy for most people with the condition is in their early 30s.

There is a new drug on the market in the UK which still has to get the go-ahead to be introduced here, but their best option right now is the gene therapy programme in America.

Since Unas heartbreaking video, over 270,000 has been raised in donations on the familys GoFund Me appeal link.

Of course, as a mammy and daddy we are going to have to do anything that we can to help our little boy, she adds.

Everybody in the community is really helping, they are doing raffles, and they are just really trying to help us, its amazing, the community spirit is really good.

She also hopes the video she posted of Archies struggle to get up the stair will help other families who may not have figured out what is happening their kids in a similar position.

Maybe they can start treatment sooner so it doesnt progress and their little boy is going to end up in a wheelchair, she points out.

- Donations can be made on the GoFundMe page at https://tinyurl.com/2davss26 or by Revolut @unacl6jg
The infamous Prepared For Peace Ready For War mural had stood guard over the entrance to estate for more than two decades

Residents in the loyalist Mount Vernon estate do not want a controversial UVF mural blown away by Storm Darragh to be rebuilt.

The infamous Prepared For Peace Ready For War mural has stood guard over the entrance to estate for more than two decades  until Darragh arrived at the start of December.

Residents woke to find that the top of the wall had been blown down in the gale-force winds.

What remained of the mural has now been taken down amid fears damage caused by the storm had rendered it unsafe.

The Loyalist terror mural in north Belfast that was badly damaged buring Storm Darragh

Now all that remains are piles of rubble, with sections of the paintings depicting masked and armed men still visible.

There has been speculation as to whether it would be restored elsewhere in the estate or be replaced with a different mural.

The Sunday World understands residents are dead set against its return because of the way it portrays their estate.

How it looked

The UVF controlled the estate and Mount Vernon was home to a notorious paramilitary unit which waged a sectarian murder campaign.

Members of the leadership and many others were working for British state forces, mostly for the RUCs Special Branch.

Under the leadership of police agent Mark Haddock they carried out more than a dozen murders with the full knowledge of their police handlers.

The murderous collusion between police and UVF was uncovered by then Police Ombudsman Nuala OLoan in her 2007 report, Operation Ballast.

The initial damage caused by Storm Darragh

The estate has laboured under that connection ever since and while other areas have seen paramilitary murals replaced with less confrontational and threatening wall art, Mount Vernon has been continually branded because Prepared For Peace Ready For War dominates the entrance to the area and is seen by thousands of commuters every day.

Sources have told us there was opposition to the mural when it first went up.

People thought it was time to move away from that stuff, the UVF had called a ceasefire and supposedly decommissioned, yet here they were saying they were ready to go back to war.

Who were they going to war with? Weve been saddled with it ever since, maybe Darragh has done us a favour and we can break away from the past.
Tibble remembered a trip to New Zealand with her parents and decided to take up a three-year working holiday visa.

She had lived in Denmark before and after graduating she planned to move from Britain to explore Europe. But Brexit eliminated that option in 2020.

By the time Charlotte Tibble finished her maths degree, the world had changed.

Four international travellers chose Aotearoa to work and live for one year. The Bay of Plenty Times talks to three European graduates and a surfboard shaper from California. Aleyna Martinez reports on what they loved about the region.

Arriving in Auckland, she opted to see the country by bus and booked a five-week InterCity trip. When she arrived in Queenstown, thats where I ran out of money, she said.

She then got work in hospitality.

This was in autumn and most places were hiring, so it was quite easy.

That was her first year.

For her second year, she flew to the Mount with her younger brother after a trip home to England.

Tibble works at Latitude 37 in the Mount and loves the lifestyle here. There was no pressure to stay, we knew we could leave if we didnt like it but then we got here, and I mean youve got the Mount and the beach.

About 10 minutes ago, I just applied for my third year, she said.

Compared to Queenstown, I didnt realise how close everything is in the North Island.

Here you can go to Coromandel, Hamilton, Gisborne, you can go everywhere if you want to, so thats amazing how close it is.

And the beach is gorgeous. I dont live near beaches at home and the ones weve got are stony, which are cute to me, but not after Ive seen this.

Luke Melby, 26, American surfboard shaper and bartender

Luke Melby from San Clemente, California. Photo / Aleyna Martinez

Luke Melby was raised in surfing town San Clemente in California and moved to Papamoa to make surfboards in December 2023.

His goal upon arrival was to surf the world.

If youre a surfer, you know New Zealands got amazing waves and uncrowded waves. I knew New Zealand was like a surf Mecca.

He found a home in Mount Maunganui and moved from the surfboard industry to working in hospitality.

You can pay a whole family on tips in America, here not so much, he said.

Melby said he got a job as a bartender at Master Kong bar and restaurant which gave him a cultural experience.

Most of the people I worked with were Nepalese. Hospitality in New Zealand is a great place to meet people from different ethnicities and cultures.

Its hard for travellers to get other kinds of jobs outside of hospitality.

Id never met anyone from Nepal before.

He said living, working and surfing in New Zealand had been a dream and Aotearoa to him felt genuinely more laid back than California.

Everythings done pretty slowly in New Zealand.

Its so removed from the rest of the Western world, yet its a Western world, Melby said.

Oceane Legatelois, climate change policy graduate from France

Oceane Legatelois is a French traveller who had been living in Spain before moving to the Bay of Plenty on a one-year working visa. Photo / Edoardo Zelli

Oceane Legatelois was a project manager with an apartment and a car in Spain when she decided to reduce her belongings to a suitcase and come to New Zealand.

With a masters in political science and a passion for the environment, she said Wwoofing  living and working on organic farms  suited her because it is a network that is conscious about climate change.

Its really linked to the Wwoofing lifestyle, she said.

She recommended the experience. For Legatelois, it served as a great way to explore the world and was better than being a tourist which she said could get boring.

Working at fruit orchards and assisting with operations interested her. Just to reconnect with agriculture. The basis of our life is eating, so being able to see how that works is important.

The Sudarshanaloka Buddhist retreat centre near Thames was a highlight, she said. They were offering 10 days of work and it was a mix between Wwoofing, but having time to meditate in the middle of nature.

What is great about New Zealand is that you meet a lot of international people and also from some countries that maybe in Europe, you dont meet that much because we are not that close to the Asian culture.

Edoardo Zelli, 30, PhD student and keen photographer

Edoardo Zelli fell in love with photography and diving while growing up in Rome.

Edoardo Zelli lives in Mount Maunganui and is doing his PhD at the University of Waikato.

After one year, he says leaving the Mount will be difficult. I feel free here, he said.

In Italy, there is no way you can go anywhere barefoot.

That freedom was dear to him, he said.

New Zealand being a global hot spot for deep-sea corals was another highlight.

The more complex the environment is, the more chances you have for corals to grow on it, Zelli said.

Rome-born Zelli became interested in photography when he was 18. For him, his relationship with the sea has been a life-changing experience that he always planned to capture in images.

I was interested in biology and the mechanisms of life, the cell work and the ecosystem  its so complex, so perfect and its endless.

Corals are a universe. They are biologically complex, and they have a universe of life inside them.

Molecular biology is one universe, he said.

One thing he would miss is diving around Leisure Island.

Walking through the sea dunes toward the sea, he would remember how walking through them felt like a decompression chamber of lifes stress.

He said he had grown as an individual here.

This is the furthest place from Italy I could go and Im proud of what Ive achieved here.

A piece of me will be left here when I leave, he said.

-Bay of Plenty Times
If youre fishing or planning to drop a line in the ocean during the festive season, the best gift you can give yourself is the free NZ Fishing Rules mobile app.

Many New Zealanders live near the coast, and the marine environment is part of our national identity.

Thousands of Kiwis go fishing every year  for sport, enjoyment, and to get food for their whanau and families.

"The app has everything you need to know  daily bag limits, minimum legal sizes, any closures or restrictions, and even biotoxin alerts," said Fisheries New Zealand fisheries compliance director Steve Ham.

The NZ Fishing Rules app can be downloaded from wherever you get your apps: NZ Fishing Rules app

"Fishery officers and honorary fishery officers will be patrolling the coasts, boat ramps, and at sea throughout the summer period to protect our shared fisheries and ensure theyre sustainable into the future.

"As well as catch and size limits, the app displays rules for the kind of gear you're allowed to use. These rules vary by species and area and do change from time to time, so it's important to stay up to date.

"Having the app on your phone gives you the peace of mind of having the right information at your fingertips. Once downloaded, the fishing app will also work in areas where you don't have cell phone coverage. Fishers can also text free to 9889 with the name of the fish species and receive a text back with size limits and daily catch limits."

Along with the fishing rules app, recreational fishers are encouraged to ask their local fishery officer or pop into their local office.

"They're there to help you. We want your fishing experience to be something to remember for all the right reasons, not because you hooked a fine. By following the rules you'll also be doing your part in keeping our shared fisheries sustainable so that future generations can also enjoy catching a feed of kaimoana."

MPI encourages people to report suspected illegal activity through the ministry's 0800 4 POACHER number (0800 47 62 24)
She suffered broken bones and serious injuries all over her body.

It was a miracle she survived. When she saw the car hurtling towards her , she tried to get up and run. It smashed through the glass doors and collected her from behind, throwing her 7m across the room and against a wall.

Shes not a fussy customer. Shes just wary after a freak accident in March where she was hit by an out-of-control car while having dinner inside Rotoruas award-winning Urbano Bistro restaurant.

Tables by windows are out and she always needs to sit somewhere she can easily see whats going on.

When Rotorua s Sian Habgood has a rare opportunity to go out for a meal with her husband, she carefully picks where they sit.

Today, she still cannot run, often walks with a limp and is physically struggling to return to fulltime work.

For her family, 2024 has not been a great year. But she knows shes lucky to be alive.

No one was charged following the crash on March 15 as police said the driver had suffered a medical event, causing him to lose control.

Habgoods recovery has been long and slow. She went from being a busy working mother of three children under 12  including a high-needs autistic son aged 7  to being unable to do anything for herself.

The crash impacted her entire body. She had a broken pelvis, lacerated spleen, broken knee, broken finger and torn ankle ligaments.

Her legs and back were also covered in deep bruises, she had a nasty head cut and was peppered in cuts and broken glass.

Her little finger was the most serious of the breaks and needed surgery. The recovery meant it was taped to her ring finger, but she said that caused her middle finger to carry the load too much and she ended up getting trigger finger, an overuse injury to the ligaments and tendons.

Sian and Jethro Habgood in March, not long after the freak accident that nearly took her life. Photo / Andrew Warner

Before the accident, Habgood ran a side hustle business called Riris Room, making and selling childrens clothes online. She said she was still doing a bit of it now, but it was difficult for her for a long time to hold scissors with her broken little finger.

Despite the incident happening months ago, Habgood confessed she was still in a lot of pain. The biggest burden was not being able to run after her children.

She said when caring for her autistic son, she needed to be able to catch him in case he ran off. It meant school holidays were boring for her three children as they werent able to go to the park in case he bolted.

My knee is giving me the most trouble ... doctors said it could be up to 18 months before its better.

The car that crashed through Urbano Bistro restaurant in March.

She worked one day a week in her job at Mountain Bike Rotorua, where she was working fulltime in the weeks before the accident. But as a casual employee, she was not entitled to ACC income compensation.

She said her husband, Jethro, who manages Taupos Plumbing World, had been a huge supporter but living on a reduced income was difficult.

It definitely has had hard moments, our house needs lots of renovations and a lot of it we were planning to do before winter this year and we werent able to do it, not just with money but with me being injured and Jethro working and sorting the kids and looking after me, we just didnt have time.

She said like a lot of people now, they were watching their spending.

We had hoped to be able to take the kids on an overseas trip next year but that most likely wont happen for another year or two now. Along with the extra little things now that my physio at the hospital has finished, were having to pay for things like aqua classes and pilates that ACC doesnt cover as well as steroid injections in my hand thats only partly covered by ACC.

But the optimist was not dwelling on what she cannot achieve.

At the end of the day though, well get through this, were lucky enough to have what we do as its more than some people, and to still have our family whole this Christmas, especially with the amount of deaths recently on our roads.

Urbano Bistro owners Mark and Jane Solon had to close their business for five weeks while the damage was repaired but they reopened towards the end of April. Photo / Andrew Warner

Urbano Bistro was closed for five weeks while the damage was repaired but owners Mark and Jane Solon were thrilled they were able to save their restaurant, especially since they had not long bought it from long-time founding owners Richard and Julie Sewell.

Habgood said she plucked up the courage to go back to the restaurant with her husband about three months after the accident and the owners recognised her and insisted they have a free meal.

All the window seats were taken but I wouldnt have sat there anyway. It was good to go back but I spent the whole time looking at the windows.

As the months ticked by and her body and emotions started to heal, Habgood said the sooner 2024 was over, the better.

Im still happy to be alive ... Its definitely been a tough year for us. Its been a nothing year.

Im at home but Im not doing anything because I cant do anything. Ive had to learn to relax being still, not relax while doing something.

-Rotorua Daily Post
A partnership between Techlam and Scion, a forestry research institute, has unlocked innovation in timber products through a unique international collaboration.

Techlam, renowned for producing radiata pine glulam beams, sought Scions expertise to address quality control challenges.

Scion responded by inviting Jean Margerie, a student from Frances prestigious Ecole nationale superieure d'Arts et Metiers (ENSAM), for a six-month joint internship.

This partnership brought together industry and academia to drive advancements in sustainable timber manufacturing.

Henri Bailleres, Scions general manager of forests and timber products, explained the partnerships dual benefits.

For Techlam, it provided access to advanced research and technology. For Scion, it offered practical feedback to drive product innovation, he said.

Margerie, who arrived in February 2024 after travelling over 20,000 kilometres from France, was pivotal in improving Techlams production processes.

Splitting his time between Scions research facilities and Techlams Levin factory, Margerie implemented cutting-edge solutions to enhance glulam beam quality and explore innovative manufacturing methods.

The internship unfolded in three phases. First, a new non-destructive testing device was integrated into the production line, enabling precise stiffness measurements to improve quality control.

Margerie then spent two months at Techlams factory, focusing on product consistency and process optimization. In the final phase, he collaborated with Scion researchers to create hybrid beams combining exotic and carbon fibres, developing a promising proof of concept for future innovation.

Brett Hamilton, Techlams managing director, praised the partnerships transformative impact.

Jean tackled pressing challenges and contributed significantly to research and development, driving improvements in product quality and innovation, he said.

Margerie credits his success to the strong support network provided by Scion, Techlam, and ENSAM.

Working in both industry and research gave me invaluable insights into their challenges and opportunities, he said.

This experience has shaped my career and strengthened my path in engineering.

Margerie followed in the footsteps of Romain Meot, a Scion wood process engineer and former ENSAM student, who established the collaboration in 2023.

Meot mentored Jean and served as a crucial link between Scion and Techlam. He emphasized the value of access to multidisciplinary expertise, which allowed Jean to tackle complex problems effectively.

Techlam quality control manager Dave Hollows also mentored Jean, highlighting the fresh perspective he brought to the team.

Jean challenged us to rethink practices wed grown accustomed to, often questioning assumptions and encouraging more analytical approaches, Hollows said.

Margerie's internship concluded in August, but his contributions extended beyond the program as he continued working with Techlam for three additional months. He now looks forward to a new position, collaborating with both Techlam and Scion in 2024.

Scion plans to replicate this collaborative model with other companies, leveraging the expertise of talented students to drive industry innovation.

Companies gain fresh solutions and dynamic perspectives from these skilled students, Bailleres said.

We encourage more organizations to step forward and collaborate, helping elevate industry standards and foster global connections.

This partnership exemplifies how cross-sector collaborations can advance sustainable forestry practices, drive innovation, and strengthen ties between research and industry.
HOUSTON, Dec. 28 (Xinhua) -- At least one person died and six others were injured after multiple tornadoes and severe storms ripped through the Greater Houston metropolitan area in the U.S. state of Texas on Saturday afternoon, authorities said.

In Brazoria County, about 45 miles (72.4 km) south of Houston, the Sheriff's Office confirmed one death and four injuries.

In northern Houston's Montgomery County, another two people were hospitalized with injuries, Deputy Chief of Staff Jason Smith told CBS News.

So far there were no reports of critical injuries.

"We are still conducting secondary searches and going through and ensuring that all the residents are accounted for," Brazoria County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Madison Polston told CNN.

"At this point, we don't expect there to be additional fatalities," she added.

Multiple tornadoes hit Houston suburbs on Saturday, damaging dozens of homes and bringing down power lines and trees, according to the U.S. National Weather Service. 
Matias Stuber Malaga Sunday, 29 December 2024, 08:37 Compartir

The Sindicato Medico de Malaga medical union (SMM) has claimed that the ambulance service linked to primary care health centres in the city is in "a precarious state". The union pointed out in a statement that the vehicles are not staffed with a doctor to cover all shifts and that some call-outs, especially at night, are taking place without an attending doctor.

"At last, new ambulances are being set up for night shifts in El Palo and Cruz del Humilladero districts and a new one in Teatinos, which should be working 24 hours a day, although it is only active for 12 hours at present. These units are equipped with a nurse and emergency technician, but without a doctor to make the clinical diagnosis and decide on the appropriate treatment, instead depending for each action on remote supervision by a doctor from the 061 coordination centre in Malaga who gives instructions as to the steps and procedures to follow."

Call-handling concerns

According to the SMM, the 061 health workers, consisting of two doctors being on duty in the emergency coordination room in Malaga covering the night shift, can barely "cope with the enormous number of calls that occur at this time of year", which means that the coordination work is made more difficult by the lack of units with attending physicians.

Therefore, the SMM has denounced the waiting times to attend and resolve the highest priority calls. The union said there has been no improvement with this measure with the "consequent risk to patient safety."

The Junta de Andalucia's SAS public health service denies that there is a risk to patient care and confirms that it is "guaranteed" for all shifts.

For this reason SMM demands that the Junta de Andalucia's regional public health service (SAS) reflects on this situation and provides the necessary personnel so that the ambulances mentioned are staffed throughout the day - and night. "We alert the public and call for reflection and prompt rectification of this situation, always prioritising the safety and welfare of patients. It is essential that the full staffing of these units is guaranteed and that commitments are fulfilled to ensure adequate medical care for our population."

SAS sources consulted by SUR deny that there is any risk to patient care and confirm that it "is guaranteed" for all shifts.
Futurology A new study has unveiled a discovery beneath the Earth's surface: a vast reservoir of hydrogen that could potentially reshape the global energy landscape. Scientists estimate that approximately 6.2 trillion tons of hydrogen lie hidden in rocks and underground reservoirs, a quantity that dwarfs known oil reserves by a factor of 261.

The research, led by Geoffrey Ellis, a petroleum geochemist at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), has been published in the journal Science Advances. It suggests that tapping into just a fraction of this hydrogen could have far-reaching implications for the world's energy future.

"Just 2% of the hydrogen stocks found in the study, equivalent to 124 billion tons of gas, would supply all the hydrogen we need to get to net-zero [carbon] for a couple hundred years," Ellis told LiveScience. This amount of hydrogen contains roughly twice the energy stored in all known natural gas reserves on Earth.

Hydrogen, a clean energy carrier, has diverse applications, ranging from fueling vehicles to powering industrial processes and generating electricity. As global efforts to combat climate change intensify, hydrogen is projected to play an increasingly significant role, potentially accounting for up to 30% of future energy supply in some sectors.

The study's findings challenge long-held beliefs about hydrogen's behavior underground. "The paradigm throughout my entire career was that hydrogen's out there, it occurs, but it's a very small molecule, so it easily escapes through small pores and cracks and rocks," Ellis said. However, recent discoveries of substantial hydrogen caches in West Africa and an Albanian chromium mine have shifted this perspective.

To estimate the global hydrogen reserves, Ellis and his colleague Sarah Gelman developed a model accounting for various factors, including hydrogen production rates underground, the amount likely trapped in reservoirs, and losses through processes such as atmospheric leakage. The model revealed a wide range of possible hydrogen quantities, from 1 billion to 10 trillion tons, with 6.2 trillion tons being the most probable estimate.

While these figures are promising, Ellis cautions that much of this hydrogen may be inaccessible due to depth or offshore locations. Additionally, some reserves might be too small for economically viable extraction. Nevertheless, the sheer scale of the estimated reserves suggests that even with these limitations, there could be ample hydrogen available for exploitation.

One of the key advantages of natural hydrogen over synthetically produced "green" or "blue" hydrogen is its ready availability. "We don't have to worry about storage, which is something that with the blue hydrogen or green hydrogen you do," Ellis said. "You want to make it when electricity is cheap and then you have to store it somewhere. With natural hydrogen, you could just open a valve and close it whenever you needed it."

However, the exact locations of these hydrogen reserves remain unknown, presenting the next challenge for researchers. Ellis and his team are working on narrowing down the geological criteria necessary for underground hydrogen accumulation, with results for the U.S. expected early next year.

While the potential of this discovery is enormous, some experts urge caution. Professor Bill McGuire from University College London told the BBC that extracting hydrogen on a scale large enough to impact emissions significantly would require "an enormous global initiative for which we simply don't have time." He also emphasized the need for extensive supporting infrastructure. McGuire questioned whether exploiting another finite resource is necessary, given the availability of renewable energy sources like wind and solar.
Editor's take: Samsung faces the challenge of balancing improvements in its foundry business with the demands of its smartphone division. The company's ability to navigate these complexities will be crucial for maintaining its leadership in both the semiconductor and smartphone markets.

Samsung Foundry has once again failed to secure a contract from Qualcomm for the production of its latest flagship mobile processor, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2. This setback marks another chapter in Samsung's ongoing struggle to compete with industry leader TSMC, which has been awarded the entire manufacturing contract for the upcoming chip.

The decision comes at a critical juncture for Samsung Foundry, which has been grappling with low yield rates in recent months. However, there are signs of improvement on the horizon. The company recently stabilized its 3nm production process, achieving acceptable yield rates, and is simultaneously pushing forward with the development of even more advanced 2nm chips. Samsung also has ambitious plans to produce 1.4nm chips by 2027.

Despite these advancements, Qualcomm's choice to partner exclusively with TSMC for the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 reflects the current state of the industry. TSMC's proven track record and reliability likely outweighed any potential cost savings that Samsung might have offered. This decision is particularly impactful given the widespread adoption of Snapdragon SoCs in flagship smartphones.

The loss of this contract doesn't spell the end for Samsung Foundry's aspirations. The company is expected to make another bid for the production of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 3 when it enters development. To improve its chances, Samsung will need to successfully fulfill orders from other clients and further improve yield rates.

This development coincides with reports of a significant price increase for the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2, which could lead to higher costs for premium smartphones, including Samsung's Galaxy series. This situation presents a dilemma for Samsung's mobile division as it may need to consider alternative strategies to maintain competitive pricing.

One potential solution could involve reviving Samsung's in-house Exynos chip line for future Galaxy devices, such as the S26 series. This move could help offset the impact of rising Snapdragon prices.

Alternatively, Samsung might explore partnerships with other chip manufacturers like MediaTek or make compromises in other components such as displays and cameras to offset increased processor costs.

Despite these challenges, industry experts anticipate that Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S25 series will remain among the top smartphone choices in 2025. The company's strength in other areas of mobile technology should support its operations as it continues to refine its foundry capabilities and chip production processes.
This past year has been a relatively quiet one for the oil market. After a brief bounce, crude prices are on track to end 2024 in the low $70s -- right around where they began the year. There haven't been any major supply disruptions, and demand has remained resilient.

It's anyone's guess what oil prices will do in 2025. I've seen predictions that crude will remain around its current level next year, while other prognosticators believe it could collapse to $50 a barrel. Given that oil prices are tough to predict, I'm going to leave that question alone.

However, I do have a couple of rather bold predictions about some notable oil sector companies next year.

Prediction No. 1: Chevron will beat ExxonMobil and close its acquisition of Hess

A wave of M&A activity has washed over the oil sector in recent years. ExxonMobil (NYSE: XOM) kicked things off in October 2023 when it agreed to buy Pioneer Natural Resources in a $59.5 billion all-stock deal. Its fellow oil giant Chevron (NYSE: CVX) followed that up with a bid to buy Hess (NYSE: HES) in a $53 billion all-stock deal a few weeks later. Several other oil companies also agreed to merge over the past year.

While ExxonMobil closed its needle-moving merger with Pioneer in May, Chevron has yet to wrap up its deal with Hess -- and ExxonMobil is to blame for the delay. ExxonMobil believes that the Chevron/Hess merger agreement triggered a "change of control" provision in its joint development agreement with Hess and China's CNOOC in Guyana. That provision gives ExxonMobil the right of first refusal to buy Hess' 30% interest in the lucrative Guyana oil field.

The two companies are currently in arbitration, and a hearing is scheduled for May. I predict Chevron will win the case. While Hess' position in Guyana is the main draw, it's not the only factor driving Chevron's acquisition. Adding the assets of Hess to its portfolio would also enhance the company's existing operations in the Gulf of Mexico and Southeast Asia. On top of that, it would bolster the company's U.S. onshore position with fields in the Bakken shale of North Dakota. Closing the Hess deal would really move the needle for Chevron, which could outperform in 2025 if it wins its case.

Prediction No. 2: Energy Transfer will continue consolidating the midstream sector

Energy Transfer (NYSE: ET) is one of the largest companies in the U.S. midstream sector. The master limited partnership (MLP) has invested heavily in expanding its operations over the years, both via organic capital projects and acquiring other midstream companies.
China's first "4S store" for drones has been put into trial operation at a national base for civil unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) testing in southwest China, a move to further boost the country's burgeoning low-altitude economy.

The "4S store," officially known as the Low-Altitude Economy Intelligent Equipment Exhibition and Sales Center, started trial operation on Thursday, the Chengdu Daily reported on Friday.

The center is run by the testing base "Sky Eye," which is located in Pengzhou, some 70 km from Chengdu, the capital city of Sichuan Province. Similar to traditional automobile 4S stores, it provides services on drone sales, maintenance, parts and information, according to the report.

It also adds supplementary services such as drone insurance, financial services, public education and forum activities. A total of 32 drone-related companies have signed agreements to set up operations within the center.

"Here, you can purchase a wide variety of drones with comprehensive functions at competitive prices, while also experiencing a one-stop 'buy and try' service," said Zhou Xiaoming, head of "Sky Eye."

Finding test-flight sites and obtaining airspace approvals have long posed challenges for the drone industry in China.

Located in the Longmen Mountain range, "Sky Eye" boasts an airspace with an elevation below 1,200 meters and a radius of 5 km, in which numerous types of drones conduct various test missions on a daily basis.

On Dec. 8, 2017, "Sky Eye" received approval for airspace use, marking the official establishment of the first civil UAV flight base in southwest China.

In August 2022, "Sky Eye" was approved as a national civil UAV testing base, allowing trial flights to be reported just one hour in advance. With this pioneering move, it saw a significant transition for airspace management from an "approval system" to a "notification system" in China, effectively addressing the surging demand for airspace use, reducing user costs, and enhancing operational efficiency, according to the newspaper report.

Currently, "Sky Eye" boasts 10 test-flight locations and 19 low-altitude economic application scenarios, making it the largest of 20 national testing bases in terms of quantity in China.

It has attracted 132 entities engaged in drone research and development, production, mission payloads and system management, injecting robust momentum into the development of Sichuan's low-altitude economy.

China's drone industry has experienced rapid development, with nearly 608,000 UAVs newly registered in the first half (H1) of 2024, an increase of 48 percent from the figure registered at the end of 2023, according to data released by the Civil Aviation Administration of China in July.

The cumulative flight time of UAVs reached nearly 9.82 million hours in H1, an increase of 134,000 hours over the same period last year.

The booming low-altitude economy, propelled by technological innovation, is experiencing rapid growth in China. A report by a research institute under the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China showed that the sector's value reached 505.95 billion yuan (about $70.37 billion) in 2023, and is projected to surpass 1 trillion yuan by 2026.
The ongoing AI boom has made energy stocks one of the hottest corners of investing. Once-boring utility companies are soaring as tech giants look to feed their ravenous data centers, while three of the top 10 best performing stocks in the S&P 500 this year are wholesale power providers with nuclear businesses. Meanwhile, all this demand for energy is lifting another set of companies: firms that help build and maintain North Americas electrical grids, including our three picks listed farther below.

Consult any energy sector report, and youll discover that the countrys grid infrastructure requires a major facelift. This means portfolio managers are keeping a close eye on manufacturers that build essential equipment like transformers and switchgearor provide services like cooling solutions for the server racks in data centers.

The industrial companies are in the sweet spot, Stephanie Link, who oversees a $5.4 billion portfolio as chief investment strategist at Hightower Advisors, recently said in an interview with Fortune.

Investors have already piled into the grid-building space, with many top picks trading at the types of lofty premiums that have led to a multitude of warnings about an overly frothy AI trade. For investors playing the long game, however, it could still pay to hop on the bandwagon.

Link was struck by a comment from the CEO of Quanta Services, a Fortune 200 company projected to earn $23.7 billion in revenue for 2024, per Visible Alpha. Duke Austin, who leads the electrical and pipeline contractor, told analysts after Q1 that the energy needs of data centers in the companys network were mind-blowing.

I dont think Ive heard a CEO say anything like that before in my lifetime, said Link, who is also a regular CNBC contributor. These are conservative industrial manufacturing, old-school companies that are seeing a lot of business and a lot of upside.

Americas energy needs skyrocket as its grid ages

The boom has a lot to do with timing. Much of Americas grid infrastructure was built in the 1960s and 1970s, and 70% of its transmission lines are over 25 years old and approaching the end of their typical 50- to 80-year lifespan, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Thats happening just as the countrys electricity demand is skyrocketing for several reasonssuch as data center demand, which could jump an estimated 160% by 2030, per Goldman Sachs.

But there are plenty of other factors at play, too, including the wave of reshoring among American manufacturers. Rising global temperatures, meanwhile, intensify the need for air conditioning. On the other hand, the clean energy boomand the growing adoption of green products like electric vehicles and heat pumpsall put more strain on the system.
One dead in Ecuador, Peru ports closed amid massive waves



Lima, Dec 29 (AFP) Dec 29, 2024



Massive waves of up to 13 feet (four meters) are pummeling the coasts of Ecuador and Peru, leaving scores of ports closed and at least one person dead on Saturday, authorities said.

Jetties and public squares were submerged in some parts of Peru, sending residents fleeing to higher ground, according to images on local media.

The waves, according to the Peruvian navy, are being generated off the US coast by winds along the ocean's surface.

Many beaches along the central and northern stretches of the country were closed to prevent risk to human life, authorities said.

Dozens of fishing boats were damaged, while those that were spared were still unable to work in the dangerous conditions.

"None of the fishermen can go out to sea," Juan Ore, 60, told AFP.

Thirty-one fishermen stranded in the swell were rescued Saturday afternoon by the navy, while one told local radio that around 180 more remained at sea.

"There are no more supplies, no water. Our brothers and sisters are practically adrift," the man told radio Exitosa.

In neighboring Ecuador, the National Secretariat for Risk Management said a body was recovered in the coastal city of Manta.

"The Manta Fire Department reported that, at 6:00 am, the body of a missing person was found lifeless in the Barbasquillo sector," the agency announced on social media.

Waves were hitting 13 feet in Peru and nearly seven feet in Ecuador.

Huge waves were also seen crashing into the central Chilean coast in Vina del Mar, sparking warnings from authorities.



- Most ports closed -



Peru closed 91 of its 121 ports until January 1, the National Emergency Operations Center said on its X social media account.

In Lobitos, in the north, video showed a group of people on a pier running toward the shore as huge waves slammed into the structure.

Callao, which sits adjacent to the capital Lima and is home to Peru's largest port, has closed several beaches and barred tourist and fishing boats from venturing out.

"There is a major problem," La Cruz district mayor Roberto Carrillo Zavala told AFP after surveying damage via helicopter with Peru's Minister of Defense Walter Astudillo Chavez.

"The most affected have been the fishermen," Zavala said. "We hope nothing more happens, as this would significantly impact the economy."

The waves "are being generated thousands of kilometers away from Peru, off the coast of the United States," navy Captain Enrique Varea told Canal N television.

"They are waves generated by a persistent wind on the surface of the ocean that is approaching our coasts," he said.

The phenomenon began on Christmas and will last until January 1, according to the National Emergency Operations Center.

Ecuador's authorities said a "rough" sea was expected until December 29.

axl/rmb/nro/lb
Tourist killed in Egypt Red Sea shark attack: environment ministry



Cairo, Dec 29 (AFP) Dec 29, 2024



A shark attack off Egypt's Red Sea coast killed one tourist and injured another, the country's environment ministry said on Sunday.

"Two foreigners were attacked by a shark in the northern Marsa Alam area, which led to the injury of one and the death of the other," a ministry statement said.

The Egyptian government did not identify the victims' nationalities.

Both tourists were moved to hospital in Port Ghalib, around 50 kilometres (30 miles) north of Marsa Alam, the environment ministry said.

Authorities have closed the area to swimmers for two days following the incident, which the ministry said occurred in "deep waters outside the designated swimming area".

The Red Sea is a major tourist destination whose marine life make it popular with divers.

It is also a key employer and source of foreign currency for Egypt, a country of 107 million people trying to navigate out of its worst ever economic crisis.

Last month, at least four people died when a large wave hit and capsized a dive boat carrying more than 30 tourists of various nationalities off Marsa Alam.

Deadly shark attacks are a near-yearly occurrence in Egypt's Red Sea, where marine experts warn unregulated construction, over-fishing, and irresponsible tourism practices contribute to changing the ecosystem and shark behaviour.

In June 2023, a shark attack killed a Russian off the Red Sea resort city of Hurghada.
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Good guy or bad?

The thought came to Alexandria resident and novelist Bill Sumrall while reading about Alexander Fulton.

Fulton may not be a household name around the state, but he's well-known in and around Alexandria as the city's founding father. Historical markers, street signs and a downtown park bear his name. He was even the namesake for a drawbridge that once connected Alexandria to Pineville.

"But what's the real story behind Alexander Fulton?" Sumrall asked Curious Louisiana.

Well, that depends on which historical account you're reading.

While Alexandria's historical markers and past written histories present Fulton as a benevolent benefactor of sorts, a recent book on the city's founder, "For The Admiration of Men and Angels  The Life and Crimes of Alexander Fulton," shows him in a different light.
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82,000 Apartments, $5 Billion: NYC's Rezoning Goldmine For Real Estate Investors

Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.

New York City Council approved a rezoning plan on Dec. 5, clearing the way for 82,000 new apartments and $5 billion in infrastructure and housing development over 15 years.



It marks the largest zoning change since 1961.

The City of Yes for Housing Opportunity plan passed by a 31-20 vote amid a citywide vacancy rate of 1.4%. The Regional Plan Association projects New York needs 473,000 additional housing units by 2032 to meet demand.

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Mayor Eric Adams launched the plan after data showed job growth outpacing housing development across New York for four decades. The zoning overhaul allows developers to build more units in districts where households earn 60% or below the Area Median Income, removes parking requirements in targeted neighborhoods and creates two high-density zones.

Under the new rules, property owners can convert vacant offices into apartments more easily.



Churches and campus properties receive expanded rights to construct buildings, while homeowners gain permission to add basement units and backyard cottages in designated areas.

See Also: Unlock the hidden potential of commercial real estate  This platform allows individuals to invest in commercial real estate offering a 12% target yield with a bonus 1% return boost today!

Its going to create a lot more opportunities and hopefully relieve some of the rental burden on tenants. Its nice to see were shifting away from the NIMBY mentality and were fostering a pro-development sentiment in the marketplace, Sean Kelly, partner at Ariel, told Forbes, which originally reported on the topic.

Real estate values stand to climb under the new rules. Ariel said a Harlem development site could grow its buildable square footage by 20%. A Brooklyn property may see a 46% increase in floor area ratio, while an East New York location could expand development potential by 70%.

Trending: CEO of Integris gathered a team of senior investment managers who have $34.22 billion in combined owned and managed assets in the West Coast  heres how to invest in their private credit fund that targets 12% annual interest rate.

The rezoning plan follows Gov. Kathy Hochuls June housing policy, which extended the 421a tax abatement programs deadline to 2031 and created tax exemptions (485x and 467m) for residential construction and office conversions.
One week after the December 4 murder of UnitedHealth Group executive Brian Thompson in New York, Americans were able to bet on the fate of his alleged killer. Some people, including financial regulators, may have a problem with that.

Contracts offered by Kalshi, a New York exchange, allow retail traders to put money on the outcome of nearly anything. Kalshi listed wagers on December 11 related to Thompsons death that included whether the suspect, Luigi Mangione, would be extradited to New York from Pennsylvania, whether he acted alone and whether he would be convicted or plead guilty.

Wagers linked to murder suspect Luigi Mangione (right) illustrate the challenge faced by regulators in the burgeoning business of events contracts. Credit: Bloomberg

Two days later, when trading suddenly halted, Kalshi told customers it made the decision after receiving notice from our regulators, according to messages reviewed by Bloomberg News.

The regulator, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, and Kalshi declined to comment. The agency bans futures trading linked to crimes including assassination, terrorism and war if it decides the so-called events contracts are against the public interest.
A Melbourne recording studio that has been used by many of Australias leading musicians has been destroyed by a suspicious fire.

The blaze that took out Head Gap Recording Studios in Dundas Street, Preston, also destroyed Shub Guitars, a workshop in the same building, in which Jon Shub crafts unique custom-made electric instruments.

Finn Keane (left) and Rohan Sforcina, whose business Head Gap Recording Studios was destroyed in a blaze on Friday morning. Credit: Instagram/headgap

Run by Finn Keane and Rohan Sforcina, Head Gap has won multiple ARIA and Music Victoria awards for its work with the likes of Courtney Barnett, Paul Kelly, Emma Donovan, Jeff Lang, Ashley Naylor, RVG, the Dirty Three, Telenova and many others.

Nine fire trucks and 50 firefighters tackled the blaze early on Friday morning.
An inner west drug dealer who gave a sex worker so much fentanyl she was hospitalised has failed in his bid to reduce his sentence for drug supply because he wrongly believed the drug was cocaine.

Shadi Salameh, 32, and an associate visited Petershams The Gateway Club in January 2020.

Petershams The Gateway Club

The Gateway Club describes itself as Sydneys longest-running legal brothel offering ultimate pleasure.

Salameh gave a sex worker a drink spiked with fentanyl at the Parramatta Road brothel, his District Court trial heard last year.
HC asks Yavatmal Collector to file report





District Correspondent

Yavatmal

The Nagpur bench of Bombay High Court has ordered the District Collector of Yavatmal and the Chief Officer of Arni Municipal Council to appear in the court with all the documents regarding tender process while selecting and appointing an agency for solid waste management. The irregularities in the tender process while selecting and appointing an agency for solid waste management by the then Chief Officer of Arni Municipal Council, Amol Malkar, was much discussed. In this case, even after the then District Collector investigated and gave a report to take action, but no action was taken. Therefore, Shiv Sena office-bearer Shailesh Thakur had filed a petition in the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court. In 2020, a tender process was implemented for solid waste management in Arni. There were a lot of irregularities in this. Some corporators from Arni had filed a complaint with the District Collector in this regard. The then District

Collector M Devender Singh had investigated and sent a report to the Government for taking action. However, despite many years, the Government has not taken any action against the Chief Officer. Therefore, Shailesh Thakur has filed a petition in the court two months ago. The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court has issued a notice to the Government and ordered it to provide information in this matter. The then District Collector had made recommendations to the State Government to take action against the then Chief Officer, which was ignored, so an explanation will have to be given. Notably, Chief Officer Amol Malkar had also made irregularities in the annual tender process while working in Ghatanji. Shailesh Thakur had raised his voice against him in the Ghatanji case also. A complaint was filed with the Lokayukta in this regard and the case is still pending. Interestingly, when information was sought from the Urban Development Department under the Right to Information Act in the case of Arni, it was not provided in the name of confidentiality. Complainant Shailesh Thakur has alleged that this shows that an attempt is being made to save the officer. Now after the court order, the citizens are eager to know about the action that will be taken against the Chief Officer, Thakur said.
Shivaji Maharajstatue at Pangong Tso







NEW DELHI

THE Indian Army

has installed a statue of Maratha warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on the bank of Pangong lake at an altitude of 14,300 feet, a region that isclose to theLineofActualControl (LAC) with China in the eastern Ladakh sector. The Armys Leh-based 14 Corps said, the inauguration of the statue celebrated the unwavering spirit of the Indian ruler as his legacy remains a source of inspiration.

The statue was unveiled on Thursday by Lieutenant General Hitesh Bhalla, theGeneral OfficerCommanding of the 14Corps, widely known as Fire and Fury Corps. The towering symbol of valour, vision and unwavering justice was inaugurated by Lt General Hitesh Bhalla, the 14 Corps said on X.

The event celebrates the unwavering spirit of the Indian ruler, whose legacy remains a source of inspiration for generations,it said.TheArmyhasbeenmaking efforts to integrate Indias ancient strategic acumeninto thecontemporary military domain. The unveiling of the Shivaji statue cameweeks afterIndia and China completed the disengagement process in the last two friction points of Demchok and Depsang marking an end to thenearly four-and-half-year-longborder standoff. Following an understanding reached on October 21, the two sides completed the disengagement of troops at the two remaining friction points.
Telcos investment recovery in limbo as tariff hike backfires





THE countrys private telecom operators face twin challenges on investment recovery in the New Year  customers leaving their network after tariff hikes and satellite players mainly Elon Musks Starlink eyeing a chunk of their bread and butter data business. Private operators have invested around Rs 70,000 crore in telecom infrastructure and radiowave assets this year to expand the coverage of next-generation 5G services which is one of the main highlights of 2024 for the sector. To recover investments and protect margins, private telcos resorted to tariff hikes in mid-year but that move backfired. Around 2 crore subscribers dropped their connections. Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea jointly lost 2.6 crore customers due to a 10-26 per cent price hike. Around 68 customers switched to state-run player BSNL which refrained from price hike.

The loss-making PSU still offers generation-old 3G service and is on the path of rolling out 4G network across the country. Despite subscriber loss, private players need to recover investment and invest more in 5G to offer new-age services to drive future growth. According to EY India Markets and Telecom leader Prashant Singhal, the cumulative investment of Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea was around Rs 70,200 crore in 2024. Digital Infrastructure Providers Association (DIPA) Director General Manoj Kumar Singh says the telecom infrastructure sector looks at a cumulative investment of Rs 92,100 crore to Rs 1.41 lakh crore in 2022-2027 to support the 5G ecosystem. Union

Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia also backed telecom operators on the tariff hike issue citing investments made by companies in the network. The rollout of 5G services in 2024 has paved the way for the adoption of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence which offers huge growth potential. 5G deployment has been a game-changer. Weve witnessed a significant surge in 5G base transceiver stations, rising from 412,214 in December 2023 to 462,854 by November 2024, says DIPA, whose members include Indus Towers and American Tower Corporation. Impending huge investments in 5G and maintaining healthy margins in the face of subscriber loss are not the only challenges for private telecom players. A new threat from satellite broadband service providers is staring at private telcos in the New Year. The satellite broadband sector has seen intense lobbying on the spectrum allocation issue in 2024. Private telecom operators led by Mukesh Ambani-promoted Jio have been for strongly protesting against the administrative allocation of spectrum to satellite broadband service providers like Elon Musks Starlink. Telcos fear that allocation of radiowaves to satellite broadband providers without auction will come at a low price and make a dent in their data subscriber market share. The Governments decision to allocate satcom spectrum without auction also saw political mud-slinging with opposition members equating the move with 2G spectrum case. As per the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), 2G spectrum allocation caused a notional loss of Rs 1.76 lakh crore to the national exchequer.
Travel industry shifts towards offbeat adventures





The tourism industry

witnessed a significant shift towards offbeat adventures, thanks to improved infrastructure and better visa regulations that made travel more accessible, convenient and exciting for everyone, industry players said. In 2024, Southeast Asian destinations have emerged as travellers' top choices and affordable travel and payment innovations played a significant role in driving growth this year. According to a Cleartrip report, affordable travel options saw a doubling in adoption by Gen Z and Senior Citizens, reflecting the increasing inclusivity of travel offerings. Moreover, flexible travel payment options gained significant traction, with a 1.4 times higher adoption rate among Gen Z. With relaxed visa and travel policies, Southeast

Asian destinations have emerged as travellers' top choices. This year also marked a rise in the adoption of affordable travel options, particularly among GenZ and Senior Citizens, and an increase in flexible travel payment methods, Cleartrip Chief Business and Growth Officer Anuj Rathi said. Southeast Asia continues to dominate as a favoured travel destination, driven largely by visa-free policies that simplify international travel, the report said. Notably, bookings to Denpasar (Bali) surged by 73 per cent compared to 2023, attributed to the launch of direct flights from Bengaluru to Bali by Indigo, making the destination more accessible to Indian travellers. Other international destinations also witnessed significant growth, including Tbilisi (27 per cent), Tashkent (100 per cent), Almaty (73 per cent), Da Nang (60 per cent), and Baku (133 per cent), it added. Domestically, beach and island destinations emerged as new favourites in 2024.Bookings to

Agatti Island in Lakshadweep rose by 94 per cent, while Diu experienced a staggering 130 per cent growth, which were supported by the launch of direct flights, with Indigo connecting Bengaluru to Agatti and FLY91 linking Goa to Diu. Meanwhile, data by Booking.Com found that travel in 2024 was an interesting mix of exploring both local and global destinations. Goa emerged as the top searched destination in 2024 experiencing a 200 per cent increase in flight searches year-over-year. Indian travellers also embraced cultural and spiritual exploration with Amritsar, for instance witnessing a 106 per cent increase in searches compared to 2023. Globally popular destinations like Abu Dhabi, Kuala Lumpur, Melbourne, London and Bangkok remained popular choices with flight searches reflecting a y-o-y surge of 90-150 per cent, it added.With ease of travel, offbeat destinations that were earlier not on the traveller's radar emerged as popular choices like Shahdag in

Azerbaijan emerging as the top searched international destination based on accommodation searches in 2024. With Indian travellers seeking new experiences, unexplored international destinations like Stepantsminda (212 per cent), Baku (203 per cent) and Tromso (185 per cent) also emerged as popular choices, the global digital travel company stated. Domestically travellers sought authentic experiences with destinations such as Perumbakkam, Pangala and Tekkumuri gaining popularity, it added. In 2024, top searched attractions on Booking.Com included iconic Indian experiences like the private car tour of the Taj Mahal from Delhi and the Old Delhi food and heritage walk. With sustainable travel on the rise, e-biking experience on the island of Divar in old Goa was also among the top 3 of most searched attractions in 2024. With the popularity of destinations like Shahdag and Baku in Azerbaijan or Gudauri in Georgia rising, we see a shift towards offbeat adventures. Improved connectivity, infrastructure and better visa regulations are making travel more accessible, convenient and exciting for everyone, Booking.Com Country Manager for India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia Santosh Kumar added.
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BioNTech SE ( (BNTX) ) has provided an update.

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BioNTech SE has settled a dispute with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) regarding royalties allegedly owed on sales of its COVID-19 vaccine, developed in collaboration with Pfizer. The settlement involves a payment of $791.5 million to the NIH, resolving past claims and adjusting future royalty arrangements. The settlement does not imply any admission of liability by BioNTech, and Pfizer has agreed to reimburse $364.5 million of the settlement amount.

More about BioNTech SE

BioNTech SE is a biotechnology company based in Mainz, Germany, primarily known for its development of mRNA-based vaccines and immunotherapies. The company is a significant player in the pharmaceutical industry, especially noted for its collaboration with Pfizer in producing the COVID-19 vaccine.

YTD Price Performance: 7.80%

Average Trading Volume: 820,259

Technical Sentiment Consensus Rating: Sell

Current Market Cap: $27.28B

See more data about BNTX stock on TipRanks Stock Analysis page.

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Bright Green (BGXX) announced that Lynn Stockwell has agreed to terms for a restructuring security agreement with Bright Green that is expected to be executed soon. Lynn Stockwell, the founder of Bright Green Corporation, Drugs Made in America Acquisition Corp I, and Drugs Made in America Acquisition Corp II seeks to align her vision to on-shore the end-to-end active pharmaceutical ingredient manufacturing back to the United States. The plan realigns the Company with her plan to scale and position the Company as the facilitator and supplier of plant-based controlled substances authorized to manufacture in the United States. The restructuring and new direction will include the cancellations of all the companys existing contracts expressed or implied, land purchase options, employment agreements, board member agreements, financing agreements, and warrants. As part of the RSA, the CEO, CFO and Board of Directors have resigned to allow Ms.Stockwell to administratively lead the restructuring. Lynn Stockwells RSA with the company lays out her capital plans for the restructuring. Although creditors are impaired, the plan will provide that all creditors or contractors be paid in full via a combination of cash and stock. Subsequent to the restructuring, the Company plans to complete the shareholder approved reverse split and seek re-listing on a major exchange. Lynn Stockwell will continue to be the majority shareholder and a significant part of the new management team and board. Bright Green Corporation plans to offer supply agreements and production contracts to produce plant-based substances for the manufacturing of controlled substances contracted under the companys direction, utilizing the Bright Green existing registrations, licenses, and diversion control expertise for production and manufacturing. Bright Green will seek to derive revenue from Production and Supply Contracts and maintain the EB-5 investor program. Bright Green will seek to partner with Health and Human Services and designate scientific support for research at the existing facility in Grants New Mexico on a contract, cost-plus basis. Bright Green is exploring a franchise-based business model to build agriculture facilities in phases across West Texas, East Arizona, and Central New Mexico. Each facility will include 15-acre specialty greenhouses, constructed annually until market demand is met. These facilities will benefit from high elevations, abundant resources, prearranged permits, and streamlined processes under the U.S. administrations new policies promoting billion-dollar domestic investments.
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In search of the causes of conflict between Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities

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Oinam Nabakishore Singh, IAS (Retired)

Whenever one comes across a problem, the first question asked of those who have information and clue to the problem is the reason behind the problem. In fact, since the beginning of human evolution, analysis of cause and effect is the basis of all scientific and philosophical enquiries. A complex problem should be broken down to simpler components to fully comprehend the factors contributing to the problem. Cause and effect may not be visible directly. There may be many causes which are not spoken out to others to hide the actual motive behind the problem. In fact, what is visible to the eye is not truth; rather, it may hide the actual causes. In many scriptures, it is warned that what is visible is only an illusion, quite different from reality. All of us tend to be led by illusion believing what we see to be the reality.

In dealing with complex problems, it may be helpful to come up with hypotheses which may be tested through empirical methods which relies on data. To ascertain the actual causes of the present conflict in Manipur, serious studies by experts is required. To undertake such studies, scholars having experience in research may be engaged to elicit opinions from all concerned sections of both communities. The real causes may remain hidden. There have been a number of different versions as to the cause of the conflict in Manipur.

In describing a situation, use of appropriate words is necessary to capture the situation as closely as possible. Some of the causes attributed by people in position of authorities may be listed. Manipur Chief Minister, Shri N Biren Singh, has been saying that the conflict is a consequence of his Governments action on identification of illegal immigrants from Myanmar, much hyped war on drugs and eviction of encroachers from Reserved and Protected Forests. There must a lot of truth in what the Chief Minister said as he has personally given directions to carry out the actions listed here. However, there may be many additional factors which contributed to intensify the tensions between the leaders of civil society organizations of Kuki-Zo communities and twenty-five armed groups, who are in suspension of operation with the Union and State Governments. Widespread poppy plantation mainly in Kuki-Zo inhabited districts of Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, Chandel and Tengnoupal has resulted in rampant deforestation in the hills. Such deforestation is likely to adversely affect supply of water to all settlements, which receive water from streams and rivers having their origin in such hills. Deforestation also aggravates global warming and climate change, the negative effects of which is being faced by all across the globe.

The genesis of the conflict may also lie in the land dispute between the Government of Manipur and Kuki-Zo chiefs. In 2022, Forest Department of the State started identification of encroachment in Reserved and Protected Forests on the basis of information that several new villages have sprung up to settle illegal immigrants from Myanmar.

Churachandpur-Khou-pum Pro- tected Forest in Thangjing hill range, which spreads over Chura-chandpur, Noney and Kang- pokpi districts, was in the eye of the storm. Forest Department of Manipur notified Churachandpur- Khoupum as Protected Forest in 1966 with well-defined boundaries through a Notification No.55/10/66-M(2) dated 17.9.1966 and Manipur Extra-ordinary Gazette No.124E10 dated 21.9.1966 under Section 29 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927. This was contested by Chiefs living in 38 villages in the said Protected Forest. Assistant Settlement Officer (Forest) of Forest Department invited objection to the declaration of Protected Forest from the villages located within there by fixing 11.12.1971 as the last date for submission of claims and objections. However, claims and objection received after the last date were condoned by the Assistant Settlement Officer (Forest) and excluded the said 38 villages from the Churachandpur-Khoupum Protected Forest. The Forest Department of Manipur constituted a committee under the chairmanship of CCF (Territorial-I) vide Order No.4/1/2014/Forest dated 30.06.2022 to examine legal validity of various orders issued by the then Assistant Settlement (ASO) (Forest), Manipur excluding lands from the scheduled land of the boundaries of Churachandpur-Khoupum Protected Forest in the light of provisions under Section 29 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927. After scrutiny of documents on record and competence of Assistant Settlement Officer (Forest), the Committee found illegality in the exclusion of 38 villages from Chura-chandpur-Khoupum Pro- tected Forest.

The matter was considered by the State Cabinet in its meeting held on 13.10.2022 and it was decided to cancel the order of Assistant Settlement officer (Forest), which kept the 38 villages outside Churachandpur-Khoupum Protected Forest. Accordingly, an Office Memo- randum was issued by the Forest Department vide File No.1/46/2018/Forest dated 7.11.2022. It means that 38 villages are now within Protected Forest and liable to be evicted. The Chiefs of 38 villages and civil society organizations of Kuki-Zo community have openly claimed that the State Forest Department failed to follow the due process in declaring Churachandpur-Khoupum Protected Forest as such. Now, the chiefs and villagers of 38 villages felt threatened of eviction by the Forest Department, Manipur. Their frustration and anger with that department found expression when as many as 13 forest offices in the State were targeted and burnt down in the week leading to the eruption of conflict on the 3rd May, 2023.

Union Minister of Forest, Environment and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav during his visit to Manipur on the 29th April, 2023 said, Forest land always comes under the ownership of State Government. The 1927 Forest Act, after independence, its State subject. But after the 1976 amendment the forest land comes under State and Centre subject. This statement on the status of land in Reserved and Protected Forest made the Kuki-Zo community and their chiefs in particular apprehensive and insecure of the land ownership in forests in Manipur. The claim of Kuki-Zo chiefs over the land is now under challenge from the State under the Indian Forest Act, 1927. Such change and assertion from the State Government has not been witnessed by them since independence. It brought all Kuki-Zo chiefs and civil society organizations under one umbrella to put up a collective resistance.

The next measure which added further fuel to the anger of Kuki-Zo community is the eviction of settlers in 16 homes of K Songjang village in Churachandpur-Khoupum Protected Forest by the State authorities on 20th February, 2023. State Government stated that this village did not exist before 2020 and it encroached in Protected Forest. After serving notice to the chief of K Songjang, 16 houses in it were removed by the State forces. There was strong resentment across Kuki-Zo community and there was widespread protest by them in Churachandpur, Kang-pokpi and Tengnoupal districts on the 10th March, 2023.

The protest in Kangpokpi witnessed violence resulting in injury to some police personnel. The Government of Manipur felt that the protests were instigated by Kuki National Army and Zomi Revolutionary Army, two armed militant signatories of Suspension of Operation (SoO) with the Governments of India and Manipur. It decided to withdraw from SoO by adopting a Cabinet decision on the 10th March, 2023. This step of the State Government alienated the Kuki-Zo armed militants further and added fuel to the simmering fire.

The persistent demand by some Meitei civil society organizations to include Meitei in the list of Scheduled Tribe list has been opposed by tribal students organizations irrespective of Kuki or Naga tribe. Opposition is premised on the socio-economic advancement of Meitei community as compared to other tribes. Threats of encroachment of tribal land by the Meitei when the latter is included in the list of Scheduled Tribe and apprehension of loss of quota in jobs and admissions in higher educational institutions are the underlying reasons for resistance. When Manipur High Court issued direction to the State Government of Manipur to furnish a reply to a pending letter from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, All Tribal Students Union, Manipur took out protests in all district headquarters. While the protest ended peacefully in Naga tribe inhabited districts, armed groups in Churachandpur, Kangpokpi and Tengnoupal launched a coordinated assault on Meitei villages to drive out Meitei people from their villages in these districts. The relevant question to be asked is, While Naga community concluded the tribal solidarity march on 3rd May, 2023 peacefully, what drove the Kuki Zo community to attack Meitei villages? Perhaps the answer lies in the steps taken by the State Government in relation to War on Drugs (read destruction of poppy plants), identification of illegal immigrants from Myanmar, survey of Reserved and Protected Forests, eviction from Protected Forest, withdrawal from SoO and war of words between Chief Minister, N Biren Singh and Kuki-Zo people over social media fueling animosity further.

Further, the action of Shri N Biren Singh was seen to be partisan and directed against the Kuki-Zo community. Further, Meitei organizations like Arambai Tenggol and Meitei Leepun are alleged to be having patronage of Chief Minister. Lack of trust and communication between important stakeholders, and perception of Chief Minister as a partisan leader by Kuki-Zo community helped in consolidating the resolve of the leaders of that community to launch an attack on innocent Meitei villagers, which had a backlash from Meitei community. It will be wrong to conclude that the above narratives alone are ground for the conflict in Manipur. Other related aspects to the conflict will be explored further.


Debate over whether 2 or 3 Discuss Manipur

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Two or three ? Technicalities and the legalities aside, what stands true is, the situation in Manipur needs to be discussed at the highest forum and what could be higher than the floor of the Assembly ? This is besides Parliament and it is this point that should be read into the demand raised by the Congress to convene the Winter session of the Assembly. The situation demands it and while the BJP may be tech- nically right in asserting that three sessions is not a compulsion, the spirit behind the call for the Winter session should be understood. Moreover situation demands that this is not the time to look for one upmanship. So even as the Congress and BJP continued to verbally slug it out over two or three, the offensives from well armed Kuki militants continued unabated at Sanasabi, Shanti-khongbal and Shabungkhok, all Meitei foothill settlements in Imphal East adjoining Kangpokpi district. Three persons, including a reporter of an Imphal based news channel have been injured in the hail of bullets and explosives rained down by the Kuki militants since December 25 and keeping in line with the false narratives that have characterised the ongoing clash, the Kangpokpi based Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) has squarely pointed its fingers at armed Meitei groups of going on the offensive against Kuki villagers and capped this off with a 12 hour shutdown call at Kangpokpi district. The shutdown call is a continuation of the victim story that has been weaved so dexterously from the evening of May 3, 2023 and with publications based in other parts of the country more than willing to highlight the victim story, one can be rest assured that this would be given prime coverage. The ongoing clash is already into its 19th month and it is perplexing to see that New Delhi and Imphal still do not seem to have come anywhere near understanding how May 3, 2023 came about. As former Chief Secretary of Manipur, Oinam Nabakishore has so succinctly pointed out in a write up, which is being carried alongside this commentary today, there could be many reasons for the Kukis to come out so aggressively such as the crackdown on poppy cultivation under the War on Drugs campaign, the eviction drive launched in a Protected Forest, the decision of the State Government to withdraw from the Suspension of Operation pact with two outfits, the Zomi Revolutionary Army and the Kuki National Army etc. The series of mayhem unleashed at Churachandpur district headquarters in the days running into May 3, 2023 is the backrop against which the Tribal Solidarity March organised by the All Tribal Students Union, Manipur was staged.

The Sangai Express has one more than one occasion pointed out that it could not have been the order of the High Court of Manipur which prompted the Tribal Solidarity March, for it is not within the domain of the Judiciary to include a community in the ST list. No Court can order the Government to include a community in the ST list and the High Court of Manipur knows this. The instruction was to just send the ethnographic and socio-economic report of the Meiteis as sought by the Union Tribal Affairs Ministry to study the possibility of including the Meiteis in the ST list. A report which the Tribal Affairs Ministry had sought back in 2013. It was on a lie that the Tribal Solidarity March was staged and looking at how thing have unfolded in the last 19 months, it was a well planned move. And if the protest was against the directive of the High Court of Manipur as well as the different drives launched by the State Government such as the War on Drugs, the eviction from Protected Forest etc, then why should a community be targeted ? The Meiteis too have protested against the policies and programmes of the Government and so too have the Nagas. But nowhere have the protests targeted any specific community. Trouble started at Torbung and Chura-chandpur on May 3, 2023 and Imphal and the valley areas reacted only late in the evening and this is underlined by the fact that on the same day, in the evening, a Kuki gentleman, a former MLA had dropped in at the office of The Sangai Express. This is not the time to debate over 2 or 3 sessions but to discuss the burning issue and the Assembly is the best place to do that.
Former BJP leader and ex-MP Arjun Singh has skipped appearance at Jagaddal police station despite receiving a notice.

Instead, he has sent a letter through his lawyer stating that he is busy with political programmes until 3 January and will visit the police station later. Arjun Singh, the former MP from Barrackpore, has drawn the ire of the Trinamul Congress for making controversial remarks about the chief minister Mamata Banerjee.

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After receiving the notice, Arjun Singh expressed his anger. Meanwhile, a team from Jagaddal police station visited his Meghna Jute Mill office to check whether he was present in the area and stayed there for some time. In response, the former MP from Barrackpore said, If I am illegally arrested, I will ensure that those responsible are left with nothing. Arjun Singh stirred controversy by alleging that chief minister Mamata Banerjee had collaborated with Bangladeshi jihadists to assassinate the Leader of Opposition in Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari.

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This remark has sparked widespread criticism. Following this, Abhimanyu Tiwari, the councillor of Ward 20 of Bhatpara Municipality, lodged a complaint at Jagaddal police station. In his complaint, Abhimanyu stated that Arjun Singhs comments could disturb the peace in the state and potentially harm communal harmony. He urged the police to intervene. Later, Abhimanyu said, Arjun Singh must clarify the basis of such a serious allegation. His false and irresponsible comments could disrupt societal stability. Thats why I approached Jagaddal police. After receiving the complaint, Jagaddal police issued a notice summoning Arjun Singh.

The former MP lashed out while addressing journalists. He said, Two notices within 24 hours! But there is the Supreme Court. Here, the police are acting as lackeys of the ruling party. If I have committed any crime, the court will punish me. However, if I am illegally arrested without cause, I will ensure those responsible are left in ruins.
Travellers can now rejoice as IndiGo has launched a daily direct flight from Kolkatas Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport to the popular tourist destination of Phuket, Thailand. This new route is expected to meet the rising demand for seamless travel between India and Southeast Asia, offering greater convenience and boosting tourism and business ties.

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) extended its best wishes to IndiGo for this milestone, highlighting its commitment to providing world-class infrastructure, safety, and operational efficiency to support such ventures. Phuket, renowned for its pristine beaches and vibrant nightlife, has long been a favorite destination for Indian travelers. With the introduction of this direct flight, passengers can now experience shorter travel times and improved accessibility.

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IndiGo officials expressed excitement about expanding their international network and serving the growing needs of Indian travelers.

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The daily service is expected to further strengthen cultural and economic exchanges between the two regions, making travel smoother and more enjoyable.
Fura has acquired a Chicago-based freight broker. (Photo: Jim Allen/FreightWaves)

Digital freight broker Fura announced Friday it has acquired Pinwheel Logistics. The deal marks Furas third brokerage acquisition.

Pinwheel is a freight broker located in the Chicago area, serving the food and beverage industry.

Financial terms of the transaction were not provided.

With this acquisition, we demonstrate Furas commitment to growth and innovation, even in a down market, stated Jeff Dangelo, co-founder and CEO at Fura, in a news release. Our model enables us to acquire freight brokers without a traditional EBITDA multiple considering the market downturn.

Dangelo was a co-founder of cloud-based transportation management platform Turvo.

Frisco, Texas-based Fura is a digital broker primarily focused on full truckload (dry van, refrigerated and flatbed) transportation. It has more than 550 customers and 16,000 carriers on its platform, which provides users with real-time shipment visibility.

Fura is backed by R136 Ventures and Davidovs Capital. Its growth initiatives include acquisitions and other partnerships. It seeks companies with $10 million-plus in revenue that have been in operation for more than five years. It will also take on companies with negative earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization profiles.

Its past acquisitions include Chaos Logistics and AOK Freight.

[Furas] technology and visibility platform will allow us to deliver even greater value to our customers and aggressively expand our market share. Together, we are poised for exceptional growth, said Johnny Kwiatkowski, co-founder of Pinwheel Logistics.

More FreightWaves articles by Todd Maiden:

The post Digital freight broker Fura acquires Pinwheel Logistics appeared first on FreightWaves.
Javed Ahmed Munshi, the alleged terrorist arrested from Canning in a joint raid by the Kashmir Police and state STF, allegedly had undergone training in subversive activities at the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) headquarters in an area under POK (Pakistan Occupied Kashmir) and had allegedly held meeting with the Talha Saeed, son of former LeT chief Hafiz Saeed.

Munhsi, who is alleged to be an IED (improvised explosive device) expert, had also training in firearms, as investigators claimed and had allegedly come to Bengal to recce the riverine ways to reach to Bangladesh from Bengal and with a motive to provide logistical support to the members of his alleged outfit Tehreek Ul Mujahideen, of which he is the second-in-command.

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But the latest information following interrogation laid bare the fact that he was allegedly up to something big like triggering subversive activities in West Bengal, state police claimed.

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Javed Ahmed Munshi, who had been arrested from Canning, South 24-Parganas, was at his relatives home in the guise of a shawl trader, who had come to Bengal previously in 2022.

The state police and Assam police in a joint raid recently also nabbed five alleged terrorists of Ansarullah Bangladesh (ABD), who had been staying in Bengals Murshidabad allegedly by impersonating Aadhaar cards and PAN cards.

Assam police today also arrested another terrorist allegedly owing allegiance to ABD, Sahinur Islam, and also recovered two books and some incriminating documents from his possession.
Indias exports to Australia rose 64.4 per cent year-on-year to USD 643.7 million in November on account of healthy growth in sectors such as textiles, chemicals and agricultural products, data from the Ministry of Commerce & Industry said on Sunday.

The countrys merchandise exports recorded a decline of 5.21 per cent year-on-year to USD 5.56 billion.

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The Commerce Ministry released the data as India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (Ind-Aus ECTA) completes two years of remarkable success, driving mutual growth and showcasing the complementarity of both economies.

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Since its signing, bilateral merchandise trade has more than doubled, surging from USD 12.2 billion in 2020-21 to USD 26 billion in 2022-23. Total trade, however, moderated in the year 2023-24 to USD 24 billion in 2023-24, with Indias exports to Australia growing by 14 per cent.

The current fiscal year continues to reflect strong momentum. Total merchandise bilateral trade from April-November 2024 reached USD 16.3 billion.

Exchange of preferential import data has commenced between both countries, highlighting the effective implementation of the agreement in 2023. The data reveals export utilisation at 79 per cent and import utilisation at 84 per cent, the data from the ministry said.

On the completion of two years of ECTA, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal took to social media platform X and said the agreement has brought with it increased market access for Indian exporters, expanded opportunities for MSMEs and farmers, and generated several employment avenues.

It has also enabled growth in exports by 14 per cent in 2023-24; notable boost in IT/ITeS, business and travel services; and port-study work and work holiday visas, he said.

The expanding trade and investment ties between the two countries under the agreement reflect the growing business-to-business and people-to-people engagements. We are committed to building on the momentum that the Ind-Aus ECTA has generated and achieve the AUD 100 billion trade target by 2030, Goyal said.

In the last two years, since the signing of ECTA, key sectors like textiles, chemicals, and agriculture have shown substantial growth, while exports on new lines, including gold studded with diamonds and turbojets highlight the diversification enabled by the agreement.

Imports of essential raw materials, such as metalliferous ores, cotton, wood and wood products have fuelled Indias industries, contributing to the win-win nature of this partnership.Sectors such as electronics and engineering have room for growth.
Women investors in the Indian mutual fund (MF) industry, especially from the smaller cities and towns, have grown more than 2.5 times (year-on-year) on average amid the boom in the stock market, a report showed on Saturday.

Womens financial inclusion is increasing across urban and emerging regions and tier 4 cities saw a whopping over 140 per cent growth in womens participation in the MF market, according to data shared by online brokerage Groww.

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While we had amazing growth across all segments in 2024, two segments stood out. Rise of women investors  number has doubled this year. And the number of portfolios with size greater than 1 crore tripled this year, Lalit Keshre, Co-founder and CEO, Groww, posted on X on Saturday.

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The womens participation in MFs saw more than 100 per cent growth in Metro, tier 1, 2 and 3 cities.

Among the cities with the highest number of women MF investors are Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata (Metro) and Pune, Lucknow, Nagpur, Ahmedabad and Jaipur (Non-Metro).

Womens SIP contributions are 25 per cent higher than mens, and female SIP investors now make up one in four (compared to one in five last year), the data showed.

When it comes to monthly SIP contribution, the average ticket size is Rs 2,500 (indicating a focus on long-term wealth).

Among the women SIP investors, 50 per cent are less than 30 years of age, followed by 33 per cent in the 30-40 year bracket and 17 per cent are age 40 and above.

Meanwhile, the Indian mutual fund industry saw a meteoric rise in 2024, as the assets under management (AUM) of all MF schemes increased by more than Rs 17 lakh crore this year.

According to data from the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI), the mutual fund industrys AUM was Rs 68 lakh crore at the end of November 2024, which is Rs 17.22 lakh crore or 33 per cent more than the December 2023 figure of Rs 50.78 lakh crore.

A record 42,76,207 investors joined the Indian stock market in November, the National Stock Exchange (NSE) data showed.

As per a latest SBI Research report, the country is witnessing at least 30 million new demat accounts being opened every year since 2021.
AAPs Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh, on Sunday, apprehended that the name of his wife, Anita Singh, could be deleted at the behest of BJP as she is a Purvanchali as he raised the issue of deletion of votes in Parliament, .

In Parliament, I previously raised concerns about the BJPs actions in removing the names of our Purvanchali brothers from Delhis voter list. They are systematically disenfranchising people from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, including those who have lived in Delhi for decades. This amounts to an electoral scam, designed to dishonestly manipulate election outcomes, he lamented.

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The AAP MP pointed out that the saffron partys first move was to file an application to remove Anita Singhs name from the voter list in the New Delhi Assembly constituency, where Arvind Kejriwal is the incumbent MLA and partys nominee for the upcoming assembly polls. Sharing the details of his wifes voter ID, he said these people (the BJP) are planning a major electoral scam in Delhi.

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We have already lodged a complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI). I have raised this matter in Parliament, and along with Arvind Kejriwal, we have approached the Election Commission. Despite this, the BJP continues its efforts to delete votes and remains determined to carry out its agenda.
James Gunn, co-chairman of DC Studios, recently addressed the delay of Batman 2, defending the decision as part of a common trend in Hollywood sequels.

The films release, originally scheduled for 2026, has now been pushed back by a year, with the new release date set for October 1, 2027.

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Gunn pointed out that a gap of five years or more between sequels is not unusual, citing examples from successful franchises such as Alien, The Incredibles, Terminator, Avatar, and Top Gun.

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In a post on social media, James Gunn explained that the delay was primarily due to the script not being ready. He noted that the writing process can be unpredictable, with no set timeline for completion. Matt [Reeves, the director] is committed to making the best film he can, and no one can accurately guess exactly how long a script will take to write, Gunn wrote.

He added that once the script is finalized, the film will go into a two-year process of pre-production, shooting, and post-production.

The delay has led to a shift in Warner Bros. release schedule, with the vacant slot now occupied by an untitled project from Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, starring Tom Cruise. Despite the delay, the studio has seen success with its recent Batman universe films, including Robert Pattinsons 2022 The Batman, which grossed nearly $772 million globally.

The film also spurred the creation of an HBO Max series centered on Colin Farrells character, The Penguin.

Additionally, Warner Bros. has made other adjustments to its upcoming slate, swapping the release dates for Bong Joon-hos Mickey 17 and Ryan Cooglers Sinners. Mickey 17, starring Robert Pattinson, will now open on March 7, 2025, while Sinners, which reunites Coogler with Michael B. Jordan, will move to April 18, 2025.
For over four decades, Michelin-starred chef Vikas Khanna has been a beacon of Indian culinary excellence. From humble beginnings in Amritsar to hosting U.S. presidents and celebrities, Khannas journey has seen perseverance, passion, and a deep love for his roots.

Born and raised in the vibrant streets of Amritsar, Khannas culinary journey began at the age of 17 when he started a small catering business. His early days were fraught with challenges, but his determination never wavered.

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Inspired by his grandmothers recipes, he combined traditional Indian flavors with his own creative flair, laying the foundation for what would become a remarkable career.

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Today, Vikas Khanna is celebrated as one of the most influential figures in Indian cuisine. Dubbed New Yorks hottest chef, he has cooked for four U.S. presidents and an array of global dignitaries. His latest venture, Bungalow, opened in New York City in March 2024 and has quickly become a hotspot for food enthusiasts.

The restaurant has drawn the likes of Hollywood actress Anne Hathaway and Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, cementing its reputation as a culinary destination.

Recognized with the prestigious Michelin 2024 Bib Gourmand Award, Bungalow represents Khannas mission to elevate Indian cuisine on the global stage.

Speaking about his success, Khanna told ANI, It was high time Indian food took to the mainstream on this scale. Theres nothing stopping Indian cuisine from becoming one of the most influential impressions in America.

Khanna sees his work as more than just cookingits a cultural mission. By bringing Indian flavors to one of the most competitive culinary markets in the world, he believes hes contributing to the global recognition of Indian cuisine.

Despite his global acclaim, Khanna has yet to open a restaurant in India, a question that often lingers among his fans. Reflecting on this, he shared, Bungalow is my last restaurant where Im cooking 16-18 hours a day. By the time I finish this project, Ill be 50. My energy will then go into creating something even more unique.

He added, The energy you get in a restaurant comes when you stand on your own. In a foreign land, the most competitive market on Earth, youre holding the Indian flag. Thats a different kind of pride.

For Khanna, the power of New York City lies in its ability to uplift a cuisine, turning it into a global phenomenon. His focus remains on making Indian food a lasting impression in international markets.

While Khanna may not have plans to open a restaurant in India, he recently delighted fans in Gurugram by preparing dishes at the WaysToLays Food Truck event. The menu, inspired by local flavors and global trends, featured innovative recipes incorporating Lays chips, showcasing his signature creativity.
Forty years after one of the worlds worst industrial disasters that occurred at the Union Carbide factory in Bhopal in 1984 around 340 metric tons of hazardous waste still lying in the factory premises began to be transported to incineration on Sunday morning following directives of the Madhya Pradesh High Court.

About half-a-dozen GPS enabled trucks with specially reinforced containers reached the Union Carbide/Dow Chemicals closed factory site in the Old Bhopal area on Sunday morning. Several labourers equipped with special PPE kits and officials of the Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC), environmental agencies and incineration experts were also present on the spot.

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It is planned to shift the waste to an incineration site, Ramki Enviro, located in Pithampur near Indore, around 230 km away from Bhopal, in Madhya Pradesh for incineration and, if possible, landfill.

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On 3 December, the MP High Court set a deadline of four weeks to shift the toxic waste to the Pithampur incineration facility.

According to official figures, about 5,500 people were killed and five lakh were injured in the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, which occurred due to the leak of MIC (Methyl Isocyanate) gas from the Union Carbide pesticide factory in Bhopal on the intervening night of December 2 and 3, 1984. It is termed to be one of the worlds worst industrial disasters.
Outgoing Governor Arif Mohammed Khan left Kerala bidding a farewell to the state with heartfelt remarks that Kerala would hold a special place in his heart and his association with it is lifelong.

Arif Mohammed Khan, who left the Raj Bhavan at 11 am on Sunday, said he was extremely grateful for the love, affection, and support the people of the state had shown to him Beginning his brief address in Malayalam, Khan said, My term as governor has ended. But the relationship will continue. It will be a lifelong relationship with Kerala. I am extremely grateful for the love, affection, and support the people of the state had shown to me. I am leaving with the most beautiful memories of my Kerala life. I will always remember you all. May all the best come to everyone in Kerala.

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There was no issue with the government, except for the matter concerning the universities, he said, adding, I wish the government all the best. I hope they will work for the welfare of people. Khan, who served as the Kerala governor since 2019, completed his five-year term in the role on September 5, 2024. His tenure has been marked by controversies and conflicts. The LDF government has been at loggerheads with Khan over various issues.

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Notably, Khans departure was without an official farewell ceremony from the Kerala government. Neither Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan nor any of his Cabinet colleagues turned up to see him off. However, the chief secretary and the state police chief had come to greet Governor Khan. State Chief Secretary Sarada Muraleedharan presented the state governments memento to Khan on Saturday.

Though an official farewell to him could not be organised owing to the state mourning of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singhs death, the absence of dignitaries from the Cabinet even for an informal farewell to Khan was noticeable in the backdrop of the intense governor-government rift in Kerala over the last few years .The send-off programme at the Raj Bhavan was also cancelled due to the declaration of a seven-day national mourning following the death of Manmohan Singh.

Meanwhile, activists of CPI-Ms students wing, Students Federation of India (SFI), waved goodbye to Khan while he was on his way to the airport. Khan had directly confronted the SFI activists who tried to block his vehicle and waved black flags at him on several occasions. President Droupady Murmu recently appointed Rajendra Viswanath Arlekar as the new governor of Kerala, transferring the incumbent Kerala governor to Bihar. Rajendra Arlekar will take the oath of office as the governor of Kerala on January 2. Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court Nitin Madhukar Jamdar will administer the oath office and secrecy to Arlekar at the Raj Bhavan Auditorium on Thursday.

will arrive in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday and will stay at the guest block of Raj Bhavan. Arif Mohammed Khan, who is set to replace Arlekar as the Bihar governor, is also expected to take charge on Thursday.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Sunday slammed the BJP after the saffron party accused the grand old party of politicising the death of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, saying that those in the ruling dispensation singing praises of Dr Singh, have criticised him.

Attacking the ruling BJP, Congress General Secretary and in-charge of Communications Jairam Ramesh said: The BJP criticises Dr Manmohan Singh till date. Those who are in power today, and have been singing praises for him for the last two days, they should see what was his personality and how he had worked.

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Recalling the contribution of Dr Singh, the key architect of Indias economic liberalization, the Congress MP said that he made an immense contribution to the nation when he was the Finance Minister.

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He also credited him for the countrys strong position at the international level.

Ramesh said Dr Singh was the epitome of humility, peace, ability and gentleness, who gave us all new hope.

Earlier, in the day BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla accused the Congress of indulging in low-level petty politics over the death of the former Prime Minister.

He said those who are raising the issue of insult to Dr Singh over his last rites, forgot about the treatment given to him when he was alive.

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Saturday accused the BJP government of not allocating a place for cremation and memorial of Dr Singh, and called it an insult to the former Prime Minister.

Dr Singh, one of the most renowned economists, passed away at 9.51 pm at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in the national Capital on Thursday at the age of 92.
Another two western disturbances (WDs), with light to moderate snowfall, were predicted on Sunday by the Srinagar centre of the meteorological department for the period between January 1 and 6.

Met has predicted a feeble WD on January 1 and 2 that might cause light snowfall at scattered places from the evening of January 1 to the morning of January 2.

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Another moderate WD between January 3 and 6 might cause light to moderate snowfall in many places.

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Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has called for enhanced preparedness in light of the snowfall forecast for the coming week.

He instructed officials to improve action plans based on lessons learnt from recent weather events.

Meanwhile, the Jammu-Srinagar highway, Mughal Road, and the Sinthan Pass in Kishtwar remained closed for the third day.

The stranded vehicles on the Jammu-Srinagar highway were cleared on Sunday but traffic was not allowed to ply.

Meanwhile, following the recent heavy snowfall, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chaired a comprehensive meeting with the Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and Deputy Commissioners (DCs) of the Kashmir Division via video conferencing.

He assessed the ongoing restoration efforts and reviewed the status of essential services, including snow clearance, power and water supply, health facilities, and other critical services.

During the meeting, MLAs from across party lines appreciated the efforts of the CM-led administration in swiftly responding to the snowfall, acknowledging the governments commitment in times of weather adversity.

The Chief Minister sought feedback from MLAs across party lines regarding restoration measures in their respective constituencies.

Discussions centred on snow-clearance operations, restoration of power and water supply, and the provision of other essential services and supplies.

The Chief Minister also held one-on-one discussions with the Deputy Commissioners of the Kashmir Valley and the snow-affected districts of the Jammu Division.

The DCs provided updates on the current situation and detailed the measures taken to restore normalcy, particularly in challenging weather conditions.

During the meeting, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah urged officers to remain sensitive and responsive to public grievances, directing them to identify gaps in service delivery and take immediate corrective actions.

The Chief Minister emphasised the need to prioritise snow clearance on link roads, inner lanes, and bylanes to ensure accessibility for residents.

He directed the Jal Shakti Department (PHE) to address water supply issues promptly and enhance the deployment of water tankers in affected areas.

CM Omar Abdullah instructed the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) and concerned departments to implement measures to prevent waterlogging in low-lying areas.

Stressing the importance of smooth traffic movement on the National Highway, the Chief Minister called for enhanced coordination between the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Traffic Police, and District Administrations.

The Chief Minister stressed the importance of continuous monitoring and synergy among various departments to avoid any inconvenience to the public.

Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner of Jammu, and other senior civil administration officials also participated in the meeting virtually.
Energy Transfer (NYSE: ET) has had a strong 2024, with its stock price up about 40% as of this writing. At the same time, the master limited partnership (MLP) pays an attractive distribution that is good for a forward yield of 6.7%.

With the stock having more than tripled in value since the end of 2020, the question becomes, is it a buy, sell, or hold going forward? Let's look at the buy and sell cases to decide.

The buy case for Energy Transfer

Energy Transfer has created one of the largest integrated midstream systems in the U.S. It handles the transport, storage, and processing of various energy products, including natural gas, liquid natural gas (LNG), crude oil, and refined oil products. This system allows the company to take advantage of both increasing volumes for these products as well as any geographic, time, or product arbitrage opportunities that come about. For example, natural gas can trade at higher prices in different regions of the U.S. as well as during different seasons, such as the winter. As such, Energy Transfer can profit by storing natural gas for winter needs or by transporting it to higher-priced regions. It is also able to upgrade certain hydrocarbons to other products that can be more valuable.

This type of integrated system is highly valuable and helps open up opportunities for the company in the areas of LNG exports and increasing natural gas demand stemming from the increased energy needs created by the artificial intelligence (AI) buildout. The company's strong positions in Texas and the Permian Basin give it access to a lot of cheap associated natural gas, which makes it a prime candidate to benefit from these trends.

The company already has one of the most robust growth projects in the midstream space, and currently is looking to spend between $2.5 billion and $3.5 billion annually in growth capital expenditure (capex) given the opportunities it is seeing. On its last earnings call, the company also noted that it was seeing strong inbound interest from both power generation companies and data center operators about natural gas pipeline projects related to the increasing power consumption needs coming from the AI infrastructure buildout.

Earlier this month, meanwhile, the company announced a new natural gas pipeline project that will help support power plant and data center growth in Texas by transporting natural gas out of the Permian. The $2.7 billion project is backed by a long-term, fee-based contract and is scheduled to be in service by the end of 2026.

Despite Energy Transfer's strong position to benefit from the increasing power needs associated with AI, it is one of the cheapest MLP midstream stocks, trading at a forward enterprise value (EV)-to-EBITDA ratio of 8.8 times this year's analyst estimates. The EV-to-EBITDA ratio is one of the most common ways to value pipeline stocks given their debt and growth capex.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath met with prominent leaders in New Delhi to invite them to the grand Mahakumbh 2025, set to take place in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26, 2025.

Among those he met on Saturday evening were former President Ram Nath Kovind, BJP National President JP Nadda, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Mizoram Governor General VK Singh.

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CM Adityanath presented each dignitary with an official invitation along with symbolic gifts.

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His first meeting was with Mizoram Governor General (Retired) VK Singh at Uttar Pradesh Bhawan where he extended the invitation.

Following this, the CM met former president Ram Nath Kovind at his official residence to invite him to the grand event. He then visited the official residences of Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP National President JP Nadda and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to extend the invitation.

As part of the courtesy meetings, CM Yogi presented each dignitary with symbolic gifts, including a logo of Mahakumbh 2025, a Kalash (sacred urn), literature about the event, and a New Year desk calendar and diary.

On his social media platform, the Chief Minister shared pictures of these meetings and expressed gratitude to the dignitaries for their valuable time.

With just 15 days until Mahakumbh begins, the Yogi government is intensifying efforts to invite distinguished personalities and the general public from across states. As part of this initiative, CM Adityanaths visit to Delhi is aimed to encourage widespread participation in the grand event.
A junior engineer posted in Odishas Mayurbhanj district died on Sunday when a swarm of honeybees attacked him near his official residence, police officials said.

The deceased, identified as Biswanath Murmu, a junior engineer in the rural development department, was critically injured when a swarm of bees stung him. Unable to withstand the severe sting, the victim died on the way to the hospital, the officials added.

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The fatal bee attack took place in a government quarter allotted to Murmu at Mahuldiha village. The police have registered a case of unnatural death in this connection.

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A day after their public spat, indicating the ongoing power struggle within the first family of OBC Vanniyar-dominant Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), party founder S Ramadoss and his son, Anbumani, president of the party, buried the hatchet and met to resolve their differences at the formers residence in Thailapuram, near Villupuram, on Sunday.

Emerging after the meeting, which was attended by a few select senior party functionaries, Anbumani, a Rajya Sabha MP, made it appear that everything was hunky dory saying, Our party is a democratic one and there will be free exchange of views. We will resolve the issues.

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At the partys annual General Body meeting, held on the outskirts of Villupurmam, Anbumani openly clashed with his father over the appointment of the partys Youth Wing president. No sooner than Ramadoss senior announced the name of Parasuraman Mukundan, his grandson from his eldest daughter, Gandhimathi, Anbumani opposed it on the stage. He joined the party only four months ago and he is being elevated to this post. What experience does he have? He does not even pick up the phone. Let those with field experience be appointed. Yet another appointment from the family should not be made, he said.

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Not heeding his sons protest, Ramadoss made it clear that the buck stops with him, and it is he who calls the shots. The party was started by me. Abide by my diktat, or leave the party. Nobody can change my decision to appoint the Youth Wing president, he retorted to Anbumani. At being slighted, Anbumani grabbed the mike and announced to the audience, I have an office at Panaiyur (on the outskirts of Chennai); you can meet me there anytime. After giving his phone numbers, he threw the mike and left the venue in a huff.

It was in this backdrop that the Thailapuram meeting was held to iron out differences between the father and the son. According to party sources, it was decided to accord primacy to the party founder before taking crucial decisions and Anbumani had to swallow the bitter pill. It was evident when he parried questions on the appointment of Mukundan. PMK insiders maintain that Ramadoss senior, who continues to run his political fiefdom not from Chennai but from his farmhouse at Thailapuram, would not backtrack on elevating his grandson.

Anbumani, a former Union Minister, was projected as the Chief Ministerial candidate when the party decided to plough a lonely furrow in the 2016 assembly election. However, it failed to win a single seat, securing only around 4 percent vote share. However, he was elevated as president in 2022, considering his father entering the sunset years. But the two had differences over forming electoral alliances and the father was very much worried about the partys support base among the Vanniyars, dwindling in its core area of northern Tamil Nadu. The party is now a constituent of the BJP-led NDA.
In the 117th episode of Mann Ki Baat on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the growing global resonance of Ayurveda, saying this recognition underscores the Ministry of Ayushs unwavering commitment to promoting Ayurveda.

Citing the inspiring work done in Paraguay, Modi, in his monthly radio broadcast, said, There is a country in South America called Paraguay. The number of Indians living there would not be more than one thousand. A wonderful effort is being done in Paraguay. At the Indian Embassy in Paraguay, Erica Huber offers Ayurveda Consultation. A large number of local people are reaching out to her to get Ayurveda-based advice.

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He said the recognition underscores the Ministry of Ayushs unwavering commitment to promoting Ayurveda as a global system of health and wellness.

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Responding to the prime ministers compliment, Union Ayush Minister Prataprao Jadhav said, We express our heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his visionary leadership in promoting Ayurveda globally.

He said the Ministry of Ayush remains steadfast to its commitment to advancing Ayurveda as a universal health solution and strengthening its global presence.

The success of the 9th Ayurveda Day, celebrated on 29th October, across 150 countries, further demonstrates Ayurvedas growing global acceptance. Themed Ayurveda Innovations for Global Health, the event showcased Indias leadership in traditional medicine and wellness solutions, the Minister said.

Mentioning the impact of global initiatives of the government, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush said, The vision of our Prime Minister and continuous guidance and support of our Minister has been pivotal in building the global acceptance of Ayush.

The Secretary said the network of international collaborations through Ayush institutions is continuously expanding and highlights Indias leadership in traditional medicine and its relevance in global healthcare.
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi slammed the Congress party for playing politics over the last rites of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, despite the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modis government to ensure proper arrangements for his cremation at Delhis Nigambodh Ghat.

There is no doubt that the late PM Dr Manmohan Singh was a most respectable personality. The Congress party started playing politics even after PM Modis government did everything for his last rites and to pay last respects to him. It does not suit for any party to stoop to such a low level after the death of a (former) Prime Minister, Joshi told ANI.

The senior BJP leader said that PM Modi personally ensured all arrangements were made to bid farewell to

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Manmohan Singh

and alleged that Congress was still resorting to cheap politics.

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PM Modi himself took care of everything and made all the arrangements to give him the last respects, he said.

The minister also mentioned that Home Minister Amit Shah personally communicated with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge regarding the governments decision to build a memorial.

Even then, these people are indulging in cheap politics by making misleading statements, he alleged.

Meanwhile, Congress leader KC Venugopal on Saturday slammed the shoddy arrangements made at the cremation of Manmohan Singh, calling them deeply insulting.

He added that the monumental insult to the former Finance Minister was unacceptable and that India would never forgive Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Mr Nadda and the BJP have crossed all boundaries of decency and have in fact compelled us to point out the rank hypocrisy and cheap political tricks of the BJP throughout the last two days. The shoddy arrangements and the Governments conduct at Dr. Manmohan Singh jis cremation were deeply insulting and made it clear that the government was hell-bent on diminishing his stature for their petty political reasons, Venugopal posted on X.

He further said that the attempts to cut corners were for all to see, and there were many instances where the family was insulted and the overall dignity and protocol befitting Dr Singhs stature was completely lacking.

This monumental insult to Dr. Manmohan Singh is unacceptable and India will never forgive the PM and his Government for playing politics over the last rites of Dr. Singh, he added.

In a sharp rebuke, BJP National President and Union Health Minister JP Nadda accused the Congress party of politicising Singhs demise and engaging in cheap politics. He alleged that the Congress party had never shown respect to the late veteran Manmohan Singh when he held office.

It is indeed very unfortunate that former Congress president Rahul Gandhi and current president Mallikarjun Kharge are not refraining from doing politics even on the sad demise of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Congress, which never gave respect to Dr Manmohan Singh while he was alive, is now doing politics in the name of his respect, JP Nadda said.

This is the same Congress which tarnished the dignity of the post of the Prime Minister by placing Sonia Gandhi as super PM above PM Manmohan Singh, Nadda added.

After the Cabinet meeting on Friday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah communicated to Congress President Kharge and the family of the late Manmohan Singh that the Government will allocate space for the memorial. In the meanwhile, cremation and other formalities can happen because a trust has to be formed and space has to be allocated to it.

Manmohan Singh was accorded a state funeral with military honours at the Nigam Bodh Ghat, a public cremation ground in north Delhi, on Saturday.

Manmohan Singh passed away at AIIMS, Delhi, on Thursday night at the age of 92 due to age-related medical conditions. He had a sudden loss of consciousness at home after which he was rushed to the hospital.
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Sunday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared the success story of Kurukshetras efforts in malaria prevention with the entire country during his Mann Ki Baat programme.

The Prime Minister praised Kurukshetra for presenting a model to tackle malaria. The Haryana Health Department ran special campaigns to control mosquito breeding, spread awareness through radio and other mediums, and successfully reduced malaria cases.

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The Prime Minister commended Haryanas efforts and mentioned that the World Health Organization (WHO) has also recognised Indias initiatives in malaria prevention.

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Chief Minister Saini listened to the Mann Ki Baat programme along with party workers in Sector 9, Panchkula.

The Chief Minister said that the Prime Minister also talked about the upcoming Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj starting January 14, 2025 emphasising its cultural and traditional importance. Lakhs of devotees from India and abroad participate in this event.

He commended Mann Ki Baat as a highly educational and inspiring program. It provides valuable insights into various fields, including sports, agriculture, health, and employment. Collaborative work is being appreciated by the farmers through Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).

The Chief Minister attended a satsang at the Sant Nirankari Bhawan in Panchkula. He praised the Sant Nirankari Mission for its active participation in various social initiatives.

He said that he recently participated in the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign held at the Sant Nirankari Adhyatmik Sthal, Samalkha, where approximately 30,000 saplings were planted.

He further said that under the leadership of Satguru Mata Sudiksha Ji Maharaj the Mission also participates in blood donation camps and cleanliness drives, which benefit society significantly.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Sunday, called upon the Armed Forces to continue keeping a vigilant eye on the current geopolitical scenario, and always remain alert and ready to deal with any kind of threats.

Singhs alert to the Armed Forces came during his visit to the three premier training institutes of the Indian Army- Army War College (AWC), Infantry School and Military College of Telecommunication & Engineering (MCTE) Madhya Pradeshs Mhow. He was accompanied by Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi and other senior officers of the Indian Army.

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Speaking on the occasion, the defence minister commended the courage and vigilance of the Army personnel in safeguarding the borders and ensuring national security. Your dedication and devotion to duty are an inspiration to all of us. It is due to your hard work and commitment that our country and its borders are becoming increasingly secure and strong, he said.

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He said that the Narendra Modi governments aim is to make India a developed and self-reliant nation by 2047, and the Armed Forces will play a crucial role in achieving this goal. You are the protectors of our borders, and the forerunners in nation building. I am sure you will continue securing our borders with courage and dedication, and contribute in realising the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, he added.

During his visit, Singh was briefed by the Officiating Commandant on the establishment of Advanced Incubation and Research Centre and the various MoUs towards enabling absorption and transformation of technologies.

He visited the Army Marksmanship Unit to witness their contribution towards national sports. He also visited the Infantry Museum, where he was briefed on the history of infantry as well as the induction of modernised equipment into the Infantry.

Earlier, Singh also visited the Bhim Janm Bhoomi, a memorial dedicated to Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar in Mhow, and paid homage to the Bharat Ratna and the architect of the Indian constitution at his birthplace. He described Dr Ambedkar as an epitome of selfless service, who dedicated his life for social equality and empowerment.
A 22-year-old youth was killed on Sunday in an attack by a wild elephant at Mullaringadu in Vannappuram Grama Panchayat, near Kothamangalam forest range in Kerala .

The deceased has been identified as Amar Ilahi, who was attacked by the elephant while bringing back his cattle after grazing at a teak plantation near his house at Mullaringadu. Wild elephants are used to frequent human settlements in the region, local residents said

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The incident triggered protests by local people alleging inaction by government authorities despite their constant plight under threats from the wild elephant in the region, which is close to the forest areas.

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This is the second death from elephant attack in Kerala in two weeks. On December 16, Eldhose, (45) was killed in an attack by an elephant at Kothamangalam on the Ernakulam-Idukki border.
The just-concluded Winter Session of Parliament was unproductive and the least effective in over a year. It ran from November 25 to December 20 and saw frequent disruptions, including protests and arguments. The opposition wanted to discuss the Adani issue, which is a matter of significant public interest due to its implications. Also, it asked Union Home Minister Amit Shah to apologise for his comments about Dr B.R. Ambedkar, a highly respected figure in Indian history.

During this session, the Lok Sabha lost 65 hours and 15 minutes, the highest in 2024. Many requests for adjournment motions were made in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, but none were accepted. This rule allows the House to pause its scheduled business to address urgent matters. With a productivity of merely 40.03 per cent during the Winter session. Lok Sabha saw the introduction of five bills and passed four of them. Rajya Sabha approved three bills. Over Rs 97,87,50,000 of taxpayers money was spent during the Winter Session, a stark reminder of the high cost of unproductive governance. The cost of running a Parliament session is over Rs 2.5 lakh per minute, which should raise eyebrows and prompt a re-evaluation of our parliamentary practices.

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The oppositions permanent grievance is that the Centre refuses to discuss the cost of parliamentary democracy, which has been skyrocketing. During the last five decades, they have increased by over 100 times. The high cost and low productivity underscore the urgent need for parliamentary reform and improved governance. The 18th Lok Sabha stands out in many respects. For the first time in a decade, we have a strong opposition with an official leader of opposition (LOP). The bitterness between parties within and outside Parliament is increasing. Neither side is willing to be flexible. Discipline, decorum and dignity of Parliament are of paramount importance. The pressing need for parliamentary reforms is more evident than ever, and action is needed now. For instance, on Thursday morning, Parliament saw protests from the ruling BJP-led NDA and the opposition INDIA Bloc. BJP MPs accused the Congress party of insulting Dr Ambedkar.

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At the same time, Rahul Gandhi and INDIA Bloc MPs demanded the resignation of Home Minister Shah over his comments about Ambedkar. The escalating conflict over this issue resulted in two injuries and police involvement. Political parties should focus on honouring Ambedkars legacy instead of blaming each other. The bills included the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, the Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, the Bills of Lading Bill, the Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, the Railways (Amendment) Bill, the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, and the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill. The decreasing time available for parliamentary debates is detrimental to democracy. Protests, adjournments, and regular and shortened sessions have caused loss of nearly half of parliamentary time. While the MPs are called lawmakers, Bills have been passed without proper discussion amidst the din and noise.

The business advisory committee has been unable to reconcile the activities of Parliament, a forum for debate, discussion, and disagreements, but not for disruption. The Constitution establishes three branches of government: the legislature, the executive, and the judiciary. The legislature makes laws, the executive implements them, and the judiciary interprets and enforces them. While the judiciary is independent, the executive depends on the legislatures support and is accountable to Parliament.

Parliaments role in holding government accountable through debates, Question Hour, and parliamentary committees is crucial for ensuring transparency in governance. Question Hour is essential for eliciting information from the government and pointing out the deficiencies. More efforts need to be made to establish the success of a parliamentary system: it needs discipline, character, a strong sense of public morality, and an ideologically oriented two-party system. The need for comprehensive and immediate parliamentary reforms is more evident than ever, and the time for action is now. Economic reforms are imperative to ensure sustainable economic growth. Professionalising floor management techniques is crucial to ensuring Parliaments effi

cient functioning. While we can legitimately be proud of the reasonably successful work of Parliament during the last five decades, the legislature is needed for the changing needs of the times. We must proceed carefully and cautiously and evolve a national consensus on desirable changes. After all, Parliament is the communication link between the people and the government. The solution lies in adopting healthy parliamentary practices and maintaining decorum.
Kamala Devi Harris, the first woman Vice President of the United States, will be leaving office in January 2025. Despite her Indian origin, not much has been written about her in India. Her remarkable story deserves to be told for the global inspiration she provided as a leader, who fights for those not in the room, lest her achievements risk being overlooked in a media landscape that often focuses solely on winners. Women in politics face numerous challenges, including time poverty, limited funding for campaigns and fewer opportunities for political training and mentorship.

Social media often exacerbates these issues, as women are disproportionately targeted by personal attacks that can drive them out of the political arena. Kamalas advocacy for social causes began in school. In high school, she learned that her friend was being molested by her stepfather, who was permitted to stay in their home. This led Kamala to pursue a career as a prosecutor specializing in combating child sexual assault. She has championed legislation that improves the lives of survivors and strengthens penalties for offenders, promoting use of technology to address the backlog of sexual assault cases.

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As a fierce advocate against human trafficking, Kamala launched a state-wide task force in California to combat human trafficking, uniting law enforcement and community organizations to raise awareness and enhance victim support services. Her initiatives led to increased training for law enforcement to better identify and assist trafficking victims. She fought for years to shut down a website (backstage.com) that facilitated human trafficking. As Attorney General, Kamala established initiatives that offered resources for survivors, including funding for shelters and programmes designed to help women escape domestic violence. Kamala has been a prominent champion of womens rights, first as the Attorney General of California and later as a U.S. Senator and Vice President.

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One notable programme she created provided first-time drug offenders with the opportunity to earn a high school diploma and find employment, becoming a national model for innovative law enforcement practices. Kamala has been a vocal advocate for reproductive rights, particularly after the US Supreme Courts 2022 decision in Dobbs v. Jackson, which overturned the longstanding precedent of Roe v. Wade, guaranteeing the right to an abortion. Within a few months, the Supreme Court of India, in X vs Principal Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Department, Govt of NCT Of Delhi, has adopted a more progressive stance, affirming that the right to choose and reproductive freedom is a fundamental right. India is ahead of the USA in advancing womens empowerment.

Since George Washingtons election as the first president in 1789, America has yet to elect a woman president in 235 years of electoral politics. Despite global advancements in gender equality, America remains behind. The responsibility for the lack of a woman president in the United States does not lie with one party alone, as both major parties have contributed to the status quo in different ways. The Democratic Party has shown a notably progressive approach, with four significant female nominations: two for president  Hillary Clinton in 2016 and Kamala Harris in 2024  and two for vice president, with Geraldine Ferraro in 1984 and Kamala Harris in 2020. These milestones reflect the Democratic Partys commitment to promoting women leaders.

On the other hand, the Republican Party has only nominated one female vice-presidential candidate, Sarah Palin, in 2008, and has not yet fielded a female presidential nominee. The partys leadership has been slower to embrace female leadership compared to the Democrats, though figures like Nikki Haley and Condoleezza Rice have gained attention. Republicans may wish to compete with the Democrats in promoting gender diversity and 2028 will be their opportunity. With the Republican Party securing the 2024 victory, its leadership may take a moment to reflect and engage in a bipartisan effort to promote gender diversity. Looking ahead to 2028, both major parties could seize the opportunity to advance gender equality in leadership: In 2028, both parties may consider nominating women for the presidency to ensure America elects its first woman president. Imagine a historic race where Kamala Harris represents the Democrats and Nikki Haley, the former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, leads the Republican ticket.

This would guarantee that, regardless of the outcome, America will finally have a woman president  a breakthrough long overdue. On the Republican side, Nikki Haleys pragmatism and international experience make her an appealing candidate. Her journey from the daughter of Indian immigrants to the governor of South Carolina and U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. exemplifies the American dream. The Democratic Party, on the other hand, may choose to rally behind competent women leaders, including Kamala Harris. A contest between female candidates from both major parties would be a step forward for gender equality in U.S. politics, guaranteeing that, regardless of party, Americas next president will be a woman. Nations such as Finland, Germany, India and New Zealand have demonstrated that women can lead with strength and empathy. India, a younger democracy, elected Indira Gandhi as its Prime Minister as early as 1966. Indira Gandhi showed womens capability in governance and decisive leadership during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation war. Since then, for the past four decades, men have ruled India. Reportedly a decisive force in recent elections, women should not be content with some promises made to them, but aim for the authority to promise.

(The writer is a transparency advocate and author. The views expressed are personal.)
By Jaspreet Singh and Rishi Kant

(Reuters) - OpenAI on Friday laid out a plan to transition its for-profit arm into a Delaware public benefit corporation (PBC) to help it raise capital and stay ahead in the costly AI race against companies such as Google.

OpenAI's new structure aims to potentially make a more investor-friendly corporation, while maintaining a mission of funding a related charity.

Rivals including Anthropic have also adopted the PBC structure to balance societal interests along with shareholder value.

WHAT IS A PUBLIC BENEFIT CORPORATION?

While both PBCs and traditional corporations are for-profit entities, PBCs are legally required to pursue one or more public benefits, including social and environmental goals.

Delaware amended its general corporation law to allow the formation of PBCs in 2013 and as of December 2023, there were 19 publicly traded PBCs, according to research by Jens Dammann of the University of Texas.

In its blog, OpenAI described the current structure as "a for-profit, controlled by the non-profit, with a capped profit share for investors and employees".

Under the new organization, the non-profit will own shares in the for-profit, similar to outside investors, and the for-profit will fund the charitable mission of the non-profit.

"The PBC will run and control OpenAI's operations and business, while the non-profit will hire a leadership team and staff to pursue charitable initiatives in sectors such as healthcare, education, and science," it said.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A PBC AND OTHER CORPORATE STRUCTURES

Unlike PBCs, non-profit corporations do not have shareholders and reinvest profits into their mission rather than distributing them to individuals.

PBCs do not receive special tax exemptions or incentives, while non-profits are generally exempted from federal income taxes if they meet certain requirements.

LIMITATIONS OF PBCs

Becoming a benefit corporation does not guarantee a company will put its stated mission above profit, as the law only legally requires the board to "balance" its mission and profit-making interests, said Ann Lipton, a corporate law professor at Tulane Law School.

Delaware law does require the company to report on its progress towards the goals to shareholders, who, in practice, dictate how closely a PBC sticks to its mission, Lipton said.

"The only reason to choose benefit form over any other corporate form is the declaration to the public. It doesn't actually have any real enforcement power behind it," Lipton added.

Some legal experts also say that publicly traded PBCs are more susceptible to takeovers, as bidders can argue the company lacks profit maximization or that its public benefit goals conflict with the bidder's objectives.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said early Saturday that it had intercepted a missile fired from Yemen aimed at the Jerusalem area.

The IDF statement said that a projectile launched from Yemen was intercepted before crossing into Israeli territory.

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The missile activated air defense sirens in the Jerusalem area, the Judean Lowlands, and the Dead Sea, forcing hundreds of thousands of residents to rush to shelters just after 2:10 a.m. local time (0010 GMT), said the IDF.

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On Thursday, Israeli fighter jets conducted a series of strikes on Yemeni targets, including on the international airport in Sanaa and power stations. The airstrikes killed at least six, Xinhua news agency reported quoting the Houthi-run al-Masirah TV.

Earlier on December 27, Yemens Houthi group announced that it had launched a hypersonic ballistic missile targeting Israels Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, claiming it had hit its target.

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said in a televised statement on Houthi-run al-Masirah TV that the strike had caused casualties and disrupted air traffic at the airport.

The missile succeeded in reaching its target despite the enemys secrecy. The operation resulted in casualties and the suspension of air traffic at the airport, Sarea alleged.

However, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it had intercepted the missile. The IDF acknowledged that air traffic had been halted for 30 minutes, while Israels Magen David Adom emergency service said 18 people had been slightly injured on their way to shelters.

The Houthis also claimed responsibility for additional attacks, including a drone strike on what they described as a vital site in Tel Aviv and a vessel named Santa Ursula near Yemens Socotra Island in the Arabian Sea. According to Sarea, the vessel had been targeted for alleged connections to Israeli ports.

The Israeli aggression on civilian facilities in Sanaa and Hodeidah will increase our determination to support the Palestinian people, Sarea said, vowing to expand attacks on Israeli targets until the aggression on Gaza stops and the siege is lifted.

Israel had launched airstrikes targeting Houthi positions in Yemen, including Sanaa International Airport and facilities in the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah. Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported that the strikes had caused significant damage, killing at least six people and injuring dozens, including a United Nations staff member, Xinhua news agency reported.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO), had been at Sanaa International Airport, preparing to board a UN flight, when Israeli airstrikes struck the area. He confirmed that he and his team had escaped the strikes without harm.

Ghebreyesus had been in Sanaa for talks aimed at securing the release of UN personnel who had been detained by the Houthi group earlier that year. He had called on the Houthi leadership to release the detained employees without delay.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres had also criticised the intensifying violence, calling for adherence to international law.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday offered his apologies to his Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev that the incident with the AZAL airliner occurred in Russias airspace and conveyed his condolences to the families of the plane crash victims.

Vladimir Putin offered his apologies that the tragic incident had occurred in Russias airspace and once again conveyed his deep and sincere condolences to the families of the plane crash victims and wished those injured the quickest recovery, the press office said in a statement, TASS news agency reported, quoting the Kremlin press office on Saturday.

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This comes a day after Russia and Ukraine put the blame on each other for the plane crash. Chief of Russias civil aviation authority Dmitry Yadrov had said, Ukrainian military drones were carrying out terrorist attacks on civilian infrastructure at the time, adding that the plane made two unsuccessful attempts to land.

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Meanwhile, Ukraine had stuck to claiming Russias involvement and said, Russia must be held responsible for the downing of the Azerbaijan Airlines plane.

Earlier on December 25, Azerbaijan declared a national day of mourning for the victims of the tragic crash of an Embraer 190 passenger plane operating a Baku-Grozny flight.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed an official order to observe the day of mourning in response to the tragedy on Wednesday.

Aliyev, who was in Russias airspace en route to St Petersburg for a summit at the time, ordered his flight to return upon learning of the accident.

The aircraft with flight number J2-8243 crashed near Aktau Airport in Kazakhstan. Kazakhstans Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES) reported 28 survivors, while rescue operations were underway.

There were 67 people on board, including 62 passengers and five crew members, Azerbaijan Airlines said on X, Xinhua news agency reported.

Kazakh media said the passengers aboard included 37 citizens from Azerbaijan, 16 from Russia, six from Kazakhstan, and three from Kyrgyzstan.

The initial cause of the tragedy appeared to be a bird strike.

The MES dispatched 52 personnel and 11 units of equipment to the site, where the aircraft was found to be on fire.

The Embraer 190 aircraft was designed to carry between 96 and 114 passengers, depending on its cabin configuration. The aircraft could fly up to 4,500 km.

According to FlightAware, the aircraft took off from Baku 11 minutes ahead of schedule. While flying over the Caspian Sea, it issued an emergency signal.

Azerbaijani media reported that the aircraft was unable to obtain permission to land in Grozny due to fog, leading it to be redirected to Makhachkala and later to Aktau.

Online flight tracking apps showed the plane flying over the Caspian Sea and heading towards its destination in Chechnya. As the plane entered Russias territorial borders, it started circling near the airport. Following this, it requested an emergency landing.

At 6:28 a.m. local time, the plane crashed a few kilometres away from the airport.

According to FlightRadar24, the plane was exposed to strong GPS jamming, which made the aircraft transmit bad ADS-B data.

Azerbaijan Airlines assured that more information would be provided, while local authorities and emergency services were investigating the crash.
Terrorism, like smoking, is injurious to health. Not just to the one who indulges in it, but to the people at large. Pakistan and Afghanistan are learning this now.

Both had bred more badmashes than their factories could make Kalashnikovs, and both are now facing a scourge that the rest of the world has got rid ofthe scourge of polio. All the 64 cases reported this year are from the two countries41 from Pakistan and 23 from Afghanistan. The numbers may look small, but scary considering there are thousands of unvaccinated kids in their neighbourhood. Both have one man to blame: that evil genius Osama bin Laden, whom they hostedAfghanistan before 9/11, and Pakistan after 9/11. He wasnt into germ warfare, was he? Tauba, tauba! Thats one sin that the virtuous western world hasnt been able to damn him with. The link lies elsewhere.

Ever since Jonas Salk and Albert Sabin invented two vaccines to stop the spread of polio virus, governments across the world had been administering either of them to kids. India launched a pulse polio drive in the 1990s and the land was declared polio-free by 2012. No different has been the story in most countries.

Imaging: Deni Lal

Not in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Vast tracts of both were then ruled by gun-toting guys who allowed neither the writ of the state nor the vans carrying polio vaccines to run. Yet Pakistan, ruled by better-schooled leaders and generals than the Taliban of Afghanistan, did seek to vaccinate its babies, at times daring terrorists guns and mullahs writs. Thus the country had partly successful vaccination drives across the lawless northwest.

Then came bin Laden in the winter of 2001-02 or later, fleeing the angry Americans who were seeking revenge for his plane-bombing of their trade towers. Their bombs flattened most of the Tora Bora mountain caves where he and his men had sought to hide, but the guy crawled his way into Pakistan where the generals housed him in a secret villa near their academy in Abbottabad.

The guy lived there a retired life with wives, kids, grandkids, servants and video games, but no internet, cellphone or any wireless devicein effect never being in the sun or going on the air, either of which would have given him away. The blighter would have died of lack of vitamin D, had not Barack Obama found him out and got him shot.

How did Obama find him there? Therein lies the vaccine link. Obamas spies, not trusting the generals in khakhi, disguised themselves as NGOs, and hired a local doc to fake a door-to-door vaccine drive in and around Abbottabad. The guy collected DNA samples from all the homes there; the CIA found one of them matching with the samples they had of the bin Laden clan, and zeroed in on the villa. The rest is historyhush-hush and bang-bang.

A thrilling spy story, but one with a tragic fallout! Once it came out that a vaccinator had spied for the big bad Americans, vaccinators came to be viewed as satans agents and were stoned away from the mountain villages. Shehbaz Sharifs mandarinswell-meaning guysare sending vans with vials of vaccines, but most are barred into villages. Early December they launched a house-to-house drive to inoculate about 44 million kids, but it hit a stonewall after militants in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa shot dead a vaccinator and his two police guards.

The government is seeking the help of radical leaders in the province to talk sense to the guys with the Kalashnikovs. A few are said to have obligedno house visits, they say, but kids could be brought to mosques, where they could be given the drops. God bless!

prasannan@theweek.in
Retired IPS officer Acharya Kishore Kunal, the secretary of the Mahavir Mandir Trust, died of cardiac arrest in Patna on Sunday. He was 74.

An IPS officer of the 1972 batch, he was the chief of the Bihar State Board of Religious Trust (BSBRT). Under his leadership, the Mahavir Mandir of Patna became a centre of human service instead of being just a religious institution.

Patna, Bihar: LJP MP Shambhavi Chaudhary, along with her mother, was seen emotional following the demise of her father-in-law Secretary of the Mahavir Mandir Trust and former IPS officer Kishore Kunal pic.twitter.com/7mrH95RI4i  IANS (@ians_india) December 29, 2024

The Mahavir Mandir Trust runs several hospitals in Bihar. He reportedly oversaw the establishment of nine charitable hospitals including Mahavir Arogya Sansthan, Mahavir Cancer Sansthan, Mahavir Vatsalya Hospital, Mahavir Netralaya and Mahavir Senior Citizen Hospital.

The world's largest Virat Ramayan temple in East Champaran was also built under his leadership, Hindi News 18 said in a report. Kishore Kunal suffered cardiac arrest in the morning and was immediately taken to a hospital where he passed away, his family said.

Acharya Kishore Kunal made his last public appearance on December 22 in connection with the expansion of a dialysis center at Mahavir Arogya Sansthan in Patna. While inaugurating three new dialysis machines, the philanthropist reportedly said that Mahavir Arogya Sansthan is not only the first hospital of Mahavir Mandir Trust but also the first multi-specialty hospital opened by a temple in North India.

The Mahavir Mandir Trust is also building the country's first cancer hospital where all cancer patients up to 18 years of age will get free treatment. The foundation stone of the 100-bed Mahavir Children's Cancer Hospital was laid on December 12, the report added.

At the event, he revealed that a super speciality unit of nephrology and dialysis will be set up in Mahavir Arogya Sansthan to help the financially vulnerable population. The facility will be built on the campus of Mahavir Arogya Sansthan itself, News 18 Hindi quoted Kishore Kunal as saying.

Condoling his death, Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary said his life was dedicated to social service, religious and cultural upliftment.

#WATCH | Delhi: Bihar MLC Sanjay Mayukh says "A bright star of the social and religious world has disappeared from among us. This is very sad because Kishore Kunal (Secretary of the Mahavir Mandir Trust of Patna) was involved in social service while being an officer in the pic.twitter.com/QnxYXoJTpX  ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2024

"He gave Mahavir Mandir a national identity and did unprecedented work for the upliftment of the weaker sections of the society. His contribution is difficult to express in words. His demise is an irreparable loss to society. I pray to God to give peace to the departed soul and strength to his family to bear this grief," Choudhary said.
Power generation in two newly commissioned renewable energy projects will commence on Sunday, announced Adani Green Energythe unit of Adani Group, which was recently involved in the US indictment by the DOJ and the SEC for allegedly defrauding American investors and bribing state officials in India.



Adani Green on Saturday night filed a regulatory statement informing the NSE that two step-down units of the company, Adani Renewable Energy Forty Eight Ltd and Adani Green Energy Twenty Four A Ltd, commissioned a project each at Khavda in Gujarat.

One of them involved the commissioning of the 62.4MW wind power component of a wind-solar hybrid project, while the other was the commissioning of a 112.5MW solar power project.

Adani Green said that with the commissioning of both plants, its operational renewable generation capacity rose to 11,608.9MW.

Citing relevant clearance, it also said that the plants would be operational to commence power generation from December 29.

In November, the US department of justice (DOJ) announced it indicted Gautam Adani and several key stakeholders for allegedly bribing Indian officials and not disclosing it to American investors of Adani Green Energy. Market watchdog SEC pitched in as well, bringing out a statement specifically naming Gautam Adani and his nephew Sagar Adani, among others, in its civil complaint.

Adani Group publicly refuted allegations of violations under the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), but they confirmed in the same statement that the directors were charged on three counts in the criminal indictment that comprised alleged securities fraud conspiracy, alleged wire fraud conspiracy, and alleged securities fraud.

Adani Greens shares slid more than 20 per cent in the past month and at least 34 per cent year-to-date. Despite such a slide, Adani group companies, including Adani Green, continued to outperform benchmark indices this week, especially on Thursday following the news of MSC Michela arriving at the Vizhinjam seaport in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. This marked the 100th commercial vessel docking in under six months at the port controlled by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd.
"We're seeing the rates go up significantly," said Rick Dinger, president of Crescenta Valley Insurance, an independent brokerage in Glendale, who calls the current business environment "the new world order for rental insurance."

Some carriers have raised their rental coverage rates, including American Modern Home Insurance, which got approval in October for a 40% increase. USAA received a 29% raise effective August 2023, and Farmers Insurance, which got a 45% increase that took effect in October 2023, got a nearly 7% bump since then.

"During this time of increasing risk and volatility, we are building a sustainable business path forward in California by simplifying our product offerings and investing in the areas where we can win in the long term," a Liberty Mutual spokesperson said.

State Farm is not the only carrier to have stopped writing new renters policies, at least temporarily. The Hartford stopped writing new renters policies in February, though it renews existing ones. And last month, Liberty Mutual said it would stop writing new Safeco renters policies on Jan. 1 and no longer renew them in 2026.

In other words, if you need new renters coverage, it might be harder to come by and cost you more.

The Wilshire Boulevard apartment complex where Gomez resides is far from the hillsides of Malibu, the San Gabriel Mountains and elsewhere that have experienced large wildfires which have driven some home insurers to stop writing new policies or seek large rate increases. But those troubles have now trickled down to the renters market.

A State Farm General spokesperson said that when an existing California customer moves to a new location, "it is considered new business" that it will not write.

Gomez eventually found coverage through her auto insurer, Mercury General, that cost $184 annually, or only $20 more, after it was bundled with her auto insurance and discounted. Still, she remained surprised by the whole experience.

"Nothing has changed. It's just me going to a different unit, the same square footage, the exact same square footage," she said.

Her insurer, State Farm General, stopped writing new property policies last year, and she was told that even though she was an existing customer and moving into a nearly identical unit at Barrington Plaza, the company wouldn't cover her.

After renovations forced Monique Gomez to move out of her Westside apartment, the tenant of four years was surprised to learn she would have to find another company to sell her renters coverage.

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Renters insurance policies, many of which cost less than $200 a year, are typically sold in a package that includes personal property coverage of up to $25,000 to cover the replacement costs of damaged or stolen property, and liability coverage of $100,000 in case a renter is held liable for damaging a unit, perhaps by water or fire. Coverage limits might be higher and usually there are deductibles.

The insurance also can pay for a temporary dwelling while a renter's unit is repaired, among other coverage options. It does not include flood and earthquake insurance, which must be purchased separately.

While acknowledging some carriers have recently left the market or received rate hikes, the state Department of Insurance maintains that renters coverage is still readily available and relatively inexpensive, with some carriers holding rates steady or even dropping them. The bigger issue, it says, is that not enough renters have the policies, even as the market has grown.

There were 1.08 million renters policies issued in the state in 2009 at an average annual cost of $220. By 2022, 2.96 million policies were issued at an annual average cost of $177, according to the most recently available data from the department. But the state has far more renters.

California has roughly 5.9 million renter households, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition and the second-highest rate of housing units occupied by renters at 45.5%, according to the 2020 U.S. Census.

More Californians than ever before have renters insurance because its an easy, affordable way to protect themselves," said Michael Soller, spokesman for Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara. "Not enough people have renters insurance given its affordability and broad availability."

Read more: California has sweeping new rules for home insurance. What to know

In 2021, the average annual cost of rental coverage in California ranked 13th nationwide, well below Mississippi, which had the highest cost at $258, and above the $50 paid in South Dakota, the lowest-cost state, according to the Insurance Information Institute. That data, the latest available, do not take into effect recent changes in the market.

Though renters insurance costs a fraction of homeowners insurance, Larry Gross, executive director of the Los Angeles tenants advocacy group Coalition for Economic Survival, said that with many tenants barely making ends meet, any increase is a squeeze.

"In the L.A. area, we have one of the worst housing crises in the nation," he said. "People are already paying unaffordable rent upwards of 50% of their income, so any type of increase is going to impact them significantly."

He noted that more landlords are now requiring rental insurance in lease terms, though tenants in rent-controlled units have more legal protections in Los Angeles and can't be forced to pay it.

Dinger said his brokerage used to place renters with about a half dozen or so carriers, but now they rely largely on just two and each has become more selective in who they will cover. Another carrier has allocated the brokerage either one renters or homeowners policy a month. "So we need to save that one for our homeowners policy," he said.

Derek Ross, president of Kulchin Ross Insurance Services, a Tarzana brokerage, agreed it has become harder to find carriers who will write renters insurance, and that more limitations are being placed into policies. He said he expects carriers to continue to seek rate increases as they seek to better account for risk.

"You have a college kid that rents a little spot anywhere in California, and they've been essentially paying the same as in a hot wildfire area," he said, though that has been changing.

Farmers Insurance bucked the industry trend when it announced this month that it would increase the number of home policies it writes and resume offering renters and other coverage, citing improvement in the California market. The insurer said it was encouraged by Lara's Sustainable Insurance Strategy, a package of executive actions aimed at stabilizing the market.

The reforms will allow insurers to use complex computer models to assess the risk of catastrophic fires and to include the cost of reinsurance in their premiums. Insurers buy reinsurance from other insurers to minimize losses from catastrophic events. Lara is expected to release the reinsurance regulations next week.

Though Liberty Mutual said it would no longer sell its Safeco renters and condo insurance in California, it said it will continue to write Safeco home insurance in the state. It too cited Lara's reforms as a reason for doing so. "We are encouraged by progress on the Departments Sustainable Insurance Strategy and our investment plans reflect this," its statement said.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Malayalam TV actor Dileep Sankar was found dead at a hotel room in Thiruvananthapuram on December 29 morning.

Kochi-based Dileep was reportedly staying at hotel for four days as shooting of a Malayalam TV serial, Panchagni, was progressing in the city. However, local reports claimed that the actor nevel left the room during his stay.

His co-actors and crew of the serial tried to contact him but the calls were not picked. They arrived at the hotel to meet him and informed the staff. The actor's body was discovered by hotel staff after they noticed a foul smell coming from the room.

Police said the actor died at least two days prior.

How did Dileep Sankar die?

Though the exact cause of his death is yet to be revealed, reports said Dileep Sankar was suffering from health issues, which is believed to have contributed to his untimely death.

Dileep has acted in popular Malayalam movies like Chaappa Kurishu and North 24 Katham. In the TV serial, Panchagni, he was seen in the role of Chandrasenan. He is also known for the portrayal of Peter in Ammayariyathe.

Actress Seema G Nair paid tribute to the deceased actor, saying, "Condolences. You called me five days ago, but I couldnt talk because of a headache. Now, a journalist called up and informed me. What happened to you Dileep... I am unable to write anything. Condolences."
It was recently revealed that Tom Cruise would be collaborating for the first time with acclaimed filmmaker Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu for an English-language feature. Warner Bros has announced that the as-yet-untitled film will hit theatres in 2026, first in American theatres on October 2, 2026.

Inarritu, whose last film Bardo was in his native language, is returning to direct an English-language film after 2015's Oscar-winning The Revenant, starring Leonard DiCaprio and Tom Hardy.

As per the official synopsis, the film centers on "the world's most powerful man in the world who embarks on a frantic mission to prove he is humanity's saviour before the disaster he's unleashed destroys everything."

Interestingly, the film will have Inarritu reuniting with Alexander Dinelaris and Nicolas Giacobone, his co-writers who worked on Birdman, with an additional writing credit for Sabina Berman.

The film also features Sandra Huller (Anatomy of a Fall, The Zone of Interest), John Goodman (The Big Lebowski, 10 Cloverfield Lane), Michael Stuhlbarg (A Serious Man), Jesse Plemons (Killers of the Flower Moon, Civil War), Sophie Wilde (Talk to Me) and Riz Ahmed (Sound of Metal, Nightcrawler).

The release date update accompanies updates of other upcoming big Warner Bros properties, such as Matt Reeves' Robert Pattinson-starrer The Batman 2, slated to open on October 1, 2027. It was earlier scheduled for October 2, 2026.

The studio also shuffled the release dates of Bong Joon Ho's Mickey 17 and Ryan Coogler's period vampire thriller Sinners, which has Michael B Jordan in dual roles.

Mickey 17, also starring Pattinson, has been shifted from April 18, 2025, to March 7, 2025. Sinners will be released on April 18.
The 10-year-old boy, who fell into a 140-feet borewell in Madhya Pradesh's Guna district died hours after rescue. Though he was rushed to hospital, he could not be saved. However, efforts are ongoing to rescue a three-year-old, who fell into a borewell in Rajasthan.

#WATCH | Kotputli, Rajasthan | Operation continues to rescue the three-and-a-half-year-old girl who fell into a borewell in Kiratpura village on December 23. pic.twitter.com/6LmrSbrtMK  ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2024

The whole rescue operation took around 16 hours, said officials.

Sumit Meena, the boy, slipped into the open shaft of the borewell at around 5 pm on Saturday in Pipliya village, located 50 km from the Guna district headquarters.

According to officials, the boy was unresponsive when brought out at around 9.30 am on Sunday.

"The child was in the narrow borewell for the entire night in the chilly weather. His hands and feet were drenched and swollen. His clothes were also wet and mud was found in his mouth," Guna district chief medical and health officer Dr Rajkumar Rishishwar told reporters.

The boy was trapped at a depth of 39 feet in the borewell, which is around 140-feet deep, said Guna Collector Satendra Singh.

He added that since the borewell did not strike any water, no casing had been put on it.

The rescue operation was led by the NDRF team from Bhopal.

#WATCH | Rajasthan: Kotputli-Behror DC Kalpana Agarwal says, "We are building the tunnel...the challenge has increased because the tunnel route is rocky...there is a huge difference in temperature at the top and bottom...all options are being considered and discussed...the best https://t.co/TQf6sA7gQQ pic.twitter.com/orqE10nhGS  ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2024

Meanwhile, the rescue operation to save a three-and-a-half-year-old who into a borewell in Rajasthan's Kiratpura village has intensified. The child, identified as Chetna, fell into the borewell on December 23.

The construction of a tunnel to reach the girl faced challenges due to the rocky terrain of the area, said district collector Kalpana Agarwal. The intermittent rain since last night has also been a blow to the rescue efforts.

Authorities including teams of the NDRF, SDRF and local administration have been conducting the rescue operation to save the girl.
The Delhi Police on Sunday formed multiple teams to probe the allegations surrounding the Mahila Samman Yojana launched by the Aam Aadmi Party government.

The police action came a day after Lt Governor V.K. Saxena ordered a probe into a probe into the scheme under which the government has promised to give Rs 2,100 per month to eligible women.

The inquiry was ordered based on a complaint by Congress leader and party's New Delhi Assembly seat candidate Sandeep Dikshit.

Delhi L-G orders probe into AAP govts scheme; Kejriwal says BJP afraid of defeat

The investigation will be conducted against private persons for allegedly collecting personal details of women in the name of the Mahila Samman Yojana.

"There are 15 police districts in Delhi. We have ordered senior officers to form teams and investigate the entire matter properly. Teams will coordinate and work under the close supervision of DCPs," a senior police officer was quoted as saying by PTI.

The L-G's order has drawn flak from the AAP which accused Saxena of acting at the behest of the BJP.

"What is there to investigate? We are not collecting any money. We are only asking people who wish to avail of these schemes after the elections to come and register. In the name of this investigation, they want to shut down these schemes that haven't even started yet, former chief minister Arvind Kejriwal alleged.

The AAP convenor said the BJP wanted to stop the Delhi government's welfare schemes because the saffron party was afraid of elections.

"The BJP was panicked and lost sleep over it. They sent their goons to the camps where registrations were happening and tried to dismantle the camps. They also sent police, who also tried to dismantle them," he said.
Bihar police used lathi-charge and water cannons to disperse protesters demanding the cancellation of the state Public Service Commission (BPSC) exam held in Patna on December 13.

According to reports, thousands of students gathered at Gandhi Maidan in the state capital and later tried to match towards the chief ministers residence, prompting police to take action.

#WATCH | Bihar | BPSC aspirants continue their protest in Patna's Gandhi Maidan, demanding a re-exam to be held for the 70th BPSC prelims pic.twitter.com/a0iiVJK9PN  ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2024

Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishore briefly joined the protest in the afternoon.

"We requested the students protesting to vacate the place but they didn't listen to us...We also said that they can put forward their demands, and we are ready to listen to them. They also pushed us after which we used water cannon on them," Patna SP Sweety Sahrawat said.

District Magistrate Chandrashekhar Singh said the protesters gathered at Gandhi Maidan despite the administration's warning that any demonstration there would be considered unauthorised.

The district police has registered an FIR against 21 known persons, including Prashant Kishore, his party president Manoj Bharti, city-based tutor Ramanshu Mishra and 600-700 unknown persons for organising a gathering of students at Gandhi Maidan even after denial of permission by the authorities", he said.

Kishore alleged that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was on a private visit to Delhi, but had no time to spend for the youth in his own state.

"The CM does not have time to listen to the grievances of the protesting aspirants and has gone to Delhi. The protest will continue till their demand for the cancellation of the exam is not accepted. I am always with the protesting students", he said.

The protesting students are demanding the cancellation of the Integrated Combined (Preliminary) Competitive Examination (CCE) 2024 conducted by the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) on December 13.
The Congress will launch its campaign seeking the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah over his remarks on B.R. Ambedkar after January 3, the party said on Sunday.

The Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhaan campaign was scheduled to begin this week, but put on hold due to the partys seven-day mourning for former prime minister Manmohan Singh who died on Thursday night.

"The campaign that was announced in Belagavi has been put on hold till 3rd January to observe a 7-day mourning for Dr Manmohan Singh... After the 3rd, we will hold rallies for the 'Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhaan' campaign," Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh told news agency ANI.

READ - Congress considered Constitution private fiefdom of one family: Amit Shah

The party announced its decision to hold nationwide protests and rallies at the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting on December 26.

Ramesh said a huge rally would be held at the birthplace of Ambedkar on January 26.

From January 25, 2025, to January 25, 2026, we will take out the 'Samvidhaan Bachao Rashtriya Padyatra' across the country... Our only demand is that the home minister apologise and resign," he said.

READ - Congress demands Amit Shah's apology for 'Ambedkar remark'

During a debate in Rajya Sabha on the 75 years of the adoption of the Constitution on December 17, Shah took a swipe at the opposition for always using the name of Ambedkar.

It has become a fashion to say Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar'. If they had taken God's name so many times, they would have got a place in heaven, he said.

The Congress and other INDIA bloc parties termed it as an insult to the Constitution framer and demanded and apology from the home minister.

READ - Congress to hold nationwide protest over Amit Shah's remarks on Ambedkar

"Amit Shah has said something very disgusting. This shows that the BJP and RSS leaders have a lot of hatred for Baba Saheb Ambedkar. The hatred is such that they are annoyed even by his name. These are the same people whose ancestors used to burn the effigies of Baba Saheb, who themselves used to talk about changing the Constitution given by Baba Saheb," Ramesh had said in a post on X.

The Congress announced a month-long campaign featuring state-level rallies and village meetings as part of its protest programmes.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah proposed naming the Navyug Tunnel, connecting Qazigund to Banihal on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, on Sunday in honour of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh.

Speaking to reporters, Abdullah highlighted Singhs significant contributions to Jammu and Kashmir.

Also read | How Manmohan Singhs scholarship scheme uplifted Kashmiri youth through education

"The four-laning of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway began during Dr Manmohan Singh's tenure," he said. "Today, the journey between Jammu and Srinagar takes just five hours  a testament to his vision and efforts."

Abdullah suggested renaming the Navyug Tunnel as Manmohan Singh Tunnel, stressing that while others may take credit for recent tunnel projects, it was Singh who laid the groundwork for upgrading the highway.

Also read | Manmohan Singh a statesman who stood for lasting peace', remembers J&K Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq



Describing Singh as a statesman, Abdullah reflected on his enduring legacy in J&K. "His leadership saw the launch of the Round Table Conference on Kashmir, appointment of interlocutors, initiation of cross-LoC trade and introduction of a special scholarship scheme for J&K students. Efforts were also made to rehabilitate Kashmiri Pandits and address the regions needs," he said.

Abdullah praised Singhs humility. "He never sought recognition for his achievements, but his contributions ensure he will be remembered as a true son of the soil," he said.

The Prime Ministers Special Scholarship Scheme (PMSSS), launched by Singh in 2011, significantly expanded educational opportunities for students in conflict-affected Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

The initiative aimed to uplift youth by improving access to quality education and fostering economic empowerment, benefiting thousands of students across the region.

The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association commemorated Singhs dedication to youth-focused policies, highlighting the PMSSS as a cornerstone of his vision for advancing student prospects in J&K.

The PMSSS was designed to address educational disparities in J&K and Ladakh by providing financial support to 5,000 deserving students annually. The scheme covers tuition fees, accommodation, and essential costs for higher education at premier institutions across India, alleviating financial hardships for economically disadvantaged families.

"His vision extended beyond financial aid; he saw the scholarship as a means to empower J&K's youth through education and skill development," said Nasir Khuehami, spokesperson for the J&K Students Association, while paying homage to the late prime minister.

Since its inception, the PMSSS has positively impacted over 50,000 students, enabling them to pursue studies in fields such as engineering, medicine, humanities, and social sciences. The scheme has helped break economic and geographic barriers, nurturing a new generation of professionals contributing to national progress.
Kerala CPI(M) legislator U. Prathibha denied reports of her son being arrested by excise officers for possessing ganja. The legislator denied the charges and demanded an apology from media houses for publishing false news.



Categorically denying the charges in a live vlog on Instagram, Prathibha said though her son was questioned by excise officials, he was not arrested for possessing ganja. Prathibha said, Based on some wrong information, excise officers did question my son and friends while they were spending time together. Prathibha categorically denied reports of officers recovering 30 grams of ganja from her son and demanded an apology from media houses for publishing the news.

Accusing media of targeting her, the Kayamkulam MLA said she would move legally against those who published false news.

As per reports, the excise department arrested nine people, including the son of legislator Prathibha, with ganja from Thakazhi in Kuttanad, Alappuzha. Officers said all nine were released on bail as the seized ganja was of small quantity. We seized ganja from a member of the group from under Thakazhi bridge. They were arrested for smoking and possessing weed. Since it was a small quantity, all were released on bail," excise officer told PTI. The probe is continuing.

Prathibhas son also later did a live vlog through the legislators Facebook profile and denied the charges.
Elon Musk-led SpaceX announced its final launch of 2024 with the Falcon 9 liftoff bearing 21 Starlink satellites on December 31, Tuesday.



The low-Earth orbit launch is scheduled for 12:34am ET or 11.04am India time on Tuesday from the Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) at the NASA Kennedy Space Center in Florida, USA.

Source: SpaceX

According to details provided by SpaceX, the launch director would verify go for propellant load 38 minutes before liftoff. An hour after launch, the 21 Starlink satellites would be deployed.

Where to watch the SpaceX Starlink Mission launchthe last mission of 2024

SpaceX would provide a live webcast of the Starlink mission. The telecast is scheduled to begin five minutes before the liftoff time, and the public can watch it on SpaceXs official account on the Musk-owned social media platform X (formerly Twitter), @SpaceX. The webcast would also be available on the X TV app.

Falcon 9 completes back-to-back missions from California and Florida, delivering 22 @Starlink satellites to the constellation and @Astraniss From One to Many mission to orbit on our 132nd and 133rd launches of the year pic.twitter.com/TvvWgIj4jZ  SpaceX (@SpaceX) December 29, 2024

This will be the 134th launch this year and the 428th launch by SpaceX in total, according to company data. So far, SpaceX has completed 427 launches, 389 landings, and 359 reflights.

On Sunday, Falcon 9 launched the Astranis: From One to Many mission to a geosynchronous transfer orbit from the Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.

On Saturday, SpaceX also deployed 22 Starlink satellites with a Falcon 9 launch from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

Shortly after the Sunday morning launch, Elon Musk tweeted, Congrats, SpaceX team, on completing two great orbital missions in 24 hours! He also posted how, with each launch, Starlinks internet gets a little better.
Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev on Sunday criticised Moscow and said that the Azerbaijani airliner that crashed last week was shot down by Russia 'unintentionally'.

"We can say with complete clarity that the plane was shot down by Russia...We are not saying that it was done intentionally, but it was done," he told Azerbaijani state television.

Aliyev further accused Russia for trying to hush up the issue for several days.

Also read | Putin apologises over Azerbaijan Airlines crash, but stops short of admitting Russian missile hit the plane

 #BREAKING | An Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer E190 from Baku to Grozny crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, with 72 people aboard. Originally bound for Grozny, it was redirected to Makhachkala and Aktau, circling before requesting an emergency landing. #Airways #News pic.twitter.com/jz6UNAmFE4  Airways Magazine (@airwaysmagazine) December 25, 2024

We heard nothing from Russia except delirious versions for the first three days, he said.

The Azerbaijani airliner crashed in Kazakhstan, killing 38 people onboard, while it was trying to land near Grozny.

On Saturday, Russian President Vladimir Putin apologised to the Azerbaijan president and the Kremlin in a statement said that its air defence systems were firing near Grozny against a Ukrainian drone strike.

Also read | 'Loud boom, black fumes': Indian man who witnessed Kazakhstan flight tragedy recollects how Azerbaijani Airlines crashed

In connection with the crash, Aliyev said that Azerbaijan made three demands to Russia.

First, the Russian side must apologise to Azerbaijan. Second, it must admit its guilt and third, punish the guilty and pay compensation to the Azerbaijan state, the injured passengers and crew members.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Russian state media on Sunday that Putin had spoken to Aliyev over the phone again without providing further details.

Meanwhile, a joint investigation by Russia, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan has begun at the crash site near the city of Aktau.
Guangdong Province, China's economic powerhouse, handled a record-breaking 600 million passenger trips in 2024, including a surge in trips to and from Hong Kong, according to Guangzhou Railway Group on Saturday.

Passengers made over 27 million trips between Guangdong and Hong Kong via the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong high-speed railway in 2024 as of Saturday, a yearly increase of 37 percent, according to the railway group.

With increasing train routes connecting cities in the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong, more passengers are using this high-speed railway for tourism, business and visiting relatives, among others.

Zhang Zhe, director of the passenger transport department of the railway group, said the huge passenger flow reflects the continuous progress of the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the vitality of thriving economic development.
Here's How You Can Earn $100 In Passive Income By Investing In Altria Group Stock

Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.

Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO) manufactures and sells smokeable and oral tobacco products in the United States. The company offers cigarettes primarily under the Marlboro brand; large cigars and pipe tobacco under the Black & Mild brand; moist smokeless tobacco and snus products under the Copenhagen, Skoal, Red Seal and Husky brands; oral nicotine pouches under the on! brand; and e-vapor products under the NJOY ACE brand.

It will report its Q4 2024 earnings on Jan. 30, 2025. Wall Street analysts expect the company to post an EPS of $1.29, up from $1.18 in the year-ago period. According to data from Benzinga Pro, quarterly revenue is expected to be $5.06 billion, up from $5.02 billion in the year-ago period.

Don't Miss:

The 52-week range of Altria Group stock price was $39.25 to $58.04.

Altria Groups dividend yield is 7.58%. During the last 12 months, it paid $4.08 per share in dividends.

The Latest On Altria Group

On Oct. 31, the company announced its Q3 2024 earnings, posting an adjusted earnings per share of $1.38, beating the street view of $1.35, as reported by Benzinga. Quarterly sales of $5.334 billion (+1.3%) beat the analyst consensus estimate of $5.326 billion.

The smokeable products segment reported that domestic cigarette shipment volume decreased 8.6%, primarily due to the industry's decline rate and retail share losses. Trade inventory movements and calendar differences partially offset this. Marlboro shipment volume fell 7.5% in the quarter.

See Also: Warren Buffett once said, "If you don't find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die." These high-yield real estate notes that pay 7.5%  9% make earning passive income easier than ever.

The company reaffirmed its guidance for 2024, projecting adjusted diluted EPS to range from $5.07 to $5.15 (estimate: $5.10). This reflects a 2.5% to 4% growth rate compared to the 2023 base of $4.95, with anticipated growth weighted toward the years second half.

How Can You Earn $100 Per Month As An Altria Group Investor?

If you want to make $100 per month $1,200 annually  from Altria Group dividends, your investment value needs to be approximately $15,831, which is around 294 shares at $53.84 each.
Israel's plan to assassinate Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh on July 31, 2024 was almost foiled when an air-conditioning unit in his room was broken, reports Israeli media.

Haniyeh left his room to seek help in fixing the AC but when he did not return for a long time, Israel feared that the Hamas chief was being moved to another room, according to a Channel 12 report.

However, the staff at the guest house of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps managed to fix the AC, following which Haniyeh was back in the room. The IED detonated around 1.30 am on July 31, killing Haniyeh. Though the IRGC medical team arrived immediately, he was declared dead on the spot.

Haniyeh used to stay regularly in the same guest house of the IRGC located in the posh Sa'adat Abad area in Tehran, making it easier for Israel to carry out its assassination plot.

Haniyeh's security detail included top IRGC security team, which meant that Israel had to infiltrate deep into the agency.

This revelation comes after Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed that Tel Aviv was behind the plot to kill the former Hamas secretary general.

The report said Haniyeh was among the top targets in a list compiled by the Israeli senior intelligence officials. However, since Haniyeh lived in Qatar, Israel decided not to target him in order to avoid risking hostage negotiations mediated by Doha.

Israel allegedly had plans to assassinate Haniyeh in Russia, Turkey and Iran, where the Hamas chief used to frequent. However, Tel Aviv did not want to anger either Vladimir Putin or Recep Tayyipe Erdogan.

Earlier, Israel attempted to assassinate Haniyeh during the funeral of former Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi, who was killed in a helicopter crash on May 19, 2024. But media reports said the plot was abandoned due to fear of large civilian casualties.

The next opportunity came when the new President, Masoud Pezeshkian, was taking oath. Israel agents reportedly planted an improvised explosive device(IED) in Haniyeh's room a little before Pezeshkian's inauguration ceremony.

Iranian authorities as well as analysts believe that Israel could not have carried out the operation without the help of Iranian citizens, IRGC staff or Hamas operatives.
The North Korean soldiers fighting for Russia in Kursk against Ukraine are taking serious casualties due to their little to no experience of flatland battlegrounds, Seoul claims. Having trained in the mountainous North Korean terrains, these soldiers are easy prey to modern drone warfare and guerilla tactics of Ukrainian defenders who have been at war for a long time now, reports point out.

ALSO READ | What happened to the North Korean soldiers captured by Ukraine? Volodymyr Zelenskyy breaks silence on prisoners of war

The language barrier is not helping them either and the Russian officers have decided to leave them at fate's hand instead of risking their own by using them in combined operations. The North Korean soldiers are getting minimal training before being sent to take on the enemy, and at least 1,000 of them have died within one month of their arrival. Ukraine claims to have killed or injured no less than 3,000 North Korean soldiers already, a claim hard to verify. However, as things stand, it is safe to say the arrival of North Koreans has not given Russia any notable dividends yet and lack of battleground experience has cost Kim Jong Un's men dearly on an alien territory.

#Operation #Kursk



The bodies of Russian and North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region. pic.twitter.com/oqxwF20qqt  Boris Alexander Beissner (@boris_beissner) December 15, 2024

Interestingly, it is not regular North Korean soldiers who landed in Russia to support Vladimir Putin's invasion. They belong to the Storm Corps, an elite group of North Korean fighters, who are among the best Kim has to offer. While most North Korean troops are malnourished and starved for most of the year, the Storm Corps serve under better circumstances. Although underpaid like the rest of the country's military units, they serve under better circumstances and get better supplies and clothing. North Korean families consider it a privilege if one of its youths is recruited to the Storm Corps, and now, they have become the first unit in the post-war history of the country to join a battlefield outside the national borders.

An image doing rounds on Telegram claiming to be that of a North Korean PoW in Ukraine, who later died | X

Why did Kim choose the Storm Corps to honour his "war agreement" with Putin? Why are these highly motivated soldiers labelled "tough" and "no pushovers " by many North Korean defectors? Here is what we can gather about the Corps from the limited information available on the hermit kingdom.

Understanding the North Korean military hierarchy

The Korean People's Army General Staff is responsible for the military management of the service branches of the Korean People's Army (KPA).

The KPA Ground Corps generally consists of:

Four forward deployed (or warfighting) corps: the I Army Corps, II Army Corps, IV Army Corps and IV Army Corps

Four rear area corps (or round-out force): the III Army Corps, the VII Army Corps, the IX Army Corps and the recently-established X Corps

DPRKs main SOF unit, the XI Army Corps (a.k.a. the Storm Corps)

Four mechanized corps: two of these are forward deployed, the 806th Mechanized Corps and the 815th Mechanized Corps; and, two are follow-on units, the 108th Mechanized Corps and the 425th Mechanized Corps

The 105th Tank Corps and the 820th Armored Corps

The 620th Artillery Corps; and,

The Pyongyang Defense Command

As mentioned above, the General Staff Operations Bureaus (GSOB) 5th Department is responsible for the operations of the KPAs Special Operations Forces [SOF] and light infantry who comprise the XI Corps, or Storm Corps.

Who are the North Korean Army's Storm Corps?

Formally the 11th Corps, the Storm Corps is based in Dokchon County of DPRK's South Pyongan Province. Considered to be among the country's elite troops, its main missions would be infiltrating agents into South Korea, blowing up important facilities in the South and assassinating key figures in the event of war on the Korean Peninsula.

The KPA XI (11th) Corps is the successor of the Light Infantry Training Guidance Bureau and is trusted with leading special operations warfare in case of an armed conflict along with the Reconnaissance General Bureau.

ALSO READ | Russia war: Why North Korean Storm Corps are easy prey for Ukrainian drones, rockets in Kursk explained

However, the roots of the Corps are traced back to the Special 8th Corps, which was established in 1969. It became the Light Infantry Training Guidance Bureau only in 1983 by integrating other special forces.

An image that went viral on X claiming to be that of a North Korean soldier killed in Kursk | X

History buffs may remember these predecessors of the Storm Corps for carrying out the Blue House raid in 1968 -- a failed cross-border commando operation to assassinate the then-President of South Korea Park Chung Hee. Kim Jong-il, son of Kim Il Sung and father of Kim Jong Un, made it a habit to visit the unit's headquarters in Tokchon at least once a year.

How large is Pyongyang's "elite" Storm Corps?

South Korean military intelligence estimates the Storm Corps to be 40,000 to 80,000 strong. They claim it consists of 10 brigades, which include a light infantry regiment known as Lightning, an airborne infantry brigade called Thunder, and a commando brigade dubbed Bolt. Its air unit is equipped with low-altitude AN-2 aircraft to infiltrate and carry out tactical operations.

Special operations commanders associated with the Storm Corps are thus counted among the most important military leaders reporting to Kim.

What do we know so far about 11th Corps activities?

A screengrab from a video released by Ukraine that showed a North Korean soldier seconds before being killed by one of its attack drones | X

Ahead of their deployment in Kursk, the last the world heard about Pyongyang's Storm Corps was during the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic. Kim Jong-un reportedly deployed a large number of Storm Corps along with the Seventh Corps to DPRK's borders with China to prohibit cross-border movements.

The isolated North Korea had reasons to be more scared of the virus than the rest of the world. There were reports of the dictatorial regime ordering the execution of people suspected of having shown symptoms of coronavirus. The Storm Corps were tasked with gunning down civilians who tried to cross over to China or return as part of a 2020 shoot-to-kill order in buffer zones. This was Pyongtang's strategy to prevent transmission of COVID-19 into the country which began vaccination in June 2022.

The Storm Corps had fatally shot a North Korean civilian found attempting to return to Hoeryong of North Hamgyong Province, after visiting a relative in China, a US Department of State report said.

The same year, they were also sent to the country's northern Ryanggang province to "target corruption and smuggling" from China. As many as 1,500 members of the Corps were deployed along Ryanggang's Hyesan alone, rfa.org had said. Law enforcement agencies and border guards in the region were asked to report to the Corps and every military unit along the border was assigned with troops between 150 and 300. The report added that they were also keeping a vigil to prevent North Korean citizens from trying to flee to China to escape the hardships of the pandemic restrictions.

Kim Jong-un | Reuters

Reports claim that Human rights groups have said Storm Corps have been used by Kim Jong Un "to crack down on popular dissent in North Korea." However, there is no known data on them taking on an armed foe ever ahead of their arrival in Russia's contested territory, explaining their disastrous campaign against Volodymyr Zelenskyy's troops.
A KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Boeing 737 flight that was on its way to Amsterdam from Oslo made an emergency landing in the south of Norway shortly after take-off due to a malfunction on Saturday evening. The plane landed at Torp's Sandefjord airport at 7:14 pm, Dutch media reports said quoting the Norwegian Police. There were 182 people on board including crew and no one was injured in the incident.

VIDEO | After South Korea crash, Air Canada flight catches fire due to landing gear failure

The flight departed from Oslo at 6:55 pm. According to a KLM Royal Dutch Airlines statement, the pilots decided to divert to Torp after they heard a "loud noise" and saw smoke coming from the left engine. They were unable to control the aircraft after landing as it slid and entered the grass next to the runway, NOS said in a report.

KLM flight #KL1204, a Boeing 737-800, veered off the right side of runway 18 after landing at Oslo Torp Sandefjord Airport.

The flight had diverted there shortly after takeoff from Oslo Airport (OSL).pic.twitter.com/SKIwHIfMBV  Aviation Safety Network (ASN) (@AviationSafety) December 28, 2024

All the passengers were transported to Torp Sandefjord airport's terminal by bus and a little before 21:00 everyone was off the plane, the Dutch media outlet added.

A passenger on board told the media that the captain's clear instructions were instrumental in keeping the passengers calm as they also heard a loud noise, similar to that of a car crash, after take-off. The captain told the passengers that the aircraft's hydraulic system was broken and they would diverted to another airport as Oslo had reported fog. As the aeroplane finally halted, the elated passengers gave the pilots a round of applause before exiting, reports added.

Video | Plane crashes in South Korea after landing goes wrong; all onboard, except 2, presumed dead

The Boeing 737 remains stuck on the runway and the Torp airport will remain closed for the rest of the evening so that the KLM aircraft can be removed. Sandefjord is located about 150 kilometers from the Norwegian capital.
A plane with malfunctioning landing gear veered off the runway during landing in South Korea, killing all, except two, according to reports. The incident happened at an airport in the southern city of Muan, about 288 kilometers southwest of Seoul.

There were 181 onboard the flight that was returning to Muan from Bangkok, reported South Korean news agency Yonhap. One passenger and one crew member were reportedly rescued.

The plane veered off the runway and collided with a fence before turning into a fireball. The deceased were reportedly those who were seated at the tail section. Though the fire had been put out, officials were still trying to pull people from the wreckage.

BREAKING: Video shows crash of Jeju Air Flight 2216 in South Korea. 181 people on board pic.twitter.com/9rQUC0Yxt8  BNO News (@BNONews) December 29, 2024

While emergency officials said they were examining the exact cause of the fire, reports suggest that the attempt to belly land after the failure of the landing gear may have caused the incident.

Videos from the accident site showed thick pillows of black smoke billowing from the plane engulfed with flame.

Acting President Choi Sang-mok instructed officials to make all-out efforts for the rescue operations. Choi was on his way to the accident site, his officials said. An emergency meeting will also be held between senior presidential staff later on Sunday to discuss the crash.

A statement by Jeju Air said it will spare no effort to respond to the accident. "We are currently working to determine the exact cause and details of the situation," a company official said. "The aircraft has been in operation for 15 years with no history of accidents."
With the death toll in the South Korean plane crash reaching 179, chilling details about the final moments of the passengers are emerging online.

One of the passengers sent a message to a family member, informing them that a bird was stuck to the flight's wing. "Should I say my last words?" the person asked, according to Korean Times. When the other person asked when the incident took place, the flier replied, "Just now. Should I make a will?"

Jeju Air flight 7C 2216 from Bangkok was carrying 175 passengers and six crew when disaster struck at the airport in Muan county, just after 9 a.m. local time Sunday (7 p.m. ET Saturday).



Footage of Sundays crash broadcast by multiple South Korean news outlets showed the plane pic.twitter.com/rc7AxNSYyp  Breaking Aviation News & Videos (@aviationbrk) December 29, 2024

Family members of the victims gathered at the airport were seen crying after learning about the loss of their dear ones.

Two of the passengers were Thai citizens while the rest are believed to be South Korean nationals. The flight, a 15-year-old Boeing 737-800, was coming from Bangkok, Thailand. The two survivors were crew members. Boeing stated that it was in contact with Jeju Air, offering support to the airlines in dealing with the crash.

 Heartbreak in Muan: 177 Feared Dead 

Jeju Air Flight 2216 crashed at Muan International Airport, leaving only 2 survivors. Of the 181 on board, 179 are feared lost173 South Korean nationals and 2 Thai citizens.

A nation mourns. Lets honor the victims. #JejuAir pic.twitter.com/3ZWqBJFem1  Dilojan (@umadilojan) December 29, 2024

At least 32 fire trucks were deployed to the scene to contain the fire. Around 1560 firefighters, police officers and other rescue personnel were at the site.

A video showed the aircraft coming off the runway at high speed and crashing into a wall at the Muan International Airport, followed by a loud explosion and fire. Another footage shows black smoke spiralling into the sky. The landing gear was still closed when the flight landed, according to reports.

 - South Korean broadcaster MBC News has released images purportedly showing the moment a bird struck Jeju Air flight 2216, just before its tragic crash at Muan International Airport.



Local television has broadcasted footage of the accident, revealing the moment of impact. pic.twitter.com/VaeK44AEpV  The Informant (@theinformant_x) December 29, 2024

South Korea's acting President Choi Sang-mok offered condolences to the bereaved families, assuring them that the government will do its best to recover from this accident and prevent a recurrence.

The previous time a similar large-scale air disaster in South Korea was reported in 1997, when a Korean Airline flight crashed in Guam. A total of 228 people were killed in the accident.
As uncertainties remain behind the crash of Jeju Air Flight 7C2216, which killed nearly 181 people onboard, initial reports firmly suggest that a bird strike might have led to the crash.

Though South Korean officials are investigating the cause of the crash, experts raised questions including, "Why didn't fire tenders lay foam on the runway? And why did the aircraft touch down so far down the runway? And why was there a brick wall at the end of the runway?"

Tragic plane crash in South Korea: 179 dead, 2 survivors out of 181 onboard.



The crash occurred when the planes landing gear failed to deploy, leaving it without brakes to slow down. As a result, it collided with a wall at near full speed. pic.twitter.com/CWKjHZdeg7  Devil Wicked (@YoWickedd) December 29, 2024

Also read | Did South Korean plane's engine catch fire before it belly-landed? Mystery surrounds eyewitness statement

According to the South Korea's transport ministry, the flight data recorder was found at 11:30 am (02:30 GMT), about two and a half hours after the crash, and the cockpit voice recorder was found at 2:24 pm.

Experts believe that the voice recorder and the flight data recorder will unravel the mystery behind the crash.

"A bird strike is not unusual, problems with an undercarriage are not unusual. Bird strikes happen far more often, but typically they don't cause the loss of an aeroplane by themselves," said Airline News editor Geoffrey Thomas.

A bird strike occurs when birds collide with an aircraft in flight. Such strikes can cause significant damage, especially if birds are sucked into jet engines.

Reportedly, the landing gear malfunction led to the crash at Muan International Airport on Sunday.

When questions on the adequacy of the runway was raised, it was quickly dismissed by the officials saying, the runway is 2,800 meters long, and similar-sized aircraft have been operating on it without any troubles.

Meanwhile, the South Korean government declared national mourning on January 4.

The Indian embassy in South Korea expressed condolences for the people who lost their lives in the Jeju Airlines plane crash. "Deeply saddened to learn of the tragic plane crash at Muan airport today. We extend our heartfelt condolences to bereaved family members. The Indian Embassy stands in solidarity with the people & government of RoK in this difficult hour," he said.

German chancellor Olaf Scholz, UK foreign secretary David Lammy Pope Francis were among those who paid condolences to the people of South Korea.
Ambassador Sunjay Sudhir

In todays uncertain times, the India-UAE relationship stands as a model, a story like no other. The bond dates back centuries, strengthened by the waves of the Arabian Sea and the Khalasisan Indian word with Arabic rootswho were seafarers deeply involved in the pearl trade with the Gulf. These historic trade routes and cultural exchanges laid the foundation for the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership we witness today. This is a relationship that is driven by the vision of the leaders and the strong aspirations of the people of the two countries.

The relationship received a fillip when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the UAE in 2015, marking the first visit of an Indian prime minister in 34 years. Since then, he has travelled to the UAE six more times. These visits have been well reciprocated by the UAE leadership. President Mohamed bin Zayed made a state visit to India in 2017 as crown prince, during which the relationship was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. In 2022, the two leaders issued a Joint Vision Statement outlining the roadmap for future-looking partnerships across strategic sectors like energy, defence, health and emerging technology, among others. The last 18 months have witnessed six high-level visits exchanged between the two countries highlighting the strong commitment of the leadership of India and the UAE to this important relationship. Underscoring the generational continuity of the historical ties, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed visited India in September 2024, opening a new chapter in the strategic partnership.

When it comes to India and the UAE, history and future are intertwined. Several decades ago, the Indian rupee was legal tender in the UAE. Today, UPI is widely deployed in the UAE. The national credit and debit card system of the UAE, Jaywan, is based on Indias RuPay stack and has been developed by the National Payment Corporation of India. The two countries have also signed a rupee-dirham agreement to settle cross-border transactions in their respective local currencies.

Indias other premier institutions, like the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, and Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, will soon have their first overseas campuses in the UAE, training Indians and Emiratis together for years to come.

From the historic trade through dhows, we are moving towards trade through digital channels. Both countries have commenced the work on a Virtual Trade Corridor between them, powered by the Master Application for International Trade and Regulatory Interface (MAITRI). Bharat Mart, which will be established in Jebel Ali Port, Dubai, is another concrete symbol of our great trade relationship as it harnesses the complementarities of both countries. Benefited by the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), the trade between the two countries has already reached $85 billion, making the UAE Indias third largest trading partner and India the UAEs second largest trading partner. The unique bilateral initiatives will help propel the trade further to meet the target of $100 billion before the 2030 deadline.

During Crown Prince Sheikh Khaleds visit to India, we embarked upon a new journey of cooperation in the field of peaceful use of nuclear energy and critical minerals. During the visit of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed in December 2024, an agreement was signed to support the UAEs polar programme and collaborate in polar research and operations. Collaboration in advanced technologies like supercomputers and innovative health care through genome research is also being explored. These partnerships will help both countries conquer future frontiers in advanced technology, space and defence.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently remarked that IndiaUAE ties are truly in an era of new milestones. Today, the BAPS Hindu Mandir, the first such temple in the Middle East, has become an oasis of tolerance, harmony, pluralism and coexistence. The IIT Delhi-Abu Dhabi campus proudly showcases the joint endeavour by the two countries to invest in future technology and innovation. Indias other premier institutions, like the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, and Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, will soon have their first overseas campuses in the UAE, training Indians and Emiratis together for years to come. These outcomes are the result of the trust and mutual respect enjoyed by the two countries.

However, the real story of India-UAE relations is the story of the people-to-people ties, which continue to remain as one of the strongest pillars. The number of Indians who call the UAE their second home has grown from 2.2 million in 2015 to 3.89 million in 2023. Indians visiting the UAE on tourist visas have risen to 4.5 million in 2023. This growth would not have been possible without the warmth and hospitality bestowed upon Indians by the leadership and the people of the UAE. Similarly, the number of Emiratis who visit India has also been growing steadily since the introduction of the visa-on-arrival facility.

Today, the India-UAE partnership carries the warmth and respect symbolised by the way Prime Minister Modi and President Sheikh Zayed embrace each other. It carries the aspirations and commitment of the people of the two countries and their desire to achieve greater growth and a prosperous and innovative future. For India-UAE ties, even the sky is not the limit.

The author is Indias ambassador to the UAE.
New Delhi, Dec 28 (PTI) The telecom department has waived the requirement of bank guarantee to be submitted for spectrum auctions held prior to the reform package, telecom operator Vodafone Idea said on Saturday, adding that the latest "relief" will boost 4G and 5G investments in India.

Prior to this reform, bank guarantees aggregating to about Rs 24,800 crore were required to be provided by VIL against each spectrum instalment, 13 months prior to the instalment falling due for the above auctions, the company said in a BSE filing.

"As per our understanding of the terms and conditions, out of all the 5 auctions mentioned above, no BGs (bank guarantee) will be required to be provided by VIL for the 2012, 2014, 2016 and 2021 auctions," the telco said.

There would, however, be a one-time partial shortfall, only for the 2015 auction, where the net present value or NPV of all payments made would be less than the pro-rated value of spectrum used, VIL said and informed that it is "in discussion with the DoT to determine the final amount of this partial shortfall for the 2015 auction".

"This step of BG waiver is a clear indication of the government's continued support to the telecom industry. It will ensure that the exposure of the banking system is utilised by telecom operators towards further proliferation of 4G and 5G networks in India," the VIL filing said.

As per the telecom reform package of 2021, no bank guarantee was required to be provided for the spectrum auction held post reform package.

The Department of Telecom (DoT) in a communication dated December 27, 2024, has dispensed with the requirement of submission of Financial Bank Guarantees for the spectrum acquired in auction held in 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2021, subject to certain terms and conditions.

"Recently, the Department of Telecommunication, Government of India further extended its support to the telecom industry by dispensing with the requirement of Bank Guarantee to be submitted for spectrum auctions held prior to reform package that is for spectrum auctions of 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2021, provided the pro-rated value of

spectrum used from the date of allocation till the end of three (3) months after the due date of payment of next instalment is less than the value of payment made by the telecom operator on an NPV basis," VIL said.
Moscow, Dec 28 (AP) Russia's state-owned energy giant Gazprom said on Saturday it will halt gas supplies to Moldova starting on January 1, citing alleged unpaid debt by the European Union candidate country, which has brought in emergency measures as it braces for power cuts.

Gazprom said in an online statement that it reserved the right to take further action, including terminating its contract with Moldovagaz, Moldova's main gas operator, in which the Russian company owns a majority stake.

The cessation of gas will stop supplies to the Kuciurgan power plant, the country's largest, which is situated in the separatist pro-Russian Transnistria region.

Moldova reacted by accusing Moscow of weaponising energy supplies.

Gazprom supplies the gas-operated Kuciurgan plant, which generates electricity that powers a significant portion of Moldova proper. The plant was privatised in 2004 by Transnistrian officials and later sold to a Russian state-owned company.

Moldova, which has a West-leaning central government and has repeatedly complained of Russian interference, doesn't recognise the privatisation.

Earlier this month, Moldova's parliament voted in favour of imposing a state of emergency in the energy sector over fears that Russia could leave Moldova without sufficient energy this winter.

A special commission was also set up to manage "imminent risks" if Moscow fails to supply gas to the Kuciurgan plant and on Friday approved a series of measures aimed at saving energy.

Gazprom has said Moldova owes close to USD 709 million for past gas supplies, a figure fiercely disputed by the government in the capital Chisinau.

Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean on Saturday condemned the move, saying that his government does not recognise the debt cited by Gazprom, which has been invalidated by an international audit.

Moldova claims, citing findings by British and Norwegian audit firms, that its debt stands close to USD 8.6 million, a small fraction of that claimed by Gazprom.

Recean added that Chisinau has pushed to diversify its natural gas supplies to reduce dependence on the Kuciurgan plant, and said the government will carefully analyse legal options, including resorting to international arbitration to protect Moldova's national interests.

Our country is prepared to handle any situation that arises following the Kremlin's decision, he said.

Moldova's government on Friday announced it would implement a series of measures starting January 1 to reduce energy consumption.

These include limiting lighting in public and commercial buildings by at least 30 per cent, and energy-intensive businesses operating during off-peak hours.

In late 2022, Moldova suffered major power outages following Russian strikes on neighbouring Ukraine, which is interconnected to the Kuciurgan plant.

Transnistria, which broke away after a short war in 1992 and is not recognised by most countries, also declared its own state of emergency earlier this month, in case the region does not receive gas supplies.

When Russia fully invaded Ukraine in 2022, Moldova, a former Soviet republic of about 2.5 million people, was entirely dependent on Moscow for natural gas but has since pushed to diversify and expand its energy sources.

In October, Moldova's pro-Western President Maia Sandu won a second term in office, and a referendum voted in favour of securing the country's path toward the EU, in two votes overshadowed by ongoing claims of Russian interference to derail the country's westward shift in recent years. Russia denies it is meddling in Moldova.

Russia cut off most natural gas supplies to Europe in 2022, citing disputes over payment in rubles, a move European leaders described as energy blackmail over their support for Ukraine against Russia's invasion.

European governments had to scramble to line up alternative supplies at higher prices, much of it liquefied natural gas brought by ship from the US and Qatar. (AP) PY

PY
Bhubaneswar, Dec 28 (PTI) With the opposition BJD alleging that at least four farmers have died unnaturally due to crop loss in the last eight days, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and his predecessor Naveen Patnaik will separately embark on visits to several districts to witness the condition of the farmers.

The BJD alleged that one farmer each died in Ganjam, Puri, Kendrapara and Jajpur districts after facing crop loss due to unseasonal rain.

BJD spokesperson Lelin Mohanty said, "Farmers are at the receiving end as the government remained insensitive towards their plight. The government must act promptly and help the farmers who are losing hope and taking extreme steps."

Revenue and Disaster Minister Suresh Pujari told PTI that the government has asked the district collectors concerned to inquire into the allegations (regarding farmer deaths allegedly due to crop loss) and submit a report soon.

Family members of the four deceased farmers claimed they died after witnessing huge crop loss, with at least one ending his life.

A farmer, identified as Manibhadra Mohanty, collapsed on the field in Chikana village in Binjharpur block of Jajpur district and died after seeing destruction of his paddy crop due to untimely rain, his wife Malati Devi claimed, adding he had borrowed money from various sources.

Jajpur Collector P Anvesha Reddy said that field teams are extensively assessing the damage to standing crops. "The government is committed to providing compensation to farmers in case of crop damage," she said.

In Kendrapara district, a farmer identified as Daitari Nayak from Basik village died after allegedly consuming pesticide after facing a huge crop loss, his family members said.

Banamali Pendei of Barang village in Ganjam district also died due to heart attack after seeing huge crop loss, his family members alleged.

BJD announced that Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik will visit his native Ganjam district on December 30 to witness the plight of farmers due to unseasonal rain.

A statement issued by the chief minister's office said Majhi, two deputy chief ministers KV Singh Deo and Pravati Parida, Pujari, Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister KC Patra and Cooperation Minister PB Samanta will visit different districts on Sunday.

While Majhi will visit Ganjam on Sunday, Patnaik will tour the same district on Monday, according to information released by their respective offices.

Majhi, accompanied by Pujari, will visit Chhattrapur in Ganjam district, Gosani in Gajapati and Ranpur in Nayagarh districts.

Patnaik, on the other hand, will visit affected areas in Ganjam's Hinjili, Shergarh, Kabisuryanagar, Asika and Khalikot areas, which were affected by the heavy rain, a statement issued by BJD said.

He will meet the affected farmers and inquire about crop damage and discuss the situation with the officials concerned, it said.

While Singh Deo will visit Cuttack and Jagatsinghpur districts, Parida will go to Bhadrak and Balasore district and Patra will visit Kendrapara and Jajpur district while Samanta will tour Khurda district.

Former agriculture and cooperation minister and eight-time MLA RP Swain said, "Farmers are now subjected to double-trouble. While they are facing difficulties in selling their paddy at the mandi, they are also losing foodgrain due to unseasonal rain."

"The farmers are now forced to resort to distress sale of paddy. Four of them have died after unseasonal rain damaged their crops," the BJD leader said.

Meanwhile, chairing a high-level meeting, Majhi said his government was making arrangements so that all the farmers, both insured and non-insured, get compensation following crop damage, an official said.

He instructed officials to complete the assessment of crop loss by December 30 and ensure that no affected farmer is left out, he added.
Even with a stream of positive news releases, the signs and warnings for Hyzon were there. Now reality has arrived: Fuel cell developer Hyzon Motors is the latest startup to give up after going public during the SPAC craze of 2020-2021.

Hyzon fought through numerous obstacles, including a $25 million fine from the Securities and Exchange Commission related to fabricating orders for hydrogen-powered commercial trucks in China.

The spinoff of Singapores Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies chased the money, receiving $550 million in July 2021 from a reverse merger with Decarbonization Plus Acquisition Corp. despite having no U.S. or North American business. Early Hyzon announcements focused on Europe, Australia and China.

Short seller Blue Orca Capital alleged skulduggery on Hyzons part in a September 2021 report, claiming the company made up orders in China. That put the SEC on Hyzons trail. All of this came under CEO Craig Knight, who was pushed out in 2022. Former McKinsey & Co. partner Parker Meeks took over, first as interim CEO. He later was named to the post permanently.

Meeks tries to focus the company

Meeks tried to focus the overextended operation, shuttering operations in Europe and Australia. He saw refuse trucks as a target-rich environment for fuel cells. Hyzon also worked with Fontaine Modification to retrofit Freightliner Cascadia daycabs with 110-kilowatt fuel cell systems while developing a larger, single-stack 200-kW system.

Hyzon used Fontaine Modification as its contract manufacturer to upfit Freightliner Cascadias with its hydrogen-powered fuel cell system. (Photo: Hyzon)

Hyzon hoped to make hydrogen fuel cell-powered refuse trucks the companys signature product. (Photo: Hyzon)

Hyzon hoped to make hydrogen fuel cell-powered refuse trucks the companys signature product. (Photo: Hyzon)

Every test of the 200-kW system seemed to generate a news release. Sales came slowly as potential customers demanded show me tests for several weeks. Hyzon generated just $100,000 in revenue in the third quarter.

With no investors to keep the business moving toward commercial scaling, Hyzons board decided Dec. 19 to use its dwindling cash  $14 million  to pay creditors.

A Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act notice filed Dec. 20 means remaining employees in Michigan and Illinois will lose their jobs by the end of February.

Upbeat until the end

As recently as the companys third-quarter earnings call, Meeks was upbeat about Hyzons prospects.

We target 50-plus truck multiyear agreements with large fleets, so even a 40% success rate in converting trials to contracts of that scale could lead to a 500-plus truck potential order book in Q1 of 2025, Meeks said.

From a technology perspective, Hyzon had little left to prove. It was buoyed by the falling price of hydrogen, which six months ago sold for as much as $40 a kilogram. Meeks sees it falling to the $10-$12/kg range in 2025.
New Delhi, Dec 28 (PTI) Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Saturday claimed that the Congress' hypocrisy stood exposed as the party sought to "politicise" former prime minister Manmohan Singh's last journey.

In a series of posts on X, Vaishnaw accused the Congress of repeatedly sidelining Singh during his tenure as the prime minister.

"Congress's hypocrisy stands exposed as they politicise Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji's last journey. Congress repeatedly sidelined him during his tenure as PM," the I&B minister said.

His remark came as Congress leaders accused the BJP-led NDA government of insulting Singh by performing his last rites at Nigambodh Ghat instead of a designated spot that could be turned into his memorial.

"Congress denied a proper memorial to former PM PV Narasimha Rao Ji, the architect of economic reforms. He was denied the last journey through AICC headquarters," Vaishnaw said.

He said that the Congress failed to honour former president Pranab Mukherjee after his death and even downplayed the Bharat Ratna conferred on him.

"Dr Manmohan Singh Ji was reduced to a proxy prime minister. Real power was wielded by Mrs Gandhi through the National Advisory Council, undermining our constitution," Vaishnaw said.

"The ultimate insult came in 2013, when Rahul Gandhi publicly tore up an ordinance approved by the Cabinet chaired by Dr. Singh as Prime Minister of India. Height of hypocrisy indeed," the Union minister said.
Chandigarh, Dec 28 (PTI) The Haryana Cabinet on Saturday approved amendments in the Common Eligibility Test policy to remove the grant of five per cent bonus marks to certain candidates based on socioeconomic criteria for government jobs in Group C and D posts.

The government decision follows a May 31 order by the high court on the matter.

The approval was given in a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Saturday, an official statement said.

"As per the amendments, the 5 per cent weightage for social economic criteria provided for the bona fide residents of Haryana has been removed. The said amendments have been done as per the directions of the Punjab and Haryana High Court," said the statement. The amended policy will be called Policy for Recruitment to Group C and D posts through Common Eligibility Test, (Amendment) Rule, 2024, it said.

In May, the Punjab and Haryana High Court had struck down the state government's policy of granting five per cent bonus marks based on the socioeconomic status of the candidate from the state, in the CET for groups C and D posts.

Later, in June, the Supreme Court had upheld the Punjab and Haryana High Court order. The apex court was hearing an appeal filed by the Haryana Staff Selection Commission against the Punjab and Haryana High Court's May 31 order.

The statement said, "The Policy for Recruitment to Group C and D posts through Common Eligibility Test, (Amendment) Rule, 2024 shall apply to direct recruitment to Group C posts including the posts of police service, prisons and home guards etc, excluding the teaching posts, ex-Agniveer and Group D posts for which minimum educational qualification is below matriculation..."

"Furthermore, after the amendment, now the maximum number of eligible candidates to appear for the skill and/or written examination shall be ten times the total number of posts advertised by the Commission. Earlier, the candidates equal to four times the number of posts advertised were eligible to appear," the statement said.

On May 5, 2022, the state government introduced Common Eligibility Test (CET) for Group C and D posts.

In another decision, the cabinet approved the decision to bring an ordinance for further amending the Haryana Contractual Employees (Security of Service) Act, 2024.

Under this amendment, the phrase "in a calendar year" will be replaced with "during a period of one year of contractual service." This amendment is being introduced to address request raised by contractual employees regarding the calculation of their service days, the statement said.

Employees had requested that the 240-day service requirement be calculated based on the actual number of days during a one-year period of contractual service, instead of a calendar year.

The current system posed challenges for employees who joined between May and December, as the service days for their first year of employment were not being fully counted.

"For instance, employees whose date of joining falls after May and before December would not meet the 240-day service requirement for their first calendar year of service, thus affecting their job security," it said.

"In addition, for the year 2024, employees raised concerns as the number of days until the cut-off date of August 15, 2024, is only 227, which falls short of the required 240 days," it added.

In response to these requests, the Haryana Cabinet has approved the amendment to consider 240 days of service during a period of one year of contractual service, thereby addressing these issues and ensuring better job security for contractual employees, it said.

Under the Haryana Contractual Employees (Security of Service) Act, 2024, the benefit of job security is admissible to those contractual employees who fulfil the five years contractual service before August 15, 2024, the statement added.
Interpol has issued a global arrest warrant for Jonathan Emmanuel Cardona Castillo, a 23-year-old leader of the Lev Tahor cult, on charges brought by Guatemalan authorities.

The Red Notice outlines allegations against Castillo, including human trafficking, assault, and child abuse. He holds dual citizenship in Guatemala, where Lev Tahor is headquartered, and El Salvador. According to the notice, Castillo is fluent in both Hebrew and Spanish.

Guatemalan law enforcement and prosecutors, cited by the Associated Press, have confirmed Castillos prominent role within the cult.

As YWN reported a week ago, the Guatemalan police carried out a massive raid of the Lev Tahor cult rescuing 160 children and teens and 40 women after testimonies of severe abuse at the cults compound.

The raid, involving over 400 police officers, soldiers, and psychologists, took place following testimonies from four minors who escaped from the cult last month and provided shocking details to the police about serious offenses. A formal complaint was filed to the Guatemalan state prosecutors office, which decided to launch an operation to rescue the minors in the cult.

At the time of the raid, no arrests were made, but computers, phones, and other equipment that could serve as evidence were confiscated.

In a bazaar twist to the saga, heartbreaking scenes published on social media emerged the day after the children were taken into protective custody.

In the videos, the adult cult members are heard instructing the children [in Yiddish] to hit the police and that the police are not allowed to hit back. Dont be afraid. They cant do anything to you.

The cult members also order the children to escape from the top or to kick the police officers and crawl out from underneath their feet.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
It was a windy December night, but the atmosphere couldnt have been warmer in the OAK Event Space, where the Rockaway Nassau Safety Patrol gathered with friends and supporters for its Appreciation Event. RNSP, also known as Shomrim, brought together its volunteer members, their spouses, and various partners from law enforcement and the community for a gala dinner to celebrate their hard work and connect with each other.

RNSP Shomrim volunteers are regular people, civilians with families and jobs, who sacrifice their personal time and, often, safety to make the Nassau County and Rockaway communities safer places to live and do business. In collaboration with law enforcement, they work to stop and prevent burglaries, car break-ins, and package thefts; run search and rescue operations; locate and return stolen property, including vehicles; proactively patrol throughout the communities day and night, Shabbos and Yom Tov; and assist the community in countless other ways that often go unnoticed. This evening was an opportunity to show them appreciation while enjoying a night out.

Upon approaching the entrance, attendees were greeted by an impressive display of lights from the RNSP patrol vehicles lining the driveway, along with those from related organizations who came to show their support and appreciation for the vital work and dedication of the RNSP volunteers. Once inside, one could clearly witness the unique relationship that RNSP Shomrim members share with law enforcement and other community partners. Dinner invitees included various members of the NYPDs Major Case Squad, Special Operations Division, Community Affairs Division, Patrol Borough of Queens South, the 100th and 101st Precincts, as well as Nassau County Police Departments 4th Precinct and their Detective Squad. The RNSP has cultivated a true and rare partnership between their own highly trained civilian volunteers, all levels of law enforcement, elected officials, and other stakeholders in the community.

The food, catered by The Saffron Culinary, was excellent, the decor was exquisite, and the music was top notch. But the real treats of the evening were the heartfelt speeches, followed by the presentation of awards to selected RNSP volunteers, supporters, and law enforcement partners for their exceptional work in keeping our communities safe.

First, guests were honored by a visit from the esteemed Rabbi Eytan Feiner, head rabbi of Knesseth Israel, also known as The White Shul, who shared words of prayer and inspiration to strengthen the spirits of those who give so much of themselves to help the community. Then, RNSP Chiefs Elkanah Adelman and Shmueli Kassover expressed their appreciation for the important work of RNSP Shomrim members and their families, sharing details about the important work that makes them so deserving of this honor.

Mr. Kassover told the stories of two of the highest profile wins for RNSP Shomrim this year. First, he spoke about the famous stolen Sefer Torah that RNSP Shomrim and the NYPD Major Case Squad collaborated to recover, and which is now in the process of being restored. As he spoke, our hearts filled with pride and gratitude that our community has such individuals to liaise with law enforcement. Although the stolen Sefer Torah did not have the monetary value to warrant the engagement of the NYPDs Major Case Squad, Shmueli was able to powerfully convey the Sefer Torahs priceless value to the Jewish People, persuading NYPD to utilize their top resources for this important cause. In his words:

I spoke with Seargent De la Cruz and explained to him the priceless value of a Sefer Torah: What it meant to us, how its the instruction manual to our lives, the way we treat it almost as a human life  a funeral if it is destroyed, burying it in the ground the same way we do for a person. If it is accidentally dropped on the floor, the congregation would have to fast for forty days. He was stunned to learn of its priceless value and agreed to take on the case and do everything he could to make an arrest and get the Torah back.

Kassover also emphasized how his faith played a role in the recovery of the Sefer Torah. While he communicated regularly with the police regarding the developments of the case, he also spoke with his Rav, Rabbi Yossi Weberman, just as often. With his Ravs reassurance and prayers in one hand, and the efforts of RNSP Shomrim and the police in the other, he felt certain that this highly unlikely case could and would be solved. In fact, when the Sefer Torah was finally retrieved, the Seargent pulled Shmueli over to tell him that the likelihood of finding the stolen item and catching the professional crew of perpetrators was so slim that it was surely the power of prayer that brought this case to a successful close.

Another highlight of the evening was the incredible video about the infamous Friday Night Burglar who targeted the Far Rockaway, Bayswater, and Nassau communities last spring and summer. We were able to hear firsthand from the victims of the terrible crimes committed, to feel the effects this had on them and their families. Our jaws dropped in horror to learn how a nine-year-old girl woke up in middle of the night to face a burglar in her bedroom. RNSP Chief Kassover made it his mission to call this girl with updates, letting her know that Shomrim was working on it and was going to catch this very bad guy. On the day that this criminal was finally arrested, he was thrilled to call this little girl and let her know this perp would never invade her home again.

The awards ceremony honored both civilians and police officers for their contributions to our communitys safety and security.

As the various members of the police force came up to accept their honors, they expressed their gratitude and admiration for the dedicated efforts of RNSP. The NYPD Major Case Squad, represented by Sgt. Det Harry De LaCruz, Det. Michael Pitkewicz, Det. James Essig, and Det. Chari Minaya, were recognized for their terrific work in recovering the Sefer Torah; Lt. Ryan Oshea, NYPD 101st Precinct Special Operations Lieutenant, was honored for his pivotal role in capturing the serial nighttime burglar; and Det. Lynn Blanchette, Community Affairs officer for the NYPD 101st Precinct, received well-deserved appreciation for her constant devotion to community engagement and safety. Deputy Chief Richie Taylor, Commanding Officer of Community Affairs and the highest ranking Orthodox Jewish police officer ever, came to personally present the Community Engagement Award and to share his support for the incredible collaboration between RNSP Shomrim and the Police Department.

Within the ranks of RNSP, members Shmuli and Roizy Kraus were presented with an award for their exceptional contributions to RNSP. Together, they participate in almost every division of the organization, with a combination of skill and devotion that leaves its impact on the entire community.

The evening was rounded off by an incredible surprise. Guests of Honor Berry and Raizy Weiss, whose exceptional generosity included the sponsorship of RNSP Patrol Car 3 in memory of Raizys father, shocked the crowd with the announcement that they will donate another vehicle to the RNSP. This incredibly gracious gift will enable RNSP to further improve local safety with additional marked patrols and participation in community events.

After another opportunity for guests to enjoy each others company over dessert, the event concluded outdoors with the inauguration of RNSP Vehicle 4, generously donated by RNSP member Dylan and his wife Daniella Osyatinsky. It is this kind of partnership between kind, appreciative community members and the dedicated volunteers that enables RNSP Shomrim to be so successful in making our communities safer places to live and do business.

It was truly a memorable evening for all.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Officials were beginning to assess the damage on Sunday after a strong storm system moved across the southeastern U.S. over the weekend, killing at least two people when tornadoes touched down in Texas and Mississippi.

The line of severe weather led to about 40 tornado reports from southeastern Texas to Alabama, National Weather Service meteorologist Frank Pereira said, but those reports remain unconfirmed until damage surveys are completed.

Its not unheard of, but it is fairly uncommon to have a severe weather outbreak of this magnitude this late in the year, he said. The storms will continue to slide east until they eventually move offshore, meaning severe weather risks will dwindle into Sunday evening.

In the Houston area, National Weather Service crews planned to conduct surveys Sunday for at least five tornados that hit north and south of the city on Saturday. At least one person died.

The 48-year-old woman killed was found about 100 feet (30 meters) from her home in the Liverpool area, located south of Houston, said Madison Polston of the Brazoria County Sheriffs Office. She said the exact cause of death wasnt immediately known.

Four other people in Brazoria County suffered injuries that werent considered critical, said Polston, who added that at least 40 homes and buildings were significantly damaged in the county.

In Mississippi, one person died in Adams County and two people were injured in Franklin County, according to the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency.

The National Weather Service said two tornadoes hit around Bude and the city of Brandon, ripping roofs from several buildings.

Storm damage was reported in the northern Alabama town of Athens, just northwest of Huntsville. A National Weather Service survey team was expected to begin assessing damage Sunday morning, said meteorologist Chelly Amin.

Holly Hollman, spokeswoman for the city of Athens, said she lives about two blocks from downtown, where most of the damage from the early Sunday morning storms occurred.

Hollman said the storm hurled large HVAC units from the tops of building, ripped the roof off a bookstore and damaged a brick building adjacent to a veterans museum. A full-sized, stripped down military helicopter was toppled from a pole where it was on display, she added.

I stepped out on my porch and I could hear it roar, she said. I think we are extremely lucky that we got hit late at night. If it had hit during the busy hours, I think we might have had some injuries and possibly some fatalities.

At 9 a.m. Sunday, nearly 65,000 customers were without power in Mississippi, down from 93,000 around 1 a.m., according to electric utility tracking website PowerOutage.us. Also without power were some 54,000 customers in Georgia; 36,000 in Alabama; 20,000 in Louisiana; and 13,000 in Texas.

Two roads were closed in western North Carolina  a region broadly devastated by Hurricane Helene this fall  as of late Sunday morning because of severe weather, North Carolina Department of Transportation spokesperson Jamie Kritzer said.

Part of U.S. 441, also known as the Great Smoky Mountains Expressway, was closed in both directions in Swain County north of Bryson City, due to high winds. It was expected to reopen on Monday. Another road in Macon County near Franklin  State Road 1672, also known as River Road  was closed Sunday morning due to high water and was slated to reopen Sunday afternoon.

The storms moved quickly through Georgia, where there were reports of trees toppled in the Atlanta area.

(AP)
Israel waited until after the inauguration of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to carry out the assassination of former Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, according to Channel 12, which revealed new details of the operation. Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed Israels involvement last week.

Haniyeh was killed in his guest house by a remotely detonated bomb during his visit to Tehran for the July inauguration. The operation, months in the making, nearly failed when an air conditioner in Haniyehs room malfunctioned in the middle of the night. Haniyeh left the room to wait for repairs, sparking fears that he might avoid the bomb if he switched rooms. However, the air conditioner was quickly fixed, and Haniyeh returned to his room, where the bomb was detonated around 1:30 a.m.

After Haniyehs death, Yahya Sinwar, previously Hamass military chief, succeeded him as the groups political leader. Sinwars leadership ended when he was killed in Rafah, Gaza, in October.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
A new seasonal airline, TechAir, founded by a coalition of Israeli tech executives and investors, is set to begin operations on January 21, offering direct flights between Tel Aviv and New York. The initiative comes as U.S. airlines have halted service to Israel due to the war with Hamas, now in its 15th month.

The Hi-Tech Center, a network of entrepreneurs and venture capitalists who rely on international travel for business, spearheaded the project in response to a shortage of flights, high demand, and soaring ticket prices. The airline plans to operate three weekly flights using a leased Airbus A330-900, with service continuing until at least the end of March.

TechAir has launched a 72-hour presale to gauge demand, offering roundtrip tickets for $1,550, including luggage and meals. After this initial period, prices are expected to rise by 15-20%. Flights will depart Tel Avivs Ben Gurion Airport at midnight, landing at New Yorks JFK Airport early the next morning.

Since the outbreak of the war in Gaza, many foreign airlines have suspended operations in Israel, leaving El Al as the sole carrier offering direct flights to North America. This monopoly has driven ticket prices up by as much as 100%, creating a pressing need for alternative options. TechAir aims to bridge that gap, providing a critical lifeline for the Israeli tech sector and other travelers during this challenging time.

[PRICE GOUGING? El Al Smashes Profit Records As It Charges Flyers A Fortune]

[Would El-Al Win in a Beis Din?]

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollahs leader for decades, reportedly underestimated the extent of Israels intelligence capabilities, believing himself safe in his underground bunker in Beirut until his death in an Israeli Air Force airstrike on September 27. According to a report by The New York Times, Nasrallah dismissed warnings from his aides and resisted moving to a more secure location, confident that Israel sought to avoid a direct war with Hezbollah.

The airstrike followed 20 years of deep intelligence penetration into Hezbollah by Israeli operatives. The report revealed that Israel recruited agents to plant listening devices in Hezbollah bunkers, enabling them to monitor leadership discussions and movements. Israeli Unit 8200 also intercepted critical documents outlining Hezbollahs arsenal and the locations of its leaders, giving Israel unparalleled insight into the organization.

One of Israels boldest moves involved sabotaging Hezbollahs communication network. Israeli intelligence tricked the group into purchasing pagers and walkie-talkies embedded with explosives. On September 17 and 18, these devices were detonated, killing dozens of operatives, wounding thousands, and crippling Hezbollahs communications. The operation disrupted the groups coordination as Israel launched Operation Northern Arrows, a decisive campaign that decimated Hezbollahs weapon stockpiles, elite forces, and leadership hierarchy, including Nasrallah himself.

The escalation came after nearly a year of relentless Hezbollah rocket and drone attacks on northern Israel, which began in support of Hamas following the October 7 massacre. These attacks caused dozens of Israeli deaths, including 12 Druze children in Majdal Shams, and displaced tens of thousands of residents. By the time of Nasrallahs death, Israel had been preparing for this conflict for decades, leveraging intelligence breakthroughs to deliver a significant blow to the terrorist organization.

SOME QUOTES FROM THE NY TIMES ARTICLE:

A New York Times investigation, based on interviews with more than two dozen current and former Israeli, American and European officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss classified operations, reveals just how extensively Israeli spies had penetrated Hezbollah. They recruited people to plant listening devices in Hezbollah bunkers, tracked meetings between one top commander and his four mistresses, and had near constant visibility into the movements of the militia groups leaders.

The contrast between Israels approaches to Hezbollah and to Hamas is also stark and devastating. The intense intelligence focus on Hezbollah shows that the countrys leaders believed that the Lebanese militia group posed the greatest imminent threat to Israel. And yet it was Hamas in the Gaza Strip, a group Israeli intelligence believed had neither the interest nor the abilities to attack Israel, that launched a surprise attack and caught the nation unprepared.

Specifically, the Mossad recruited people in Lebanon to help Hezbollah build secret facilities after the war. The Mossad sources fed the Israelis information about the locations of hide-outs and assisted in monitoring them, two officials said.

Over the next three years, Israels increasing ability to hack into cellphones left Hezbollah, Iran and their allies increasingly wary of using smartphones. Israeli officers from Unit 8200 helped fuel the fear, using bots on social media to push Arabic-language news reports on Israels ability to hack into phones, according to two officers in the agency.

Worried about smartphones being compromised, Hezbollahs leadership decided to expand its use of pagers. Such devices allowed them to send out messages to fighters but did not reveal location data nor have cameras and microphones that could be hacked.

The Mossad presented the gadget, one without any hidden explosives, to Mr. Netanyahu during a meeting in March 2023, according to two people with knowledge of the meeting. The prime minister was skeptical about their durability, and asked David Barnea, the Mossad chief, how easily they might break. Mr. Barnea assured him they were sturdy.

Not convinced, Mr. Netanyahu abruptly stood up and threw the device against the wall of his office. The wall cracked, but the pager did not.

The Mossad front company shipped the first batch of pagers to Hezbollah that fall.

Israeli intelligence analysts, who were constantly monitoring the use of the devices, discovered a potential problem with the operation. At least one Hezbollah technician began to suspect that the walkie-talkies might contain hidden explosives, according to three Israeli defense officials. Israel dealt with it swiftly this year, killing the technician with an airstrike.

On Sept. 11, intelligence showed that Hezbollah was sending some of the pagers to Iran for examination, and Israeli officials knew it was only a matter of time before the covert operation would be blown.

On Sept. 16, Mr. Netanyahu met with top security chiefs to weigh whether to detonate the pagers in a use it or lose it operation, according to four Israeli security officials. Some opposed it, saying it might prompt a full Hezbollah counterattack and possibly a strike by Iran.

Mr. Netanyahu ordered the operation. The following day, at 3:30 p.m. local time, the Mossad ordered an encrypted message to be sent to thousands of the pagers. Seconds later, the pagers detonated.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Residents of Sderot, Ibim, Gevim, Nir Am, and Sapir College near the Gaza border heard rocket sirens Sunday afternoon as missiles were launched from northern Gaza, where the IDF is conducting operations.

The Iron Dome defense system intercepted two of the rockets, while others landed in open fields. No injuries were reported, according to Magen David Adom.

Israel Police stated that officers and bomb disposal units were working in Sderot at three separate sites. Two locations contained fragments of intercepted missiles, while the third was an open area where a rocket had landed.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
An IDF soldier was killed today in northern Gaza, the military reports. Staff Sgt. Yuval Shoham, 22, from the 9th Battalion of the 401st Armored Brigade in Jerusalem, lost his life. The IDF has not yet disclosed the exact circumstances of his death.

This brings the total number of Israeli casualties in the ongoing ground operation in Gaza and along the border to 394.

Additionally, a soldier from the Nahal Brigades 931st Battalion was severely wounded during clashes with Hamas fighters in Beit Hanoun, northern Gaza.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Jim Watson / AFP via Getty Images Jared Kushner and his wife, Ivanka Trump, in Florida in November.





Key Takeaways

Jared Kushner is a businessman, former White House official, and founder of the private equity firm, Affinity Partners.

Kushner is also president-elect Donald Trump's son-in-law through his marriage to Ivanka Trump.

Kushner has an estimated net worth of $900 million, according to Forbes.







Businessman Jared Kushner, a former White House official and founder of private equity firm Affinity Partners, has a net worth estimated at around $900 million.

Kushner, who served as president-elect Trump's senior advisor during his first term, is Trump's son-in-law through his marriage to Ivanka Trump. (The Forbes estimate does not include her wealth.) His estimated net worth includes $150 million in cash, art, other investments, and a stake in the Miami house he shares with Ivanka, per Forbes.

Much of his wealth comes from his family's real estate development company, investments, and his stake in Affinity Partners. Here's a closer look at his millions.

Kushner Companies

The bulk of Kushner's wealth comes from Kushner Companiesa real estate development firm his family has owned and operated for decades. Based in New York City, the company owns apartments, office and retail spaces, and hotels across the country.

Kushner was CEO of Kushner Companies from age 27 to 36, and owns a 20% stake in the company, according to Forbes. Forbes in October estimated that Kushner Companies is worth $2.9 billion.



Affinity Partners

Kushner founded his private equity firm, Affinity Partners, in 2021. Kushner is the sole owner of Affinity Parters, and his share of the firm is worth about $170 million, according to Forbes.

Affinity Partners has investments from Saudi, Qatar and Abu Dhabi, with Saudi crown prince Mohammed Bin Salman investing $2 billion in the firm when it started. Kushner got a $2 billion investment from Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund for Affinity Partners, along with investments from wealth funds in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, according to The New York Times.

The firm is invested in a range of industries across the U.S., U.K., Israel, Germany, and Brazil. Affinity had $3 billion in assets under management as of December 2023, according to a U.S. regulatory disclosure.

Other Investments

While the current extent of Kushner's investments couldn't be determined, his 2021 disclosure forms indicated millions of dollars in investments such as real estate and ETFs.

Read the original article on Investopedia
The advanced US anti-missile THAAD system was used for the first time in Israel overnight Thursday to intercept a missile launched at Israel from Yemen, a source told Reuters on Friday.

The source said that the US military plans to carry out an analysis of the interception, which will determine the systems success.

In a video of the interception that circulated on social media, a US soldier operating the system is heard saying: Eighteen years, Ive been waiting for this.

In the wake of Irans attack on Israel on October 1, the Biden administration deployed the THAAD system in Israel along with about 100 US soldiers at Israels request to serve as a deterrent and a show of military support in the region

Ynet reported that Israeli security officials view THAAD as a significant enhancement to Israels multi-layered air defense systems, especially in light of escalating threats, including from Iran.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu published a video on social media shortly before undergoing surgery to have his prostate removed at Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital in Jerusalem on Sunday evening.

The surgery is being performed under general anesthesia, and Netanyahu is expected to recover in the hospital for several days afterward.

Netanyahu said that he held a cabinet meeting that ended a bit early and now hes heading to surgery. He continued by saying that he wants to thank many many of you that sent best wishes for a speedy recovery. I intend to get through this. Happy Chanukah.

Justice Minister Yariv Levin will serve as Acting Prime Minister while Netanyahu is hospitalized. Defense Minister Yisrael Katz will serve as the head of the top-level political-security cabinet and is authorized to convene the cabinet if necessary.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
Tony Hetherington is Financial Mail on Sunday's ace investigator, fighting readers corners, revealing the truth that lies behind closed doors and winning victories for those who have been left out-of-pocket. Find out how to contact him below.

B.C. writes: I have received a demand letter from Direct Collection Bailiffs Ltd, acting on behalf of Right Choice Insurance Brokers Ltd.

Are you able to help me, please?

Since you last helped me with this same matter, nothing has changed except that this letter has arrived.

I hope they stop harassing me.

Tony Hetherington replies: It is almost exactly a year since your daughter contacted me on your behalf about almost exactly the same problem. Then, Direct Collection Bailiffs Ltd (DCBL), based in Runcorn in Cheshire, had been hired by a car park firm that claimed it was owed 304. DCBL's legal arm had actually got a court judgment upholding the claim.

Wrong number: Bailiffs were silent over mix-up

However, the court action and the debt collection demands were not for you. They were addressed to a Damian Stroud, but they were all sent to your address. You did not know anyone of this name and he had never lived in your house, which had been your home for 40 years. You told DCBL the car registration on its demand letters was not yours, but they continued to drop through your letterbox.

You reported the firm to the police, but got nowhere. You also contacted the DVLA, but this was no help either.

By the time your daughter contacted me, she was concerned that you  aged 82  were so scared of the arrival of debt collectors at your door that you were considering paying the 304 they demanded.

Worse still, the same firm was also sending demands for 349, which it claimed was owed to car insurance brokers.

I put all this to DCBL's legal offshoot but it failed to offer any explanation or comment.

So I contacted DCBL's client, the car park company. I gave them your full name, address, date of birth and confirmation of the number of years you appeared on the local electoral register.

And I added that in all the local records, there was nothing to show that anyone named Stroud ever lived at your address.

The upshot was that the parking firm told DCBL to cancel all its claims against your address.

And this brings us to what has just happened. DCBL has again written to Damian Stroud at your address, this time demanding 274 it says is owed to Right Choice Insurance Brokers (RCIB) of Romford in Essex.

I asked DCBL repeatedly to explain why they were causing you such obvious distress in the wake of their same bad conduct a year ago, but they offered absolutely no excuses or explanation. Bluntly, I don't think they care as long as they get paid.

RCIB were a little better. After I gave them the necessary details, they told me: 'This has been reviewed internally and it has been agreed that DCBL have closed their file. This should prevent Mr C from receiving any further correspondence.'

On the downside, RCIB claimed it had 'acted in good faith' and that Damian Stroud's address  your address  had been confirmed by documents such as his driving licence, passport or household bills.

So I tracked down Damian Stroud. He is several decades younger than you, and he lives in a flat not far from your home. His flat number is the same as your house number, and his postcode is two digits away from your own.

So has all this been an innocent but upsetting mix-up? Or does he really have paperwork showing his name but your address? RCIB refused to say.

What I can say is that a check of court records shows a debt judgment last year for 304 in his name, but at your address. This is the 304 demanded by the car park company that brought all this to light.

I twice invited Damian Stroud to explain, but he offered no explanation or comment.

I hope this does not lead yet again to you being harassed by the DCBL debt collectors, who clearly failed to keep a record of last year's wrong demands and threats.

Marks Art owner on the run as scam folds

Wanted man: Mark Steven Smith

Scam art investment company Marks Art Limited has been compulsorily struck off and dissolved by Companies House.

Its website is no longer live and its phone is not answered, but police still want to get their hands on its owner, Mark Steven Smith.

The Mail on Sunday has been investigating Marks Art, and tracking down its criminal owner, for the past year and a half. We first sounded the alarm in September 2023 when I visited what was said to be the company's gallery in London, but found no pictures and no gallery. Smith then claimed that the address was a secret  ironically, blaming London's high crime rate.

Marks Art also deceived buyers by using forged articles from the BBC and The Telegraph. The pictures it sold were vastly overpriced, and marketed with worthless promises of profits to be made at auctions which, in the event, failed to take place.

This evidence helped to convince a number of banks and card companies to refund victims' losses.

The final nail in the coffin for Marks Art was when I reported in May that I had traced Smith, not to a secret address in London, but to a hideout in Northern Cyprus, where the UK has no extradition treaty. He is on the run from a four-year prison sentence after leaving a woman badly injured in a hit-and-run in Surrey.

His art fraud in the UK since fleeing was run by front men and sales agents, with him pulling the strings from more than 2,000 miles away.

And now it is over.

If you believe you are the victim of financial wrongdoing, write to Tony Hetherington at Financial Mail, 9 Derry Street, London W8 5HY or email tony.hetherington@mailonsunday.co.uk. Because of the high volume of enquiries, personal replies cannot be given. Please send only copies of original documents, which we regret cannot be returned.
Porsches, private jets, a phalanx of personal assistants, seafood kitchens and even personal advisers on acquiring fine art  they are all among the status symbols flaunted by chief executives.

The latest trophy will appear rather less appealing to many: an ice bath.

But having a cold water tub in your penthouse or mansion in which to plonk your shivering self is, believe it or not, a badge of prestige.

Celebrity fans of 'cold water immersion'  the fancy term for dunking yourself in freezing water  include pop stars Lady Gaga and Madonna.

The trend has taken hold in boardrooms and on trading floors.

The craze for cold water includes freezing showers and ice baths, where users dip into a low-temperature, sauna-style box or inflatable pod for a few minutes.

Trying it on for size: Hugh Wahla, former boss of fashion chain Urban Outfitters, is a fan of the big freeze

Like many a fad in the business world, it seems to have started in Silicon Valley.

Twitter founder Jack Dorsey says he starts his days at 5am with an ice-cold bath, just before he embarks on a five-mile walk to work. A cold dip is part of Richard Branson's morning routine on his Necker Island.

Brewdog founder James Watt, who has an ice bath on the balcony of his luxury London apartment, claims it is the 'single most important thing' he does for his health.

Devotees claim there are plenty of physical benefits.

Exposure to the cold when alternated with a hot shower or a sauna, they argue, can improve circulation, which is beneficial for heart health. The cold can also help to numb pain receptors for those experiencing joint or muscle pain.

Bosses also believe it boosts their resilience to uncomfortable experiences, thus training their brains to better manage stress.

Some City slickers joke that the temperature of these dips is in fact much warmer than some investor meetings.

Hugh Wahla, a former boss of fashion chain Urban Outfitters and furniture shop The Conran Shop, is a fan of the big freeze. 'Any time I face a new challenge, I remind myself that I went from hating the cold to loving ice baths,' he raves, having just got back from a bone-numbing swim at the outdoor pool at Brockwell Lido in south London.

He even goes as far to say that experiencing 'the bracing chill of the water' is a 'powerful way to build community and forge deep connections' with co-workers.

James McMaster, boss of protein shake maker Huel, says daily cold showers make him 'a better CEO' while weekly ice baths help him to build mental endurance.

Managers at his company even took a communal dip together at an office party last year.

One UK technology firm founder says ice baths are popular with his thirty-something peers as a way to combat work stress.

Chilling out: Richard Branson taking a dip on Necker Island

It is even a thing on Wall Street. Vito Sperduto, head of RBC Capital Markets US, has said he hasn't used hot water for years  even despite harsh New York winters.

Cold-water immersion can release 'feel-good' chemicals in the body.

Krissie Claire, who runs a marketing agency Kollectify, says she takes cold dips in the morning.

'It's self care, meditation, challenging, anxiety reducing, recovery for the muscles after exercise, a safe space and a place to overcome fear to prepare you for whatever comes at you,' she says.

Many follow the teachings of Wim Hof, a Dutch motivational speaker dubbed 'the Iceman', who has popularised cold water immersion.

However, admiration for him has been clouded in recent weeks after accusations from his former partner that he abused her and her children for years. Hof denies these claims.

Ice baths come with health warnings, including a risk of hypothermia or frostbite should someone linger too long.

But anyone wishing to bathe like a boss can buy a cheap ice tub for less than 50 at High Street retailers, while fancier ones cost closer to 4,500.

Other City types head to venues such as Hackney Wick Sauna Baths in East London, which have barrels of freezing water. Or you could just take a cold bath or shower at home.
Television chef Michael Caines, 55, started his career in London before working under Raymond Blanc at Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons in Oxfordshire, and Joel Robuchon in Paris, writes Margaret Hussey.

He lost his right arm in a car accident in 1994 while at Gidleigh Park in Devon, where he went on to be awarded two Michelin stars.

A regular on television shows such as The Great British Menu and Remarkable Places To Eat, he lives outside Exeter with his partner Pippa and their daughter.

He has three other children from previous relationships and is the chef/patron of the Michelin-starred Lympstone Manor in Devon.

What did your parents teach you about money?

Mum and Dad were both teachers, although Dad had previously been in the RAF. I grew up in Exeter and was adopted  I had three older brothers and two older sisters.

We always had chores and the main lesson was, if you did your chores, you got your pocket money. So if you work hard, you get rewarded. My dad would say: 'If you can't afford it, don't buy it.' We always had meals around the table and we were an engaged family. I helped my mum and cooked at home but I never really thought of it as a career. I always thought I would go into the military.

Fighter: Michael Caines lost his right arm in a car accident

I found my sister and then I got to meet my birth mother and father. They are both now deceased but my birth father was a great cook, apparently. He was renowned for rustling up lovely meals from nothing. He was originally from Dominica and lived in London.

Have you ever struggled to make ends meet?

When I left school I went to catering college in Exeter for two years. I had three jobs while I was there. I left home for London at 18 and that was pretty tough. I sofa-surfed for a bit and finally got a room in a house. I couldn't afford to live in the centre, so I was living on the outskirts. The hours were long and I kept falling asleep on the Tube to the end of the line.

After that I went to Oxfordshire to work with Raymond Blanc at Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons. I spent three years there, learning from the best. It was a great, formative time. He is so passionate and we often catch up and chat. After my accident I was back at Gidleigh Park in the kitchen part-time after four weeks, and full-time after six weeks. The owner at the time, Mr Henderson, was very supportive.

Have you ever been paid silly money?

I did an event in Abu Dhabi  it was a pop-up restaurant/diner and I got paid a six-figure sum for my efforts. I later opened a restaurant there.

What was the best year of your financial life?

I had bought shares in the Royal Clarence Hotel in Exeter and sold them in 2015. That's probably the most money I've ever had in the bank account.

It was reinvested into putting a deposit down on Lympstone Manor. When you invest in something like Lympstone, where I have the biggest stake in the venture, you are putting your destiny in your own hands. You take a lot of risk but ultimately you are able to create something.

The most expensive thing you've bought for fun?

A car. It was a six-figure sum. I've spent a lot of money over many years on the vanity of having a lovely car. I've currently got an Arctic-grey GT3 RS Porsche. On most cars you tend to lose money, but that one hasn't. When you are having a tough day, it reminds you, because you work long hours, that you've got something nice. It gives you a bit of motivation.

What has been your biggest money mistake?

I invested in a luxury goods start-up company out of my pension. It didn't work out as Covid came along. It was just bad timing. The idea was great but unfortunately the circumstances were stacked against the company.

Best money decision you have made?

Selling the shares from one hotel and reinvesting in Lympstone Manor.

I had to put my own money in and then later got other people to back me. I'm very lucky that I've got Raymond Blanc to turn to  he's given me some good advice along the way. I also have a good accountant, while Tony Rowe, from Exeter Chiefs rugby club, has been a great mentor. It's nice to be able to reach out to people to help you make the right decision.

Do you give to charity?

I'm one of the trustees at Exeter Chiefs Foundation, the charitable arm of the rugby club. It raises money locally and does a great job. I'm also involved with Farms For City Children, run by children's author Michael Morpurgo. It's important to give time, whether it's going into schools or feeding children through a pop-up event.

Do you have a pension?

I have had a personal private pension for a while. I haven't really contributed a huge amount to that while I've been at Lympstone Manor.

Sound investment: Michael in the kitchen at Lympstone Manor

Do you own any property?

I havea house that I rent out in Devon, plus my own home and obviously Lympstone.

If you were Chancellor, what would you do?

I would try to spread the tax burden across society, even if that creates some controversy in the short term.

Ultimately, tax has got to be fair in that everybody is seen to be paying their bit. It was a difficult Budget this year, but hopefully next year and beyond that, we will see life become a little easier for everyone.

What is your number one financial priority?

To rebalance the books and get the business in a good, strong position going forward.

There are so many challenges, certainly in hospitality. Staffing is such a large cost and we are a people-driven business.

Ultimately there is a shortage of labour and we've got to get the right balance of allowing people in to be able to work, to fill some of the employment gap.

We can't find enough people who want to work in hospitality, it's quite frustrating.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has said that his company was made unusual on purpose. Now, that unusualness is getting in the way of raising more money from investors.

In a Friday blog post, the company behind the popular AI chatbot ChatGPT said its board is deep into planning how OpenAI will become more than a lab and a startup in 2025. A central part of this shift will involve its convoluted structurewherein a nonprofit currently controls a for-profit arm, which itself controls a holding company that controls another for-profit entity.

As Fortune reported in September, Altman told his staff at the time that OpenAI would next year become a more traditional for-profit company. In its latest blog post, the company publicly confirmed the planned change for the first time.

The new entity will likely be a public benefit corporation registered in Delaware, OpenAI said. Such a business is a traditional for-profit, but with a stated mission to "produce a public benefit."

A version of the non-profit would continue to exist, the blog post said. But it would no longer serve a controlling role.

With the planned changes, OpenAI acknowledged that its current structure, in place since 2019, is a disadvantage in an increasingly competitive AI marketplace. To hammer home the point, OpenAI linked in its blog post to several reports and studies showing rivals, like Metas Llama models and Anthropics Claude, rising in popularity.

As we enter 2025, we will have to become more than a lab and a startup  we have to become an enduring company, the post said.

For OpenAI, part of becoming an enduring company is satisfying its seemingly insatiable appetite for money. Despite having recently raised $6.6 billion, the largest venture capital round in history, the company is looking to raise even more capital. In order to get it, OpenAI must appease potential investors who may have previously declined due to its corporate structure and a cap on the potential profits that they could earn that comes with the company's structure.

In a section of Friday's blog post titled The Present, OpenAI said: We once again need to raise more capital than we imagined.

Investors want to back us but, at this scale of capital, need conventional equity and less structural bespokeness.

Appeasing investors, raising money for costly computing, and adding employees appear to be top of mind for OpenAI. It mentions capital and investors in the blog post as many times as AGI, or artificial general intelligence, a hypothetical but long-avowed goal of OpenAI that refers to AI becoming as capable as a human at certain tasks.
Gardai have come to the rescue of top European DJ Marijn Van Vliet after the Dutch artist was the victim of a theft before his gig in Dublin's Academy.

Gardai issued an update after Van Vliet called in to Store Street Garda Station to report the theft of his laptop and passport.

Gardai said: "Marijn Van Vliet is in town from the Netherlands to perform his DJ set at Dublins The Academy later tonight.

His backpack was snatched earlier today as he sat on a bench and wasnt his laptop with his set on it for tonight in the backpack along with his passport.

"In a panic, he quickly reported it to us at Store Street Garda Station and had a clear description of the person that took it.

"Garda Aine Redmond and Sergeant Chris Jones were on the beat in the area and heard the details come through on their radios.

READ NEXT: Illness warning as almost 1,000 people hospitalised in Ireland over Christmas

"A person matching the description provided by the victim was stopped on Eden Quay, and it was apparent that he was concealing items from both Gardai so he was arrested.

"Back at the station a short time later, Marijns laptop, backpack and passport were returned. The show goes on!"

People were quick to heap praise on the gardai for their quick response. One person wrote: "Absolutely brilliant work and doesnt it demonstrate the vital importance of Gardai on the beat? Thats a question for the Minister of Justice, by the way."

Another added: "Good to see that proper policing is still alive. Well done to all involved."
Ireland is braced for a potential named storm and even heavy snow in the coldest start to January since 2009, according to one forecaster.

Cathal Nolan from Ireland's Weather Channel made the prediction after monitoring weather models closely in recent days.

He said: "Its now increasingly likely that a disruptive winter storm with potentially damaging winds and heavy snowfall could well impact Ireland on New Year's Day. There remains a lot of uncertainty in the track and depth of this storm with two very different outcomes still possible.

"The first is for the low pressure to track a little further to the north, temporarily introducing milder air, with snow confined to Donegal and the north of Ulster, but with damaging winds likely across the country with the likelihood of high level weather warnings.

"The second outcome is for the low pressure to remain on a more southerly track, not quite deepening as much as if it took the northerly route, but introducing a greater risk of disruptive snow across a larger swathe of the country. Much depends on how much cold air intrudes ahead of the storm.

READ NEXT: Ireland to be hit by storm on New Year's Day amid warning for wind and snow

"However, with the North Atlantic and Arctic Oscillations going negative, with the MJO in a phase 7/8 pattern, and with a possible displacement of the Polar Vortex, and a possible Sudden Stratospheric Warming event on the cards there is increasing confidence of a very cold spell of weather developing.

"Indeed the evening model runs continue to build on yesterdays signal that we are likely to see a very cold, but mostly dry spell of weather, but possibly the coldest start to January since way back in 2009. Could this develop into a memorable spell of cold wintry weather? Theres growing confidence that this could occur."

Meanwhile, Met Eireann too is forecasting a big change in our weather fortunes with their outlook for the coming days stating, "a spell of unsettled weather developing with wet and windy or very windy conditions before turning colder and more settled."

In their forecast for Sunday, they added: "Mostly dry today with a mix of cloud and some bright or sunny spells. Occasional patches of light rain or drizzle will occur, mainly in the north and parts of the west. Highest temperatures of 8 to 11 degrees and becoming a little breezier with moderate, occasionally fresh, southwest winds developing, strong at times near western and northwestern coasts.

"Largely dry tonight with a few spots of light rain or drizzle, mainly in the north and west with more persistent rain developing in the northwest coasts later. Lowest temperatures of 4 to 9 degrees, coolest in the south and southeast. Southwest winds will mostly increase fresh, occasionally strong and gusty, reaching near gale force in western and northwestern coastal parts.

"Largely cloudy tomorrow [Monday] with outbreaks of rain developing for parts of Ulster and Connacht through the morning. Mostly dry elsewhere for the day with some bright or sunny spells and with just the odd shower possible. Highest temperatures of 9 to 12 degrees in fresh to strong and gusty southwest winds, reaching near gale force in western and northwestern coastal parts, decreasing mostly moderate to fresh later.

"A wet and rather windy night with showery outbreaks of rain extending eastwards over the country with some heavy falls possible. Lowest temperatures of 6 to 9 degrees in fresh to strong and gusty southwest winds.

"Tuesday (New Year's Eve) will be rather windy for much of the day. Widespread rain at first, becoming confined mainly to Munster and south Leinster through the morning with hazy sunny spells and isolated showers developing over the northern half of the country. Cloud along with outbreaks of rain will then build from the southwest through the afternoon and evening. Highest temperatures of 8 to 12 degrees in fresh to strong and gusty southwest winds, stronger near western and northwestern coasts, before easing during the evening.

"Turning wet and windy overnight as rain continues to extend northeastwards, heavy in places, particularly in the north and west with spot flooding possible. Lowest temperatures of 0 to 5 degrees over the northern half of the country, 5 to 9 degrees further south. Fresh to strong and gusty southerly winds will develop by morning.

"Wednesday (New Year's Day) will be a very windy day with strengthening southwesterly winds. Widespread heavy rain at first, clearing southeastwards from most areas through the morning and afternoon but with showery rain will persist in the north and west. Highest temperatures of 8 to 12 degrees generally.

"Becoming mostly dry early in the night as winds ease northerly. Cold with lowest temperatures of -3 to +1 degrees with widespread frost and ice developing.

"Largely dry, sunny and cold with just a few light showers along north facing coasts and with cloudier conditions possible near the south coast [on Thursday]. Highest temperatures of 3 to 6 degrees generally in mostly light northerly winds. Mostly dry, clear and cold overnight. Lowest temperatures of -4 to +1 degrees with widespread frosts."

Beyond that, Met Eireann say it will stay "cold, largely dry and bright for the rest of the week with widespread frosts developing during the nights, stubborn to clear some areas during the days."
UPDATE . . .

SPECIAL THANKS TO BLOGGER BILL FOR GIVING OUR TKC BLOG COMMUNITY A LOCAL SHOUT OUT IN HIS OBIT FOR PRINT!!!

Now . . .

Forgive our sacrilege . . .

However, it turns out that the public would rather use their phones to spy on frenemies, gaze at hottie curves or listen to partisan screeds preaching to the choir rather than consider old-school viewpoints of hacks and the ensuing chatter that's pushed by political consultants. The world isn't really that much worse or better because of this fact of life. Neither media bias nor human nature is the culprit of newspaper downfall, tech merely facilitates feeding the worst urges of that have always been inherent in human nature.



Nevertheless . . .

It's kind of INTERESTING that this faith scribe remains atop the traditional news totem pole even in the digital world even if the conversation has moved elsewhere and the mainstream has given way to tiny pockets of mostly insignificant political chatter with little impact over policy i.e. your grandpa and his Facebook political group of 500 other adorable, grumpy locals.

And still . . .



We take a moment to consider the traditional lament of old newspaper scribes and this bit of cowtown dead-tree print media . . .



"I now live in an apartment complex containing about 170 units. My wife and I are the only Star print subscribers in our building. And my guess is that the newspapers print edition will disappear in a year or two.



"This experience of shrinking (or dying) newspapers is not unique to Kansas City. What may be a bit unusual here, however, is that while we still have an active (through shrunken), award-winning daily newspaper, we also have a series of other journalistic enterprises to fill in where The Star no longer provides much coverage.



"The result of this decentralization of journalistic output here has something important to do with truth and the publics understanding of that concept. And journalism has a commitment to truth in common with religion, the field Ive written the most about for the last several decades.



"Every world religion, after all, has core teachings about truth  what it is, why it matters."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
At least she's half right . . . However . . . Progressives on the losing side of culture war and so many arguments over trans toilets CLEARLY didn't help their cause.

Check the quote . . .



(Guv) Kelly reflected on a tough November for Democrats, both nationally with Donald Trump returning to the White House and in Kansas where the Republicans supermajorities strengthened in the Senate and House.



There was a general lack of really recognizing how seriously people were concerned about the economy and inflation in particular, she said

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
By Aditya Soni, Arsheeya Bajwa, Krystal Hu

(Reuters) -OpenAI on Friday outlined plans to revamp its structure, saying it would create a public benefit corporation to make it easier to "raise more capital than we'd imagined," and remove the restrictions imposed on the startup by its current nonprofit parent.

The acknowledgement and detailed rationale behind its high-profile restructuring confirmed a Reuters report in September, which sparked debate among corporate watchdogs and tech moguls including Elon Musk. At issue were the implications such a move might have on whether OpenAI would allocate its assets to the nonprofit arm fairly, and how the company would strike a balance between making a profit and generating social and public good as it develops AI.

Under the proposed plan, the ChatGPT maker's existing for-profit arm would become a Delaware-based public benefit corporation (PBC) - a structure designed to consider the interests of society in addition to shareholder value.

OpenAI has been looking to make changes to attract further investment, as the expensive pursuit of artificial general intelligence, or AI that surpasses human intelligence, heats up.

Its latest $6.6 billion funding round at a valuation of $157 billion was contingent on whether the ChatGPT-maker could upend its corporate structure and remove a profit cap for investors within two years, Reuters reported in October.

The nonprofit, meanwhile, will have a "significant interest" in the PBC in the form of shares as determined by independent financial advisers, OpenAI said in a blog post, adding that it would be one of the "best resourced nonprofits in history."

OpenAI started in 2015 as a research-focused nonprofit but created a for-profit unit four years later to secure funding for the high costs of AI development. Its unusual structure gave control of the for-profit unit to the nonprofit and was in focus last year when Sam Altman was fired as CEO only to return days later after employees rebelled.

'CRITICAL STEP'

"We once again need to raise more capital than we'd imagined. Investors want to back us but, at this scale of capital, need conventional equity and less structural bespokeness," the Microsoft-backed startup said on Friday.

"The hundreds of billions of dollars that major companies are now investing into AI development show what it will really take for OpenAI to continue pursuing the mission."

Its plans to create a PBC would align the startup with rivals such as Anthropic and the Musk-owned xAI, which use a similar structure and recently raised billions in funding.
2024 in Retrospect: Palestinian Resistance Overwhelm Zionist War Machine

Even with the failure of the international community to stop the genocide and reign in Israel, ther steadfastness, sumoud of Palestinians will remain strong until freedom is finally attained

Sunday December 29, 2024 3:19 PM , Ramzy Baroud

The story of the Israeli war on Gaza can be epitomized in the story of the Israeli war on Beit Lahia, a small Palestinian town in the northern part of the Strip.

When Israel launched its ground operations in Gaza, Beit Lahia was already largely destroyed due to many days of relentless Israeli bombardment killing thousands.

Still, the border Gaza town resisted, leading to a hermetic Israeli siege, which was never lifted, even when the Israeli military redeployed out from much of northern Gaza in January 2024.

Beit Lahia is largely an isolated town, a short distance away from the fence separating besieged Gaza from Israel. It is surrounded mostly by agricultural areas that make it nearly impossible to defend.

Yet, a year of grisly Israeli war and genocide in Gaza did not end the fighting there. To the contrary, 2024 has ended where it started, with intense fighting on all fronts in Gaza, with Beit Lahia, a town that was supposedly conquered earlier, still leading the fight.

Beit Lahia is a microcosm of Israels failed war in the Strip, a bloody grind that has led nowhere, despite the massive destruction, the repeated ethnic cleansing of the population, the starvation and the genocide.

Every day of Israels terrible war on the Palestinians serves as a reminder that there are no military solutions and that the Palestinian will cannot be broken, no matter the cost or the sacrifice.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, remains unconvinced. He entered the new year with more promises of total victory, and ended it as a wanted criminal by the International Criminal Court (ICC) .

The issuing of an arrest warrant for the Israeli leader was a reiteration of a similar position taken by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) at the start of 2024.

The ICJs position, however, was hardly as strong as many had hoped or wanted to believe. The worlds highest court had, on January 26 , ordered Israel to take action to prevent acts of genocide, but stopped short of ordering Israel to halt its war.

The Israeli objectives of the war remained unclear, although Israeli politicians provided clues as to what the war on Gaza was really all about. Last January, several Israeli ministers, including 12 from Netanyahus Likud party, took part in a conference calling for the resettlement of Gaza and the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians.

Without settlements, there is no security, extremist Israeli minister of finance, Bezalel Smotrich, said.

For that to happen, the Palestinian people themselves, not merely those fighting on the ground, had to be tamed, broken and defeated. Thus, the flour massacres, a new Israeli war tactic that was centered around killing as many Palestinians as possible while waiting for the few aid trucks that were allowed to reach northern Gaza.

On February 29, more than 100 Gazans were killed while queueing for aid. They were mowed down by Israeli soldiers, as they desperately tried to lay their hands on a loaf of bread, baby milk or a bottle of water. This scene was repeated, again and again in the north, but also in other parts of the Gaza Strip throughout the year.

The aim was to starve the Palestinians in the north so that they would be forced to flee to other parts of the Strip. Famine actualized as early as January, and many of those who tried to flee south were killed, anyway.

From the early days of the war, Israel understood that to ethnically cleanse Palestinians, they must target all aspects of life in the Strip. This includes hospitals, bakeries, markets, electric grids, water stations, and the like.

The Gaza hospitals, of course, received a large share of Israeli attacks. In March, once more, Israel attacked the Al-Shifa Medical Complex in Gaza City with greater ferocity than before. When it finally withdrew, on April 1, the Israeli army destroyed the entire compound, leaving behind mass graves with hundreds of bodies, mostly medical staff, women and children. They even executed several patients.

Aside from a few statements of concern by western leaders, little was done to bring the genocide to an end. Only when seven international aid workers with the charity, the World Central Kitchen, were killed by Israel, a global outcry followed, leading to the first and only Israeli apology in the entire war.

Desperate to distract from its failure in Gaza, but also Lebanon, and keen on presenting the Israeli public with any kind of victory, the Israeli military began escalating its war beyond Gaza. This included the strike on the Iranian Embassy in Syria on April 1. Despite repeated attempts, which included the assassination in Iran of the head of Hamass Political Bureau, Ismail Haniyeh , on July 31, an all-out regional war has not yet come to pass.

Another escalation was taking place, this time not by Netanyahu but by millions of people around the world, demanding an end to the Israeli war. A focal point of the protests were student movements that spread across US campuses and, ultimately, worldwide. Instead of allowing free speech to flourish, however, Americas largest academic institutions resorted to the police, who violently shut down many of the protests, arresting hundreds of students, many of whom were not allowed to return to their colleges.

Meanwhile, the US continued to block international efforts aimed at producing a ceasefire resolution at the United Nations Security Council. Ultimately, on May 31, US President Joe Biden delivered a speech conveying what he termed an Israeli proposal to end the war.

After some delay, Hamas accepted the proposal, but Israel rejected it. In his rejection, Netanyahu referred to Bidens speech as incorrect and incomplete. Strangely, but also unsurprisingly, the White House blamed the Palestinians for the failed initiative.

Losing faith in the American leadership, some European countries began changing their foreign policy doctrines on Palestine, with Ireland, Norway and Spain recognizing the State of Palestine on May 28. The decisions were largely symbolic but indicated that western unity around Israel was faltering.

Israel remained unfazed and, despite international warnings, invaded the Rafah area in southern Gaza on May 7, seizing control of the Philadelphi Corridor  a buffer zone between Gaza and the Egyptian border that extends for 14 kilometers.

Netanyahus government insisted that only war can bring their captives back. There was very little success in that strategy, however. On June 8, Israel, with logistical support from the US and other western countries managed to rescue four of its captives held in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza. To do so, Israel killed at least 276 Palestinians and wounded 800 more.

In August, another heart-wrenching massacre took place, this time in the Al-Tabaeen school in Gaza City, where 93 people, mostly women and children, were murdered in a single Israeli strike. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, women and children were the main victims of the Israeli genocide, accounting for 70 percent by November 8.

An earlier report by the Lancet Medical Journal said that if the war stopped in July, 186,000 or even more Palestinians would have been killed. The war, however, went on. The rate of genocide in Gaza seemed to maintain the same killing ratio, despite the major regional developments including the mutual Iranian-Israeli tit-for-tat strikes and the major Israeli ground operation in Lebanon.

In October, Israel returned to the policies of targeting or besieging hospitals, killing doctors and other medical staff, and targeting aid and civil defense workers. Still, Israel would not achieve any of its strategic goals of the war. Even the killing of Hamas leader, Yahya Sinwar, in battle on October 16 would not, in any way, alter the course of the war.

Israels frustration grew by leaps and bounds throughout the year. Its desperate attempt to control the global narrative on the Gaza genocide largely failed. On July 19, and after listening to the testimonies of over 50 countries, the ICJ issued a landmark ruling that Israels continued presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory is illegal.

That ruling, which expressed international consensus on the matter, was translated on September 17 to a UN General Assembly resolution demanding an end to Israels occupation of Palestine within the next twelve months.

All of this effectively meant that Israels attempt at normalizing its occupation of Palestine, and its quest to illegally annex the West Bank was considered null and void by the international community. Israel, however, doubled down, taking its rage against West Bank Palestinians, who, too, were experiencing one of the worst Israeli pogroms in many years.

Also Read: The Most Shameful Moment of 2024

According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, by November 21, at least 777 Palestinians have been killed since October 7, 2023, while thousands more were wounded and over 11,700 arrested.

To make matters worse, Smotrich called, on November 11, for the full annexation of the West Bank . The call was made soon after the election of Donald Trump as the next US President, an event that initially inspired optimism amongst Israeli leaders, but later concerns that Trump may not serve the role of the savior for Israel after all.

On November 21, the ICC issued its historic ruling to arrest Netanyahu and his Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The decision represented a measure of hope, however faint, that the world is finally ready to hold Israel accountable for its many crimes.

The year 2025 could, indeed, represent that watershed moment. This remains to be seen. However, as far as Palestinians are concerned, even with the failure of the international community to stop the genocide and reign in Israel, their steadfastness, sumoud, will remain strong until freedom is finally attained.

[The witer, Ramzy Baroud, is a journalist and the Editor of The Palestine Chronicle. He is the author of six books. His latest book, co-edited with Ilan Pappe, is Our Vision for Liberation: Engaged Palestinian Leaders and Intellectuals Speak out. Dr. Baroud is a Non-resident Senior Research Fellow at the Center for Islam and Global Affairs (CIGA). His website is www.ramzybaroud.net.]

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All passengers, except two, dead as Jeju Air flight crashes in South Korea

A Jeju Air plane carrying 181 people on board crashed at South Korea's Muan airport and the authorities have confirmed dead all passengers except two

Sunday December 29, 2024 8:17 PM , ummid.com News Network

Seoul: A Jeju Air plane carrying 181 people on board crashed at South Korea's Muan airport and the authorities have confirmed dead all passengers, except two.

The plane crashed after it veered off the runway while landing, the local media reports said.

As per Yonhap news agency, the crash was reported in the South Jeolla province when the Jeju Air flight 2216 was returning from Thailand.

Rescue Operation On

The two people who survived the crash were rescued by authorities soon after the accident even as evacuation of passengers from the Boeing 737-8AS's rear section continued for hours later.

Among the 181 on board, 175 were passengers and 06 were flight crew from the Thai capital Bangkok.

The crash occurred Sunday at 9.03 AM local time (00:03 GMT) as the Jeju Air flight landed at Muan International Airport located about 289 km (179 miles) southwest of the capital Seoul.

A Jeju Air plane carrying 181 people on board crashed at South Korea's Muan airport and the authorities have presumed dead all passengers except two. pic.twitter.com/Rr7DfUHP6u  ummid.com (@ummid) December 29, 2024

The National Fire Agency confirmed that 179 people  85 women and 84 men  have been killed, and 02 people have been rescued  both crew members. Gender of 10 passengers could not be determined.

The fire that engulfed the plane has been extinguished, the agency said.

Meanwhile, South Koreas national rail operator has announced a special train service to help families reach Muan.

Today's plane crash comes days after Azerbaijan Airlines Flight J2-8243 passenger plane crashed Wednesday December 25, 2024 in Kazakhstan, killing 38 of the 67 people on board.

In a major twist into the plane air crash, the Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev Sunday claimed the jet was damaged due to a shooting from the ground in Russia. Aliyev also said he regretted that "some circles" in Russia had tried to hush up the truth about the crash.

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MHT CET 2025 (PCB and PM) dates officially confirmed

The Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell has released the date and schedule of MHT CET 2025 - PCM and PCB groups, both on its official website

Sunday December 29, 2024 10:52 AM , ummid.com News Network

MHT CET 2025: The Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell has released the date and schedule of MHT CET 2025 - PCM and PCB groups, both on its official website.

As per the CET schedule 2025-26 released by the Maharashtra CET Cell, MHT CET 2025 PCB Group will be held from April 09 to 17, 2025 (excepting 10 & 14 April)

On the other hand, MHT CET 2025 PCM Group will be held from April 19 to 27, 2025 (excepting 24 & 25 April).

The MHT CET 2025 dates as mentioned above are tentative, the Maharashtra CET Cell said.

The Maharashtra CET Cell has also released the date and schedule of other CETs to be held for various courses in 2025-26.

As per the CET schedule, MAH AAC CET 2025 will be held on April 05, 2025, MAH (BA/BSc BEd Four Year Integrated) CET will be held on March 28, 2025, MAH LLB CET (5 yr integrated) will be held on April 04, 2025, MH Nursing CET will be held on April 7 & 8, 2025, MAH BHMCT/MHMCT CET will be held on March 28, 2025 and MAH BBCA/BBA/BMS/BBM CET will be held April 1, 2 and 3, 2025.

MHT CET 2025 Syllabus

Marks obtained in MHT CET 2025 (MHT CET PCB and PCM) is considered for admission in various Engineering, Medical and Pharmacy courses. Students who clear the Class 12 or HSC exams are eligible to appear in MHT CET.

Candidates should note that like previous year, there will not be Negative Marking System and the difficulty level of the entrance exam will be at par with JEE Main and NEET, the Maharashtra CET Cell said.

There will be no Negative Marking. However, difficulty level will be at par with JEE Main for Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics, whereas difficulty level for Biology will be at par with NEET, the CET Cell said.

MHT CET 2025 Paper Pattern

The Maharashtra CET Cell said the MHT CET questions will be based on the syllabus of State Council of Educational Research and Training, Maharashtra.

Approximately 20% weightage will be given to Class 11 curriculum and 80% weightage will be given to Class 12 syllabus while setting the MHT CET 2025 Question Papers, the CET Cell said. MHT CET 2025 will consist of three question papers of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ). Each paper will be of 100 marks, it said. The questions will be mainly application based, the CET Cell added.

The duration of the exams will be 90 minutes.

Mathematics paper will have a total of 50 questions of 2 marks each whereas Physics, Chemistry and Biology papers will have 100 questions of 1 mark each.

The CET Cell has not released the date and time to start MHT CET 2025 registration.

MHT CET 2024 (last year) was held in April and May, 2024 in online mode on multiple dates.

The MHT CET result last year was declared on June 16, 2024.

Meanwhile, the Maharashtra CET Cell has started online registration for MAH MCA CET 2025 to be held on March 23, 2025.

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Trending Articles
RIYADH, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 30th Dec, 2024) Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), reaffirmed the GCCs steadfast position on supporting Lebanons sovereignty, security, stability, and territorial integrity.

He emphasised the importance of implementing comprehensive political and structural economic reforms to help the country overcome its ongoing political and economic crisis.

This came during a phone call today between the GCC Secretary-General and Abdallah Bou Habib, Lebanons Minister of Foreign Affairs.

During the call, the Secretary-General briefed the Lebanese Foreign Minister on the outcomes of the 46th Extraordinary Session of the Ministerial Council Concerning the Developments in Lebanon.

The final statement of the meeting underscored the GCC's ongoing commitment to joint efforts and cooperation aimed at enhancing Lebanons security and stability while fostering development and prosperity for the Lebanese people.

The Secretary-General highlighted that the statement also stressed the necessity of implementing United Nations Security Council resolutions on Lebanon, particularly Resolution 1701, as well as the Taif Agreement. These measures aim to restore lasting security and stability in Lebanon, ensure respect for its territorial integrity and political independence within its internationally recognised borders, and reaffirm the need for the Lebanese government to extend its authority over all Lebanese territory.

He further emphasised the importance of continuing regional and international coordination and consultations on key issues to enhance security and stability in the region.
AMMAN, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 29th Dec, 2024) Jordan on Sunday condemned incursions into Al Aqsa Mosque, Haram Al-Sharif, and provocations by settlers, and held Israel, the occupying power, responsible for the violations that took place under the protection of its police, Jordan news Agency (Petra) reported.

Ministry of Foreign and Expatriate Affairs' spokesman Sufian Al-Qudah reiterated the Kingdom's absolute rejection of the violations of the historical and legal status quo in Jerusalem and its Islamic and Christian holy sites, calling on Israel to stop these raids and provocations, which are incited by far-right ministers in the Israeli government with the aim of imposing new facts on the ground.

Israel, the occupying power, has no sovereignty over the occupied city of Jerusalem and its Islamic and Christian holy sites, Qudah reiterated, adding that the Al Aqsa Mosque, with its entire area of 144 dunums, is a place of worship exclusively for Muslims. The Jerusalem Waqf (endowments) Department of the Jordanian Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs is the legal and sole body with jurisdiction to administer the affairs of the Al Aqsa Mosque and regulate entry to it.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

Seoul, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Dec, 2024) World leaders sent condolences to South Korea on Sunday after the country suffered its deadliest plane crash, with 179 people killed when their aircraft went up in flames.

Only two people survived when the Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 plane skidded off the runway and slammed into a wall at Muan International Airport.

As relatives of those on board gathered at the airport in grief, leaders expressed their sympathy.

- China 'shocked' -

Chinese President Xi Jinping said he was "shocked" to learn of the crash, in a message to South Korea's acting president Choi Sang-mok.

"I express our deep condolences to the victims, sincere sympathy for the victims' families, and wish those injured a speedy recovery," he said, quoted by China's state broadcaster CCTV.

- EU 'heartbroken' -

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said she was "heartbroken to see images of the plane crash in Muan".

"As your partner, Europe stands with you in this time of grief," the European Commission president said.

- Pope offers prayers -

Pope Francis, who visited South Korea a decade ago, told worshippers at the Vatican he joins "in prayer for the survivors and the dead".

"My thoughts are with the many families in South Korea who are mourning today following the dramatic plane crash," Francis said.

- Germany sees 'incredible loss' -

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said the crash is "yet another blow to the nation's heart" after "a difficult period" -- alluding to weeks of political turmoil in Seoul.

"This is an incredible loss and pain" for the friends and families of those killed, Steinmeier said.

- Iran sends condolences -

Tehran expressed its "condolences and sympathy to the government and people of the Republic of Korea and Thailand", the departure point of the plane which had two Thai nationals on board.

Foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei addressed "the families of the victims, and wished a speedy recovery for the injured of this tragic incident".
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

Cairo, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Dec, 2024) A shark attack off Egypt's Red Sea coast killed a tourist and injured another, authorities said Sunday, with an Italy foreign ministry source identifying both as Italian nationals.

"Two foreigners were attacked by a shark in the northern Marsa Alam area, which led to the injury of one and the death of the other," Egypt's environment ministry said in a statement.

A source at the Italian foreign ministry told AFP the man killed was a 48-year-old resident of Rome. The injured man was 69 years old.

They were both taken to hospital in Port Ghalib, around 50 kilometres (30 miles) north of Marsa Alam, the Egyptian ministry said.

Authorities have closed the area to swimmers for two days following the incident, which the ministry said occurred in "deep waters outside the designated swimming area".

The Red Sea is a major tourist destination whose marine life make it popular with divers.

It is also a key employer and source of foreign Currency for Egypt, a country of 107 million people trying to navigate out of its worst ever economic crisis.

Last month, at least four people died when a large wave hit and capsized a dive boat carrying more than 30 tourists of various nationalities off Marsa Alam.

Deadly shark attacks are a near-yearly occurrence in Egypt's Red Sea, where marine experts warn unregulated construction, over-fishing, and irresponsible tourism practices contribute to changing the ecosystem and shark behaviour.

In June 2023, a shark attack killed a Russian off the Red Sea resort city of Hurghada.
Abortion has become more common despite bans or deep restrictions in most Republican-controlled states, and the legal and political fights over its future are not over yet.

It's now been two and a half years since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and opened the door for states to implement bans.

The policies and their impact have been in flux ever since the ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization.

Here's a look at data on where things stand:

Abortions are more common than before Dobbs

Overturning Roe and enforcing abortion bans has changed how woman obtain abortions in the United States.

One thing it hasn't done is put a dent in the number of abortions being obtained.

There have been slightly more monthly abortions across the country recently than there were in the months leading up to the June 2022 ruling, even as the number in states with bans dropped to near zero.

"Abortion bans dont actually prevent abortions from happening," said Ushma Upadhyay, a public health social scientist at the University of California San Francisco.

For women in some states, there are major obstacles to getting abortions  and advocates say that low-income, minority and immigrant women are least likely to be able to get them when they want.

For those living in states with bans, the ways to access abortion are through travel or abortion pills.

Pills become bigger part of equation  and legal questions

As the bans happened, abortion pills became a bigger part of the equation.

They were involved in about half the abortions before Dobbs. More recently, its been closer to two-thirds of them, according to research by the Guttmacher Institute.

The uptick of that kind of abortion, usually involving a combination of two drugs, was underway before the ruling.

But now, it's become more common for pill prescriptions to be made by telehealth. By the summer of 2024, about 1 in 10 abortions were via pills prescribed via telehealth to patients in states where abortion is banned.

As a result, the pills are now at the center of battles over abortion access.

This month, Texas sued a New York doctor for prescribing pills to a Texas woman via telemedicine. There's also an effort by Idaho, Kansas and Missouri to roll back their federal approvals and treat them as "controlled dangerous substances," and a push for the federal government to start enforcing a 19th-century federal law to ban mailing them.

Travel for abortion has increased

Clinics have closed or halted abortions in states with bans.

A network of efforts to get women seeking abortions to places where they're legal has strengthened and travel for abortion is now common.

The Guttmacher Institute found that more than twice as many Texas residents obtained abortions in 2023 in New Mexico as New Mexico residents did. And as many Texans received them in Kansas as Kansans.

Abortion funds, which benefitted from "rage giving" in 2022, helped pay the costs for many abortion-seekers. But some funds have had to cap how much they can give.

The ban that took effect in Florida this year has been a game-changer

Florida, the nations third most-populous state, began on May 1 enforcing a ban on abortions after the first six weeks of pregnancy.

That immediately changed the state from one that was a refuge for other Southerners seeking abortions to an exporter of people looking for them.

There were about 30% fewer abortions there in May compared with the average for the first three months of the year. And in June, there were 35% fewer.

While the ban is not unique, the impact is especially large. The average driving time from Florida to a facility in North Carolina where abortion is available for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy is more than nine hours, according to data maintained by Caitlin Myers, a Middlebury College economics professor.

Clinics have opened or expanded in some places

The bans have meant clinics closed or stopped offering abortions in some states.

But some states where abortion remains legal until viability  generally considered to be sometime past 21 weeks of pregnancy  have seen clinics open and expand.

Illinois, Kansas and New Mexico are among the states with new clinics.

There were 799 publicly identifiable abortion providers in the U.S. in May 2022, the month before the Supreme Court reversed Roe v. Wade. And by this November, it was 792, according to a tally by Myers, who is collecting data on abortion providers.

Myers said some hospitals that always provided some abortions have begun advertising it. So, theyre now in the count of clinics  even though they might provide few of them.

Lack of access to abortions during emergencies threatens patients' lives

How hospitals handle pregnancy complications, especially those that threaten the lives of the women, has emerged as a major issue since Roe was overturned.

President Joe Biden's administration said hospitals must offer abortions when they're needed to prevent organ loss, hemorrhage or deadly infections, even in states with bans. Texas is challenging the administrations policy and the U.S. Supreme Court this year declined to take it up after the Biden administration sued Idaho.

More than 100 pregnant women seeking help in emergency rooms were turned away or left unstable since 2022, The Associated Press found in an analysis of federal hospital investigative records.

Among the complaints were a woman who miscarried in the lobby restroom of Texas emergency room after staff refused to see her and a woman who gave birth in a car after a North Carolina hospital couldn't offer an ultrasound. The baby later died.

"It is increasingly less safe to be pregnant and seeking emergency care in an emergency department," Dara Kass, an emergency medicine doctor and former U.S. Health and Human Services official told the AP earlier this year.
Croatia's incumbent President Zoran Milanovic won most of the votes in the first round of a presidential election on Sunday but must face a runoff against a ruling party candidate to secure another five-year term.

With nearly all of the votes counted, left-leaning Milanovic won 49% while his main challenger Dragan Primorac, a candidate of the ruling conservative HDZ party, trailed far behind with 19%.

Pre-election polls had predicted that the two would face off in the second round on January 12, as none of the eight presidential election contenders were projected to get more than 50% of the vote.

Milanovic thanked his supporters but warned "this was just a first run."

"Let's not be triumphant, let's be realistic, firmly on the ground," he said. "We must fight all over again. It's not over till it's over."

Milanovic is an outspoken critic of Western military support for Ukraine in its war against Russia. He is often compared to Donald Trump for his combative style of communication with political opponents.

The most popular politician in Croatia, 58-year-old Milanovic has served as prime minister in the past. Populist in style, he has been a fierce critic of current Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic and continuous sparring between the two has marked Croatia's political scene lately.

Plenkovic, the prime minister, has sought to portray the vote as one about Croatia's future in the European Union and NATO. He has labeled Milanovic "pro-Russian" and a threat to Croatia's international standing.

"The difference between him and Milanovic is quite simple: Milanovic is leading us East, Primorac is leading us West," he said.

Though the presidency is largely ceremonial in Croatia, an elected president holds political authority and acts as the supreme military commander.

Milanovic has criticized the NATO and EU support for Ukraine and often has insisted that Croatia should not take sides. He has said Croatia should stay away from global disputes, though it is a member of both NATO and the EU.

Milanovic also has blocked Croatia's participation in a NATO-led training mission for Ukraine, declaring that "no Croatian soldier will take part in somebody else's war."

His main rival in the election, Primorac, has stated that "Croatia's place is in the West, not the East." His presidency bid, however, has been marred by a high-level corruption case that landed Croatia's health minister in jail last month and featured prominently in pre-election debates.

During the election campaign, Primorac has sought to portray himself as a unifier and Milanovic as divisive.

Primorac was upbeat despite such a big defeat in the first round.

"I know the difference (in votes) at first sight seems very big," said Primorac, who insisted that the center-right votes had split among too many conservative candidates.

"Now we have a great opportunity to face each other one on one and show who stands for what," he said.

Sunday's presidential election is Croatia's third vote this year, following a parliamentary election in April and the European Parliament balloting in June.
Islamic State group-linked ADF rebels have killed at least 21 people this week in the conflict-riven eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, local sources told AFP on Saturday.

The attacks all took place close to Manguredjipa, a town known for its rich mineral deposits and regularly targeted by the ADF.

On December 21, ADF rebels made an incursion into the village of Robinet, in the Bapere sector of North Kivu province, a local official said.

"They killed six people on the spot, then on December 22 they arrived at the neighboring village we call Kodjo where they killed 12 people," Macaire Sivikunula, a representative for the Bapere sector's governor, told AFP.

Then on Christmas Day, ADF fighters "arrived seven kilometers from Manguredjipa in the village called Makele and killed three people," Sivikunula added.

Multiple separate local sources confirmed the dates, locations and tolls of these attacks to AFP.

Originally from Uganda, the ADF, or Allied Democratic Forces, have been present since the mid-1990s in the DRC's restive northeast, where its fighters have killed thousands of civilians.

In 2019, the ADF pledged allegiance to IS.

The IS touts them as its Islamic State Central Africa Province and claims responsibility for some of the rebel group's attacks.

At the end of 2021, Uganda and the DRC launched a joint military operation against the ADF.

That offensive has so far proven unsuccessful in putting an end to the rebel attacks.

Both armies have pushed the rebels back into remote and inaccessible areas, where local civilians are often at their mercy.

Sivikunula said the Ugandan and Congolese armies were present and at work in Manguredjipa.

"But as the rebels are scattered in small groups of dispersed fighters, it's really difficult to pinpoint their location," he added.

North Kivu province also faces a separate rebel insurgency further south, with the Rwanda-backed M23 movement and the DRC's army locked in fighting all week following the failure of a peace summit in mid-December.

Home to vast mineral resources, the eastern DRC has been plagued by infighting between various armed groups for decades.
Efforts to release Italian journalist Cecilia Sala from prison in Iran are "complicated," Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Saturday.

Sala was detained on December 19 by police in Tehran and is being held in the city's notorious Evin prison, according to her employer.

"We are trying to resolve a complicated issue and to ensure in the meantime that Cecilia Sala is detained in the best possible conditions," Tajani said.

Asked when she might be released, he said "I hope shortly, but it does not depend on us."

"She is obviously detained, which is not ideal, but she is fed and in a single cell," he said.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's office said she was "following the complex affair" closely, and Rome was pursuing "all possible avenues of dialogue" to bring Sala home "as soon as possible."

Chora Media, an Italian podcast publisher for which Sala worked, said she had traveled from Rome to Iran on December 12 on a journalist visa, and was due to return on December 20.

But she went quiet on December 19 and then did not board her flight. Shortly afterwards she called her mother to say she had been arrested, it said.

"She was taken to Evin prison, where dissidents are held, and the reason for her arrest has not yet been formalized," Chora Media said in a statement Friday.

Sala also worked for Italian newspaper Il Foglio, which said she had been in Iran "to report on a country she knows and loves."

"Journalism is not a crime, even in countries that repress all freedoms, including those of the press. Bring her home," it said.

Sala, reported to be 29 years old, last posted on X on December 17, with a link to a podcast entitled "A conversation on patriarchy in Tehran."

She had previously reported from Ukraine.
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow might be enough to brighten some homes this holiday season. But others are adorned with thousands of blinking lights synched to blasting music, drawing crowds and bolstering both holiday and community spirit.

In a cul-de-sac in Mesa, Arizona, 14 homeowners have been going all out on holiday lights for the last 30 years in a tradition that hasn't been diminished by real estate turnover.

Those buying homes in the neighborhood often find the attics full of decor left behind as a gift from the previous owners, and despite cultural and religious differences, residents come together to create a festival of lights, Stephanie Castillo Price said.

"Everybody has been able to take their interpretation of the holidays and put it into a full circle," she said. "There's not somebody that's going to walk down the street and not feel included."

In Santa Clarita, California, residents of Wakefield Court decided to coordinate their holiday light displays as a way to bring some joy to their community after an earthquake. Now in its 30th year, the Wakefield Winter Wonderland includes inflatable figures and wooden cutouts of a variety of characters, from Mickey Mouse to Homer Simpson.

Bryan Cobb admits he initially was against buying a home in the neighborhood when he and his wife first viewed it.

"She started crying and said, 'But this is the Christmas street! I want to live there!' " he said. "She got her way. We live here, we love it. All the neighbors bond together."

In Edmond, Oklahoma, those looking to the western sky will easily spot the Miranda family's elaborate holiday light display featuring images and music from the movie "Wicked." Spotlights reminiscent of movie studio lights shoot up from the roof, while a singing witch's face takes shape across a towering tree.

"It just seemed like the perfect fit with a light show because you can really do the drama with the lights," said Elisabeth Miranda, who handles the programming while her husband, Mark, tackles installation. "It takes a very long time to set up. Every single bulb has a spot, a place, a number, so that when we program it, it does exactly what it needs to do at the right time."

The family started putting up holiday lights in 2015 and saw a surge in traffic after being featured on ABC's "The Great Christmas Light Fight." While most neighbors have been supportive, a few complaints prompted the couple to take a few years off before returning with a better plan to limit viewing hours and control traffic.

This year, they are collecting donations for the Oklahoma Fraternal Order of Police.

"They give so much back to our community, so that's our little way of saying thank you to them for everything they do for us," Miranda said.

Charity also is a component in Las Vegas, where Laura Walters and Lenny Standish are closing in on a four-year goal of collecting 10,000 pairs of socks and underwear for organizations that help homeless people.

Their display started during the COVID-19 pandemic with a single Christmas tree for community members to add ornaments. This year, they have three snow machines in addition to the lights and music.

"People are looking for joy," Walters said. "Our world is a tough place. So to be able to just come and feel just an incredible amount of love and happiness  it's peaceful. We've never had one problem here at all. Everyone's been highly respectful of our home and full of gratitude."

Richard Taylor of Kennesaw, Georgia, estimates that more than 40,000 people visit his display of 1.2 million lights each year.

"We bring joy to a lot of people," he said. "They walk around and they forget all their problems, and they just enjoy themselves."
India has shown no sign of complying with Bangladeshs formal request to extradite former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from New Delhi. Hasina fled to India during the massive student-led protests of her regime earlier this year.

The Bangladesh foreign affairs adviser Md. Touhid Hossain told local reporters earlier this week that the countrys interim government had informed India of their request to send Hasina back for a "judicial process."

India confirmed receiving the request. "At this time, we have no comment to offer on this matter," said Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for Indias Ministry of External Affairs, on Tuesday.

Foreign policy experts in India have hinted that Hasina may not be sent back to Bangladesh so easily.

Pinak Ranjan Chakravarty, former Indian high commissioner to Bangladesh, told VOA via WhatsApp that when Hasina was sent to India by the military for her own safety, there were no legal cases against her. This would complicate extradition, he said, because it is a judicial process that requires solid evidence of a crime.

"Moreover, the bilateral extradition treaty has political exception clauses as well as clauses for fair treatment and safety. Unless these conditions are fulfilled, extradition could be denied," Chakravarty added.

Officials belonging to Bangladeshs acting government said that Hasina committed several major crimes during her 15-year regime to hold onto power.

Bangladeshi student activist Nahid Islam, who serves as an adviser to the interim government, told VOA by phone that it is impossible to ensure proper democracy in the country until Hasina goes to trial.

Islam went on to recount the events of the July-August protests, where peaceful student demonstrations turned deadly after a violent crackdown from security forces, acting on Hasinas orders.

"More than 1,000 students and other protesters, and children, were killed during the July-August uprising. Hasina is the main accused in these cases," he said. "She must undergo trial in Bangladesh and be held answerable for her actions."

The Dhaka-based International Crime Tribunal, a court of justice that investigates and prosecutes domestic war crimes, has issued arrest warrants against Hasina and her associates. She has been accused of orchestrating a genocide during the 2024 protests, alongside other "crimes against humanity" throughout her 15-year reign.

Student leader Islam said that besides the crimes during the protests this year, Hasina is also responsible for several illegal acts during her regime.

"She led the government that orchestrated thousands of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. She is also accused of a massive level of malpractice during her regime," Islam told VOA."

Islam said the interim government will ensure justice for all the victims of the student protest mass killings, and other crimes spanning Hasinas regime.

"We believe it is our responsibility."

Zafar Sobhan, editor at the Bangladeshi English-language daily Dhaka Tribune, said the countrys demand for Hasinas extradition is not only justified but should be uncontroversial and agreeable to anyone who "cares about justice."

"Sheikh Hasina is credibly accused of extremely grave crimes. Apart from being accused in the killings of hundreds during the mass uprising against her misrule in July and August, and of other serious cases of abuse of power, extrajudicial killing, disappearances, as well as massive corruption and looting of the public exchequer during her rule," Sobhan told VOA by email.

Sobhan said Hasina must stand trial to send the message that no one is above the law, even when in power.

"Rulers need to know that there will be accountability for their misdeeds, otherwise Bangladesh will continue to suffer misrule," he said.

Sheikh Hasina, who has been staying around New Delhi reportedly at a residence provided by the Indian government, has not made any comment after Bangladesh sought her extradition from India.

But a senior leader of Hasinas Awami League party said that the charges against the ousted PM were "baseless."

"The allegations of human rights violations, including enforced disappearance and extrajudicial killings, and other so-called malpractices during the regime of [former] Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina are nothing but baseless propaganda. Since August 5 a long time has passed by but they have not been able to raise or prove any specific allegations against her or her government," Sofioul Alam Chowdhury Nadel, organizing secretary of Hasinas party, told VOA by text over WhatsApp.

Former Bangladeshi diplomat Khalilur Rahman said that it is irrefutable that Hasina committed "heinous crimes" that the world watched unfold in real time. He added that Bangladesh will hold her accountable, as they are obligated to follow the directions of the tribunal.

"We hope the Indian government will cooperate. Care should be taken to observe the extradition treaty between our two countries," Rahman told VOA by text over WhatsApp. He is the senior representative of the Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, who leads Bangladeshs interim government.

Student leader Islam added that the interim government would take recourse through all legal and diplomatic means to bring Hasina back to Bangladesh to face trial.

"India should cooperate in the process of the democratic transition in Bangladesh by extraditing Sheikh Hasina for trial in our country. That way we ... the two countries ... can bolster our diplomatic relationship," Islam said.

"India will side with fascism, and stand against democratization in Bangladesh, if it does not extradite Hasina," he added.

Jon Danilowicz, a retired U.S. diplomat who has served in Bangladesh, said that it is worthwhile for Bangladesh to pursue the request even if India refuses to extradite Hasina.

"This will serve as a constant reminder that Bangladesh will continue to seek justice. For its part, India will need to choose whether it stands with the Bangladeshi people or with the deposed dictator. Similarly, Bangladesh should press India to return Hasinas henchmen who have also sought refuge across the border," Danilowicz told VOA.

"Indias unwillingness to return these fugitives will be much more difficult to defend as it tries to position itself as a great power," Danilowicz said.
The following are a few key dates in the life of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, whose one term in office ran from 1977 to 1981:

 October 1, 1924: Jimmy Carter is born in the small town of Plains, Georgia

 1946: Graduates from the U.S. Naval Academy

 July 7, 1946: Marries Rosalynn Carter shortly after graduation

 1970: Elected governor of Georgia. The Democrat would go on to serve in that office from January 1971 until January 1975, when his White House campaign kicked into high gear

 November 2, 1976: Defeats Republican incumbent Gerald Ford in the presidential election

 January 20, 1977: Inaugurated as the 39th president of the United States

 September 17, 1978: Signing of the Camp David Accords under Carter's mediation, which would lead to a peace treaty between Israel and Egypt

 November 1980: Defeated by Republican challenger Ronald Reagan in the presidential election

 January 20, 1981: Leaves office, succeeded by Reagan

 1982: Founds the Carter Center, a non-governmental organization that focuses on conflict resolution and health initiatives

 2002: Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize

 December 29, 2024: Dies at home in Plains, Georgia, at age 100
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un held a key policy-setting meeting of the country's ruling party last week ahead of the new year, state media KCNA reported on Sunday.

The meeting of party and government officials decided that North Korea would launch the "toughest" strategy to counteract the United States for its security and national interests, the report said, without elaborating.

The alliance between South Korea, the U.S. and Japan has expanded to a "nuclear military bloc" and South Korea has become an "anti-communist outpost" for the U.S., the KCNA report added.

"This reality clearly shows to which direction we should advance and what we should do and how," it said.

The December 23-27 meeting also reviewed the handling of floods earlier this year, including the plan that brought those affected to Pyongyang, the capital, according to the report.

The reclusive state also vowed to promote relations with "friendly" countries during the meeting.

Kim also called for progress in defense, science and technology to bolster the country's war deterrence.

Such meetings often last a few days and have been used in recent years to make key policy announcements.

In a reshuffle, Pyongyang named Pak Thae Song, a party secretary, as a new premier to replace Kim Tok Hun.

Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui was named a member of the powerful Politburo of the party's Central Committee.

The 11th plenary session of the eighth central committee of the Workers' Party of Korea wraps up a year in which Russian President Vladimir Putin held a summit with Kim and signed a deal that included a mutual defense pledge.

Washington and Seoul have criticized the two countries' military cooperation, including what they say is a dispatch of North Korean troops to fight for Russia in its war against Ukraine.
Holding elections in Syria could take up to four years, Syria's de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa said in remarks broadcast Sunday, the first time he has commented on a possible electoral timetable since Bashar al-Assad was ousted this month.

Drafting a new constitution could take up to three years, Sharaa said in an interview with the Saudi state-owned broadcaster Al Arabiya. He also said it would take about a year for Syrians to see drastic changes.

The comment from Sharaa, who leads the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group that ousted Assad on Dec. 8, comes as the new government in Damascus has been seeking to reassure its neighbors that it has moved away from its roots in Islamist militancy.

The group's lightning campaign ended a 13-year civil war but has left a host of questions about the future of a multi-ethnic country where foreign states including Turkey and Russia have strong and potentially competing interests.

While Western powers largely welcomed the end of the Assad family rule in Syria, it remains unclear whether the group will impose strict Islamic rule or show flexibility and move towards democracy.

Sharaa said HTS, formerly known as the Nusra Front, would be dissolved at a national dialog conference.

When asked about dissolving the group, Sharaa said: "Of course. A country cannot be run by the mentality of groups and militias."

The group was once affiliated with Islamic State and al-Qaida but has since renounced both and sought to reposition itself as a force for moderation.

It has repeatedly vowed to protect minority groups, who fear the new rulers could seek to impose an Islamist government and has warned of attempts to incite sectarian strife.

According to Sharaa, the national dialog conference would include wide participation by Syrian society with votes on issues such as dissolving the parliament and the constitution.

On the situation in northeastern Syria, Sharaa said there are talks with all parties to resolve remaining disputes including with the U.S.-allied Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

"We reject Syria becoming a platform for the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) to launch attacks against Turkey," he said.

He said arms should only be under the control of the state, adding that the ministry of defense would welcome those capable of joining the army.

In the interview, Sharaa said Syria shared strategic interests with Russia, a close Assad ally during the long civil war which has military bases in the country, reiterating conciliatory signals his government has made previously.

Sharaa said this month that Syria's relations with Russia should serve common interests.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said the status of Russia's military bases would be the subject of negotiations with the new leadership in Damascus.

"It is a question not only of maintaining our bases or strongholds, but also of the conditions of their operation, maintenance and provision, and interaction with the local side," he said in an interview with Russian news agency RIA published Sunday.

Sharaa also said he hoped the administration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump would lift sanctions imposed on Syria. Senior U.S. diplomats who visited Damascus this month said Sharaa came across as pragmatic and that Washington has decided to remove a $10 million bounty on the HTS leader's head.

In response to a question about neighboring states' concerns over Islamist groups, he said: "We will not work on exporting the revolution. We want to manage the phase with the mentality of the state and not revolution," he said, reiterating that they are keen on establishing strategic relations with all regional states.
MUNICH (Reuters) - Siemens AG is reviewing its majority stake in medical technology subsidiary Siemens Healthineers,, the German technology group's Chief Financial Officer Ralf Thomas told the Handelsblatt newspaper.

The synergies with the manufacturer of MRI machines and laboratory systems are not great enough to justify a capital commitment of 45 billion euros ($46.91 billion), Thomas told Handelsblatt, referring to how much Siemens' 75% equity stake is worth.

"We are evaluating the economic opportunities for Siemens AG in the healthcare sector. We will then derive from this how instrumental Healthineers is as an investment. And then we will draw a conclusion from that," he said, adding that the results will be presented at a capital markets day at the end of 2025.

Siemens AG spun off the Erlangen, Germany-based subsidiary in 2018 and floated it on the stock exchange. Until now, Siemens had maintained it would keep the majority stake in Siemens Healthineers.

However, Thomas recently held out the prospect of selling around 5% in the foreseeable future to finance the takeover of U.S. software company Altair.

Thomas said he remained committed to the Mobility train division, which investors have repeatedly called to be spun off.

"The business is in good hands with us. I don't see any need for us to part with it at the moment," he told Handelsblatt.

($1 = 0.9592 euros)

(Reporting by Alexander Huebner, Writing by Miranda Murray; Editing by Rod Nickel)
Syria's embassy in Lebanon suspended consular services Saturday, a day after two relatives of deposed Syrian President Bashar Assad were arrested at the Beirut airport with allegedly forged passports.

Also on Saturday, Lebanese authorities handed over dozens of Syrians  including former officers in the Syrian army under Assad  to the new Syrian authorities after they were caught illegally entering Lebanon, a war monitor and Lebanese officials said.

The embassy announced on its Facebook page that consular work was suspended "until further notice" at the order of the Syrian foreign ministry. The announcement did not give a reason for the suspension.

Two Lebanese security officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly, said the suspension was ordered because the passports belonging to Assad's relatives  the wife and daughter of one of his cousins  were believed to have been forged at the embassy.

Assad's uncle, Rifaat Assad  who has been indicted in Switzerland on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity  had flown out the day before on his real passport and was not stopped, the officials said.

The U.K.-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported Saturday that 70 Syrians, including former army officers, were handed over by a Lebanese security delegation to the security forces of the new Syrian government, led by the former insurgent group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. Three Lebanese judicial officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the report.

HTS leader Ahmad al-Sharaa has largely succeeded in calming fears that his group would unleash collective punishment against communities that supported Assad's rule or attempt to impose strict Islamic law on the country's religious minorities.

However, in recent days, sporadic clashes have broken out between the HTS-led security forces and pro-Assad armed groups. The country's new security forces have launched a series of raids targeting officials affiliated with Assad and have set up checkpoints in areas with significant populations of the Alawite religious minority, to which the former president belongs, to search for weapons.

There have also been ongoing tensions and clashes in northeastern Syria between Kurdish-led forces and armed groups backed by Turkey. Many Kurds have viewed the new order in Damascus, which appears to have strengthened Turkey's hand in Syria, with anxiety.

Ankara sees the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces  a key U.S. ally in the fight against the Islamic State group  as an affiliate of its sworn enemy, the Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK, which it classifies as a terrorist organization.

The U.S. State Department said Saturday that Secretary of State Antony Blinken had spoken with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to "discuss the latest developments in Syria."

"Secretary Blinken emphasized the need to support a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process that upholds human rights and prioritizes an inclusive and representative government," the statement said, adding that they "also discussed the shared goal of preventing terrorism from endangering the security" of Turkey and Syria.

On Saturday, hundreds of protesters convened by Kurdish women's groups participated in a demonstration in the northeastern city of Hasaka to demand women's rights in the new Syria.

While the country's new leaders have not attempted to impose Islamic dress or other conventions, it remains to be seen what role women will have in the new order and whether they will hold political or government positions.

"Women must be present in the new constitution for Syria," said Rihan Loqo, spokeswoman for the Kongra Star women's organization. "... Women's rights should not be ignored."
The U.K. will end a tax exemption for private schools Wednesday, the center-left Labour government has announced, in a move set to raise over 1.5 billion ($1.9 billion) for public education.

After years of worsening educational inequalities, from Jan. 1, private schools will have to pay 20% value added tax on tuition fees, which will be used to fund thousands of new teachers and improve standards in state schools.

"It's time things are done differently," finance minister Rachel Reeves said in a statement Sunday.

The funding will "go towards our state schools where 94% of this country's children are educated," she said.

The policy was promised by Labour in its election campaign and officially laid out in its inaugural budget in October.

It hopes the move will bring in $1.9 billion for the 2025-2026 school year and rise to $2.1 billion a year by 2029-30, which will be used to fund 6,500 new teachers in the public sector.

Tuition fees in private schools already average $22,600 a year, according to the Independent Schools Council, which represents private schools.

That figure is set to rise, with the government estimating that tuition fees will increase by around 10%, with schools taking on part of the additional cost.

"High and rising standards cannot just be for families who can afford them," said education secretary Bridget Phillipson.

Opponents of the reform say state school enrolment will explode if the private sector is lost, increasing the cost to the government.

But studies contradict this.

The Institute for Fiscal Studies calculated that the number of children in state schools will actually fall by 2030 due to a projected population decline.

Several research centers also point out that the disparity between private and state schools widened sharply under the 14-year Conservative rule.

The Labour government won a landslide election in July promising to boost economic growth and improve public services.
A female pygmy hippopotamus delivered a healthy calf at the Metro Richmond Zoo earlier this month, officials said  the third baby hippo born at the zoo within the past five years.

The mother, Iris, gave birth to the female calf on December 9 following a seven-month gestation, zoo officials said. The newborn, who has yet to be named, is the third calf for Iris and the father, Corwin.

One of the calves born previously was also a December baby, the zoo said.

"Most people don't get a hippopotamus for Christmas at all, so we feel lucky to have received two over the years," zoo officials said in a news release Tuesday.

Five days after her birth, the baby had a neonatal exam and weighed 6.8 kilograms. Officials said that fully grown pygmy hippos can weigh up to 270 kilograms.

According to the Richmond-area zoo, pygmy hippos are an endangered West African species, and only 2,500 mature hippos remain in the wild. Officials said pygmy hippos are distinctive from regular hippos because they do not live in groups and are usually solitary or in pairs.

"For this reason, once Iris' two previous calves grew up, they were moved to other zoological facilities to live with future mates and continue contributing to the conservation of their species," the news release said.
Cecilia Sala detained at Evin prison in Tehran.

Italy's foreign minister Antonio Tajani said on Saturday that the case of the Italian journalist Cecilia Sala imprisoned in Iran is "complicated" but said he hoped she would be released shortly.

The 29-year-old reporter, who works for Il Foglio newspaper and podcast company Chora Media, was detained in Tehran on 19 December but her arrest was only made public on Friday.

Tajani said that Rome was working for Sala's release and to ensure in the meantime that she is "detained in the best possible conditions", noting that she was being held in a "single cell" at the notorious Evin prison.

In a post on X, Italian defence minister Guido Crosetto said Sala's arrest was unacceptable and that "Italy is working tirelessly to free her, pursuing every avenue."

Sala's podcast publisher Chora Media also called for her release, saying in a statement: "She was taken to Evin prison, where dissidents are held, and the reason for her arrest has not yet been formalized."

Sala travelled to Iran "with a valid journalistic visa and the protections of a journalist on assignment", Chora Media stated, adding that she conducted several interviews and produced three episodes of the Stories podcast for Chora News.

She was arrested in Tehran on 19 December, the day before she was due to leave the country, and has since been held in solitary confinement at Evin prison.

Photo credit: GIO_LE / Shutterstock.com.
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A growing trend has emerged in the aftermath of Florida's historic hurricane season: investors are snatching up hurricane-damaged homes, particularly in neighborhoods like St. Petersburg's Shore Acres.

Fox 13 Tampa Bay first reported on this on Dec. 13, highlighting both the opportunities and risks of this phenomenon. While some see this as an opportunity to rebuild and revitalize, others are raising red flags about the quality of repairs  and whether future buyers will unknowingly inherit homes with hidden issues.

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Albert Jasuwan of JAS Builders explained to Fox 13 that many investors are focused on waterfront properties now valued at $800,000 or less. "The main thing investors are focusing on is lifting homes and rebuilding them," Jasuwan said. The emphasis on rebuilding has made these properties attractive to investors hoping to flip them for a profit.

In Shore Acres, the numbers tell a clear story. Kevin Batdorf, a local realtor and president of the Shore Acres Civic Association, shared that of the 40 homes sold in the neighborhood since the hurricane, 38 were purchased by investors. "My biggest concern is that investors are going in and, as we say in the business, slapping lipstick on a pig to resell them," Batdorf said.

The phrase "slapping lipstick on a pig" highlights concerns that some of these repairs may be superficial, leaving deeper structural or water damage unresolved.

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For buyers, this could mean costly surprises, particularly when securing insurance for these homes. "The biggest concern is for the person who buys it from the investor because they won't be aware of how bad the damage was and may not be able to get insurance," Batdorf warned.

Florida's home insurance market is in a tough spot and recent hurricanes have only worsened things. Homeowners are facing skyrocketing premiums, with some seeing increases as high as 400% over the past few years.
What will the new year bring? Based on this year, we can expect a wild ride. Here are 25 predictions for 2025.

1) President Trump, having run out of relatives to appoint to high office, will leave politics to spend less time with his family.

2) Raygun will continue to be the biggest source of family arguments since the COVID mandates, with the only allowed views being angel or devil.

3) Prince Andrew, revealed as a close contact of both a convicted paedophile and an alleged Chinese spy, will admit that hes in the pay of the Australian Republican movement, as its the only way to explain the last five years.
More than 500,000 people are predicted to spend New Years Eve in Melbournes CBD, and authorities say they are ready to put on a big show but also crack down on troublemakers.

The fireworks and laser show at midnight will be the centrepiece of the evening. Police and Community Safety Minister Anthony Carbines said the event would bring in $18 million and be visible from as far as Ferntree Gully and Frankston.

New Years fireworks in Melbourne a year ago. Credit: AAP

Family-friendly celebration zones will also operate from 6pm at Treasury Gardens, Flagstaff Gardens, the Shrine of Remembrance and Docklands with localised fireworks shows set for 9.30pm viewable at each site. Public transport across Melbourne will be free from 6pm until 6am to get revellers to and from the city safely.

Melbourne Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece urged people to make the most of the occasion and enjoy the celebration zones, which will feature DJs, music and other festivities, plus views of the fireworks.
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 Opposition Leader Peter Dutton recently admitted he was holding something back. Dutton was in Sydney earlier this month, standing alongside Liberal northern beaches candidates who hope to win back the teal-held seats of Warringah and Mackellar, and he was asked if his partys nuclear policy costings were being held back to avoid scrutiny over Christmas. Nope, came the blunt answer, he was just letting the government kick another own goal. Therell be plenty of time to scrutinise. Were not releasing it on the day of the election, Dutton said. Part of the reason that theres been a delay is weve gone to announce it a few times, to be honest, and the governments latest disaster has happened on that day where weve decided that well let people concentrate on how bad the Albanese government is. Dutton knows when to hold back and when to let rip for a ready headline, but his aversion to detail could prove a liability next year when he has to persuade the voters hes prime ministerial material. In 2024, if the polls are any guide, Dutton is in with a real chance to win the next election, forging forward as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese loses ground. This months Resolve Political Monitor showed the Coalitions primary vote fell by one percentage point to 38, Labors fell by three percentage points to 27 per cent and 35 per cent of voters nominated another party. This would almost certainly deliver a hung parliament on election day, with either side potentially able to cobble together minority government.

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Dutton needs to win 21 seats to claim 76 seats and govern in majority  a huge mountain to climb  but a 70-seat minority Coalition government is possible, supported by a clutch of independent MPs  including but not limited to Dai Le, Helen Haines, Rebekha Sharkie, Andrew Gee, Bob Katter and Allegra Spender. Dutton has been mostly gaffe-free (its hard to imagine him repeating his 2015 joke about Pacific Islanders being hit by climate change) and on message. He speaks in short, declarative sentences and quickly stamps out spot fires, such as when he quashed the abortion debate last month just as high-profile conservative Jacinta Nampijinpa Price said late-term terminations should be on the agenda. I support a womans right to choose, he said in a rare phone call to ABCs Radio National. Ive been in very difficult circumstances where, as a detective working in the sex offenders squad, Ive dealt with women in domestic relationships who have been raped; its a very, very difficult situation. Ultimately, thats a choice and a decision for that individual to make, and thats the position I support. Peter Dutton dropped his opposition to stage 3 tax cuts when the changes proved too popular to fight. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Jenny Ware, a NSW moderate Liberal MP and the only current Liberal MP who chose to speak on the record for this piece, is not a natural ally of Dutton but she praises him for the job he has done, particularly in the last nine months as Labor has gone odd on tangents. Peter has called out antisemitism in Australia, at universities et cetera. He is now representing the quiet majority of Australians on this and other issues, she says.

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A year ago, even if people werent happy with Albanese, they were saying Dutton isnt ready. But the dial has shifted to Peter being electable and I think that all of the attacks Labor has launched on him havent worked. History proved Dutton right when he chose to oppose the Voice to Parliament in 2023, but he demonstrated political judgment again at the start of January 2024, when he quickly dropped his broken promises attack on the changes to stage 3 tax cuts after it became clear that most voters didnt care about discarded election pledges if they got more money in their pockets. The opposition leader has savaged Labor on its handling of immigration policy following the High Courts NZYQ decision and prosecuted the case for reduced migration, linking the issue to housing shortages successfully, too. On the number one issue concerning most voters, the cost of living, he has mauled Labor while offering scant detail about how he would fix it. He picks his moments on when to lob culture war hand grenades, too, cannily tossing them at big corporates, such as accusing Woolworths of peddling a woke agenda on Australia Day, or starting an argument about which flags should be displayed behind a prime minister, pulling focus for 24 hours and then walking away. But for a former cop with a strongman persona, Dutton doesnt like scrutiny and he doesnt always front up. While he gives friendly interviews with commercial radio hosts, appearances on the ABC and long-form newspaper interviews are strictly rationed. When he does front up at a press conference its more often than not in a far-flung outer suburban seat or in a regional town, far from metropolitan newsrooms. Tracked down at these remote locations, he has proved brittle, taking a belligerent approach to questions asked by young reporters, especially if they happen to work for the ABC.

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The long-awaited launch of his nuclear power policy costings last week was a case in point: it was released at a small press conference in Brisbane with subject-matter-expert reporters thousands of kilometres away in Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne. The contrast with Bowen and Albanese fronting up in Canberra in 2021 with their climate change policy costings was stark. As the election approaches, there are more questions to be answered on the detail of what exactly a Coalition government would do on tax, industrial relations, health and education. The seven Coalition MPs who spoke to this masthead on background to inform this piece are dreaming of, at worst, a minority Labor government and some are even canvassing a return to government after one term. Dutton has enjoyed an unusual period of stability for a first-term opposition leader, assisted by the loss of Josh Frydenberg and many other Liberal moderates in May 2022 and the high number of conservative MPs and Queenslanders in the party room (usually but not always the same thing). But as one of those seven anonymous Liberal MPs points out, Dutton read the riot act on abortion to the party room, for example, and that was important. And he has read the room on [Australias commitment to] net zero. He is holding the line, despite what the Nationals might want. He has done an amazing job holding the government to account but he has to present enough of an alternative. His shadow front bench  Is everyone ready? I dont think so.

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As the MP put it: Policy is where Peter goes from an A+ to a B and the loss of senior moderates Simon Birmingham and Paul Fletcher  both experienced policy wonks  makes it harder. Loading A veteran MP who asked not to be named, says Dutton has performed better than his mentor Tony Abbott and in a more difficult environment, as Albaneses team is not divided like the Labor government of the Rudd-Gillard-Rudd years. Abbotts approach was just kill, kill, kill belligerence, and he had a fractured government to work with. He [Dutton] is not small or big target, hes smart target, he picks his issues. The discipline with which he has shaped discussion of policies he wants to talk about and the sequence in which he has launched them shows very shrewd judgment, the veteran says. Nuclear policy has been Duttons biggest policy gamble to date and, while the announcement strategy managed to minimise scrutiny on the numbers, both Dutton and treasury spokesman Angus Taylor have over-reached in recent days, perhaps deliberately, by claiming the nuclear plan will lower power bills by 44 per cent, despite the costings explicitly stating they had not modelled electricity price impacts. Labor believes this rhetorical overreach creates an opening for attack; the Coalition believes voters eyes will glaze over the fight on detail and bets a he said, she said fight will be a scoreless draw, which suits Dutton fine. Although polling shows Albanese is not rated by voters, nor is he hated, Duttons charge to the Lodge could come unstuck if he attempts to skate through on a trust us, we will fix it vibe because voters, at this stage, arent desperate to defenestrate the government.

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US presidents Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton could also be said to have picked the right time to be born and, thanks to term limits in the US, also the right time to leave office. Reagan performed a necessary service in deregulating a sclerotic US economy, mired in stagflation, while presiding over the end of the Cold War.

Former German chancellor Angela Merkel recently released her memoir . She, without a doubt, picked the right time to be born. She was 35 when the Berlin Wall fell, creating a cause  an East German voice and self-determination in reunifying with the West  that impelled her into politics. She was undeniably smart, but also the right age and the right symbolic vehicle to catch chancellor Helmut Kohls eye and become his protegee. In just under 15 years, she became chancellor. If shed left after one term  two at most  her greatness would never have been questioned. But after that, her legacy as a crucial advocate for East Germans in the process of unification and her historic ascent was overwritten by a series of decisions that have turned out to be disastrous for Germany, economically and geostrategically.

Great politicians seem to have two main things in common: they pick the right time to be born and they pick the right time to leave office. Everything in between will be recast in their favour if they only get these two things right.

Anthony Albanese also picked the right time to be born: at the beginning of the 60s, as the fruits of a social revolution against the rigid morality of the war generation were ripe and not yet spoiled. He was a beneficiary of the blossoming of the self-actualisation century, in which the chains of the traditional family were being rejected, to be replaced by a paternal social welfare state. As the child of a single mother, his timing was especially fortuitous; he and his mother were poor, but in highly relative terms historically. They lived in government-owned housing and his mother was entitled to (and received) a disability pension, as she was unable to work. His own university degree  nominally in political economy, mainly in ruthless campus politics  was free (to him, but of course not the taxpayer).

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Albanese was, as it were, born into a cause: to call for more of this, which made him possible: more social solidarity delivered by the state to replace the sticky ties of family and community obligation that had been found to be unreasonably oppressive by his generation and some in the one before it. Though it wasnt visible at the time  transformations of this kind are mostly visible only with the benefit of hindsight  Albanese was in on the ground floor of the transformation of Labor from the party of the worker to the party of the left-liberal, the party of welfare.

Operating the politics of this movement, Albanese gained the respect of his colleagues and parts of the public. In retrospect, his ideal moment to leave, with this legacy at its zenith, might have been the day in 2013 when he fronted cameras to lament the self-harm playing out within the Labor Party during yet another spill of the Rudd-Gillard-Rudd era.

Had he left then, he would have gone out channelling the disgust of Australians at the shenanigans of self-absorbed politicians, an avatar and hero of the people. Or maybe he could even have drawn it out a little longer and left a few years later, at the height of his everyman identity (according to The Daily Telegraph, which campaigned to Save our Albo in the face of a challenge to his seat from a group of further-left candidates).
Live like royalty, trumpeted the listing, and with a price guide of $450,000, this home meant the purchaser would not be held to a kings ransom. Loading The Queensland property was Domains most-viewed home of the week in July. On a block of more than 1200 square metres, the palatial home could well have been Australias best entry-level mansion, even in a market where the five-year price growth has spiked impressively. It is not known if the property transacted, as the listing has been shelved.

Moree, New South Wales If you owned a tool belt and had gumption, here was a jaw-dropper  a house for less than the price of a hatchback. The home in Moree was destroyed by a fire, the listing explains, presenting as a land value proposition. The property sold for $20,000  one-fifteenth the median house price in the NSW town at the time.

The bargain listing, agency Ray White Rural Moree said, had general residential zoning, in a regional hub where there are daily flight and rail links to Sydney. Sydneys median house price is $1.65 million. Coober Pedy, South Australia Australias least expensive five-bedroom home was listed with a red-hot price of $50,000. It traded for $45,000 in April.

The location is one of the most iconic in Australia, and is suited to a particular type of buyer. Lot 348 Big Johns Road is in Coober Pedy, an outback mining town with a landscape that has been described as the closest thing on Earth to living on the moon. Many reside underground because of the heat. The home was dated, the listing said, but for a buyer who wanted to seek their fortune in the opal capital of the world, it was ripe to be customised. Queenstown, Tasmania

To buy a property for well below the typical Australian house price, set your radar on Tasmanias award-winning west coast. Loading Tassies increasingly popular Queenstown  which won Australias Top Small Tourism Town award for 2023  boasted a crop of listings for under $400,000. At this top end, the properties presented as character-filled and stylish. This listing is a charming buttercream property, offered by a motivated seller who wants to move on with the next phase of her life. The price? $298,000.

Noble Park, Melbourne Sold, for $86,000. No, you are not imagining it  an apartment in a capital city suburb fetched just that. The address in Melbournes Noble Park was whisked off the market for less than the price of a prestige car. The studio apartment, which sold on August 15, was reaping $913 per month in rent, the Ray White listing said.
Altria (NYSE: MO) owns the Marlboro brand, which has a roughly 41% market share in North America. That's huge and highlights the company's dominance in this geographic region. But the downside here is that Altria is only operating in this single region. If history is any guide, Altria's cigarette business will continue to worsen over the next three years.

Altria may have made a big mistake

A few years back, Altria spun off Philip Morris International as a separate company. Altria retained its North American operations while Philip Morris International ended up with the business outside of North America. The end result was to create a business that was being operated as a cash cow (Altria) and one that had more opportunity for growth (Philip Morris International). In fairness, that's basically what investors got, noting that Altria' dividend yield is a lofty 7.5% while Philip Morris International's yield is a far more modest 4.3%.

Image source: Getty Images.

But there's some bad news here, too. Altria's cigarette volume fell 10.6% through the first nine months of 2024. Over the same span, Philip Morris International's volume rose 0.5%. To be fair, a 0.5% volume increase isn't exactly hitting it out of the park, but compared to a decline of 10.6% any positive number looks pretty darn good.

In the end, what this comparison highlights is that Altria spun off the strongest part of its business -- one that would have helped to offset the volume declines it is experiencing in North America. But that's just the beginning of the story. Philip Morris International has now entered North America with non-cigarette nicotine products. That's an area to which Altria is looking for growth, as it attempts to offset the declines it is experiencing in its core cigarette product. So Altria also created a competitor in its home market when it spun off Philip Morris International.

How bad is it for Altria?

In 2020, when cigarette volumes benefited from pandemic-related lockdowns, Altria's cigarette volume fell 0.4%. That was a high point, with the volume declines in 2021, 2022, and 2023 coming in at 7.5%, 9.7%, and 9.9%, respectively. Now add the drop of 10.6% through the first nine months of 2024 to that trend and you can see that Altria's cigarette business is getting worse, not better.

Extend the 10% decline out three years from the third quarter of 2024 and quarterly volume will fall from 18.2 billion cigarettes to around 16.4 billion in the third quarter of 2025. Go two years out and the quarterly volume number declines to about 14.7 billion in 2026. Three years out brings the quarterly volume down to a bit below 13.3 billion in 2027. These are back of the envelope numbers, but a 10% rate of decline is clearly very bad.
Members of Westport-Belmullet Municipal District have called on Mayo Co Council to find a solution to ensure that local rivers are maintained so that storms do not lead to persistent flooding.

Independent Cllr John OMalley, who has repeatedly highlighted the issue, told last week's municipal meeting that flooding during the recent Storm Darragh meant several families in Carrowholly, near Westport, had to transport children to school in a tractor box.

That is the way they had to get to work and to school. A young fellow I spoke to said the water was very deep, around 3ft deep, and was only going down very slowly. Members of Mayo County Council were working there and the whole area was like a sea and the reason behind this is because local rivers are not being cleaned.

The Westport councillor told management it had got to a stage where the council must intervene, stating: I think it is your duty. The man in this particular family sent me a note saying we need help and pleading, please help.

"At the last meeting, I mentioned a similar situation in Kilmeena. We have to make this a nationwide thing. The Irish Farmers Association said it is willing to take on the fight but there must be a combined effort in every county to get the Government to see that drainage works are needed on rivers."

Cllr OMalley said claims by fisheries and nature conservation bodies that drainage works would negatively affect wildlife had no basis, adding: The wildlife is much more clever than they are given credit for and will move if they have to. The proof of this was clear when they were doing the new road to Newport. The badgers moved; they didnt die; they made new sets and survived. So it didnt kill them and it wont kill any wildlife to clean the river either.

Louisburgh Cllr Chris Maxwell supported the call, saying that the Carrowniskey river has flooded twice more since the council meeting in November.

"The crux of the problem is cleaning the rivers. We need to get a comprehensive plan between Mayo County Council and the Office of Public Works or whoever it relates to. Its only common sense to cut the bushes along the river. The machinery is there, all you need is a good digger, and one of those fantastic machines with three shears which is unbelievable and so efficient.

"Its not going to cost a fortune and needs to be done.

Cllr Maxwell said farmers in the Erriff Valley had lost a large number of sheep due to the flooding while another man's "whole farm is covered in gravel and sand for want of the fisheries to manage the river".

Head of the district Seamus OMongain told members that the rivers in question were under the management of the councils environment section, which was considering the issues articulated at the previous meeting.

I cannot give a timeline but I know they are investigating some of these rivers already, he said.
The Chinese military on Sunday conducted combat readiness patrols in the surrounding areas of and airspace over the territorial waters of China's Huangyan Dao.

The Chinese People's Liberation Army Southern Theater Command said that since December, the troops have organized naval and air forces to continuously strengthen patrol in waters and airspace surrounding the territorial waters of Huangyan Dao, and further strengthen relevant maritime and airspace control and management.

According to the statement, the move aims to resolutely safeguard China's sovereignty and security, and to uphold peace and stability in the South China Sea.
The Wall Street subway stop Getty images

Investors have grown concerned that the stock market is overvalued.

But the market may have less risk than feared, a ProShares analyst told Bloomberg TV.

There is much less leverage in stocks than 20 years ago, he said.

While mega-cap tech stocks have led the S&P 500 to record highs, the market now hovers at valuations some consider to be extremely over-priced. That might be a pointless worry, a ProShares Advisors strategist said.

"It comes down to the following surprise: there is a lot less leverage in the stock market than there was just 20 years ago," Simeon Hyman told Bloomberg TV on Friday.

In a note published last week, the global investment strategist acknowledged that stocks were expensive. Typically, a stock's trailing price-to-earnings multiple would trade between 18x to 20x amid current Treasury yield levels  instead, the ratio hovers at around 25X.

Other indicators further highlight that market valuations have reached historical extremes.

Despite these conditions, Hyman outlined that low market debt levels can diminish risks associated with an elevated P/E multiple. Compared to 20 years ago, the S&P 500 net debt/EBITDA has fallen from 5x to 1x.

The note also found that today's equities are raking in high returns from assets, and not from debt-fueled growth. This indicates underlying profitability, Hyman said.

"The significant decline in leverage of the S&P 500 and the robustness of today's profitability (due in part to the technology sector) suggests that at least some of the exuberance that drove expanding multiples may, in fact, be rational," Hyman wrote.

Still, overstretched market conditions have increasingly unsettled investors this year, catching the attention of Wall Street heavy-hitters such as David Einhorn. In October, the billionaire hedge fund manager warned that traders were fueling the most expensive market in decades.

That's not to say the market is in a bubble, he wrote, and analysts largely agree that investors should stay exposed to the US market. However, calls for a correction have amplified this month, especially if the top "Magnificent Seven" tech stocks surrender recent gains.

Given the heavy concentration in these mega-cap names, a 2025 earnings miss could "turn the market," Matt Powers, managing partner at Powers Advisory Group, told CNBC. Therefore, investors should emphasize diversification next year, even if tech growth remains strong.

Even without a correction, traders may need to brace for weaker returns if Mag 7 momentum turns flat. Generally, Wall Street institutions expect the S&P 500 to keep climbing, with an average year-end price target of about 6,539.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Xac minh 'than y' chua ung thu bang phuong phap 'truyen nang luong' "Than y" Nguyen Van Kien (trai) lam viec voi co quan chuc nang - Anh: Cong an cung cap Ngay 28-2, ong Nguyen Tuong Duy - chu tich UBND xa Hai Yang (huyen ak oa, Gia Lai) - cho hay ang phoi hop cac co quan chuc nang xac minh truong hop nguoi xung...

An Giang lien tiep xuat hien mua trai mua

Mua bat chot giua cao iem ma kh khien nguoi dn bat ngo. Theo ng Luu Van Ninh, Gim oc i Kh tuong Thuy van tinh An Giang, nguyn nhn cua hien tuong ny l do nhieu ong nhiet oi trn cao trong ieu kien La Nina ket hop cua ra pha Nam khoi khng kh lanh...
Chinese President Xi Jinping attends the Conference Marking the 70th Anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and delivers an important speech titled "Carrying Forward the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and Jointly Building a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind" at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, June 28, 2024. [Xinhua/Zhang Ling]





With those maxims, Xi reaffirmed China's commitment that the country welcomes all parties to continue riding the "express train" of its development, grow together with the Chinese economy, and jointly contribute to peaceful development, mutually beneficial cooperation, and common prosperity.

BEIJING, Dec. 28 (Xinhua)  Throughout the year of 2024, Chinese President Xi Jinping attended three major diplomatic events hosted in China and made four significant overseas visits, consistently calling for stronger win-win cooperation to build a better world.

Esteemed a masterly communicator, Xi incorporated into his talks, speeches and articles a string of well-known Chinese and foreign maxims, which offer a unique glimpse into his international insights and global vision.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, hold talks at Elysee Palace in Paris, France, May 6, 2024. [Xinhua/Yin Bogu]



Strategic Independence

"A man of true moral integrity is one who is both friendly but independent, and who does not compromise his principles, and who is independent without any bias or taking sides. How unflinchingly firm he is in his strength!"

In a signed article published prior to his visit to France in May, Xi quoted the saying by ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius, which was recorded in "The Doctrine of the Mean," one of the hallowed Four Books of classical Chinese philosophy.

In a conversation with one of his most faithful disciples millenniums ago, Confucius uttered those words to emphasize the importance of independence besides affability, moderation, and other virtues.

Over 2,000 years later, Confucius' teaching was echoed by French writer Romain Rolland, whose observation was also cited in Xi's article: "It is so much easier to allow oneself to be guided than it is to think for oneself. This abdication is the kernel of the mischief."

Quoting both Confucius and Rolland, the Chinese leader stressed that both China and France value independence as two major countries. French President Emmanuel Macron, for his part, has on many occasions also repeated his country's adherence to independence.

As Xi said in the article, now with the two countries standing at a new historical starting point, it is time for them to join hands to push for greater progress in bilateral relations and more benefits for the two nations and the broader world.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan, together with international guests attending the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), enter the venue for a welcome banquet held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 4, 2024. [Xinhua/Liu Bin]



True Friends Never Apart

The 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), held in Beijing in September, marked a significant milestone in China-Africa relations.

In his toast at the welcoming banquet of the summit, Xi quoted a Chinese poem written by Tang Dynasty poet Zhang Jiuling: "True friends always feel close to each other, no matter the distance between them."

Reflecting on his heartwarming interactions with African leaders over the years, Xi commended the enduring China-Africa bond. "China-Africa friendship remains robust and is growing stronger through generations, no matter how the world changes," he said.

"The China-Africa community with a shared future is deeply rooted in our traditional friendship. Since the mid-20th century, we have been fighting shoulder to shoulder imperialism, colonialism, and hegemonism, and advancing hand in hand along the path of development, revitalization, and modernization," Xi noted.

The following day, in his keynote speech at the summit's opening ceremony, Xi referred to an African proverb: "A friend is someone you share the path with," highlighting that no country should be left behind on the journey to modernization.

During the summit, China proposed 10 partnership actions to be implemented over the next three years, and forged or elevated strategic partnerships with 30 African countries, underscoring its commitment to further deepening cooperation and friendship with Africa.

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers an important speech under the title "Shouldering Responsibility to Our Times And Jointly Promoting Asia-Pacific Development" at the 31st APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting at the Lima Convention Center in Lima, Peru, Nov. 16, 2024. [Xinhua/Xie Huanchi]



Toward Shared Prosperity Together

"A man of virtue, while establishing himself and pursuing success, also works to help others establish themselves and succeed," Xi said at the 31st APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Lima, citing Confucius. Then he continued to quote a similar Latin American adage: "The only way to be profitably national is to be generously universal."

With those maxims, Xi reaffirmed China's commitment that the country welcomes all parties to continue riding the "express train" of its development, grow together with the Chinese economy, and jointly contribute to peaceful development, mutually beneficial cooperation, and common prosperity.

As he pointed out, the third plenary session of the 20th Communist Party of China Central Committee, held earlier this year, laid out systematic plans to advance Chinese modernization, which will not only boost China's development but provide new opportunities for the Asia-Pacific region and the world at large.

Over the past decades since it adopted the policy of reform and opening up, China has made remarkable progress. Now as the world's second-largest economy, it has been actively working with its global partners to boost shared development.

Addressing the conference marking the 70th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence in June, Xi referred to three maxims from different cultures to urge the international community, particularly the Global South, to work together in pursuit of shared prosperity.

Besides the Latin American one he mentioned months later at the APEC meeting, a Chinese saying goes, "The benevolent treat others with love, and the wise share with others benefits," and an Arab proverb teaches, "With unity, the fire grows; without unity, the fire extinguishes."

"In the era of economic globalization," Xi stressed at the event, "what is needed is not gaps of division but bridges of communication, not iron curtains of confrontation but highways of cooperation."

(Source: Xinhua)

Editor: Wang Shasha
Weather Alert

...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM CDT /2 PM EDT/ THIS AFTERNOON TO 4 AM CDT /5 AM EDT/ SATURDAY... * WHAT...South winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts 45 to 50 mph expected. Locally higher gusts in excess of 50 mph are possible. * WHERE...Portions of southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, western Kentucky, and southeast Missouri. * WHEN...From 1 PM CDT /2 PM EDT/ this afternoon to 4 AM CDT /5 AM EDT/ Saturday. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution. &&
The UK Labour government has set a record for migrant removals, expelling almost 13,500 since it came to office in July and exceeding the previous Conservative governments rate of deportations.

The news was reported by the Home Office this month with the headline, Huge increase in migration returns and illegal working arrests. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper boasted, The number of operations and arrests are up, and we are on track to meet our target of increasing removals to the highest level in five years.

Deportations to seven countries have been carried out, including Brazil, Pakistan, Nigeria and Albania. The Guardian reported, Sources in the [Home Office] department confirmed that 37 people were removed on the Pakistan flight. One of those forcibly removed was a refused asylum seeker whose wife was a dependant on his asylum claim, adding The Home Office removed him but left his wife in the UK.

To expedite the removals, the government carried out workplace raids, targeting nail bars, supermarkets and other relevant industries including car washes and construction. The Home Office report continued, illegal working operations and arrests since the new government came into power are up by almost a third on the same period last year.

A Home Office Immigration Enforcement vehicle in north London [Photo by Philafrenzy / Wikimedia / CC BY-SA 4.0

In a December 23 update, the Home Offices Immigration Enforcement department noted that, just in London, Nearly 1,000 enforcement visits have been carried out across the capital since the summer, thanks to a crackdown on illegal working by the Home Offices Immigration Enforcement team. Between July and November, 996 visits resulted in 770 arrests and 462 premises receiving civil penalty notice referrals.

To beef up the capability of the Immigration and Enforcement agency further, an extra 5 million was announced for body-worn cameras to aid 1,200 frontline officers in the collection of evidence against errant employers. New fingerprint kits costing 3 million will be purchased to improve identity checks.

The government has also redeployed an extra 1,000 employees to Border Security. This enabled the return of more than 800 migrants on 33 charter flights to countries in Europe, Africa Asia and South America since July.

While denying the right of asylum to people displaced and/or without a livelihooddue, among other factors, to over 30 years of NATO wars in the Middle East and North Africa and routine imperialist plunder of the majority of the worlds economiesinhumane anti-immigrant policies are framed by Labour as preventing exploitation at work, and smashing the [people smuggling] gangs.

Cooper stated, Illegal working is a blight on our economy. It is deeply exploitative and undercuts those employers who do the right thing and play by the rules. This is a cynical ploy to blame migrants in cheap labour jobs for driving down wages, aiding the scapegoating efforts of Nigel Farages Reform UK party.

To demonise asylum seekers and immigrants further, the Home Office reported that of the 13,500 removed, 2,100 were criminals convicted of drug offences, theft, rape and murder, without breaking down this figure.

The department is also launching a publicity campaign directed at prospective migrants warning of exploitative practices and dire and inhumane living conditions should they come to Britain. So impressed with the governments ruthless purge of immigrants was the right-wing Daily Express that it ran with the headline: Yvette Cooper tells illegal migrants dont come to Britainyoull hate it.

But for the mouthpieces of the most right-wing sections of the media, no number of deportations is ever enough with a constant drumbeat demanding more. The Telegraph complained that Cooper had not set a timetable for reducing small boat crossings from France, lamenting the arrival of 609 people in nine dinghies December 12a daily record since October 18.

The nominally liberal Independent reprimanded Labour for failing to include targets to reduce migration, both legal and illegal, in the review of its six missions. The publication complained that small boat crossings are on the rise, with 34,880 people arriving this year, including 21,306 since the general election. It cautioned that former Conservative Prime Minister Rishi Sunaks failure to stop the boats helped bring down his government.

Interviewed on the BBCs Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Cooper declared that border security is one of the [governments]foundational issues, before you even get to any of the missions.

Julia Tinsley-Kent, head of policy and communications at the Migrants Rights Network, accused the government of criminalising migration, adding people are forced into making dangerous crossings because safe routes do not exist Punishing migrants without permission to work or reside  pushes [them] into exploitative conditions.

Emma Ginn, director of the charity Medical Justice, said, The new data being celebrated by the government includes real people who have been unable to access legal representation, nor the medical and expert evidence needed to properly present their case, meaning some may face real risk on forced return to their country.

Our volunteer doctors have visited some of them and documented their physical and psychological scars of torture as well as deterioration due to the notoriously dangerous UK immigration detention conditions. Many have been forcibly separated from their family, their friends and their community.

According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), 77 people have died attempting the hazardous English Channel crossing this year. Another three were reported dead today. The IOM calls for an end to preventable deaths and wants safe and legal means of entry. But the Labour government, like its counterparts throughout the European Union, is determined to seal the borders.

On December 10, Cooper co-hosted alongside Germany a meeting in London with the Interior Ministers of Belgium, France and the Netherlands to coordinate efforts to stop migrant flows. The day previous, the UK signed a joint action plan on irregular migration with Germany.

In September, Starmer held a fantastic meeting with the Italian Prime Minister, the neo-fascist Georgia Meloni, singling out her anti-immigration policies against refugees as a model to be emulated. Melonis party the Brothers of Italy is the scion of Mussolinis Republican Fascist Party.

Italy has opened two detention camps under Italian jurisdiction in Albania to hold up to 3,000 migrants at any one time while awaiting processing, at an initial cost of 16.5 million euros.

Cooper declared in November that Labour wanted to fast-track deportations of people who are arriving from predominantly safe countries, adding What Italy is looking at with Albania is being able to take those fast-track decisions.

Regardless of the political coloration of the governments in Europe, the political establishment is adopting the policies of the far-right. Melonis latest fans include Spains Socialist Party led government, which has just granted her one of the highest honours of the Spanish state: the Grand Cross of the Order of Isabella the Catholic.

The Italian premiers politics are of a piece with those of Marine Le Pen in France and US President-elect Donald Trump. The latter has declared his administrations aim from day one will be to deport 11 million undocumented immigrants, including children born on American soil.

Billionaire Elon Musk, who is to lead a US Department of Government Efficiency under Trump, is promoting the global fascist right, including, in the UK, Farage and Reform UK.

The Labour governments mass round-up of migrants and their scapegoating is being carried out to deflect attention from the real cause of the destruction of essential social services and growing immiseration, which is capitalism. The attack on the democratic rights of immigrants must be opposed and requires an international mobilisation of the working class bound up with the fight to defend jobs and living standards against the rise of fascism and danger of a third world war.
The Tug 'O War" sculpture by artist Glenna Goodacre sits at the entrance to the New Mexico State capitol building in Santa Fe on Jan. 13, 2021, in this file photo.
Ridley Scott advised against vacationing in Malta, a film location for "Gladiator II."

Politicians in Malta are not happy about it.

Malta budgeted about $50 million in rebates to the "Gladiator II" producers for filming there.

The director Ridley Scott has upset local politicians after advising people to avoid visiting one of the filming locations for his action flick "Gladiator II."

His remark involved the Mediterranean island nation of Malta, which allocated millions of dollars in rebates to the movie's production company.

During a discussion this month with the director Christopher Nolan in front of a live audience, Scott was discussing the appeal of Malta for filming when, as an aside, he commented that he "wouldn't advise going there on holiday." After jokingly asking whether there were any Maltese people in the audience, he quickly added, "I would not go back there on holiday," before continuing to praise the country's architecture.

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In August 2023, the Times of Malta reported that the country had budgeted 46.7 million  about $50 million at the time  in rebates for "Gladiator II."

Scott and Paul Mescal at the "Gladiator II" global premiere in November. Shane Anthony Sinclair/Getty Images

Malta's film commissioner, Johann Grech, originally shared a clip of the interview on Facebook that included Scott's comments praising Malta  he called it "a treasure trove of architecture" that "goes from medieval right through to renaissance," adding that "when it's good, it's spectacular"  but omitted his remarks in the middle advising against visiting for vacation.

Once the full version made the rounds, some members of Malta's Parliament were not happy. Julie Zahra, the opposition party's culture spokesperson, said in a Facebook post Friday that Grech had been "humiliated" by Scott and should step down from his position. She then urged the film industry to also focus on local talent, saying the industry "deserves much better."

Later that day, Adrian Delia, another member of Malta's Parliament, tagged Scott in a separate Facebook post. Delia said Scott had achieved worldwide fame and accolades and "mesmerized millions with tales of historic legend brought to life."

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"Sadly however seems you have not managed to learn respect," the post continued. "Towards those who welcomed you warmly, shared and lent their history and culture and showered you with millions to credit to your tax bill. How unfortunate."

Malta is one of several countries, including Croatia and Iceland, that offer rebates meant to entice filmmakers, who often hire local workers and contribute to the economy far beyond the cost of the rebate.

In 2023, Malta's tourism minister at the time, Clayton Bartolo, defended the country's rebate incentive in an interview with The Malta Independent. He said this method of investing in the film industry had provided jobs to local residents.

"These people who are earning money or improving their skills to then be able to work in Malta or abroad, are we going to lose them this work?" he said. "Or are we going to say we will continue investing in this industry to really increase opportunities, improve the skills of our crews."

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Representatives for Scott, Grech, Zahra, Delia, Paramount Global, and the Malta Film Commission did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Business Insider.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Royal Ballet star Marianela Nunez says she learnt English by watching Friends videos rented from Blockbuster after moving to England aged 15.

The 42-year-old left her native Argentina to join the company after being offered a contract while touring in Los Angeles.

However, she was unable to join them because UK employment law stopped her from working until she turned 16  meaning she joined the Royal Ballet School first.

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Speaking to Lauren Laverne on BBC Radio 4s Desert Island Discs about learning English after moving to London, she said: I remember it was hard, so a lot of tears. I remember going to a bank, and I had to open a bank account as a student, but I couldnt tell them, so I was like miming.

It was crazy, so Blockbuster [video rental shop] was quite big at the time, and every weekend I [would] start renting the Friends series.

I could watch them forever, I love them, and thats how I [learnt] English watching those videos.

Abbas Dancing Queen, Queens Dont Stop Me Now and Johnny Nashs I Can See Clearly Now were among the tracks Nunez picked on the show, in which she also discussed her initial shock after moving to the UK.

Marianela Nunez said she had to cut the cord from her family in Argentina so that she could thrive at the Royal Ballet

The Royal Ballet principal ballerina added: Emotionally, I was all over the place, and thats why, at some point, I had to cut the cord [from her family in Argentina].

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And this is again where ballet comes to [save] me all the time, like knowing what I wanted to do and focusing on that, and knowing that was part of the process.

Again, looking back, [it was] definitely the best thing that ever happened to me, that I went back to school.

It was the perfect way for me, I was too young to be performing, so I needed to finish my studies. I had a chance to learn the language, I had a chance to understand the Royal Ballet style.

Laverne went on to ask Nunez how she felt about the person she was aged 15.

She replied: I am proud, I know it sounds probably a bit snobby to say that, but for a 15-year-old child to be so brave to leave your family behind and just [be] so focused and so determined, and knowing at all times that I had this family [on] the other side of the world.

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I mean, it was hard for them to maintain me and not give up, and just work hard, but always loving what I was doing, so well done little Nela.

Nunez celebrated her 20th anniversary at the Royal Ballet in 2018 following a performance of Giselle, when artistic director Kevin OHare declared her as one of the greats of her generation.

The full interview can be heard on Desert Island Discs on BBC Radio 4 at 10am on Sunday Dec 29, or on BBC Sounds.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
The reason why beer and cheese go so well together is simpler than you might think: They both originate with some form of grass or grain but are crafted by very different processes.

Our furry, four-legged ruminant friends (cows, sheep, goats, etc.) chew grass all day and ultimately convert it to milk, which is the key ingredient of cheese. Our brewer friends approach grains like wheat, rye, and barley (members of the grass family) through a different process called fermentation, whereby a mash of these raw materials is mixed with hops, yeast, and water, to arrive at beer. (This is also the reason why crackers pair so effortlessly with beer and cheese).

Over many centuries, countless cultural traditions have developed around beer and cheese, leading to hundreds of variants of each and making it seem difficult to know where to begin when pairing them. But the important thing to keep in mind is that it's hard to go wrong here. If you're mixing craft beer with block cheese (two great things in their own right), there will be little left to be desired. Nevertheless, some combinations are better than others.

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There are many factors to consider on both fronts: For beer you have ABV, hop intensity, and mouthfeel, among others, and for cheese, you have texture, flavor profiles, and age, to name only a few. With a little bit of guidance, you can make pairings that will elevate both the flavors of your brew and your cheese to blissful new horizons. We'll simplify things a little by focusing mainly on beer styles, and with a little help from Jenn Klein, taproom expert at Yard House, we'll recommend the best cheeses to pair with each.

Read more: The 27 Best Bourbon Brands, Ranked

IPA (India Pale Ale)

Bartender pours a draft of beer in a dark bar - Adam Berry/Getty Images

What better place to start than the IPA? Despite having "India" in its name, this popular pale ale originated in England during the late 18th century. Known for its bold, hoppy flavors and a rich array of diverse sub-styles, it's no surprise that this craft beer staple pairs so well with cheese across the board. And one of the main reasons it does work so well is due to a common rule of thumb in the culinary world which suggests the pairing of intense flavor profiles.

Jenn Klein tells us, "Matching the strength of flavors ensures a balance between the beer and cheese. For example, a bitter IPA might overwhelm a mild cheese, while the fruity notes of a pale lager could complement it nicely. Similarly, a more intense or bitter cheese could overpower the softer fruit notes in a hazy IPA." She goes on to say that the key to avoiding an overly aggressive pairing is to "balance the intensity so neither overpowers the other."

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For instance, the bright, tangy flavor of goat cheese easily balances the characteristic hop bitterness of an IPA. Klein recommends an aged cheddar with an American IPA, as "the bitter, malty notes of the IPA complement the sharp, fruity, or nutty qualities of aged cheddar." For an even deeper cut, you could try an aged Gouda, as the rich, caramel-like flavor pairs well with the citrus and floral notes of the best IPAs.

New England IPA

Hazy New England-style IPA in a glass with intricate hop design - Stubbins/Shutterstock

To pick only one sub-style of IPA is difficult, but let's take a closer look at the popular unfiltered IPA that hails from the northeastern United States. Often nicknamed "hazy IPAs" due to their cloudy appearance, they are a perfect example of a situation when bold flavors call for bold pairings. The aggressive and aromatic notes in these beers make for a harmonious pairing with sharp, clothbound cheddar and blue cheese.

A medium or sharp cheddar does a great job of neutralizing the hop bitterness of an IPA. Go deeper in this vein by pairing an English-style clothbound cheddar with a New England IPA, and taste for yourself how the beer and cheese balance each other out, creating a flavor greater than the sum of their parts.

While certainly not for anyone, being so strong and tangy, a quality blue cheese can bring out the complexity of a hazy IPA's hop profile, crafting a balance that complements the funky flavor that underlies most IPAs. In addition, the creamy, rich texture of blue cheese balances the trademark juicy, hazy nature of a New England IPA.

Porter

Brown porter in dark, rustic setting - WS-Studio/Shutterstock

Let's cross the pond from New England to England proper. The porter takes its name from the transportation workers (porters) of Central London in the 18th century and tends to be most commonly enjoyed nowadays during the winter season. Porter beers, with their rich and malty flavors, pair wonderfully with a variety of cheeses, such as aged cheddar, whose sharp notes complement the beer's roasted malt flavors, or even a rich and nutty Gruyere. Like IPAs, there are quite a wealth of different styles of porters.

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The classic English brown porter is the best place to start. This type of beer, known for roasted malt flavors and hints of hazelnut and caramel, goes extremely well with an aged Gouda. Another great example of when to match intense flavors, the nutty notes of the Gouda will enhance the pecan and hazelnut notes in the porter, without losing its sweet, buttery flavor.

A common mantra of the culinary world is, "If it grows together, it goes together." So if you're drinking a British porter, you can't go wrong with a British cheddar. The tangy flavors of a sharp cheddar can complement the malty flavors of the porter, or you could try an aged cheddar and pair the complementary aromas of the beer with the cheese.

Stout

A dark-colored beer with creamy white foam against a black background - Yuri Kriventsoff/Getty Images

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Speaking of Great Britain, that brings us to our next beer, which emerged as a stronger take on the porter: the stout. This beer style originated as a more robust version of the then-popular porter, thus earning its nickname. Both beers share the key ingredient of roasted malts, which impart a characteristically dark color and hearty flavor. But in the case of the stout, the roasting is done to a more intense degree, making it darker and more complex than the stout.

This higher concentration of rich, roasted malts contributes notes of coffee, dark chocolate, and caramel. Some stouts add ingredients to improve the beer's texture and sweetness, such as popular modern variants like oatmeal and milk stouts.

Despite its dark complexity, the stout is so versatile as to be a great match for almost any cheese board; it just depends on what you're looking for in terms of flavor profile. The strong, pungent notes of blue cheese match the intense, dark nature of the stout, whereas the sharp notes of an aged cheddar complement the beer's roasted flavors.

The stout is a great choice in terms of texture as well, as its bitterness and carbonation make for a palate cleanser, allowing you to cut through creamy cheeses like Brie and Camembert with ease. Lastly, don't rule out an aged Gouda, as the stout's maltiness will enhance the caramel notes of the cheese.

Pilsner

Two cans of Pilsner Urquell beer on a wooden background - Oleksandr Blishch/Shutterstock

Let's go to the other end of the dark vs. light beer spectrum and appreciate the beauty of a light, crisp pilsner. Hailing from Plzen (Pilsen) in the Czech Republic, the pilsner is actually one of the most popular beers in the world today.

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An offshoot of the lager, the pilsner is known for its golden color, slight hop bitterness, and dry finish. These factors, combined with its relatively low ABV, make it a refreshing choice year-round. While in our previous beers, we argued for matching intense flavors, the pilsner opens up a perfect opportunity to do just the opposite: tone things down a bit and hang out for a while with some mild flavor pairings.

Mild cheddar is a great choice to go with the pilsner's clean flavor and mouthfeel, while Havarti's creamy texture contrasts well with the pilsner's carbonation. The nutty notes of a Swiss pair well with the crispness of the pilsner, but so do the buttery notes of a young Gouda cheese. Pilsners are even said to pair well with mozzarella, which makes this beer style yet another example of a great choice for a cheese board, where you can experiment with pairings to your heart's content.

The pilsner, given its relative neutrality, makes a great palate cleanser, though we should note here that beer, in general, is great in this role. Jenn Klein says, "The alcohol breaks down compounds, the hop bitterness cuts through richness, and the CO 2 acts as scrubbing bubbles on the tongue. Alternatively, unsalted crackers and water are good non-beer options."

Lager

An ice-cold glass of beer covered with water drops - Thana Prasongsin/Getty Images

A slight step up in potency from pilsners, lagers are even more popular, with a wide-ranging spectrum of sub-styles. (The pilsner itself is technically a sub-style of lager.) The most famous examples are Budweiser, Heineken, and Stella Artois. Very similar in flavor profile to the pilsner, the lager tends to be a little stouter on ABV and, in addition to its subtle hop bitterness, has a tinge of bready or grainy flavors. Golden lagers can generally be paired with cheeses similarly to pilsners, so we'll talk a little about the maltier, darker lagers like dunkels and ambers.

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Amber lagers are known for their deep red color and rich, toasted malt flavors. You might be more familiar with this style in the form of its alter ego, the German marzen, or Oktoberfest. For these beers, the buttery and slightly tangy flavor of fontina will complement the smooth, malty taste of an amber or marzen.

Dark lagers, of which there are also a number of German varieties, such as the dunkel ("dark" in German) and schwarzbier ("black" in German), ratchet up the intensity of the roasted malt flavors of the amber, resulting in a color similar to that of the stout, but without the same level of intensity. We'd recommend pairing a dark lager with Muenster cheese. The mild and creamy texture of Muenster complements the malt-forward profile of both amber and dark lagers without overwhelming the palate of either.

Wheat Beer

mug of beer, wheat ears, hops and beer barrel on a wooden background - Nitr/Shutterstock

Another popular style of beer arguably perfected by Germany, given its hefeweizen and gose styles, is the wheat beer. Unlike the lager, which is largely brewed with malt barley, this beer style leans more heavily upon wheat malt (anywhere between 30 and 70%) in its grain composition.

This changeup yields a truly unique blend of flavor profiles in the wheat beer family, which is known to have hints of banana, clove, citrus, and even bubblegum, depending on the yeast being used. So you've got seemingly endless pairing options to go with.

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The rich, buttery texture of Brie pairs perfectly with the light, refreshing qualities of wheat beers like hefeweizen. You may also want to try fresh goat cheeses with bloomy rinds, like soft chevre. The citrusy flavors of a German wheat beer resonate very well with the fruity notes in a soft chevre, and the carbonation helps to balance out the cheese's soft texture. Don't rule out a fresh mozzarella, or the Spanish manchego, whose creamy, grassy, and earthy tones pair very well with a light, fruity wheat beer.

Belgian Dubbel

A foamy, golden beer in a Belgian-style glass along with a cheese board - barmalini/Shutterstock

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Though we've given attention to several German beer styles, we wouldn't dare ignore their Belgian counterparts. While Belgium is famous for a diverse array of beers, from Stella Artois to a number of the country's witbiers, we're going to focus here on the classic Belgian dubbel.

We glean a lot from the name of this style, as "dubbel" in Flemish (this style originated in Antwerp) translates, as you might imagine, to "double," referring to the strength of the beer being double that of the monks' standard table beer. And they're not messing around here, as the ABV of dubbels is generally between 6 and 7.5%, providing a warming but not overwhelming alcohol presence.

Dubbels are typically colored a deep amber to dark brown, with a slight haziness, and are known for their rich maltiness and aromas of caramel, toffee, and dark fruit. Similarly to wheat beers, dubbels contain Belgian yeast strains that contribute fruity and spicy notes, often adding hints of banana, clove, and occasionally a mild bubblegum character.

Belgium has a rich cheese culture as well, with specific cheeses being produced especially to pair with specific beers. In addition to Belgian cheeses, "dubbel" down with Gorgonzola, as its tang will complement the dubbel's malty sweetness. Beaufort cheese, with its creamy texture and nutty flavor profiles, will be a great pairing as well. And if you want to bring your beer's ABV up another notch, the spicy, fruity aromas of a Belgian tripel will pair well with the mild flavors of a buttery double cream Brie.

Saison

A cold, refreshing farmhouse ale in a pint glass - Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock

While still in Belgian territory, let's talk about the saison, or farmhouse ale, originally brewed to quench the thirst of farm workers during the harvest season. ("Saison" is French for "season.") For better or worse, Belgian farmers circa 1850 are said to have hydrated with beer, as potable water wasn't always accessible.

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That being said, you hopefully won't have to perform hard labor to earn a saison today, as the style is pretty popular throughout the craft beer scene. It's a difficult style to put a finger on -- the "session" variants can have an ABV in the 3% range, whereas the mightier saisons can encroach on 9%.

The saison is a more complex beer, with typically fruity flavors (citrus, apple, pear) as well as spicy ones (pepper, clove), with earthy, slightly tarty undercurrents. These beers tend to cut cleanly through rich, creamy cheeses like Brie or soft chevre. Don't rule out bloomy rind cheeses or perhaps the earthy, savory notes of a Danish blue, which will match the saison's farmhouse ale character.

Sour

An amber colored ale in a Belgian style glass in front of fresh apples - Rimma Bondarenko/Shutterstock

A discussion about beer styles would be remiss without one of the most loved niches in the craft beer scene: sours. While they've more recently become widely popular in the States, sour beers are believed to be the oldest beer style around, with beloved variants existing in Belgium, Germany, and the United States. Sours acquire their characteristic, funky flavors largely through a technique called spontaneous fermentation, which is when the beer is allowed to ferment in the open air, inviting wild yeasts and bacteria into the brewing process.

Sours go great with fresh cheeses like mascarpone or burrata, as the sour's distinctive bite offsets the cheeses' butteriness. Tangy and funky cheeses -- think blue, goat, etc. -- also pair very well with sour beers, while the creamy texture and mild sweetness of Brie can balance the acidity of sour beers.

When working with such a unique beer style as the sour, it can be hard to know whether to make a pairing based on contrasting or complementary flavors. For such a case, Jenn Klein tells us, "The key is understanding the flavors and avoiding extremes. Identical flavors -- like raspberry with raspberry -- can feel repetitive, while raspberry paired with blueberry is more interesting. For contrasts, avoid clashes and aim for combinations like sweet and sour, salty/nutty with sweet, or bright with dark. Both approaches can enhance the flavors of the beer and cheese."

Strong Beer

Dark beer in a small glass on a wooden table - Bhofack2/Getty Images

Whether it's a double dry-hopped IPA you fancy, a Russian imperial stout, or a barleywine, we wanted to be sure to not leave out some of the more obscure styles beloved by craft beer enthusiasts. Particularly in winter, beer enthusiasts tend to transition away from light, effervescent beers and toward ones with more warming factors and higher ABV, and they go great with cheese. Jenn Klein notes, "Alcohol acts as a solvent, cutting through creamy, rich, or fatty elements in some cheeses. Higher ABV levels can also add a rosy, warming sensation that complements a cheese's earthier notes." Here are a few deep cuts you might want to try:

For fans of the double dry-hopped IPA, which is loaded with more piney and fruit notes, we recommend a spruce-wrapped cheddar, which has a woodsy element that will complement the organic flavors of the beer. A big, bold Russian imperial stout requires an equally sophisticated cheese, and the buttery, decadent Camembert is our go-to.

The rich and creamy texture of Stilton pairs well with the caramel and toffee notes of a strong barleywine. You might want to reach for the Gorgonzola as well, or a bold, aged sharp cheddar. Let's not forget the creme de la creme: the decadent combination of rich flavors created by pairing Stilton with a Belgian quadrupel.

As always, taste is a subjective matter. So, when deciding what beers to pair with your cheese board, make sure that first and foremost, you're prepared to be wowed -- and occasionally underwhelmed. But hey, even when the latter happens, just cleanse your palate and try again.

Read the original article on Tasting Table.
Traveling often comes with a set of expectations. Maybe you've visited a destination you didn't know much about and it ended up being a total hidden gem. Or, on the other end of the spectrum, perhaps a place was so hyped up in your mind that the reality actually fell short. So I browsed the subreddit r/travel and rounded up a list of destinations that defied travelers' expectations...for better or for worse.

Elena Noviello / Getty Images

1."French Basque Country. San Sebastian is a nice town that you hear a lot about, but French Basque Country is also really nice. It's a 30-minute drive from San Sebastian all along the Atlantic coast, and no passport is needed to visit. Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Biarritz are two beautiful towns, and Bayonne is worth a visit for great Basque food. The countryside is amazing, with quaint villages and rolling hills. This part of the country goes to show that there is way more to visit in France than just Paris."

jerry48 Xantana / Getty Images/iStockphoto

2."Tallinn, Estonia. I really wasn't expecting much when I visited. In fact, I mostly just went because I was traveling from Helsinki to London and it was an off-the-beaten-path destination for a quick day trip. But wow, Tallinn was beautiful, and the people were so friendly! I'd go back for a proper vacation in a heartbeat."

fredzesty Karl Hendon / Getty Images

3."Venice. I know that sounds like blasphemy to some people, but I found it stinky, dirty, and unnecessarily expensive. I was bored within six hours, and I had three days to fill. I ended up traveling out of the city and exploring the lovely surrounding cities and countryside instead of spending my time in Venice."

u/sarah_cate1 Westend61 / Getty Images/Westend61

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4."Southern Chile. The whole southern part of Chile, from Valdivia to Punta Arenas, feels like an enchanted forest from a fantasy novel or video game. IMO, Chile is probably the most underrated travel destination on the planet. It's home to every kind of landscape you could hope to visit."

u/Plantayne Alexis Gonzalez / Getty Images

5."Krakow, Poland, is a stunning city that is often overlooked. Unlike Warsaw, Krakow wasnt devastated by World War II, and the Soviets didnt rebuild anything, so it still boasts its old city architecture. It's genuinely so beautiful, and I'd highly recommend seeing the city center at night."

Rachel K_samurkas / Getty Images

6."Olympic National Park in Washington. It's definitely one of the more underrated national parks in the US. It's a literal rainforest in the Pacific Northwest, and it boasts great hiking, lodges, lakes, and more. It's really a one-of-a-kind environment in the US."

u/MaizeNBlueWaffle Cavan Images / Getty Images/Cavan Images RF

7."Taipei, Taiwan. So far, it's my favorite city in Asia. It has a great mix of traditional Chinese, Japanese, and US influences. There's fantastic food, including a great street food scene at the night markets. It's modern enough to be convenient, but it's not as expensive as other Asian cities. It's also big enough that there's lots to do, but small enough to be manageable and not overwhelming for tourists. The people are super friendly, open, and helpful."

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8."Slovenia. I went on the recommendation of an old roommate and was blown away. The country is full of absolutely stunning scenery. It's an excellent holiday destination if you like the outdoors or road-tripping. I will absolutely go back at some point."

u/beckylou67 Ziga Plahutar / Getty Images

9."Goa, India: People tout Goa as a legendary beach destination, but it really wasn't that great. The beaches themselves were subpar, it was so busy, the water can be polluted, and it's not really the relaxing beach destination you might expect."

u/Thrill_Monster Jon Hicks / Getty Images

10."The southwest coast of the Dominican Republic. The DR is a major tourist hub around Punta Cana and Santo Domingo, but beyond these concentrated areas, there are hidden gems. The southwest coast from Barahona to Enriquillo boasts the most beautiful drive in the Caribbean. You'll find little beach towns, rivers, mountains, and coffee farms. Its also the cheapest part of the country. You can easily find accommodations for less than $20 per night."

u/Mami_chula_ Marvin Del Cid / Getty Images

11."Uganda. I visited and had a blast. The tourism infrastructure isn't great and it can be a bit expensive, so budget accordingly. You can see most of the big cats, elephants, and giraffes in Uganda as well as all the primate species. Murchison Falls was gorgeous, and the parks are not at all crowded. The people are lovely, and there are very few tourists who visit the country."

u/ElMadridista Mark Newman / Getty Images

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12."Puerto Rico. If you're looking for a Caribbean escape, this one has so much to offer. There's city life, beaches, hiking, history, and more."

u/lilvadude Grandriver / Getty Images

13."Newfoundland, Canada. I spent a whole summer exploring this province and have nothing but spectacular praise for this unsung gem. It's astoundingly beautiful, full of incredibly friendly locals, and between the wildlife and the scenery, there's so much to see. There's never a dull moment."

u/elt0p0 Posnov / Getty Images

14."I personally thought Bali was pretty overrated, at least in comparison with the sky-high expectations everyone seems to have and how it actually looked compared with all the pictures on Instagram."

u/snoea Dkart / Getty Images

15."Antalya, Turkey. This was once a beautiful, ancient city, but it seemed to be ruined by the massive number of tourist traps. During my stay in the city, I had the constant feeling I was going to be ripped off in shops, cafes, and restaurants."

u/optimalg Tunart / Getty Images

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16."Georgia. It's one of my favorite countries I've visited to date. I had such an amazing time there. There was great food, beautiful scenery, interesting history, amazing people, and as an added bonus, it was super cheap."

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17."Lima, Peru. I hear so many people say skip it or only spend a day there. But the historic downtown is gorgeous, and its on the coast with plenty of beaches. Plus, the food and people are awesome. I spent four days there and still wished I had more time."

u/Ninjadwarf00 Roxirosita / Getty Images

18."Iceland. Despite its growing popularity and tourism, I still think it's underrated. The nature there is just plain unparalleled by anywhere else I've been in the world. I've visited twice, and I'm already looking to go back a third time."

u/JayPetey Jordan Siemens / Getty Images

19."Algeria. I actually found Morocco not worth visiting due to the tourists and hassles, but Algeria was underrated. It had amazing ruins, few to no tourists, wonderful architecture, great people, and the opportunity to explore the Sahara Desert. Plus, its cheap to visit."

u/chairman-me0w Frans Lemmens / Getty Images/Corbis Unreleased

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20.The Azores. These Portuguese islands in the Atlantic Ocean are incredible. I spent three weeks there island-hopping (I saw four of the nine), and I especially loved the city of Furnas on Sao Miguel. It was magical."

u/godless-life Westend61 / Getty Images/Westend61

21."Fukuoka, Japan. Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka may be the main Japanese cities that tourists visit, but the south of Japan was a different experience. The people seem more relaxed, and the city is more laid-back. Fukuoka feels so refreshing. There are very few tourists, and people are so friendly to foreigners. Not to mention, during the summer, the weather is amazing in the south."

u/AsapEvaMadeMyChain Frank Lee / Getty Images

22."Geneva. While it was a pretty city, the soul-crushing cost of everything definitely weighed down my experience there. I never expected to pay 24 francs for a hamburger in my life."

u/blake22222 L. Toshio Kishiyama / Getty Images

23."Kazakhstan. It's an amazing country, and it's very modern. It's worth visiting for the delicious mix of Middle Eastern and Asian cuisine alone. On top of that, it has an awesome history and beautiful scenery. Dont sleep on this place."

u/Taido_Inukai Aureliy / Getty Images/iStockphoto

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24."The Faroe Islands. This archipelago between Iceland and Norway was amazing. I was blown away by the picturesque villages, impressive nature, and accessibility of the area. My girlfriend and I didnt encounter anyone else on our hikes, which was the icing on the cake. We focused our time on the beautiful and unspoiled nature of northern Vagar, the capital Torshavn, and the area surrounding Tjrnuvik and Saksun. I would already like to go back to see some of the more northern islands, such as Kalsoy and Fugloy."

u/NathanCS741 Posnov / Getty Images

25.Madeira, Portugal. I'd always assumed this was a destination for old folks, and I only went a few years ago because there were ridiculously cheap flights from Scotland. I had the best 10 days ever. I loved walking around the huge variety of stunning landscapes: along the coast, hillsides, and deep valleys, and paths that seemed to go in and above the clouds. What a stunning island."

u/latrappe Juergen Sack / Getty Images/iStockphoto

What's a travel destination that either totally defied or sadly fell short of your expectations? Tell us in the comments!

Note: Some responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.
After 20 years, my husband blindsided me and said he wanted a divorce.

Facing a future I never imagined, I booked a solo trip to Belgium that ignited a new love of travel.

I've traveled to 21 countries since the divorce, embracing new adventures and discovering new joys.

"My soul is deeply unhappy. I want a divorce," he said abruptly, with no softening of the hammer he'd just dropped.

My husband of nearly 20 years dumped me unceremoniously on an otherwise unremarkable Friday evening in January. We'd spent the day together, running errands and sharing fries at lunch. Sitting down to dinner in our dining room, I'd asked whether he was OK. He'd been distant lately, but I hadn't seen this coming.

The day after he left, I was on my friend's couch sobbing until I couldn't breathe, while she rubbed my back. "What do you want your next chapter to look like?" she asked.

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I didn't know what kind of music I liked, let alone how to rewrite a life whose chapters had long been written. For years, I'd let my daughter or my husband choose the soundtrack while I rode along, abandoning myself to the roles of wife and mother. When we divorced, I didn't just lose my marriage, my co-parent, my "person"; I lost the road map to the future we'd planned so diligently, together.

"I don't know," I told my friend. "I think I want to travel." But I'd never traveled alone, and I didn't know whether I was brave enough to do it as a 50-year-old single woman.

The timing was actually right

The divorce came at personal trifecta: I had no job, my daughter's enrollment in boarding school left barren the nest I'd feathered, and I was turning 50. Soon after, I returned to the workforce as a school administrator. My job anchored me.

With Thanksgiving approaching, I faced 5  days alone, as my soon-to-be ex-husband had our daughter for the holiday. Hands shaking, I booked a plane ticket. My destination criteria: flight time under eight hours and $700 and a country I hadn't visited. I flew to Belgium.

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In Brussels, I wandered cobblestone streets bedecked with hanging greens and Christmas lights, watching as workers erected a huge tree at La Grand-Place. I sampled buttery chocolate from artisanal shops and salty frites from stands whose windows opened to the street. I day-tripped to Bruges and took a self-guided walking tour along the charming canals. As I wandered, a veil of contentment draped itself over the ache of this lonely holiday.

A new year, a new adventure

The following Thanksgiving, alone again and with the same criteria, I traveled to Portugal. On a food tour, I sampled savory salt cod mixed with mashed potatoes; creamy, custardy, tarts known as pasteis de nata; and ginjinha, a sour cherry liqueur infused with cinnamon. I took trains to the Seussian Pena Palace in Sintra, and to Porto, where I learned how port wine is made. Navigating train schedules and solo dining slowly flexed a growing travel muscle.

Traveling made me feel empowered

Over time I grew braver, traveling further afield, eventually finding myself in Kathmandu, Nepal, for a writing workshop. There, among marigold leis and prayer beads, I met a community of creatives who became close friends. As we walked in meditation around the watchful eyes of Boudhanath Stupa, in step with the Tibetan Buddhists who held it sacred, I felt at peace for the first time since the breakup.

In the six years since my husband left me, I've traveled to 21 countries, and my 50s look nothing as I'd imagined they would. I've bathed in thermal baths in Budapest, floated down the Mekong River in Laos, hot-air ballooned above the otherworldly landscape of Cappadocia, and foraged for cloudberries in Finland. I've found my footing in the world, choosing adventures he wouldn't have favored. I'm grateful for my divorce. From the wreckage arose a life more robust and fulfilling than I'd ever dreamed possible.

Read the original article on Business Insider
I've lived in Miami for more than six years, and the area has so much to offer visitors.

As a Miami local, I enjoy exploring the culture and history in Little Haiti and Liberty City.

North Miami Beach has some great outdoor activities, but South Beach can get crowded.

Miami is one of the most popular vacation spots in the United States, and for good reason.

Its proximity to the tropics ensures warm weather almost any day of the year, and Dade County's eastern border has miles of coastline.

Plus, there's so much more to experience in Miami than expensive cabanas, parties, and Cuban food, especially if you want to support local social, cultural, and economic diversity,

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Having lived here for over six years, here are some of my favorite parts of Dade to visit  and one you may want to skip.

Immerse yourself in culture in Little Haiti.

Little Haiti has some beautiful murals, too. India Amos

Before moving to Miami, I didn't realize Southern Florida was home to such a large Haitian and Haitian-American population.

If you're unaware like I was, do yourself a favor and spend a day immersing yourself in Little Haiti. Stroll through the Little Haiti Cultural, Complex, soak in the neighborhood's murals, and eat some pikliz and Haitian patties.

Be sure to stop into Libreri Mapou, a bookstore that sells French and Creole titles year-round. Or, if you're a literary enthusiast, plan your trip in the spring so you can swing by the Little Haiti Book Festival, which has tons of booksellers, authors, and more.

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Allapattah has some incredible Dominican food.

Allapattah is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Miami. India Amos

You'll know you're officially in Allapattah when you see lampposts and street corners adorned with signs depicting alligators.

"Allapattah" is the Seminole word for "alligator," and the name stuck even though these reptiles mostly live in the Everglades now.

It's one of the oldest neighborhoods in Miami, and many locals consider it one of the best places to order Dominican food in Dade. Club Tipico Dominicano is a popular pick.

Plus, Allapattah is home to Rubell Museum and SuperBlue, two destinations where you can enjoy a renowned art scene.

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Liberty City and Brownsville have some of the city's best-preserved African American history.

Learn some history in Liberty City. India Amos

Liberty City and Brownsville are historic neighborhoods within Miami.

Take a step back in time when you visit the Historic Hampton House in Brownsville, a converted hotel that once hosted the likes of Muhammad Ali, Malcolm X, and Martin Luther King, Jr.

Then, stop into the Joseph Caleb Auditorium or the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center to enjoy a local show from some of the neighborhood's most talented performers.

Finally, end your day by ordering food from some of Liberty City's best restaurants, like World Famous Theo's Seafood and Pasta or World Famous Rib Shack.

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There's a lot to do in Downtown Miami.

Downtown Miami has walkable areas. India Amos

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Situated on Biscayne Bay, Downtown Miami is an expansive neighborhood bustling with activities.

This part of the city technically includes Brickell, Miami's Financial District, but I want to focus on all the attractions just north of the Miami River.

This part of Miami is one of the few walkable places in the city, so ditch your car and spend time on foot or exploring via the free Metromover.

Definitely take time to explore HistoryMiami Museum, Frost Museum of Science, Perez Art Museum, and Bayside Marketplace.

Stay in the county but leave the city with a visit to North Miami and North Miami Beach.

Visitors can kayak in Oleta River State Park. India Amos

North Miami and North Miami Beach technically aren't part of the City of Miami, but they're part of Miami-Dade County and worth a visit on your next vacation.

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Outdoor activities are popular in these areas. If you have a day to spend in nature, hike or kayak through Oleta River State Park.

Alternatively, if you only have a few hours to spend here, drop by Greynolds Park or the Ancient Spanish Monastery to enjoy an afternoon surrounded by sun and palm trees.

Consider skipping South Beach.

Miami Beach is just outside of Miami proper. India Amos

Similar to North Miami, South Beach isn't technically in the City of Miami. It's part of Miami Beach, the official name for the city that lies just to the right of Miami proper.

You have to cross one of Dade's many bridges to get to Miami Beach, and South Beach is one of the most popular parts of the beach you can visit.

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If you've never been to Miami, by all means, pass through South Beach. Its beaches, architecture, and nightlife are famous for a reason.

However, I don't think it's the best beach in Dade. From a resident's perspective, South Beach often gets too crowded, and the amenities aren't as nice as you can find on other stretches of sand.

Plus, parking is expensive on South Beach. Whether you want to book a hotel on Ocean Drive or spend a day on the sand, expect to pay a decent chunk of change.

If you're looking for something quieter, try North Beach or Hollywood instead.

Read the original article on Business Insider
MONTAGUE COUNTY (KFDX/KJTL)  One person is dead, and two were hospitalized after a head-on collision in Montague County.

According to Texas DPS Sergeant Juan Gutierrez, on Saturday, December 28, at 5:23 a.m., on US 81, near Fruitland Road, a 2013 Kia Soul driven by a 66-year-old female from Gainesville, Texas, traveled southbound in the northbound lanes.

A 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe was traveling northbound with two adults and two children.

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The Kia Soul struck the Tahoe head-on. The Kia continued into the center median, where it then came to a rest, and the Tahoe rolled and came to a rest across both northbound lanes.

According to Gutierrez, the driver of the Kia was pronounced dead on the scene due to injuries sustained during the crash. One adult and one child from the Tahoe were not injured, while the other adult and child were transported to Medical City Decatur with non-life-threatening injuries.

The crash remains under investigation.

This is a developing story. Stick with Texomas Homepage for updates as more information becomes available.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Texomashomepage.com.
Jimmy Carter has died at age 100. The 39th President of the United States passed away at his home in Plains, Georgia, on December 29, according to his son, Chip Carter. The former President entered hospice care in February 2023.

President Carter was a renowned humanitarian who founded the Carter Center and worked alongside his wife of 77 years, Rosalynn, to support Habitat for Humanity. Rosalynn proceeded him in death in November 2023. The couple is survived by their children Amy, Chip, Jack and Jeff; 11 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

Here, we remember President Carter with some of his most profound quotes.

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America did not invent human rights. In a very real sense human rights invented America.

We should live our lives as though Christ was coming this afternoon.

Country Living

Like music and art, love of nature is a common language that can transcend political or social boundaries.

When people are intimidated about having their own opinions, oppression is at hand.

We must adjust to changing times and still hold to unchanging principles.

God always answers prayers. Sometimes it's 'yes.' Sometimes the answer is 'no.' Sometimes it's 'you gotta be kidding.'

Country Living

Spirit is like the wind, in that we can't see it but can see its effects, which are profound.

My faith demands - this is not optional - my faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I can, whenever I can, for as long as I can with whatever I have to try to make a difference.

Go out on a limb. That's where the fruit is.

We cannot change the history of the past.

Country Living

What are the things that you can't see that are important? I would say justice, truth, humility, service, compassion, love. They're the guiding lights of a life.

We cannot ignore our gift of the future.

The best thing I ever did was marrying Rosa.

To be true to ourselves, we must be true to others.

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There is no world where setting Hedwig and the Angry Inch in Denver in 2024 makes any dramaturgical sense. Not unless the actor playing the gender-fluid kid who came of age as the Berlin Wall was coming down is now 60 years old.

(Clark Destin Jones is not 60 years old.)

We could talk for days about why time and place so inexorably matter in telling this particular story. But for the first time in my life, I heeded the words of Queen Elsa and just  let it go.

Because at the end of the night I attended Give 5 Productions full-bore staging of Mitchells genderqueer, counter-culture classic, the crowd at a swanky new LoDo event space called The Arch was screaming in full-throated adulation, so clearly moved by the experience in the way that every theatermaker dreams of moving an audience.

I noticed one particular nonbinary teenager in the back standing on a chair, screaming their appreciation as if they were at a Slayer concert  while perhaps for the first time feeling whole and fully seen.

Nothing else mattered.

The cast was perfect. The band was sizzling. The costumes, light, and sound were fire.

Give 5 Productions Hedwig, directed by Kelly Van Oosbree and willed into existence by independent theater producer Julia Tobey, was the definition of high-impact theater. And so, as I slipped out into the nearby Walnut Room for a late-night slice, I had my come-to-Jesus as a former theater critic. When a show evokes that kind of response, night after night, you just have to hand them their flowers and shut up about it.

Hedwig was one of a strong field of musicals staged by Colorado theater companies that packed a powerful emotional punch in 2024. Two (and, it could be argued  four) were mounted by the Littleton Town Hall Arts Center, which I have been covering pretty much since it opened in the 1980s. And I cant recall a stronger year there by a country mile, led by Urinetown and Jersey Boys, along with a little-known musical adaptation of A Raisin in the Sun and perhaps the single funnest night at any theater of the past calendar year: Trey Parkers Cannibal the Musical. Noses snorted.

Actor Anne Terze-Schwarz had such a monster year that we dedicated an entire day of the Denver Gazettes True West Awards coverage to talk about it. Further evidence: Of the seven shows that made our subjective list of high-impact musicals in 2024, Terze-Schwarz played a leading role in three of them: Urinetown, Hedwig and the Arvada Centers Waitress. The chameleonic Jake Bell starred in two.

In addition to Hedwig, here is our list of high-impact musicals from the year, listed alphabetically by title. I sure wouldnt want to have to choose a best musical in a field this strong:

Phamalys A Chorus Line

There was just one way for me to describe what it felt like when the disability-affirmative Phamaly Theatre Companys audacious production of A Chorus Line came to its magnificent end:

Phamaly felt like Phamaly again.

Ben Raanans production, which daringly moved dancers with disabilities from the back of the line to the front of A Chorus Line, achieved what Phamaly, at its best, has been doing since 1989 but not so regularly in recent years: Upending conventional narratives.

Still, cmon: Taking on the ultimate show-biz tale revealing the razor-thin line between Broadway-perfect dancers and the casting trash heap  and doing it with actors with mobility and other physically limiting issues? Thats gutsy even by Phamaly standards.

I will say straight out that the idea of Phamaly makes no logical sense in the first place  a bunch of disabled folks doing musicals that were not written for them, that were not thought of for them, and that actively work against their bodies, Raanan said. It would be so much easier for all of us to go home at the end of the day and take that time to recharge in the evening. But instead, I've got a cast of 30 who are going, You know what? I'm going to go to rehearsal and give my already hurt body an opportunity to dance that no one else has afforded me.

Dont tell them they dont deserve a spot on the line.

Pull Quote Phamaly 'When they sing Dear God, I really need this, they mean Phamaly. This idea of, "I need to be here" has been palpable throughout 35 years of Phamalys existence."  Artistic Director Ben Raanan

To Raanan, the climax of A Chorus Line is not the announcement of who does and does not get cast in the Broadway show theyve all been auditioning for. That takes eight seconds flat, and its over. To Raanan, its the opening song, I Hope I Get it, and the penultimate song, What I Did for Love.

These are people who have an immense amount of joy and need to be on that stage, he said. So when they sing Dear God, I really need this, they mean Phamaly.

This idea of, I need to be here has been palpable throughout 35 years of Phamalys existence, said Raanan, who became Phamalys artistic director in 2021. But he truly arrived last summer, with A Chorus Line.

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Town Hall Arts Centers Jersey Boys

Town Hall knew who to turn to when it scheduled the latest of many local stagings of Jersey Boys: Littletons own Matthew Dailey, who himself logged nearly 1,000 performances with the Broadway touring production about the making of the Four Seasons. He knows this material  and how to make it play on stage.

Daileys considerable challenge was largely accomplished with his impeccable casting of Jake Bell as Frankie Valli, Elton J. Tanega as tough-guy narrator Tommy DeVito, Caleb Wenger as Bob Gaudio and Brandon Jesus Lopez as Nick Massi. Bell nailing that Valli falsetto?? Fuhgeddaboudit it. Pure butter.

Arvada Centers Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812

The Arvada Center took a huge creative risk in 2024 by staging this most unusual Josh Groban Broadway electro-pop musical, a rowdy adaptation of a 70-page segment from Leo Tolstoy's 1869 novel War and Peace. In it, the actors sing through the story while playing their own instruments and wandering all around and even behind the audience in a 360-degree configuration.

That artistic challenge seemed to infuse Arvada Centers actors and creatives with fresh vitality, led by the ever-extraordinary Brett Ambler as the unhappily married Pierre. But the real star of this show, hands down, was resident scenic designer Brian Mallgrave.

As Alice Kaderlan wrote for Onstage Colorado: Mallgraves scarlet red jewel box of a set, which encircles the theater with immersive seating, creates the ultimate 19th century Russian drawing room festooned with golden sconces, glittering crystal chandeliers and hanging portraits of dignitaries. (In this case, they were the cast members, wink wink).

Third Side Theatres The Old Man and the Old Moon

The pleasant surprise of the decade was wandering into the Peoples Building to see this purely magical nautical Irish musical by a first-time company called Third Side Theatre (though largely a remount of an apparently purely magical effort by the Evergreen Players a few years back).

Not to steal any thunder from my beloved Avett Brothers, but I was fully "swept away" by this debut effort from a group self-described as "a troupe of vagabond storytellers crafting unconventional theater in and around Denver."

This truly lovely piece of family-friendly musical storytelling, created by New Yorks PigPen Theatre Co. (which is both a band and a theater company), is an epic tale of an old man who must abandon his duties of filling the moon back up with liquid light to cross the seas in search of his missing wife. What follows is an imaginative seafaring epic told with the tenderness and playfulness of a bedtime story  with the actors playing their own musical instruments.

Town Hall Arts Centers Urinetown

Sometimes (metaphorical) politics and musical showtunes actually mix just perfectly. This clever cautionary musical satire manages to lambast capitalism, environmental collapse and star-crossed love  all with a delicious wink.

Its set in a crumbling urban metropolis where drought has ruled for 20 years and the impoverished masses must pay to pee. Wait. "What kind of a musical is this?" the adorable Little Sally asks in exasperation. Not a happy one. Just a hilarious one. (Directed by Robert Michael Sanders and again featuring Bell and Terze-Schwarz.)

Arvada Centers Waitress

Waitress is a problematic musical based on a problematic indie film, but the stage adaptation telling the story of an abused yet charmingly flawed wife trying to start over caught lightning in a bottle when its creators partnered up with pop star Sara Bareilles on the music. The Arvada Centers regional premiere, perfectly cast by director Lynne Collins, rode Terze-Schwarzs palpable likeability and golden voice along with a number of strong supporting performances to crowd-pleasing heights. I havent heard from a single person who didnt love it, and believe me: That never happens.

Honorable mention: Other 2024 impact musicals of note

Alphabetical by title

Platte Valley Players Cabaret

Town Hall Arts Centers Cannibal the Musical

Candlelight Dinner Playhouses Crazy For You

Vintage Theatres Fun Home

Parker Arts Legally Blonde

Magic Moments A Midwinter Nights Dream

Lone Tree Arts Centers Million Dollar Quartet

Town Hall Arts Centers Raisin

Beehive Productions The Rocky Horror Show

Veritas Productions School of Rock"

Note: The True West Awards, now in their 24th year, began as the Denver Post Ovation Awards in 2001. Denver Gazette Senior Arts Journalist John Moore celebrates the Colorado theater community by revisiting 30 good stories from the past year without categories or nominations.

Unsung heroes of the day

Live theater productions are now commonly enhanced with contemporary storytelling tools, which has put a greater emphasis on the need for capable video and projection designs.

Deb Flomberg-Rollins stepped into that role for an unusual Firehouse Theater Company offering called Othello 2024, which faithfully adhered to Shakespeares story and language while presenting the ultimate tale of ambition and revenge with present-day characters and settings. (That and it makes Iago a woman whos as mad as hell and shes not going to fake it anymore.)

Director Andrew Uhlenhopps production heavily relied on transitional, pre-recorded scenes he and Flomberg-Rollins filmed on location, including in a car, on a TV news set and elsewhere. Flomberg-Rollins turned one room in area theater producer and filmmaker Susan Lyles basement into a hotel room. Flomberg-Rollins edited the video together and Rick Reid got the projections beamed onto the stage.

The trios contributions modernized the show, gave it great pacing, and allowed us to tell pieces of the story in a much more efficient and engaging way, said Firehouse Artistic Director Helen Hand.
The bodies of 15 people were recovered from pits in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas which has been plagued by drug cartel violence.

In a post on X, Chiapas State Gov. Eduardo Ramirez detailed an operation to restore stability to Frailesca, an agricultural region near Guatemala where rival cartels have been involved in a turf war.

"Unfortunately, 15 bodies (have been found) so far in secret graves in two properties," Ramirez wrote Saturday on social media.

Army soldiers patrol the streets after clashes between armed groups in Pantelho, Chiapas state, Mexico. / Credit: ISAAC GUZMAN/AFP via Getty Images

He added that weapons, vehicles and drugs were also seized and four people had been arrested, though he did not say if they were alleged to have been involved in the deaths of the 15 people.

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Mexico's cartel-related violence is concentrated in or along drug trafficking routes, borders and ports of entry.

Chiapas state has been described by the InSight Crime think tank as "a major smuggling hub of both drugs and migrants."

For the last two years, the Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation cartels have been engaged in bloody turf battles in Chiapas that have involved killing whole families and forcing villages to take sides in the dispute. Hundreds of Chiapas residents have had to flee to neighboring Guatemala for their safety.

Since Mexico launched its controversial anti-drug operation in 2006, it has recorded more than 450,000 murders and tens of thousands of people have gone missing, according to official figures.

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In October, a well-known Catholic priest Marcelo Perez, who was an activist for Indigenous peoples and farm laborers, was gunned down and killed in Chiapas.

Perez, 50, had often received threats but nonetheless continued to work as a peace activist. Human rights advocates said Perez did not receive the government protection he needed.

Residents walk past the facade of a house with bullet holes after clashes between armed groups in Pantelho, Chiapas state, Mexico. / Credit: ISAAC GUZMAN/AFP via Getty Images

President Claudia Sheinbaum, who took office Oct. 1, has pledged to follow the policy of her predecessor and mentor, former President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, of not confronting the drug cartels. The policy has failed to significantly reduce violence.

On Thursday, Mexican authorities discovered 12 bodies buried in clandestine graves in the northern Chihuahua state.

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Authorities discovered 11 graves containing 12 skeletons in Ascension municipality near the U.S. border, the state prosecutor's office said in a statement.

"Romeo and Juliet" actress Olivia Hussey dies at 73

Philanthropist David Rubenstein on how 2024's unsettled times compares to past unsettled times

David Rubenstein on "Face the Nation" | Full interview
A 16-year-old girl is in pre-trial detention in St. Petersburg for putting up posters of anti-establishment fighters on a bulletin board at her school, a local court announced on Dec. 29.

Russian authorities ramped up their crackdown on political opposition following the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Voicing discontent with Russia's war or Russian authorities can lead to heavy penalties.

The child, who the Kyiv Independent has chosen not to identify, allegedly put up posters titled "Heroes of Russia" with photos of Denis Kapustin and Aleksiy Levkin on Dec. 26. Kapustin and Levkin are fighters in the Russian Volunteer Corps, a militant group established by Kapustin who has fought alongside Ukraine and opposes the rule of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

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Russian authorities detained the accussed on Dec. 27, charging her with "public calls for committing terrorist activities or public justification of terrorism."

If convicted, Russian courts could impose hefty fines or several years in prison on her.

According to the local court, the accused requested house arrest as she awaits trial.

Nearly 20,000 people have been detained in Russia, including previous instances of child detentions, for alleged antiwar activities since the start of their full-scale invasion in February 2022, Freedom House reports.

Prominent Russian lawyer, Dmitry Talantov was sentenced to seven years in prison on Nov. 28 following his arrest in June 2022. Talantov was convicted of inciting hatred and spreading what Russian law enforcement called "false information" about the Russian military.

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Read also: Ukraine war latest: Ukraine prioritizing security guarantees over immediate NATO membership, senior diplomat says

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Rescuers suspect 179 people died when a plane veered off a South Korean airport runway and caught fire on Sunday, local media reported on Sunday.

Two survivors, both of them crew members, were taken to hospital and remain conscious after the accident, according Yonhap news agency, citing officials, after the plane veered off the runway while landing and collided with a fence at Muan International Airport.

Earlier, the countrys national fire agency said 84 women, 82 men and 11 others whose genders were not immediately identifiable died in the fire at the airport, according to PA news agency.

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An emergency meeting was convened in the presidential office in Seoul, chaired by Chief of Staff Chung Jin Suk, to discuss the coordination of ministries to provide resources such as medical assistance.

South Korean television aired a video showing the aircraft skidding across the runway without its landing gear down, smashing at the end of the runway and bursting into flames.

Several eyewitnesses on the ground reported seeing fire coming from one of the turbines and heard several loud bangs, Yonhap said.

The plane was a 15-year-old Boeing 737-800 jet that was returning from Bangkok and the crash happened at 9:03 am (0003 GMT), the Transport Ministry reported, PA said.

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The pilots initially tried to land but aborted the attempt then tried a crash landing, the report said.

Pictures taken from a distance initially showed huge dark plumes of smoke above the scene. Later photos showed burning wreckage and charred debris from the aircraft.

"The aircraft has almost completely been destroyed, and it is difficult to identify the deceased," a fire official said, according to Yonhap. "We are in the process of recovering the remains, which will take time."

The Jeju Air flight, with some 175 passengers and six crew members aboard, was returning from Bangkok.

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Jeju Air chief executive Kim E-Bae said the airline extended its deepest condolences and apologies to those affected.

"Currently, the exact cause of the accident has yet to be determined, and we must wait for the official investigation by government agencies," Kim said in a statement.

"Regardless of the cause, I take full responsibility as the chief executive."

US aircraft producer Boeing contacted Jeju Air after the accident, according to media reports.

Authorities suspect a bird strike led to the accident, based on initial investigations. Muan's control tower issued a warning to the pilots of bird strikes before the accident, according to reports. The pilots reportedly made an emergency call shortly afterwards.

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Acting President Choi Sang Mok visited the accident site and ordered agencies to use all available equipment, personnel and infrastructure to "save even one more life," Yonhap reported, citing his office.

"I believe no words of consolation will be enough for the families who have suffered such a tragedy," Choi said.

"The government will spare no effort in supporting the bereaved families."

Choi has been acting president since Friday, after lawmakers voted to impeach then-acting president Han Duck Soo, barely two weeks after Yoon Suk Yeol was removed from the presidency over his imposition of martial law.

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South Korea's Defence Ministry said about 180 personnel, firefighting vehicles and ambulances had been deployed to the airport.

All other flights to and from Muan have been cancelled.

Yonhap reported that two of the passengers were Thai nationals.

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed her condolences on social media platform X.

She had asked her country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs to investigate whether there were any Thai passengers on the plane and what the current situation was, according to the post.

Leaders worldwide sent condolences to South Korea, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy.

Muan Airport, which opened in 2007 after 10 years of construction, is located in the south-western province of Jeolla - almost 300 kilometres from the capital Seoul.

A crane clears wreckage from the plane crash site at Muan International Airport. -/YNA/dpa

Firefighters conduct rescue operations at Muan International Airport after a passenger plane carrying 181 people crashes. -/YNA/dpa

Firefighters conduct rescue operations at Muan International Airport after a passenger plane carrying 181 people crashes. -/YNA/dpa

Firefighters conduct rescue operations at Muan International Airport after a passenger plane carrying 181 people crashes. -/YNA/dpa

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Monroe police said two people vandalized graves in Hillcrest Cemetery last week.

Saturday afternoon, police said they received information about a group of people recording themselves destroying graves at the Hillcrest Cemetery.

I would say this is unusual, said Lt. Morgan Malone, Monroe Police Department. This is the first video I have seen in this cemetery of this happening. Especially for these individuals to post it themselves on their own social media account.

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A pot of flowers was still kicked over in the cemetery on Monday morning.

Its malicious, Malone said. Theres no excuse for it and the individuals need to be held accountable for what they did.

You have so many people that are busy trying to find something to do. I dont really understand why they would want to disrupt someones grave, said Phyllis Houston-Washington.

Houston-Washington said even though her loved ones graves were OK, she knows how stressful this situation was for many.

The thing about it for me was all I could do was just go and see. It was a lot more stressful for one of my nephews because hes been going through a lot of remembrances about his father right now, and hes away on vacation, she said.

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Jaykob Marquez Bracey was arrested for felony desecrating a gravestone.

The Department of Juvenile Justice was also contacted a teenager who was allegedly involved, according to police.

Anyone with information about Braceys whereabouts is asked to contact the Monroe Police Department at 704-282-4700.

VIDEO: Park rangers report increase in vandalism on Blue Ridge Parkway




MALDEN, Mass. (WWLP)  Andrew Carr of Malden received a $1 million lottery prize in the $4,000,000 Bonus Money instant ticket game on Thursday.

Salem woman wins $25,000 a year for life prize in Lucky for Life lottery game

Carr bought his ticket at Dandeas Superette on Main Street in Malden. He chose the cash option when accepting his prize at the Massachusetts State Lottery headquarters and was given a one-time payment of $650,000 before taxes.

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Carr said he plans on investing his prize winnings. Dandeas Superette will also receive a $10,000 bonus for selling the $1 million ticket.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
TIPP CITY, Ohio (WDTN)  Two people were injured after shots were fired at a party in Tipp City.

According to Tipp City police, officers responded to a shooting just after 3 a.m. at a home on Comanche Lane.

ArriveSafe: Free rideshare voucher available for New Years Eve

Police say the suspect fired off one round, hitting one person in the ear and one person in the stomach. Both were sent to the hospital. The person who was shot in the stomach is in critical condition and had to undergo surgery.

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Law enforcement apprehended the suspect with charges pending.

2 NEWS is working to learn more about what happened and the status of the victims.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
A team of U.S. investigators was being assembled to aid South Korea's probe into a fiery commercial plane crash Sunday that killed 179 people in that country's deadliest domestic air disaster ever.

Two Jeju Air crew members survived and were being treated for injuries. The flight had 175 passengers and six crew on board, and the fatalities ranged in age from 3 to 78, authorities said.

Jeju Air 089590.KS Flight 7C2216 was en route from Bangkok when it touched down without deploying its landing gear, veered off a runway and slammed into a wall at Muan International Airport on Sunday morning, South Korea's Transport Ministry said. Much of the crash was captured on video.

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As authorities announced the names of some of those killed in the crash, families of the passengers wept and screamed, some collapsing on the floor. South Korea's acting President Choi Sang-mok, who visited the crash site, announced a weeklong period of mourning.

The control tower had issued bird-strike warnings shortly before the pilots declared "mayday" and attempted to land, authorities said. The twin-engine Boeing 737-800 was seen in local media video skidding down the runway before crashing in an explosion of flames and debris.

"After the plane collided with the wall, passengers were thrown out of the aircraft. The chances of survival (were) extremely low," Muan fire Chief Lee Jeong-hyeon said in a briefing translated by Yonhap news agency. "The aircraft has almost completely been destroyed, and it is difficult to identify the deceased. We are in the process of recovering the remains, which will take time."

Investigators collected saliva swabs from family members of those aboard for DNA tests to help identify victims. Jeon Je-young, 71, said his daughter Mi-sook died in the crash.

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"When I saw the accident video, the plane seemed out of control," Jeon told Reuters. "The pilots probably had no choice but to do it. My daughter, who is only in her mid-40s, ended up like this. This is unbelievable."

The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board said it was leading a team of U.S. investigators from Boeing and the FAA to assist South Korea in the investigation. Under global aviation rules, South Korea will head the civil investigation while the NTSB will be included since the plane was designed and built in the U.S.

President Joe Biden issued a statement saying he was "deeply saddened" and pledged any assistance South Korea might need.

"As close allies, the American people share deep bonds of friendship with the South Korean people," Biden said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with those impacted by this tragedy."

Jeju Air CEO apologizes to families of victims

Muan is a county of about 100,000 people about 200 miles south of Seoul, in the country's southern tip. The passengers included two Thai nationals, and the rest are believed to be South Koreans, according to the Transport Ministry. Jeju Air pledged full support for the surviving families, citing a $1 billion insurance plan.

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"We deeply apologize to all those affected by the incident," the airline said in a statement. "We will make every effort to resolve the situation. We sincerely regret the distress caused."

CEO Kim E-bae issued an apology and extended condolences to family members, saying that "regardless of the cause, I take full responsibility as the CEO."

How safe is flying right now? What to know after the Jeju Air crash

Firefighters try to extinguish flames from an aircraft that drove off a runaway at Muan International Airport in Muan, South Jeolla Province, South Korea, on Dec. 29, 2024.

Aircraft was manufactured in 2009

The aircraft was manufactured in 2009, the transport ministry said. Boeing issued this statement: "We are in contact with Jeju Air regarding flight 2216 and stand ready to support them. We extend our deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones, and our thoughts remain with the passengers and crew."

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All domestic and international flights at the Muan airport had been canceled, Yonhap reported.

Bird-strike warning issued before tragedy

The transport ministry said the airport control tower issued a bird-strike warning at 8:54 a.m. The pilot declared mayday at 8:59 a.m. and landed the plane at 9:03 a.m. The flight data and cockpit voice recorders were recovered, Lee said.

Investigators were examining bird strikes and weather conditions as possible factors, Lee said. Yonhap news agency cited airport authorities as saying a bird strike may have caused the landing gear to malfunction.

Airline industry analyst Henry Harteveldt said South Korean safety standards are high and called the crash an "extraordinary failure." One unique feature of the 737 is its design that allows pilots to lower landing gear by "free fall" if the hydraulics fail, he said.

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"Basically, just unlock the gear, let it fall into place," Harteveldt told USA TODAY. "So I don't know why that did not happen."

He added that because the crash appeared to be a "last-minute event," safety crews did not have time to blanket the runway in foam that might have mitigated the extent of the explosion and fire.

Two crewmembers rescued from burning plane

The two crew members, a man and a woman, were rescued from the tail section of the burning plane. Yonhap described one survivor, with the surname of Lee, 33, as a flight attendant being treated for multiple fractures including his upper spine. Hospital director Ju Woong told Yonhap that Lee was under special care because of the possibility of paralysis.

Lee told doctors he woke up to find he had been rescued, Ju said, adding that Lee was able to communicate and that there was no indication of memory loss.

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Also rescued was a flight attendant named Koo, 25, who was in stable condition with injuries to her ankle and head, Ju said.

This screen grab from video footage shows black smoke billowing into the sky after the plane crash in South Korea.

New president had been on the job for less than 48 hours

Choi had been on the job for less than 48 hours when he arrived at the scene of the crash. Choi, the country's finance minister, became acting leader only on Friday after the impeachment of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo.

He in turn had only been acting president since President Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached and suspended from power on Dec. 14 following his short-lived attempt to impose martial law.

Upheaval in South Korea: South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol reverses martial law after lawmakers defied him

Previous deadliest air accident was in 2002

The previous most deadly air accident in South Korea was in 2002 when a Boeing 767-200 operated by Air China crashed into a hill near South Korea's southeastern port city of Busan, killing 129 people and injuring 37.

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In 1997, a Korean Air plane crash in Guam killed 228 people, and in 1983, a Soviet fighter jet shot down a Korean Air flight over Russian airspace, killing all 269 aboard.

The crash at Muan International Airport is the first fatal accident involving Jeju Air, the country's biggest budget airline, which was founded in 2005.

Experts say circumstances of crash raise questions

Experts said the bird strike report and the way the aircraft attempted to land raised more questions than answers.

"A bird strike is not unusual, problems with an undercarriage are not unusual," Airline News editor Geoffrey Thomas said. "Bird strikes happen far more often, but typically they don't cause the loss of an airplane by themselves."

Family members gather at airport

Hours after the crash, family members gathered in the airport's arrival area, some crying and hugging as Red Cross volunteers handed out blankets.

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Many victims appeared to be residents of nearby areas returning from vacation, officials said.

Families cried out as a medic announced the names of victims identified by their fingerprints. Papers were circulated for families to write down their contact details.

Contributing: Reuters

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: South Korea plane crash updates: 179 killed; 2 crewmembers rescued
All 181 passengers and crew aboard a passenger jet that crashed upon landing in South Korea on Sunday morning are presumed dead except for two people rescued from the wreckage, authorities said.

The two survivors have been described as a male crew member from the flight, who is receiving care for non-life-threatening injuries in an intensive care unit, and a female crew member who is recovering with non-life-threatening injuries, according to Health Ministry officials on Sunday evening.

Jeju Air Flight 2216 was landing at Muan International Airport around 9 a.m. local time when the plane went off the runway and crashed into a wall.

PHOTO: Firefighters and rescue team members work at the Muan International Airport in Muan, South Korea, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. (Maeng Dae-hwan/Newsis via AP) (Maeng Dae-hwan/AP)

There were a total of 175 passengers and six crew members aboard the Boeing 737 aircraft, which had taken off from Bangkok, according to the Korean Ministry of Land Infrastructure and Transport. The official death toll, provided by the National Fire Agency, was at first conservative but climbed steadily in the hours after the crash.

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Authorities explained that they are attempting to speed up the identification process for the victims. Although 141 out of 179 people have been identified through fingerprint identification and DNA control, 38 have not yet been identified.

In some cases, the bodies are so badly damaged that fingerprints cannot be sensed. Additionally, there are not records available by which to compare fingerprints for minors, which means that familial DNA comparison is necessary.

MORE: Survivors of Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash report hearing bangs, explosions during flight

A plume of smoke at the scene of the Jeju Air crash in Muan, South Korea. (Courtesy Yoo Jung-Pil)

The transport ministry was on the scene investigating the cause of the crash, and details of what happened were beginning to come into focus. Prior to the plane's crash landing, the control tower issued a warning of a possible bird strike, the ministry said. About a minute after that warning, a pilot sent a mayday distress signal, after which the tower issued permission for the aircraft to land, the ministry said.

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According to the Air and Railway Investigation Committee, the aircraft's "black boxes" were recovered from the wreckage. The plane's flight data recorder was found partially damaged and its cockpit voice recorder was collected intact, officials said.

Decrypting the FDR data could take about a month, according to officials. However, if the damage to the FDR is severe, it may have to be sent to the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board for decoding, which could take more than six months, officials said.

Video from the scene at the time of the crash appears to show the landing gear was up when the plane touched down, possibly indicating some sort of malfunction, and it also appears the plane landed at a high speed. Videos taken at the scene showed flames and a thick column of dark smoke at the crash site.

PHOTO: Plane Crash Kills Many In South Korea (Chung Sung-jun/Getty Images)

As of 1 p.m. local time, authorities said the plane had completely burned. A temporary morgue was being set up at the airport.

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By about 8 p.m., the official death toll had climbed to 176 people, the National Fire Agency said. Eighty-three of the dead were women and 82 were men, the agency said, adding that another 11 bodies remained unidentified. According to the flight manifest, there were five children under 10 years old on the flight, the youngest of them 3 years old.

Initially, there were conflicting reports on the number of people rescued.

United States President Joe Biden said in a statement Sunday afternoon that he and first lady Jill Biden were "deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life" in the crash.

"As close allies, the American people share deep bonds of friendship with the South Korean people and our thoughts and prayers are with those impacted by this tragedy. The United States stands ready to provide any necessary assistance," the statement continued.

PHOTO: Firefighters and rescue team members work near the wreckage of a passenger plane at Muan International Airport in Muan, South Korea, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. (Ahn Young-joon/AP)

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Jeju Air is a South Korean low-cost carrier that operates an all Boeing fleet, with 42 planes and nearly 3,000 staff.

"We deeply apologize to all those affected by the incident at Muan Airport," Jeju Air said in a notice posted in English on its website. "We will make every effort to resolve the situation. We sincerely regret the distress caused."

The website's landing page replaced Jeju Air's logotype, which is usually orange, with an all-black version.

PHOTO: Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae, fourth from left, and other executive members bow in apology ahead of a briefing in Seoul, South Korea, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024 after its passenger plane burst into flames at an airport in the town of Muan. (AP)

The NTSB posted on X Sunday that it is "leading a team of U.S. investigators (NTSB, Boeing and FAA) to assist the Republic of Koreas Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board (ARAIB)" with their investigation of the crash, adding that the ARAIB would release any information about the investigation "per international protocols."

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Boeing was in contact with Jeju Air regarding the crash and was "standing ready to support them," a Boeing spokesperson told ABC News earlier.

"We extend our deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones, and our thoughts remain with the passengers and crew," the spokesperson said.

Muan, a city of roughly 90,000 people, is located in southwest South Korea.

ABC News' Jessica Gorman, Victoria Beaule and Rashid Haddou contributed to this report.

179 dead, 2 rescued after plane crashes while landing in South Korea originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage)  In 2024, San Angelo had several closely contested elections, notably for Police Chief and State Representative.

The Police Chief race featured Travis Griffith, Mike Hernandez, and Chris Cimino. Since no candidate received over 50% of the votes in the first round, a runoff was held between Hernandez, who led with 3,084 votes, and Griffith, who had 2,863 votes. In the runoff, Griffith won with 53% of the vote and was sworn in as Police Chief in June 2024

He expressed excitement about the future, stating, I think we have a great opportunity to continue building upon the relationships we have with the city.

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In the State Representative election, Drew Darby defended his seat against Stormy Bradley, winning by nearly 14 percentage points. The race was significantly shaped by a debate over Governor Greg Abbotts controversial Student Savings Accounts plan, which Darby helped block, positioning himself as a supporter of public education. He urged citizens to stay engaged in the political process.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com.
2024 was a highly consequential election year, and the Tribune Editorial Board turned many times to the presidential campaign. There was the disastrous-for-Democrats debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden, the sudden switch by the Democratic Party to nominate Kamala Harris, the contrasting conventions, campaign ups and downs and, of course, the ultimate triumph of Trump himself.

Heres some of what we had to say as political chaos, followed by drastic change, unfolded.

Feb. 13: Wisconsin Republican Mike Gallagher announces retirement from the House of Representatives.

How much room is left in the Grand Old Party for those who dont toe the MAGA line, 100% of the time? On the day after the birthday of Abraham Lincoln, the nations first Republican president, Wisconsin Republican Mike Gallaghers surprise Feb. 10 announcement that he would retire from the House of Representatives when his term ends has set us wondering.

March 4: The U.S. Supreme Court rules that individual states cant unilaterally bar Donald Trump from appearing on ballots on the grounds of Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. The editorial board approves.

We were stirred and pleased that the Supremes acted unanimously in striking down the Colorado Supreme Court ruling, which was the issue on the table here but will extend to other states that have followed suit. The three liberal justices stepped away from their potential partisan corners and also rejected the suggestions of several law professors no doubt of their acquaintance. That puts this issue to bed in the best possible way, and Trump should return the favor by noting that not everything in Washington is some Deep State plot against him. To his credit, he actually did take some baby steps Monday in that direction. When things go his way, he is capable of marginal magnanimity. Its when things do not that this big babys ruinous side always reveals itself. In this case, he could learn a thing or two from those liberal justices. They swallowed hard and did their jobs. Trump for president is a matter for the voters. Such is the price of democracy.

June 26: In a debate with Donald Trump, disaster strikes for Joe Biden. By the following morning, the editorial board is calling for the president not to run again.

Trump was mostly just himself, energetically narcissistic, cavalier with truths, cruel of tone, bereft of empathy. Biden was an encapsulation of what many Americans have come to know very well as they care for aged parents, partners, friends, grandparents and colleagues: a man now struggling to maintain a line of thought and keep track of complex facts, a man who gets flustered under deadline pressure, a man who has become vulnerable and yet, at the same time, far less self-aware. None of these descriptions of Biden prevent his enjoying a great life fully deserved by a man of distinguished public service; they dont preclude his passing on wisdom in a classroom, giving speeches, accepting awards, shaping a memoir with a co-writer, having dinner with old friends and colleagues, playing with grandkids. A charitable person would say, maybe, they dont even preclude his living out the last few months of a first term as president of the United States. With the help of trusted staffers. But standing again for that office? Its a ridiculous idea.

July 8: Democrats still are mulling what to do about the Joe Biden issue. The editorial board has an analogy involving federal judges.

When Article III federal judges start to struggle to fulfill their vital role, the standard practice is that a trusted colleague, other than the chief judge of a district, schedules a lunch and quietly but firmly suggests to the reluctant jurist that the time has come to stand down. Often this is accompanied by the unveiling of a portrait in a ceremonial courtroom. Assuming the message is received, no public mention is ever made of this intervention; rather, a willing retirement is announced, accompanied by many grand words about all the retirees accomplishments.

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After the disastrous debate with Trump, we anticipated that would be how things went with Biden. Indeed, there clearly are those still working in that direction, which would involve an acknowledgement of changed personal circumstances on the part of the nominee (no shame there), perhaps (or perhaps not) a crowning of Vice President Kamala Harris as successor, and a surely graceful exit accompanied by an entire librarys worth of pronouncements of admiration by pretty much every Democratic head ever to talk. Then, of a sudden and as if by magic, the editorials and opinion columns would tend to legacy burnishing, to admiration and praise, with any sense of relief banished to the subtext. It would have been a sight to behold in left-leaning media, large and small.

July 19: The editorial board attends the final night of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee and finds Appalachia in ascendency.

Our predecessors on the Tribune Editorial Board would not recognize the Republican Party we found Thursday as we took to the floor of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. There were a few cursory nods to the old party of Ronald Reagan in the form of grainy video. But bankers and besuited businesspeople, the old-school Republicans whose values this newspaper long reflected, were as hard to find as a speaker extolling the values of the free market, the perils of protectionism or even the importance of free speech. What mattered most to those with whom we spoke Thursday night was to ensure that Donald Trump was keeping guard on behalf of America  even, we were told over and over, at the gates of hell. The Republicans have pivoted hard to being a blue-collar protectorate.

July 25: The editorial board argues Democrats should be allowed to vote from the convention floor at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

Democratic Party leaders no doubt are relieved to have the matter essentially settled before their printers say its too late to print those Harris-and-whomever T-shirts. But we would prefer a live reminder to the nation that convention delegates have the final say when chaos has erupted and previous plans have gone awry.

Aug. 21: At the DNC, Joe Bidens speech gets pushed out of prime time.

The messy realities of human existence, whether for presidents of the United States or anyone else, arent what political conventions are designed to convey. There is pathos when an old lion admits that the ride is over. And Biden had to do so on the biggest of public stages. So it was egregious that the program ran so long and Biden didnt take the stage until well after 10 p.m., past prime time and with the United Center full of the fatigued. No doubt that wasnt the intent. But the error nonetheless amounted to a final indignity for Biden. He remains the president after all, and it wasnt respectful. On a night in which Democrats otherwise delivered the message they intended and effectively prosecuted the case against another term for Donald Trump, it left a sour taste.

Oct. 1: Unlike rival ABC News, CBS News says that it expects debate candidates to fact-check each other. The editorial board approves of that but not vice presidential candidate JD Vances use of fiction.

Good moderators certainly should question a candidates untruthful, or unresponsive, answers in sharp, follow-up questions, assuming they are capable of pivoting in real time. Thats the way to handle Trump. But once moderators start making their own voices-of-God declarative statements, which will always be subject to interpretation, the whole structure of the debate starts to fall apart. And that achieves nothing. The moderators are supposed to be unbiased. Republicans had a reasonable beef with ABC News. All that said, we strongly recommend a line of questioning for vice presidential candidate JD Vance on Tuesday night. Vance has at least strongly implied that it is acceptable, if one wants to bring attention to an issue, to do so in the form of fictive storytelling, and to use anecdotes that may not be literally true. This is dangerous claptrap, and Vance knows it very well.

Nov. 6: Donald Trump wins the presidential election.

There are lots of ways of defining the liberal elite  assistant deans, network anchors, public health officials and, yes, legacy newspaper journalists  but there can be no question that Tuesday night saw a wholesale rejection of their dominant value system. America didnt just elect a craven candidate whom the highly educated had deemed unacceptably dictatorial, fascistic even, but the nation did so in such a way that President-elect Donald J. Trumps agenda now will largely be unfettered, thanks to Republican majorities in the Senate and, quite possibly as we write, the House. And, adding insult to injury for Democrats, its likely that the result of the election also will deliver Trump from his myriad legal challenges.

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The party that had been saying democracy was on the ballot found that democracy had risen like an orange tiger to bite it in the neck.

Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.
Dec. 29Editor's note: One-fourth of the way through this century, TribLive is looking ahead to the next 25 years, using the events of the past 25 as a roadmap of what possibly is to come. This installment of the occasional series looks at politics.

In late December 2000, America waited for the U.S. Supreme Court to issue a ruling that ultimately would determine the country's next president.

Eight years of Democratic control of the White House were about to end. Rush Limbaugh was the top conservative voice on the radio, and Fox News was in its infancy. Pennsylvania's status as a swing state flourished, as Democrats held a small voter registration edge.

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A quarter-century later, Pennsylvania remains a political toss-up. A riot at the U.S. Capitol spurred on by claims of a stolen presidential election is four years in the past. Leaders from the major political parties blame the other side for growing divisiveness punctuated by social media vitriol and a failure to reach agreement on what is fact and fiction.

A lot has happened in the past quarter-century, and it may be a harbinger of what's to come during the next 25 years. Political experts and observers debate just how different, or similar, the political landscape will be in 2050.

"I think we will get to a more intelligent form of government. In the next decade or so, we will get tired of presidential-dominated politics. We will have another couple of cycles of this, but we will move back to where

we were," said Ben Wren, a Republican political strategist from Greensburg.

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Wren blamed much of today's divisive political discourse on fragmentation within the Republican and Democratic parties, with extremism on both sides of the aisle leading to a breakdown in communication and consensus. He predicted it will take a major unifying event for politics of the past to return.

He suggested the 9/11 attacks in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania led to a shifting political landscape at the turn of the century and predicted it would take another traumatic event to alter the country's politics.

"I thought the pandemic would be that challenge, but I was wrong. That just made us more divided. The next two decades will be a battle between populism and realism. I think ultimately we will be a realistic country. There have been times when these 'isms' pop up, but I think that the fragmentation of caucuses play into that. The excess of the 1990s was brought back by 9/11. Our period of isolation (last century) was brought back by Hitler. Something will trigger the pendulum to swing back," Wren said.

Alison Dagnes, a political science professor at Shippensburg University, is less hopeful.

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Dagnes said she thinks social media will continue to push people toward extremes.

"My hope is we are about to break the fever, but I think we are going to find ourselves to continue down the path of moving away from people we disagree with," Dagnes said. "I don't want to sound like it's all doom and gloom and a prophet of sadness, but so much of the public just shrugs at all this bad behavior from our politicians, and I think that behavior will continue."

Fragmentation of political views will lead to a further divide of the media, with a continued growth of siloed opinions based on where people get their news, she suggested.

Dagnes predicted the divisiveness in Washington will lead to states having more influence over politics. Abortion rights, gun laws and other key issues will be increasingly the domain of state lawmakers over the next quarter-century, she predicts.

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"It's going to matter where you live that will be the deciding factor in the decisions you make. Republicans may get what they wanted with the states having much of the power," Dagnes said.

Snapshot of division

A snapshot of that division can be seen in Pennsylvania, where Republicans and

Democrats have remained on equal political footing for much of the past 25 years.

In April 2000, Democrats outnumbered Republicans by about 500,000 voters. By 2024, that advantage had dwindled to about 200,000 voters.

Meanwhile, Pennsylvania had 23 electoral votes available in the 2000 presidential race. Population loss and redistricting reduced that number to 19 this year. Even with fewer electoral votes at stake, the state was still a major prize to be won this fall, and it hosted more than 50 visits from the major party presidential candidates during the summer and fall campaign season.

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Pennsylvania's clout could decline in the coming decades because of population loss and a shift in voter attitudes. Predictive analytics suggest Pennsylvania could lose one or two electoral votes by 2050.

Muhlenburg College political science professor Chris Borick said past trends suggest Pennsylvania could retain its role as a key swing state, albeit with fewer electoral votes to be had.

"In 2000, Pennsylvania was a premier swing state, and in 2024 we were still politically balanced, but the internal politics of the state flipped dramatically," Borick said. "The areas that were the reddest are now the bluest, and now many areas that were blue are now red.

"Looking ahead 25 years, I wouldn't be surprised if Pennsylvania is still a swing state, a pretty competitive state, but that things continue to switch internally."

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Borick predicted political division could grow in the coming years and suggested on a national level that Democrats and Republicans might alternate in power before one party takes on a longer period of control.

"I think the political landscape will be competitive but divided. We might engage with a more one-party dominant period. We've seen that before in America. It's part of our political heritage. I wouldn't be surprised if we enter one of those periods," Borick said.

Rich Cholodofsky is a TribLive reporter covering Westmoreland County government, politics and courts. He can be reached at rcholodofsky@triblive.com.
Three people were arrested Saturday afternoon at a restaurant in south suburban Oak Forest where several people were stabbed, according to local law enforcement.

Oak Forest police said officers responded to a disturbance at Jamaica Jerk Choice, 6064 W. 159th St., around 2 p.m. and found multiple people with stab wounds. Its not clear how many were hurt, but police said those injured were taken to the hospital for treatment.

Three people were taken into custody, and police said it was an isolated incident with no threat to the public.

The Oak Forest Police Departments investigations division is investigating the incident.
Sheriffs investigators charged two men and a teenager with first-degree murder and other offenses on Friday in the killing of a 16-year-old outside his Lincoln County home.

One suspect, a 35-year-old man, remained at large Saturday, and authorities asked the public for help to find him.

Edwin Jaziel Morales Hernandez was found dead Dec. 15 along rural Whitehouse Drive, investigators said. Thats off U.S. 321 just north of Lincolnton and 40 miles northwest of uptown Charlotte.

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Chief Deputy Matt Lykins said a worker from the area found the boys body around 7 p.m., about 200 yards from old mills at the end of the road, The Charlotte Observer previously reported.

Assailants took the teen from outside his home, robbed and shot him and left him on the side of the little-traveled road, according to a Lincoln County Sheriffs Office news release late Friday.

Three face felony charges in teens killing

Investigators didnt say if the shooters knew the teen. The sheriffs office credited tips that led to the discovery of evidence that investigators arent detailing.

On Friday, investigators obtained warrants against Michael Dujuan Byrd, 20, of Kings Mountain; Isaiah Dashawn Lipscomb, 17, of Clover, S.C.; and Larue Dean Lipscomb Jr., 35, of Gastonia.

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Each is charged with first-degree murder, robbery with a dangerous weapon, and kidnapping, all felonies.

Byrd was being held without bail in the Lincoln County jail Saturday. Isaiah Lipscomb was in the York County Detention Center awaiting extradition to Lincoln County, while Larue Lipscomb hasnt been found, investigators said.

The sheriffs office urged anyone who knows the whereabouts of Larue Lipscomb, or has information about the case, to call sheriffs Detective Jon Propst at 704-732-9050; the Lincoln County Communications Center at 704-735-8202; or Lincolnton-Lincoln County Crime Stoppers at 704-736-8909. Tips can remain anonymous, investigators said.

Investigators thanked the U.S. Marshals Carolinas Regional Task Force, Kings Mountain Police Department, York County Sheriffs Office, Clover Police Department and Cleveland County Sheriffs Office for executing search warrants at various locations in Kings Mountain, Clover and York County.
Dec. 28Three people were killed and three were injured after a head-on collision one mile north of the Manly and Forest City exit on Interstate 35 Saturday morning.

The Iowa State Patrol has not yet released the names of those who died or who were injured.

According to the State Patrol, a 2014 Volkswagon EOS was driving southbound in the northbound lane of I-35 after crossing the median, and a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado was northbound when the two vehicles collided in the inside lane of I-35 near milemarker 204.

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The crash occurred at 8:55 a.m.

Forest City Ambulance, Northwood First Responders and Ambulance and Iowa Department of Transportation and Department of Natural Resources assisted at the scene.

Check back for more information as it becomes available.
Three people were found dead in a South Carolina apartment complex, according to the North Charleston Police Department. The suspected shooter then fatally shot himself.

Around 4:40 p.m. Friday, police officers were called to 9698 Patriots Blvd. #600 for reports of shots fired. When police entered the apartment, they found three dead people.

Police said that the suspect reportedly left the residence with an AR-style rifle and took a 5-year-old with him. The suspect also, assaulted someone by punching them.

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Witnesses described the suspects vehicle, and officers identified and located it through a drivers license check, officials said. Officers arrived at the suspects residence and saw his vehicle. While checking the vehicle, the suspect emerged from the house with the child. He placed the child down and then fatally shot himself, according to police.

No further details were available. Police said the incident appeared domestic in nature.

The Dorchester County Coroners Office will release the names of the dead, officials said.

The police department and coroners office are continuing to investigate.
DENVER (KDVR)  Three people were injured in a shooting early Sunday morning in the 4400 block of East Jewell Avenue, according to the Denver Police Department.

Police originally reported that one person was taken to a local hospital, but two additional victims were found and taken to the hospital.

Police did not know the extent of injuries for all three victims.

DPD said officers were working to develop suspect information.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
Thirty homeless people were moved out of an encampment in Santa Fe Springs earlier this month.

The effort, led by L.A. Countys Pathway Home program, was conducted with the help of local agencies and the countys sheriffs department on Dec. 19.

The operation focused on an encampment of 30 people living along the San Gabriel River and the 605 Freeway where people lived in makeshift structures and tents.

Thirty homeless people were moved out of an encampment in Santa Fe Springs as part of L.A. Countys Pathway Home operation on Dec. 19, 2024. (Pathway Home) Thirty homeless people were moved out of an encampment in Santa Fe Springs as part of L.A. Countys Pathway Home operation on Dec. 19, 2024. (Pathway Home) Thirty homeless people were moved out of an encampment in Santa Fe Springs as part of L.A. Countys Pathway Home operation on Dec. 19, 2024. (Pathway Home)

Homeless residents were moved inside to local motels for interim housing as officials worked to clear the encampment of debris and dilapidated structures.

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The goal of Pathway Home is to address homelessness in each community where, as people become homeless, were able to quickly and efficiently bring them inside, triage them and get them the services they need so we no longer have these big encampments, explained Ivan Sulic, Deputy for L.A. Countys Homeless Initiatives and Outreach. So when people go to their parks or civic centers, they are free and clear of these encampments. I think its a win-win for the quality of life in the community and for those experiencing homelessness.

Multiple agencies helped with the operations, including:

Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA)

L.A. County Sheriffs Department

City of Santa Fe Springs

L.A. County Department of Public Works

Encampments are communities and we have seen that people are more likely to accept help and housing if they know their entire encampment is accepting help together, said L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn. I am grateful that, thanks to the hard work of our outreach workers, first responders, and public works employees, these 30 individuals are inside safe for the holidays and on a pathway to long-term housing.

This innovative encampment resolution program is not just about providing shelter, its about restoring dignity, hope, and opportunity, said Santa Fe Springs Mayor Bill Rounds.

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More information about Pathway Home can be found here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
A 31-year-old man died at the Tarrant County Jail on Friday, Dec. 27, after suffering a medical emergency, officials said.

Mason Andrew Yancy was pronounced dead shortly after 10:30 p.m., according to the Tarrant County Medical Examiners website. His cause and manner of death are pending.

The inmate was treated by medical staff at the jail after experiencing some type of emergency in custody, the Sheriffs Office said in a news release on Saturday. He died a short time later.

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Yancy was taken into custody by Grapevine police Dec. 23 on charges of possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia, according to the release. He was seen by medical staff while in custody and booked into the Tarrant County Jail on Dec. 24.

During the medical interview at intake, the inmate disclosed a long history of medical issues, officials said in the release. The inmate was scheduled for a medical and mental health evaluation and placed on detox protocol.

Yancy was being held in the Tarrant County Jail on a $2,500 bond, according to court records.

All in-custody deaths are reviewed and investigated by several agencies, including the Tarrant County Sheriffs Office jail staff and Criminal Investigations Division, the Medical Examiners Office, an outside law enforcement agency, JPS medical staff, the Texas Attorney Generals Office and the Texas Commission on Jail Standards.

 More top stories from our newsroom:

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 Families of missing trio cling to hope after 50 years

 More Fort Worth high schoolers are earning college credit tuition-free

 Tarrant County DAs Office sought indictment of man after his death

[Get our breaking news alerts.]
Police are still searching for a 77-year-old Centre County man who was last seen Monday, and they reiterated in a news release Saturday theyre asking the public for help.

Leon Bowman, 77, of Howard, was last seen between noon and 4 p.m. Monday on Howard Divide Road near his mailbox. State police are asking residences along Howard Divide Road and Marsh Creek Road to look in their outbuildings, garages and sheds for Bowman.

PSP Rockview are asking neighboring landowners of Bowman to traverse through their property for any signs, police added in the news release.

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Bowman is believed to be at special risk of harm or injury, or may be confused, according to the Missing Endangered Person Advisory that was issued Tuesday. Anyone with information is asked to call 911 or state police at Rockview at 814-355-7545.

Bowman is described as a 6-foot-1 man who weighs between 110 and 120 pounds. He has brown eyes and is balding with a white beard.
DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN, Brooklyn (PIX11)  Prison reform activists rallied in Downtown Brooklyn Saturday, calling for justice following the death of an inmate in an upstate prison.

The shocking moments before his death were caught on body-worn cameras. They showed officers violently kicking and punching 43-year-old Robert Brooks while in shackles and pinned down by several correctional officers.

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Brooks died December 10th at the Marcy Correction Facility in Oneida County.

The rally comes one day after the New York Attorney Generals office released body cam footage showing the disturbing incident. At one point, you can see officers striking him with a shoe and lifting his limp body by the neck to pick him up.

Ralliers expressed their outrage at the footage.

Its devastating, said Indigo of the organization Dare to Struggle. I mean, its like people will say hes in prison. He mustve done something, but the fact is he was convicted. He was sentenced for whatever it was that he did.

She added, He didnt deserve to lose his life. No one deserves that and especially the horrible manner that it happened in.

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Brooks was being transferred between facilities when the incident happened. His death prompted an investigation by the Attorney Generals Office of Special Investigation.

I have a responsibility and duty to provide the Brooks family, their loved ones, and all New Yorkers with transparency and accountability, said New York Attorney General Letitia James.

Governor Kathy Hochul has ordered an immediate and full investigation into the death of Brooks. She also directed Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Commissioner Daniel Martuscello to terminate the 14 individuals involved, which includes corrections officers, sergeants, and a nurse.

In a statement, he said in part: This type of behavior cannot be normalized, and I will not allow it to be within DOCCS. We will transparently and independently investigate this tragedy but also our entire department to identify places where we can improve and make changes.

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Staff members have been suspended without pay, and the termination process has begun. One staff member resigned before the suspension. Still, activists call for those involved to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

They should be prosecuted, said Randy of Dare to Struggle. Just like you beat somebody in the street and get thrown in jail for that, people who beat this man to death should face the same consequences.

The final results of Brooks autopsy are still pending. However, preliminary findings from a medical examination indicate his cause of death as asphyxia due to compression of the neck, meaning his body was not receiving enough oxygen.

The DOCCSnow requires staff to use body cameras in every inmate interaction.

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
Phoenix's historic Eastlake Park community was host to a Kwanzaa gathering on Saturday, offering Black Arizonans an alternative to more mainstream winter holidays.

The celebration was held outside the Afri-Soul Marketplace at 12th and Washington streets. About 10 Black-owned businesses, including artists, bakeries and food trucks, anchored the event.

Patience Titcombe, better known as Chef Patty and proprietor of Nigerian food truck Lasgidi Cafe, was one of the event organizers.

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"Kwanzaa is rooted in African tradition, and to be able to bring a taste of home through my food ... it just makes my heart warm," said Titcombe, a Nigerian immigrant.

Kwanzaa offers Black people in the U.S. the chance to directly celebrate their African heritage, she said.

Kwanzaa was created in 1966, a year after the Watts riots in Los Angeles, by Maulana Ron Karenga, a Black Power movement activist, to "reaffirm and restore African heritage and culture," according to the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

"Kwanzaa is the one holiday that really represents our culture," Titcombe said. "We celebrate Christmas ... but there's really nothing cut out for Black and African American people."

A celebration rooted in the amplification of Black culture

Dozens of people sat enjoying music throughout the celebration, including the band Kapsol, a local duo that provided drumming complemented by a saxophone.

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Near the start of the celebration, Zoe Sarabo talked to people in attendance about the meaning of Kwanzaa, referencing a table set with symbolic items associated with the holiday.

An array of seven candles honored each day of Kwanzaa. Sarabo lit them through the candle representing Ujima, the concept of collective responsibility recognized on the third day of Kwanzaa, according to the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Other items on the table included Muhindi  corn, symbolic of children and the future  and Mkeka, a woven mat upon which the candles and other items are placed.

Titcombe said the event was the first of its kind in the Phoenix area.

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"Prior to this, I think smaller organizations that identify as Black, as African American, set up similar events, but there's nothing set up for the community that's free for them to just come out and celebrate our culture, our values and celebrate the holiday of Kwanzaa," Titcombe said.

"For me personally, it's showcasing that Black people are great. We have food, we have culture, we have art. We have everything. This is us," she said.

Incense maker enjoys community, music of Kwanzaa gathering

When Knoye Jackson, who goes by Unity Unique, wasn't selling her handmade incense at the celebration, she danced along with the numerous musical acts.

Born and raised in Arizona, her chosen first name echoed the symbolic meaning dedicated to the first day of Kwanzaa  Umoja, or Unity.

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"I learned about Kwanzaa last year," she said. "We're so much closer to what our ancestors strived for," she said of the gathering.

She said her incense was born out of a crafty nature she had always harbored. First, she made instruments out of recycled materials. Then, she decided to expand her enjoyment of incense making into a small business venture.

"I've learned I'm a businessperson, and I can do anything I set my eyes and mind to," she said.

She started the business as a way to cope after the death of her son, Dewight Westbrook, in 2012.

Event offers platform for baker to sell products

Mercy Adeshina started Baked Beems in October after she received requests from friends for her baked goods, including her plantain bread.

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Adeshina said she wanted to see Kwanzaa become as popular as Christmas.

"In the last few years, I've become more interested in Kwanzaa. At the end of the year, it's nice to have everyone together and celebrate the same holiday," Adeshina said.

Artist combines Black hairstyles with desert landscape

Kelvonnah Stidhum, an elementary art teacher born and raised in Phoenix, displayed her digital art printouts in the afternoon sun, which she described as combining the Sonoran Desert landscape and African American hairstyles.

"I use barrel cacti as like Afro puffs, Bantu knots or even locs and different things like that," she said, the pale green shades of Arizona cactuses blending with the many faces in her drawings.

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"A Kwanzaa celebration is always nice. It's nice to be around people that have a similar upbringing and background, and it causes my artwork to resonate with other people who look similar to me," Stidhum added.

More about it: When is Kwanzaa 2024? Here's what Arizonans should know about the winter celebration

Reach the reporter at reynaldo.covarrubias@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: African American culture celebrated at Kwanzaa gathering in Phoenix
By Cynthia Kim

SEOUL (Reuters) - When South Korea's acting President Choi Sang-mok arrived at the scene of the deadliest air disaster on the country's soil on Sunday, he had been on the job for less than 48 hours.

Choi, the country's finance minister, became acting leader on Friday night after the impeachment of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who had been acting president since President Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached and suspended from power on Dec. 14 following his short-lived attempt to impose martial law.

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The bewildering turnover at the top of Asia's fourth-largest economy and one of its most vibrant democracies left the government scrambling when Jeju Air flight 7C2216 slammed into a wall at Muan International Airport on Sunday, killing most of the 181 people on board.

Choi visited the site a few hours after the crash and declared it a special disaster zone.

"The government would like to offer its sincere condolences to the bereaved families and will do its best to recover from this accident and prevent a recurrence," he said.

Behind the scenes, government offices were still figuring out the chain of command and how press statements would be released, a ministry spokesperson and four other officials told Reuters. All spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive planning.

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"Today Choi went to Muan with land ministry officials, not finance ministry officials," a spokesperson said. "A team of transportation ministry officials and safety ministry officials will report directly to Choi regarding the Muan plane crash for next few weeks. As for how we will distribute press releases on all his schedules - still undecided."

Each ministry involved in foreign policy, administrative issues or safety has teams reporting to Choi, but Yoon's presidential staff does not, and Choi is operating from a government complex in Seoul rather than any official residence, one official said.

A senior finance ministry official said it is still undecided who, if anyone, from Yoon's and Han's offices would report to Choi. Some of Choi's duties as finance minister have been delegated to the vice minister, the ministry official added.

"The central disaster control team meetings are minister-level meetings, so the land minister and safety minister report directly to Choi," this official said.

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Choi is leading that centralised disaster control team instead of the prime minister, who would typically be in charge based on a manual prepared after the 2014 sinking of the ferry Sewol, which killed 304 people, and the Itaewon Halloween crowd crush that killed 159 people in 2022, a fourth official said.

The political upheaval in South Korea was sparked when Yoon unexpectedly declared martial law on Dec. 3, only to rescind the order within hours after parliament defied military and police cordons to vote against Yoon.

The opposition-led parliament accused him of insurrection and abuse of power and impeached him, and later Han.

Choi will serve as acting president while the Constitutional Court determines the fates of Yoon and Han.

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The uncertainty comes as South Korea tries to manage volatile foreign exchange markets and faces the task of preparing for the administration of President-elect Donald Trump in the United States, which is Seoul's main ally.

(Reporting by Cynthia Kim; Writing by Josh Smith; Editing by William Mallard and Raju Gopalakrishnan)
An Air Canada plane caught fire during a crash-landing in Nova Scotia this weekend.

On Saturday, Dec. 28, around 9:30 p.m. local time, Air Canada Express Flight 2259 skidded down a runway at the Halifax Stanfield International Airport, causing a wing to catch fire, according to videos shared on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Air Canada spokesperson Peter Fitzpatrick told the Associated Press that the plane experienced a "suspected landing gear issue" upon its arrival at the airport. He added that the aircraft was unable to reach the terminal, so the crew and 73 passengers were taken there by bus. The spokesperson also said that no injuries were reported.

Getty Airplane taking off at Halifax Stanfield International Airport in Nova Scotia, Canada Airplane taking off at Halifax Stanfield International Airport in Nova Scotia, Canada

Customers have yet to receive their belongings, as they are waiting for the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to release the plane, Fitzpatrick told the AP.

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Air Canada did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment on Sunday, Dec. 29.

Getty Various signage at Halifax Stanfield International Airport Various signage at Halifax Stanfield International Airport

Halifax Stanfield International Airport said in a post on Instagram that its "airfield was closed briefly" following an incident.

"All passengers and crew on board have since been deplaned and have been transported off the airfield," the airport wrote.

One of the airport's two runways has since reopened, though flights may still experience delays, according to an update made by the Canadian airport on Instagram on Dec. 29.

"Safety is our top priority," the Halifax Stanfield International Airport wrote. "We encourage travelers to check their flight status directly with their airline or on our website before leaving for the airport."

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A spokesperson for the Halifax Stanfield International Airport said in a statement to PEOPLE that the incident occurred upon the flight's arrival from St. Johns, a city in Newfoundland and Labrador.

"Our 24/7 Emergency Response Services team responded immediately to the aircraft and to assist passengers and crew," they said. "All passengers and crew on board were safely deplaned and transported off the airfield for medical assessment while our ERS team stabilized and inspected the aircraft."

According to the airport, the airfield was only closed for about 90 minutes on Dec. 28, which resulted in the diversion of four flights and "a handful of cancellations and delays."



The spokesperson added, "The aircraft remains on the closed runway at this time pending an investigation by the Transportation Safety Board, who will have representatives on-site today."

The Nova Scotia Royal Canadian Mounted Police told PEOPLE that they responded to the incident alongside first responders.

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"All passengers and crew were safely evacuated from the plane and cleared by EHS with no injuries," police said.

Related: At Least 179 People Dead, Including a 3-Year-Old Boy, After Plane Crashes During Landing in South Korea

Fabrizio Gandolfo/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty An Air Canada Express Embraer 170-200 taking off from Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport An Air Canada Express Embraer 170-200 taking off from Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport

Related: Stowaway Caught on Delta Plane After Boarding Christmas Eve Flight Without a Ticket

In an interview with CBC, passenger Nikki Valentine alleged one of the plane's tires did not deploy properly upon landing on the runway.

"The plane started to sit at about a 20-degree angle to the left and, as that happened, we heard a pretty loud  what almost sounded like a crash sound  as the wing of the plane started to skid along the pavement, along with what I presume was the engine," she said.

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Valentine added that the plane "shook quite a bit, and we started seeing fire on the left side of the plane and smoke started coming in the windows."

The airline incident remains under investigation.



Read the original article on People
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has demanded a full admission of responsibility from Russia for causing the recent Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash in Kazakhstan and has called for those responsible to be punished.

The passenger plane had been fired on from the ground while in Russian airspace over the Chechen capital of Grozny, Aliyev told national broadcaster AzTV on Sunday.

He said he did not believe that Russian air defences had shot down the plane on purpose, but that certain Russian authorities had attempted to cover up the cause of the crash.

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On Saturday, Russian President Vladimir Putin apologized to Aliyev following the crash that resulted in 38 fatalities. There were 29 survivors at the crash site near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan on the Caspian Sea.

"It's clear that the final version will only become known after the black boxes have been evaluated," he said. But the facts were already creating a picture, he added.

The pilots had lost control over Grozny when electronic measures were used. It had then been hit by fire from the ground, Aliyev said.

"Unfortunately we heard nothing but idiotic versions from Russia for the first three days," Aliyev told the broadcaster.

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"One of the things that frustrated and surprised us was that Russian officials spread the version of an explosion of a gas balloon," he said. That showed that the Russian side had attempted a cover-up, and this was dishonest, Aliyev said.

Paying his respects to the victims at Baku airport, he praised the courage and professionalism of the pilots who guided the damaged plane to an emergency landing in Kazakhstan.
Update: As of 3:16 p.m., the Amber Alert had been canceled, and the children located, authorities reported.

Two Olympia are children were possibly abducted Saturday morning and the Washington State Patrol issued an Amber Alert to aid in their return.

Andrew Womack-Eady, 24, did not check in during a monitored visit with the children and hasnt been heard from since 10 a.m. Saturday. The alert was issued on behalf of the Olympia Police Department.

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The suspect could be driving a 2007 white Ford Crown Victoria with a Washington license plate of BQS2238.

The children have been identified as Luna Montgomery, 1, and Eyliana Malle, 4.

Luna was described as wearing a Christmas-themed onsie-footy pajamas.

Eyliana was described as weighing 30 pounds and having blond hair and blue eyes.

Womack-Eady is 5-foot-10-inches-tall and weights 250 pounds with blonde hair and blue eyes. He was last seeing a tan Carhart jacket and blue jeans.

They were last seen in the area of Black Lake Blvd. The public is urged to call 911 if they see the children or suspect.
For Dakota, a 17-year-old transgender high schooler from the San Gabriel Valley, it was an older trans girl at school who made the difference  who helped ease Dakota's loneliness and give her hope.

"It really just let me know that, OK, I'm not alone in this. There are other trans people. They exist," Dakota said. "If she's real, maybe I can be real, too."

Judith Webb, an 89-year-old grandmother raised in a progressive Hollywood film family, said she inherited her parents' acceptance of LGBTQ+ people early in life. "I was 'woke' when I was 10 years old," she said.

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Today, she cherishes visits at her San Pedro mobile home with her gay grandson and his husband. During one, he played the piano for her for an hour. During another, they went for an early-morning walk in the rain as his husband slept in.

"We had my little dog with us. It was the first time I'd really had a chance to chat with him since they were married," she said. "He's just an absolutely great kid."

Read more: Our Queerest Century

In the past year, LGBTQ+ people have become a favorite punching bag of the political right  including President-elect Donald Trump, whose campaign spent millions on anti-transgender ads and who has promised to roll back transgender rights during his second term.

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Misinformation about queer people  and especially queer youth and their healthcare  has spread, thanks in part to Trump, his followers and some of his recent picks for administration posts.

But across the country, Americans are also interacting with, getting to know and learning to love LGBTQ+ people like never before. Queer communities are growing and thriving, the average American knows more about transgender people, and queer kids are coming out earlier and to wider acceptance.

Young people identify as LGBTQ+ today at the highest rates in history  dwarfing the number in prior generations.

The hyperpoliticization of LGBTQ+ issues is part of a broader backlash to that expansion of LGBTQ+ knowledge, understanding and community. In some parts of the country, anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment is robust and getting stronger. But such retrenchment of queer rights is not the only LGBTQ+ trend at work.

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LGBTQ+ Americans are also having daily positive influence in the lives of those around them  strengthening America's acceptance of LGBTQ+ folks along the way.

'Real people, with real lives'

In June, The Times ran "Our Queerest Century," a retrospective look at the vast and indelible contributions of LGBTQ+ Americans from 1924 to 2024.

Queer issues had swept to the center of the nation's political discourse, and a slew of anti-LGBTQ+ laws had been proposed nationwide. Efforts to erase queer people  to ban LGBTQ+ books, drag queen performances, gender-affirming healthcare and the mere mention of LGBTQ+ identities in schools  were cropping up all over.

The project placed those shifts within the broader context of our shared LGBTQ+ history. It included essays by queer writers on the contributions of LGBTQ+ people since the 1924 founding of the nation's first known gay rights organization, and a news analysis of a national poll on LGBTQ+ issues today  which showed that people who know someone queer are less likely to hold anti-LGBTQ+ views.

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The project also asked readers to tell us how queer people had positively influenced their lives, and dozens wrote in, mostly about their own loved ones  their LGBTQ+ uncles and aunts, cousins and siblings, children and grandchildren and friends.

"You couldn't find more kind, loving and fun relatives if you searched the whole earth," one respondent wrote.

Read more: Queer people have shaped America. Why celebrating that fact protects kids

Another wrote that her LGBTQ+ family had "normalized the issue" for her simply by being "who they are, real people, with real lives, real emotions, real feelings, just like the rest of us."

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A third wrote that her queer loved ones had taught her "to be less judgmental and more curious, not just about sexuality, but about many other human differences, such as race, family structure, faith, etc., and to put myself in other people's shoes."

'Hope for the future'

Dakota  whose full name is being withheld to protect her safety  was the youngest respondent. She wrote about the "out-and-proud trans girl" at her school  who was also popular and nice  becoming "an instant role model" for her.

In a recent interview, Dakota said this election cycle has been "absolutely crazy" and "very frightening" given Trump's use of "a lot of anti-trans rhetoric."

Her mother said it's been "terrifying as a mom of a trans kid," too. "I try to have reassurance with the California wall we basically have  the metaphorical safety wall for all marginalized groups  and I just don't know how strong that's going to be two, four years from now after Trump unleashes whatever tsunami of hate he's going to release."

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Dakota said she is especially scared for her fellow trans Americans in red states, but doesn't want to be hung up on feeling down  because there's too much else to life.

Read more: I dont have to be caged for your happiness: Why I find hope in today's queer youth

She's been accepted socially at school, where peers have no problem with her pronouns. She's applied to colleges  all in California  and is excited about starting a new and more independent chapter. She plans to major in political science after loving a high school course and seeing the importance of this election.

"I wish people understood that being trans doesn't define who we are as people," she said, "because we're still normal people and there's so much else going on in our lives."

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Webb was the oldest respondent. She wrote to The Times that she was grateful for her "long exposure" to the queer community, which began with a gay friend of her parents who visited often during her childhood.

Read more: We've been telling the wrong story about queer people in Hollywood

Webb wrote of being a homemaker before working at USC for decades, where she became friends with gay graduate students, and now being "the grandmother of a talented, delightful, successful grandson" who is "married to an equally delightful young man."

In an interview, Webb recalled the morning walk and the impromptu piano concert. She also noted a post-election visit, where they had a "really good conversation about what's going on in the world" and her grandson reassured her he is happy.

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"He's just the most positive person," she said.

A strong foundation

Jennifer Moore, a transgender woman in her late 60s, called Trump's victory and the anti-queer rhetoric being espoused by him, some of his nominees and other Republicans "crushing" and "a nightmare."

Queer support groups are advising transgender members to make sure their driver's license and passport are up to date, and to consult their doctors about stocking up on transition medications, she said. She feels lucky to live in California, but has friends who are considering fleeing less progressive states or the country overall  or already have.

Read more: For transgender Americans, Trump's win after a campaign targeting them is terrifying

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Against that backdrop, Moore said it has been helpful to reflect on the country's long history of queer progress  which she said was captured by "Our Queerest Century," but also exemplified by The Times' decision to publish it.

Moore said she first started reading The Times as a kid in 1968 and was "always searching for information" about queer people like her in its pages, but only ever found negative things.

That The Times today would publish a lengthy celebration of queer accomplishments "was just incredible," she said.

Moore wrote to the paper that three LGBTQ+ people had greatly helped her in her journey to transitioning in the last decade: a lesbian former Catholic nun who told her she would be "miserable" until she was authentic, a fellow trans woman who talked her through the first steps of transitioning and a gay co-worker who welcomed her on an AIDS charity bike ride and showed her that there is a whole world full of out, happy queer people.

"The bravery and normality of these three LGBTQ folks taught me it was OK to live freely and authentically," Moore wrote.

Owen Renert, 24, an associate marriage and family therapist who works mostly with queer clients, said they decided to write in after their grandmother, a longtime LGBTQ+ ally who marched for AIDS awareness in the 1980s, gave them the "Our Queerest Century" section.

"She brought it to lunch, and was like, 'Here, it's gay, you should look at it,'" Renert said with a laugh.

Renert, who is nonbinary, wrote that having queer friends and mentors "dramatically shifted" how they view the world and helped tremendously in understanding their own queer identity  from "learning how I wanted to dress as a teen to finding safe places to enter life as an adult."

In an interview, they said many of their clients have voiced a similar need to be "surrounded by queer people" since the election, and "Our Queerest Century" was a good reminder that there is a strong foundation for such community to build on.

Read more: America is again stuck in darkness. Queer people of color have always known the way out

"It's going to be work, [but] that has always been the case," Renert said. "We've been able to do that."

The century ahead

Tony Valenzuela, executive director of the One Institute  one of the nation's oldest LGBTQ+ organizations and a partner with The Times in hosting an "Our Queerest Century" event in October  said highlighting queer history is "incredibly important" today, given the stakes.

"Our work will be even more urgent and necessary, to remind people that it is at times where we're embattled, when we're attacked, that both our creativity comes out, but also when we organize, when [we] understand the importance of coalition," he said.

Valenzuela said queer leaders are eager to use this moment to build out queer networks, including by using the tactics of queer activists at the start of the AIDS epidemic.

"There were activists on the streets. There were folks who were working at the policy level. There were folks who were [in] science and public health. There was this huge growth in the way we fundraise for our nonprofits. There was a call to rich people, frankly, to step up," Valenzuela said.

Read more: We must remember the heroes of the AIDS epidemic, not just the trauma

Craig Loftin, an LGBTQ+ scholar and history lecturer at Cal State Fullerton, agreed that queer history "provides all of the responses to the right wing politics and the Trump rhetoric" that are needed today  which is why it must be taught.

It is full of hope and triumph.

Years ago, Loftin uncovered and published for the first time a collection of letters that readers had submitted in the 1950s and '60s to One Magazine, an early gay rights publication founded in Los Angeles in 1952.

As with the responses to "Our Queerest Century," they came from all over the country, he said. Somewhat to his surprise, they were filled with as much hope and love as sadness and fear.

Read more: Queer photographers most radical act? Turning the lens on themselves

"I was braced for gloom and doom, and I found myself riveted and inspired by how these people were existing in that environment and, despite it all, finding happiness, finding love, finding meaning," Loftin said. "There was still a sense of humor. There was still a sense of hope. There was still a kind of affirmative spirit that taught me as a queer person that, no matter what we're facing now with Trump and all this rhetoric, we faced much worse in the past."

"Our Queerest Century" provided a similar reminder "of the sheer abundance of LGBT history" that queer people and their allies can draw on as they chart a path forward today, he said.

"In the wake of Trump's election, in the wake of the storm that is brewing and already starting to rain on us, we need to do a lot more [to] get this history out there," he said. "For me, knowledge of the past is the path forward."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
(KRON)  The Antioch Police Department lifted a shelter-in-place order that was issued Saturday night. The police also have the alleged gunman in custody.

At 6:45 p.m. on Dec. 28, Antioch police officers responded to the 47000 block of Knoll Park Circle for a ShotSpotter notification.

Antioch PD said there were several reports that the suspect, later identified as 30-year-old Marlon Wheeler, shot at his girlfriend. Police said the gunfire struck a vehicle and a nearby residence.

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The girlfriend, along with her three children, were able to leave the residence unharmed, according to police.

OPD investigates second Oakland homicide in 2 days

Responding officers were informed that Wheeler was barricaded in the residence, which was also where he lived. Antioch Police Departments SWAT and Crisis Negotiations teams responded to de-escalate. The department issued a shelter-in-place for nearby residents.

Hours later, the SWAT team entered the residence and realized Wheeler was not home.

The shelter-in-place was lifted around 1 a.m., according to police.

Antioch PD said the suspect was arrested on Sunday.

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GREENWOOD, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  New details from Arkansas State Police have been released about the crash that killed a Greenwood High School student on Dec. 26.

The fatal crash report from ASP said Chloe Walters, 19, of Huntington was driving a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu northbound on State Highway 71 near Palestine Road while a 2022 Ram 1500 was traveling southbound around 3 p.m.

The report said the Malibu lost control, traveled into the southbound lane and was struck by the other vehicle.

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The Greenwood School District said in a social media post on Dec. 27 that Cadence Walters, a Greenwood High School student, died as a result of the crash.

Greenwood student dies, another injured in accident

Chloe, her sister, was in serious condition and receiving treatment at a hospital, the post said.

The driver of the Ram 1500 was injured in the crash and taken to a Fort Smith hospital, according to the crash report.

Conditions were rainy at the time of the crash.

We are heartbroken by the loss of Cadence and the ongoing medical situation with Chloe. Both students are active and well-loved throughout the school community. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Walters family during this incredibly difficult time. As a school community, we stand together to support them in every way possible. Statement by Greenwood School District on Dec. 27, 2024

Greenwood School District also included a GoFundMe set up by the students family in their statement, linked here. According to the fundraiser description, the money will go towards Cadences funeral expenses and Chloes hospital bills.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24.
MONROE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  The Monroe Police Department is looking for an individual accused of damaging graves at a local cemetery.

Saturday afternoon, the police department obtained video of a group of individuals recording themselves destroying graves at the Hillcrest Cemetery on Adams Street. Officers went to the site and discovered the damaged graves from the video.

An arrest warrant has been issued for 18-year-old Jaykob Marquez Bracey of Monroe for felony descreating a gravestone. The Department of Juvenile Justice has also been contacted for charges on another teenager involved.

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Anyone with information on Braceys whereabouts is asked to contact the Monroe Police Department at 704-282-4700 or Union County Crime Stoppers at 704-283-5600.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Drinking water supplied by the Atascadero Mutual Water Co. contains forever chemicals known as PFAS.

Luckily, the water is still safe to drink  and the water company hatched a plan to remove the contaminants from the water for good.

If consumed in large quantities, PFAS can cause cancer, liver damage and pregnancy complications, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease.

But the Atascadero Mutual Water Co. blends water from contaminated wells with clean water to ensure that PFAS levels are low enough to be safe for consumption, according to general manager John Neil.

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If were meeting drinking water standards under the Safe Drinking Water Act, I would say, yes, the water is safe to consume, Neil said. I drink the water. The levels are very low.

Eventually, the company plans to build a water treatment facility to remove PFAS from the water entirely, Neil said, noting that blending the water is a temporary solution to the problem.

Forever chemicals in the water

The Atascadero Mutual Water Co. is the largest water system in the county, serving 34 square miles and 11,200 service connections, Neil said.

During the summer, the water company delivers about 8 million gallons of water per day, he said.

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Water supplied by the Atascadero Mutual Water Co. contains three types of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS, according to the 2023 water quality report.

The water company discovered the PFAS in 2013, when the Environmental Protection Agency mandated that large water systems test for 25 different contaminants. Back then, the concentration of PFAS in the water was lower than response levels set by the EPA  so it did not notify residents of the contaminants.

Its just like anything else in drinking water  theres all kinds of stuff in there. Its just, is it harmful or not? Neil said.

The Atascadero Mutual Water Co. draws water from 15 wells along the Salinas River, 13 of which contain detectable levels of PFAS, he said.

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Normally, PFAS contamination is caused by firefighting foam used at airports, an issue faced by the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport. But Atascadero doesnt have an airport or any other large industrial operation near city limits.

SLO County airport is polluted with forever chemicals. It will test 3 ways to clean it up

The water company took samples above and below the wastewater plant, around Atascadero State Hospital and near the Chicago Grade Landfill, but found no active source of the PFAS pollution.

Neil thought the PFAS in Atascadero groundwater came from consumer products like popcorn bags, stain treatments like Scotchgard and carpet cleaners that slipped into the Salinas River and leached into the water basin.

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Were a residential service area, we dont have much industry, Neil said. There may be some small machine shop that used it and it got into the waste stream.

PFAS dont biodegrade, so they tend to accumulate in the environment unless intentionally removed, he said.

Toxic chemicals leaked under SLO airport for decades. Who is responsible for cleanup?

In February 2020, the EPA set more stringent notification and response levels for PFAS. The amount of PFAS in Atascaderos water hadnt changed much, but according to the new limits, three wells were then considered too contaminated for drinking water use.

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The water company briefly stopped using those three wells, Neil said.

Those wells represent about 20% of the water supply, and they are important for keeping taps running in Atascadero on high-water-demand days, he said. So, the company started blending water from wells with higher concentrations of PFAS with water from wells with lower concentrations to ensure that all drinking water met standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency.

The State Water Resources Control Board approved a permit amendment for the blended water plan. The permit requires the water company to test for PFAS weekly, monthly and quarterly to confirm that its safe to drink, he said.

Tap water in Atascadero is safe to drink, Neil reiterated. In fact, people are more likely to encounter higher levels of PFAS elsewhere, he said.

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From my perspective, people really dont drink enough water for it to be an issue, he said. I think your primary path of exposure would be your hamburger thats wrapped in a paper wrapper that had PFAS in it, or overheating your Teflon pan.

Plans to remove PFAS from the water

The company plans to build a water treatment facility to remove PFAS from the water, Neil said.



If built, the water treatment plant would be located at 6575 Sycamore Ave. near the companys existing maintenance facility.





It will apply to the city of Atascadero for a building permit for the facility early next year, Neil said. At the earliest, construction would begin during the next year and a half.







The facility will use a granular activated carbon system to remove PFAS from the groundwater  similar to how a Brita filter removes contaminants like lead, chlorine and mercury from tap water.

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The plant will cost between $35 million and $40 million to build, Neil said.

The water company raised its rates by about 25% in July 2023 to prepare to build the facility, which bumped the average monthly water bill from $59 to $73.50, according to Neil. Other rate adjustments are likely to be implemented in the future, he said.

While expensive, Neil said the facility will be a good investment for the community.

The water treatment facility could allow the company to protect its customers from other contaminants  even ones that arent yet regulated by the Safe Drinking Water Act, he said.

Granular activated carbon systems can filter contaminants like lithium, which is a metal used in batteries for cars and electronics that Neil expects could find its way into the water supply.







Eventually, something else is going to come up, Neil said. This gives us a better chance of being able to deal with it without building more facilities.

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At SLO airport, congressman announces bills to curb pollution from toxic firefighting foam

Additionally, the EPA announced plans to more strictly regulate PFAS in the water by lowering the maximum contaminant level from 40 parts per trillion to 4 parts per trillion, Neil said.

The highest maximum PFAS concentration level detected in any of the Atascadero Water Companys wells was 38 parts per trillion, so the water company will need to scale up its ability to remove contaminants from the water to comply with the new rules, he said.

The water company must comply with the new limit within five years.

Thats why were pursuing this, he said. We know we cant blend our way out of this one.
SYDNEY (Reuters) - Authorities in Australia's Victoria state looked on Sunday to contain and assess damage from a large fire that has ripped through The Grampians National Park this week, destroying homes and farmlands.

The blaze has spread across 74,000-hectares (182,858 acres), destroying three homes and multiple sheds on the eastern section of the national park, authorities have said.

A Watch and Act message remains active across several towns near the Grampians region. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is expected to tour parts of the region on Sunday to assess the damage, local ABC News reported.

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Authorities have warned of a high-risk bushfire summer after several quiet seasons. The 2019-2020 "Black Summer" fires destroyed an area the size of Turkey and killed 33 people.

(Reporting by Praveen Menon; Editing by Richard Chang)
CHICAGO  Authorities are appealing to the public in hoping someone with information will come forward to help solve a deadly mass shooting that happened on Dec. 2 in Gage Park, located on the citys Southwest Side.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive (ATF) is offering a $10,000 reward and Cook County Crime Stoppers is putting forth another $10,000. On Saturday, volunteers and investigators went door-to-door, hoping to ease concerns and encourage people to come forward anonymously if they know something.

If they did this, what did they do before and what are they going to do after? asked Cook County Crime Stoppers Chairman George McDade.

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Gage Park mass shooting: Coroners identify third victim, no one in custody

Investigators are hoping that anyone with information will speak up, so whoever is responsible wont have the chance to hurt another person ever again.

Three lives were taken during that shooting on Dec. 2. It happened just after 2 p.m. inside a now-boarded up home near West 59th Street and St. Louis Avenue during an alleged party.

Something happened inside that party and then shot were fired, McDade said.

Neighbors said parties were a common occurrence at the home in the weeks leading up to the shooting.

In total, four men and four women between the ages of 20 and 35 were shot. The men killed were identified as Hector Victor Miguel Sojo Vargas, Jhan Carlos Blanquissett and Osmer Angel Ferrer Oria.

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WATCH: Investigation continues into deadly mass shooting on Chicagos Southwest Side

No arrests have been made.

That small piece of information may be the piece of the puzzle that puts it all together for the police. Please get involved. Dont assume the police already know it. They may not, McDade said. I dont want to know your name. I want the information. We need that information; the police need that information and no matter how small the piece of information.

Anyone with information on the deadly shooting is asked to contact Cook County CrimeStoppers online at p3tips.com or by phone, through their anonymous hotline, at 1-800-535-STOP (7867).

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Tips can also be emailed to Cook County CrimeStoppers at TIPS@CookCountyCrimeStoppers.org.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

Those who submit tips will receive a code number, which is required to collect a reward.

This year alone, Cook County Crime Stoppers has held over 100 flier distributions. It is receiving an average of about 500 tips per month, including about 60-80 related to homicide cases.

Since its inception in the late 1980s, Cook County Crime Stoppers has taken 14,245 tips, solved over 2,621 cases and arrested over 3,124 people.

About $21.5 million in illegal narcotics and stolen property has been recovered.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
Azerbaijan will change the rules for the temporary stay of Russian citizens on its territory in the coming days after Russia announced stricter rules for the stay of foreigners, the Azerbaijan State News Agency reported on Dec. 28.

"As in all foreign policy issues... the Azerbaijani side will proceed in accordance with the principles of parity and reciprocity," Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ayhan Hajizade told the media when asked about Russia's new regulations.

Russia previously announced that, as of Jan. 1, 2025, the temporary stay of foreign citizens without visas will be limited to 90 days within a calendar year instead of 90 days within 180 days. Foreigners will also be obliged to register at their destination within seven working days of crossing into Russia.

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Baku is considering these new rules from the perspective of the rights of Azerbaijani citizens, Hajizade said without revealing details of Azerbaijan's planned changes.

Azerbaijan is one of the countries whose citizens can enter Russia for a limited time period without a visa.

The two countries' close economic and political ties are being tested after an Azerbaijan Airlines plane crashed on Dec. 25 in Kazakhstan after allegedly coming under fire from Russian air defenses in Chechnya.

Russian President Vladimir Putin called Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to apologize for the crash that killed 38 people without explicitly admitting responsibility.

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Read also: Azerbaijan Airlines crash highlights Russias failure to close airspace amid war

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Starting 1 January, Azerbaijan will impose restrictions on the length of time that Russian citizens entering without a visa can stay in the country.

Source: Kremlin-aligned Russian news agency RIA Novosti, citing an order by the Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers

Details: Under the Cabinet's order, beginning 1 January, Azerbaijan will limit Russian citizens entering without a visa to a stay of 90 days within the calendar year.

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Azerbaijan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs had previously announced plans to amend the rules on the temporary stay of Russian citizens in the country.

Officials in Baku noted that starting 1 January, Russia itself will reduce the period that foreign nationals are permitted to stay in the country to 90 days per year. Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry stated that it bases its decisions in matters of temporary residence on the principle of reciprocity.

Background:

On 25 December, an Embraer aircraft operated by Azerbaijan Airlines en route from Baku to Grozny crashed near Aktau in Kazakhstan. 38 people were killed.

Azerbaijan Airlines said on Friday, 27 December that their plane had experienced "external physical and technical interference".

On 28 December, during a phone call with Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev, Russian leader Vladimir Putin apologised for the fact that "the tragic incident involving the Azerbaijan Airlines plane occurred in Russian airspace", but did not admit Russias guilt.

On 29 December, Aliyev stated that the Azerbaijani Airlines plane, which ran into trouble over Russian territory, was attacked from the ground. He also demanded that Russia acknowledge its responsibility and provide compensation.

On the same day, Putin called Aliyev again to continue their discussions on the plane crash.

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By Nailia Bagirova and Anton Kolodyazhnyy

BAKU/MOSCOW (Reuters) -Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said on Sunday that a passenger plane that crashed last week, killing 38 people, had been damaged by accidental shooting from the ground in Russia, adding that some in Russia had lied about the cause of the disaster.

Russian President Vladimir Putin apologised on Saturday to Aliyev for Wednesday's "tragic incident" in Russian airspace involving Azerbaijan Airlines Flight J2-8243 after Russian air defences engaged Ukrainian attack drones.

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A Kremlin statement did not say Russia had shot down the plane, only noting a criminal case had been opened.

"Our plane was shot down by accident," Aliyev said on state television on Sunday, adding that the plane had come under some sort of electronic jamming and had then been shot at while it was approaching the southern Russian city of Grozny.

The pilots, who died in the crash, have been lauded in Azerbaijan for a landing that allowed 29 people to survive.

"Unfortunately, in the first three days we heard only absurd versions from Russia," Aliyev said, citing statements in Russia that attributed the crash to a bird strike or the explosion of some sort of gas cylinder.

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"We witnessed clear attempts to cover up the matter," said the Azerbaijani leader, who has close ties to Russia and was educated at one of Moscow's top universities.

Aliyev said he wanted Russia to accept it was guilty of downing the plane and to punish those responsible.

Putin and Aliyev held another telephone call on Sunday, the Kremlin said. It gave no details but on Saturday it said that both civilian and military specialists were being questioned about what had taken place.

The chief of Russia's Investigative Committee, Alexander Bastrykin, on a phone call assured Azerbaijan's prosecutor general that Moscow had assigned the investigation to the most experienced experts and that actions were being taken to establish the cause and circumstances of the incident.

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The plane crashed on Wednesday near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan after diverting from southern Russia where Ukrainian drones were attacking several cities at the time, according to the Kremlin.

Russia's state-owned TASS news agency quoted Kazakhstan's Transport Ministry as saying authorities would send the two black box flight recorders to Brazil, where the Embraer E190 passenger jet was manufactured.

They would be examined by the Aeronautical Accidents Investigation and Prevention Center, which had the technical capabilities to perform the job, the ministry said.

The extremely rare publicised apology from Putin on Saturday is the closest Moscow has come to accepting some blame for the disaster.

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Four sources with knowledge of the preliminary findings of Azerbaijan's investigation into the disaster told Reuters on Thursday that Russian air defences had mistakenly shot it down.

BURIALS

Azerbaijan paid tribute on Sunday to the pilots and passengers of the plane.

Captain Igor Kshnyakin and co-pilot Alexander Kalyaninov, both ethnic Russians with Azerbaijan citizenship, and Hokuma Aliyeva, a flight attendant, were given full honours at a ceremony at the Alley of Honour in central Baku attended by Aliyev and his wife, Mehriban.

"The pilots were experienced and knew they would not survive this crash landing," Aliyev said, praising them for sacrificing themselves.

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"In order to save the passengers, they acted with great heroism and as a result of this, there were survivors," he said.

Aliyev awarded the crew posthumously with the titles of National Hero of Azerbaijan.

Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev also awarded citizens who helped rescue the survivors, including emergency workers, medics, police and employees at the airport and a local power company.

The Embraer jet had flown from Azerbaijan's capital Baku to Grozny, in Russia's southern Chechnya region, before veering off hundreds of miles across the Caspian Sea.

Azerbaijan's presidential office said the pilots had battled to control the plane - desperately trying to find a place to land.

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With holes in the fuselage, some crew injured, and a de-pressurised cabin, the pilots managed to fly across the Caspian Sea before crash-landing.

The Alley of Honour is Azerbaijan's most sacred modern burial ground - where prominent politicians, poets and scientists are laid to rest, including Heydar Aliyev, father of the current president.

Captain Kshnyakin's daughter, Anastasia Kshnyakina, said her father was a dedicated pilot who took his responsibilities to his passengers extremely seriously.

"My father always said: when I take off, I am responsible not only for my life, but also for the lives of all passengers and crew members," Kshnyakina said.

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"With his last flight, he proved what a true hero should be."

(Reporting by Nailia Bagirova in Baku and Anton Kolodyazhnyy; Writing by Guy Faulconbridge; editing by Sharon Singleton, Gareth Jones, Jason Neely, Ron Popeski and Rod Nickel)
Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev has said that the Azerbaijan Airlines plane that crashed in Kazakhstan was attacked from the ground over Russian territory.

Source: Aliyev, quoted by TASS; Azerbaijani media outlet Caliber; Latvia-based Russian media outlet Meduza

Details: The plane that crashed in Aktau was damaged "as a result of an attack from the ground", Aliyev said.

Emphasising that the plane was not shot down deliberately, Aliyev said that admitting guilt, apologising in a timely manner to Azerbaijan, which is considered a friendly country, and informing the public were measures and steps that should have been taken [by Russia  ed.].

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Quote from Aliyev: "Unfortunately, for the first three days, we heard nothing from Russia but delusional theories."

Background: During a telephone conversation with Aliyev yesterday, Russian leader Vladimir Putin apologised for the fact that "the tragic incident involving the Azerbaijan Airlines plane occurred in Russian airspace", but did not admit Russias guilt.

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On 27 December, Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev demanded an apology and admission of guilt from Russia over the downing of an Azerbaijan Airlines plane.

Source: Azerbaijani media outlet Caliber

Quote from Aliyev: "Firstly, Russia must apologise to Azerbaijan. Secondly, it must admit its guilt. Thirdly, the perpetrators must be punished and held criminally liable, and compensation must be paid to the Azerbaijani state and the affected passengers and crew members. These are our conditions.

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The first of these was fulfilled yesterday. I hope that our other conditions will be accepted. All these conditions are fair. There are no extraordinary demands or issues here: this is based on international experience and the principles of normal human conduct."

Background:

During a telephone conversation with Aliyev yesterday, Russian leader Vladimir Putin apologised for the fact that the "tragic incident involving the Azerbaijan Airlines plane occurred in Russian airspace", but did not admit Russias guilt.

On 25 December, an Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer aircraft en route from Baku to Grozny crashed near the Kazakh city of Aktau on the Caspian Sea. 38 people were killed.

Azerbaijan Airlines said the crash was caused by "external physical and technical interference".

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Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev said Sunday that the Azerbaijani airliner that crashed last week was shot down by Russia, albeit unintentionally, and criticized Moscow for trying to hush up the issue for days.

"We can say with complete clarity that the plane was shot down by Russia. (...) We are not saying that it was done intentionally, but it was done, he told Azerbaijani state television.

Aliyev said that the airliner, which crashed Wednesday in Kazakhstan, was hit by fire from the ground over Russia and rendered uncontrollable by electronic warfare." Aliyev accused Russia of trying to hush up the issue for several days, saying he was upset and surprised by versions of events put forward by Russian officials.

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Unfortunately, for the first three days we heard nothing from Russia except delirious versions, he said.

The crash killed 38 of 67 people on board. The Kremlin said that air defense systems were firing near Grozny, the regional capital of the Russian republic of Chechnya, where the plane attempted to land, to deflect a Ukrainian drone strike.

Aliyev said Azerbaijan made three demands to Russia in connection with the crash.

First, the Russian side must apologize to Azerbaijan. Second, it must admit its guilt. Third, punish the guilty, bring them to criminal responsibility and pay compensation to the Azerbaijani state, the injured passengers and crew members, he said.

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Aliyev noted that the first demand was already fulfilled when Russian President Vladimir Putin apologized to him on Saturday. Putin called the crash a tragic incident" though stopped short of acknowledging Moscows responsibility.

He said that an investigation into the crash was ongoing, and that the final version (of events) will be known after the black boxes are opened.

He noted that Azerbaijan was always in favor of a group of international experts investigating the crash, and had categorically refused Russias suggestion that the Interstate Aviation Committee, which oversees civil aviation in the Commonwealth of Independent States, investigate it.

It is no secret that this organization consists mostly of Russian officials and is headed by Russian citizens. The factors of objectivity could not be fully ensured here, Aliyev said.

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Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Russian state media on Sunday that Putin had spoken to Aliyev over the phone again, but did not provide details of the conversation.

The Kremlin also said a joint investigation by Russia, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan was underway at the crash site near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan. The plane was flying from Azerbaijans capital, Baku, to Grozny when it turned toward Kazakhstan, hundreds of kilometers (miles) across the Caspian Sea from its intended destination, and crashed while making an attempt to land.

Passengers and crew who survived the crash told Azerbaijani media that they heard loud noises on the aircraft as it was circling over Grozny.

Dmitry Yadrov, head of Russias civil aviation authority Rosaviatsia, said Friday that as the plane was preparing to land in Grozny in deep fog, Ukrainian drones were targeting the city, prompting authorities to close the area to air traffic.

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The crash is the second deadly civil aviation accident linked to fighting in Ukraine. Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 was downed with a Russian surface-to-air missile, killing all 298 people aboard, as it flew over the area in eastern Ukraine controlled by Moscow-backed separatists in 2014.

Russia has denied responsibility, but a Dutch court in 2022 convicted two Russians and a pro-Russia Ukrainian man for their role in downing the plane with an air defense system brought into Ukraine from a Russian military base.

___

Associated Press writer Aida Sultanova in London contributed to this report.
LONGMEADOW, Mass. (WWLP)  The Congregation Bnai Torah invited the community to their annual free Chanukah breakfast to begin the fourth morning of the holiday together.

This breakfast was sponsored by the Katz family and is a tradition for Sundays during Chanukah that reaches back over 80 years. People enjoyed latkes and other food items, thanks to City of Homes cooking.

Springfield honors second night of Hanukkah

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Kids also participated in activities just for them, including Chanukah cookie decorating, candle-making for the Menorah, and Chanukah sand art.

Congregation BNai Torah Rabbi Yaffe told 22News how this event brings people together from the Jewish community and beyond.

Chanukah is something that certainly the whole Jewish community relates to very strongly and its something which I think the story of Hanukkah resonates beyond, he said. Its a very important human story about faith and heroism.

Sunday will be the fifth night of the Jewish holiday that celebrates the re-dedication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Families will recite special blessings, often to a traditional melody, before they light five candles of the menorah. The fifth day is a day of introspection and repentance for any wrongdoings.

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CASSIA COUNTY, ID (WSAV)  An infant was attacked and injured by a raccoon in his parents home on Monday, according to Idaho Fish and Game.

Authorities say the infant was in an infant carrier while his mother was settling in after returning home. The mother heard a loud noise in the home and ran to the infants location, finding a raccoon attacking the infant. She was able to grab the animal to stop the attack.

The infant was taken by the parents to Cassia Regional Hospital in Burley for treatment of undisclosed injuries and then transferred to a hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah.

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The father of the infant and a sheriffs deputy returned to the home, found the raccoon still in the home and killed it. Fish and Game says they are confident that the raccoon killed by the infants father was the one involved in the attack.

Fish and Game took possession of the raccoon carcass and coordinated with staff from South Central Public Health District to get the raccoon tested for rabies. The rabies test was negative.

According to Fish and Game, raccoons are generally shy and will typically avoid humans, but they can become aggressive if they feel threatened.

Space heater fire in Port Royal leaves one injured

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Outgoing Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock expects the new German government to continue to support Ukraine in resisting the full-scale Russian invasion.

Speaking to the Sunday edition of Germany's mass-circulation Bild newspaper, Baerbock said: "No German government devoted to the security of Germany and Europe will abandon the people of Ukraine."

Germany goes to the polls on February 23, after Chancellor Olaf Scholz's three-party coalition fell apart in early November. The elections are being held as Ukraine marks three years since the invasion on February 24, 2022.

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"Only a just peace for Ukraine will ensure our peace in freedom in Europe," Baerbock told Bild. Ukraine could continue to rely on Germany following the elections, Baerbock predicted. Germany is second only to the United States in providing support to Ukraine.

Baerbock said that Russian attacks over recent days showed that President Vladimir Putin was intent only on "absolute destruction." She added that genuine peace implied that injustice did not become entrenched.

Speaking amid fears that the incoming US president, Donald Trump, could impose a peace that did not serve Ukrainian interests, Baerbock stressed Ukraine's need for reliable security guarantees.

Ukraine is seeking to become a member of NATO, but NATO members have made clear that this can only be a long-term aim.

Opinion within the European Union on support for Ukraine is also divided, while EU countries are assisting with electrical energy as Russia targets Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
A slate of new Minnesota laws is set to go into effect on Jan. 1.

Here are some of the bigger changes:

Taylor Swift bill

Ticket purchasers will get more transparency from sellers under a bill signed into law earlier this year. The legislation was sponsored by Rep. Kelly Moller, DFL-Shoreview, who was frustrated after she said she couldnt get Taylor Swift tickets when online bots crashed Ticketmasters website.

Under the Ticketing Fairness Act, ticket sellers have to notify buyers up front about additional charges. Buyers also will be entitled to proof of purchase and refund policy details within 24 hours. Deceptive and speculative ticket pricing are banned and online ticket marketplaces are required to disclose if they are ticket resellers.

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If resellers use bots to buy tickets, Minnesotas Department of Commerce is allowed to demand information on how they obtained tickets. The information can be shared with the state attorney generals office for possible prosecution.

Junk fee ban

Businesses will no longer be able to advertise or list prices that do not include all mandatory fees or surcharges. Proponents have called it a ban on junk fees.

What that means is a business cannot list a price for a good or service and include additional fees at the time of payment. Say goodbye to health and wellness fees at restaurants.

Taxes are excluded from the requirement. And if the fee is reasonably avoidable, such as late fees or credit card surcharges, it is not part of the disclosure requirement, according to the Minnesota Attorney Generals Office.

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Other exemptions include certain fees charged by a dealer related to the purchase of a motor vehicle. Businesses or their affiliates regulated by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission also are exempt. That includes power, gas and landline phone services.

There are exemptions for real estate transactions as well, and airports in the Twin Cities wont have to make any changes until June.

Binary trigger ban

Triggers that allow semiautomatic firearms to fire when pulled and again when released will no longer be legal in Minnesota in 2025. The ban on what are known as binary triggers was passed as part of a 2024 public safety bill which also stiffened penalties for straw purchasers of guns.

The push to ban binary triggers, which greatly increase a weapons rate of fire, came after one was used in the fatal shooting of two police officers and a firefighter/paramedic in Burnsville in February.

Forever chemicals ban

Minnesota is restricting forever chemicals in an expanded list of consumer goods as the state moves toward a broader ban by 2032.

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At the beginning of 2025, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, collectively known as PFAS, will be banned from products including carpets or rugs, cleaning products, cookware, cosmetics, dental floss, fabric treatments, juvenile products, menstruation products, textile furnishings, ski wax and upholstered furniture.

PFAS are a family of thousands of chemicals that have come under increased scrutiny in recent decades as studies have tied them to negative health effects in humans, including a heightened risk of cancer and hormonal interference.

Salary ranges in job postings

Job listings will need to include starting salary ranges or fixed pay rates and a general description of all benefits or compensation. The requirement applies to any person or organization that employs 30 or more people. Salary ranges can not be open-ended.

Abortion insurance coverage

Health insurance plans will have to cover abortions and related services in Minnesota like they do any other procedure. Eligible organizations are permitted to not cover some or all benefits for abortions and abortion-related services due to religious objections.

Transgender medicine

Health plans that cover physical or mental health services have to cover medically necessary gender-affirming care that is consistent with prevailing medical practices. Religious organizations are exempt.

Wigs covered by insurance

Health insurance providers will be required to cover wigs for people who lose their hair while undergoing treatment for cancer or other conditions. The bill was a result of efforts by former Senate Majority Leader Kari Dziedzic, DFL-Minneapolis, who stepped down from her leadership role earlier this year amid a battle with cancer. Dziedzic died Friday at age 62.

Automatic expungement

Minnesota will begin automatically removing some nonviolent criminal offenses from records. Individuals will no longer have to file a petition for expungement.

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Under the Clean Slate Act, people with convictions will have to meet the standard requirements for expungement, such as completing a diversion program or probation or if the person is deemed incompetent.

Petty misdemeanors other than traffic and parking offenses, and misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors are eligible. Driving while intoxicated convictions are not eligible.

Election changes

Starting in 2025, a candidate must present a drivers license, state identification or other proof of residence when filing to run with the Minnesota Secretary of States Office.

Colleges that provide on-campus housing for at least 100 students will be required to designate a reasonably accessible extra polling place for students within half a mile of campus if requested by the institution or student government organization. The secretary of state will cover the cost.

Tenant rights

As of the new year, renters are permitted by state law to form cooperatives aimed at improving housing conditions, amenities, or community life and prevent landlords from retaliating against tenants who raise issues.

Department of Direct Care and Treatment

The Minnesota Department of Human Services is being split into three new agencies, the newest of which will come into being in 2025: the Department of Direct Care and Treatment. The agency is focused on mental health services, substance abuse treatment and other disability programs.

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DHS will still exist but is being split into the direct care department and the Department of Children, Youth and Families.

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Bashar al-Assads critically ill wife will not be allowed to return to the UK for cancer treatment after her British passport expired, according to reports.

The 49-year-old, born in London to Syrian parents, served as Syrias First Lady until her husband was overthrown last month.

Asma al-Assad, who was treated for breast cancer in Damascus in 2019, has now been diagnosed with leukemia. However, according to the Sunday Times, it remains unclear where she could receive treatment.

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The family had previously been welcomed to Russia by Vladimir Putin.

Asma Assad in 2002 (PA Archive)

Queen Elizabeth II meeting with then-Syrian president Bashar Assad and his wife Asma in 2002 (PA) (PA Archive)

Fawaz Akhras, Ms al-Assads father, has left London to care for her in Moscow but she has a 50-50 chance of survival, according to the Times.

Arabic and Turkish media have both previously claimed that she is not enjoying her life in the Russian capital and is now seeking a divorce to allow her to flee. The Kremlin has rubbished these suggestions, with Putin ally Dmitry Peskov saying the two remain an item.

Unable to return to Syria, she is also no longer able to receive cancer treatment in the UK after her passport expired in 2020 - although its unclear if she allowed this or if ministers stepped in to prevent her return. She has been under an asset freeze and travel ban since sanctions were imposed on the couple in 2012.

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Foreign secretary David Lammy previously said: [She is] not welcome here.

Home secretary Yvette Cooper is also understood to be opposed to her return under the guise of ill health with Labour welcoming the end to the Assad regime.

Sir Keir Starmer tweeted after the fall of Damascus: "The Syrian people have suffered under Assad's barbaric regime for too long and we welcome his departure.

"Our focus is now on ensuring a political solution prevails, and peace and stability is restored.

Ms al-Assad has stood by her husband throughout the countrys civil war, which began in 2011, and has played a key role behind the scenes.

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The couple have three children Hafez, 23, Zein, 21, and Karim, 19.

Priti Patel, the shadow foreign secretary, told the Times: The government must explain its approach to dealing with the Assad family and the vile crimes they are responsible for.

While they may currently be in Russia, should any of their circumstances change this government must be ready to act.
BRUSSELS (AP)  Belgium will ban the sale of disposable electronic cigarettes as of Jan. 1 on health and environmental grounds in a groundbreaking move for European Union nations.

Health minister Frank Vandenbroucke said the inexpensive e-cigarettes had turned into a health threat since they are an easy way for teenagers to be drawn into smoking and get hooked on nicotine.

Disposable e-cigarettes is a new product simply designed to attract new consumers, he said in an interview.

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E-cigarettes often contain nicotine. Nicotine makes you addicted to nicotine. Nicotine is bad for your health. These are fact, Vandenbroucke added.

Because they are disposable, the plastic, battery and circuits are a burden on the environment. On top of that, they create hazardous waste chemicals still present in what people throw away, Vandenbroucke said.

The health minister said he also targeted the disposable e-cigarettes because reusable ones could be a tool to help people quit smoking if they cannot find another way.

Australia outlawed the sale of  vapes outside pharmacies earlier this year in some of the worlds toughest restrictions on electronic cigarettes. Now Belgium is leading the EU drive.

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We are the first country in Europe to do so, Vandenbroucke said.

He wants tougher tobacco measures in the 27-nation bloc.

We are really calling on the European Commission to come forward now with new initiatives to update, to modernize, the tobacco legislation, he said.

There is understanding about Belgium's decision, even in some shops selling electronic cigarettes, and especially on the environmental issue.

Once the cigarette is empty, the battery is still working. Thats what is terrible, is that you could recharge it, but you have no way of recharging it, said Steven Pomeranc, owner of the Brussels Vapotheque shop. "So you can imagine the level of pollution it creates.

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A ban usually means a financial loss to the industry, but Pomeranc said he thinks it will not hurt too much.

We have a lot of alternative solutions which are also very easy to use," he said. "Like this pod system, which are pre-filled with liquid, which can just be clipped into the rechargeable e-cigarette. So we will simply have a shift of clients towards this new system.

___

Associated Press writer Raf Casert in Brussels contributed.
Joe Biden still regrets pulling out of the 2024 presidential race and believes he could have beaten Donald Trump for the White House, according to a report.

The outgoing president backed out of the race over the summer following a disastrous first debate against his Republican rival, low approval numbers, and dwindling donations.

But Biden recently told people that despite the issues his campaign faced he is confident he could have defeated Trump in November, sources familiar with the conversations told The Washington Post.

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Calls for Biden to leave the race grew increasingly loud among Democrats after his poor debate performance on June 27, and he finally called it quits on July 21.

His belated decision to endorse Kamala Harris saw the vice-president given only three months to mount a campaign against Trump, eventually being swept in all the battleground states and losing the popular vote by 2.2 million.

US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris (R) shakes hands with former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump during a presidential debate at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on September 10, 2024 (AFP via Getty Images)

Biden has refused to blame Harris for his departure from the race but has told aides he would have won, reported the newspaper.

Harris supporters have criticized Biden for waiting too long before withdrawing and for seeking a second term in the first place.

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Biden ran on the promise that he was going to be a transitional president, and in effect, have one term before handing it off to another generation, Richard Blumenthal, a Democratic senator for Connecticut told the Post.

I think his running again broke that concept  the conceptual underpinning of the theory that he would end the Trump appeal, he would defeat Trumpism and enable a new era.

Biden also admitted to aides that he had made other mistakes, including the selection of Merrick Garland as attorney general, according to the Post.

The president has said privately that Garland was too slow to prosecute Trump over January 6, while his Justice Department aggressively prosecuted and convicted his son Hunter. Biden earlier this month pardoned Hunter, despite saying he would not use his executive authority to do so.
On Dec. 17, U.S. District Court Judge John Coughenour sentenced former Bitwise Industries co-CEOs Jake Soberal and Irma Olguin Jr. to 11 and nine years in prison, respectively, for their roles in a massive fraud scheme. I commend the court, the FBI, the IRS, the U.S. Attorneys Office, and the SEC for their diligent work in holding the defendants accountable. The judges decision was just, and heres why.

As the founder and former CEO of Stria, a Bakersfield-based company that we built from the ground up, this case strikes deeply personal chords. Stria was a pioneer in digital transformation, providing cutting-edge technology solutions, creating good jobs and contributing to our regions economic foundation. Over nearly two decades, my partners, employees, and I built Stria through hard work, integrity and a commitment to excellence. The company thrived, earning recognition as a five-time Inc. 5000 company with 150 employees.

In August 2022, we sold Stria to Bitwise Industries, believing it was the culmination of our hard-earned success and a validation of the American dream  to create, grow, and sell a company. We trusted Soberal and Olguin and the documents they presented as proof of their ability to pay for our lifes work. I personally vouched for the decision to sell, assuring employees, partners, and clients that Bitwise was the right choice.

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Opinion

But that trust was betrayed. After acquiring Stria and its assets, the defendants never fulfilled their promise to pay  neither the agreed-upon cash nor the fraudulently represented stock. Their deceit cost us millions of dollars and led to the collapse of Strias operations.

The consequences of Soberal and Olguins actions extended far beyond financial losses. Strias clients included hospitals, schools, county courts and government agencies. When the business collapsed, medical records became inaccessible, and critical educational files were left unattended.

In the chaos that followed, Stria employees volunteered countless hours  without pay  to help clients manage the fallout. We answered every call, stayed late to secure infrastructure, and ensured vital records were protected. We showed up, not because we had to, but because it was the right thing to do.

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Meanwhile, where were Soberal and Irma? Hiding. They shirked their duty, leaving employees, clients, and the community to clean up the mess they created. This abandonment was a dereliction of duty akin to a captain being the first to abandon a sinking ship.

The actions of Soberal and Olguin violated the fundamental trust that underpins our economy. Without confidence in the integrity of business transactions, how can entrepreneurs take the risks necessary to create and grow companies? How can investors trust that their funds will be safeguarded? This fraud didnt just harm its direct victims  it shook the foundations of the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The sentences handed down to Soberal and Olguin send a clear message: fraud, deception, and cowardice will not go unanswered. This just punishment can serve to restore the promise of a fair playing field for both entrepreneurs and investors.

This case was about more than punishing wrongdoing. It was about protecting the dream of building something meaningful, the dream that motivated my team and I to create Stria. I hope this outcome reinforces the values that drive innovation, integrity, and hard work  the very principles that make the American dream possible.

Jim Damian of Bakersfield is Kern Countys chief economic development officer.
ORWIGSBURG  John Fetterolf, whos been donating blood for more than 50 years, gave his 97th pint Saturday morning in the Masonic Lodge.

Its one small thing you can do that helps a lot of people, said Fetterolf, 74, a retired insurance agent who began donating when he was a student at Bloomsburg University.

Donating blood is important anytime, but American Red Cross officials say its particularly important around the holiday season.

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As many of us prepare for a busy end to 2024, the American Red Cross asks donors to give blood or platelets to help those in need enjoy the rest of the holiday season with their loved ones, the agency said in a news release.

Donors with type O negative blood and those giving platelets are especially urged to give now.

The Red Cross cited extensive travel around the Christmas and New Years holidays as a factor that impacts the national blood supply.

The Pennsylvania State Police reported one person died and 81 were injured in 495 crashes in the state between Dec. 24 and 26.

Impaired driving was a factor in 27 crashes, according to the departments holiday crash and enforcement report. Troopers arrested 138 persons for driving under the influence and issued 720 speeding citations. In addition, 72 citations were issued for failing to wear a seat belt and 19 for not securing children in safety seats.

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With the New Years Eve celebration coming up, the state police will once again be on the lookout for impaired, aggressive and distracted drivers, the departments news release said. The Pennsylvania State Police reminds people to plan to have a safe ride home, especially if your holiday plans involve alcohol.

Schuylkill County residents responded to two Red Cross blood donation collections; one at Fairlane Village Mall on Dec. 21 and the Masonic Lodge in Orwigsburg on Saturday.

Exact figures were unavailable, but administrator Janan Trotter said the collection on Saturday was well on its way to reaching a goal of 35 pints in Orwigsburg.

Many who showed up in Orwigsburg were regular donors. Under Red Cross guidelines, people must wait 56 days between donations.

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Bob Tubosnick, 61, of Pottsville began donating blood in the 1990s.

Its important to give blood anytime, he said, but especially during the holidays.

Joseph Kasmari, who started 40 years ago, is working on his 13th gallon of blood donated.

Joseph Kasmari, who started donating his blood 40 years ago, donates a pint Saturday in Orwigsburg. RON DEVLIN/STAFF PHOTO

I figure, well, theres a need for it, said Kasmari, 74, a retired aluminum plant worker who lives in Saint Clair.

Sue Washko and her daughter Alexis, who donate regularly, were among those who participated in the Orwigsburg collection.

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Alexis, 24, a physician assistant in the Harrisburg area, is well aware of the critical need for blood.

Just knowing that you could save lives, she said, is why my mom and I give blood.

The next blood donation events in Orwigsburg is 1 to 6 p.m. April 23 in the Masonic Lodge.
Seela al-Faseeh was only 2 weeks old when her father, Mahmoud al-Faseeh, 31, said he took her from their makeshift tent near Khan Younis to the pediatric emergency ward at Nasser Hospital on Wednesday, shortly after her body turned blue and stiff.

We woke up to find the girl like wood, Faseeh told NBC News.

When doctors examined the baby, they found no health problems or congenital issues. Instead, they said, her heart had stopped beating because of the temperature plummeting during the night.

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She was born amid the war, Faseeh said, but she died because of the cold.

Ahmed al-Farra, director of the hospitals pediatric ward, confirmed to NBC News that Seela had died from hypothermia, a medical emergency that occurs when the bodys temperature drops to dangerously low levels. Dying from hypothermia can take hours or days, with babies and children especially vulnerable.

The lifeless body of an infant being carried to Nasser Hospital after she died from the cold weather Wednesday.

He added that he is tending to such cases daily, with at least four babies dying from the bitter cold in Gaza in the past week.

Every day, we have two to three cases of hypothermia, he said. This is catastrophic and a disaster.

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So far, United Nations estimates that more than 14,500 children have been killed over 14 months, with thousands more injured.

Philippe Lazzarini, head of the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, said Tuesday that that rate meant one child in Gaza is killed every hour.

As a harsh winter sets in across the besieged territory, temperatures in southern Gaza have dropped especially low at night, with most Palestinians in displaced tents unable to find ways to stay warm in the cold, wind and rain.

Cold injuries, such as frostbite and hypothermia, pose grave risks to young children in tents and other makeshift shelters that are ill-equipped for freezing weather, Edouard Beigbeder, UNICEFs regional director for the Middle East, said in a statement on Wednesday.

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With temperatures expected to drop further in the coming days, it is tragically foreseeable that more childrens lives will be lost to the inhumane conditions they are enduring, which offer no protection from the cold, he added.

Tamim Marouf, 6, inside his familys tent with his siblings Hala, 10, and Malek, 4, at a tent camp on the beach in central Gaza.

Beigbeder said that aid workers ability to provide essential winter protection like blankets, warm clothing and other emergency supplies is severely restricted by the limited humanitarian aid Israeli authorities are allowing into Gaza.

Lazzarini said Friday that blankets and other winter supplies have been stuck in the region for months waiting for approval to get into Gaza.

COGAT, Israels military liaison with the Palestinians, said in a post on X Sunday that over the past three months, the agency had facilitated the entry of 9,300 tons of winter-related items into Gaza, for a total of 24,000 tons of winter supplies since the start of the war.

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Mahmoud Faseeh described his familys situation as harsh in the sands of al-Mawasi, once a seaside village along southern Gazas Mediterranean coast that has since become a crowded tent camp for hundreds of thousands of the enclaves displaced people.

We sleep on the sand without any covers, and the tent does not protect us from the cold and chill, he said. I dont know what to say. Its a very tragic life, exhaustion, and the children are constantly sick due to the cold and the effects of the war.

Ahmad al-Zahrani, a nurse working at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, is among those who have died from the cold weather in recent days.

His body was found inside a tent in al-Mawasi on Friday, the Palestinian Health Ministry said in a statement confirming his death. Ahmad al-Zahrani has passed away due to the severe cold that the residents of the Gaza Strip are experiencing.

Manal al-Hasoumi, 8, barefoot outside his family's tent on a beachfront in central Gaza, feeding kittens the remains of packets of cheese.

This incident comes amidst the difficult humanitarian conditions faced by displaced citizens, as the suffering of Gazas residents increases due to falling temperatures and a lack of heating resources in the tents, it continued.

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The war that followed the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas terror attacks that Israeli officials say killed 1,200 people in southern Israel has decimated Gaza.

Israeli forces have since killed some 45,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials, and destroyed much of the enclaves basic infrastructure and health system.

This week, UNICEF issued a stark warning against the wars disproportionate impact on Gazas children, especially during the winter.

Winter has now descended on Gaza. Children are cold, wet and barefoot. Many still wear summer clothes. With cooking gas gone, many are searching through rubble for scraps of plastic to burn, Rosalia Bollen, a UNICEF spokesperson, said during a press briefing in Geneva.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
WAIANAE, Hawaii (KHON2)  Multiple organizations worked together to spread Christmas cheer along the Waianae coast to ensure no keiki or teen was left out this holiday season.

Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You

Team members from Hawaiian Telcom and Hawaii Central Federal Credit Union brought wish list gifts for keiki at the Nanakuli and Waianae Clubhouses for their annual event.

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Now that Christmas is over, heres how you can properly dispose your tree

Keiki ages seven to 18 received customized gifts from their wishlist valued between $25 to $30 from the Hawaiian Telcom team.

Hawaii Central FCU brought more than 50 gift bags with a $20 McDonalds gift card, hat and HCFCU-branded swag for Waianae teens.

Corporate giving events like these are so much more than just presents. They show our keiki and teens that our community cares about them deeply and cherishes them whether theyve met them or not. This generosity and kindness transforms a childs wish into reality and creates memories that last forever. Paddy, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii

The gift-opening event was an emotional one, with keiki expressing their sincere gratuities, some even breaking into tears of joy.

To express their gratitude, the keiki sang a Christmas carol for gift givers, with one 11-year-old giving a special mahalo to her Secret Santa.

I just wanted to say that I appreciate this, she said while giving a big hug.

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BGCH said they will continue its It Just Takes One campaign to help provide meals, a mentor or a membership card to those who would like to help a deserving Hawaii keiki.

To get involved, visit BGCHs website.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  A pickup truck crashed into Betty Hardwick Center on South Clack Street.

The incident happened tonight, December 28, around 5:40 p.m. The Abilene Police Department took one man into custody as crews worked to clear the shattered glass and debris.

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KTAB/KRBC was on site to gather footage of the incident. The pickup truck had to be towed from the centers secondary building.

Though KTAB/KRBC spoke with APD, they could not provide any comment on the incident.

No further information is available at this time.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com.
Britains charcuterie producers are reporting a boom in the market, with experts suggesting Brexit may have played a part.

Surging sales across the country are thought to have been aided by stricter regulations on imports from across Europe following Britains withdrawal from the European Union.

Tesco and Waitrose are now filling their shelves with the more than 200 registered cured meat producers available in the UK.

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Producers have vowed to prove British farmers and butchers can beat French and Italian counterparts  like they have with cheese and sparkling wine.

Andy Mackenzie is the executive chef for Exclusive Collection, which runs a number of Michelin-starred restaurants and five-star hotels.

The 60-year-old, who has trained the likes of Tom Hamblet, last years MasterChef: The Professionals winner, said he had absolutely seen an increase in demand for British charcuterie.

He told The Telegraph: Especially in kitchens, rather than buying things that have come from around the world, we are starting to produce it ourselves.

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We know if you are going to buy from France or Italy you are going to pay extra. Now British charcuterie is becoming more popular, why wouldnt we be choosing British over foreign? Its kind of a no brainer.

British butchers and farmers have been praised for their artisan skills - Kristian Buus

He compared the growing popularity and availability with that of sparkling English wine and cheese.

Some of the quality of the stuff is amazing, he continued. Like our cheese, we are now giving the French and Italian a run for their money. And we are beating the French at English sparkling wine.

He urged those who had not tried British produce to do so, adding: When you do try it, you wonder why you have been buying foreign-made when you have it on your doorstep from great artisan producers.

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Mr Mackenzie said he hoped the more people that indulged would help bring the price down.

However, Tesco and Waitrose  which said its customers love a charcuterie board  are the only supermarkets across the country currently stocking British charcuterie.

Despite this, award-winning butcher Simon Broadribb, 57, said he had seen a boom in popularity.

Its a growing thing, he said. A few years ago people wouldnt have known what it was.

The owner of Upton of Bassett, in Southampton, Hants, said he now had customers coming in asking for specific dishes they previously would have turned their noses up at.

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Guanciale  cured pork cheeks  now flies off his meat counter with locals eager to make a proper carbonara, he said. Mr Broadribb also noted more British entrants at the most recent World Charcuterie awards.

Theres a massive boom in the charcuterie market, he continued. A lot more people are interested in it. Its good, more people know the product.

Stricter controls on imports post-Brexit have contributed to the UK charcuterie boom - Lauri Patterson

He added that Brexit could well be the reason, having recently experienced difficulties importing goods himself.

If someone is importing charcuterie, you only have to have one hiccup [in the supply chain] and things start getting expensive, he said.

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People know more about charcuterie and try it with their own pigs and beef. We have got some great stuff on offer and should probably be doing it ourselves anyway.

Dhruv Baker, a former MasterChef winner, told The Observer he credited Brexit with the upturn in fortunes.

I think we are seeing fewer smaller continental artisan products in the UK post-Brexit, he said. Largely due to the increased cost and time involved with exporting alongside much stricter controls.

A Waitrose spokesman told The Telegraph: We champion British farming at Waitrose and proudly support award-winning British brands such as The Real Cure, that use responsibly and locally sourced ingredients from Dorset.

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We know our customers love a charcuterie board and this allows them to showcase the best of British ingredients, paired with our award-winning British cheeses.

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BUCKHANNON, W.Va. (WBOY)  The First Presbyterian Church in Buckhannon hosted a Really Really Free Meal on Saturday, providing food and clothing to those in need.

The church, along with Free Meals Appalachia and the Really Really Free Market Buckhannon, WV host the meal every second and fourth Saturday of the month. Volunteers make the food and then deliver it to people in need, or people can come to the church and pick it up. Today they delivered 115 meals and made a total of 200.

The menu included Polish-inspired perogies, sausage, cabbage and onions, and fruit. The menu changes from week to week, and in the past theyve made curry, spaghetti and more.

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Lisa Gum, a volunteer with Free Meals Appalachia, explained that the Really Really Free Meal effort came to be because while there are some local organizations that provide food to those in need during the week, there was no food on the weekends. She went on to say that the delivery aspect came about during the COVID-19 pandemic and that she enjoys feeding people yummy food and coming together to cook it.

Community Closet was open during the meal for anyone who needed some new clothes. If you would like to get in contact with Free Meals Appalachia, you can find its website here.

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The flow of the Rio Grande River on the U.S.-Mexico border has been fundamentally changed by the buoys placed to deter migrants from crossing illegally, according to preliminary findings by Southern Illinois University Edwardsville researchers.

The buoys are changing where flow is occurring, and anytime you change where flow is occurring, youre changing where erosion and deposition are occurring, said Adriana Martinez, a professor of geography and environmental sciences at SIUE and a native of Eagle Pass, Texas. Ultimately, thats going to change the channel shape in that spot.

Martinez and third-year SIUE student Emma Prott have been studying the effects of the buoys placed by Texas in July 2023, which have been the subject of a legal battle between the state and federal government over who has authority over the southern border.

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The SIUE professor and student visited the Rio Grande at Eagle Pass twice over the past two months, capturing drone images and collecting sediment samples to document and quantify how the buoys change the river.

The researchers say long-term implications of the rivers ecology are at question.

So far, water flow around the buoys has slowed down, causing sediment to build up underneath them. The shallower water has meant plants have started growing. As more plants grow, more sediment is displaced, setting off what Martinez calls a chain reaction.

Its going to change the international boundary, Martinez said. We could add land to the U.S. and take it away from Mexico or vice versa. It just depends on what ends up happening more long term or how long the buoys are in place.

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Martinez believes the buoys will create a sandbar and eventually a small island in the middle of the Rio Grande.

Prott, a native of Marine, Illinois, 10 miles east of Edwardsville in the Metro East, said her trips to the border have been an eye-opening experience.

A lot of people that dont live near the border, or live far away from it, dont even think about it, said Prott, whos studying environmental sciences. These are real people that have real stories, and I think visiting definitely humanized it a lot better.

On their November trip, Prott said they didnt observe any migrants crossing the border.

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What she did notice was the stark difference between the U.S. and Mexican sides of the river. The U.S. border has been militarized with concertina wire and fences, Prott said. Since learning the buoys have altered the rivers flow, Prott said she believes the overall approach is an ineffective way to deter illegal immigration.

I dont think people need to get hurt to probably inhibit that or slow it down, she said. Theres better ways. Im not really sure what they are, but I dont think people should be getting hurt over this.

Texas officials have argued the buoys are a low-cost effort to prevent illegal immigration in Eagle Pass, a hotspot for crossings. Gov. Greg Abbott recently placed more buoys in the river, despite the ongoing lawsuit.

The SIUE researchers hope to publish their findings in a paper in the next couple of years, but theres more work to be done, Martinez said. Prott, whos staying on next semester, said shes interested in studying the border more in graduate school.

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In the meantime, the two said they want to continue their work to educate the public because access has been cut off to the river.

Somebodys watching the river, Martinez said. Somebodys looking at whats happening, and someones trying to study what effect the buoys are having.
GRANTSVILLE, W.Va. (WBOY)  A Pennsylvania man has been arrested after fatally shooting two individuals and injuring two others, including his father, in Calhoun County.

A release from the West Virginia State Police states that troopers were alerted to a shooting incident off of Pine Creek Road in Grantsville at approximately 8:28 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 28.

Calhoun County Sheriff Graham Knight arrived at approximately 8:59 a.m. where he found 51-year-old Jodee Tribioli of Grantsville and 71-year-old Carole Heagy of Mount Gretna, Pa. dead from apparent gunshot wounds. Two others, including the suspects father, had also been shot but were still alive.

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2 charged in Upshur County after deputies find drugs and open dump

Noah Tribioli

The investigation was turned over to the West Virginia State Police who identified 28-year-old, Noah Richard Tribioli of Columbia, Pa. as a suspect. He was later found in Fayette County.

Tribioli was arrested and arraigned on two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of attempted first degree murder, two counts of malicious wounding and two counts of attempt to commit a felony. He is being held at the Southern Regional Jail.

The suspects father was listed to be in critical condition, while the other victim was listed as being in stable condition according to the release.

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To look back over the politics of the past year is to see a preview of the coming one. Its not pretty.

Donald Trump, as president again, will of course dominate the news in 2025, but he did so as well in 2024 (and as far back as I can remember, it seems). A year ago, hed so reestablished his death grip on the Republican Party post-Jan. 6 that he essentially wrapped up its presidential nomination in January, after back-to-back knockouts in Iowa and New Hampshire. A bakers dozen Republicans had the temerity to get in the race, but they didnt really run against him .

Fear [of Trump] is so palpable among Republicans, lamented one, former House Speaker Paul Ryan. Thats truer than ever now, after Trumps improbable comeback from defeat and disgrace.

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He moseyed through a campaign first against President Biden and then Vice President Kamala Harris, doubling as a criminal defendant and taking time out for one trial and legal battles over three other indictments. He became the first U.S. president convicted of felonies, but parlayed a platform of victimhood and retribution to election.

Trump will also dominate Congress in the new year, given that both the Senate and House will have Republican majorities. Yet their margins are so slim, and divisions so deep, that neither they nor Trump will really have control. Legislation will be hard won or, in many cases, not won at all. Thats good news, considering Republicans talk of more deep tax cuts for corporations and the wealthy, and of spending cuts in programs all Americans rely on.

Read more: Calmes: Drain the swamp? More like overt, unapologetic swampy displays at Mar-a-Lago

We got an early feel for the chaos ahead during Congress humiliating lame-duck finale over government funding this month. House Republicans, in nearly provoking a Chrismukkah federal shutdown, reprised the dysfunction and factionalism that plagued them all year and made for the least productive Congress since the Depression (not least because of their failed obsession with impeaching Biden). Having first made U.S. history by ousting a speaker in the just-concluded Congress  former Bakersfield Rep. Kevin McCarthy  some House Republicans (and allies in Trumpland) are already predicting that Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana wont survive the new one.

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But Congress clownish closing wasnt all Johnsons fault. It mostly owed to the ham-handed 11th-hour meddling of Trump and unelected First Buddy Elon Musk.

First Musk blew up a bipartisan funding bill  a crime, he called it on X, spreading falsehoods about its content and going so far as to threaten Republican lawmakers reelections. (Adding to his prior threat against Republican senators who oppose Trumps Cabinet nominees.)

Read more: Calmes: A peaceful transfer of power  you can thank President Biden

Then Trump, not one to let the guy riding shotgun grab the reins, demanded that Republicans vote against any budget bill that didnt also repeal the nations debt limit. In the end, they actually defied him, passing a bill that was silent about the debt limit.

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But the debt ceiling wrangling will resume soon; the Treasury Department said Friday that it would near the borrowing limit in January, which would require it to take "extraordinary measures" until Congress and the president act.

Ive long argued for getting rid of the debt limit, a World War I-era anachronism, but not for the same reasons as Trump. Mine: The debt limit does nothing to limit spending  Congress and presidents have already approved the funds. It merely lets lawmakers, Republicans mostly, preen as fiscal conservatives by voting no, inviting chaos in the process, despite their past votes for the spending and tax cuts that accounted for the debt (knowing most Democrats will vote aye and prevent default). Trumps reason? He wanted to avoid a debt limit fight next year when his priorities  tax cuts and open-ended spending for mass deportations  would add to the red ink.

Read more: Calmes: Trump's budget cutters have set themselves up to fail

Whatever the rationale, repealing the 107-year-old debt limit law isnt something Congress should deal with in a last-minute lame-duck rush. And the fact is, Republicans dont want to forfeit their demagogic prop. They proved it by saying no to Trump.

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Next seasons showdown will be just one skirmish in an emerging multifront MAGA civil war, as Axios put it. In particular, look for immigration policy fights pitting immigrant-friendly Silicon Valley tech bros against America First anti-immigrant hard-liners.

Again, we got a pre-inaugural preview: Entrepreneur-provocateur Vivek Ramaswamy, Trumps choice along with Musk to advise him on slashing both federal spending and regulations, incited a Christmas Day MAGA brouhaha  and anti-India invective  on social media when he called for admitting more skilled foreign workers to the United States. American culture, he posted, has for too long venerated mediocrity over excellence. When Musk sought to mediate, the South Africa-born mega-billionaire likewise became a target of xenophobic vitriol.

Speaking of Musk, stay tuned for the inevitable clash of egos  his and Trumps  in 2025.

Then there are the sidelined Democrats.

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Biden will be gone from the scene, but hes already seemed to be for much of 2024. After delivering a rousing State of the Union address in March, Biden showed up for his June debate with Trump so addled that the party backlash forced him from the ticket. Post-election, the apparently embittered president has been quiet quitting  a sad end to whats been, in its first years, a consequential presidency.

Yes, Democrats will be the minority in Congress. But as 2024 showed, Republicans will need their support to pass essential government-funding bills, giving Democrats leverage over the final products. Meanwhile, Democrats will spend 2025 doing what many of them hankered to do in 2024: Look for new leadership, new direction and new ideas.

By the time of the 2026 midterm elections for Congress, Democrats can count on one thing: Theyll look better to many voters compared to the Republicans after the mayhem of all-Republican governance thats ahead.

@jackiekcalmes

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN)  The Carolina Hurricanes honored a Greensboro police officer killed in the line of duty and his family at Saturdays game against the New Jersey Devils. Officer Michael Horan was killed in a shooting on Monday.

Yeah I mean its just tragic news, said Hurricanes Holdings president Doug Warf.

The Canes honored Horan and his family with a moment of silence in Horans memory before the puck drop at Saturday nights game. Honoring not just the police officer, but a longtime Canes fan.

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We reached out immediately before we even knew he was a Canes fan just to see if we could do anything to help the family. And then to find out, hes a Canes fan? It hits even closer, Warf said.

PREVIOUS: Fallen Greensboro police officer escorted back home from Raleigh

Horan worked for the Greensboro Police Department for seven years. On Monday morning, Horan was killed after shots were fired in a Greensboro Food Lion.

Warf called it a tragedy, even more so after finding out Horan had actually had tickets to Saturdays game for him and his family.

Talking with his family, he went to games in Greensboro back in 97. Hes been a longtime fan, Warf said.

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Warf said the Canes upgraded the familys tickets to a suite and added a meet and greet with some of the players.

We just wanted to kind of give them the full experience, he said. They just helped the team get on the ice for the second period, fist pumping the whole team.

RELATED: Longtime friend remembers fallen Greensboro Officer Michael Horan

Warf said he wanted to give the family a space to remember Officer Horan and a good experience  a distraction  as they deal with his loss.

I think whats been fun for me is hearing their stories about their dad and what they experienced here with him. And I think sometimes thats the beauty of our game is that legacy can live on as always remembering their dad when theyre here, Warf said of his conversations with Horans children.

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Another effort in Horans memory: the Greensboro Police Officers Association has also set up a Help a Hero fundraiser. The proceeds will all go to his family.

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Former President Carter will be honored with public observances in both Georgia and Washington, D.C., in the coming days, following his death on Sunday.

He will be interred in Plains, Ga., according to the Carter Center.

Details on events are still being ironed out, handled by the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region.

President Biden said in March 2023 that Carter had asked the sitting president to deliver his eulogy when the time came.

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I spent time with Jimmy Carter, and its finally caught up with him, but they found a way to keep him going for a lot longer than they anticipated because they found a breakthrough, Biden said at a Democratic National Committee fundraiser.

The Carter Center has encouraged anyone wishing to remember Carter to visit an official tribute website, at www.jimmycartertribute.org, home to a condolence book and commemorations of his life.

The center also said the Carter family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Carter Center, 453 John Lewis Freedom Parkway N.E., Atlanta, GA 30307.

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The Carters: What you know may be wrong (or not quite right)

Exaggeration, misinformation, and myth have always infected politics  even before social media took it to the extreme.

Misconceptions take especially strong hold where U.S. presidents are concerned: sometimes to their advantage, sometimes not. Some claims relate to policy, others to their biographies and personal traits.

That George Washington story about the cherry tree? Apocryphal. And his teeth werent actually made of wood. (At least some of his false teeth were taken from the mouths of enslaved persons.) Theres no evidence that William Howard Taft ever got stuck in a bathtub. (He was the heaviest president on record, though, at more than 300 pounds.)

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James Monroe wasnt the principal force behind the Monroe Doctrine. (That would be his secretary of state and future president John Quincy Adams.) And Richard Nixon wasnt actually impeached. (He resigned before the full House could vote on the matter.)

As former President Jimmy Carter receives home hospice care at the age of 98, misconceptions about his life are coming into focus as well. Most are rooted in some truth but need more context:

MISCONCEPTION: Ronald Reagan freed the American hostages in Iran.

MORE ACCURATE: Carter and his administration negotiated their release, but Tehran wouldnt free them until after Reagans inauguration on Jan. 20, 1981.

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THE DETAILS: Iranian revolutionaries stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran on Nov. 4, 1979. They would hold 52 U.S. citizens for 444 days. From the outset, Carter resolved not to start a shooting war in response. He authorized a rescue mission in the spring of 1980, but mechanical problems forced the helicopter operation to abort and one crashed, killing eight servicemen.

Carter, a Democrat, continued diplomatic efforts but suffered politically amid intense news coverage of the crisis. He lost in a Nov. 4 landslide to the Republican Reagan. A final round of negotiations began in Algeria after. The U.S. delegation was led by Deputy Secretary of State Warren Christopher. Iran and the U.S. finalized terms for the hostages release on Carters final full day in office, Jan. 19, 1981, and Carter remained in the Oval Office the next morning, Inauguration Day, seeing through details. They were released shortly after Reagan was sworn in. Reagan then sent Carter to West Germany to greet the freed Americans.

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MISCONCEPTION: Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter founded Habitat for Humanity.

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MORE ACCURATE: The Carters have been Habitats most famous endorsers and volunteers. But the organization was established by wealthy businessman Millard Fuller and his wife, Linda, as an outgrowth a Georgia commune where the spent time in the 1960s.

THE DETAILS: Habitat grew out of the housing ministry of Koinonia Farm, a multiracial commune in Carters home county that was ostracized in the days of Jim Crow segregation. In 1965, Fuller came to the farm for what hed later describe as spiritual renewal.

Carter biographer Jonathan Alter details that Martin Luther King Jr. befriended Koinonias white founder, Clarence Jordan, during the civil rights movement. But the non-profit organization was accused in Georgia courts of being a communist front, and Kings inner circle considered it radical. Jordan was beaten on the streets of Americus, a short distance from Plains. Against this backdrop, Alter writes, Jimmy Carter kept his distance. Jordans nephew, Hamilton Jordan, would become Carters White House chief of staff. Alter records the younger Jordan, who died in 2008, saying his uncle viewed Carter as just a politician.

Koinonias local housing programs were formalized as the Fund for Humanity in the late 1960s. Carter was running for governor then. The Fullers established Habitat for Humanity in 1976, the year Carter won the presidency. The Carters first volunteer Habitat build was in New York City in 1984. That became the annual Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project, which would eventually build, renovate or repair 4,400 homes in 14 countries. The Carters worked alongside more than 104,000 volunteers, by The Carter Centers count.

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MISCONCEPTION: Jimmy Carter was an unabashed liberal.

MORE ACCURATE: Carter was a moderate politician, campaigned deliberately and, once in office, pursued policies that dont fit easily under one label.

THE DETAILS: Carter sought the presidency in 1976 as an outsider in a party largely controlled in Washington by New Deal liberals and Kennedy loyalists. Carter was a Southern Democrat who never gelled with Massachusetts Sen. Ted Kennedy, who challenged him in a damaging 1980 primary. Carter had described himself in Georgia as both conservative and progressive, depending on the issue, the audience and the campaign. Sometimes he even used those words together.

He was a good-government policy wonk who spent considerable political capital reorganizing government in Atlanta and then Washington. He pushed windfall taxes on big oil (unsuccessfully) but frustrated fellow Democrats on spending priorities and added little to the national debt compared to all his successors (less than $300 billion in four years). The deregulatory era often associated with Reagan actually began with Carter loosening regulations on airlines, trains and trucking.

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Carter advocated for a national health program but his top health care bill failed because it didnt go far enough for party liberals, including Kennedy. Carter grew more openly progressive as a former president, voting for Bernie Sanders in the 2016 presidential primaries. But he also warned his party ahead of 2020 not to move too far left if they hoped to defeat then-President Donald Trump.

MISCONCEPTION: Jimmy Carter was married to RAHZ-lyn, and he was there when she was born.

MORE ACCURATE: Its ROSE-lyn, and he met her as a newborn  but not immediately.

THE DETAILS: Eleanor Rosalynn (again, ROSE-lyn) Smith was born in Plains on Aug. 18, 1927. The nurse who delivered her was Lillian Carter, the future presidents mother. But Jimmy Carter, who was born Oct. 1, 1924, was back on the family farm in nearby Archery, outside Plains. Miss Lillian brought her her son back to the Smiths house a few days later to see baby Rosalynn.

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As for the pronunciation, remember the flower. The former presidents affectionate name for her might help, too. He often calls her Rosie.

The Associated Press

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Dec. 29When Hopi artist Mavasta Honyouti was a boy, he watched his grandfather tenderly care for the corn that fed his family.

During breaks, his grandfather would take out a piece of paako (cottonwood) root and use his pocketknife to whittle away. He made beautiful carvings that Honyouti would later learn to do himself.

A Santa Fe Indian Market award-winning carver, Honyouti was puzzled when a book publisher asked him if he had a story to tell.

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"At first, I didn't think I did," said Honyouti, who also teaches middle school social studies.

But he thought back to his grandfather, who survived a government-enforced boarding school. Like many Native American children across the country in the late 19th and early 20th century, he was forced to leave Hopi Pueblo as a child and go to a residential boarding school far away. The government cut his hair, punished him for speaking his native language, and gave him a new name. But he never forgot who he was  or where he came from  and he tried to escape again and again.

He returned to his pueblo, his language and culture intact. Many of his fellow students never returned, the victims of abuse, malnutrition, disease and/or abandonment.

"When he arrived, they would gather the children and make them choose an English name. He chose Clyde," Honyouti said.

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The results were "Coming Home: A Hopi Resistance Story," a bilingual (Hopi/English) children's book Honyouti wrote and illustrated with his own carved and painted cottonwood root plaques. Santa Fe's Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian is showcasing those 16 panels and 30 years of Honyouti's carvings through April 12, 2025, with "Carved Stories."

Honyouti hails from a family of Hopi katsina carvers. The work of his father Ron, his uncle Richard and his brother Kevin are also featured in the exhibition.

Once he agreed to the project, Honyouti began sketching scenes to illustrate the book.

"It was the first time I'd ever done digital sketches," he said. "It tells about his time at the boarding school at Hopi. He was a little boy. His parents hid him from the agents. They capture him and he gets taken to a school. They threatened his father to be arrested.

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"He finished his eighth year and he returned to his family and he never went back."

Honyouti still remembers watching his grandfather (his kwa'a) tending the corn for hours.

"I imagine his field was his happy place," he said. "I can picture him sitting in his field so he could feed his family. Those seeds were handed down for three generations."

The book opens with Honyouti and his grandfather in the cornfield.

"I'll always know him as being pretty quiet, always hard-working," he added.

The carved tiles are unique to his family, Honyouti acknowledged. He wanted to show his family and how they connected.

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"I thought the best way to display that was through plaques," he said.

The book cover showing Honyouti's grandfather walking away from the boarding school toward his waiting parents touches him the most.

"I thought of him in the middle, leaving that world of school and returning to his family and all the things he never forgot. There's all these children standing in a line watching. When is it going to be my turn?

"Sometimes the parents never came back for them. That's the part that really got to me."

The "resistance" reference in the subtitle claims his grandfather as a survivor, Honyouti said.

"He never let go of his identity, his legacy and his ways. Even though they were stripped of their culture, their identity, they resisted."
The Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh held its opening Mass of the Jubilee 2025.

Bishop David Zubik hosted the Mass at Saint Paul Cathedral in Oakland. It began in the Oakland Catholic High School gym before a candlelight procession into the cathedral.

In the Catholic church, a Jubilee Year is a time for worshipers to strengthen their relationships with God and forgive others.

Pope Francis has banned this years theme Pilgrims of Hope. He hopes more people will take a holy pilgrimage that draws them closer to Christ.

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Jubilees are celebrated once every 25 years.

Click here to learn more from the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh.

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N'DJAMENA (Reuters) - Chadians were voting on Sunday in a parliamentary election boycotted by the opposition that will likely consolidate President Mahamat Idriss Deby's power and complete the oil-producing nation's transition towards constitutional rule.

Deby was elected in a disputed vote in May, three years after seizing power and declaring himself interim leader when rebels killed his father, President Idriss Deby, on the battlefield.

Opposition leader Succes Masra's Transformateurs party and several other parties boycotted Sunday's legislative election, the country's first in over a decade. They are also boycotting municipal and regional elections also being held on Sunday.

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Polls opened for nomads and members of the military on Saturday, and at 7 a.m. (0600 GMT) on Sunday for the general public. More than eight million people are registered to vote.

Provisional results are expected by Jan. 15, 2025, and final results by Jan. 31, 2025, in the large, mainly desert Central African nation.

"This is the first time that I am voting for three candidates at the same time - for the legislative, provincial and municipal elections," said 27-year-old Moussa Ali Hissein.

"I hope that these candidates will keep their promises to young people. I especially need a job."

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Abel Moungar, 31, said he hoped to see an improved social and economic situation for Chadians.

"I was afraid that people would boycott the elections but thank God, they came to vote like me," he said.

Last month Chad, a key Western ally in the fight against Islamic militants in the Sahel region, ended its defence cooperation pact with France and threatened to withdraw from a regional multinational security force.

It hosts more than 600,000 refugees who have fled the war in neighbouring Sudan, the United Nations said in May.

(Writing by Portia Crowe; Editing by Gareth Jones)
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA)  The Champaign Police Department is informing residents that they can assist in solving crimes.

Through the departments voluntary Security Camera Registration Program, residents can register their exterior cameras online, giving officers an easier way to contact owners and request video to assist in criminal investigations.

One man hospitalized; person arrested in Champaign stabbing

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Camera owners even have the choice of deciding whether they want to submit a video when the request is received. Joining this program does not grant the police department direct access to the camera system.

The voluntary program is four steps in total:

1: You decide to register your security camera

2: Police need assistance in a nearby case

3: Officers request video from camera owners

4: You decide whether to share your video

For more information or to register a camera, visit the City of Champaigns website.

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Fire officials say that they are investigating a fire that they deemed to be intentionally set at a business in east Charlotte early Sunday morning.

Charlotte Fire says they were called out to the 6300 block of the The Plaza just after 3 a.m. for a report of a structure fire.

When crews arrived on scene they found a working fire at the Family Dollar.

Additional crews were added and the fire was brought under control by 4 a.m.

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Fortunately, officials say that there were no injuries to any civilians or firefighters.

After their early investigation, officials deemed that this fire was intentionally set.

Charlotte Fire says that this is the third time that this business has been targeted in recent months.

Officials estimate that the damage to the business is around $1.4 million.

Charlotte Fire is asking anyone with any information on this fire to call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

RELATED STORY: Crews battle multiple deadly fires in Charlotte over holiday week




HOLLAND TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD)  One person is in custody after a multi-agency police chase that ended with a patrol vehicle being hit near Holland early Sunday morning.

Just after 2 a.m., a deputy with the Ottawa County Sheriffs Office was on I-196 and saw a Ford Mustang heading westbound with no registration plate. The deputy tried to pull over the vehicle but the driver took off, going well over 100 mph, the sheriffs office said.

An officer with the Zeeland Police Department found the vehicle heading westbound on Chicago Drive and tried to pull it over. The sheriffs office said it took off again, going over 100 mph.

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Deputies and officers boxed the vehicle in when it stopped at a red light at the intersection of Chicago Drive and 120th Avenue. The sheriffs office said that it then went in reverse and hit a patrol vehicle. The deputy was not hurt.

The driver was taken into custody and is being held in the Ottawa County Jail on charges of fleeing and eluding and assault on police.

The case remains under investigation.

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The Cherokee County Sheriffs Office wants you to beware of an ankle monitor scam.

The scam involves someone calling family members of people in custody and posing as a Cherokee County Sheriffs Office deputy.

The caller tells the family member that they need to pay $2,000 for an ankle monitor so their relative can be released from jail.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

If the relative has already been released from jail, the caller threatens to re-arrest the family member if they dont pay $2,000.

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The sheriffs office wants to remind the public that they will never call or text you and ask for money.

If you get a call like this, they encourage you to hang up and call 911.

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The Cherokee County Sheriffs Office is mourning the death of a K-9 officer.

The department announced on Saturday that retired K-9 Dixon died peacefully with his former handler at his side.

Dixon, a dual-purpose Malinois/Shepherd, served with the sheriffs office for seven years.

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He was retired in 2020 and has lived with his former handler and his family ever since.

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STORY: This is the moment an Israeli air strike hit a tower at Yemens Sanaa airport on Thursday.

Reuters verified the date by aftermath footage and reports of the strike, and was able to confirm the location as objects seen in videos matched file and satellite imagery of the area.

The head of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said he was at the airport when chaos struck.

:: Given as December 26, 2024

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Surveillance footage broadcasted on a Yemen television channel showed a man which it said was WHO Chief Tedros, seated in a lounge before being abruptly escorted.

:: Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, World Health Organization

"I was not sure actually I could survive because it was so close, a few meters from where we were.

Tedros spoke via telephone from Jordan on Friday, where he flew after the strike to help evacuate a United Nations colleague who was seriously injured at the airport.

You know, we didn't know actually what would happen, but after four explosions, I think it stopped. The bombing occurred alarmingly close to our location, just meters away. And to be honest, a slight deviation could have resulted in a direct hit."

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Tedros traveled to Yemen over Christmas to try to negotiate the release of 16 U.N. staff and others held there.

He acknowledged that the trip was risky in light of tensions between Israel and the Houthis.

:: File

He said talks with Yemeni authorities had gone well and that he saw a chance that staff could be freed.

:: Tel Aviv, Israel

Israels military said it struck multiple targets linked to the Houthi movement on Thursday, after Houthis repeatedly fired drones and missiles toward Israel in what they describe as acts of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said afterwards that Israel was "just getting started" with the Houthis.
At least one child was injured after trees fell on several homes in a Douglas County neighborhood.

Neighbors who live along Fairburn Road in Douglas County told Channel 2s Eryn Rogers that when a tree came down on one house, a young girl was hit and broke a bone.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Strong storms moved through metro Atlanta early Sunday morning and left destruction and damage behind in several areas.

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Rogers was in the Douglas County neighborhood during Channel 2 Action News at Noon where she saw several trees that had come down and blocked roads and damaged homes.

Crews were able to clear trees off of Fairburn Road and reopen the area around 11 a.m.

One homeowner who had two trees fall in her yard says shes thankful the damage wasnt worse.

I was speechless. I didnt know what to say, didnt know what to do. I was just standing there and I was like, God, you are great because if this tree would have fell on my house, I dont know what Id do, homeowner Yolette Francois said.

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Some of those neighbors say they have been without power since 2 a.m. As of 12 p.m., Georgia Power says more than 900 customers in Douglas County dont have power.

The National Weather Service has confirmed a brief EF-0 tornado that hit southern Fayette County on Sunday morning.

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Post-Covid China has become more open to foreign tourists than it has ever been in decades, with Europe so far the main target of Beijing's expanding unilateral visa-free entrance scheme.

That is, except Sweden, Lithuania and the Czech Republic - the only European Union (EU) nations not on the list.

Chinese analysts say the omission reflects what Beijing sees as problematic bilateral relations over issues ranging from Taiwan to access to technology. Tensions over the Ukraine war have made matters worse, they add, as Europe's support for the former Soviet state clashes with Beijing's continued backing of Moscow.

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Since November 2023, China has rolled out a string of unilateral visa-free schemes for countries worldwide. Passport holders from 38 countries are now able to enter China without a visa and stay for more than 30 days for business, tourism, family visit, or transit purposes.

On the list are 32 states across Europe, including 24 of the 27 EU member countries.

The scheme will run until the end of 2025, and the 38 countries are not required to extend the same treatment to Chinese nationals.

A crowded ancient city wall in Xian, in northwestern China, as the country opens up to more foreign nationals. Photo: Xinhua alt=A crowded ancient city wall in Xian, in northwestern China, as the country opens up to more foreign nationals. Photo: Xinhua>

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However, Sweden, Lithuania and the Czech Republic are on a larger list of 54 countries whose citizens enjoy 10 days of visa-free transit via China, under a different scheme rolled out on December 17. Britain and the United States are also on the list.

Cui Hongjian, a former diplomat and the head of EU studies at Beijing Foreign Studies University, said the situation may only change when these countries' policies towards Beijing change, such as on issues concerning Taiwan. He also said China would not welcome those that emphasise or even exaggerate ideological differences.

"The unilateral visa-free policy is a system for China to evaluate its relationship with these countries," Cui said. "The goal is to make it easier for people-to-people exchanges, so we need to improve the environment for that."

Wang Yiwei, director of the Institute of International Affairs at the Renmin University of China, offered a similar view.

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He argued that the Ukraine war also had a role to play in the omission, as these countries were especially "anti-Russian" and tended to view China as being on the side of Moscow.

Sweden has been unfriendly towards China for some time now, according to Cui, the former diplomat. "On the ideological and optical front, Sweden still has some hostility towards China, so I don't think opening up unilateral visa exemption for Sweden could yield good results," he said.

Wang pointed to Sweden's stance on the security of Chinese technology as a main source of friction.

According to a 2021 report by the Danish Institute of International Studies, diplomatic clashes between Sweden and China included Beijing's demand for an apology after a comedy skit on Swedish TV in 2018 made fun of Chinese tourists.

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Relations deteriorated even further in October 2020, the report said, when Swedish authorities issued an outright ban on Chinese telecoms giant Huawei's equipment in the Nordic nation's critical digital infrastructure.

As recently as July this year, the Chinese embassy in Sweden protested against remarks from some Swedish politicians that a Russian victory against Ukraine would "encourage China to seize territory from other countries".

The remarks were "filled with Cold War mentality and ideological prejudice", the embassy said on its website.

Most recently, severed telecoms cables in the Baltic Sea have added to the friction, with Sweden saying that China denied a request for prosecutors to carry out an investigation on a Chinese vessel allegedly linked to the incident in Swedish territorial waters last month.

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As for Lithuania, relations became strained when it left China's 17+1 cooperation forum in 2021, Wang said. The South China Morning Post reported at the time that Diana Mickeviciene, the Lithuanian ambassador to China, said the withdrawal was prompted by less-than-expected trade benefits.

Relations plunged further later that year, when Lithuania allowed Taiwan to open a de facto embassy under the name "The Taiwanese Representative Office", when the precedent in Europe and the US was to use "Taipei" in order to avoid any reference to the island as a whole.

Beijing sees Taiwan as part of China to be reunited by force if necessary, and with no right to official international exchanges. Sweden, Lithuania and the Czech Republic, like most countries including Taiwan's major backer the US, do not recognise the self-governed island as an independent state. Washington is also opposed to any attempt to take the self-governed island by force and is committed to arming it for defence.

Tensions over Taipei's office in Vilnius have continued to fester. Earlier this month, Beijing warned of possible countermeasures after Lithuania declared three staff members of mainland China's representative office as personae non gratae, requiring them to leave the country within a week.

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Beijing's foreign ministry condemned the decision as "without any reason", while accusing the Baltic state of violating the one-China principle on Taiwan-related issues and damaging ties.

Taiwan also seems to be the focal point of Beijing's tensions with the Czech Republic.

In January last year, then Czech president-elect Petr Pavel accepted a phone call from Taiwanese leader Tsai Ing-wen, becoming the first EU head of state to hold such direct talks. Beijing's foreign ministry called the move a "blatant violation of the Czech Republic's political commitment to the one-China principle".

Two months later, the head of the Czech lower house led 150 business representatives, scientists and officials to Taiwan, despite repeated warnings from Beijing. The visit led to 11 memorandums of understanding on boosting economic, political and cultural ties with Taipei. They also negotiated terms of an arms deal, according to media reports.

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In March this year, Taiwan's then newly elected No 2 leader, Hsiao Bi-khim, visited Prague on a transit stop from the United States, also triggering a protest from Beijing. Her trip further deepened tensions after Czech authorities accused a diplomat from Beijing of following Hsiao's motorcade, and said they were considering listing them as persona non grata.

The latest likely provocations for Beijing include the Czech Republic's new cultural centre in Taipei set up in June, and Tsai's visit to Prague in October on her first overseas trip since stepping down in May.

She was reportedly greeted at the airport by President Pavel and met several Czech lawmakers during her three-day visit.

This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP's Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright  2024 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.

Copyright (c) 2024. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.
Beijing has stepped up public health assistance to its strategic African partner Djibouti - home to China's only overseas military base - with a new focus on dengue fever and plans for the country's first traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) centre.

Djiboutian Health Minister Ahmed Robleh Abdilleh, a medical doctor and also a TCM advocate, has pledged to "serve as an ambassador for promoting the culture of Chinese traditional medicine".

Abdilleh made the pledge during a meeting with the director of China's National Health Commission in Beijing in early December, on the sidelines of an international conference on TCM sponsored by the World Health Organization.

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China aims to train 1,300 overseas health workers in TCM over the next three years and has been encouraging more use of its therapies, which include acupuncture, massage and cupping, especially among its Belt and Road Initiative partners.

Mainland Chinese medical teams stationed in Djibouti have been helping the country with health issues for a number of years, in partnership with GX Foundation, a Hong Kong-based NGO.

The NGO's founder, Leung Chun-ying - a former chief executive of Hong Kong - and members of the mainland Chinese medical teams discussed the benefits of TCM at a reception last month with Abdilleh in Djibouti.

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They noted that TCM methods could provide suitable care for the many Djiboutians with nerve paralysis from extreme UV exposure, as well as people recovering from car accident injuries.

"In such cases, traditional medicine often provides effective alternatives to expensive surgery and Western medicine," said Leung, who is also a vice-chairman of Beijing's top political advisory body, the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.

"TCM is natural, non-invasive, and offers more treatment options, reduces reliance on Western medicine, especially in developing or underdeveloped regions, where Chinese medicine is often more cost-effective and can be locally produced," he said.

Leung's visit aimed to promote further health cooperation with Djibouti - GX Foundation's first African partner - as the 17,000th free cataract operation was carried out as part of its five-year contract to eliminate blindness in the country.

Leung Chun-ying (back row, centre), at an event in Djibouti to celebrate the 17,000th cataract operation performed in the country by the Hong Kong-based GX Foundation, which he founded. Photo: Handout alt=Leung Chun-ying (back row, centre), at an event in Djibouti to celebrate the 17,000th cataract operation performed in the country by the Hong Kong-based GX Foundation, which he founded. Photo: Handout>

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Pan Xiaoxia, leader of the Djibouti-based medical team and an eye specialist of 30 years, said most cataract cases in the country required level 4-5 surgeries - significantly more severe than in mainland China, where even level 3 cases were rare.

"Cataracts are particularly severe in countries like Djibouti due to extreme UV levels, posing super high risk from unprotected sun exposure," he said. This severity, combined with language barriers, adds to the complexity of the operations.

A senior adviser with the NGO who has travelled to Djibouti many times to coordinate operations, said the country had, at most, two to three eye doctors available at any given time. The need for skilled medical intervention was "dire", he said.

"Most poor and underdeveloped countries would prefer cash donation, for obvious reasons, which is what most international NGOs do," said the adviser, who asked not to be identified. He added that the Chinese approach prioritised fixing systemic problems, ensuring lasting impact.

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Last month, the foundation signed a new agreement with Djibouti that will address some of the mosquito-borne diseases that lack effective vaccines, such as dengue fever.

GX Foundation also signed an MOU with the contractor of an intercity highway in Djibouti to provide preventive anti-mosquito and anti-fly equipment for its workers.

Speaking to the South China Morning Post after the MOU signing, Emily Chan, the foundation's CEO and director of the Chinese University of Hong Kong's Centre for Global Health, explained the need to address these lesser-known diseases.

The NGO decided to focus on dengue fever instead of more widely recognised diseases like malaria because "this lesser-known disease often goes unnoticed, but its impact can be devastating", she said.

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Abdilleh told the Post that the medical and health cooperation agreements with Beijing marked a milestone in his ministerial career and reaffirmed Djibouti's universal healthcare commitments.

About 30 per cent of local patients and commuters were not Djiboutian citizens, he said. "Viral diseases know no borders or nationality so there is no choice but to address these threats as critical health issues."

Meanwhile, China's naval hospital ship Peace Ark left Djibouti in early December after providing free treatment to 5,800 patients, conducting 2,377 medical examinations, and performing 48 free surgeries.

This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP's Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright  2024 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.

Copyright (c) 2024. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.
By Surbhi Misra and David Shepardson

(Reuters) -The Chinese-linked Salt Typhoon cyberespionage operation targeted AT&T and Verizon's systems, but the wireless carriers' U.S. networks are now secure as they work with law enforcement and government officials, the companies said on Saturday in their first acknowledgment of the attacks.

"We detect no activity by nation-state actors in our networks at this time. Based on our current investigation of this attack, the People's Republic of China targeted a small number of individuals of foreign intelligence interest," an AT&T spokesperson said.

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While only a few cases of compromised information were identified, AT&T was monitoring and remediating its networks to protect customers data, and continues to work with authorities to assess and mitigate the threat, the spokesperson said.

"We have not detected threat actor activity in Verizon's network for some time, and after considerable work addressing this incident, we can report that Verizon has contained the activities associated with this particular incident," Verizon's Chief Legal Officer said in a statement.

An independent and highly respected cyber security firm has confirmed the containment, Verizon said.

On Friday, U.S. officials added a ninth unnamed telecom company to the list of entities compromised by the Salt Typhoon hackers and said the Chinese involved gained access to networks and essentially had broad and full access, giving them the capability to "geolocate millions of individuals, to record phone calls at will."

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The U.S. Department of Defense and the Federal Communications Commission did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment on the company statements. China's foreign ministry could not immediately be contacted for comment.

Chinese officials have previously described the allegations as disinformation and said Beijing "firmly opposes and combats cyber attacks and cyber theft in all forms."

Officials previously alleged hackers targeted Verizon AT&T, Lumen and other telecom companies, and stole telephone audio intercepts along with a large swath of call record data.

In response to that cyberattack, the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency on Dec. 18 urged senior government and political figures to move mobile communications to end-to-end encrypted apps.

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Targets of Salt Typhoon reportedly included officials connected to Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump's presidential campaigns.

Sen. Ben Ray Lujan, a Democrat from New Mexico, called Salt Typhoon the "largest telecommunications hack in our nation's history" during a Dec. 11 hearing, while Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz said the U.S. "must plug any vulnerabilities in communications networks."

There is growing concern about the size and scope of the reported Chinese hacking into U.S. telecommunications networks and questions about when companies and the government will be able to assure Americans about the issue.

(Reporting by Surbhi Misra and Disha Mishra in Bengaluru; editing by Jonathan Oatis and Raju Gopalakrishnan)
Editors note: A previous headline for this story incorrectly stated an off-duty officer fatally shot a man with a gun at Coyote Joes. It is not yet known the status of the officer who had shot the man.

Charlotte police shot and killed a man who had a gun outside Coyote Joes, a popular country nightclub off Wilkinson Boulevard, on Saturday, authorities said.

The man may have been trying to harm himself, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Chief Johnny Jennings told WSOC, the Charlotte Observers news partner.

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An off-duty officer working at the club reported a man with a gun to CMPD officers, who arrived at about 11 p.m. An officer perceived an imminent deadly threat and discharged his firearm, striking the subject, CMPD said in a news release.

The man died at the scene.

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and CMPDs Internal Affairs are independently investigating the shooting, which is standard when an officer is involved in a deadly shooting.

Also under CMPD protocol, the officer who discharged their weapon is being placed on paid administrative leave. CMPD did not identify the officer or the person they killed.

Charlotte police shot and killed a man who had a gun outside Coyote Joes, a popular country nightclub off Wilkinson Boulevard, on Saturday, authorities said.

No officers were hurt in the incident, but one officer was taken to the hospital as a precaution to check his vital signs, Jennings told WSOC.

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Coyote Joes was closed Sunday morning. Workers did not immediately return phone calls from The Charlotte Observer.

Charlotte area police shootings

There have been prior incidents this year of deadly force by area police.

In April, CMPD officers were involved in a shootout that left four law enforcement officers dead and four others hospitalized more injured. In one of the nations most devastating attacks on law enforcement in generations, a suspect fired a high-powered rifle at officers in east Charlotte. Officers fatally shot that suspect, who died at the scene, after he shot at them.

In May, a Pineville sergeant fatally shot an unarmed man after a shoplifting call. Family said the man, Dennis Bodden, was suffering a mental health crisis

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Gaston County police earlier this month shot and killed a man who had a machete. Hed been stabbing himself in the arm, his wife told 911 dispatchers. Police shot him when he advanced toward officers, Chief Stephen Zill said.

This is a developing story
A Colorado man allegedly attacked a television news reporter after asking if he was a citizen, saying, This is Trumps America now, court documents show, as reported by the Associated Press.

The AP reported that the man, Patrick Thomas Egan, could be facing bias-motivated charges after being arrested on Dec. 18 in Grand Junction, Colo.

He was arrested on suspicion of bias-motivated crimes, second-degree assault and harassment, the AP said. Egan is supposed to appear in court next week to see if formal charges have been filed.

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Police said Egan, 39, followed KKCO/KJCT reporter JaRonn Alexs vehicle, who later told police that he believed he was targeted because he is Pacific Islander, the AP wrote.

The arrest affidavit said that after Egan arrived via a taxi, he pulled up next to Alex at a stoplight. The affidavit also noted, as reported by AP, that Egan had said something like, Are you even a U.S. citizen? This is Trumps America now! Im a Marine and I took an oath to protect this country from people like you!

The AP said that court documents noted that Alex was out reporting and later drove back to his newsroom. After getting out of his vehicle, Egan allegedly chased Alex and demanded identification, documents showed, as reported by the AP. The affidavit described Egan as tackling Alex and putting him in a headlock before Egan began to strangle him, causing coworkers to run out and help.

According to the documents, witnesses said Alex looked like he was struggling to breathe during the attack, which was caught on surveillance, the AP reported.

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The Hill has contacted the KKCO newsroom for comment. Egans lawyer could not be immediately reached for comment.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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A woman was shot Saturday morning, and the suspected gunman led South Carolina law enforcement officers on a chase that ended in a multi-vehicle crash where two drivers and a dog were killed, according to the Columbia Police Department.

One of the drivers who died was the suspected gunman who likely shot himself in the lower body while in his vehicle, police said in a news release.

At no point did law enforcement officers discharge their duty weapons, police said.

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Neither the man accused of the shooting and leading the chase nor the man who was driving one of the other vehicles involved in the three-vehicle collision has been publicly identified by the Richland County Coroners Office.

The driver of a third vehicle involved in the wreck was hospitalized.

The woman, who was shot in her lower body, suffered what police called a non-life-threatening injury. Further information on her condition was not available.

No other injuries were reported.

Police said they got involved in the incident at about 11 a.m. when they responded to reports of a shooting at the Cross Hill Apartments in the 4400 block of Blossom Street. Thats near the intersection of Beltline Boulevard and Devine Street.

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The shooting was domestic related, and the man accused of pulling the trigger drove the victim to a local hospital, according to the release. Information about what led to the shooting was not available.

At the hospital, the suspected shooter made threats to return to the Blossom Street home and harm both juveniles inside and himself, police said.

Officers had a description of the suspected shooters vehicle, later described as a 2021 Dodge sedan by the South Carolina Highway Patrol, and found the car behind a business in the 4000 block of Leesburg Road, according to the release. Thats in the Hopkins area, and is in the jurisdiction of the Richland County Sheriffs Department, prompting police to ask for help from deputies.

As officers tried to make contact with the suspected shooter to arrest him, the man drove away and both law enforcement agencies got involved in a pursuit, police said.

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The suspected shooter was driving the Dodge west on Garners Ferry Road and collided with the drivers side of a 2001 Toyota SUV that was heading south on Hazelwood Road and turning left onto Garners Ferry Road, according to Master Trooper Mitchell Ridgeway of the Highway Patrol. Thats back in police jurisdiction, about 6 miles from where officers first saw the Dodge and 4 miles from where the shooting happened.

After the initial crash, the Dodge continued forward and hit the front of a 2005 Toyota sedan that was stopped at a traffic light while heading east on Garners Ferry Road, Ridgeway said.

All three drivers were taken to Prisma Health Richland hospital, where the suspected shooter and the Toyota SUV driver died, Ridgeway said. Further information on the driver of the Toyota sedan was not available.

A dog in the Toyota SUV was killed in the crash, police said.

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The suspected shooter was live streaming during the initial police pursuit. Officers seized his gun from his vehicle at the crash scene, according to police.

The crash is being investigated by the Highway Patrol; the shooting is being investigated by police and the coroners office.
Ukraine's State Bureau of Investigation detained Colonel Oleh Poberezhniuk, commander of the 211th Pontoon Bridge Brigade, on Dec. 29, accusing him of failing to address abuse and torture allegations involving his subordinates.

The charges stem from a media investigation by Ukrainska Pravda on Dec. 16, which detailed severe abuse within the brigade. Officers reportedly beat service members, extorted money, and tied a soldier to a wooden cross as punishment.

Following the revelations, Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi ordered an inspection and suspended Poberezhniuk, while Defense Minister Rustem Umerov launched an investigation into the abuse allegations.

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Investigators found that between February and July 2024, Poberezhniuk knew of repeated torture and inhumane treatment by Senior Lieutenant Vladyslav Pastukh, his godson and the son of the brigade's chief of staff.

Pastukh, no longer serving in the unit, was previously implicated in the abuse cases.

The media investigation revealed a pattern of nepotism in the brigade, with nearly a dozen instances of fathers and sons or husbands and wives serving together.

Poberezhniuk has also been accused of misuse of resources under separate charges. He allegedly directed four subordinates to build his house in Khmelnytskyi Oblast in fall 2023 while falsely listing them as on duty in Mykolaiv Oblast. The soldiers reportedly received salaries and combat pay during the period.

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A court set bail at Hr 908,400 ($21,600), allowing his release on Dec. 20.

After searches of Poberezhniuk's residence on Dec. 28, the officer was detained again and brought to Kyiv. Poberezhniuk faces charges of inaction of military authority under martial law, which carries a penalty of seven to 10 years in prison.

Read also: Ukraines brigade commander arrested over alleged power abuse after media investigation

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Ahmad al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, might be one of the most popular people on the planet right now. Nearly a month after his militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) shocked the world by ending the Assad familys 53-year reign of power in Syria, the onetime detainee in a U.S. military prison in Iraq is now the de facto head of state in Syria. And to the victor go the spoils, including a long list of foreign delegations eager to meet him.

Diplomats are tripping over themselves to score a sit-down with Sharaa, who not too long ago was viewed in Washington and European capitals as the head of an al-Qaida-affiliated terrorist organization.

British officials made contact with HTS shortly after Syrian President Bashar Assad fled to Russia. The French sent a delegation to Damascus and are preparing to reopen their embassy in the Syrian capital. The European Union aims to do the same thing. The top U.S. diplomat responsible for the Middle East had a short session with Sharaa last week.

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Syrias neighbors in the region arent far behind  the Turkish, Qatari and Jordanian foreign ministers had meetings with the HTS chief in a bid to press their priorities and determine how the new authorities intend to govern a country devastated by more than 13 years of civil war.

Its unlikely Sharaa has all the answers right now. While the victory against Assads forces was a triumph that HTS and other armed opposition groups were dreaming about for years, the jihadist-turned-statesman is now stuck with a lengthy to-do list.

Fighting is one thing; governing is another. This is particularly true when the thing to be governed is a nation without sovereignty and a decent economy. The Assad family was as corrupt as it was repressive, personalizing all of its institutions, stripping the state of whatever assets it had and turning Syria into one of the worlds most efficient producers of illegal narcotics  all to pad the familys wealth. Meanwhile, about 90% of the Syrian population lives below the poverty line.

Syria may not have to deal with the hated Assads anymore, and it is no longer at war, but its not exactly at peace, either. Militias such as HTS, the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army and local armed units in Syrias south coordinated with each other to oust a mutual adversary, but its unknown whether they will be able to cooperate with one another in building a future Syria.

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The Syrian Democratic Forces, a U.S.-supported, Kurdish-led militia in the northeast, is arguably Syrias most powerful armed actor and is highly unlikely to disarm without big concessions, including a decentralized Syrian political order. This, of course, is precisely what HTS wants to avoid given that its now the new overlord of Damascus.

Syria wont be immune to foreign machinations, either. While U.S., Turkish, Saudi, Qatari, Israeli and European officials are predictably trumpeting respect for Syrias territorial integrity, foreign powers have reason to influence whats going on there. The Europeans, for instance, are talking about keeping sanctions on the Syrian economy unless the post-Assad administration closes Russias military bases and scrubs Syrian society of all Iranian influence.

The Gulf states, which tried to persuade Assad to downgrade his ties to Iran, will seek to capitalize on the biggest change in the Middle Easts regional balance of power since the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003. Turkey, which had unofficial ties with HTS for years when the group governed the Syrian province of Idlib, is now pushing Sharaa to get tougher on the very Syrian Kurdish groups the United States supports.

Speaking of the United States, its back to the drawing board. Washington didnt have great relations with Syria under the Assads. During President Hafez al-Assads long reign from 1971 to 2000, Syria was essentially a client state of the Soviet Union and a regional destabilizer, occupying next-door Lebanon for decades.

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Under son Bashar, the country turned into a key node of Irans so-called axis of resistance, allowing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to use Syrian territory to transport weapons to the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. During the U.S. occupation of Iraq, Assad turned Damascus into a gateway for foreign jihadists who wanted to fight the Americans next door.

With Assad now in Russia, Washington has a blank slate. President Joe Biden is on his way out, so how the U.S. ultimately responds will be determined by Donald Trump once he is inaugurated. Even so, senior U.S. officials have wasted no time trying to ingratiate themselves with Sharaa, who until last week had a $10 million FBI bounty on his head for terrorism offenses.

Barbara Leaf, the State Departments top Middle East official, spoke with him in Damascus last week to outline what Washington expects of the new authorities: The Syrian government must be inclusive and representative, ethnic and religious minorities need to be respected, and Syria must destroy all of the chemical weapons of the old regime. The new Syria must also combat terrorism in all its forms and transform itself into a benevolent state that doesnt threaten its neighbors.

Geir Pedersen, the United Nations special envoy for the Syrian conflict, has talked about a future of hope now that a post-Assad transition is underway. Thats all well and good. But were still a long way from that rosy scenario.

_____

Daniel DePetris is a fellow at Defense Priorities and a foreign affairs columnist for the Chicago Tribune.

_____
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD)  The Peoria County Coroners Office has identified the 17-year-old girl who died Saturday afternoon after a one-vehicle crash.

Coroner Jamie Harwood said young lady who was involved in this very tragic accident was sadly identified as 17-year-old Grace Abbott of S. Edwards Street, Princeville. She was pronounced deceased at 1:40 p.m. (Saturday) by the Peoria County Coroner.

17-year-old dead after car hits tree in Peoria County

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She suffered multiple blunt-force trauma injuries and died instantly. Toxicology testing is pending per Illinois State Statute, he said in a Facebook post.

Prayers be with her family and my Princeville community, Harwood said.

The Peoria County Sheriffs Office responded to the scene of a crash at 12:57 p.m. Saturday at the intersection of Parks School Road and Elliott Road, about seven miles northeast of Brimfield, said Sheriff Chris Watkins.

The sheriff said her car was headed westbound on Parks School Road when it left the road and hit a tree. No one else was in the car, and the incident remains under investigation, he said on Saturday.

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Jimmy Sengenberger is an investigative journalist, public speaker, and longtime local talk-radio host. Reach Jimmy online at Jimmysengenberger.com or on X (formerly Twitter) @SengCenter.
Costcos board of directors adamantly urged shareholders to vote against efforts to limit the companys commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) after receiving a proposal included in their annual notice to shareholders from the National Center for Public Policy Research to strike discriminatory practices.

The conservative think tank requested that Costco evaluate and publish a report on the risks of the company maintaining its current DEI roles, policies and goals amid a wave of corporations slashing all references to the organizational framework.

Earlier this year, Lowes, Harley Davidson and Walmart announced the repeal of DEI practices after facing similar pushback from conservative groups despite opposition from some lawmakers.

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Its clear that DEI holds litigation, reputational and financial risks to the Company, and therefore financial risks to shareholders, the right-leaning organization wrote in its proposal to the company, citing the Supreme Courts decision to overturn affirmative action at college institutions in its reasoning.

The National Center for Public Policy Research stated Costcos rebrand of DEI to be titled People and Communities does not protect the company from the alleged risks associated with the discriminatory practices of the initiatives. The non-profit claims that inclusion policies are a form of racial discrimination.

With 310,000 employees, Costco likely has at least 200,000 employees who are potentially victims of this type of illegal discrimination because they are white, Asian, male or straight, the group stated, arguing the demographics could sue and cost Costco billions of dollars.

In its response to the proposal, Costco called out the group for inflicting burdens on companies through policy bias and said their proposal did not aim to address financial risks but to strike down DEI efforts.

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The proponents broader agenda is not reducing risk for the Company but abolition of diversity initiatives, the board of directors added.

The annual meeting where shareholders will vote on the matter will take place in late January.

The Hill reached out to Costco and the National Center for Public Policy Research for further comment.



Updated at 6:13 p.m. EST.

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(FOX40.COM)  Around 200 people in Placer County currently do not have power due to a crash involving a utility pole.

According to California Highway Patrol Auburn, Swetzer Road is closed due to a single vehicle crashing into a pole after reportedly speeding.

Northern California deputies investigate weekend shooting

As of 7:50 p.m., crews are working the scene to repair the damages and are asking to avoid the area.

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PG&Es website shows that there are about 272 residents with no power.

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Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said on Sunday that the Azerbaijan Airlines plane that crashed in Kazakhstan on Wednesday "was damaged from outside on Russian territory."

The investigation into the deadly Christmas Day crash is ongoing. The Embraer 190 aircraft was traveling from Baku, Azerbaijan, to Grozny, Russia, but crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, killing 38 people.

On Sunday, Aliyev told state television channel AzTV that while the plane's flight recorder data is still being analyzed, a picture of the incident is emerging.

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"The facts are that the Azerbaijani civilian plane was damaged from outside on Russian territory, near the city of Grozny, and practically lost control," he said, citing fire from the ground for serious damage to the tail section of the aircraft and apparent shrapnel holes in its fuselage.

PHOTO: Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev attends an interview at Heydar Aliyev International Airport outside Baku, Azerbaijan, on Dec. 29, 2024. (President Of Azerbaijan/via Reuters)

MORE: Survivors of Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash report hearing bangs, explosions during flight

"We also know that our plane was rendered uncontrollable by electronic warfare," Aliyev added.

Survivors from the crash told ABC News that they heard and felt explosions outside the aircraft during the flight, after which the plane appeared to lose control.

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Aliyev said he did not believe the damage was intentional, though he expressed regret that Russian authorities put forward alternate theories for the crash in the immediate aftermath. "This openly showed that the Russian side wants to hush up the issue and this, of course, does no one credit," he said.

Early explanations for the crash included a collision with birds and heavy fog in the area. Some Russian media organizations also suggested Ukrainian drones collided with the plane during their attack on targets in Chechnya, which was ongoing at the time.

Aliyev called on Russia to admit guilt and apologize. "Unfortunately, for the first three days we heard nothing from Russia except crazy versions," the president said.

PHOTO: In this photo taken from a video released by the administration of Mangystau region, a part of Azerbaijan Airlines' Embraer 190 lies on the ground near the airport of Aktau, Kazakhstan, on Dec. 26, 2024. (AP)

MORE: Dozens dead as passenger plane crashes in Kazakhstan

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Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke with Aliyev on Saturday. According to a Kremlin readout, Putin apologized for the incident without explicitly admitting culpability.

Putin "apologized for the tragic incident that occurred in Russian airspace and once again expressed his deep and sincere condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to the injured," the readout said.

"At that time, Grozny, Mozdok and Vladikavkaz were being attacked by Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles, and Russian air defence systems repelled these attacks," it added.

White House national security communications adviser John Kirby told reporters Friday that there are early indications that the plane could have been brought down by Russian air defense systems, but added that the investigation is ongoing.

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ABC News' Dragana Jovanovic, Ines de la Cuetara, Ellie Kaufman and Meredith Deliso contributed to this report.

Crashed Azerbaijan plane damaged by fire from Russia, Azerbaijani president says originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Editor's note: The article was updated with additional comments from Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.

Russia must admit responsibility for the crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines plane after it was hit by fire from the ground over Russian territory, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said in a television interview on Dec. 29.

Flight J2-8243 was flying from Azerbaijan's capital of Baku to Grozny in Chechnya before changing course and crashing in Kazakhstan on Dec. 25, killing 38 people. Multiple reports and official statements indicated that Russian air defense fire was responsible for the disaster.

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"We can say with complete clarity that the plane was shot down by Russia... We are not saying that it was done intentionally, but it was done," Aliyev said in the interview with the state-run Azerbaijan Television, accusing Russia of attempting to "hush up" the incident.

"Of course, the final version will be known after the black boxes are opened. But the initial versions are also well-founded and based on facts," the head of state added.

"And the facts are that the Azerbaijani civilian aircraft was damaged from the outside, over Russian territory, near the city of Grozny, and practically lost control.

"We also know that our aircraft was rendered uncontrollable by electronic warfare," the Azerbaijani president said, adding that the tail section was seriously damaged as a result of fire from the ground.

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Aliyev further said that on Dec. 27, Baku delivered its list of demands to Russia, including an apology, an admission of responsibility, holding the perpetrators criminally responsible, and paying compensation to the Azerbaijani state and the affected passengers and crew members.

"These are our conditions. The first of them was already fulfilled yesterday. I hope that our other conditions will be accepted as well," Aliyev said in the interview, according to the Azerbaijan State News Agency.

Putin, who has fostered close economic and political ties with Azerbaijan, called Aliyev on Dec. 28 to apologize "for the fact that the tragic incident occurred in Russian airspace" without commenting on whether the plane was hit by Russian air defenses.

The Kremlin said that the plane made multiple attempts to land at Grozny airport during a Ukrainian drone attack, which was reportedly repelled by Russian air defenses.

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Western countries said the disaster was a result of Russia's "reckless" behavior and called for a transparent investigation.

Putin and Aliyev held another phone call about the plane crash on Dec. 29, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said, without revealing details.

Read also: Azerbaijan Airlines crash highlights Russias failure to close airspace amid war

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Officials have revealed that the crew of a flight that crashed in South Korea, killing 179 people, had been warned about a bird strike minutes before the incident, The Guardian reported.

While the accident remains under investigation, and there are reports that detail other possible explanations identified by aviation experts, bird strikes can cause in-air catastrophes.

The airport at which Jeju Air Flight 7C2216 crash-landed on Sunday, Muan International Airport, has the highest rate of bird strikes out of any of South Koreas airports, according to The Guardian. It has recorded 10 such incidents between 2019 and August of this year.

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Nevertheless, aviation experts have questioned whether a bird strike alone could have caused the plane to skid off the runway, with no landing gear deployed, before colliding with a wall and exploding. Just two people survived.

Experts questioned whether a bird strike alone could have caused the crash. / NurPhoto / NurPhoto via Getty Images

Flight safety expert Christian Beckert told Reuters, based on video footage of the crash, that the big problem was that the planes braking systems did not activate.

He said that it was not likely that a bird strike could have damaged the landing gear while it was stilland even if it did, then it would have been hard for the landing gear to have been raised again afterward.

Its really, really very rare and very unusual not to lower the gear, because there are independent systems where we can lower the gear with an alternate system, he told Reuters.

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Geoffrey Thomas, an aviation editor and writer, agreed that it would be surprising if a bird strike alone had caused the crash.

A bird strike is not unusual, problems with an undercarriage are not unusual, added Geoffrey Thomas, an aviation editor and writer. Bird strikes happen far more often, but typically they dont cause the loss of an airplane by themselves.

Gregory Alegi, a former teacher at Italys air force academy, was even more emphatic on that point.

Of course there might have been a bird strike, he told Reuters. But the consequences are much too big for that to be the direct cause of the accident.

The experts suggested that South Koreas investigation should shed more light on what exactly went wrong.

As Alegi summed it up, At this point there are a lot more questions than we have answers.
FAIRBORN, Ohio (WDTN)  Firefighters were sent to a residential home on a reported fire Sunday afternoon.

Fairborn firefighters and their mutual aid partners arrived in the 2000 block of Henry Street to discover a home with heavy flames coming from the second floor. The fire was first called in by a neighbor around noon.

Crews worked together to extinguish the flames. No one was found inside the home, and no injuries were reported.

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The second floor had visible damage around a window, which firefighters used as an access point to extinguish the flames.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

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ZAGREB, Croatia (AP)  Croatias incumbent President Zoran Milanovic won most of the votes in the first round of a presidential election on Sunday, but must face a runoff against a ruling party candidate to secure another five-year term.

With nearly all of the votes counted, left-leaning Milanovic won 49% while his main challenger Dragan Primorac, a candidate of the ruling conservative HDZ party, trailed far behind with 19%.

Pre-election polls had predicted that the two would face off in the second round on Jan. 12, as none of the eight presidential election contenders were projected to get more than 50% of the vote.

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Milanovic thanked his supporters but warned this was just a first run.

Lets not be triumphant, lets be realistic, firmly on the ground, he said. We must fight all over again. Its not over till its over.

Milanovic is an outspoken critic of Western military support for Ukraine in its war against Russia. He is often compared to Donald Trump for his combative style of communication with political opponents.

The most popular politician in Croatia, 58-year-old Milanovic has served as prime minister in the past. Populist in style, he has been a fierce critic of current Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic and continuous sparring between the two has lately marked Croatias political scene.

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Plenkovic, the prime minister, has sought to portray the vote as one about Croatias future in the EU and NATO. He has labeled Milanovic pro-Russian and a threat to Croatias international standing.

The difference between him and Milanovic is quite simple: Milanovic is leading us East, Primorac is leading us West, he said.

Though the presidency is largely ceremonial in Croatia, an elected president holds political authority and acts as the supreme military commander.

Milanovic has criticized the NATO and European Union support for Ukraine and has often insisted that Croatia should not take sides. He has said Croatia should stay away from global disputes, though it is a member of both NATO and the EU.

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Milanovic has also blocked Croatias participation in a NATO-led training mission for Ukraine, declaring that no Croatian soldier will take part in somebody elses war.

His main rival in the election, Primorac, has stated that Croatias place is in the West, not the East. His presidency bid, however, has been marred by a high-level corruption case that landed Croatias health minister in jail last month and featured prominently in pre-election debates.

During the election campaign, Primorac has sought to portray himself as a unifier and Milanovic as divisive.

Primorac was upbeat despite such a big defeat in the first round.

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I know the difference (in votes) at first sight seems very big, said Primorac, who insisted that the center-right votes had split among too many conservative candidates.

Now we have a great opportunity to face each other one on one and show who stands for what, he said.

Sundays presidential election is Croatias third vote this year, following a parliamentary election in April and the European Parliament balloting in June.
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)  People are speaking out this weekend, two weeks after President Joe Biden granted clemency to disgraced Kids for Cash judge Michael Conahan.

Dozens gathered Saturday at a rally in Scranton calling for Bidens name to be removed from two heavily traveled roads in the Electric City.

On Saturday, dozens came together in Scrantons Courthouse Square to call for the renaming of Biden Street and the President Biden Expressway.

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This comes after President Biden granted clemency on December 12 to Michael Conahan, one of the disgraced kids for cash judges.

What he did, Biden, by pardoning these people is really wrong. I mean, you think about it, he put kids in jail to make a profit for minor offenses, which is dead wrong, said Old Forge resident George Yescavage.

Among those in attendance was Sandy Fonzo. Her son was a Kids for Cash victim. Later in life, he died by suicide.

Kids for Cash victim reacts after Biden commutes sentence for Luzerne County judge

This pardon erases the devastation and all the justice, the little bit of justice that I thought I received years ago when these judges were sent to prison, Fonzo explained.

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Fonzo says for her, the name change isnt about politics.

Its about what is right and what is wrong. We should not be honoring somebody who let a judge who we really should be held at a higher standard, granting him a clemency, Fonzo added.

Organizers of the rally say Bidens decision to grant Conahan clemency reopened old wounds for many.

He crossed the line. its personal. Its Luzerne and Lackawanna County, and were not gonna stand for it, said Theodore Fitzgerald with the Luzerne County Republicans.

Kids for Cash victims outraged by lack of clemency notificaiton

Fitzgerald and other organizers are putting together a petition, and they plan to take their fight to the city council.

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He says they wont stop until their voices are heard

Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti condemned Bidens decision to commute the Conahan sentence in the days that followed but said she has no plans to have Bidens name stricken from the street signs.

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Culinary Union workers took to the streets outside Virgin Hotels Las Vegas on Saturday, holding signs and staging a picket line in response to the hotels request for arbitration.

We have never settled a strike or contract dispute by arbitration in the history of Las Vegas, Ted Pappageorge, Secretary-Treasurer of the Culinary Workers Union, shared with 8 News Now.

Virgin Hotels Las Vegas is going to great lengths to prevent the Culinary Union from invading their space, even constructing a turf wall to shield hotel guests from the sight of the strike line. Despite these efforts, the unionized workers remain steadfast in their fight.

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Saturday night, the Union held an event for their Cuban community, called, Noche Cubana.

We have a large, active, and strong Cuban population within our membersso this is a treat for them to celebrate their culture, Pappageorge said.

As for the strike, Virgin workers say they are frustrated that its come to this.

It really does surprise me that we are going into the new year, and we are still continuing the strike line. It should have never happened in the first place, kitchen staff employee Jovani Guerrero Lopez said.

Others shared that they dont feel valued and expect more from the company.

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Some people are getting paid $300 dollars a day and yet the company refuses to pay us the raise we deserve. 30 cents isnt enough. Our counterparts on the strip are making 4 dollars more an hour, Isabel Sanz shared.

Virgin Hotels Las Vegas requested that the Culinary Union leadership join us in arbitration, and we sincerely hope they will accept and participate in good faith. The Culinary Union leaderships acceptance would allow Team Members to begin returning to work prior to the holidays. We are eager to put this behind us by reaching an equitable agreement that is financially sustainable for the property while benefiting all of our team members. Virgin Hotels Las Vegas releasing this statement Saturday to 8 News Now

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Model and activist Dayle Haddon has died from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning at a Pennsylvania home. She was 76.

Solebury Township Police responded to a call Dec. 27, just after 6:30 a.m., regarding a man, 76, passed out at a home in Bucks County, police reported. A woman, 76, was found dead on the second floor of the home.

A high level of carbon monoxide was detected in the property, according to the police report.

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An update to the police report, published Dec. 28, identified the woman as Dayle Haddon and the man as Walter J. Blucas, who is currently hospitalized in critical condition.

The suspected carbon monoxide leak was attributed to "a faulty flue and exhaust pipe on a gas heating system," police said.

"The officers and members of the Solebury Township Police Department wish to extend our sincere condolences to the Haddon and Blucas families," police said in a statement. "This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of carbon monoxide safety precautions in our homes."

NBC Philadelphia reported that the home is owned by Dayle Haddon's daughter, journalist Ryan Haddon, and her son-in-law, actor Marc Blucas. TODAY.com reached out to representatives for Dayle Haddon and Marc Blucas.

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Dayle Haddon modeled for major cosmetic companies like Revlon, Max Factor, Estee Lauder and LOreal, according to her website. Shes been featured on the cover of Vogue, Cosmopolitan and Elle. Her acting credits include The Worlds Greatest Athlete and Cyborg.

Shes also the author of Ageless Beauty: A Womans Guide to Lifelong Beauty and Well-Being and The 5 Principles of Ageless Living.

Ryan Haddon shared a photo collage of her mother to Instagram on Friday and penned a heartwarming tribute.

The bright light that is Dayle has dimmed in this Earthly realm. Shining somewhere as radiantly as ever where its most needed, I have no doubt, she wrote. She was a woman in her power, yet soft and attentive to all. Deeply creative and curious, gifted with beauty inside and out. Always kind and thoughtful.

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The post included shots of Dayle Haddon traveling the world, modeling for various publications and volunteering. Ryan Haddon also included black-and-white headshots of her mother.

Ryan Haddon called her mom everyones greatest champion and an inspiration to many.

She continued, saying that she trusts the timing of life, adding that there are no accidents and certainly how we enter and exit this world is mystical and unknowable.

She was a high-hearted spiritual being that put value on her souls evolution, so I know her journey here in this dimension must have been complete, Ryan Haddon wrote.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
SEOUL, South Korea  Two people survived and 179 were confirmed to have been killed in a plane crash at a South Korean airport Sunday. There were 181 passengers and crew on board.

The Jeju Air Flight 2216 skidded off the runway while it was landing at Muan International Airport and burst into flames after it crashed, a spokesperson for the countrys National Fire Agency said.

The airport is about 180 miles south of Seoul.

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The Boeing 737-800 plane took off from Bangkok shortly after 2 a.m. local time (2 p.m. Saturday ET), according to the flight-tracking platform FlightAware. It was carrying 175 passengers and six crew members, said Joo Jong-wan, director of the Aviation Policy Division at South Koreas Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

At least two of the passengers were Thai, Joo said. Most of the rest are believed to be Korean.

The pilot declared mayday after issuing the bird strike alert, Joo said, adding that the aircraft was completely destroyed.

The plane skidded along the runway and exploded as it rammed into a barrier, a video verified by NBC News showed. The tail was the only part that appeared to remain intact as flames engulfed the aircraft, sending a plume of black smoke into the air.

Deadliest airline disaster of the year

The national fire agency confirmed the deaths of 179 people, making it the deadliest airline disaster of the year and what appears to be the first fatal accident since the low-cost airline was founded in 2005.

The plane burst into flames after it skidded across the runway at Muan International Airport, south of Seoul.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport said 146 bodies had been identified as of 3 p.m. Monday local time.

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As the confirmed death toll ticked up, anxious families gathered at the airport, awaiting news of their loved ones. An announcer carefully read out the names of those confirmed dead.

Screams and cries erupted from family members as the identities were confirmed according to reports by the South Korean news agency Newsis. The Red Cross set up tents to provide privacy for grieving family members.

Families of victims formed a group led by Park Han-shin, who lost his brother in the crash. During a briefing Monday, Park said Jeju Air must fully pay for funeral services and that a memorial altar should be set up inside the airport, on the first floor.

At least 84 of the dead were women and 82 were men. The genders of 11 other victims were not immediately identifiable.

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Several children died in the crash, including four elementary school students, three middle school students and four high school students, Ministry of Education spokesperson Gu Yeon-hee said in a briefing Monday.

One of the victims was a preschool child born in 2021, Gu said.

Two crew members  a man and a woman  were rescued; they sustained moderate injuries but were conscious, Joo said.

South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported that one of them, a 33-year-old flight attendant identified with his surname, Lee, sustained multiple injuries, including fractured ribs and traumatic spinal injuries, according to Ju Woong, director of Ewha Woman's University Seoul Hospital, where Lee was transferred.

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When I woke up, I had already been rescued, Ju said Lee told the doctors, adding that he was in intensive care but was able to communicate well. "Theres no indication yet of memory loss or such, Ju said.

A survivor is transferred from an ambulance to a medical facility.

The other survivor, a 25-year-old woman with the surname Koo, was taken to Asan Medical Center in Seoul. Koo reportedly sustained injuries to her ankle and head and was stable.

A bird strike likely set off the disaster

Joo, the aviation official, gave an outline of the sequence of events leading to the disaster.

The pilots initially tried to land on the airports Runway 1, he said, but control tower instructed them to land on the opposite side, Runway 19, because of a bird strike warning. A bird strike is a collision between a bird and an aircraft.

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A minute later, the pilots sent a mayday signal following a bird strike and tried to land on Runway 19.

As it was passing over the runway, the plane failed to lower its landing gear and struck a safety system called a localizer  which provides guidance during landing  and it crashed into a wall, Joo said.

The crash happened at around 9:03 a.m. local time (7:03 p.m. ET Saturday), and firefighters put out the initial blaze at 9:46 a.m. local time, the fire agency spokesperson said.

The plane was completely destroyed by fire, Joo said at a briefing, adding investigators have retrieved both the flight data recorder and the cockpit voice recorder, which will be key to providing insights into the planes last moments.

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The full investigation, he said, could take six months to three years.

The National Transportation Safety Board is leading an American team, including Boeing and the Federal Aviation Administration, that will assist South Korea in investigating.

In a statement, President Joe Biden said the U.S. "stands ready to provide any necessary assistance" to Korea.

"As close allies, the American people share deep bonds of friendship with the South Korean people and our thoughts and prayers are with those impacted by this tragedy," he said.

Eyewitness Lee Geun-Young was in his restaurant, less than a quarter-mile from the airport, when he heard loud banging noises coming from outside, he told the South Korean newspaper Seoul Shinmun.

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Instead of heading toward the runway, the plane flew right over our store, Lee, 49, said as he described the last moments of the ill-fated aircraft. Lee said he watched the plane as it turned around to attempt a landing on the runway.

This plane was turning in a much tighter radius, he said. It felt dangerous, so I immediately went up to the rooftop and started filming.

Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae, fourth from left, and other executives bow in apology for the crash.

The plane, a Boeing 737-800, is a narrow-body passenger jet that is used widely by airlines around the world. It is part of the Boeing's Next-Generation family, and it is one of the company's safest airplanes.

Boeing extended its condolences to the victims families and said it was in contact with the airline. In a statement, Jeju Air extended its apologies to everyone affected by the incident.

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Above all, we offer our heartfelt condolences and apologies to the passengers who tragically lost their lives in the accident and to their bereaved families, CEO Kim E-bae said, assuming full responsibility for this tragedy and adding that the airline would provide support for the families.

South Koreas acting president, Choi Sang-mok, called for immediate and full mobilization efforts to put out the fire and rescue people, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety said in a statement.

The presidential office said in a text briefing that an emergency meeting was being held.

In a statement, the countrys National Defense Ministry said it convened an emergency response team and deployed military personnel and equipment to the site to provide support.

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Choi later arrived at the site and declared it a special disaster zone as he expressed condolences to victims and their families and said his government would thoroughly investigate what caused the crash.

Joo said more than 1,500 personnel from multiple agencies were conducting search-and-recovery efforts. The dead were temporarily being kept at a makeshift mortuary set up at the airport, Joo said.

Park, the man who lost his brother and was speaking on behalf of other families, said Monday that more freezing containers were needed to keep the bodies from decomposing amid rising temperatures.

"Also, an important issue is that, although its winter, the temperature is currently rising significantly," Park said. "Because of this, there is a risk that the bodies of the deceased family members could decompose rapidly."

Stella Kim and Beomsu Jo reported from Seoul and Mithil Aggarwal from Hong Kong.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
(NewsNation)  Many Americans went into debt during the holiday shopping season, something they will have to pay off for months, and in some cases, years.

When debt becomes too much or takes too long to pay off, there are different routes to take. Some may consider debt settlement, but anyone considering it should understand the potential risks.

While this can help consumers save money and avoid any legal consequences, it is not without drawbacks, said Chip Lupo, WalletHub writer and analyst.

What is debt settlement?

Debt settlement, also called debt relief, is a way to resolve debt for a lesser amount than you owe.

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If a creditor doesnt think youll be able to pay back your debt, they may agree to let you pay off your credit card for less than the outstanding balance, thus settling your debt. But more often, third-party companies will help negotiate for you  at a cost.

Debt consolidation or debt settlement: Whats the difference?

What are the cons of debt settlement?

There are some downsides to debt settlement one should consider before starting the process.

Debt settlement requires that an account must be in default or close to it, which inevitably means severe damage to your credit score, Lupo said. In some cases, the forgiven debt may also be taxable as income, which would create an additional financial burden.

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Credit score: Debt settlement can stay on your credit report for seven years, negatively impacting your credit score.

Slow process: The process can be lengthy.

Fees: There are upfront fees associated with settling the debt.

WalletHub recommends against consulting for-profit third-party companies as they charge high fees and dont always have the consumers best interests at heart.

In some cases, these companies stall negotiations until credit scores are severely damaged, Lupo said. Employing a do-it-yourself approach or working with a reputable non-profit may be safer and more cost-effective alternatives.

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Debt consolidation or debt settlement: Whats the difference?

What are the pros of debt settlement?

Experts warn against the risks of debt settlement, cautioning there are few positives. The goal is to reduce overall debt and in some cases to avoid bankruptcy, but settlement fees and the impact on your credit may not solve the problem.

WalletHub said debt settlement is not a quick fix.

Before pursuing this option, consumers should exhaust other avenues such as credit counseling, debt management plans, or budgeting strategies that may offer solutions with less credit risk, Lupo said.

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One by one, diversity, equity and inclusion programs at some of the countrys biggest companies fell apart in 2024, with signs that efforts to reverse DEI initiatives will only ramp up in 2025.

This year saw the rise in prominent figures like Elon Musk and Lululemon founder Chip Wilson, among others, who vocally pushed against DEI initiatives. Major companies, including Walmart, Lowes, Ford and Toyota, heeded the calls and dialed back their DEI programs, particularly after social media-driven campaigns by influencers like Robby Starbuck.

Meanwhile Utah, Alabama and Iowa joined Florida and Texas by banning DEI offices in their public universities, and three more states  Idaho, Kansas and Indiana  barred colleges from requiring diversity statements in hiring and admissions.

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All that came after countless companies pledged sweeping support for diversity efforts after George Floyds murder by police in Minneapolis in 2020 initiated a national social justice movement.

But with President-elect Donald Trump and his administration vowing to wipe out federally funded diversity programs, the future of DEI is precarious.

Nika White, whose company specializes in DEI, said the field has had a challenging year.

The rhetoric around banning DEI programs in corporate and academic settings, especially in the context of the broader political climate, often ignores the reality that such programs are designed not to lower standards but to raise them by ensuring that everyone  regardless of background  has an equal opportunity to contribute and succeed, she said.

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Opponents of DEI see those initiatives in a drastically different way. Musk said on his social media platform, X, DEI is just another word for racism. As a senator, Vice President-elect JD Vance co-introduced the Dismantle DEI Act in June, saying DEI is a destructive ideology that breeds hatred and racial division. Trump signed an executive order barring federal DEI programs near the end of his first term in 2020, which Joe Biden revoked shortly after he took office. The Trump transition team did not respond to a request for comment.

In the heat of the presidential election this summer, Democratic nominee Kamala Harris was called a DEI hire in one of the more extreme strikes at the policies. A politician baselessly blamed the Baltimore bridge collapse on DEI in March, and others claimed DEI makes air travel unsafe.

These attacks are often rooted in anti-Black racism, White said. Billionaire business owners wielding influence to curtail DEI initiatives often do so under the guise of colorblindness or meritocracy, arguing that DEI programs prioritize identity over skill. They undermine the progress made over the past few decades, creating a chilling effect that could further polarize our society, limiting the ability of organizations to have open, honest conversations about race, equity and inclusion  conversations that are critical in moving us forward as a nation.

She added that demonizing DEI fails to recognize the systemic barriers that many marginalized groups face in accessing opportunities and thriving in environments where they are not valued or represented.

Not quite a death knell

If 2025 will be the year DEI dies, as some hope, it seems it will take a herculean effort. Trump has threatened to rescind federal funding and accreditation of universities and colleges that do not comply, which would face legal challenges.

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On the business side, plenty of companies have continued diversity and inclusion initiatives, even if quietly. CEOs like JPMorgan Chase Banks Jamie Dimon called himself a full-throated, red-blooded, patriotic, unwoke, capitalist CEO whose commitment to DEI has not wavered. Mark Cuban, the Shark Tank host and former owner of the NBAs Dallas Mavericks, said having a diverse workforce is good for business.

Fatimah Gilliam, who heads the DEI consulting firm The Azara Group and is the author of Race Rules: What Your Black Friend Wont Tell You, wants to hear more voices like those in the new year to stave off the threats. She said the capitulation of companies and universities and the silence from business leaders have been disheartening, or what she calls profiles in no courage.

Gilliam added that the longer negative rhetoric about DEI goes unchallenged, people sort of justify this new normal; theyre not just going along with it, but then they start to defend it.

A survey by College Rover, a website that allows users to manage the intricacies of applying to college, said that 54% of student respondents support DEI and push for mandatory DEI courses and that 70% describe the overall impact of DEI as positive on college campuses.

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You cant throw the baby out with the bathwater, said Bill Townsend, CEO and founder of College Rover. Is DEI flawed? Yes, but its still working. But there are many good parts that are being thrown out with the bad, and the students see that.

Working for Townsend includes the socialization and exposure to varying opinions and experiences that come with a diverse student body. In fact, he said, 55% of Republican students surveyed said they viewed DEI as positive.

And the big positive about DEI is that it exposes people to ethnic groups and viewpoints about ethnicities that are different from how they were raised at home, he said. We have to work and live among people who are different from us. DEI helps us manage that dynamic. Getting rid of DEI reinforces the fact that you dont have to get along with everybody. It shouldnt be that way.

In addition, according to Boston Consulting Group, research of more than 27,000 employees in 16 countries shows that DEI programs increase profits and inspire employee commitment. White said, Many leaders are doubling down on their commitments to DEI, not just because its the right thing to do but because they understand that inclusivity drives innovation, employee satisfaction and organizational performance.

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In 2024, DEI detractor Robby Starbuck led a push for companies, including mammoth Walmart, to disband their DEI programs through fiery social media posts.

Starbuck, who did not respond to a request for comment about his plans for 2025, has said I do have a list of targets he will pressure to drop DEI.

White and Gilliam, the DEI experts, acknowledged Starbucks influence. As a result, some companies that want to keep DEI but are fearful of the backlash have rebranded diversity, equity and inclusion as inclusion and belonging and other phrases.

DEI, the letters and what they mean, are a problem for people, Townsend said, adding that diversity and inclusivity may be less confrontational.

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Proponents of DEI said they do not care what it is called. They just want it protected.

Im pessimistic about the future of DEI because I see things as they are happening, Gilliam said. But I do think theres hope, but the hope has to come from people on an individual basis. People need to stand up and make a decision to impact whats actually taking place. You wont stand up and support me, I wont support you by spending my dollars with your company. And Im going to tell everyone else not to as well. We have to put a stake in the ground and take a stand thats just as aggressive as theirs. Its that important.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
California Gov. Gavin Newsom has riled up MAGA fans with his online support of President-elect Donald Trump.

The Democrat voiced agreement with Trump and his DOGE co-head Elon Musks pro-H-1B stance, leaving some red voters swearing away from their party in fear that it was becoming too palatable for the liberals.

While some appeared ready to take lighters their black and gold MAGA caps, others claimed that Newsom was purposefully stirring the pot and trying to alienate Republicans from their leader amid the ongoing MAGA civil war.

Good to see Trump embrace Elons position.



Hardworking immigrants should continue to be part of our great nation.



From Silicon Valley to the Central Valley, we are better off when we have competition and top talent  from farmworkers, construction workers, CEOs, and beyond. pic.twitter.com/PGDPP40dbv  Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) December 28, 2024

On X on Saturday, Newsom shared a screenshot of an article with the headline: Trump supports immigration visas backed by Musk: I have many H-1B visas on my properties.

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Alongside the image, he wrote, Good to see Trump embrace Elons position. Hardworking immigrants should continue to be part of our great nation.

From Silicon Valley to the Central Valley, we are better off when we have competition and top talent  from farmworkers, construction workers, CEOs, and beyond."

Many MAGA devotees balked at his response, saying the California Democrats apparent support of Trump meant that their movement was over for good.

The most radical Democrats are now shilling for Trump. Maga has been cooked for some time, but now its burnt to a crisp, one commenter wrote.

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This is how you know they hold the wrong position. If it was ever actually in question, a second said.

Right. Trump is a democrat. Im sorry I voted for him, a third agreed.

Another commenter took a different tune, and surmised that Newsom was trying to take advantage of the current MAGA crisis to fracture the Republican support base.

Nah this piece of s--- is just trying to stir up some s---. Dont fall for it, they urged.

.@ElonMusk is right when he said: you need to recruit top talent wherever they may be.



The same principle should apply to supporting our farmworkers, construction, and trades workers who build and feed our country.



Top talent is top talent.  Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) December 28, 2024

This isnt the only post Newsom has made in seeming support of Musks and now Trumps softened take on H-1B visas.

Just hours before his first post, he wrote: @ElonMusk is right when he said: you need to recruit top talent wherever they may be.

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The same principle should apply to supporting our farmworkers, construction, and trades workers who build and feed our country. Top talent is top talent.

The governors Twitter spree came after Elon and his DOGE co-head Vivek Ramaswamy sparked an internal crisis among Trumps inner circle with their focus on immigration.

On Thursday, Musk liked a post claiming that Americans are too retarded to fill the countrys tech workforce, while Ramaswamy shared a long post reading in part, American culture has venerated mediocrity over excellence for way too long.
When the frequent court foes of Donald Trumps first administration look back at the early days of his presidency, they recall building the airplane as we were flying it, as outgoing Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson has described it. That was especially true of the intense and quick-moving court fight over the so-called travel ban, a seminal 2017 lawsuit that set the tone for four more years of legal confrontations.

None of the Democratic state attorneys general who originally took Trump to court over that controversial policy will still be in office when he is inaugurated next month. But their successors wont be starting from scratch this time around, even amid a different legal landscape and political climate from Trumps first term in office.

They have been preparing for months, if not years, for what kind of lawsuits they might want to bring against a Trump 2.0 agenda. Theyve done so as the president-elect and his deputies have promised a more sophisticated and less error-prone operation this time.

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Democratic officials and their staff have pored over Trumps campaign promises as well as the proposals outlined in Project 2025, the policy handbook assembled by a conservative think tank that was written by several veterans of the Trumps first administration, some of them now nominees for his second.

Theyre adjusting the legal strategies that were used against Trump during the first go-around to take into account shifts in court precedent since then, while also acknowledging a political reality that gave Trump a more decisive electoral win than in 2016.

There was a much clearer voice of the people. And one of the jobs I have is to understand whats behind that, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser told CNN. Insofar as the administration pursues policies that are lawful, thats their right to pursue lawful policies.

In some states, the current attorneys general have been serving in the role since the back half of Trumps first presidency  giving them more than a taste of what litigating against his administration is like. Others have inherited office staff who helped craft the marquee legal challenges of his first term, and four Democratic attorneys general will be serving in states where their governor held that role in the last Trump presidency.

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The planning has involved internal briefs laying out different litigative options for challenging certain Trump proposals, as well as analysis of how recent court precedents should weigh on those decisions.

Gov.-elect Bob Ferguson gives his victory speech at the Seattle Convention Center on November 5, 2024, in Seattle. - Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images

Washingtons attorney general-elect, Nick Brown, has been reading up on how key legal doctrines such as standing have shifted since the first Trump administration. The day after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, California Attorney General Rob Bonta asked his staff to draft potential strategies for how his state could challenge a national abortion ban.

Democrats are anticipating sharp battles over mass deportation, abortion access, the environment and consumer protection, among other issues. Compared to Trumps 2016 campaign, the president-elect and his allies have been a little bit more predictable with specifics, Bonta said.

We expect him to do what he says, added Bonta, who was in the California legislature during the first Trump presidency. Weve been through this once at 1.0 and understand a lot of the places where he broke the law.

Not going to lash out for the sake of lashing out

During the first Trump administration, the number of state-brought legal actions against the federal government totaled in the triple digits, and those court fights made national stars of those officials leading the legal resistance. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, who was the states attorney general in 2017, was on the 2024 Democratic vice presidential short list. The Democratic governors in Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, and, come January, in North Carolina and Washington, are former attorneys general who battled the first Trump administration in court as well.

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They bring to the governors mansion knowledge and experience of how to duel with Trump in court  experience that will benefit the lawyers serving in their current roles. As governors, they can help secure funding and propose other legislation that will buttress the work of state attorneys general.

Having former Massachusetts attorney general Maura Healey in the governorship for the second Trump term is actually critical, the commonwealths current attorney general, Andrea Joy Campbell, told CNN.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta gives an overview to press on guidance for California immigrants at the offices of Asian Americans Advancing Justice in Los Angeles on December 17. - Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images

Ferguson, who was elected Washingtons governor, joined his successor, Brown, at a post-election news conference last month at which both Democrats said threats of revenge by Trump would not influence decisions to bring cases. Trump reportedly sat on a Washington request for wildfire disaster aid in 2020  a request that ultimately fulfilled when President Joe Biden took office.

If people are being harmed, if the law is being violated, we should enforce that, without fear of retribution, Brown said.

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But that does not mean that Democratic attorneys general plan to fight Trump on every issue. They told CNN that, while they will probably disagree with many of his policies, theyll only sue when the legal circumstances warrant it.

Its a needle they will have to thread while trying to work with the Trump administration on other issues that have had bipartisan support, such as addressing the opioid crisis or bringing antitrust actions against social media companies. The day-to-day of law enforcement typically requires coordination between state and federal agencies as well.

My office has been able to partner at the local level with these agencies, and I want to preserve that, regardless of whos president, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul told CNN. I am not going to lash out for the sake of lashing out.

He and other attorneys general emphasized, however, that when they believe that the incoming president has violated the law in a way that is harming residents of their states, they are committed to taking him to court.

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To the extent that there was a strong mandate here for the administration, it was specifically on cost of living, said Josh Kaul, the attorney general for Wisconsin, which went for Trump this year. I dont think a lot of folks who voted for the Trump administration did so because they wanted peoples rights to be taken away.

Asked for comment for this story, Trump transition team spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said in a statement that President Trump will serve ALL Americans, even those who did not vote for him in the election. He will unify the country through success.

Shifts in the legal landscape

The relationships that state attorneys general forged among themselves during the first Trump administration continued through the Biden years, and several months ago, those cross-state conversations turned to Trumps possible return.

Part of those discussions has been understanding which state is best suited to take the lead on a legal challenge, perhaps because of its expertise on the issue, how the policy uniquely affects its residents or where the state sits on the federal circuit court map.

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The Democratic Attorneys General Association  an organization that had just a handful of employees at the beginning of the first Trump term but now numbers 40 among its staff  organizes regular Zoom calls and in-person confabs to keep the dialogue going.

The discussions for a potential second Trump term began in earnest at the organizations February conference in Seattle, DAGA president Sean Rankin told CNN. At a conference in Philadelphia two weeks after the election, the organization carved out time for the current and incoming Democratic attorneys general to speak to one another in private, without the presence of DAGA staff, and another in-person conference is planned for February, weeks after the inauguration.

One issue the attorneys general must confront is how recent changes in law and in the judiciary will weigh on their legal calculus. The Supreme Court is more right-leaning now than it was at the start of Trumps first term, with his installation of three justices. One of them, Justice Amy Coney Barrett, replaced the late liberal Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg at the end of 2020.

Meanwhile, lower court judges, taking cues from the high court, have been more hesitant to issue the sort of nationwide injunctions that blocked Trump policies throughout the country in a single case.

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On the flip side, however, is a series of Biden-era Supreme Court rulings that require courts to give more scrutiny to actions taken by executive agencies, including one 2024 ruling that reversed longstanding deference that judges gave to how agencies interpreted vague laws. Democrats say they intend to see those precedents applied fairly, even if they have been critical of how the courts conservative wing has undermined federal regulatory power.

They have made their bed, and theyre going to have to lie in it, Connecticut Attorney General William Tong told CNN. And if theres no deference to the EPA under Lee Zeldin, or to the Department of Homeland Security under Kristi Noem, then theres no deference.

Where the biggest courts fights will play out will likely shift as well. The US 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, the long-favored venue of Democrats that covers the Western swath of the country, is not as nearly liberal as it was at the beginning to the Trump administration after he appointed 10 judges to the court. The First Circuit, covering the upper Northeast, will likely be the safest bet for Democrats, as it currently has no Republican appointees among its active judges after Bidens judicial overhaul.

Amid all these changes, Democrats are quick to bring up the win rate that their offices had during the first Trump administration, with some states prevailing in 80% or more of the cases they brought against his first-term agenda. That courts so frequently found that Trump had run afoul of the law makes the attorneys general confident that theyll be successful again in the legal battles they pick with his second administration, even in a different judicial landscape.

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The circuits have changed. The Supreme Court has changed, New Jesey Attorney General Matthew Platkin told CNN. But theyve also sided with the rule of law in many instances, and I predict they will again.

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Losing to a twice-impeached convicted felon has left a small, but growing, number of Democrats wondering if their party brand is so toxic that they should shed the label  particularly in battleground and red states.

Mike Duggan, the longtime Democratic mayor of Detroit, is pursuing an independent campaign for governor in the wake of Donald Trumps victory in his state. Democratic strategists are studying this years bid by independent Dan Osborn, who as a Senate candidate in Nebraska overperformed the top of the ticket, as a model to win the upper chamber. And a Joe Biden mega-fundraiser is floating a gubernatorial run in Florida on what he calls the Capitalist Party ticket.

The deliberations, some of which are taking place in private, reflect the extent to which Trumps win has made the party unsure of what to do next. Few Democrats are dismissing Trump as a fluke anymore after he carried the popular vote and expanded his support among key parts of their base.

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Democrats who have jumped ship are making the bet that voters are so frustrated with the existing political parties that they will reward them for shaking things up.

I reached the conclusion that if you call yourself a Democrat, all the Republicans automatically line up against it. You call yourself a Republican, all the Democrats automatically line up against it, Duggan said in an interview. And I really don't think there's a path forward for this state if you don't get the reasonable folks in both parties to work together.

A group of operatives at major Democratic media firms are in talks about creating a company that would help elect left-leaning independents, according to a person familiar with the discussions who was granted anonymity to talk about internal planning. The business would also back populist Democrats.

Independent candidates face enormous logistical challenges, however. They lack major parties to bolster them financially and structurally. Voters often worry that supporting them is a waste of a ballot, even as a growing number of Americans identify as independent themselves.

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Still, some Democrats eye Osborns 14-point overperformance in Nebraska as proof that independent candidates who embrace economic populism can win back voters who are turned off by the Democratic Party.



A mechanic and former union leader, Osborn railed against big corporations during his campaign while also speaking positively about Trumps border wall. He said on the trail that he wouldnt caucus with either party, but even so, his victory would have helped Democrats by unseating the Republican incumbent, Deb Fischer. In fact, the Senate Democrats top super PAC quietly boosted Osborn.

With the Senate map in 2026 favoring the GOP  and many seats once held by Democrats looking out of reach for the foreseeable future  some Democrats are thinking about fielding more Osborns.

Anyone looking at the Senate map, not just in 2026 but over the next six years and beyond, sees that we need a path to chipping into the Republican majority, said a Democratic strategist who was granted anonymity to speak frankly. And it doesn't necessarily mean electing Democrats. But it means changing what the denominator is that we need to get to a majority.

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Osborn, who has not ruled out another run in 2026, hopes more people run for office as independents. Thats really what the country needs, he told POLITICO.

John Morgan, the Florida-based Biden fundraiser considering a gubernatorial run, said he may launch a bid under a new party called the Capitalist Party. Morgan changed his registration from Democratic to independent a few years ago because he objected to the partys left flank and how some describe themselves as Democratic socialists.

Morgan, who bankrolled an amendment in Florida to raise the minimum wage, said he would campaign as a compassionate capitalist. And Florida, he said, could be where a new third party germinates.

I dont know if Trump is a stable genius, but hes a fucking genius, Morgan said. He tapped into something the Republicans never saw, which was anger and populism on that side.

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Some on the center-left have already abandoned the Democratic Party. In recent years, two Democratic senators, Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona, switched their party registrations to independent after feuds with their party. Afterward, Manchin continued to caucus with Democrats, while Sinema said she didnt, though she obtained her committee assignments through them. Both opted against running for reelection this year.



Sinema, who made the shift in 2022 after infuriating Democratic activists for opposing their efforts to eliminate the filibuster and other liberal priorities, called Duggans own switch smart.

Others see it as an opportunistic move that Duggan made to avoid competing in Democratic primary that is expected to be crowded.

We're going to have some very strong candidates in the Democratic primary, said Lavora Barnes, chair of the Michigan Democratic Party. I think what it speaks to is a mayor who has looked at the field and looked at the prospects going forward and made the calculation that his best path to victory is to not run in the Democratic primary.

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Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), an independent who caucuses with Democrats and ran twice for the partys presidential nomination, recently floated an effort to back more candidates like himself. In an email to allies after Trumps November victory, Sanders asked, Should we be supporting Independent candidates who are prepared to take on both parties?"

Another independent who caucuses with Democrats, Maine Sen. Angus King, said the Senate map is evidence of just how far the Democratic Party has slipped with voters outside of coastal states and major urban centers. Its a starkly different picture compared to when he took office nearly 12 years ago.

When I came to the Senate, we had Democratic senators from North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, two from Montana, Florida, Arkansas, Indiana and about four or five more, King said, adding those states are now viewed as out of reach for todays Democratic Party.

King said the 2026 midterms favor the GOP because Vice President Kamala Harris only carried one of the states held by Republicans who will be up for reelection. It happened to be Maine.

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But, King cautioned, campaigning for office as an independent is no easy task. He abandoned the Democratic Party in 1993 when he ran for governor of Maine. He said he built support coffee by coffee during that bid.

Running as an independent is a difficult job because you don't have a party apparatus, he said. I think there may come a time when there will be more people running as independents. But right now, the structure does not lend itself.

Kimberly Leonard contributed to this report.
Democrats are taunting President-elect Trump with claims that billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk is calling the shots instead of the incoming president.

And with Musk set to play a major role in Trumps second term  both as co-chair of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and a close presidential ally  it remains to be seen if the moniker of President Musk will cause a rift between the famously mercurial incoming president and the richest man in the world.

Lawmakers began the effort after Musk helped kill a bipartisan spending agreement that had taken months to work out.

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Rep. Ami Bera (D-Calif.) noted that Musk launched the public opposition campaign long before Trump issued his own statement critical of the deal, suggesting Musk compelled the president-elect to intervene, even if he had no previous designs to do so.

Elon Musk dives in, and I think forces Trump to dive in, Bera said.

That power dynamic, Bera added, could spell trouble in the future, as two of the most powerful figures in the world  while aligned for the moment  might be headed for a messy divorce if or when their interests and egos collide.

What we learned from former President Trump is that he doesnt want to share the spotlight with anyone, so what does that look like? Bera asked.

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Musk was tasked with leading DOGE in order to find ways to make government more efficient and to cut waste. But his role appears to be growing as he involves himself in government funding fights, joins key meetings with Trump and shares his opinion on top issues, as he did in calling for some basic cognitive test for elected officials after the news broke that Rep. Kay Granger (R-Texas) has had health challenges that kept her away from the Capitol for months.

Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), who served as the second-ranking Democrat for two decades, is among the lawmakers whos now referring to the billionaire entrepreneur as President Musk.

We had an agreement that was jointly reached, Hoyer said during the chaotic stalemate last week, and that monkey wrench was put in there by 50 or 100 tweets by Musk that turned the Republicans around.

Trump and Musk have had a close relationship since before the election and appear to still be on good terms, despite the power dynamic that has led some to claim the tech tycoon is in charge.

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Political watchers have wondered when the relationship between the two big personalities will go sour, and even some Republicans assume a rift is inevitable, especially with Musk working closely with the Trump team as he takes on DOGE.

I assume at some point therell be a rift because history tells us  most people do not last a long time in Trumps world. Maybe Musk will people defy that, but history tells us that thats not the case, GOP strategist Doug Heye said.

Heye called the Democrats efforts to get under Trumps skin by labeling Musk president just trolling and argued its not always effective.

A Trump spokesperson fired back at Democrats, saying the party just lost the House, Senate, and presidency because their abysmal policy proposals failed Americans for the past four years.

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Democrats have nothing but ad-hominem attacks because they lost everything, Trump-Vance transition spokesperson Anna Kelly added.

Among Democrats who are propping up Musk with the faux title of president, there seem to be different motivations.

Some said they think it simply reflects the reality of whos truly in charge, and theyre hoping to shine a bright light on the extraordinary fact that an unelected figure has assumed so much power over public policy.

The fact speaks for itself: The one that first disrupted the bill was Musk, and the one that helped pay for the presidency was Musk, and the one that has been in front of Trump  and thats hard to do  has been Musk, Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.) said. So its clear to me that theres some kind of coalition between the two of them on what is the best way to run the country.

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Meeks suggested Trump would be easier to work with without Musks intervention in policy debates. That probably would be helpful, he said.

Still, theres also a sense that the Democrats President Musk campaign is part of a political strategy designed to drive a wedge between the billionaire, who plays by his own rules, and the incoming president, who demands loyalty and doesnt have much tolerance for challenges to his authority.

Most might not be saying it out loud, but some lawmakers suggested that was at least part of the objective.

Asked if Democrats were trying to incite that clash, Bera was coy.

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We would never do anything like that, he quipped.

Democrats piled on the Musk taunts in the midst of the impasse over government funding, which was solved just before the deadline on Friday. Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) argued Musk pulled the rug out from underneath Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), and Rep. Lois Frankel (D-Fla.) argued that Musk is calling the shots.

Former Rep. Joe Crowley (D-N.Y.), who called Musk Trumps second vice president, called the degree of influence the South African-born billionaire has as an unelected official unprecedented.

Id be hard-pressed to find someone who has had initial foreign origin, who has had as much influence on the outcome of a government, he said. Well see what happens. Theres no question that hes involved, and he will continue to be, until the president decides he has had enough.

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DES MOINES, Iowa- One Des Moines resident is praising his experience using a sustainable Christmas tree this holiday season.

QstN is based in Des Moines and is a sustainable solutions provider within the energy industry. Last year, the company partnered with Bentley Ridge Tree Farm & Nursery in Grimes to provide sustainable Christmas trees to people in the metro. This program may be a popular trend in the future because the recent drought may impact the supply of Christmas trees in Iowa farms.

Jake Campos of Des Moines heard about QstNs sustainable Christmas tree initiative last year from family members. This was his second holiday season taking part in the program.

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I just kind of liked the idea of it still being alive. I always thought it was a little bit wasteful to have to throw out a tree that was alive a week ago Obviously, you can compost them and things like that, but I like the idea of it going back into the ground and then someday being planted forever, he said.

Campos said the process was simple. He decided to get a tree from the farm, instead of having it delivered.

The tree came in a pot, so the farm recommended watering the tree with three-quarters of a gallon of water every five days. They also recommended keeping the tree away from heat sources to prevent it from drying out.

On Friday, Campos took off the holiday decorations from the tree and crews picked it up from his porch. The tree is now back at the farm, where it will continue to grow until the next holiday season.

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Thats my favorite part of the program, that the tree is going to be out there. Its going to be on the tree farm living this whole next year, said Campos.

When the tree is back at the farm, they first put it in a greenhouse to acclimatize it before replanting it outside. If all of the directions are followed, the tree will live to the next holiday season.

QstN previously told WHO 13 News that some customers are requesting to have the same tree every year. While this option isnt available yet, they are working to find a solution to provide the same tree every year to customers who request it.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com.


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Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter died at age 100 in his home, the Atlanta-Journal Constitution confirmed today.

"I have one life and one chance to make it count for something," Carter once said. "My faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can with whatever I have to try to make a difference."

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Plans for his funeral will be announced in the coming days.

The last presidential funeral took place in 2018, upon the death of George H. W. Bush. Former presidents, like Carter, are entitled to a state funeral, which historically been five days in length, and involved a procession down Pennsylvania Avenue, lying in state in the U.S. Capitol rotunda, and a service at Washington National Cathedral. Since Bush's death in 2018, six others have lain in state in the rotunda: Elijah Cummings (October 2019), John Lewis (July 2020), Ruth Bader Ginsburg (September 2020), Bob Dole (December 2021), Harry Reid (January 2022), Donald E. Young (March 2022).

Every president is expected to have funeral plans upon assuming the office. According to the White House Historical Association, "By helping plan their own funeral, presidents are able to incorporate personal touches that can elucidate their character and legacy on a national stage for the last time. In many ways, funeral services are final conversation with the nation, and illustrate something about the man and the way in which he wishes to be remembered."

"I've let my wife be the ultimate judge on what should be done," Carter said in 1995 of his funeral plans. Carter, who returned to his hometown of Plains, Georgia, after his term as president ended, was active in his local community, and taught Sunday School at Maranatha Baptist Church.

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His plans have been known for at least two decades now: He hopes to be buried in his front yard in his hometown of Plains. "Plains is special to us. I could be buried in Arlington Cemetery or wherever I want, but my wife was born here and I was born here," he told C-SPAN in December 2006. "Plains is where our hearts have always been." In a profile in 2021 in the Washington Post, Carter told reporters, "Were going to be buried right there, on that little hill," motioning towards a lawn near a pond on his property.

Carter's home has been part of the Jimmy Carter National Historic Park, established by Congress in 1987 to preserve sites associated with Carter, including his boyhood home, campaign headquarters, and current home of the Carters. His family is buried in Plains. "My first ancestor buried there was born in 1798, and Rosalynn's first ancestor was born in 1787. And since then almost all of us have been born and died in Plains," he told C-SPAN in 1995. Rosalynn, who passed away in November 2023, was laid to rest in Plains.

After surviving a bout with melanoma in 2015, Carter said, "I just thought I had a few weeks left, but I was surprisingly at ease. Ive had an exciting and adventurous and gratifying existence."

We'll update this with more details about former president Jimmy Carter's funeral as they become available.





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Pius Kamau, M.D., a retired general surgeon, is president of the Aurora-based Africa America Higher Education Partnerships; co-founder of the Africa Enterprise Group and an activist for minority students STEM education. He is a National Public Radio commentator, a Huffington Post blogger, a past columnist for Denver dailies and is featured on the podcast, Never Again.
The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction released new information on the events leading up to the death of corrections officer Andrew Lansing, originally reported by our news partner WBNS Cincinnati.

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The incident happened on Christmas morning at the Ross Correctional Institution. Officials said Lansing died following an inmate assault at the high-security prison in Ross County.

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In a press conference Friday, ODRC Director Annette Chambers-Smith said that Lansing, a father and husband, had volunteered to work overtime on Christmas.

All he was trying to do was his job, and he was doing it very well, Chambers-Smith said.

Chamber-Smith said the attack occurred when Cannon and his unit were heading to the dining hall. She said Cannon veered off from his group to find Lansing in his guard shack in the middle of the prison yard.

Chambers-Smith said the building is not a locked structure and it is her understanding that no weapons were used in the attack.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol identified the inmate involved as Rashawn Cannon, who was incarcerated on felonious assault and weapon under disability charges. He was transferred to the Southern Ohio Correctional Institution while the incident was under investigation.

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Chambers-Smith said that Lansing had written a conduct report on Cannon in April regarding bad behavior. The report had three charges on it: disrespect, threats and disobedience of direct order. Cannon was found guilty of two of those charges brought against him.

No additional details on the conduct report were released.

The ODRC director called Cannon pure evil. She also called the attack on the officer brutal.

The loss of a staff person is difficult, but to lose a family member on Christmas Day at the hands of someone in our custody is a tragedy beyond comprehension, Chambers-Smith said in a statement posted on the departments Facebook page. Instead of going home after his shift to be with his family on this holiday, Officer Lansing made the ultimate sacrifice, and our agency will never be the same.

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In response to the tragedy, the Ohio Civil Service Employees Association has demanded action to address officer safety and sent a letter to Gov. Mike DeWine.

This devastating incident underscores a systemic failure in leadership that cannot go unaddressed. To ensure the integrity of the investigation and restore confidence in the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (DRC), I demand that Director Annette Chambers, the Warden at Ross Correctional Institution, and any other individuals in management directly responsible for oversight at this facility be immediately placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation, union President Christopher Mabe wrote in the letter.

When asked if she had any comments on the Ohio Civil Service Employees Association requesting that Chambers-Smith and the warden be placed on administrative leave during the investigation, the director said: I understand anger. I understand the need to make sure that this never happens again for anyone who works here. I understand the unions position.

Chambers- Smith confirmed the unions claim that the prison is short about 40 positions but said many of the openings are due to extra positions recently created.

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This idea that there is just no staffing in the prison is just not true, she said.

She said staffing was not an issue on Christmas.

Every post that was supposed to be filled that day was filled. How it compares to a normal day, I dont have that level of detail. But, I can tell you I have been in contact with the warden regarding this matter and he let me know they started with all the staff they were supposed to have and that is because I think it was like eight people volunteered to work overtime. They did not have people mandatorily working overtime that day. They volunteered, Chambers-Smith said.

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Detectives and loved ones are asking for the communitys help in finding a 3-year-old girl who was abducted by her mother in Lancaster on Friday, officials say.

According to the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department, Emerald Emi Noele Clairborne is considered critically missing in part because she is nonspeaking and has medical issues.

LASD said Emi was last seen when her mother, Brianna Leuvnia Haywood, drove off with her around 3 p.m. on Dec. 27 on the 2300 block of Rosewood Avenue.

Emerald Emi Noele Clairborne (pictured on the left) has not been seen since her mother, Brianna Leuvnia Haywood (on the right), drove off with her in a suspected abduction. December 2024. (LASD)

At the time, Haywood was purportedly driving a 2005 white Chevrolet Trailblazer with an unknown license plate number.

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Detectives described Emi as a 3-year-old Black toddler who stands 3 feet and 3 inches tall and weighs about 42 pounds.

In addition, officials said Emi has black short curly hair, brown eyes and a birthmark on her right torso. LASD said she was last seen wearing a pink Minnie Mouse jacket, blue shirt, black pants and pink light-up shoes.

As for her mother, officials described Haywood as a 24-year-old Black woman who stands 5 feet and 5 inches tall and weighs about 109 pounds.

LASD said Haywood has black hair and brown eyes, but did not have a clothing description immediately available.

Family members are concerned for Emis well-being.

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Officials ask anyone with information about this incident to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Departments Lancaster Station Detective Medina or the on-duty Watch Commander at 661-948-8466.

To provide information anonymously, call Crime Stoppers by dialing 800-222-TIPS (8477), or use the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.

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Former Maryland Gov. Martin OMalley, who is running to be the next chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC), described himself as the candidate who is likely one of the best operational turnaround leaders in the partys history.

It is a change-maker election, and we need to make some changes if were going to win, OMalley said in an interview with MSNBCs Jen Psaki on Sunday.

He said the DNC should not elect a caretaker as chair, or someone who would continue to do things as they have been done.

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Democrats are reeling from a deeply disappointing election that saw them lose the White House to President-elect Trump. The party also lost the Senate majority and failed to win back the House majority.

The battle to be the next chair of the DNC is being waged in the context of how the party can best emerge from its losses.

OMalley noted that among the other candidates, hes the only one thats led a national committee. He served as the chair of the Democratic Governors Association from 2011 to 2013.

Roughly half a dozen candidates have entered the race.

OMalley pointed out that he is the only candidate that previously served as governor and mayor, underscoring his experience as a successful candidate. He noted that he served and was reelected amid the 2008 recession because he was focused on economic kitchen-table concerns.

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Finally, I am probably one of the best operational turnaround leaders in our party today, and Ive proven it at every level including when the president asked me to turn Social Security around so it would not collapse in a customer service meltdown in an election year, OMalley said.

President Biden tapped OMalley in 2023 to be commissioner of the Social Security Administration.

OMalley said the new DNC chair needs to talk to the people on the front lines.

We need to create a Center for Digital Communications Excellence within the DNC. Our candidates should not have to rely on their brother-in-laws best guess as to where to place Facebook ads, he said.

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The partys candidates, OMalley argued, should be provided with top-of-the-line marketing analytics, technology and techniques to they can actually communicate that economic message.

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The crackdown on illegal immigration has become a hallmark of Donald Trumps political agenda, but the soon-to-be 47th leader of the free world may be open to safeguarding a visa program to help skilled foreign workers build careers in the U.S. On Saturday (Dec. 28), The Apprentice showman spoke with The New York Post about the H-1B work authorization for non-citizens.

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Ive always liked the visas. I have always been in favor of the visas. Thats why we have them, he told the outlet. I have many H-1B visas on my properties. Ive been a believer in H-1B. I have used it many times. Its a great program.

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According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, This nonimmigrant classification applies to people who wish to perform services in a specialty occupation, services of exceptional merit and ability relating to a Department of Defense (DOD) cooperative research and development project, or services as a fashion model of distinguished merit or ability.

Trumps comments come three weeks before he will be sworn into office and only a day after Tesla CEO Elon Musk spoke out in support of the visa program. The billionaire tech mogul was tapped by the president-elect in November to head the Department of Government Efficiency alongside entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy.

The agency will be tasked with overseeing government spending. On Twitter, he wrote, The reason Im in America, along with so many critical people who built SpaceX, Tesla and hundreds of other companies that made America strong, is because of H-1B.

Musk also declared, I will go to war on this issue, the likes of which you cannot possibly comprehend, as he hit back at a user who agreed that the wealthy businessman should stop trying to optimize something that shouldnt exist.

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Trump laid out a day one plan to preserve domestic companies' ability to recruit top workforce candidates in June, when he appeared on the All-In Podcast. While speaking about the hot topic of U.S. citizenship, the then-presidential nominee said, Its so sad when we lose people from Harvard, MIT, from the greatest schools and lesser schools that are phenomenal schools.

He continued by suggesting a benefit tied to achieving higher education. What I want to do and what I will do is [if] you graduate from a college, I think you should get, automatically as part of your diploma, a green card to be able to stay in this country, and that includes junior colleges, too," said the political leader. He reiterated his stance with, If you graduate or you get a doctorate degree from a college, you should be able to stay in this country.

Trump's administration previously imposed access restrictions on the visa amid claims that U.S. companies were forgoing hiring Americans for low-salaried foreign workers.

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LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY)  The 2nd annual donation drive was held at Imani Temple #49 in Lafayette for families needing essential supplies after Christmas.

In those donations, there were many items such as coats, blankets, hats, socks, and gloves. The drive also included toys, ensuring that kids could experience joy during this season of giving.

Marja Broussard, an organizer of the event, said the purpose of the drive is to give back to families who were not able to give any presents to their children on Christmas.

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We know that after Christmas parents are getting rid of toys because the kids are not going to play with them anymore, and we also know that some children didnt get anything for Christmas, so we got not only the clothes drive but also the toy drive, gently used and new toys, this afternoon were going to let children come out and pick out what it is that they want, Broussard said.

Ryan King, a moderator at Imani Temple #49, said with cold temperatures on the way, now is the time for everyone to stay warm.

We are in the middle of wintertime and its about to get cold over the next few days, so we have awesome clothes like this big heavy jacket, this heavy coat right here, for people to come out, we have blankets for people to come out and get this and stay warm, King said.

Pamela Jolivette, an organizer of the event, said it means a lot to give back to the less fortunate, adding she also experienced this as a child.

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On Christmas time I never always was able to receive a gift on Christmas being the oldest out of nine siblings, so I had to sacrifice not having, so this means a lot to me knowing they have kids out there who didnt get anything for Christmas and just for them to be able to come and get something and see a smile on their face means a lot to me, Jolivette said.

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After Christmas, the celebration of Kwanzaa begins. John Milton, arch-bishop at Imani Temple #49, said the holiday honors African American culture and heritage.

We believe that we must follow from an Afrocentric perspective every aspect of our life living holistically, we observe this great Kwanzaa holiday where we make sure that our people truly can take a look at ourselves for ourselves through our own Afrocentric lens, and celebrate our own culture, our own history, our own heritage, Milton said.

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Members said they will be hosting a community celebration for Kwanzaa at Imani Temple #49 at 3 p.m. on New Years Day. Everyone is welcome to attend.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com.
Despite recording more than 570 homicides in 2024, Chicago actually saw signs of improvement, with that total marking the third consecutive year the city recorded fewer killings than the one prior.

In fact, 2024 was the first year since the COVID-19 pandemic that the city had fewer than 600 slayings before the turn of the calendar. The official figure was 571 just before Christmas, but no one is claiming victory.

Chicago saw a 7% overall decrease in murders and nonfatal shootings in 2024, a year hallmarked by the Democratic National Convention and another annual uptick in summer gun violence. But each of CPDs five patrol areas  clusters of districts that blanket the whole city  saw a reduction in killings year-over-year, city data show.

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Its not even just the homicides, but the number of people who have been traumatized by gun violence, CPD Superintendent Larry Snelling, entering his second full year as head of the department, recently told the Tribune.

The benchmark for me is to get as much control on gun violence and violent offenders as humanly possible, getting them behind bars and getting them held, repeat offenders, and putting a stop to their violent behavior.

Chicagos decrease in murders is in keeping with national trends and reductions in other major cities, according to the FBI. Citywide, CPD also reported large decreases in robberies and motor vehicle thefts, though the latter remain well above pre-pandemic levels.

Mayor Brandon Johnson recently told the City Club of Chicago that a goal for 2025 is to keep the city below 500 murders, but only time will tell.

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And the crime fighting does not come cheap. CPDs budget, not including overtime, will surpass $2 billion next year.

Chicago cops kept busy in 2024. Once again, more than 12,000 guns were recovered throughout the year, department leaders have said. Officers made more than 33,000 arrests on the year, a slight increase from 2023, according to CPD data.

Uneven progress

While each CPD area can point to successes, a closer look at district-level data within them shows that the downturn in violence in 2024 was not spread evenly across the city.

The Harrison District (11th), home to several open-air drug markets and roughly bounded by Roosevelt Road, Division Street and Western and Cicero avenues, has long been one of CPDs most violent. In 2023 it saw 79 killings, a figure that dropped to 49 through mid-December this year, according to CPD.

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But to the south, in the Ogden District (10th), 2024 brought a sharp rise in fatal violence: 48 murders through mid-December, up from 34 in the same period last year. Snelling said a burgeoning gang conflict in Little Village has caused the uptick.

The highest concentration of fatal violence was found within two beats in the Grand Crossing District (3rd) on the South Side, the district Snelling calls home.

This year saw 25 killings in beats 321 and 322, a roughly 1-square-mile area bounded by the Dan Ryan Expressway, 65th Street, 71st Street and Stony Island Avenue. Those two beats saw 12 murders in 2023, according to CPD data.

I live in the city of Chicago and I understand the danger as much as anybody, having grown up in one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the city and then living amongst the people, Snelling told the Tribune.

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I dont remove myself from that, because everybody in the city is going through something right now, he said, and I know that there are people who are looking over their shoulders every single day, worried about some type of attack.

Though killings in the Grand Crossing District went up this year, the district actually saw fewer shootings altogether. Snelling said the increased lethality partly stems from more guns being equipped with auto sears or switches  small, affixable objects that turn a semi-automatic gun fully automatic, capable of firing several rounds with a single pull of the trigger.

The type of weapons that are being used right now are leading to more fatalities, Snelling said. The switches, the extended magazines and assault rifles. Were seeing a lot more of these homicides being committed with assault rifles, more deadly weapons and weapons that are designed or altered to lead to mass casualties.

Officers slain

Rafael Wordlaw, a 31-year-old Cook County sheriffs deputy, was at a gas station in Beat 321 in late July when he was fatally shot while trying to protect a friend during a robbery attempt. A man was charged with murder in his death and that case remains pending, court records show.

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He was a hero. He was a protector, and he died being a hero and being a protector, Wordlaws cousin Tiffany Davenport said at his funeral.

Two active-duty CPD officers were shot and killed in 2024, while a third died of injuries he suffered decades earlier.

Officer Luis Huesca, 30, was fatally shot last April near his home on the Southwest Side shortly after he completed a tour of duty.

Huesca, a six-year veteran of CPD and friend of another recently slain officer, Andres Vasquez-Lasso, was shot multiple times in the 3100 block of West 56th Street while off-duty but in uniform early on April 21. Huescas gun and vehicle were also taken at the scene of the shooting but were later recovered. A man was charged with murder in Huescas death, and that case remains pending, too.

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In early November, CPD officer Enrique Martinez was shot and killed while he and other officers conducted a traffic stop in the Chatham neighborhood on the citys South Side. A man who allegedly used the type of modified weapon Snelling talked about was later charged with first-degree murder of an officer and first-degree murder, among other felonies, and will remain detained until trial.

Enrique will always be my little brother, but I will always look up to him, Martinezs older brother, CPD officer Adrian Martinez Garcia, said at the funeral last month. His blood runs through my veins, and now he lives through me and I live for him.

James Crowley, a CPD officer who sustained catastrophic injuries in an on-duty car crash in 1987, also died in 2024, according to CPD.

As of November, the department had 11,661 sworn officers, according to data from the citys Office of Inspector General  down by 113 from the year prior.

Convention grabs spotlight

CPD and other public safety stakeholders devoted much time and attention this year to the Democratic National Convention in late August.

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Thousands of police officers  Snelling and other CPD leaders among them  were around the United Center and Union Park over the conventions four days as demonstrators marched and chanted. Dozens of arrests were made, but there were no violent outbursts.

Fewer than a dozen misconduct complaints were lodged during the convention, and Snelling later told reporters that fears of police-citizen clashes a la the 1968 DNC could finally be put to rest.

2024 is the new standard, and the men and women of the Chicago Police Department set that new standard out in the field, Snelling said.

Misconduct cases involving the Chicago Police Board  the most serious allegations, where an officer faces firing or a monthslong suspension  were slowed to a crawl in 2024 amid an ongoing legal dispute between the city and Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 7, the union representing rank-and-file officers and detectives.

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The case, before the Illinois Appellate Court, stems from an earlier award to the FOP that allows accused officers to have their cases heard and decided in private by a third-party arbitrator instead of the police board.

In the meantime, six accused officers have opted to have their cases heard by the board, records show. Sixteen other accused officers have requested arbitration, but those cases remain paused as the Appellate Court case progresses.

Despite the police board chokepoint, the Civilian Office of Police Accountability recommended CPD fire 53 officers during 2024, according to COPA data. Another 417 officers were recommended for suspensions, though the lengths were not known.

There were about 6,200 police misconduct complaints throughout 2024, a slight increase from the year before, according to COPA data. The lions share of those  more than 5,000  fell under the jurisdiction of CPD internal affairs.

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CPD adjudicates, internally, thousands of less severe incidents of wrongdoing every year with the Bureau of Internal Affairs and Summary Punishment Action Requests  SPARs  issued by mid-level CPD supervisors. SPARs can range from a noted violation or reprimand to a multiday suspension.

Data previously obtained by the Tribune through the Freedom of Information Act showed that through late July, CPD supervisors had issued nearly 2,900 SPARs since the start of 2024. Records showed supervisors issued 3,704 SPARs in all of 2023.

Discipline changes coming?

Kyle Cooper, president of the Chicago Police Board, announced this month that the very rules that govern CPD officers conduct could change.

In 2025, the Police Board will hold listening sessions and begin a review of those edicts so that we can bring these rules to the 21st century, Cooper previously said.

The goal for this year is a preliminary first step of what we anticipate will be a lengthy and complex process and project that will involve input from a diverse group of stakeholders, Cooper said.

The last thing that (I) as board president or the board is interested in doing is putting forward a set of proposed revisions and rules that are misaligned from the reality of what its like to be an active Chicago police officer on a day-to-day (basis).

CPD also continued its slog toward compliance with a federal consent decree. The independent monitoring team that assesses the citys adherence found the police department, as of June, had reached operational compliance with 9% of its consent decree requirements.

Secondary compliance was reached in 37% of monitorable paragraphs in the first half of this year, up from 35% in the last period. Preliminary compliance, though, fell from 46% in the last monitoring period of 2023 to 45% in the first period of 2024, the monitoring team found.

The most recent report from the independent monitoring team came as Johnson was considering cuts to CPDs Office of Constitutional Policing and Reform to balance the citys budget, though the idea was later taken off the table.

Cuts to policy development, training, officer support, and community policing not only risk slowing the already-behind pace of reform  the cuts risk undoing the progress the City and the CPD have made to date, the monitoring team wrote last month. At only about 9% Full compliance with the original Consent Decree, the City should be accelerating the pace of compliance, not just fighting to maintain it.
Emergency officials said at least 62 passengers are dead after a plane caught on fire after swerving off a runway at an airport in South Korea, the Associated Press reported.

There were 181 passengers on the flight when it caught on fire as it veered off the runway after landing and hitting a fence at Muan International Airport. Officials said the landing gear of the plane, a Boeing 737-800, seems to have malfunctioned, per the AP.

NBC News reported that the Jeju Air flight began in Bangkok and the first reports of the crash happened around 9 a.m. local time, which is around 7 p.m. EST.

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Emergency workers pulled one passenger and one crew member out of the fire. The National Fire Agency said that 32 fire trucks and several helicopters were deployed to stop the fire, the AP said. NBC News reported that the fire was put out around 9:46 a.m. local time.

Jeju Air addressed the incident on its website, writing, We deeply apologize to all those affected by the incident at Muan Airport. We will make every effort to resolve the situation. We sincerely regret the distress caused.

NBC said that South Koreas acting president, Choi Sang-mok, and other officials called for immediate efforts to put out the fire and rescue people, according to a statement from the Ministry of Interior and Safety.

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  A driver was hospitalized after crashing into a tree at I-490 eastbound near the Pittsford-Palmyra exit, according to the Pittsford Fire Department. Reports of the crash came out before noon Saturday.

A car left heavily damaged after slamming into a tree on I-490. Courtesy: Pittsford Fire Department.

According to Pittsford FD, one man inside the car, the driver, was rescued by firefighters. The rescue took about 20 minutes. He was taken to the hospital to be treated, though the severity of his injuries is unclear.

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Motorcyclist dead after Greece crash

The driver of the vehicle was properly wearing his seatbelt which likely prevented further injury. We wish the driver a speedy recovery, Pittsford FD announced.

Firefighters from Pittsford and Brighton were called to the scene.

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NORTH FORT MYERS, Fla. (WFLA)  Two people were arrested Saturday after a vehicle smashed into an occupied residence in Lee County.

The crash happened around 9 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 28 in North Fort Myers, according to a report by the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).

At least 15 people injured after Brightline train hits fire truck in Florida

The driver, 24-year-old Brenden Dennis McCarthy, of Cape Coral, had been traveling south on Interstate 75 when, for an unknown reason, he drove off the roadway.

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The sedan went through a fence before crashing into a home on Williamsburg Drive, troopers said.

(Credit: Florida Highway Patrol) (Credit: Florida Highway Patrol) (Credit: Florida Highway Patrol)

Multiple people were reportedly inside the home at the time. However, officials said none of them were injured.

McCarthy and a passenger in his vehicle, 24-year-old Rachel Lynn Wright, of Cape Coral, took off on foot after the crash, according to the FHP.

Authorities said they learned that Wright had an active felony warrant. She and McCarthy were later located and arrested.

Officials said McCarthy was charged for leaving the scene of a traffic crash involving property damage, driving on a suspended license and possession of drug paraphernalia.

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As of Saturday afternoon, the FHPs investigation was ongoing. No further details were immediately available.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Police are investigating after a driver and passengers immediately fled the scene of a crash in Northeast Portland Sunday morning.

Just after 11:15 a.m., Portland Fire & Rescue crews responded to the intersection of Northeast Cleveland Avenue and Killingsworth Street on reports of the crash involving a single vehicle.

Father arrested in Portland after abducting children from Olympia

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When they arrived, officials said they found the driver and passengers had left the scene, running away on foot.

Soon after, the investigation was turned over to police, authorities said.

No injuries were reported.

No further information has been released at this time.

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Croatia's incumbent President Zoran Milanovic looks set to win a second term in office according to an early election tally.

With 63% of all votes counted on Sunday evening, the former social democrat Milanovic was clearly ahead with 50.1%. His challenger Dragan Primorac, who is supported by the conservative ruling party HDZ, had meanwhile collected 21.8% of the vote.

Post-election polls suggested an even clearer lead. According to figures from the public broadcaster HTR, Milanovic received 50.7% of the vote.

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If none of the candidates achieve more than 50% of the vote, a presidential run-off will be called on January 12.

Originally from the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Milanovic was Prime Minister of the country from 2011 to 2016.

As president, he soon adopted a populist rhetoric, appealing not only to his core left-wing voters, but also to right-wing and far-right voters.

In addition to Milanovic and Primorac, six other people ran for the highest state office, including three women. None of them were considered to have a chance of reaching the run-off.

According to the first partial results, Marija Selak-Raspudic, an independent right-wing politician, and Ivana Kekin from the green-left party Mozemo each received 8% of the vote.

Some 3.8 million citizens are eligible to vote in the Balkan country, a member of the European Union since 2013.
Several wild birds discovered sick or dead Friday in Sussex County's coastal waters have preliminarily tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza, state officials announced.

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, along with the Delaware Department of Agriculture, reported that more than 40 sick or dead snow geese have been found since Dec. 27, including at Prime Hook Beach.

The birds were sent to the University of Delaware Poultry Health System laboratory. Initial testing performed at the school's Allen Laboratory confirmed the presence of H5 avian influenza.

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According to state officials, these cases mark the first detections of HPAI in wild birds in the Delmarva region since May 2022, when the virus was detected in black vultures in Harford County, Maryland. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Wild Bird Influenza Surveillance dashboard, also notes samples collected in Delaware between 2023 and 2024 that tested positive for HPAI.

Snow geese are seen along Cave Neck Road in Milton in 2020. State officials announced several snow geese found sick or dead on Dec. 27, 2024, in Sussex County are presumptive positive for HP5 avian flu.

Risks and spread of HPAI

Avian influenza, a respiratory disease caused by an influenza Type A virus, affects various species, including poultry (chickens, ducks, turkeys) and wild birds (ducks, geese, hawks, owls). Wild birds are known carriers of highly pathogenic avian influenza, making its presence particularly concerning for the First State.

Delaware is a part of the Atlantic Flyway, one of the major migration routes for birds along the East Coast. Each winter, snow geese migrate from the Arctic and gather in large flocks in Delaware. Close contact while feeding and roosting increases their exposure to the virus.

Infected wild birds also pose a serious risk to domestic poultry. The virus can either remain low pathogenic or mutate into highly pathogenic strains capable of causing widespread mortality. Swift action is critical to prevent its spread and protect both wild and domestic bird populations.

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In response to the current outbreak, Delaware has established a Joint Information Center involving multiple state agencies, including DNREC, the Department of Agriculture, the Division of Public Health and the Delaware Emergency Management Agency.

HIDDEN GEM: Small but mighty. How Delaware shines despite not ranking in America's top 100 best cities

Hunters and poultry growers urged to take precautions

State officials are urging waterfowl hunters and anyone who finds a dead or sick wild bird to exercise caution. Hunters should be especially careful when handling harvested ducks and geese during the ongoing waterfowl season. Proper handling protocols are available on the U.S. Department of Agricultures Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service website.

For Delaware's poultry industry, one of the state's largest agricultural sectors, the threat is significant. Farmers are advised to maintain strict biosecurity measures, particularly for poultry that might have access to areas frequented by free-flying waterfowl and wild birds.

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Commercial poultry producers who notice signs of the disease should contact their growing company immediately. Backyard flock owners should contact the Delaware Poultry Health Hotline at poultry.health@delaware.gov or call 302-698-4507.

State officials emphasize that the risk to public health remains low. While the H5N1 virus has infected a small number of people globally, there is no evidence of human-to-human transmission. However, residents should take precautions:

Do not touch or handle sick or dead birds

Keep children and pets away from affected birds and their droppings

Cook all poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165F

Anyone who encounters sick or dead wild birds should report them immediately:

Call DNREC Wildlife Section: 302-739-9912 (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

After hours and weekends: Use DNREC's online sick and injured wildlife reporting form

Poultry farmers should contact DDA at poultry.health@delaware.gov

For more information on avian influenza, visit https://de.gov/poultry.

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You can contact Anitra Johnson at ajohnson@delawareonline.com.

(This story was updated to change photos.)

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Wild geese tested for bird flu puts Delaware's poultry industry on alert
Dec. 29Gun violence. Homelessness. Climate change.

Communities across the country are dealing with the fallout from these stubborn and escalating problems  and not getting very far.

In 2023, these life-or-death challenges and others confronted Maine in devastating, undeniable ways. How will we respond in 2024?

Our final editorial of the calendar year opens with the opening lines of last year's final editorial ("In 2024, Maine has to act on the painful lessons of 2023"). At that time, we called for positive action on several of our most pressing issues. As the above reveals, they are still our most pressing issues. How, then, did we respond in 2024? Let's take a look.

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GUN VIOLENCE

"The Legislature ... opens its session this week with a number of bills focused on reducing the likelihood that a firearm will be used to kill or maim. Legislators are expected to once again debate universal background checks, waiting periods for purchase, an assault weapons ban and red flag law. Each of these provisions has failed in Maine before, often because their opponents deemed the state too safe to need them."

Maine made some progress this past spring, ushering in expanded background checks for private sales of guns, making improvements to the yellow flag law and rightly criminalizing the transfer of guns to prohibited people. The elements in bold, however, remain all but untouched by the Legislature. The need for a red flag or Extreme Risk Protection Order law is something this editorial board continues to give a particular emphasis  most recently on Dec. 15, in this section, as we hailed the recent FRONTLINE documentary about Lewiston.

We ought to have taken that opportunity to issue our praise of and support for the ongoing campaign to put an ERPO initiative on the ballot in Maine in 2025. "Safe Schools, Safe Communities," supported by the Maine Gun Safety Coalition, will have to turn in the required signatures next month. A couple of weeks ago, only 7,500 additional signatures were required (to meet 67,682, or 10% of the total votes cast in the last gubernatorial election), with the bulk of them reportedly gathered on Election Day last month. That level of support is heartening. Let's stay focused.

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HOMELESSNESS

The Legislature will take steps to address a range of housing-related issues ... That work is critical to keeping more Mainers from falling into the abyss of homelessness. Most communities in Maine have a housing shortage; residents should come together and decide where it makes the most sense to put new units and do everything in their power to make it happen.

The local focus on homelessness we promoted this time last year needs to be retained and it needs to be sharpened. Shameful opposition to affordable housing projects, by vote or otherwise, needs to be exposed as just that.

The round rejection of a reasonable proposal for an affordable housing development in Cumberland stands out as a particularly bleak moment in Maine's 2024 record. If we are to have any expectation that there will be places for people to live, that is a shining example of how not to proceed.

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Creative actions that maximize existing buildings and land, of which there were more than a few very nice examples in 2024, must be encouraged and supported. They will not in themselves be enough to solve our crisis  the state must fund shelter  but a rising tide lifts many boats.

CHANGING CLIMATE

Community leaders should recognize their role in making their areas more resilient to wild storms. That requires major investment: new planning around flood zones, a strong warning system, and flexible plans for evacuations and rescues.

The above paragraph was published weeks before the major storms that battered many parts of Maine in quick succession last January. There's nothing like an emergency to kick people and things into gear. Maine now has a state commission focused on storm communication and preparedness; this is the body tasked with leading work on many of the elements called for above. Its first report focused on short-term rebuilding priorities and storm preparation. A second report will outline a long-term plan for climate disaster, and it's about time.

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Long-term planning requires the confrontation of hard truths about where we live and what we're about to be living through. As we said after the storms: Homeowners, businesses and municipalities, instead of asking themselves when they can rebuild, need to ask themselves whether they should be rebuilding at all. That's an uncomfortable conversation to have. Until we start having these conversations, however, nothing much will change.

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Florida has a long history of unwarranted optimism when it comes to coastal building risk.

Faced with a disturbing new University of Miami study, the coastal town of Sunny Isles Beach in Miami-Dade did not disappoint.

No buildings in Sunny Isles Beach are sinking! the citys mayor protested to Newsweek.

But they are.

In North and Central Sunny Isles Beach, nearly 70% of condos and hotels examined by researchers slipped into the ground between 2016 and 2023. Although Sunny Isles and Surfside appear hardest hit, theres early evidence Broward and Palm Beach shorelines may follow suit.

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Environmental voices from former Florida governor and U.S. Sen. Bob Graham to author John D. McDonalds fictional detective Travis McGee have warned that building on Florida shorelines courts disaster. If the UM study is right, disaster is on our doorstep.

Built on shifting sand

To date, most of Floridas environmental anxiety has focused on flooding and hurricanes, as climate change whips up more and bigger storms. Those are valid concerns, but we should have kept one eye on the ground beneath us.

Some settling, or subsidence, is normal. But along the Miami-Dade coast, 35 condos and hotels have sunk as much as three inches, researchers reported, including such millionaire perches as The Ritz-Carlton Residences and Trump International Beach Resorts.

They were built on shifting sand.

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The Sunny Isles mayor isnt the only skeptic of the researchers findings. We didnt believe it at the beginning, one researcher told the Miami Herald.

Nothing that raises the risk profile of a Florida condo or hints at future repair bills is good news right now.

Already, seniors are being priced out of condos as a state law aimed at preventing another Surfside condo collapse generates steep assessments on long-delayed inspections and repairs. The number of condos for sale is rising and prices are falling across the state as owners leave. The exodus is not limited to the coast: According to a January 2024 report by real estate firm Redfin, Orlandos median condo price fell 4.8% over the prior 12 months.

But the bad news in the research isnt limited to existing condos. It threatens to undercut future development.

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Underground sand moves. Vibrations move it. And building new high-rises, with the need for pilings driven deep into the ground, is all about vibration. Its why there are state rules governing how much vibration is allowed during both tear-downs and building.

Cracks in the concrete

A civil suit brought by Millennium Condominium Association in 2017 illustrated why. When Porsche Design Tower rose next to Millennium on Collins Avenue in Sunny Isles Beach, cracks started appearing in the older condo.

Photos of damage attached to the lawsuit are gray and grainy, not dramatic. But to anyone who has seen pictures of cracks in Surfsides Champlain Towers South parking garage before the condo fell and killed 98 people, images of cracks in Millenniums underground parking garage are chilling.

Millenniums suit, which sought money for repairs, was settled for undisclosed terms. And although the Champlain condo had been sinking, the condo is believed to have collapsed because of flawed design, construction and maintenance, not changes in underground sand.

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Even so, researchers repeatedly found subsidence dovetailed with new condo and hotel construction. Subsidence at Trump Tower III, for instance, occurred as construction on the next-door Ritz-Carlton Residences was underway.

Further, in some cases, sinking set in motion by new construction persisted eight years after the building was completed.

Ongoing monitoring and a deeper understanding of the long-term implications is needed, wrote one of the researchers.

It started with Scott

But Tallahassees willful refusal to acknowledge that nature will do what nature wants to do has only grown since 2011.

That was the year Gov. Rick Scott gutted growth management and opened the floodgates to building on vulnerable oceanfront land. Hurricane Ian laid bare the foolishness of Scotts actions when it wiped out thousands of homes in coastal Fort Myers.

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Scott has decamped to the U.S. Senate, leaving the mess to Gov. Ron DeSantis. But DeSantis endorsed Scotts general philosophy in the wake of Hurricane Milton when he dismissed the idea that the state should consider limiting coastal development. Its not governments job, he said.

Nor should anyone fret about property values, added DeSantis, whos well aware that Floridas economy is perilously dependent on coastal development.

I think that theres always going to be a demand to live in a beautiful part of the world, he confidently told reporters.

There is, but no one knowingly seeks to live in those parts of a beautiful world where the kitchen floor is slowly sinking beneath their feet.

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To serve Floridians whose homes are at risk and whose real estate purchases fuel the state economy, DeSantis needs to stop attacking reporting on the problem and start attacking the problem itself.

The Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board includes Executive Editor Roger Simmons, Opinion Editor Krys Fluker and Viewpoints Editor Jay Reddick. The Sun Sentinel Editorial Board consists of Executive Editor Gretchen Day-Bryant, Editorial Page Editor Steve Bousquet, Deputy Editorial Page Editor Dan Sweeney and editorial writers Pat Beall and Martin Dyckman. Send letters to insight@orlandosentinel.com.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  An elk with a chair on its head is being reported in the Ruidoso area, but authorities say the animal has been evaluated and is doing OK.

The Ruidoso Police Department said Saturday evening, Dec. 28 that the elk has been evaluated and is able to move around, eat and drink.

Elk with chair on its head near Ruidoso. Photo courtesy of Ruidoso Police

Here is the full statement Ruidoso PD put on its Facebook page regarding the Elk with a chair on its head:

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We are aware of the elk with the chair on his head. New Mexico Game and Fish has evaluated the elk. They have determined that it is able to move around, eat, and drink. If you have any questions, please contact New Mexico Game and Fish.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
36,706 people played the daily Crossword recently. Can you solve it faster than others?

36,706 people played the daily Crossword recently. Can you solve it faster than others?
WRIGHT TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD)  No one was injured in a fire at an equipment rental business near Marne Saturday afternoon.

The fire was at Vermeer Midwest on Franklin Street east of 16th Avenue in Wright Township, firefighter said.

Crews told News 8 that a fire marshal who happened to be driving by on I-96 spotted smoke rising from the business and called it in. The Wright-Tallmadge Township Fire Department responded and called in help from several nearby departments to truck in water because there were no hydrants in the area.

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The building sustained some heat and smoke damage.

The fire was believed to have started with some equipment, though crews said the exact cause was not immediately clear.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
A Silicon Valley Democrat and a Republican Senator are calling for reform to the H-1B Visa program, which tech companies use to recruit thousands of high-skilled foreign workers every year.

So I think the solution here, President Trump has actually articulated this in 2020, is to reform that system and get rid of the abuses, make it merit-based, and make sure that we're not undercutting wages, and having Americans train their foreign replacements, Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) told Fox News Sunday anchor Shannon Bream.

The debate over the program, and immigration in general, roiled the Republican party last week, pitting tech entrepreneurs such as Elon Musk, David Sacks and Vivek Ramaswamy against the likes of Nikki Haley, far-right political activist Laura Loomer and many in the MAGA base. President-elect Donald Trump appeared to voice support for the program Saturday.

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Take a big step back and F--K YOURSELF in the face, Musk wrote on X Friday. I will go to war on this issue the likes of which you cannot possibly understand.

His comments came after Loomer appeared to reference the H-1B visa on X, saying it was akin to substituting a third world migrant invasion for a third world tech invasion."

The divide comes as a long-standing effort to promote high-skilled immigration gains steam in conversations between tech lobbyists and GOP lawmakers. Musk and his allies are leading the effort to sway uncommitted elected Republicans.

During Trumps first term, his administration introduced rules tightening H-1B eligibility and requiring companies to shell out higher wages to recipients, running afoul of the tech industry. When the pandemic hit, his administration temporarily froze the program.

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You see qualified Americans being denied a lot of these jobs because a company can go out and hire cheaper labor from a foreign country, Schmitt said.

Musk, himself once an H-1B recipient, has been relentless in backing the issue on his social media platform. Both Musk and Ramaswamy, co-runners of Trumps so-called Department of Government Efficiency, have faced sharp resistance from MAGA hardliners for their support of skilled immigration.

Speaking with Bream on Sunday, Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna (Calif.) celebrated high-skilled immigration while urging reform to the H-1B program.

One of the points that I think Elon and others are making is what makes America as exceptional is that we are a magnet for the world's talent, Khanna, who represents Silicon Valley in Congress, said. It's great that Elon Musk comes here. It's great that Jensen [Huang], who started NVIDIA, is doing it here and not in Taiwan.

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But critics on both sides of the aisle have assailed the H-1B program for keeping high-skilled workers in limbo over their immigration status and underpaying them for their work.

You cant underpay these H-1B folks coming in, Khanna said. The program shouldnt be for accountants or entry-level IT jobs. It should really be for exceptional talent. We should have that balance, he continued.
Political and civic leaders across Colorado reacted with sorrow and gratitude on Sunday following the news that former President Jimmy Carter 
Oklahoma City metro residents are encouraged to begin the new year by enjoying nature and reaping health benefits by taking a walk in a park.

The First Day Walk will be held 11 a.m. to noon on Jan. 1 at Scissortail Park in Oklahoma City.

Marsha Funk said the walk has been held for several years and it is sponsored by the National Park Service and the Greater Oklahoma City Parks & Trails Foundation, where she serves as executive director. Co-sponsoring organizations include Oklahoma City Parks & Recreation, Oklahoma City Community Foundation, Midtown Renaissance, Landrunners OKC, Keep Moving OKC and Scissortail Park.

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"It's an opportunity to get our people of all ages out walking in a healthy way and just great way to kick off the new year," Funk said.

She said there will be several route options for people to choose from and people may register online to participate. Spark will be open for coffee and hot chocolate and complimentary parking will be available in a lot north of the restaurant, courtesy of Midtown Renaissance.

More: These Oklahoma hikes call for lacing up those boots and hitting the trail this fall

Anissa Chadick, executive director of the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City, said the YMCA powers the Keep Moving OKC website which connects Oklahomans to free or low-cost events designed to increase their physical activity throughout the year.

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She also said the First Day Walk will provide residents with opportunities to reap not only the physical benefits from walking outside, but also mental health benefits, as well.

"Walking is probably one of the most common forms of exercise across the world, and so it's something that most all people can do," Chadick said.

"It's also beneficial to get outside in nature, and I think that's a big part of the First Day Walk. Not only is it good for your body, but it's good for your mind and your spirit, as well.

More: Here's how even the slightest of changes in the new year is still progress | Opinion

Prescription for outdoors

Funk said she hopes to see more events like the First Day Walk in Oklahoma City, particularly because of the benefits of outdoor walking touted by Dr. Robert Zarr, founder and medical director of the nonprofit Park RX. She said the board-certified pediatrician from the Washington, D.C., area was a guest speaker in April at an Oklahoma City event where he talked about encouraging his young patients and people of all ages to spend time outdoors.

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In a phone interview, Zarr, who has a master's degree in public health, said there are extensive health benefits from outdoor activities, including reduced depression, improved cardiovascular health and diabetes risk reduction.

Starr said Park RX, aims to share knowledge about the health benefits of outdoor activities with other health professionals. Along those lines, he said a trial conducted in Washington, D.C., with patients between the ages of 6 and 16 showed there were benefits to young people's overall health when they regularly participated in some form of outdoor activity.

Starr said as part of the trial, primary care physicians gave out "park prescriptions" or "nature prescriptions" to half of the patients included in the trial, encouraging these patients to regularly visit a park or participate in an outdoor activity, as part of their routine.

He said the prescriptions "made a difference in their lives," so we're pretty excited about it."

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Funk said her organization hopes to partner with Zarr's Park RX for future initiatives, some focusing on walking and outdoor activities, in the Oklahoma City metro area.

"It's just a healthy, relaxing kind of thing to do, and we think connecting with other people and walking together is a good idea, too, because it's a great way to meet new people or say hello to old friends," Funk said.

First Day Walk

When: 11 a.m. to noon Jan. 1.

Where: Scissortail Park, Loves Travel Stops Stage, 415 S Robinson Ave.

Information/registration: https://www.okcparksandtrails.org/first-day-walk.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Residents encouraged to take 'First Day Walk' on New Year's Day in OKC
Dec. 28CHARLESTON  The following events happened on these dates in West Virginia history. To read more, go to e-WV: The West Virginia Encyclopedia at www.wvencyclopedia.org.

Dec. 29, 1861: Confederate soldiers burned most of downtown Sutton. The town slowly rebuilt but remained small until the local timber industry boomed from 1890 to 1920.

Dec. 29, 1928: Humorist and political cartoonist James Frederick Dent was born in Charleston. His talent for turning daily events into delightful anecdotes gained him national fame. Reader's Digest reprinted 194 items from his columns, and radio commentator Paul Harvey often used his work.

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Dec. 29, 1970: John Denver and two friends completed the song "Take Me Home, Country Roads." Denver performed "Country Roads" in West Virginia on several occasions, notably for the opening of the new Mountaineer Stadium in Morgantown in 1980.

Dec. 30, 1901: McKendree Hospital started providing medical care in rural Fayette County. It was one of three hospitals established by the state in the fast-growing coalfields.

Dec. 30, 1917: The temperature in Lewisburg dropped to 37 degrees below zero. It is the coldest official temperature on record for the state.

Dec. 31, 1939: Larry Combs, one of the world's leading orchestral clarinetists, was born in South Charleston. He started studying woodwinds at age 10 and was principal clarinetist for the Charleston (now West Virginia) Symphony Orchestra at age 16. He later served in the same role for symphonies in Montreal and Chicago and was inducted into the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame in 2009.

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Dec. 31, 2007: Sara Jane Moore was released from prison after serving 32 years for trying to kill President Ford. Moore grew up in Charleston and later moved to California, where she joined left-wing groups and became an FBI informant. She spent part of her incarceration at the Federal Prison Camp in Alderson.

Jan. 1, 1888: In one of the most violent episodes of the Hatfield-McCoy Feud, Jim Vance, uncle to "Devil Anse" Hatfield, led an arson attack on the McCoy family cabin. Two of Randall McCoy's children were killed, and his wife was beaten.

Jan. 1, 1953: Country music legend Hank Williams was found dead in his car in Oak Hill, Fayette County. He had been scheduled to perform in Charleston the previous night, but the concert was canceled due to bad weather.

Jan. 2, 2006: An explosion at the Sago Mine in Upshur County killed 12 men. Federal investigators pointed to a lightning strike as the most likely ignition source for the blast.

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Jan. 3, 1856: Musician Lewis Johnson "Uncle Jack" McElwain of Webster County was born. He was the most respected fiddler in central West Virginia during his lifetime. He took part in many fiddle contests, and no one can recall him ever being beaten.

Jan. 3, 1921: The state capitol building in Charleston was destroyed by fire. The so-called Victorian capitol, the second one in Charleston, had opened in 1887. After the fire, a temporary wood-frame building was erected in just 42 days and became known as the "pasteboard capitol." It burned in 1927.

Jan. 4, 1897: Classes began at Montgomery Preparatory School, a state institution established to prepare students for West Virginia University. The school evolved into the West Virginia University Institute of Technology.

e-WV: The West Virginia Encyclopedia is a project of the West Virginia Humanities Council. For more information contact the West Virginia Humanities Council, 1310 Kanawha Blvd. E., Charleston, WV 25301; 304-346-8500; or visit e-WV at www.wvencyclopedia.org.
The daughter of former Rep. Carolyn Maloney is riding her mothers coattails in a shameless bid to reclaim the 78-year-old Democrats old City Council seat, insiders told The Post.

Virginia Maloney, a product manager at Meta, has flaunted her political pedigree in campaign material to potential voters since announcing her bid last month to replace term-limited Democratic Councilman Keith Powers, whose district comprises much of the Upper East Side and Midtown.

On her campaign website, the 37-year-old UES native lays out her concerns about the need for more affordable housing, combating extremism and improving healthcare access  but also leans into family lore of her mother going into labor with her while debating legislation on the City Council floor.

Insiders said Virginia Maloney, the daughter of former Rep. Carolyn Maloney, is riding her mothers coattails in a bid for the 78-year-old Democrats former City Council seat. AP

Virginia Maloney, a product manager at Meta, has flaunted her political pedigree in campaign material to potential voters. FaceBook Virginia Maloney

My mother  a teacher, City Councilwoman and Member of Congress  taught me to believe in myself as a woman and that when I do, I can get great things done, the website reads.

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A new 30-second introductory campaign ad, which briefly touched on Virginia Maloneys work for the city Economic Development Corp. and later the private tech sector, was similarly ham-fisted in touting the candidates lineage, lingering on a clear, striking portrait of her mother as she reminded people that shes the daughter of two public servants. Her late father, Clifton Maloney, was a former US Navy vet and investment banker.

The elder Maloney, who regularly appears in Instagram posts on Virginia Maloneys campaign account, also is being trotted out as a host for her daughters campaign fundraisers both in Washington DC and the Big Apple.

Most candidates Ive worked with who have that sort of dynasty are never this shameless, one veteran Democratic strategist told The Post.

There is a time and a place to evoke your mom, but from Day One, in such an aggressive way, strikes me as obscenely lazy.

A 30-second introductory campaign ad foisted upon viewers a photo of the elder Maloney while touting Virginia as being the daughter of public servants. FaceBook Virginia Maloney

As of the latest campaign filings in October, Virginia Maloney had yet to document any contributions, according to campaign records.

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A second Democratic strategist, meanwhile, suggested Virginia Maloneys bid for City Council is ultimately a proxy for her mother to eventually reclaim her old congressional seat after being trounced by fellow Manhattan Rep. Jerry Nadler in the bitter 2022 Democratic House primary.

Carolyn Maloney has been as visible at events, if not more, than the candidate, the insider said. Everyone knows she wants her seat back.

Carolyn Maloney, who had an estimated net worth of $13 million in 2018, previously held the City Council District 4 seat representing the Upper East Side from 1982 to 1992. Virginia attended the posh Spence School, where tuition is an eye-watering $65,846 a year.

The elder Maloney became a totemic figure on the Upper East Side while representing the neighborhood in Congress. Getty Images

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Carolyn Maloney went on to represent the nabe in Congress for another two decades, where she became a totemic figure in her district for her dogged advocacy to secure funding for the $4.4 billion 2nd Avenue subway line as well as billions to finance health programs for 9/11 first responders and the victims compensation fund.

Virginia is lucky to have learned a lot from her mothers trailblazing career and she will use those lessons to serve her community and the City she loves so much, said Shelby Garner, a campaign spokesman for Virginia Maloney and her mothers former district chief of staff.

While the Maloney name is a great name that fits the district, the family legacy will only take her so far in what is shaping up to be a sharply competitive race, warned Democratic strategist Hank Sheinkopf.

At some point in the future shes going to have to be her own person, he said. Being her mothers daughter wont be sufficient.

Carolyn Maloney did not respond to requests for comment.
By Bart Meijer and Lisa Barrington

(Reuters) -Uncertainty surrounds the deadliest plane crash on South Korean soil, aviation experts said on Sunday, questioning how much impact a potential bird strike cited by authorities could have had in bringing down the Jeju Air flight.

The apparent absence of landing gear, the timing of the twin-engine Boeing 737-800's belly landing at Muan International Airport and the reports of a possible bird strike all raised questions that could not yet be answered.

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The single-aisle aircraft was seen in video broadcast on local media skidding down the runway with no landing gear deployed before hitting a wall in an explosion of flame and debris.

"At this point there are a lot more questions than we have answers. Why was the plane going so fast? Why were the flaps not open? Why was the landing gear not down?" said Gregory Alegi, an aviation expert and former teacher at Italy's air force academy.

South Korean officials are investigating the crash of Jeju Air Flight 7C2216, including the impact of a potential bird strike and the weather. 179 of 181 people on board died.

Deputy Transport Minister Joo Jong-wan said the runway's 2,800-metre length was not a contributing factor, and that walls at the ends were built to industry standards.

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A spokesperson for Jeju Air was not immediately available for comment. Jeju Air declined to comment on the cause during news conferences, saying an investigation is under way.

Christian Beckert, a flight safety expert and Lufthansa pilot, said the video footage suggested that aside from the reversers, most of the plane's braking systems were not activated, creating a "big problem" and a fast landing.

Beckert said a bird strike was unlikely to have damaged the landing gear while it was still up, and that if it had happened when it was down, it would have been hard to raise again.

"It's really, really very rare and very unusual not to lower the gear, because there are independent systems where we can lower the gear with an alternate system," he said.

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The probe should paint a clearer picture, he added.

Under global aviation rules, South Korea will lead a civil investigation and involve the National Transportation Safety Board in the United States where the plane was made.

Experts say air accidents are usually caused by a cocktail of factors and that it can take months to piece together the sequence of events.

The flight data recorder was found at 11:30 a.m. (0230 GMT), about two and a half hours after the crash, and the cockpit voice recorder at 2:24 p.m., South Korean officials said.

Australian aviation consultant Trevor Jensen said fire and emergency services would normally be ready for a belly landing, "so this appears to be unplanned".

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CHAIN OF EVENTS

In the space of a few minutes, the control tower issued a bird strike warning, pilots declared mayday and then attempted to land, officials said, although it was not clear whether the aircraft had hit any birds.

"A bird strike is not unusual, problems with an undercarriage are not unusual. Bird strikes happen far more often, but typically they don't cause the loss of an airplane by themselves," said Airline News editor Geoffrey Thomas.

A bird strike could have impacted the CFM International engines if a flock had been sucked into them, but that would not have shut them down straightaway, giving the pilots some time to react, Australian airline safety expert Geoffrey Dell said.

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After the bird strike warning and the mayday declaration, the pilots attempted to land on the runway from the opposite direction, a transport ministry official said.

That change of plan raised more questions for investigators, said Marco Chan, a senior lecturer in aviation operations at Buckinghamshire New University and a former pilot.

"It was changed to the opposite direction fairly late as well, which added to the workload," Chan said. "It's a lot of guessing games at this stage."

The captain of the Boeing 737-800 plane had worked at that rank since 2019 and logged 6,823 flight hours, the South Korean government said. The first officer had worked at that rank since 2023 and had logged approximately 1,650 flight hours.

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The 737-800 is one of the world's most flown airliners with a generally strong safety record. It was developed well before the MAX variant involved in a recent Boeing safety crisis.

Birds hitting the plane alone were unlikely to explain the scale of the disaster, said Italian aviation expert Alegi.

"Of course there might have been a bird strike," he said. "But the consequences are much too big for that to be the direct cause of the accident."

(Reporting by Bart Meijer and Lisa Barrington; additional reporting by Hyunjoo Jin, Josh Smith, Gavin Jones, Muvija M., Tim Hepher and Dave Grahamediting by William Mallard and Frances Kerry)
South Korean officials are investigating the cause of the crash, including whether a bird strike was involved

Credit: South Korea MBC TV

Experts are questioning the initial theory that a bird strike caused the deadly crash of Jeju Air flight 7C2216 in South Korea, which killed 179 people.

The Boeing 737-800 was originally thought to have crashed after it collided mid-air with a flock of birds on Sunday, following a series of text messages from a passenger that spread across the internet.

But some analysts were quick to suggest alternative causes, including technical glitches, arguing that a bird strike alone could not have caused a simultaneous failure of several critical components.

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The plane, which had no visible landing gear deployed, was seen skidding down the runway before crashing into a wall and exploding into flames.

Experts are now wondering why fire trucks were not at the scene in time, why the plane landed so far down the runway and why it showed no sign of slowing down as it came in to land.

South Korean officials are investigating the cause of the crash, including whether a bird strike was involved.

They recovered the flight data recorder and later found the cockpit voice recorder, which they will use to gather key information about the planes systems and the events leading up to the crash.

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While a bird strike warning was issued after the planes mayday call and footage emerged online showing what appeared to be birds striking the engine, it is unclear if this was the primary cause of the disaster.

Credit: Lee Geun-young

Experts from Airline News say a bird strike is unlikely to have caused the landing gear failure, as bird strikes rarely cause a crash. Some also noted the planes failure to slow down after landing as a mystery.

Geoffrey Dell, an Australian airline safety expert, told Reuters: Ive never seen a bird strike prevent the landing gear from being extended.

Trevor Jensen, an Australian aviation consultant, also explained to Reuters that emergency services are typically prepared for a belly landing.

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Choi Kee-young, a professor from from Inha University, told South Koreas Yonhap news agency: If you look at the video, the landing gear didnt extend, and the plane crashed with very little loss of speed.

An airplane has multiple brakes, and if the landing gear doesnt work, the reverse-propelled engines lift the wing flaps, which act as air brakes. But they didnt seem to have worked in this case.

Joo Jong-Wan, South Koreas deputy transport minister, said the runways 2,800-metre length was not a contributing factor, and that walls at the ends were built to industry standards.

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Very rare and very unusual

Christian Beckert, a flight safety expert and Lufthansa pilot, said the video footage suggested that aside from the reversers, most of the planes braking systems were not activated, creating a big problem and a fast landing.

Mr Beckert said a bird strike was unlikely to have damaged the landing gear while it was still up, and that if it had happened when it was down, it would have been hard to raise again.

Its really, really very rare and very unusual not to lower the gear, because there are independent systems where we can lower the gear with an alternate system, he added.

Kim Kyu-wang, the director of Hanseo University Flight Education Center, told Yonhap that a bird strike could have caused the landing gear to malfunction. If birds fly into the engine, it can damage the engine and affect the hydraulic system connected to it, he said.

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The hydraulic system raises and lowers the landing gear during takeoff and landing, and that part may have been damaged.

Plane shows no sign of deploying visible landing after skidding down the runway, crashing into a wall and exploding into flames - Ahn Young-Joon/AP

Bird strikes have been a major concern for airports and aviation agencies for years. In the US, wildlife strikes cause more than $900 million in damage to aircraft each year and have resulted in more than 250 fatalities since 1988.

Data from the US Federal Aviation Administration and agriculture department show that bird strikes on planes are becoming more frequent.

From 1990 to 2023, there were 296,613 wildlife strikes globally, most of which were bird strikes. In 2023 alone, 19,603 strikes were recorded with 3.6 per cent causing damage.

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Bird strikes are especially dangerous during take-off and landing when aircraft are at low altitudes and most vulnerable.

To reduce the risks, airports normally implement several strategies, such as adjusting flight schedules to avoid peak bird activity, managing nearby habitats to deter birds, and using non-lethal methods like bird hazing or removal.

Relatives of the 179 aircraft passengers react to the news at Muan International airport, South Korea - Soo-Hyeon Kim/Reuters

Geoffrey Dell, an Australian airline safety expert, says: Ive never seen a bird strike prevent the landing gear from being extended - Lee Geun-Young/Reuters

Radar systems are also used to detect bird activity along flight paths, providing pilots with key information to avoid potential hazards. Efforts to reduce bird strikes have been implemented at many airports since the 1990s.

These measures include $400 million in wildlife-related projects across the US as well as research funds dedicated to improving wildlife hazard management since the Miracle on the Hudson incident in 2009, which was caused by the collision with a flock of Canada geese.

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Chesley Sullenberger, the pilot, was famously able to bring the aircraft down on the Hudson River in New York City.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  2024 was a pivotal year in politics.

The nation reelected Donald Trump as president. Oregon and Southwest Washington also played a role in the battle for control of Congress. Additionally, the Oregon legislature reversed the failed experiment to decriminalize street drugs.

Eye on Northwest Politics was here for all of it. Including when Portland elected a new mayor and a new expanded City Council under an entirely new system of government.

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The first two months of 2024 saw the Oregon Supreme Court deliberating the fate of 10 Republican senators who walked out of the legislature in May 2023 over Democrat-sponsored bills they objected to. The six-week walkout, led by Senate Republican leader Tim Knopp of Bend, was the longest in Oregon history, halting all business in the legislature for 43 days.

The states fentanyl crisis also took center stage in 2024. In January, Governor Kotek joined leaders in Portland and Multnomah County to declare a fentanyl emergency. Then in March, the Oregon legislature reversed voter-approved Measure 110, which decriminalized street drugs.

KOIN 6 News spoke with the governor about the fentanyl emergency in February.

This election year, Oregon and Southwest Washington had the eyes of the nation on them, with two hotly contested races that could have tipped the balance of power in Congress  Oregon Congressional District 5 between incumbent Republican Lori Chavez-DeRemer and former State Representative Janelle Bynum. There was also an unexpected twist that allowed both candidates to essentially end up winning.

Meanwhile in Washington, the race for Congressional District 3 was a rematch pitting incumbent Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez against Trump-endorsed Republican challenger Joe Kent. In the end, Gluesenkamp Perez scored another narrow victory in a district that overall went for Trump.

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When Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler announced that he wasnt going to run again in 2024, it set off a scramble for the Nov. 5 election. Three current Portland city commissioners were among the 18 candidates to potentially fill the spot. But none of them won, as businessman and political outsider Keith Wilson became the citys mayor-elect. This came as Portlanders used ranked-choice voting for the first time to choose an entirely new system of government.

The November election yielded a few surprises, the Portland mayors race included. But other results were more predictable, as Democrats occupy all of the executive positions in the state and Oregons congressional delegation remains decidedly blue.

2024 also saw the deaths of two of the most powerful men in the history of Oregon politics.

Former Oregon Governor and former Portland Mayor Neil Goldschmidt died June 12 of heart failure at the age of 83. About a month later on July 16, long-time Oregon Senate President Peter Courtney died from complications related to cancer at age 81.

But while Courtney was honored and revered, Goldschmidts legacy is forever tainted.

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Check out our full year-end review of these events in the videos above.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
All they knew was that the facilitators of the restorative justice program said the man charged with repeatedly tearing down the Pride flag outside their home was ready. A meeting was set. Now the couple were walking into a community center to talk to him.

Michelle Logan and Jenna Burnett said they sat in chairs set up in a circle inside the Arlington Mill Community Center in late September and began explaining to Matthew Henshaw how hurtful it was for them to see their Pride flag forcibly removed after they finally came out and moved in together. They said they told him that his actions made them feel unsafe in their own home - and that they wanted him to understand why.

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The conversation was part of the Heart of Safety Restorative Justice Conferencing Program, which includes a meeting between the people charged in criminal cases and the victims of the alleged crimes, in hopes of providing a pathway for young adults to be held accountable outside of traditional legal proceedings.

Logan and Burnett said they could not detail everything that occurred, but Logan said we felt he was sincerely remorseful and that we were being heard. Later, the couple assigned Henshaw to do certain things that we thought would be helpful for his learning and for being a better ally, Logan said, and he did them.

As a result, Arlington, Virginia, prosecutors on Monday dismissed all charges against Henshaw, who was arrested this year and charged with three counts of bias-motivated unlawful entry and three counts of petit larceny.

Hes just a young man who went through this unfortunate incident, and hes grown from it, said his attorney, Damon D. Colbert, who declined to make his client available for an interview. He did everything that was asked of him, and hes moved on.

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Henshaw is among the 13 people who have successfully completed the Heart of Safety Restorative Justice Conferencing Program since it launched in 2023, Arlington Commonwealths Attorney Parisa Dehghani-Tafti said.

This case seemed like a good fit for the program, Dehghani-Tafti said, because Henshaw was 20 at the time of his arrest - placing him among the programs target age group - and he was facing allegations of causing serious harm to Logan and Burnett. The couple were also willing to give it a try.

The purpose of the program, Dehghani-Tafti said, is to create a safer community with an alternative to incarceration that both reduces recidivism and is healing for victims.

This whole process is about radical truth-telling, and its about taking accountability. But its also about transformation, Dehghani-Tafti said. And transformation really requires the hard work of figuring out: Why did I do this, and what does it take for me not to do it again?

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When Logan and Burnett first hung up their Pride flag, in June 2023, it was a way to celebrate moving in together. The two had met on a blind date in February 2021 at Red Bear Brewing Co. in Northeast Washington after Logan said she told a friend: I think I want to try to date women.

And as soon as Burnett walked in, Logan said she thought: I am down bad for this girl.

They said they both had struggled with coming out, but by the time they were unpacking their bags in their new Arlington home, they were comfortable being themselves. And they were so happy to be taking this next step together in their relationship.

Then, at 2:35 a.m. on Sept. 16, 2023, their Ring camera caught someone tearing down their Pride flag. They put a new one up, but it kept happening - five times in all from that September through January, Logan said.

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We felt pretty violated at first and also just really, like, not safe in our own home, Logan said. It was just a huge blow to both of our psyches.

Eventually, police arrested Henshaw, who at the time was an active-duty soldier assigned to Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall and a member of the 3rd Infantry Regiment. Maj. John Strickland, a spokesman for the Army, said Friday that Henshaw was involuntarily separated from service in October.

Once Logan and Burnett learned about the restorative justice program, they thought that it sounded like a way to have a more meaningful impact than putting someone behind bars.

When youre 20, your brain is still developing, Burnett said. Theres a lot to learn.

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Logan added: Were not just a house with a Pride flag; were two people who are here and living a life and trying to be good people, just like everyone else. And so both of us were sort of like, it would just be a great way to sort of try to create change in the community, rather than just having an hour or so court session.

Henshaw was referred to the program in March, and he completed it in November, Dehghani-Tafti said. Although each case is different in terms of needed hours, sessions and tasks, Henshaw completed 23 hours and signed a contract with the victims outlining next steps for him to take to continue learning from this experience.

Saying sorry is one thing, but doing sorry is entirely another, Dehghani-Tafti said.

While Logan and Burnett said most of what was discussed in the three-hour meeting was confidential, they shared that they covered topics including their past and growing up, what they felt defined them as people, their values, and the harm done through his actions.

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Throughout the process, we sort of saw like a shift in him, Logan said. It started off as, I think, nerves, and then it was just, [it] felt like a lot of shame. I think when someone sees someone face to face, they really get a grasp of who they are and what they actually did in terms of how it affected us.

By the end of the meeting, Logan and Burnett were mentally tired and needed to decompress over a couple of days. Eventually, the couple would forgive him.

Logan said Henshaw wrote them a letter after that meeting that left them feeling as if he truly listened to what they said - and was learning from it.

Finally, she said, they felt relieved.

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Claim:

Kirkland Signature vodka sold at Costco stores is actually Grey Goose.

Rating:

Rating: False

Snopes readers asked our newsroom to look into a longstanding internet rumor that claims Kirkland-brand vodka sold at Costco stores is actually Grey Goose.

Our newsroom found evidence of this claim dating back to at least 2013 on Reddit, with similar versions having also circulated on X, TikTok and the online forum Quora in the years following.

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Grey Goose has publicly stated that this "viral claim is completely false." A statement on the company website reads:

You may have heard a rumor that the Kirkland Signature brand vodka sold at Costco is actually GREY GOOSE Vodka, just in different packaging. We can definitively put this myth to rest. This viral claim is completely false, and GREY GOOSE Vodka does not produce nor privately label Kirkland vodka. While both vodkas may use water from France's Cognac region, the origin of the wheat in the Kirkland brand is undisclosed. GREY GOOSE Vodka is only made from two ingredients: water from our own well in Gensac-la-Pallue and the finest French wheat. Every part of the production process is done in France. Furthermore, the Kirkland brand states that their product is distilled five times. GREY GOOSE Vodka is distilled only once to preserve the naturally tasteful qualities of our signature winter wheat.

The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau regulates alcohol in the U.S. According to the agency's certification registration, Kirkland Signature Vodka 80-89 proof was registered to the Levecke Corp. in Mira Loma, California, in 2012. The registration also lists California as the product's place of origin,

Four registrations are affiliated with Grey Goose, each of which lists France as an origin code. However, the plant registry is listed to Bacardi U.S.A. in Coral Gables, Florida (visible here, here, here and here).

Vice reported in 2016 that the now-defunct alcohol research group Under the Label found that Costco Kirkland Signature Vodka and Grey Goose shared a water source known as Gensac Springs in the Cognac region of France. But the group added that "while these spirits share a water source they are in no way the same spirit and the production and ingredients of the distillate are different."

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In a 2020 interview with USA Today, Grey Goose's global head of education, Joe McCanta, said, "Grey Goose Vodka does not produce nor privately label Kirkland vodka." McCanta added: "From harvest to milling to distillation to bottling, every step is done in France. Only Grey Goose uses single origin Picardy wheat and water from our natural limestone well in Gensac-la-Pallue to craft a gluten free spirit of exceptional character."

Sources:

Brown, Matthew. "Fact Check: Costco's Kirkland Signature Vodka Is Not Made by Grey Goose." USA TODAY, https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/factcheck/2020/07/28/fact-check-costcos-kirkland-signature-vodka-not-grey-goose/5515699002/. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.

"GREY GOOSE Vodka Flavors | GREY GOOSE." Grey Goose Vodka, https://www.greygoose.com/products.html. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.

Grey Goose vs Kirkland - Vodka Comparison. 27 Mar. 2017, https://web.archive.org/web/20170327083638/http://vodka.underthelabel.com/compare/140-146/Grey-Goose-vs-Kirkland.

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"How and Where Grey Goose Vodka Is Made." Grey Goose Vodka, https://www.greygoose.com/stories/vodka-essentials/vodka-made-without-compromise.html. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.

"Is Costco's Kirkland Vodka the Same as Grey Goose Vodka?" Quora, https://www.quora.com/Is-Costco-s-Kirkland-vodka-the-same-as-Grey-Goose-vodka. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.

"Is Kirkland Vodka GREY GOOSE Vodka?" Grey Goose Vodka, https://www.greygoose.com/faqs/is-kirkland-vodka-grey-goose-vodka.html. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.

"Is More Distilled Vodka Better? | GREY GOOSE." Grey Goose Vodka, https://www.greygoose.com/faqs/does-distilling-vodka-more-times-make-it-better.html. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.

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Marshall, Wyatt. "Why Costco's Vodka May Be Your Best Bet." VICE, 2 Sept. 2016, https://www.vice.com/en/article/why-costcos-vodka-may-be-your-best-bet/.

TikTok - Make Your Day. https://www.tiktok.com/@kingofdrinksuk/video/7420869454495599904. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.

https://www.ttbonline.gov/colasonline/viewColaDetails.do?action=publicDisplaySearchBasic&ttbid=12023001000620. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.

https://ttbonline.gov/colasonline/publicSearchColasBasicProcess.do?action=search. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.

https://ttbonline.gov/colasonline/viewColaDetails.do?action=publicDisplaySearchBasic&ttbid=23340001000380. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.

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https://ttbonline.gov/colasonline/viewColaDetails.do?action=publicDisplaySearchBasic&ttbid=23353001000917. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.

https://ttbonline.gov/colasonline/viewColaDetails.do?action=publicDisplaySearchBasic&ttbid=23354001000694. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.

https://ttbonline.gov/colasonline/viewColaDetails.do?action=publicDisplaySearchBasic&ttbid=24022001000501. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.


Statement: Government shutdowns in 2013 and 2018 cost our economy billions of dollars each.

As Congress headed toward a potential pre-Christmas shutdown, some lawmakers warned that closing the government would not save taxpayer money.Rep. Sara Jacobs, D-Calif., criticized a push for mass cuts in federal spending by the Department of Government Efficiency, an incoming presidential advisory committee run by entrepreneurs Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. Musk urged lawmakers to vote against a 1,500-plus-page "continuing resolution" that would keep the government open. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., had negotiated the plan with House Democrats, whose votes he needed to pass it.Ramaswamy described the bill as "full of excessive spending" and said it "should fail." President-elect Donald Trump and JD Vance, the vice president-elect, rejected the spending deal that would fund the government through mid-March."Maybe someone should tell DOGE that government shutdowns arent efficient or cost effective?" Jacobs wrote Dec. 18 on X, using the committees self-chosen abbreviation. "The 2013 and 2018 ones (again led by House Republicans) cost our economy billions of dollars each."

Maybe someone should tell DOGE that government shutdowns arent efficient or cost effective? The 2013 and 2018 ones (again led by House Republicans) cost our economy billions of dollars each.  Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (@RepSaraJacobs) December 19, 2024

In a video, Jacobs added that a government shutdown wouldnt hurt Musk and Trump, both billionaires, as it would "everyday Americans."

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Congress finally passed a bill to avert a shutdown, and President Joe Biden signed it into law Dec. 21.

However, government analyses and outside experts say Jacobs had a point that shutdowns can cost the economy, often measured in gross domestic product, billions of dollars. (Gross domestic product is the total monetary value of all goods and services a country produces.)

"Typically there is a shifting of activity across time and an overall loss of GDP in the single-digit billions," said Douglas Holtz-Eakin, president of the American Action Forum, a center-right think tank. He cautioned, however, that even a shutdown that costs billions of dollars is modest in the context of a $27 trillion-plus U.S. economy.

How much have past shutdowns cost?

Workers across the country feel a shutdowns effects. About 85% of federal workers are based outside the Washington metropolitan area.

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Shutdowns vary in scope and length, and calculating the cost of any particular shutdown is complicated. But government and private analysts have previously estimated that shutdowns hurt the economy.

"Government shutdowns decrease government spending, so these goods and services cannot be provided, directly decreasing output," the Congressional Research Service wrote in 2023.

Shutdowns primarily affect discretionary spending, which accounts for about 27% of total federal spending. Shutdowns do not generally affect mandatory spending, such as Social Security, Medicare and interest payments on the national debt.

Shutdowns also have indirect economic effects, notably federal workers reducing their own spending because they arent receiving their paychecks. Although federal workers are paid retroactively, a cash crunch at Christmastime can dampen retail sales and complicate travel.

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Steve Ellis, president of Taxpayers for Common Sense, a nonpartisan group that tracks the federal budget, told PolitiFact, "Everyone agrees that shutdowns hurt the economy and taxpayers."

He cautioned, however, that a hit in one quarter can be partially made up in a later quarter.

"The federal government is going to spend that money; the work is going to get done," Ellis said. But he added that "it wont be as efficient, so shutdowns are always a waste of money and time."

A Jacobs spokesperson noted several data points, including a Congressional Budget Office estimate that the five-week partial government shutdown in 2018-19 reduced economic output by $11 billion during the next two quarters, including $3 billion that the U.S. economy never regained.

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Jacobs office also cited a government report that said the cost of pay for furloughed workers was $2 billion. Moodys Analytics said the 16-day full-government shutdown in October 2013 reduced U.S. GDP growth by $20 billion.

Another examination of the 2013 shutdown, by the White Houses Office of Management and Budget, found:

120,000 fewer private-sector jobs created in Octobers first half.

$500 million in visitor spending lost because of closed national parks.

Interest accrued on billions of dollars owed to third parties that the government couldnt pay during the shutdown.

Resources spent on putting activities on standby or maintaining them in an idle mode.

1.2 million Internal Revenue Service identity verification requests that couldnt be processed, delaying private-sector lending and other activities.

Stalled approvals from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that delayed sending products to market.

In 2013, Moodys Analytics chief economist Mark Zandi said the shutdown stunted fourth-quarter GDP growth by 0.5 percentage points, resulting in a $20 billion hit to the economy. Standard & Poor's found a similar lost amount.

When Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., said in 2014, "It cost us more to shut the government down than to keep it open," we rated his statement True. With Republicans poised to control Congress, Paul has a different take, expressing support for Musk and criticizing Johnson.

Our ruling

Jacobs said government shutdowns in 2013 and 2018 "cost our economy billions of dollars each."

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Independent estimates by government offices and private-sector economic analysts concluded that the 2013 full government shutdown and the 2018-19 partial shutdown cost the U.S. multiple billions of dollars.

We rate this statement True.

Our sources

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Government shutdowns cost the U.S. economy billions | PolitiFact
By Hyunjoo Jin

SEOUL (Reuters) - The crash of Jeju Air flight 7C2216 on Sunday marks the deadliest ever on South Korean soil and the worst involving a South Korean airline since a 1997 Korean Air Lines crash in Guam that killed more than 200.

The crash of the Boeing 737-800 at Muan International Airport is the first fatal accident involving the country's biggest budget airline, which was founded in 2005. Jeju Air ranks only behind Korean Air Lines and Asiana Airlines in terms of the number of passengers in South Korea.

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The previous most deadly air accident in South Korea was in 2002, when a Boeing 767-200 operated by Air China crashed into a hill near South Korea's southeastern port city of Busan, killing 129 people and injuring 37.

Here are some of the other major plane crashes in South Korea or involving South Korean airlines:

- In September, 1983, Korea Airlines Flight 007 was shot down by a Soviet jet when it strayed into Soviet airspace over Sakhalin island, killing all 269 people on board.

- In July 1993, a Boeing 737-500 operated by Asiana Airline landed several kilometres (miles) short of the runway at South Korea's Mokpo airport in poor weather. More than 60 people died.

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- In August 1997, Korean Air flight 801, a Boeing 747-3B5B (747-300) operated by Korean Air, ploughed into a hill near Guam's international airport, killing 228 out of 254 persons on board.

- In July 2011, an Asiana Boeing 747-400 cargo aircraft crashed in the sea off South Korea's Jeju Island. This was later determined to have been caused by a fire in the cargo hold. Both pilots were killed.

- In July 2013, Asiana Airlines flight 214 crashed at the San Francisco airport when the Boeing 777 jetliner's tail struck a seawall short of the runway, sending the aircraft into a spin, leading to the deaths of three teenage passengers from China and injuries to more than 180 passengers out of about 300 people on board.

(Reporting by Hyunjoo Jin; Editing by William Mallard and Raju Gopalakrishnan)
Jimmy Carter referenced Jesus in an interview with Playboy magazine and it cost the Democratic presidential nominee more than he could fathom in the moment.

Ive committed adultery in my heart many times, Carter said, a quote that Playboy published weeks before the 1976 general election.

The article included other remarks related to Carters faith  such as the importance of the separation of church and state, a conviction born of Carters Southern Baptist upbringing  but the adultery comment opened a rift with Carters kin in Christ.

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I am quite disillusioned, the Rev. Jerry Falwell told The Washington Post, according to the book, Redeemer: The Life of Jimmy Carter by Randall Balmer. Falwell, among other notable preachers, criticized Carter's interview with Playboy as an example of voicing impure thoughts.

Four months ago, the majority of the people I knew were pro-Carter, added Falwell in the Washington Post. Today, that has totally reversed.

That divide only widened after Carters election that November and it fueled a fearsome counterattack to the presidents progressive evangelicalism, even though the two sides shared certain core beliefs. That opposition, called the Religious Right, was instrumental in denying Carter a second term.

Carter was one of the most explicitly religious presidents in modern U.S. history. But his rise in politics from Georgia to the White House came during a transformative era in American Christianity. The rise of the Religious Right limited the influence of progressive evangelicalism in national politics, setting the stage for decades of cultural battles over issues such as abortion and same-sex marriage.

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Still, it didn't deter Carter from pursuing his progressive Christian ideals after he left the White House through teaching, funding initiatives abroad for health care and conflict resolution, and starting a coalition for Black and white Baptists.

Carter died Sunday at age 100 and as the nation reflects on his legacy and specifically that of his religion, the religious movement and countermovement his presidency catalyzed is of equal importance to his lived faith.

Maranatha Baptist Church deacon Zac Steele saw it up close during the many years Carter attended the Plains, Georgia church and where he famously taught Sunday School.

He paid attention to people, Steele said. "If people think it was a theatrical show for many years for him to just use the church as a platform to speak, that is absolutely false.

Years of the (progressive) evangelical

Former President Jimmy Carter leads the congregation in prayer after teaching Sunday School at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Ga. on Sept. 29, 2002.

The son of a church deacon who taught Sunday school and was baptized at 11, Carter experienced a religious reawakening in 1967 that became the basis for his social and political ethic.

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Following his 1966 defeat in Georgias gubernatorial election, Carter came to realize my relationship with God was a very superficial one, Carter said, according to Redeemer.

He went on eye-opening mission trips to Massachusetts and Pennsylvania and continued to study theologians like Paul Tillich and Reinhold Niebuhr.

It was clear that he knew his Bible and he read his Bible very seriously and consistently, said Balmer, author of Redeemer and a Dartmouth College historian. I think that shaped him in many ways personally but also politically throughout his career.

His governorship, following his election in 1970, showed support for prison reform and equal rights for women, and concern about poverty and educational equity, the environment, and the Vietnam War. Though Carter courted segregationists during his gubernatorial campaign, he promoted a message of racial reconciliation in office.

Jimmy Carter teaches Sunday School at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Ga., on Father's Day in 2017. Jimmycartersundayschool

Meanwhile, the same issues animated some evangelical leaders to organize.

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Fifty-three Christian leaders signed the Chicago Declaration of Evangelical Social Concern of 1973. Signatories included burgeoning progressive voices, like Sojourners founder Jim Wallis, and leaders from Carters own denomination, the Southern Baptist Convention.

The 1970s was a high moment in the history of progressive evangelicalism, Balmer said in an interview.

Carter was unaware of the Chicago Declaration at the time, but he professed the same platform when he ran for president in 1976. That, plus his unabashed embrace of the label, born-again Christian, helped him win primary elections in states with large evangelical populations, according to Redeemer.

Famously, Time magazine called 1976, The Year of the Evangelical.

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Carters Playboy interview was a turning point, but not enough to cost him the presidency in November. Once in office, Carters attendance at Sunday services at First Baptist Church in Washington and at the National Prayer Breakfast impressed Christian leaders who felt the presidents faith commitment was authentic.

A truck passes the grounds of Maranatha Baptist Church, where former US President Jimmy Carter attends church, in Plains, Georgia, on February 21, 2023. - Jimmy Carter, the 98-year-old former US president who led the nation from 1977 to 1981, is receiving hospice care at home, where he will spend his "remaining time," his nonprofit foundation said on February 18, 2023. (Photo by Brendan Smialowski / AFP) (Photo by BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images)

Some of those Christian leaders, such as the Rev. Billy Graham, also favored Carter for brokering the Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel, and for participating in the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks with the Soviet Union.

But Carters problem-solving abroad was unable to quell evangelical defection at home.

Fellow Christians, unwavering adversaries

The Religious Right, though an agent that helped deny Carter a second term, began stirring to life before he took office.

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It started with a battle over the tax-exempt status of Christian schools that refused admission to Black students, creating evangelical consternation about religious liberty protections, according to Balmer and Anthea Butler, professor of religious studies at the University of Pennsylvania.

Conservative political strategists like Paul Weyrich tapped into and grew that evangelical fervor with issues like abortion, same-sex marriage, the Equal Rights Amendment and school prayer.

On those issues, Carter "was espousing values that they did not want, said Butler, author of White Evangelical Racism: The Politics of Morality in America. So how could he be the same kind of Christian that they were?

Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia has long been the home church for former President Jimmy Carter. Carter led a weekly Sunday School class until his health declined.

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Like the Religious Right, Carter personally disagreed with abortion and same-sex marriage. But the two sides were at an impasse when conservatives supported legislation Carter felt infringed on the separation of church and state, such as a proposed constitutional amendment banning abortion and a legislative attempt to restore prayer in public schools.

He was trying to get them back and he cant get them back, Butler said.

In 1979, Falwell formed the Moral Majority, while Southern Baptist Convention voting delegates elected the first leaders in the Conservative Resurgence, a movement that pulled the denomination further to the right. The effects of those inaugural victories started to show almost immediately.

SBC leaders gathered in secret with Graham and other prominent Christians in Dallas in early 1980, where the group prayed and determined it wouldnt back Carter in the upcoming presidential election.

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He wasnt the same kind of culture warrior that they were, Butler said.

Ronald Reagan, however, was and Reagans eventual alliance with the Religious Right and its media empire paid off. The Republican nominee received an estimated 56% of the evangelical vote that November.

A bad marriage officially ends

Carters divide with his Southern Baptist tribe was irreversible by the time he left office.

But it didnt hinder him from practicing his faith where he knew best: a Southern Baptist church.

I sometimes characterize Carters relationship with the SBC as a bad marriage, Balmer said. Theyve gone through various trials and separations and have tried to reconcile. Then they go again into a separation.

PLAINS, GEORGIA - FEBRUARY 21:The Maranatha Baptist Church, where former U.S. President Jimmy Carter attended church and taught Sunday school classes for decades, is shown in the hometown of the former president February 21, 2023 in Plains, Georgia. The Carter Center recently announced that the 98-year-old former president would receive home hospice care after a series of recent illnesses. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

The Carters returned home to Georgia in 1981 and joined Maranatha Baptist, a congregation that splintered off from Plains Baptist Church, where Carter grew up attending, following a vote at Plains Baptist to prohibit Black members.

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Carter began teaching weekly a Sunday school class at Maranatha. At one point, he decreased his teaching to once a month. Then, church members asked him to do it more often.

"There was such a demand for it that the church pleaded with him to do it twice a month, to see more visitors," Steele said. "And then of course, it was good for tourism, too, with a very small town of a population of 800 to 900 people."

Carter encouraged everyone who attended the Sunday school class to attend the church service that followed. Steele said in addition to their sincere interest in Sunday school attendees, both Carters also exhibited patience, staying after church to take pictures with visitors, sometimes for more than an hour.

"Obviously, it's a big tourist attraction," Steele said. "On any given Sunday, we might have in excess of 500 people show up. There's been some days where if you weren't in the parking lot by Saturday, there was a pretty good chance you weren't going to get a seat on Sunday morning for Sunday school."

Steele said Carter used his platform to reach people. He had a genuine interest in participants' spiritual growth and showed it by the way he interacted with them.

"His entire goal in that is to engage you and he always finished up with a challenge to you," Steele said.

Though Carter continued teaching Sunday school at Maranatha for four decades, he stayed with the denomination for about half of that time.

Carter announced in 2000 he was formally severing ties with the SBC, citing exclusionary policies and an increasingly rigid SBC creed, he said in a letter in 2000.

To Butler, Carters break with the SBC doesnt exhibit forward-thinking but in fact points to Carters overdue acceptance of the SBCs racial status quo.

It means the racial politics of the SBC didnt bother him the same way, Butler said. Just five years before his departure did the convention finally formally apologize for its history of defending slavery.

A new union, near the end

Carter's departure from the SBC didnt mean he abandoned Southern Baptists and, in fact, the two crossed paths just a few years later for a momentous gathering of the New Baptist Covenant.

Carter teamed up with Mercer University President Bill Underwood starting in 2006 to bring together Baptists of different races and ethnicities, regions, backgrounds, and theological perspectives to form an informal alliance. It was the groups second annual meeting in Atlanta in 2007 that everyone still talks about.

It was one of the greatest meetings that I've ever attended  remarkable," said the Rev. Mitch Randall, CEO of Good Faith Media. It was President Carter's life-long dream to put Baptists together who had been divided.

More than 15,000 people reportedly attended the 2007 event representing 30 Baptist organizations, including historically Black Baptist denominations, moderate Baptist alliances and, perhaps most notably, the SBC.

"You couldn't have had that line up of people without Carter," said the Rev. Johnny Pierce, There was a lot of high energy. It was the first time they all got together and said, 'we're going to cross convention lines, affiliation lines."

Jimmy Carter teaches Sunday School at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Ga., on Father's Day in 2017.

In one of its most significant achievements, the 2007 assembly inspired participants to organize similar gatherings in their respective regions for more local churches to implement the vision of Baptist unity and Christian goodwill.

In subsequent years, New Baptist Covenant regional conferences emerged throughout the country to empower Baptist churches to collaborate on key projects focused on racial reconciliation. For example, churches in Macon, Georgia, and Dallas, Texas, reached across the barrier of racial division to begin conversations aimed at collective healing.

"It inspired these churches to look deep into their past," Randall said, an important acknowledgement of some of the roadblocks that had kept them divided for decades.

The work of New Baptist Covenant stalled in recent years due to the pandemic but also from heightened tension following debate over racial injustice, according to Randall and New Baptist Covenant executive director Aidsand Wright-Riggins in an article in Baptist News Global. Around the same time the New Baptist Covenant movement underwent transition, so did its co-founder.

In November 2019, Carter led his last Sunday school class at Maranatha. Though none of us at the church knew that, said Steele, the Maranatha deacon.

The former president became ill shortly after the pandemic began, bringing his tenure as a Sunday school teacher to a close, though he continued to worship at Maranatha on Sundays.

Carters last Sunday school lesson focused on the "age-old question" of knowing where one's soul would spend eternity, Steele said.

"Looking back now, how fitting was that?"

This story has been updated to correct the name of Mercer University's president.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Jimmy Carter's faith: A born-again Christian, progressive evangelical
The wife of the fallen Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad will not be able to return to Britain, where she was born and raised, for cancer treatment, according to a report.

The UK government said it would not permit Asma al-Assad entry if she was to attempt it, after her father told the Daily Beast she wanted to return to the UK because her condition cannot be adequately monitored in Russia, where she is now living.

Additionally, The Daily Telegraph of London reported Thursday that she was in a 50-50 fight with leukemia. She had been announced to have been diagnosed in May.

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Assad is currently in Moscow after she and her family were granted asylum by Russia after the fall of her husband, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who was overthrown by rebels in early December. She had already been in the Russian capital while her husband secretly flew out of his country on a plane provided by Vladimir Putin as rebels reached the outskirts of the Syrian capital, Damascus.

On Sunday The Daily Mail reported that Asma, who holds both British and Syrian citizenship, no longer has UK travel documents after her passport expired in 2020.

UK Foreign Secretary said last week that Assad is a sanctioned individual and is not welcome here in the UK, despite her citizenship, according to The Guardian.

Asma al-Assad drew condemnation for standing by her husband as he waged a brutal war against his own citizens. / LOUAI BESHARA / AFP via Getty Images

Assad, who was once expected to encourage openness and freedom in Syria, drew condemnation for standing by her husband while he bombed, gassed, and tortured his own citizens during the countrys civil war.

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To assist her battle with cancer, her father left Britain, where he had a long and distinguished medical career, to be at her bedside in Russia.

In a statement to the Daily Beast last week, he denied that Asma wanted to divorce her husband and then return to the UK.

Rather, she wanted to return to London, he explained, because her health condition cannot be adequately monitored in Moscowalthough he added, She is receiving the best treatment possible.

Bashar al-Assad had fought a brutal civil war against various rebel factions who opposed his authoritarian regime for almost 14 years before his enemies breached Damascus earlier this month, ending his reign.
PARK FOREST, Ill.  A family friend, who did not wish to be identified, spoke with WGN News Saturday afternoon regarding a deadly shooting inside a Park Forest home that left a mother and her daughter dead.

A vibrant person, had a very good soul, was very funny, the life of the party, always cracking jokes, the family friend said.

She reminisced on the memory of 51-year-old Lillian Brown and her daughter, 30-year-old Sabrina McCain.

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She was a great mom. She had plans to move back to Washington and start her life back over out there and she was doing good in Chicago, she said.

Two women shot and killed inside south suburban home

Sabrina, affectionately known as Bri, leaves behind a 9-year-old son and a 2-year-old daughter.

She made sure her daughter was well taken care of. She made sure her son was well taken care of. For her daughter to be two, she is very intelligent. She talks real words at the age of two. Her son is very smart. He acts just like her, literally her spitting image. Shes an amazing mom for sure, the family friend said.

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According to the family friend, Lillian and Bri came from a big, close-knit family that is feeling their absence.

I just want them to remember them in general, like them just being them. If you knew them, then you know the type the person that they is. I just dont want anyone to banish their image due to what happened, the family friend said.

At around 6 p.m. Thursday, officers responded to Lillian and Bris Park Forest home located in the 300 block of Miami Street. When officers arrived, they found the two unresponsive, along with two unharmed children.

Police said this was an isolated incident and that the person responsible was known to the women, but would not elaborate.

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Authorities seek public assistance to solve deadly mass shooting on Chicagos Southwest Side; $20k reward offered

I would like for the police to do a little more because they know his namehow old he is, the disabilities that he has. They know exactly how he look and they did not release his name and his picture was not broadcasted. For it to be a double homicide, you show the picture and the name should have been on the news, and it was not and it was very frustrating, the family friend said.

For now, close family and friends said theyre holding on to recent memories, which they said includes gathering for Christmas.

She was just your go-to aunty, the best one growing up, the house that you always go to have the most fun, the family friend said.

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No arrests have been made.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Park Forest Police Department at 708-748-4700.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A young father was arrested after police say he abducted his two children from Olympia, driving them south before being caught in Portland Saturday afternoon.

Washington State Patrol originally issued an Amber Alert after the two children, aged 1 and 3, were abducted during a supervised visit with their father, 24-year-old Andrew Womack-Eady.

Olympia Police said Womack-Eady was seen driving a stolen Ford Crown Vic.

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Sexual misconduct charge against Vancouver teacher dropped due to statute of limitations

Just after 2:30 p.m. Saturday, police said he was possibly spotted in the Portland/Vancouver metro area.

By 3:15 p.m., Portland police say they found the Crown Vic parked near Northwest 23rd Avenue and Northwest Thurman Street.

Soon after, they arrested Womack-Eady and both children were found safe.

Womack-Eady also faces felony warrants out of Washington state, according to Portland police.

No further information has been released at this time.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
Firefighters in the city of Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast have come under a repeat Russian attack while attempting to extinguish a fire.

Source: Ukraine's State Emergency Service (SES)

Details: The SES reports that Russian forces targeted a residential sector in the city on 28 December, hitting a house.

The attack resulted in a fire.

Firefighters were able to confine the flames, however operations had to be halted due to repeat Russian bombing and a threat to SES personnel's life.

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Firefighters are rescuing more cats than ever before, official data show.

Analysis shows that London Fire Brigade (LFB) crews spent more than half a million pounds rescuing animals in 2024.

More than 76,600 minutes, the equivalent of 53 days, of this year was spent by the capitals firefighters assisting with animal incidents totalling a cost of 536,224, The Telegraph has found.

A total of 716 cat-related events were attended by the LFB between Jan 1 2024 and Oct 31 2024, the most recent data available, which is already more than in any other previous year.

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The amount of cats needing to be saved in London has more than doubled since 2020, while the cost to the taxpayer has almost tripled.

The surge in animal-based activities for firefighters comes after a spike in pet ownership brought on by the Covid pandemic and lockdowns.

Almost two-thirds of animal rescue incidents in 2024 have been for cats - Victoria Jones

A shift to working from home and people spending more time indoors has led to higher cat ownership in recent years with 10.6 million cats now in the UK, with 1.5 million of them in London, according to Cats Protection. This is 400,000 more than in 2020.

The most expensive cat rescue of the year was in September when a black moggie called Flint became stuck between two walls in Brixton. Flint had spent ten hours miaowing for help while trapped in a five-inch-wide gap when firefighters were called to the scene.

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Firefighters then spent six hours rescuing the animal by making holes in the wall. The cat recovered at the RSPCAs animal hospital in Finsbury Park.

Hes a sweet, timid boy who loves a head stroke and lots of TLC, said Chrissy Ellis at the hospital.

Almost two-thirds of animal rescue incidents in 2024 have been for cats, data show, a record-high proportion. Normally only around half of the animal rescues are felines.

Other cat-based rescues include cats stuck in chimneys, inside walls, in armchairs, under cars, inside cars, on roofs and 87 cats stuck in trees which cost the LFB more than 41,000 alone.

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Daniel Warren-Cummings, a behaviourist at Cats Protection, told The Telegraph: Firefighters do an incredible job of keeping us all safe, and its great to see them helping peoples much-loved pets when theyre able to do so.

Cats are built for climbing up and not climbing down, which is why they can get stuck.

However, the most arduous animal rescue of 2024 happened when a fox became stranded at the end of a pier in the River Thames at Greenwich after the tide came in.

Two fire engines and a specialist fire rescue unit attended the scene to save the animal via the water. The attending station, Plumstead, turned the call into a training exercise, according to the Fox Project, which was also at the scene.

Trevor Williams, founder of the Fox Project, told The Telegraph: They decided this would be a training exercise and it took something like four hours, by which time the tide had gone out.

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The fox didnt need saving, as it turned out. Theyd been working on a certain approach for hours and while they were doing this the tide had gone out and the fox, who had been watching everything going on, just plopped down off the pier and trotted off across the mud.

So, no rescue took place at all, and it was a huge waste of time on a number of peoples parts, and everybody was blaming everybody else.

The rescue took up 384 minutes of LFB time, which the brigade calculates as a cost of 2,483.

A spokesman for the London Fire Brigade said: Firefighters love animals and we are ready, willing and able to assist distressed or injured animals if needed.

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A lot of the animal rescue incidents we attend are large animals in serious distress such as horses stuck in muddy ditches or animals who have got themselves into water  animals which could die if we didnt attend.

The last thing we want is for people to put themselves at risk rescuing an animal themselves  but we do encourage people to call the RSPCA in the first instance and we will assist if our specialist equipment is required.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Cassandra Hernandez began attending the Cartwright Elementary School District 83 school board meetings when she was a kid alongside her mom, former Cartwright school board member and recently-elected Arizona state Rep. Lydia Hernandez.

Then 6-year-old Hernandez would attend these sessions not fully comprehending what would transpire, but she rarely missed one, she said.

On November 5, approximately 13 years later, at 19, Hernandez cast her ballot as a first-time voter while other registered voters cast their ballot for her to serve a four-year term on the Cartwright Elementary School District 83 school board, where over 80% of students identify as Latino.

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She'll begin her four-year term on Jan. 1.

A kid from Maryvale

Coming from an immigrant father and south Texas farm worker turned current state legislator mother, Hernandez said she was born and raised in the west Phoenix neighborhood of Maryvale where she attended the Justine Spitalny STEAM School and the Glenn L. Downs Social Sciences Academy, both in the Cartwright Elementary school district.

Located in west Phoenix, Maryvale Village is home to 221,353 people who, according to U.S. Census data, identify as Hispanic and make up over 70% of the population. At least six school districts call the West Valley neighborhood home.

Cartwright Elementary School District 83 is a West Valley school district that serves 14,000 students, 83% of whom identify as Hispanic or Latino, according to the district website and the National Center for Education Statistics.

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According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the majority, a little over 40%, of Cartwright district parents did not graduate from high school; 37.9% graduated from high school; 18.2% had some college or associate's degree; and only 3.2% obtained a Bachelor's degree or higher.

These statistics, and Hernandez's successful journey in beating odds, inspired her to run for the school board.

"I've been beating the odds man. I really have," Hernandez said.

She started losing friends to suicide, drug abuse and gun violence at the early age of 12.

By freshman year of high school, Hernandez said she understood the impact adequate schooling could have on her future. Becoming a mother at 16 only cemented that, deciding to move from Maryvale High School to the Linda Abril Education Academy in the Phoenix Union High School District.

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She credits her son and her mother for her journey into community service.

Like mother, like daughter

When Hernandez was in sixth grade, she said she remembers a lot of her friends would come to her and tell her about issues they had going on at home.

They vented to her about their issues without knowledge of who her mom was.

"My mom would know what to do," Hernandez said was the thought that would come to her mind as she listened to her friends.

Her mom faced her fair share of struggles, raising three kids and fighting for her husband's immigration case, but Hernandez admires that she always found a way to give back.

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"My whole life she's been giving back to this community," Hernandez said.

She was always involved in helping her mom from a very young age, canvassing on her behalf every time an election came around.

This year, as she campaigned in support of her mom's state legislature bid, she realized she wanted to run for the school board where she grew up.

She sat down with the soon-to-be-elected representative and told her about her aspirations, all of which came to her after speaking with Maryvale constituents. The experience of speaking with voters triggered an emotional response, she said.

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With her mom's community service legacy, Hernandez said she is often asked if she will follow in those same footsteps. During her interview with The Arizona Republic, she didn't comment on this but agreed that much of her guidance on the school board will come from her mom.

A 19-year-old's platform

During the election cycle, Hernandez responded to a questionnaire from The Arizona Republic that asked school board candidates what issues they prioritized. In her response, Hernandez wrote that youth her age were dealing with a lack of education and opportunity.

In an interview with The Republic, Hernandez did not specify how she would address this but said she planned on stepping into her role ready to learn what's being done and what can be changed.

Asked about how she would address the fears the Latino and immigrant communities face regarding the passage of Proposition 314, Hernandez said she acknowledged the harsh realities of many Maryvale students. Her father, an immigrant from Mexico, struggled for years with his immigration case.

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However, she said she supported having law enforcement in schools but did not clarify in what capacity. Currently, the Cartwright district has school resource officers on campuses.

The main provision of Proposition 314  making illegal crossing of the international border a state crime  has not taken effect. That part of the measure, the Secure the Border Act, was highlighted by critics as potentially disastrous to the immigrant and Latino communities because of feared civil rights abuses.

The provision relies on a court determination that Texas' Senate Bill 4, or another law similar to Proposition 314, gets upheld by the courts. The Texas law, challenged by the U.S. Justice Department under President Joe Biden's administration, has been stuck in the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

"When you see a cop, what do you think? Me, growing up, I was scared," Hernandez said. However, she said the point of having law enforcement in schools is to make sure "we have a backbone to rely on. If something goes haywire, who's to say? You don't know what can happen, so law enforcement should be instilled in schools."

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Hernandez also said she was against the current four-day school week adopted by the district during the pandemic.

Hugo Rodriguez, the Cartwright Elementary School District 83 spokesperson, told The Republic in a 2023 interview that the schedule was favored by parents and, at the time, it improved attendance by 93%. The schedule change also made the district more appealing to teachers, he said.

Hernandez, however, noted how heavily this impacts students facing excruciating circumstances, leaving them with few safe places to go after school. The schedule, she said, also makes her feel like education is less of a priority.

With no prior experience in public office, but with every bit of motivation from her mother, Hernandez acknowledged her age and compared this experience to starting school. "There's going to be a lot of learning," she told herself.

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"I want to be able to be an inspiration because I am so young," Hernandez said.

Hernandez celebrated her 20th birthday on Dec. 6, about a month after winning her election bid. She celebrated it by obtaining her Certificate of Election as a governing board member from the Maricopa County School Superintendent's Office.

On a post on Instagram, she wrote "... the hard work is done but it has just begun! What an honor."

Reach La Voz reporter David Ulloa Jr. at david.ulloa@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Maryvale born and raised young mom to join her school district's board
Dec. 28The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has once again declined to list the Rio Grande cutthroat trout as an endangered species, disappointing a conservation group that has been pushing for years for extra protection for one of New Mexico's most iconic fish.

The trout subspecies and New Mexico state fish is threatened by nonnative trout species and habitat loss. However, the federal agency in early December pointed to successful conservation measures and determined the subspecies does not qualify as endangered, despite occupying just a fraction of its historical range.

"The Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout Conservation Team consists of state agencies in New Mexico and Colorado, as well as Federal agencies, Tribes, and nongovernmental organizations," according to a Fish and Wildlife Service press release. "The Conservation Team has reduced or eliminated threats caused by nonnative species, habitat loss, disease and overharvest. In the past ten years, the Conservation Team has conducted 13 population restorations by removing nonnative trout and reintroducing Rio Grande cutthroat trout."

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The fish inhabit high-elevation headwater streams and lakes in New Mexico and southern Colorado, with important populations in the cool mountain streams of the Santa Fe National Forest. The species was first considered as a potential endangered or threatened species in 1998 in response to a petition from the Southwest Center for Biological Diversity. Initially, the service found there was insufficient evidence to consider listing the species. A lawsuit filed by the center in 1999 and new information about whirling disease  a parasitic disease that can cause deformities in fish  caused the department to reevaluate its finding after settling the suit in 2001.

The release of nonnative trout for fishing purposes decimated Rio Grande cutthroat trout and other native trout subspecies, said Noah Greenwald, endangered species director at the Center for Biological Diversity. But in recent years the subspecies has faced additional risks.

"They've lost most of where they used to occur, most of their habitat," Greenwald said. "And, they've lost for the most part the bigger connecting streams as well. So they've been restricted to these ... tiny, tiny headwater drainages that in many if not most cases, you could literally step over them."

That can become a problem in the case of wildfire, illustrated by the 2022 Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fire. Ashes in the water can be toxic for fish and flooding can also damage populations. Following the fire, close to 600 fish were rescued from streams in three drainages within the burn scar. No surviving cutthroats were found in Rio Mora.

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"It can wipe populations out when there's fire. ... The only thing you can do is to grab fish and then hopefully bring them back," Greenwald said. "Historically, there would have been fires, too. This gets at why they're so vulnerable is, you would have had this whole interconnected system of larger rivers with tributaries, larger streams with tributaries. So if there was a fire in one part of the watershed, or even in adjacent watersheds, the fish would get wiped out [but] they would come back."

"Now," he added, "because it's all dominated by non-natives in the connecting streams, if that happens, then there's no chance for the fish to come back. So they're not really self-sustaining and that population isolation makes the species really vulnerable to extinction."

In 2008, the subspecies became a "candidate species" after the service found there was evidence to list the trout species, but other species took precedence at the time. In 2014, however, Fish and Wildlife changed course after conducting a species status assessment and determining the trout did not require listing.

That decision was challenged again and in 2019, a federal judge ordered the decision be reevaluated.

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The Center for Biological Diversity is still considering whether to challenge the rejection of its petition.

"I wish it was higher priority ... to try and fix that problem and make sure we don't lose the whole native fish assemblage," Greenwald said. "The Rio Grande cutthroat is in some ways a good symbol of that because it is so beautiful and people really love trout. It's sad to think about losing some of that."
In 2024, people-to-people exchanges between China and the United States have proceeded with many bright spots. A clear message was conveyed: people on both sides have strong aspirations for deepening friendship.

For China and the United States, two vastly different countries, in-person exchange plays a key role in dispelling misconceptions and deepening mutual understanding. It's a key force in steering one of the world's most important bilateral relations on the right track.

2024 marks a fruitful year for Sino-U.S. in-person exchanges. Representatives from the Chinese and U.S. tourism industry gathered in China's Xi'an in May, calling for efforts to seek more potential and remove barriers to facilitate cooperation. At the U.S.-China Sister Cities Summit held in the U.S. in July, participants agreed that sister-city relationships allow the two countries to build bridges of friendship and cooperation that transcend borders.

Once people from China and America engage in direct contact, they will realize that their similarities outweigh the differences.

2024 also witnessed the tours of China's giant pandas to the U.S. and U.S. artists to China. These activities allow Chinese and American people to share and appreciate each other's happiness and joyfulness. Nearly 15,000 American young people have visited China this year since China pledged to invite 50,000 young Americans to visit in the five years starting 2024. For many of them, it was their first time visiting China. Many other exchanges and activities also took place.

For China-U.S. relations, the hope lies in the people and the foundation rests with the people. In December, China introduced more convenience measures to encourage increased interaction between the two peoples, including significant improvements in visa policies on travel to China.

Although progress has been made, uncertainty and headwinds from the U.S. side still exist. Over recent years, the tough-on-China rhetoric has distorted America's conception of China, negatively affecting the healthy development of bilateral relations.

One byproduct of this scenario is that the pro-China forces in the United States seemed to have been isolated. This puts pressure on those who want to promote Sino-U.S. in-person exchanges, and normal communications and exchanges between the two countries have been substantially restricted.

Efforts to promote people-to-people exchanges and improve bilateral ties must come from both sides, as the two countries have huge room for cooperation in student exchange and tourism.

By witnessing and feeling firsthand, people can dismantle ideological barriers. The 2,500-year-old Confucian proverb says, "It is such a delight to have friends coming from afar." China has welcomed and will always welcome Americans with its doors wide open.

China's desire to carry forward the traditional friendship between the Chinese and American peoples remains unchanged. It is hoped that the U.S. side will meet China halfway in people-to-people exchanges and remove as many existing barriers as possible.

As U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has put it: China and the United States can together solve all of the problems of the world. He did not shy away from the huge potential in terms of cooperation between the two countries.

The incoming U.S. administration is hoped to make the right choices and work with China to facilitate people-to-people exchanges so that the long-standing friendship between their peoples could generate greater gains for both sides.

A stable, sound and sustainable Sino-U.S. relationship always serves the two countries' shared interests, and people's call for friendship should be answered seriously and sincerely.
INVERNESS, Fla. (WFLA)  A Florida man was arrested on multiple charges Saturday after reportedly leading a trooper on a chase, and at one point, pointing what appeared to be a gun at a patrol vehicle.

The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) trooper first spotted the suspects vehicle around 12:23 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 28 near the intersection of Independence Highway and East Dawson Drive in Inverness.

At least 15 people injured after Brightline train hits fire truck in Florida

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At the time, the 2014 silver Chevrolet Impala was traveling 83 miles per hour in a 45 mile per hour zone, officials said. The trooper also reported seeing the vehicle driving recklessly and leaving the roadway multiple times.

Authorities said the driver, later identified by his Florida drivers license as Brian Lee Mcintyre, slowed to about 5 to 6 miles per hour after the trooper activated his emergency lights, but did not pull over.

It was during that time that the trooper noticed Mcintyre reaching toward his waist area and fumbling with objects in his hands, the FHP said.

The trooper then reported seeing a dark metallic object which appeared to be consistent to the barrel of a handgun pointed out Mcintyres window.

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Based on the defendants actions during the attempted traffic stop and observing what I believed to be a firearm pointed towards my direction, I developed a reasonable fear that the defendant may have intended to harm me, the trooper wrote in a report.

18-year-old shoots, hospitalizes off-duty ATF agent at Riverview bowling alley, HCSO says

The trooper forced Mcintyres vehicle onto the east shoulder of Independence Highway, but once off the roadway, authorities said Mcintyre accelerated rapidly and began traveling north.

Eventually the trooper was able to use a PIT maneuver to stop the vehicle near the intersection of Independence Highway and West Monroe Street.

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After being detained, Mcintyre reportedly told authorities he tried to flee because he was worried about being caught with an open bottle of alcohol. He also claimed that the trooper had mistaken the bottle for a gun.

(Credit: Florida Highway Patrol)

However, during a search of his vehicle, officials said they found the bottle of alcohol in the rear trunk, which was not accessible from inside the car. Also in the trunk was a grinder containing a small amount of marijuana, according to the FHP.

A black metallic Taurus 9mm handgun with two magazines was found in an unbuttoned case under the drivers seat, troopers said.

Mcintyre was arrested and booked into the Citrus County Detention Facility on the following charges:

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One count of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer  No bond

One count of fleeing/eluding  $2,500 bond

One count of resisting without violence  $500 bond

One count of possession of drug paraphernalia  $500 bond

One count of driving with knowingly suspended license  $250 bond

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
A Florida man has been charged with attempted murder after he allegedly tried to kill his wife on Christmas Day due to "financial and health issues," authorities said.

Jonathan McPhee allegedly bludgeoned his wife Aileen McPhee in the head with a sledgehammer while she slept in their home on Dec. 25, according to a criminal complaint obtained by PEOPLE.

Jonathan, 78, then called 911 and told the dispatcher, per the legal document, I clubbed her, and Im going to try to stab myself in the heart.

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Police said Jonathan then sent a text to his wifes daughter, stating that he killed her and was going to kill himself because of financial and health issues," the complaint said.

He also detailed how to handle funeral arrangements and life insurance, according to authorities.

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Getty Police car lights (stock image). Police car lights (stock image).

Related: Husband Accused of Beating Wife to Death with Hammer After She Filed for Divorce

When police arrived at the scene, Jonathan was discovered outside the house with a self-inflicted knife wound. Aileen, meanwhile, was found by authorities inside the home "with severe injuries to her head." The sledgehammer that was used to attack her was "located in the bed," the criminal complaint said.

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Both Jonathan and Aileen were later hospitalized at Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital. While being attended to at the medical facility, police said that Jonathan stated, "Just let me die. I killed my wife."

Jonathan was arrested later that morning and charged with attempted murder in the first degree, according to jail records.

He currently remains in custody as of Sunday, Dec. 29. It is not immediately clear if Jonathan has legal representation to comment on his behalf.

Speaking with CBS affiliate WTSP, family friend John McCann said of Jonathan: "He is a person who has been very depressed and must have undergone an immense amount of pain to cause some sort of psychotic breakdown that would cause him to attack."



Read the original article on People
President Jimmy Carter died today at age 100 at home in Plains, Georgia surrounded by his family.

My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love, Chip Carter, son of Jimmy and Rosalynn, said in a statement released by The Carter Center.

He continued, My brothers, sister, and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs. The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honoring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs.

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Carter turned 100 on October 1, 2024, making history once again as the longest living U.S. President ever. A few weeks ahead of this momentous day, several generations of the Carter family joined many celebrity pals and favorite musicians of President Carter in a musical celebration at Atlanta's Fox Theatre. It was the perfect way to honor a century of the "Rock & Roll President," as grandson Jason told Southern Living at the time:

He has always loved music [He] has lived his life celebrating with music and so we figured it was a perfect, unique way to do this 100th birthday.

On February 18, 2023, The Carter Center issued a statement regarding the former presidents health and announcing he had begun hospice care. After a series of short hospital stays, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter today decided to spend his remaining time at home with his family and receive hospice care instead of additional medical intervention. He has the full support of his family and his medical team.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rosalynn Carter who died on November 19 2023, also at the couple's home.

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In recent years, the Georgia native faced many health battles. He successfully beat brain cancer in 2015, but then a series of medical events in 2019 led him to have surgery to relieve pressure on his brain. Per CNN, following this surgery he had to give up his long standing tradition of teaching Sunday school at Maranatha Baptist Church in his hometown.

James Earl Carter, Jr., was born in Plains, Georgia, on October 1, 1924, to parents Earl and Lillian Carter who owned a peanut farm and warehouse and a store outside of Plains, Georgia. Carter served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy before turning his focus to politics.

After serving one term as governor of Georgia, Carter defeated Gerald R. Ford to become the 39th president of the United States. At the time of his death he was the oldest living U.S. president in history. He passed George H.W. Bush, who died at age 94 in 2018.

His one term presidency held many challenges but he also had several notable accomplishments. Per White House archives, His expansion of the national park system included protection of 103 million acres of Alaskan lands. To increase human and social services, he created the Department of Education, bolstered the Social Security system, and appointed record numbers of women, Blacks, and Hispanics to Government jobs.

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In 1978, President Carter facilitated the Camp David Accords. He mediated the negotiations between Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin and Egyptian President Anwar Sadat. The result of these negotiations were that Israel agreed to return Egyptian territory conquered during the 1973 war, and Egypt in return extended full diplomatic recognition to Israel. Begin and Sadat won the Nobel Peace Prize for this accomplishment.

President Carter served one term from 1977 to 1981, but his service did not end when he lost the election for his second term to Ronald Reagan.

In 1982, Jimmy and Rosalynn founded the Carter Center in Atlanta in partnership with Emory University. The mission of the Carter Center is to prevent and resolve conflicts, enhance freedom and democracy, and improve health. It was through the Carter Center that the former president launched a successful campaign to combat Guinea worm disease. As the AJC reported, The center has announced that the disease, which was estimated in 1986 to affect 3.5 million people, was reduced to 126 cases in 2014. It will likely become the first human disease eradicated since smallpox.

The Georgia native and his wife also had a decades-long relationship with Habitat for Humanity, a Georgia based but global nonprofit organization. Carter was frequently seen on job sites getting the work done to help build homes for those in need, as recently as 2020.

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Related: Jimmy Carter's Grandson Shares The 2 Things That Have Helped The Former President Live To 100

In 1998, Carter was one of five recipients of the United Nations' Human Rights Prize and 1999, both he and wife Rosalynn were awarded the highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. President Bill Clinton, in presenting the medal, said, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter have done more good things for more people in more places than any other couple on the face of the Earth. AJC reported.

In 2002 Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development.

While the former presidents legacy will largely center around his lifetime of dedication to human rights issues and achieving world peace, he is also remembered as a man dedicated both to his faith and his family. Married over 75 years, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter had the longest presidential marriage in history.

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He is survived by his children John William "Jack," James Earl "Chip," Donnel Jeffrey "Jeff," daughter Amy Carter, and 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grand children.

There will be public observances in both Atlanta and in Washington, D.C., followed by a private interment in Plains, Georgia. The final arrangements for President Carter's state funeral are still pending. For those wishing to express condolences, you can do so virtually here.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations be made to The Carter Center so that his legacy of service may continue.



Our thoughts are with the entire Carter family at this time.

Read the original article on Southern Living
Jimmy Carter, a peanut farmer and one-term U.S. president who dedicated his time after the White House to widespread humanitarian work, died on Sunday at age 100.

Carter, who became the oldest living ex-president after the death of George H.W. Bush in November 2018, also had the longest post-presidency in American history, having left the White House in January 1981.

The Democrat and 2002 Nobel Peace Prize winner died peacefully and surrounded by family at the ranch home he built decades earlier with his wife in Plains, Georgia, according to the former presidents charity The Carter Center.

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My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love, the ex-presidents son Chip Carter said in a statement. My brothers, sister and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs. The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honoring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs.

In February 2023, The Carter Center said that the former president would start hospice care at home after undergoing a series of short hospital stays. Former first lady Rosalynn Carter entered hospice care herself in November of that year after being diagnosed with dementia, according to the center. She died two days later, putting the country in a state of mourning. Despite still being in hospice, Jimmy Carter attended the funeral of his wife of 77 years.

On May 14, 2024, Carters grandson Jason, the chair of The Carter Center, said the former president was nearing the end of his life.

He really is, I think, coming to the end that, as Ive said before, theres a part of this faith journey that is so important to him, he said. And theres a part of that faith journey that you only can live at the very end. And I think he has been there in that space.

Former President Jimmy Carter teaches Sunday School class at the Maranatha Baptist Church in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, on Aug. 23, 2015. Carter died on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024 at the age of 100 after 19 months of hospice care. David Goldman via Associated Press

Over the next week, Carter is expected to receive a state funeral in Washington, D.C., as well as public observances in Atlanta and a private burial in his small town of Plains.

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While details have not yet been formally announced, plans that The New York Times says have long been in the works include having the former president lie in repose at The Carter Center before being flown to lie in state at the U.S. Capitol for a day and a half before the funeral at Washington National Cathedral. President Joe Biden is expected to speak at the funeral.

The Carters made their last public appearance together in September 2023, when they were spotted riding in a black SUV at the Plains Peanut Festival in Plains, Georgia, seven months after the former president entered hospice care.

Carter had few public appearances over the last years of his life. He and his wife skipped Bidens presidential inauguration in January 2021, their first time missing the ceremonies since Carter was sworn in as the 39th president in 1977.

But Carter continued to speak out about humanitarian and political issues.

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In January 2021, Carter joined with other former living presidents to condemn the violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, calling it a national tragedy and not who we are as a nation. The following year, Carter penned an op-ed for The New York Times expressing concern about U.S. democracy and called on leaders and candidates to uphold the ideals of freedom and adhere to high standards of conduct.

He spoke out in February 2022 against the Russian invasion of Ukraine, arguing the unjust assault threatened security in Europe and the entire world.

In this April 30, 2021, photo released by The White House, former President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter pose for a photo with President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden at the Carters' home in Plains, Georgia. Adam Schultz/The White Housevia Associated Press

After news of his death, the Bidens released a statement calling Carter an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian.

With his compassion and moral clarity, he worked to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil rights and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless, and always advocate for the least among us, they said. He saved, lifted, and changed the lives of people all across the globe.

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Carter experienced several health setbacks in his later years. He was admitted to the hospital in November 2019 for a procedure to relieve pressure on his brain caused by several falls. He continued to face health issues that year, including a broken hip, pelvic fracture and a urinary tract infection.

In August 2015, Carter revealed he had been diagnosed with cancer. He received radiation treatment for melanoma and was declaredcancer-free that December, announcing four months later that he no longer needed to receive treatment.

The bout with cancer forced Carter to come to terms with mortality. In a 2019 address to a church in his hometown, he said he was completely at ease with death.

I assumed, naturally, that I was going to die very quickly, Carter told the congregation at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia. I obviously prayed about it. I didnt ask God to let me live, but I asked God to give me a proper attitude toward death. And I found that I was absolutely and completely at ease with death.

Former President Jimmy Carter teaches Sunday school at Maranatha Baptist Church in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, on Sept. 22, 2009. John Bazemore via Associated Press

He was born James Earl Carter Jr. on October 1924 to humble beginnings in Georgia, the first of his parents four children. He attended the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, serving seven years in the Navy. Carter then returned to Georgia to operate a peanut farm before eventually becoming a state senator and governor.

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The Democrat kicked off his presidential run in December 1974, choosing Walter Mondale as his running mate. In November 1976, he defeated Republican Gerald Ford, who had become president two years earlier when Richard Nixon resigned.

During his four years in the White House, Carter dealt with a national energy crisis, expanded the national park system and installed solar panels on the White House.

He will be remembered as more than just a champion for the environmental movement, a values-driven public servant who cherished and protected our nations wild places despite being pressured otherwise, Sierra Club Executive Director Ben Jealous said in a statement.

Both in and out of the White House, Carter took the position of unequivocally supporting equal rights  proclaiming at his 1971 inauguration as Georgias governor, I say to you quite frankly that the time for racial discrimination is over.

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Carter signed the bill that helped create the U.S. Department of Education while launching the Black College Initiative to boost federal support for HBCUs. He signed landmark civil rights legislation like the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978, and appointed more women and people of color to the federal judiciary than all previous presidents combined, according to The Leadership Conference.

The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Sr. (center) and Democratic presidential candidate Jimmy Carter (right) embrace during a campaign rally where King declared, "I love and believe in him," in Atlanta, on April 13, 1976. The Associated Press

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Carter made human rights central to his foreign policy. Perhaps his greatest presidential achievement, the Camp David Accords, settled hostilities between Egypt and Israel and established diplomatic relations. But it failed to live up to his hopes for serious negotiations toward Palestinian statehood.

His administration was dogged by other foreign policy issues, including the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan and the Iran hostage crisis. Carter was deeply unpopular by the time Republican Ronald Reagan defeated him in the 1980 election and he left office with a 34% approval rating, according to Gallup.

Even when it made him unpopular, he led with his values  and with his fierce conviction that America could always be better, especially for those who have been left out and left behind for too long, Southern Poverty Law Center President Margaret Huang said on Sunday.

After the presidency, Carter became a champion for international human rights while remaining a constant presence in his small farm town. He monitored elections across the globe and devoted time to building houses for the charity Habitat for Humanity. His efforts through The Carter Center nearly eliminated Guinea worm disease, an infection that has plagued Africa for centuries. He became a self-styled international diplomat, sometimes working unofficially.

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Jimmy Carters character and commitment, just like his crops, were fruits of all-American soil, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said on Sunday. After every season when life led him to lofty service far from home, he came back home again, determined to plow his unique experiences and influence into helping others.

Egypt's President Anwar Sadat (left) shakes hands with Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin as U.S. President Jimmy Carter (center) looks on at Camp David, Maryland, on Sept. 7, 1978. The Associated Press

He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his work to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development through The Carter Center.

He remains such a controversial figure, Julian Zelizer, a professor of history at Princeton University and a Carter biographer, told The Atlantic in 2012. But like it or not, he re-invented the post-presidency.

Carter wrote books and spoke his mind on contemporary political issues, refusing to shy away from critiquing those who have also occupied the White House. In 2003, he condemned the Bush administrations decision to invade Iraq, and in 2012 went after the Obama administration for using drones to bomb the Middle East and for failing to close Guantanamo Bay prison.

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The 39th president should be remembered both for his willingness to speak frankly about Americas global role today, as well as for his conviction that the country should strive to act as a force for good in the world, said Ruth Lawlor, a Cornell University assistant professor and historian of American foreign relations.

In July 2015, Carter said the Supreme Courts Citizens United decision that allowed unlimited campaign donations had turned America into an oligarchy.

It violates the essence of what made America a great country in its political system, Carter said. Now its just an oligarchy, with unlimited political bribery being the essence of getting the nominations for president or to elect the president.

He also spoke out against then-President Donald Trump, telling The Washington Post in August 2018 he thought Trump was a disaster after previously arguing that the media were too harsh and saying he hadprayed for him.

Carter did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans, Trump, set to become president again, posted Sunday on Truth Social. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude.

Carter operated a Georgia peanut farm, then served as state senator and governor before becoming president. Paul Redmond via Getty Images

Carter wed Rosalynn in 1946, a marriage that became the longest of any other couple who lived in the White House. The couple celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary in 2021 with a private reception attended by former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, country artists Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood, and more.

Rosalynn was heavily involved in the humanitarian work her husband did after leaving the White House, and advocates for several causes on her own, including mental health and caregiving. The former president often expressed how strong their partnership was, and how important she was to his success.

Carter, a Baptist, was deeply religious, and told The Atlantic in July 2015 he believed hed led several hundred people to Christ through one-on-one interaction. He taught Sunday school lessons every other week at Maranatha Baptist Church for decades after he left the White House.

He told HuffPost Live in 2015 that he approved of same-sex marriage, saying he believed Jesus would as well.

I think Jesus would encourage any love affair if it was honest and sincere and was not damaging to anyone else, and I dont see that gay marriage damages anyone else, he said.

While speaking at The Carter Center in 2019, Carter described his aspirations for the Centers future initiatives, he said he hoped it would speak out against armed conflicts and wars by the United States.

I just want to keep the whole world at peace, Carter said.

The end of Carters life appeared to be one of unexpected resilience  from surviving cancer and multiple falls, to spending nearly two years in hospice care, to outliving his partner in marriage and reaching 100 years. He is survived by his four children, 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Ryan Grenoble, Shruti Rajkumar and Carla H. Russo contributed reporting.

Related Coverage
James Earl Carter, Jr., the 39th President of the United States and 76th governor of Georgia, has died at 100-years-old. Known from boyhood as Jimmy, Carter rose from the dusty peanut fields of Plains, Georgia, to the White House. After his presidency, Carter dedicated himself to public service, working tirelessly for peace in the Middle East, and helping to house millions of people around the globe through his work with nonprofit builder Habitat for Humanity. For decades, he was a celebrated Sunday school teacher at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains. Carter was married to his wife Rosalynn for 77 years before she died on Nov. 19, 2023.

The Carter family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Carter Center, 453 John Lewis Freedom Parkway N.E., Atlanta, GA 30307.

Jimmy Carter was the first president to be born in a hospital, where his mother worked as a nurse. His father, like generations of Carter men before him, was a cotton farmer who did not graduate high school. But the elder Carter was thrifty and operated a successful general store. When the future president was four years old, the family bought some cotton farming land in nearby Archery. Their neighbors were black sharecroppers. Archery did not have electricity until 1938.

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Carter spent his boyhood working the family farm and going to school. As a teenager, his father entrusted his eldest son with one acre of farmland. On it, Carter grew, packed and sold peanuts, his first foray into the business he would later depend upon. Carter also broke the family trend of leaving school early. He attended Plains High School in 1941, where he developed a life-long love of reading and learning.

After high school, Carter enrolled at nearby Georgia Southwestern College in Americus. The next year he transferred to Georgia Tech in Atlanta, and in 1943 Carter earned admission into the Naval Academy. It was while attending the Academy that Carter fell in love with Rosalynn Smith, a friend of his sisters. The pair married shortly after Carters graduation in 1946. They were inseparable ever after. Carters Naval career spanned nine years, and the Carters lived on both coasts during his various deployments in both the Atlantic and Pacific fleets. While Carter was training to serve as an officer on one of the Navys first nuclear submarines, tragedy struck. His father died. The Carters returned home to Plains.

Hard work brought the Carters through tough times in Plains. His father, who had served in the Georgia House of Representatives and ran a thriving business, was successful, but he also had many heirs and forgave debts. Jimmy and Rosalyn, now with three sons in tow, lived for a year in public housing, the only president to do so. With his engineering background, Carter set out expanding the family business, and with Rosalynns help, they grew successful. By 1961, Carter was a prominent man in the community and Chairman of the Sumter County school board, where he spoke in favor of school integration, stoking the ire of the local White Citizens Council who boycotted his peanut warehouse. But Carter pressed on. In 1962 he ran for state Senate, and after proving the initial vote was fraudulent ran in a second election and won. In 1966, after a failed bid for Governor, Carter found solace and new direction in his faith. He also plotted his future political career.

Carter won his 1970 bid for governor, and on his inauguration the next year he declared, the time of racial discrimination is over, shocking Georgians accustomed to the states long tradition of racist leadership. The statement also shocked many segregationist Georgians who had supported Carter, particularly after Carter endorsed segregationist Lester Maddox for Lieutenant Governor. Carter later called his campaign, during which he leaned into the anxiety many white Georgians felt over civil rights, the most shameful period of his life. But Carters inauguration did mark him out as a new kind of southern politician, and he was featured in Time magazine as a progressive New South governor. Carter and Maddox spent the next four years feuding. Carter worked to accelerate school integration, even as he slimmed down Georgias bureaucracy. Using his engineering background, he vetoed dam projects along the Flint River after personally reviewing the plans.

Georgias constitution limited him to a single term, and Carters time in federal office would be equally short. He ran successfully for president in 1976, with Republicans still reeling from the Watergate scandal that had pushed Richard Nixon out of the White House and marred Gerald Fords political future. Carters team came to Washington with little experience on the national stage, which stymied much of the policy progress the new president hoped to achieve, including a failed attempt at universal healthcare. As the oil crisis dragged the economy into a slump, the revolutionary government in Iran took 54 American citizens hostage and held them for 444 days. Carter went into his reelection campaign with little to show for his efforts, a struggling economy, and more than a year of foreign policy embarrassment. A charismatic former actor and governor of California, Ronald Reagan, swept Carter out of the White House in a historic landslide.

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Again facing political failure, Carter now turned squarely to public service. In 1982, he founded the Carter Center, through which the former president worked to advance human rights and ameliorate suffering around the world. The previous year, Carter began working on peace in the Middle East, and over the decades met with both Israeli and Arab leaders, easing tensions and paving the path of peace. In the 1990s, Carter was a key figure in brokering peace throughout eastern Africa. Carter joined Nelson Mandela and other world leaders to work on peace and human rights, working in Darfur, Sudan, Cyprus, Korea, and the Middle East. Outside of politics, generations of Americans might best recognize Carter wearing a hard hat, due to his decades-long service with Habitat for Humanity. Even in the final year of his life, before the Covid-19 pandemic shut down much of American public life, you could often find Carter, hammer in hand, helping to build homes.

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His activity in domestic politics was often quiet, preferring to work with presiding administrations as an overseas ambassador for peace and human rights. Carter passed on chances to run again for president in both 1984 and 1988. In 1992, when asked, Carter spoke favorably of then-Arkansas governor Bill Clinton as a potential candidate for the White House. Carter spoke at Clintons nominating convention and was frequently consulted by the fellow Democratic president. Carter frequently criticized Republican administrations, criticizing George W. Bush for his response to Hurricane Katrina and Donald Trump for his immigration policies.

Jimmys Carters post-White House life was based in his small hometown of Plains. There he and Rosalynn were active members in the community. Jimmy Carter frequently taught Sunday school at Marantha Baptist Church, his classes often drawing large crowds of admirers. Even as the prevailing political winds in Plains made Carters political views unpopular, he was widely adored by the community, which in his lifetime made his boyhood farm in Archery and part of the Plains High School museums to the presidents long life and diligent work helping other people.

It is for his service to others that Carter will be most remembered. In his personal life, he was a man dedicated to family and faith. In his public life, he lived out the promise of his faith by serving others, in Plains, across America and across the globe.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Former President Jimmy Carters long, remarkable life has come to an end.

Carter, who turned 100 in October, died Sunday at his home in Plains, Georgia, according to his son James E. Carter III.

His son confirmed the death but did not provide an immediate cause, The Washington Post reported.

In a statement shared by The Carter Center, James Carter III praised his fathers work for peace.

My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love, he said. My brothers, sister, and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs. The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honoring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs.

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Carter had battled cancer in recent years and had been on hospice care since early 2023.

Jimmy Carter as peacemaker

Carter was elected president in 1976 after serving as governor of Georgia and working as a peanut farmer. His time in the White House was marked by conflict abroad and at home.

Carter governed amid Cold War pressures, turbulent oil markets and social upheaval over racism, womens rights and Americas global role, per The Associated Press.

His most famous achievement as president was brokering a peace deal between Egypt and Israel, the Camp David Accords.

Carter only served one term in the White House, but he remained in the public eye after leaving Washington and became best known for his charitable work.

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For decades, the Carters spent a week a year building homes with Habitat for Humanity, the Georgia-based nonprofit organization that constructs housing for low-income people. Wearing their own tool belts, they helped build or renovate about 4,300 homes in 14 countries, The Washington Post reported.

Carter also funded and participated in peacemaking initiatives as part of his effort to promote human rights around the world.

That work included easing nuclear tensions in North and South Korea, helping to avert a U.S. invasion of Haiti and negotiating cease-fires in Bosnia and Sudan, the AP reported.

Carter won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 in recognition of his international peacemaking efforts.

Jimmy Carters religion

Throughout his life and career, Carter drew strength and inspiration from his Christian faith, as the Deseret News previously reported. It motivated his fight against racism and his service to others.

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Well into his 90s, Carter continued to teach Sunday School at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains.

Former President Barack Obama referenced those Sunday School lessons in his reflection on Carters life, which he shared on Medium Sunday afternoon.

He wrote about Carter care for others and love of God, noting that he embodied Christian values like grace, dignity and justice.

Elected in the shadow of Watergate, Jimmy Carter promised voters that he would always tell the truth. And he did  advocating for the public good, consequences be damned. He believed some things were more important than reelection  things like integrity, respect, and compassion. Because Jimmy Carter believed, as deeply as he believed anything, that we are all created in Gods image, Obama wrote.

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In his own statement, President Joe Biden described Carter as an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian.

With his compassion and moral clarity, he worked to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil rights and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless, and always advocate for the least among us. He saved, lifted and changed the lives of people all across the globe, Biden said in the statement, which was co-signed by First Lady Jill Biden.

The Bidens urged young people today to look to Carter as an example of what it looks like to live a good life.

He showed that we are a great nation because we are a good people  decent and honorable, courageous and compassionate, humble and strong, the statement said.

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President-elect Donald Trump wrote in a social media post that that country owes Carter a debt of gratitude.

The challenges Jimmy faced as President came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans, Trump wrote.

President Jimmy Carter bows his head in reverence during the closing prayer in the Tabernacle on Temple Square in Salt Lake City on Dec. 2, 1978. | Don Grayston

Jimmy Carter visits Salt Lake City, Utah, Oct. 7, 1976. He was addressing the UEA Convention at the Salt Palace. | Deseret News Archives

President Jimmy Carter reaches to shake hands with people in the crowd on Temple Square in Salt Lake City on Dec. 2, 1978. He was addressing the UEA Convention at the Salt Palace. | Gerry Avant

U.S. President Jimmy Carter and President Spencer W. Kimball of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints enjoy the program in the Tabernacle on Temple Square in Salt Lake City on Dec. 2, 1978. They were in the tabernacle for National Family Week. | Don Grayston

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Former President Jimmy Carter talks with the press during a break in signing autographs for his new book, "White House Diary," at The King's English Bookshop in Salt Lake City, Utah, Thursday, Oct. 28, 2010. | Ravell Call

People line up to meet former President Jimmy Carter and have him sign his new book for them at The King's English Bookshop in Salt Lake City, Utah, Thursday, Oct. 28, 2010. | Ravell Call

Former President Jimmy Carter talks with the press during a break in signing autographs for his new book, "White House Diary," at The King's English Bookshop in Salt Lake City, Utah, Thursday, Oct. 28, 2010. | Ravell Call

Former President Jimmy Carter signs his new book, "White House Diary," at The King's English Bookshop in Salt Lake City, Utah, Thursday, Oct. 28, 2010. | Ravell Call

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Former president Jimmy Carter describes glaucoma in children in the Sudan to an audience gathered at the Cliff Lodge at Snowbird Ski Resort, Thursday, Feb. 10, 2005. | Keith Johnson

Former President Jimmy Carter greets readers of his new book at Barnes and Noble on 2100 South in Salt Lake City, Utah, Nov. 22, 2005. | TOM SMART

Former President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn speak to an audience gathered at the Cliff Lodge at Snowbird Ski Resort Thursday, Feb. 10, 2005. | Keith Johnson

Former President Jimmy Carter stops to speak with Max Watson of New York City and Dr. Robert Bakker before speaking to a crowd gathered for the Sundance Resort's Tree Room Author Series, Saturday, Sept. 4, 2004. Carter, who met Robert Redford during his first presidential campaign, talked about his experiences in and out of the White House and about his book "The Hornet's Nest," a work of fiction set during the Revolutionary War. | Jason Olson

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This story has been updated to correct the title of the book "Christmas in Plains."

Former President Jimmy Carter has died, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, at age 100.

Carter was the 39th and longest-living president in U.S. history. He served a single term after defeating former President Gerald R. Ford in 1976. He was also a Nobel Peace Prize recipient in 2002, although the Nobel Committee chairman believed he deserved the distinction since 1978 when he negotiated a peace deal between Egypt and Israel.

Our founder, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, passed away this afternoon in Plains, Georgia. pic.twitter.com/aqYmcE9tXi  The Carter Center (@CarterCenter) December 29, 2024

The Carter Center announced Feb. 18, 2023, that Carter had entered hospice care after several visits to the hospital. Center officials said in a statement the former president expressed he did not want to spend his remaining days in a hospital setting, instead spending time with his family and care team.

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His wife, Rosalynn Carter, a longtime mental health care activist, died Nov. 19, 2023 at their home in Plains, Georgia.

Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished, Carter said in the statement. She gave me wise guidance and encouragement when I needed it. As long as Rosalynn was in the world, I always knew somebody loved and supported me.

During his life, he visited Kentucky many times. Here are some of the moments he spent in the Bluegrass State:

Candidate Carter meets with former Gov. Julian Carroll in Frankfort in 1975

Carter hosted a news conference and visited former Gov. Julian Carroll in Frankfort two weeks after his term as Georgia governor ended and as he started his campaign for his Democratic nomination, according to Courier Journal archives.

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State Sen. William Sullivan flew Carter across the state Jan. 28, 1975, and hosted a reception for him in his home in Henderson. Although Sullivan said they were friends, he didn't endorse his presidential run during the event.

Former Lt. Gov. Wilson Wyatt Sr. hosted a luncheon for Carter at the Galt House Hotel in Louisville which included attendance from former Gov. Bert Combs.

Presidential fundraising at the Galt House Hotel in 1976

April 16, 1976 - Jimmy Carter talks with Jim Owen during a reception at the Galt House during his campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination. This image was clipped from Page 1A of the April 17, 1976 edition of The Courier-Journal.

Carter returned to the Galt House on April 16, 1976, to host a fundraiser ahead of Kentucky's presidential primary May 25 of that year. Carroll endorsed fellow Democrat Carter at the time.

Carter spoke to the media, donors and crowds of supporters that stood on the Belvedere between Fourth and Sixth streets in downtown Louisville, reportedly telling the people: "I don't intend to lose. I think you're looking at the next president of this country."

President Carter visits, talks energy in Louisville in 1979

Carter gave a speech about energy security outside of the Cane Run Generating Facility in Louisville on July 31, 1979, according to records at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library.

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During his visit, Carter was reviewing the plant's scrubbers, the nation's first sulfur-dioxide removal systems.

Carter witnesses Sunny Halo's victory in 1983 Kentucky Derby

Carter attended the 109th Kentucky Derby in 1983 as the Derby guest of Gov. John Y. Brown Jr. and Kentucky First Lady Phyllis George Brown. Carter also attended a Derby Eve luncheon at former Louisville Mayor Harvey Sloane's house.

May 6, 1983 - Former president Jimmy Carter speaks with Wilson Wyatt Sr., a former lieutenant governor of Kentucky, at the home of Louisville Mayor Harvey Sloane. This image was clipped from Page 5A of the May 7, 1983 edition of The Courier Journal.

Carter attends Louisville fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity in 1997

February 1997 - Former president Jimmy Carter during a visit to Louisville in 1997. He attended a Habitat for Humanity fundraising dinner. This photo was clipped from Page 1B of the Feb. 22, 1997 edition of the The Courier Journal.

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Carter visited Louisville in 1997 with his wife Rosalynn for a fundraising dinner for Habitat for Humanity, a charity that builds houses for low-income people.

Carter returns to Louisville to promote 'Christmas in Plains' in 2001

Carter's final visit to Louisville came in 2001 to promote his book "Christmas in Plains" at the former Hawley-Cooke Booksellers store on Shelbyville Road. Michael Veirs wrote in The Courier Journal's reader forum that Carter signed 600 books of people with passes and stayed to sign more copies of his then-latest book.

"Carter's humble and friendly manner was immediately evident to all who were fortunate enough to meet him," Veirs said.

Reach Ana Rocio Alvarez Brinez at abrinez@gannett.com; follow her on Twitter at @SoyAnaAlvarez.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Jimmy Carter dies at 100. A look back on his Kentucky visits
Former national security adviser Robert OBrien said in a Sunday interview that Denmark should let the U.S. buy Greenland if it cannot defend the self-governing country, noting the territory will become increasingly important in the coming years.

In an interview on Fox Newss Sunday Morning Futures, OBrien described Greenland as a highway from the Arctic all the way to North America and noted that the autonomous country, which is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, will become increasingly important as the climate warms in the coming years.

Its strategically very important to the Arctic, which is going to be the critical battleground of the future because, as the climate gets warmer, the Arctic is going to be a pathway that maybe even cuts down on the usage of the Panama Canal, OBrien said.

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Talk of buying Greenland can also be seen as a national security play. The Arctic is a key region as the U.S. looks to counter Russia and China, and its becoming more contested as melting ice opens up new shipping routes.

OBrien quoted President-elect Trump as saying that the U.S. wont defend Greenland free of charge.

The Russians and Chinese are all over the Arctic, OBrien said. The Kingdom of Denmark owns Greenland, and they have got an obligation to defend Greenland. And so President Trump said, If you dont defend Greenland, we will buy it and we will defend it. But were not going to defend it for free and let you  and not develop Greenland and not extract the minerals and oil and resources of Greenland.

Denmark is now on the front lines of the war against Russia and China. Theyre like the Baltic states. Theyre like Poland because of their vast territory in Greenland. And so they have got to defend Greenland, OBrien added. And if they cant defend it, were going to have to, and were not going to do it for free.

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Alternatively, OBrien said, if Denmark does not want to pay the U.S. for Greenlands defense, the U.S. can take the territory off its hands.

They can let us buy Greenland from [Denmark], and Greenland can become part of Alaska. I mean, the native people in Greenland are very closely related to the people of Alaska, and we will make it a part of Alaska, OBrien said.

In a Truth Social post announcing his pick for ambassador to Denmark last week, Trump declared that U.S. ownership of the island territory is an absolute necessity.

Greenlandic Prime Minister Mute Eged pushed back on Trumps comments, saying Greenland will never be for sale, and Denmark announced a new package to boost security of the Arctic Island.

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.


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Jimmy Carter has died at age 100, his grandson announced today.

He was the nation's longest-lived president, and turned 100 in October 2024. Carter never expected to live such a long life, he shared in 2019, saying "I think the best explanation for [a long life] is to marry the best spouse: someone who will take care of you and engage and do things to challenge you and keep you alive and interested in life."

PhotoQuest - Getty Images

Born James Earl Carter, Jr. in 1924 in Plains, Georgia, the son of a peanut farmer and a nurse, he attended Georgia Southwestern College and the Georgia Institute of Technology, and graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1946. That same year, he married Rosalynn Smith, who was a friend of his sister's and from his hometown of Plains.



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In 1953, following his father's death, Carter resigned from the Navy and returned to Plains to take over the family farm. Two years later, he ran for his first office, the Sumter County Board of Education, and in 1962, he was elected to the Georgia State Senate. In 1970, Carter was elected Governor of Georgia, and in 1976, he was elected the 39th President of the United States.

Bettmann - Getty Images

He served one term, during which he established the Department of Energy and Department of Education. In the foreign policy realm, he also oversaw the Camp David agreement of 1978 between Egypt and Israel, established diplomatic relations with China, and completed negotiations of the SALT II nuclear limitation treaties.

Under his presidency, too, Carter dealt with the 1979 oil crisis, and the Iran hostage crisiswherein an Iranian militant group took over the U.S. embassy in Tehran, taking hostage 52 American citizens for 444 days. Historians point to the hostage crisis as one of the reasons Carter lost reelection.

Following his tenure as president, he established the Carter Center with the aim of advancing human rights around the world. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his work with the organization. He was also a prolific author, writing 32 books during his lifetime, including A Full Life: Reflections at Ninety, which he published in 2015.

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In 2022, Carter filed a brief supporting an appeal by conservation groups against the construction of a road in Alaska, through Izembek National Wildlife Reefuge. "My name is Jimmy Carter," he wrote. "In my lifetime, I have been a farmer, a naval officer, a Sunday school teacher, an outdoorsman, a democracy activist, a builder, governor of Georgia and recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. And from 1977 to 1981, I had the privilege of serving as the 39th president of the United States."

mark peterson - Getty Images





The Carter Center announced on February 18, 2023 that Carter decided to receive hospice care at home "instead of additional medical intervention," though did not specify why he had been hospitalized. He is predeceased by his wife, Rosalynn, who passed away on November 19. He is survived by their four children, along with 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. One of his grandsons, Jeremy Carter, passed away at age 28 in 2015.

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ATLANTA - OCTOBER 10: Former President Jimmy Carter and wife Rosalyn converse prior to the start of Game Three of the NLDS of the 2010 MLB Playoffs between the Atlanta Braves and the San Francisco Giants on October 10, 2010 at Turner Field in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

This post was updated at 5 p.m. to include additional comments.

President Jimmy Carter, the only Georgian to ever occupy the White House, died Sunday Dec. 29, 2024, after spending over a year in hospice care.

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Carter, who turned 100 on Oct. 1 and is the longest-lived president in American history, died at his home in Plains Sunday surrounded by family, according to the Carter Center.

My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love, Chip Carter, the former presidents son, said in a statement. My brothers, sister, and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs. The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honoring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs.

Public services are planned for Atlanta and Washington, with a private burial service following in Plains. A full schedule has not yet been released.

President Carter and former first lady Rosalynn Carter were beloved residents of Plains, the small town in southwest Georgia where the couple grew up. Rosalynn Carter died Nov. 19, 2023 at 96.

Democratic presidential candidate Jimmy Carter embraces his wife Rosalynn after receiving the final news of his victory in the national general election, November 2, 1976. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Their affection for one another never seemed to fade during their 77-year marriage, which spanned Carters ever-changing career, from peanut farmer to state senator, governor and president, as well as his post-White House roles as diplomat, humanitarian and volunteer.

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The former presidents passion for helping others and devotion to his faith, family and country garnered praise from Georgias political leaders.

In a statement, Gov. Brian Kemp praised Carters dedication to the state and the nation as well as his humanitarian work and love for the former first lady.

Their family continues to be in our prayers as President Carter is reunited with his beloved wife and the world mourns this native Georgian, former state and national leader, and proud peanut farmer from Plains, Kemp said.

U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock called Carter a hero, a friend and one of his favorite people, who moved the country closer toward our highest ideals.

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A former president, he got his hands dirty, literally building peoples homes while helping them build their lives. President Carter was a Matthew 25 Christian. He believed, as I do, that the true test of your faith is the depth of your commitment to the most marginalized members of the human family. I believe he passed that test and has now graduated into immortality. Democracies around the world are stronger and children across the globe are alive today because of President Carters workwhat a legacy to leave.

U.S. Sen Jon Ossoff said Carter will be remembered for his commitment to democracy and human rights, his enduring faith, his philanthropic leadership and his deep love of family.

From Plains to across the State of Georgia, the United States, and around the world, millions will forever admire and appreciate all that President Carter did for the United States and for the global community, Ossoff said. The State of Georgia and the United States are better places because of President Jimmy Carter.

As president, he helped broker the Camp David Peace Accords between Israel and Egypt, established diplomatic relations with China, and oversaw the creation of the departments of Energy and Education, among other accomplishments.

Advertisement Advertisement

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But he would serve only one term as president, losing to Ronald Reagan in 1980 amid a struggling economy and the Iranian hostage crisis.

His popularity increased after leaving the White House, becoming the face of Habitat for Humanity  and even showing up at his namesake build after suffering injuries in a fall  and taking on global crises and strife with his Atlanta-based Carter Center.

He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development.

Former President Jimmy Carter begins work at a future Habitat for Humanity home in Nashville in 2019. Credit: Habitat for Humanity International

Carter was also a prolific author who was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for a memoir about growing up on a Georgia farm in the rural South after the Great Depression and before the civil rights movement. He has won a Grammy three times for his audio books and was nominated another nine times.

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The Carters returned to their hometown after leaving the White House, moving back into the same modest ranch-style home they first purchased in 1961. A devout Christian, Carter famously continued to teach Sunday School class at Maranatha Baptist Church until 2020, ending a four-decade run that became part of Georgia political lore.

The Atlanta-based Carter Center announced Feb. 18, 2023 that Carter had decided to enter hospice care and spend his remaining time at home with his family. The announcement triggered an outpouring of tributes and fond remembrances from Georgians on both sides of the aisle.

Carter overcame brain cancer in 2015 and several accidents in recent years.

The former president also continued to wield influence in politics  especially in Georgia. He continued to endorse candidates in high-profile races, including Vice President Kamala Harris. His grandson Jason Carter told reporters he was hanging on to cast a ballot for Harris.

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Carter also threw his endorsement behind top Democrats including Sen. Raphael Warnock and gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams  and hosted the Bidens at their home in Plains in 2021. Back in 1976, Biden, then a senator, was one of the first elected officials outside Georgia to back Carters presidential run.

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Former President Jimmy Carter and wife Rosalyn converse prior to the start of Game Three of the NLDS of the 2010 MLB Playoffs between the Atlanta Braves and the San Francisco Giants on October 10, 2010 at Turner Field in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

President Jimmy Carter died Sunday Dec. 29, 2024, after spending over a year in hospice care.

Carter, who turned 100 on Oct. 1 and is the longest-lived president in American history, died at his home in Plains, Georgia, Sunday surrounded by family, according to the Carter Center.

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My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love, Chip Carter, the former presidents son, said in a statement. My brothers, sister, and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs. The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honoring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs.

President Carter and former first lady Rosalynn Carter were beloved residents of Plains, the small town in southwest Georgia where the couple grew up. Rosalynn Carter died Nov. 19, 2023 at 96.

Their affection for one another never seemed to fade during their 77-year marriage, which spanned Carters ever-changing career, from peanut farmer to state senator, governor and president, as well as his post-White House roles as diplomat, humanitarian and volunteer.

As president, he helped broker the Camp David Peace Accords between Israel and Egypt, established diplomatic relations with China, and oversaw the creation of the departments of Energy and Education, among other accomplishments.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But he would serve only one term as president, losing to Ronald Reagan in 1980 amid a struggling economy and the Iranian hostage crisis.

His popularity increased after leaving the White House, becoming the face of Habitat for Humanity  and even showing up at his namesake build after suffering injuries in a fall  and taking on global crises and strife with his Atlanta-based Carter Center.

He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development.

Carter was also a prolific author who was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for a memoir about growing up on a Georgia farm in the rural South after the Great Depression and before the civil rights movement. He has won a Grammy three times for his audio books and was nominated another nine times.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Carters returned to their hometown after leaving the White House, moving back into the same modest ranch-style home they first purchased in 1961. A devout Christian, Carter famously continued to teach Sunday School class at Maranatha Baptist Church until 2020, ending a four-decade run that became part of Georgia political lore.

The Atlanta-based Carter Center announced Feb. 18, 2023 that Carter had decided to enter hospice care and spend his remaining time at home with his family. The announcement triggered an outpouring of tributes and fond remembrances from Georgians on both sides of the aisle.

Carter overcame brain cancer in 2015 and several accidents in recent years.

The former president also continued to wield influence in politics  especially in Georgia. He continued to endorse candidates in high-profile races, including Vice President Kamala Harris. His grandson Jason Carter told reporters he was hanging on to cast a ballot for Harris.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Carter also threw his endorsement behind top Democrats including Sen. Raphael Warnock and gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams  and hosted the Bidens at their home in Plains in 2021. Back in 1976, Biden, then a senator, was one of the first elected officials outside Georgia to back Carters presidential run.

Georgia Recorder is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Georgia Recorder maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor John McCosh for questions: info@georgiarecorder.com.
Former President Jimmy Carter and wife Rosalyn converse before the start of Game Three of the NLDS of the 2010 MLB Playoffs between the Atlanta Braves and the San Francisco Giants on Oct. 10, 2010, at Turner Field in Atlanta, Georgia. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

President Jimmy Carter, the only Georgian to ever occupy the White House, died Sunday Dec. 29, 2024, after spending over a year in hospice care.

Carter, who turned 100 on Oct. 1 and is the longest-lived president in American history, died at his home in Plains Sunday surrounded by family, according to the Carter Center.

Advertisement Advertisement

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My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love, Chip Carter, the former presidents son, said in a statement. My brothers, sister, and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs. The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honoring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs.

Public services are planned for Atlanta and Washington, with a private burial service following in Plains. A full schedule has not yet been released.

President Carter and former first lady Rosalynn Carter were beloved residents of Plains, the small town in southwest Georgia where the couple grew up. Rosalynn Carter died Nov. 19, 2023 at 96.

Their affection for one another never seemed to fade during their 77-year marriage, which spanned Carters ever-changing career, from peanut farmer to state senator, governor and president, as well as his post-White House roles as diplomat, humanitarian and volunteer.

Democratic presidential candidate Jimmy Carter embraces his wife Rosalynn after receiving the final news of his victory in the national general election, Nov. 2, 1976. (Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

The former presidents passion for helping others and devotion to his faith, family and country garnered praise from Georgias political leaders.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In a statement, Gov. Brian Kemp praised Carters dedication to the state and the nation as well as his humanitarian work and love for the former first lady.

Their family continues to be in our prayers as President Carter is reunited with his beloved wife and the world mourns this native Georgian, former state and national leader, and proud peanut farmer from Plains, Kemp said.

U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock called Carter a hero, a friend and one of his favorite people, who moved the country closer toward our highest ideals.

A former president, he got his hands dirty, literally building peoples homes while helping them build their lives. President Carter was a Matthew 25 Christian. He believed, as I do, that the true test of your faith is the depth of your commitment to the most marginalized members of the human family. I believe he passed that test and has now graduated into immortality. Democracies around the world are stronger and children across the globe are alive today because of President Carters workwhat a legacy to leave.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

U.S. Sen Jon Ossoff said Carter will be remembered for his commitment to democracy and human rights, his enduring faith, his philanthropic leadership and his deep love of family.

From Plains to across the State of Georgia, the United States, and around the world, millions will forever admire and appreciate all that President Carter did for the United States and for the global community, Ossoff said. The State of Georgia and the United States are better places because of President Jimmy Carter.

As president, he helped broker the Camp David Peace Accords between Israel and Egypt, established diplomatic relations with China, and oversaw the creation of the departments of Energy and Education, among other accomplishments.

But he would serve only one term as president, losing to Ronald Reagan in 1980 amid a struggling economy and the Iranian hostage crisis.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

His popularity increased after leaving the White House, becoming the face of Habitat for Humanity  and even showing up at his namesake build after suffering injuries in a fall  and taking on global crises and strife with his Atlanta-based Carter Center.

He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development.

A statue of Jimmy Carter outside the Georgia Capitol. (Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder)

Carter was also a prolific author who was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for a memoir about growing up on a Georgia farm in the rural South after the Great Depression and before the civil rights movement. He has won a Grammy three times for his audio books and was nominated another nine times.

The Carters returned to their hometown after leaving the White House, moving back into the same modest ranch-style home they first purchased in 1961. A devout Christian, Carter famously continued to teach Sunday School class at Maranatha Baptist Church until 2020, ending a four-decade run that became part of Georgia political lore.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Atlanta-based Carter Center announced Feb. 18, 2023 that Carter had decided to enter hospice care and spend his remaining time at home with his family. The announcement triggered an outpouring of tributes and fond remembrances from Georgians on both sides of the aisle.

Carter overcame brain cancer in 2015 and several accidents in recent years.

The former president also continued to wield influence in politics  especially in Georgia. He continued to endorse candidates in high-profile races, including Vice President Kamala Harris. His grandson Jason Carter told reporters he was hanging on to cast a ballot for Harris.

Carter also threw his endorsement behind top Democrats including Sen. Raphael Warnock and gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams  and hosted the Bidens at their home in Plains in 2021. Back in 1976, Biden, then a senator, was one of the first elected officials outside Georgia to back Carters presidential run.

Georgia Recorder, a States Newsroom affiliate, produced this story.


"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."



Jimmy Carter has died at age 100, his family announced today.

My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love, Chip Carter, one of his sons, said in a statement shared by the Carter Center. My brothers, sister, and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs. The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honoring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He was the nation's longest-lived president, and turned 100 in October 2024. Carter never expected to live such a long life, he shared in 2019, saying "I think the best explanation for [a long life] is to marry the best spouse: someone who will take care of you and engage and do things to challenge you and keep you alive and interested in life."

PhotoQuest - Getty Images

Born James Earl Carter, Jr. in 1924 in Plains, Georgia, the son of a peanut farmer and a nurse, he attended Georgia Southwestern College and the Georgia Institute of Technology, and graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1946. That same year, he married Rosalynn Smith, who was a friend of his sister's and from his hometown of Plains.



In 1953, following his father's death, Carter resigned from the Navy and returned to Plains to take over the family farm. Two years later, he ran for his first office, the Sumter County Board of Education, and in 1962, he was elected to the Georgia State Senate. In 1970, Carter was elected Governor of Georgia, and in 1976, he was elected the 39th President of the United States.

Bettmann - Getty Images

He served one term, during which he established the Department of Energy and Department of Education. In the foreign policy realm, he also oversaw the Camp David agreement of 1978 between Egypt and Israel, established diplomatic relations with China, and completed negotiations of the SALT II nuclear limitation treaties.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Under his presidency, too, Carter dealt with the 1979 oil crisis, and the Iran hostage crisiswherein an Iranian militant group took over the U.S. embassy in Tehran, taking hostage 52 American citizens for 444 days. Historians point to the hostage crisis as one of the reasons Carter lost reelection.

Following his tenure as president, he established the Carter Center with the aim of advancing human rights around the world. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his work with the organization. He was also a prolific author, writing 32 books during his lifetime, including A Full Life: Reflections at Ninety, which he published in 2015.

In 2022, Carter filed a brief supporting an appeal by conservation groups against the construction of a road in Alaska, through Izembek National Wildlife Reefuge. "My name is Jimmy Carter," he wrote. "In my lifetime, I have been a farmer, a naval officer, a Sunday school teacher, an outdoorsman, a democracy activist, a builder, governor of Georgia and recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. And from 1977 to 1981, I had the privilege of serving as the 39th president of the United States."

mark peterson - Getty Images





The Carter Center announced on February 18, 2023 that Carter decided to receive hospice care at home "instead of additional medical intervention," though did not specify why he had been hospitalized. He is predeceased by his wife, Rosalynn, who passed away on November 19. He is survived by their four children, along with 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. One of his grandsons, Jeremy Carter, passed away at age 28 in 2015.

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Former President Jimmy Carter and wife Rosalyn converse prior to an Atlanta Braves game, Oct. 10, 2010 at Turner Field in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

President Jimmy Carter, the only Georgian to ever occupy the White House, died Sunday Dec. 29, 2024, after spending over a year in hospice care.

Carter, who turned 100 on Oct. 1 and is the longest-lived president in American history, died at his home in Plains Sunday surrounded by family, according to the Carter Center.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love, Chip Carter, the former presidents son, said in a statement. My brothers, sister, and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs. The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honoring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs.

Public services are planned for Atlanta and Washington, with a private burial service following in Plains. A full schedule has not yet been released.

President Carter and former first lady Rosalynn Carter were beloved residents of Plains, the small town in southwest Georgia where the couple grew up. Rosalynn Carter died Nov. 19, 2023 at 96.

Democratic presidential candidate Jimmy Carter embraces his wife Rosalynn after receiving the final news of his victory in the national general election, November 2, 1976. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Their affection for one another never seemed to fade during their 77-year marriage, which spanned Carters ever-changing career, from peanut farmer to state senator, governor and president, as well as his post-White House roles as diplomat, humanitarian and volunteer.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The former presidents passion for helping others and devotion to his faith, family and country garnered praise from Georgias political leaders.

In a statement, Gov. Brian Kemp praised Carters dedication to the state and the nation as well as his humanitarian work and love for the former first lady.

Their family continues to be in our prayers as President Carter is reunited with his beloved wife and the world mourns this native Georgian, former state and national leader, and proud peanut farmer from Plains, Kemp said.

Fruits of all-American soil, says McConnell

U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, issued this statement:

Elaine and I join the Senate and the nation in mourning the passing of our 39th president, Jimmy Carter.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (Photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)

President Carter lived a truly American dream. A devoutly religious peanut farmer from small-town Georgia volunteered to serve his country in uniform. He found himself manning cutting-edge submarines hundreds of feet beneath the ocean. He returned home and saved the family farm before feeling drawn to a different sort of public service. And less than 15 years after his first campaign for the state Senate, his fellow Americans elected him leader of the free world.

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Jimmy Carters character and commitment, just like his crops, were fruits of all-American soil. After every season when life led him to lofty service far from home, he came back home again, determined to plow his unique experiences and influence into helping others; into building and teaching and volunteering; into further enriching the same rich soil that had made his own life possible.

President Carter served during times of tension and uncertainty, both at home and abroad. But his calm spirit and deep faith seemed unshakeable. Jimmy Carter served as our commander-in-chief for four years, but he served as the beloved, unassuming Sunday school teacher at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia for forty. And his humble devotion leaves us little doubt which of those two important roles he prized the most.

As Jimmy Carter is reunited with his beloved Rosalynn, our thoughts and prayers are with their children, Jack, Chip, Jeff, and Amy, their grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and the millions of Americans whose lives were touched by his service. We join them in mourning, but also in celebrating that Jimmy Carter is now reaping an eternal harvest in Heaven.

U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock called Carter a hero, a friend and one of his favorite people, who moved the country closer toward our highest ideals.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A former president, he got his hands dirty, literally building peoples homes while helping them build their lives. President Carter was a Matthew 25 Christian. He believed, as I do, that the true test of your faith is the depth of your commitment to the most marginalized members of the human family. I believe he passed that test and has now graduated into immortality. Democracies around the world are stronger and children across the globe are alive today because of President Carters workwhat a legacy to leave.

U.S. Sen Jon Ossoff said Carter will be remembered for his commitment to democracy and human rights, his enduring faith, his philanthropic leadership and his deep love of family.

From Plains to across the State of Georgia, the United States, and around the world, millions will forever admire and appreciate all that President Carter did for the United States and for the global community, Ossoff said. The State of Georgia and the United States are better places because of President Jimmy Carter.

As president, he helped broker the Camp David Peace Accords between Israel and Egypt, established diplomatic relations with China, and oversaw the creation of the departments of Energy and Education, among other accomplishments.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But he would serve only one term as president, losing to Ronald Reagan in 1980 amid a struggling economy and the Iranian hostage crisis.

His popularity increased after leaving the White House, becoming the face of Habitat for Humanity  and even showing up at his namesake build after suffering injuries in a fall  and taking on global crises and strife with his Atlanta-based Carter Center.

He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development.

Former President Jimmy Carter begins work at a future Habitat for Humanity home in Nashville in 2019. (Habitat for Humanity International)

Carter was also a prolific author who was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for a memoir about growing up on a Georgia farm in the rural South after the Great Depression and before the civil rights movement. He has won a Grammy three times for his audio books and was nominated another nine times.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Carters returned to their hometown after leaving the White House, moving back into the same modest ranch-style home they first purchased in 1961. A devout Christian, Carter famously continued to teach Sunday School class at Maranatha Baptist Church until 2020, ending a four-decade run that became part of Georgia political lore.

The Atlanta-based Carter Center announced Feb. 18, 2023 that Carter had decided to enter hospice care and spend his remaining time at home with his family. The announcement triggered an outpouring of tributes and fond remembrances from Georgians on both sides of the aisle.

Carter overcame brain cancer in 2015 and several accidents in recent years.

The former president also continued to wield influence in politics  especially in Georgia. He continued to endorse candidates in high-profile races, including Vice President Kamala Harris. His grandson Jason Carter told reporters he was hanging on to cast a ballot for Harris.

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Carter also threw his endorsement behind top Democrats including Sen. Raphael Warnock and gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams  and hosted the Bidens at their home in Plains in 2021. Back in 1976, Biden, then a senator, was one of the first elected officials outside Georgia to back Carters presidential run.

This article is republished from the Georgia Recorder, a sister publication to the Kentucky Lantern and part of the nonprofit States Newsroom network.

A statue of Jimmy Carter outside the Georgia Capitol. (Photo by Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder)

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Former President Jimmy Carter and wife Rosalyn converse before the start of Game Three of the NLDS of the 2010 MLB Playoffs between the Atlanta Braves and the San Francisco Giants on October 10, 2010, at Turner Field in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

President Jimmy Carter, the only Georgian to ever occupy the White House, died Sunday Dec. 29, 2024, after spending over a year in hospice care.

Carter, who turned 100 on Oct. 1 and is the longest-lived president in American history, died at his home in Plains Sunday surrounded by family, according to the Carter Center.

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My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love, Chip Carter, the former presidents son, said in a statement. My brothers, sister, and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs. The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honoring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs.

Public services are planned for Atlanta and Washington, with a private burial service following in Plains. A full schedule has not yet been released.

President Carter and former first lady Rosalynn Carter were beloved residents of Plains, the small town in southwest Georgia where the couple grew up. Rosalynn Carter died Nov. 19, 2023 at 96.

A statue of Jimmy Carter outside the Georgia Capitol. (Photo by Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder)

Their affection for one another never seemed to fade during their 77-year marriage, which spanned Carters ever-changing career, from peanut farmer to state senator, governor and president, as well as his post-White House roles as diplomat, humanitarian and volunteer.

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The former presidents passion for helping others and devotion to his faith, family and country garnered praise from Georgias political leaders.

He got his hands dirty

In a statement, Gov. Brian Kemp praised Carters dedication to the state and the nation as well as his humanitarian work and love for the former first lady.

Their family continues to be in our prayers as President Carter is reunited with his beloved wife and the world mourns this native Georgian, former state and national leader, and proud peanut farmer from Plains, Kemp said.

U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock called Carter a hero, a friend and one of his favorite people, who moved the country closer toward our highest ideals.

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A former president, he got his hands dirty, literally building peoples homes while helping them build their lives. President Carter was a Matthew 25 Christian. He believed, as I do, that the true test of your faith is the depth of your commitment to the most marginalized members of the human family. I believe he passed that test and has now graduated into immortality. Democracies around the world are stronger and children across the globe are alive today because of President Carters workwhat a legacy to leave.

U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff said Carter will be remembered for his commitment to democracy and human rights, his enduring faith, his philanthropic leadership and his deep love of family.

From Plains to across the State of Georgia, the United States, and around the world, millions will forever admire and appreciate all that President Carter did for the United States and for the global community, Ossoff said. The State of Georgia and the United States are better places because of President Jimmy Carter.

As president, he helped broker the Camp David Peace Accords between Israel and Egypt, established diplomatic relations with China, and oversaw the creation of the departments of Energy and Education, among other accomplishments.

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But he would serve only one term as president, losing to Ronald Reagan in 1980 amid a struggling economy and the Iranian hostage crisis.

His popularity increased after leaving the White House, becoming the face of Habitat for Humanity  and even showing up at his namesake build after suffering injuries in a fall  and taking on global crises and strife with his Atlanta-based Carter Center.

Nobel Prize

He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development.

Democratic presidential candidate Jimmy Carter embraces his wife Rosalynn after receiving the final news of his victory in the national general election, Nov. 2, 1976. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Carter was a prolific author who was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for a memoir about growing up on a Georgia farm in the rural South after the Great Depression and before the civil rights movement. He has won a Grammy three times for his audio books and was nominated another nine times.

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The Carters returned to their hometown after leaving the White House, moving back into the same modest ranch-style home they first purchased in 1961. A devout Christian, Carter famously continued to teach Sunday School class at Maranatha Baptist Church until 2020, ending a four-decade run that became part of Georgia political lore.

The Atlanta-based Carter Center announced on Feb. 18, 2023, that Carter had decided to enter hospice care and spend his remaining time at home with his family. The announcement triggered an outpouring of tributes and fond remembrances from Georgians on both sides of the aisle.

Carter overcame brain cancer in 2015 and several accidents in recent years.

The former president also continued to wield influence in politics  especially in Georgia. He continued to endorse candidates in high-profile races, including Vice President Kamala Harris. His grandson Jason Carter told reporters he was hanging on to cast a ballot for Harris.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Carter threw his endorsement behind top Democrats including Sen. Raphael Warnock and gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams  and hosted the Bidens at their home in Plains in 2021. Back in 1976, Biden, then a senator, was one of the first elected officials outside Georgia to back Carters presidential run.

This story first appeared in the Georgia Recorder, a member with the Phoenix in the nonprofit States Newsroom.
ATLANTA - OCTOBER 10: Former President Jimmy Carter and wife Rosalyn converse prior to the start of Game Three of the NLDS of the 2010 MLB Playoffs between the Atlanta Braves and the San Francisco Giants on October 10, 2010 at Turner Field in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

President Jimmy Carter, the only Georgian to ever occupy the White House, died Sunday Dec. 29, 2024, after spending over a year in hospice care.

Carter, who turned 100 on Oct. 1 and is the longest-lived president in American history, died at his home in Plains Sunday surrounded by family, according to the Carter Center.

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My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love, Chip Carter, the former presidents son, said in a statement. My brothers, sister, and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs. The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honoring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs.

Public services are planned for Atlanta and Washington, with a private burial service following in Plains. A full schedule has not yet been released.

Democratic presidential candidate Jimmy Carter embraces his wife Rosalynn after receiving the final news of his victory in the national general election, November 2, 1976. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

President Carter and former first lady Rosalynn Carter were beloved residents of Plains, the small town in southwest Georgia where the couple grew up. Rosalynn Carter died Nov. 19, 2023 at 96.

Their affection for one another never seemed to fade during their 77-year marriage, which spanned Carters ever-changing career, from peanut farmer to state senator, governor and president, as well as his post-White House roles as diplomat, humanitarian and volunteer.

Advertisement Advertisement

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The former presidents passion for helping others and devotion to his faith, family and country garnered praise from Georgias political leaders.

In a statement, Gov. Brian Kemp praised Carters dedication to the state and the nation as well as his humanitarian work and love for the former first lady.

Their family continues to be in our prayers as President Carter is reunited with his beloved wife and the world mourns this native Georgian, former state and national leader, and proud peanut farmer from Plains, Kemp said.

U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock called Carter a hero, a friend and one of his favorite people, who moved the country closer toward our highest ideals.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A former president, he got his hands dirty, literally building peoples homes while helping them build their lives. President Carter was a Matthew 25 Christian. He believed, as I do, that the true test of your faith is the depth of your commitment to the most marginalized members of the human family. I believe he passed that test and has now graduated into immortality. Democracies around the world are stronger and children across the globe are alive today because of President Carters workwhat a legacy to leave.

U.S. Sen Jon Ossoff said Carter will be remembered for his commitment to democracy and human rights, his enduring faith, his philanthropic leadership and his deep love of family.

From Plains to across the State of Georgia, the United States, and around the world, millions will forever admire and appreciate all that President Carter did for the United States and for the global community, Ossoff said. The State of Georgia and the United States are better places because of President Jimmy Carter.

As president, he helped broker the Camp David Peace Accords between Israel and Egypt, established diplomatic relations with China, and oversaw the creation of the departments of Energy and Education, among other accomplishments.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But he would serve only one term as president, losing to Ronald Reagan in 1980 amid a struggling economy and the Iranian hostage crisis.

His popularity increased after leaving the White House, becoming the face of Habitat for Humanity  and even showing up at his namesake build after suffering injuries in a fall  and taking on global crises and strife with his Atlanta-based Carter Center.

He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development.

Carter was also a prolific author who was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for a memoir about growing up on a Georgia farm in the rural South after the Great Depression and before the civil rights movement. He has won a Grammy three times for his audio books and was nominated another nine times.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Carters returned to their hometown after leaving the White House, moving back into the same modest ranch-style home they first purchased in 1961. A devout Christian, Carter famously continued to teach Sunday School class at Maranatha Baptist Church until 2020, ending a four-decade run that became part of Georgia political lore.

The Atlanta-based Carter Center announced Feb. 18, 2023 that Carter had decided to enter hospice care and spend his remaining time at home with his family. The announcement triggered an outpouring of tributes and fond remembrances from Georgians on both sides of the aisle.

Carter overcame brain cancer in 2015 and several accidents in recent years.

The former president also continued to wield influence in politics  especially in Georgia. He continued to endorse candidates in high-profile races, including Vice President Kamala Harris. His grandson Jason Carter told reporters he was hanging on to cast a ballot for Harris.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Carter also threw his endorsement behind top Democrats including Sen. Raphael Warnock and gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams  and hosted the Bidens at their home in Plains in 2021. Back in 1976, Biden, then a senator, was one of the first elected officials outside Georgia to back Carters presidential run.

Georgia Recorder is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Georgia Recorder maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor John McCosh for questions: info@georgiarecorder.com.
Former President Jimmy Carter and wife Rosalyn converse prior to the start of Game Three of the NLDS of the 2010 MLB Playoffs between the Atlanta Braves and the San Francisco Giants on Oct. 10, 2010, at Turner Field in Atlanta, Georgia. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

President Jimmy Carter, the only Georgian to ever occupy the White House, died Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, after spending over a year in hospice care.

Carter, who turned 100 on Oct. 1 and is the longest-lived president in American history, died at his home in Plains Sunday surrounded by family, according to the Carter Center.

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My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love, Chip Carter, the former presidents son, said in a statement. My brothers, sister, and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs. The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honoring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs.

Public services are planned for Atlanta and Washington, with a private burial service following in Plains. A full schedule has not yet been released.

Thune statement on Carter

U.S. Sen. John Thune, R-South Dakota, released the following statement on the death of former President Jimmy Carter:

Today we mourn the passing of a dedicated public servant and man of faith, former President Jimmy Carter. President Carter dedicated his life to serving the people of Georgia and our great country  as a naval officer, a governor, and as the 39th President of the United States. From peanut farming to the presidency and every step in between, his wife Rosalynn was by his side. Kimberley and I are praying for the Carter family, and we are comforted by the fact that Jimmy and Rosalynn are together again.

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President Carter and former first lady Rosalynn Carter were beloved residents of Plains, the small town in southwest Georgia where the couple grew up. Rosalynn Carter died Nov. 19, 2023 at 96.

Their affection for one another never seemed to fade during their 77-year marriage, which spanned Carters ever-changing career, from peanut farmer to state senator, governor and president, as well as his post-White House roles as diplomat, humanitarian and volunteer.

The former presidents passion for helping others and devotion to his faith, family and country garnered praise from Georgias political leaders.

In a statement, Gov. Brian Kemp praised Carters dedication to the state and the nation as well as his humanitarian work and love for the former first lady.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Their family continues to be in our prayers as President Carter is reunited with his beloved wife and the world mourns this native Georgian, former state and national leader, and proud peanut farmer from Plains, Kemp said.

U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock called Carter a hero, a friend and one of his favorite people, who moved the country closer toward our highest ideals.

A former president, he got his hands dirty, literally building peoples homes while helping them build their lives. President Carter was a Matthew 25 Christian. He believed, as I do, that the true test of your faith is the depth of your commitment to the most marginalized members of the human family. I believe he passed that test and has now graduated into immortality. Democracies around the world are stronger and children across the globe are alive today because of President Carters workwhat a legacy to leave.

U.S. Sen Jon Ossoff said Carter will be remembered for his commitment to democracy and human rights, his enduring faith, his philanthropic leadership and his deep love of family.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

From Plains to across the State of Georgia, the United States, and around the world, millions will forever admire and appreciate all that President Carter did for the United States and for the global community, Ossoff said. The State of Georgia and the United States are better places because of President Jimmy Carter.

As president, he helped broker the Camp David Peace Accords between Israel and Egypt, established diplomatic relations with China, and oversaw the creation of the departments of Energy and Education, among other accomplishments.

But he would serve only one term as president, losing to Ronald Reagan in 1980 amid a struggling economy and the Iranian hostage crisis.

His popularity increased after leaving the White House, becoming the face of Habitat for Humanity  and even showing up at his namesake build after suffering injuries in a fall  and taking on global crises and strife with his Atlanta-based Carter Center.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development.

Carter was also a prolific author who was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for a memoir about growing up on a Georgia farm in the rural South after the Great Depression and before the civil rights movement. He has won a Grammy three times for his audio books and was nominated another nine times.

The Carters returned to their hometown after leaving the White House, moving back into the same modest ranch-style home they first purchased in 1961. A devout Christian, Carter famously continued to teach Sunday School class at Maranatha Baptist Church until 2020, ending a four-decade run that became part of Georgia political lore.

The Atlanta-based Carter Center announced Feb. 18, 2023 that Carter had decided to enter hospice care and spend his remaining time at home with his family. The announcement triggered an outpouring of tributes and fond remembrances from Georgians on both sides of the aisle.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Carter overcame brain cancer in 2015 and several accidents in recent years.

The former president also continued to wield influence in politics  especially in Georgia. He continued to endorse candidates in high-profile races, including Vice President Kamala Harris. His grandson Jason Carter told reporters he was hanging on to cast a ballot for Harris.

Carter also threw his endorsement behind top Democrats including Sen. Raphael Warnock and gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams  and hosted the Bidens at their home in Plains in 2021. Back in 1976, Biden, then a senator, was one of the first elected officials outside Georgia to back Carters presidential run.

This story was originally published by the Georgia Recorder. Like South Dakota Searchlight, its part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Georgia Recorder maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor John McCosh for questions: info@georgiarecorder.com.
NORRIDGE, Ill.  A local nonprofit supports young people who want to pursue careers in the military.

On Saturday, the Red Robin in Norridge held a fundraiser for Chicagos Own Young Marines, a nonprofit program for kids and teens.

A really great turnout. It was fun to be here and the kids really enjoyed it, one Young Marines Adult Leader said.

At the restaurant, 20% of food sales for customers who mention Chicagos Own Young Marines will go to the organization.

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This is a fundraiser for the Young Marines to raise money for our unit, for our Marines to go to various training academies, said Richard Wojewnik, union commander of Chicagos Own Young Marines. It also helps pay for lunches when we have our drill uniforms and equipment.

Wojewnik told WGN News that while they can often be mistaken as a Boy Scouts type organization, their outreach for members is far wider.

It is different. It is for boys and girls ages 8-18, but unlike the Boy Scouts, one big difference we are not in one area. Like Boy Scouts units cover one neighborhood or the community; were throughout the City of Chicago and even including the suburbs, Wojewnik said.

Members are dropped off at their headquarters in River Grove where drills are scheduled every second and fourth Saturday of the month.

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Leadership, self-discipline, self-reliance, teamwork and how to build comraderies. Our Marines are from all over the city, different cultures, different backgrounds, Wojewnik said.

Teen members WGN News spoke with said the program gets them out of their comfort zone.

Its nice to put the phone down and talk face-to-face with people, especially people my age, one member said.

Program leaders include a mix of veterans in the community and non-military volunteers.

Awards were handed out to members for their recent accomplishments. Donations from supporters also came through the door.

The fundraiser at the Norridge Red Robin goes until 10 p.m. Saturday.

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For more on Chicagos Own Young Marines, click here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. (WSAV)  A Georgia State Trooper was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries after his vehicle overturned and came to rest upside down in a roadside ditch early Sunday morning.

According to the Georgia State Patrol (GSP), just after 2:40 a.m., troopers with the GSP Nighthawks South DUI Taskforce stopped a tan Ford F150 on White Bluff Rd. at its intersection with Johnston St. in Chatham County for a traffic violation.

After making contact with the driver, GSP says the investigating Trooper detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from the drivers breath. At that time, the driver was ordered to step out of the vehicle, and he refused. The driver then drove away and initiated a pursuit.

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Well chase you till the wheels fall off-literally: Candler County Sheriffs Office warns against chases

Due to the Troopers suspicion that the driver was intoxicated and posed a danger to the public, GSP says the pursuing Trooper attempted two unsuccessful P.I.T. maneuvers. On the third P.I.T. attempt, the fleeing driver aggressively applied his brakes and swerved at the Troopers vehicle, which caused the Trooper to lose control and leave the roadway.

Authorities say the fleeing driver fled on foot and was located by other Troopers in a nearby ditch where he was taken into custody without further incident.

The fleeing driver has been charged with Aggravated Assault on a Peace Officer, Felony Fleeing and Eluding, DUI, Felony Serious Injury by Vehicle, and other misdemeanor traffic charges.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV.
CAIRO (Reuters) - A gas explosion killed three police officers as maintenance work was being performed at Egypt's police academy in Cairo on Sunday night, the country's interior ministry said in a statement on social media.

Two security sources said no foul play was suspected and added that two additional police personnel were injured.

(Reporting by Yomna Ehab and Ahmed Mohamed Hassan, writing by Nafisa Eltahir; Editing by Rod Nickel)
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By Maayan Lubell

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Hostages held in Gaza were subjected to torture, including sexual and psychological abuse, starvation, burns and medical neglect, according to a new report by the Israeli Health Ministry that will be submitted to the United Nations this week.

The report is based on interviews with the medical and welfare teams which treated more than 100 Israeli and foreign hostages, most of whom were released in late November 2023, in a brief truce between Israel and Hamas. Eight hostages were rescued by the Israeli military.

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The hostages include more than 30 children and teenagers, a few of whom were found to have been bound, beaten or branded with a heated object, according to the report addressed to the U.N. Special Rapporteur on Torture and published late on Saturday.

Women reported sexual assault by the captors, including at gunpoint. Men were beaten, starved, branded, held bound in isolation and denied access to a bathroom, the report said. Some were denied treatment for injuries and medical conditions.

The report did not identify any of the hostages by name or age, to protect their privacy, but some of the descriptions matched those provided by hostages and staff that treated them in interviews with Reuters and other media and a U.N. report.

Hamas has repeatedly denied abuse of the 251 hostages abducted from Israel during its Oct. 7, 2023 assault. About half of the 100 hostages still held in Gaza are believed by Israeli authorities to still be alive.

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A fresh bid to secure a Gaza ceasefire including a hostage deal has gained momentum in recent weeks, although no breakthrough has been reported as yet.

The war began with Hamas' October 2023 attack, in which 1,200 people were killed, most of them civilians, according to Israeli authorities.

Israel's subsequent campaign against Hamas has killed more than 45,000 Palestinians, most of them civilians, according to Palestinian health officials, displaced nearly all of Gaza's population and reduced much of its territory to rubble.

Israeli authorities are investigating allegations of abuse against Palestinian detainees arrested during the war.

(Editing by James Mackenzie and William Maclean)
HOLMES COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  A Georgia man is in custody and facing charges after he broke into a shed in Holmes County.

According to a Facebook post on the sheriffs office page, deputies responded to a home on Malcolm Taylor Rd. after the suspect broke into a shed and was confronted by the owners.

Holmes County man in custody for drug sales

The suspect, who has now been identified as Jonah Kalberg, fled the area on foot and into the woods.

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Multiple K-9 teams were able to quickly establish a trail which led them to Kalberg.

Kalberg is now facing burglary charges, criminal mischief, and resisting without violence.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has raised concerns about Russias so-called "shadow fleet" following recent damage to undersea cables across Europe.

"Almost every month, ships are currently damaging important undersea cables in the Baltic Sea," Baerbock told Germanys Funke media group on Dec. 28. She described suspicious activities by ship crews, including dropping anchors and dragging them along the seabed for kilometers without explanation.

"Ship crews lower anchors into the water, drag them for kilometers across the seabed for no apparent reason, and then lose them when they pull them up," she said.

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Baerbock expressed doubt that the string of incidents over recent months could be coincidental. "This is an urgent wake-up call for all of us. In a digitalized world, undersea cables are the communication arteries that hold our world together," she stressed, urging stronger sanctions against Russia and increased investment in national security.

Earlier this week, Finland reported damage to the Estlink 2 undersea power cable connecting Finland and Estonia. Finnish authorities suspect sabotage and detained the oil tanker Eagle S, flagged under the Cook Islands. The European Union has linked the vessel to Russias so-called "shadow fleet."

The shadow fleet refers to a network of ships allegedly used by Russia to bypass sanctions, such as those restricting oil sales. "It is used by Russia to finance its illegal war of aggression in Ukraine," Baerbock explained. As of mid-December, over 50 ships from this fleet have faced EU sanctions.

In a related event last month, two fiber-optic cables were severed in the Baltic Sea. Swedish investigators boarded a Chinese vessel as part of their probe into possible sabotage.

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Read also: NATO to enhance military presence in Baltic Sea following damage to undersea power cable, Rutte says

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The German partner of the UN's refugee body, the UNHCR, on Sunday put the number of refugees worldwide in 2024 at more than 122 million, up from 117.4 million last year.

Bonn-based UNO-Fluchtlingshilfe described the figures as "shocking" and noted that the numbers referred to people hoping for protection, security and a future.

"It is our joint task to offer these people protection and a future," the organization's head, Peter Ruhenstroth-Bauer, said in a statement.

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Ruhenstroth-Bauer noted that Sudan was a major cause, with refugees fleeing the civil war that broke out in April 2023, displacing more than 11.8 million people.

The situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Myanmar had also contributed to the high numbers, he said.

Conflict in the Gaza Strip and in Lebanon had violently displaced more than 1.7 million people, he said.
Friedrich Merz, German chancellor candidate and chairman of the opposition Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has stated that Germany will consider joining a peacekeeping force in Ukraine only if Russia agrees.

Source: Die Zeit

Details: Merz noted that Germany's participation in peacekeeping operations requires a mandate that is in line with international law. However, the key factor is Russia's consent, without which, in his opinion, such missions would not be effective and could exacerbate the situation.

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Quote from Merz: "If a peace agreement is reached and Ukraine needs security guarantees, we can only discuss this if there is a clear mandate in accordance with international law. I do not see it at the moment. I would like such a mandate to be given in consensus with Russia, not in conflict."

Background:

Speaking to the media on 20 December, Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman Heorhii Tykhyi said that several countries are considering joining a potential Western allied contingent in Ukraine, as proposed by French President Emmanuel Macron, although discussions are still in the early stages.

The spokesperson noted that Ukraine is actively involved in these discussions and the principle of "nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine" remains.

President Zelenskyy acknowledged that the idea of deploying a peacekeeping mission to Ukraine as a deterrent against a new Russian invasion was discussed during meetings in Brussels. He also mentioned that he was already "seeing positive developments" from some leaders.

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Germany may consider joining a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine only with Russia's consent, Friedrich Merz, the opposition CDU/CSU alliance's chancellor candidate, said on Dec. 28, according to Die Zeit.

His comments followed reports that the U.K. and France are discussing sending troops to monitor a ceasefire in Ukraine, with similar proposals allegedly included in U.S. President-elect Donald Trumps peace plan.

Merz noted that Germanys participation in peacekeeping operations requires a clear mandate under international law, emphasizing that Russia's agreement is essential.

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"If a peace agreement is reached and Ukraine needs security guarantees, we can only discuss this if there is a clear mandate under international law. I dont see it at the moment. I would like such a mandate to be given in consensus with Russia, not in conflict," Merz said.

Despite his criticism of Chancellor Olaf Scholz for hesitancy in supporting Ukraineparticularly regarding Taurus missiles  Merzs stance on deploying troops aligns closely with Scholz's cautious approach. On Dec. 4, Merz described discussions about German troop deployment to ensure a ceasefire as "irresponsible."

Scholz has ruled out deploying German troops to Ukraine "at this stage," citing an agreement with Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and Defense Minister Boris Pistorius.

Pistorius left the door open for potential future peacekeeping operations, saying, "There are still too many unknowns."

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Merz, whose CDU/CSU alliance leads in polls ahead of Germanys Feb. 23 elections, recently visited Kyiv, pledging a more assertive stance on arming Ukraine.

His comments highlight ongoing debates within Germany about its role in post-war security guarantees for Ukraine.

Read also: German FM warns of Russian shadow fleet amid undersea cable incidents, calls for sanctions

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BERLIN (Reuters) - U.S. billionaire Elon Musk drew criticism from German politicians from the government and opposition on Sunday for an opinion piece he wrote backing the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) which they deemed "intrusive" outside influence.

The support of the AfD from Musk, who is set to serve U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's administration as an outside adviser, comes as Germans are set to vote on Feb. 23 after a coalition government led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz collapsed.

The commentary published in German in the Welt am Sonntag newspaper, flagship of the Axel Springer media group, expanded on a post by Musk on social media platform X last week in which he wrote "only the AfD can save Germany" and praised the party's approach to regulation, taxes and market deregulation.

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In response to the publication of his commentary, the editor of the newspaper's opinion section said on X that she had resigned.

Friedrich Merz, leader of the opposition Christian Democrats and current favourite to succeed Scholz as chancellor, said in an interview with the Funke Media Group: "I cannot recall a comparable case of interference, in the history of Western democracies, in the election campaign of a friendly country."

Merz described the commentary as "intrusive and pretentious".

Saskia Esken, co-leader of Scholz's Social Democrats (SPD), vowed fierce resistance to attempts by state actors as well as the rich and influential to influence Germany's elections.

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"In Elon Musk's world, democracy and workers' rights are obstacles to more profit," Esken told Reuters. "We say quite clearly: Our democracy is defensible and it cannot be bought."

Welt's editor-in-chief designate defended the decision to publish the commentary, saying that democracy and journalism thrive on freedom of opinion, including polarising positions.

The AfD is running second in opinion polls and might be able to thwart a centre-right or centre-left majority. Germany's mainstream, more centrist parties have pledged to shun any support from the AfD at the national level.

(Reporting by Miranda Murray and Andreas Rinke; editing by Jason Neely)
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.) praised House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) for the way hes handled his role as top Republican in the House, which just narrowly averted a government shutdown following a days-long roller coaster.

Mike Johnson, Speaker of the House, is doing an extraordinary job. I tell everybody, I was a pretty effective Speaker. I could never do his job. He has no margins. Any two or three members can rebel at any moment, Gingrich told John Catsimatidis on his show Cats Roundtable on WABC 770 AM.

Leaders in the House cycled through multiple plans until finally passing the continuing resolution to avoid a government shutdown just hours before the deadline.

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The near shutdown leaves serious questions about how the Speaker will lead lawmakers in the lower chamber under President-elect Trump  and whether he can keep his gavel.

Gingrich applauded Johnsons efforts to avoid a government shutdown and urged the GOP to become more unified.

They need a Republican unity program for the next two years. These guys who wake up every morning and say, Im going to vote no. Whats the issue? are totally destructive and hand the House over to the Democrats, Gingrich warned.

So they need to start this year with a pledge that every Republican is going to stick together. Were going to be a single team, he added.

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Amid the shutdown chaos, Gingrich suggested Trump would be better off letting the government shut down in an interview with Fox News last week.

I think that President Trump would be much better off to let the government close to let Biden sit there as a totally incompetent president presiding over a mess, and to go to the country and say to the country, I am not going to be a president who sells you out. I need your help to convince the Congress to pass a good bill, Gingrich said at the time.

His comment during the Fox News interview came as a bipartisan 1,500-page continuing resolution to keep the government funded into the new year went down in flames after it came under criticism from Trump allies, including Elon Musk, and eventually Trump himself. The backlash led to Johnsons plan B deal, which ultimately failed in the House.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Fox News

President-elect Donald Trump has recently revived his dream of expanding the United States through the purchase of Greenland.

While his wish might look unusual on paper, his former national security advisor Robert OBrien said there were two main reasons for his obsession with the island and one of them was based on climate change.

Speaking on Sunday Morning Futures, OBrien envisioned a future in which the U.S. could cut down on using the Panama Canal as the climate gets warmer.

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Greenland is a highway from the Arctic all the way to North America, to the United States, he said to guest host Jason Chaffetz on Fox News.

OBrien: Greenland is a highway from the arctic all the way to North America, to the United States. It's strategically very important to the arctic which is going to be the critical battleground of the future because as the climate gets warmer pic.twitter.com/dpzop93eBB  Acyn (@Acyn) December 29, 2024

Its strategically very important to the Arctic which is going to be the critical battleground of the future because as the climate gets warmer, the Arctic is going to be a pathway that maybe cuts down on the usage of the Panama Canal.

Critics seemed shocked by both the boldness of trying to acquire Greenland, and that OBrien was willing to invoke climate change as a justification for doing so.

Wait so they accept climate change as real to justify annexing sovereign nations? one account wrote in response to OBriens speech.

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Alongside being a critical battleground against climate change, OBrien said that Greenland was a literal battleground against Russia and China and that it wouldnt hurt if the U.S. fracked for some oil while defending the island.

And the Russians and the Chinese are all over the Arctic. Now the Danes the Kingdom of Denmark owns Greenland. And theyve got an obligation to defend Greenland, and so President Trump said If you dont defend Greenland, well buy it and well defend it, but were not going to defend it for free and let you not develop Greenland and not extract the minerals and oil and resources of Greenland... he said.

Denmark is now on the frontlines of the war against Russia and China. Theyre like the Baltic states, theyre like Poland because of their vast territory in Greenland. And so theyve got to defend Greenland, and if they cant defend it were going to have to and were not gonna do it for free.

Despite Trump and OBriens fighting words, it doesnt seem Greenland itself is keen on becoming a non-contiguous U.S. state.

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Greenlands Prime Minister Mute Egede last week shared a statement relaying very strongly his feelings about the idea.

Greenland is ours, he said. We are not for sale and will never be for sale. We must not lose our long struggle for freedom.
New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu said he does not think President-elect Donald Trump has permanently changed the GOP.

Sununu, a moderate Republican, said on CNNs State of the Union Sunday morning that he does not imagine someone will take Trumps place as leader of the GOP after his term is over.

Trump is Trump. Theres no Trump-lite. Theres no Trump 2.0 coming up, he said. I always say that Trump is who he is because hes built up himself in the American psyche for 40 years. I mean, really since the 80s.

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When asked by CNNs Dana Bash if he thinks Trump has permanently changed the party, Sununu replied, Oh, no. Oh, definitely not.

Sununu, a moderate Republican, said he does not think President-elect Donald Trump has permanently changed the GOP (CNN)

Weve always been a spectrum in the party, he added. Weve had moderates, weve had fiscal conservatives and social moderates and social conservatives. Its a huge spectrum, and its a big tent, and it will be, it will continue to be.

Sununu added that Republicans are now more hardcore conservatives than the traditional conservatism of the past.

I think theres a lot more of that hardcore regular conservatism already in there, frankly, he said. That traditional conservatism is already in there.

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When it comes to Trump, Sununu said the president-elect brings a different style to it, which I have a lot of issues with at times, to be sure, but fundamentally, on principle, theyre still right there.

The bigger DNA problem is with the Democrat party, Sununu added.

Sununu, who supported Nikki Haley in the 2024 GOP primary, said during the interview Sunday that Trump was not my first choice, and not my second or third or fourth choice within the primary process, but obviously he won the primary.

I never take back a single thing Ive ever said, he added. I think, you know, in terms of moving the party forward, there were a lot of other great candidates that were out there. He won the primary, he won the nomination, and he won the vote handily, of the American people. Hes got to come through, right? At this point, its about delivering.

After serving four terms, Sununu will leave office on January 2.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine praised former President Jimmy Carter Sunday. Carter, who served as the 39th president from 1977 to 1981, died at 100.

Here is his statement:

Fran and I are saddened to hear of the death of former President Jimmy Carter.President Carter lived his faith through his public life, and he had one of the most impactful post-presidencies in American history. He dedicated his life to humanitarian work, including the building of housing through Habitat for Humanity, for which he became synonymous.

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He founded the Carter Center to support democracy and fight disease across the globe.

"President Carter was a member of our Greatest Generation, and was awarded the World War II victory medal, among others, for his service in the United States Navy. President Carter was our longest living ex-President, and he and the late First Lady Rosalynn were the longest-married presidential couple in history, having celebrated their 77th wedding anniversary.

Fran and I extended our sincerest condolences to President Carters children Jack, James, Donnel, and Amy, and his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine praises President Carters faith, public service
It's "year in review" time for most political columnists, so here's my opinion on 2024, along with a recommendation for 2025.

Opinion: Zero out of ten, would not recommend. If you're reading this in the year 2525 as you're preparing to test a time machine and trying to decide what past year to visit, avoid this one.

At the societal level, I can't think of any major positive events  political or cultural  worth your energy. No Armistice Day, Beatles on Ed Sullivan, or man-on-the-moon moments come to mind (maybe the Bob Dylan biopic, "A Complete Unknown," will help with that  it comes out on Christmas Day, after this column went to press).

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The year was equal parts anger, outrage, violence and boredom.

The U.S. presidential campaign was weird in certain ways but not in ways that make it uniquely interesting unless dementia, opportunistic ladder-climbing and the Truth Social equivalent of "mean tweets" happen to be hobbies of yours.

Wars in Ukraine and the Middle East continued but they were more "major downer" than "major development" in nature. A lot of bodies, not very many moves toward peace or even closure.

On Ukraine: Trump unlikely to desert Ukraine. The evidence is in his actions, not in rhetoric | Opinion

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And so on and so forth. It just really hasn't been a very good year.

I'm not complaining on a PERSONAL level, mind you. I'm happy that my family made it through 2024 without major medical or financial setbacks, and that I started getting a little more adventurous as my golden (grayer?) years approach (to wit, with my nuclear birth family all dead and unable to worry about, or scold, me, I started riding a motorcycle). I hope your year was good as well and suspect it probably went better in inverse relation to the attention you paid to politics and world affairs.

Politicians should leave us alone for the holidays

I also wish you and yours a happy, healthy, prosperous holiday season and new year.

Which brings me to my recommendation for helping bring that result about NEXT year.

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There oughta be a law.

If you know me at all, you know I don't say that very often.

But I really think this one could be important. In faux legalese, here's my proposal:

"No government employee, elected or appointed government official, or candidate for election or appointment to government office, shall make, utter or issue any public statement relating to those positions between midnight on Dec. 18 of the current year and midnight on Jan. 1 of the next year."

Looking to 2025: Editorial: How will Trump policies impact Palm Beach County?

No speeches. No press conferences. No press releases. No social media posts on "official" accounts. If you want to tell family members "Merry Christmas," etc., in person, by phone, or on your personal social media accounts, fine. But none of this "my fellow Americans" stuff. When you're not annoying or enraging your fellow Americans, you're just boring us. So shut your yappers for a couple of weeks and leave us alone.

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I guess that kind of law would run afoul of the First Amendment... but most of the people affected don't care about the First Amendment anyway, right?

Happy holidays.

Thomas Knapp

Thomas L. Knapp (X: @thomaslknapp | Bluesky: @knappster.bsky.social | Mastodon: @knappster) is director and senior news analyst at the William Lloyd Garrison Center for Libertarian Advocacy Journalism (thegarrisoncenter.org). He lives and works in north central Florida.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: My 2025 recommendation: No political yapping during holidays | Opinion
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  Rochester Police Department announced Saturday night that officers are searching for a man after a gun was fired inside the Danforth Tower on West Avenue.

Multiple Rochester police vehicles sit outside the Danforth Towers on West Avenue after reports surfaced of a shot fired inside. (WROC/Melanie Sosa.)

According to police, officers were called to the apartment buildings just before 9:30 p.m. and determined the gun discharged during an altercation with the security guard in the foyer. Its alleged the man was denied entry before he pulled out a weapon and the struggle ensued.

RPD: 4 people run from stolen vehicle crash at Walgreens

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No injuries were reported. Police said the suspect took off into a nearby car before officers arrived and has not been located.

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DENVER (KDVR)  A man was found dead in a vehicle Sunday morning in Commerce City after gunfire detection technology alerted them that shots were fired in the area, according to police.

The man was found in his vehicle at East 62nd Avenue and Jasmine Court.

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A person of interest was located hiding nearby.

Commerce City Police Department said there was no perceived threat to the public as of Sunday morning.

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The person of interest was booked into the Adams County Detention Facility on suspicion of first degree murder, police said.

No additional information is available.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
The last time a Democratic president died was in 1973 when Lyndon Baines Johnson passed away at the age of 64, just a few years after leaving office.

Following the death of Jimmy Carter on Sunday at the age of 100, the nation will now see the first funeral for a Democratic president in more than 50 years.

Carter is the longest-living president, who also had the longest post-presidency after leaving office at the age of 56 in 1980.

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There are a number of traditions and customs that govern the death of a US president, but the wishes of the family are also heavily considered, meaning the proceedings can be quite different from each other.

Since the death of Johnson, there have been four state funerals for former presidents  Johnsons in 1973, Ronald Reagans in 2004, Gerald Fords in 2007 and George HW Bushs most recently in 2018.

Richard Nixon, who died in 1994, opted for a smaller and more private ceremony at his presidential library amid concerns that reminiscing about the Watergate scandal could overshadow any larger proceeding.

Five presidents attend former president Richard Nixons funeral in Yorba Linda, California on 27 April 1994 (AFP via Getty Images)

The US conducts state funerals on behalf of all persons who hold, or have held, the office of president as well as a president-elect and other persons designated by the president, according to the US Army Military District of Washington.

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A state funeral lasts seven to 10 days and includes three parts  ceremonies in the presidents home state, ceremonies in Washington DC, and finally ceremonies in the state where they choose to be buried.

The ceremonies in the capital region may include Armed Forces honor guards, military bands, and units from the National Guard and the US Armed Forces reserves. Outside of the capitol region, services may also include local units.

Vice president takes the oath of office

If a president dies in office, the first thing that must happen is that the vice president takes the oath of office to become president.

Lyndon B Johnson takes the oath of office as President of the United States, after the assassination of President John F Kennedy on 22 November, 1963. (Getty Images)

Planning the funeral

One of the first things a president must do is plan their own funeral, according to the White House Historical Association. Following the passing of a president, the family coordinates the proceedings.

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The then-state funeral planner for public affairs for the Joint Task Force, National Capital Region in Washington, Barbara Owens, said in 2006 following the passing of Mr Ford that Until the family has had a chance to meet with our commanding general and go over the events of the next days, we will not know what that schedule will be.

They can choose to have a simple funeral  they can choose to have a full honor funeral. It simply is up to the family, she added at the time.

The issuing of a proclamation

When the White House is made aware of the death of a former president, the current president announces the death by proclamation before ordering the Department of Defense to organize a state funeral.

The president also orders federal agencies and departments closed to observe a national day of mourning.

Lowering the flags to half-staff

The US flag flies at half-staff in honor of former President George HW Bush outside the US Capitol in Washington, DC on 3 December, 2018 (AFP via Getty Images)

When a president dies, all federal buildings, grounds, and naval vessels in the US and its territories should fly the flags at half-staff for 30 days, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Transporting the casket to the US Capitol and lying in state

After lying in state at the presidential library of a former president, as was the case for Reagan in California, the casket is then transported to the US Capitol to lie in state there. During transportation, the casket is escorted by the military and transported using a presidential plane.

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In 2018, George HW Bush was transported from Houston, Texas to lie in state at the US Capitol for two days before he was buried at his presidential library in College Station, Texas.

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump pay their respects as former President George HW Bush lies in state in the Capitol Rotunda on 3 December, 2018 in Washington, DC (Getty Images)

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The lying in state allows current and former elected officials and the public to pay their respects.

Lying in state in the White House has so far only occurred for presidents who died in office.

The funeral

The funerals are traditionally held at the Washington National Cathedral in the nations capital. Events surrounding the funeral usually last for five days and the proceedings depend on each individual president.

In terms of seating arrangements, the presidential party comes first, followed by foreign chiefs of state, which are arranged alphabetically according to the English spelling of their country. After that, royalty representing chiefs of state are seated, followed by heads of government, the AP noted in time for Fords 2007 funeral.

A military honor guard carries the casket of former President Gerald Ford during a funeral service on 2 January, 2007 in Washigton DC (Getty Images)

US military salute

When a president is buried, seven honor guards fire a three-volley salute at the gravesite of the president, and military installations around the country fire a 21-gun salute for the former commander-in-chief.

Funeral train procession

In the past, the caskets of several presidents traveled across the country by train to allow people all over the country to pay their respects. In 2018, George HW Bushs family decided also to have his casket crisscross the nation.

People wave at a train that is carrying the casket of former U.S. President George H.W. Bush to the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library at Texas A&M University on 6 December, 2018 in Navasota, Texas (Getty Images)

Burial

The president is finally buried, usually at a place that holds personal significance to them. Several presidents are buried at their presidential libraries while Presidents William H Taft and John F Kennedy are buried at Arlington National Cemetary.

The Associated Press contributed to this report
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH)  The suspect in the November killing of a mother and child was returned to Connecticut Saturday after fleeing authorities in Puerto Rico.

The suspect, 23-year-old Lance Macho Morales from Waterbury, had been charged with the assault and murder of 20-year-old Jessiah Mercado and her 4-month-old son Messiah on Nov. 19 in a drive-by shooting.

Community holds vigil for mother and son killed in Hartford

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Hes expected to be arraigned at Hartford Superior Court on Monday, Dec. 30.

The appearance has been long-anticipated by the loved ones of the victims.

Mercado was described as a strong young woman who was trying to make a better life for herself and her children. She died with her baby, Jessiah, but she also had another child.

This is according to ROCA- a community organization in Harford that had been helping her escape street violence over the last three years.

Morales was first located by the U.S. Marshals Violent Fugitive Task Force four days after the murders and had been awaiting extradition from Puerto Rico since November.

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A medical expert who helped lead Americas COVID-19 response has warned that the ongoing bird flu (H5N1) epidemic can evolve into a pandemic if greater measures are not taken to stop the spread. Dr. Deborah Birx, who served as the White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator under Donald Trumps administration, spoke with CNN about the illness that has been traced to dairy and chicken farms.

Journalist Pamela Brown asked, Do you think its just a matter of time until theres just a full-fledged pandemic here? to which Birx responded, Well, certainly were setting ourselves up here for that potential. The veteran health official further explained that early reactions to the more than 60 human cases detected this year gave her flashbacks to the initial approach used to address the then-novel COVID-19 virus.

Im hearing the same words come out of the CDC [the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]  Low risk of human-to-human transmission. Didnt we hear that from the WHO [the World Health Organization] and the CDC about COVID? So, I think our way through this is to use 21st century technology. And remember, it was the private sector that gave us tests, she recollected.

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Within weeks we went from 20,000 tests to two million tests. So if we got the private sector engaged in our response, they would help us get tests out to all of the dairy farms [and] all the poultry farms, where they could test both the chickens and the people exposed to the chickens, and then we would know how far spread this virus was.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency to strengthen the response to the virus on Dec. 18. Between mid-November and late December, more than 300 cow herds tested positive for H5N1, also known as avian influenza. This proclamation is a targeted action to ensure government agencies have the resources and flexibility they need to respond quickly to this outbreak, said the Democratic elected official.

The first severe case of the illness was identified in a human patient in Louisiana. The individual was reportedly exposed to sick and dead birds in a backyard flock, reported the CDC. Birx warned, Right now were just looking for symptoms again. We should never be tracking viruses through symptoms. You dont see a virus through a symptom, you see the virus through the test, and we know from COVID most of the spread was asymptomatic. If we had been testing in January, as many other countries were, we wouldnt have had the spread that we had.  Our agencies are making the same mistakes they made with COVID.

WHO declared the end of the pandemic in May 2023 and subsequently rolled back vaccine mandates.
MULBERRY, Fla. (WFLA)  A Hillsborough County deputy has been arrested for battery, the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office announced Sunday.

Mark Verkest, 38, who is a deputy with HCSO is accused of battering a woman at their Mulberry home following an altercation.

Dog alerts family of man trying to kidnap 2-year-old in St. Pete: affidavit

On Saturday, Polk County deputies responded to their Mulberry home, where they took Verkest into custody after discovering he had battered the woman. Verkest was also placed under a Baker Act based on comments he made, the sheriffs office said.

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Deputies are entrusted with the responsibility to serve as role models in our community, and this behavior is completely unacceptable and disappointing, Sheriff Chad Chronister said. I expect every HCSO deputy to hold themselves to the highest standards of conduct and integrity, both in their professional and personal lives.

The deputy is facing a charge of domestic violence battery.

Verkest was hired by HCSO in September 2017. He is now on unpaid administrative leave as the investigation continues.

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A pensioners 6,000 fine after an illegal migrant sneaked into his trailer while his back was turned has been quashed.

Great-grandfather Peter Hughes was handed the penalty after a Sudanese man was found stowed inside his small camping trailer at the port of Calais without his knowledge.

Following an appeal with substantial political and media pressure, the 75-year-olds fine has been reduced to 150  a sum he has paid despite he and Anne, his wife, knowing nothing about the migrant.

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Mr Hughes, who met Elizabeth II after accepting a long-service award from North West Ambulance Service as a technician before retiring, blasted the Home Offices obscene action.

He and Mrs Hughes were returning to the UK after a holiday in France when the migrant was found by French authorities hiding inside the small trailer attached to their converted motorhome.

Border authorities found a Sudanese man stowed inside Peter Hughes small camping trailer at the port of Calais - UGC/Men Media

The couple said they believed the man went inside the trailer when they stopped at a supermarket before the ferry trip to pick up supplies.

They regularly checked if the trailer was secure while driving around France.

But Mr Hughes received a letter from the Clandestine Entrant Civil Penalty Team  part of the UK Border Force  telling him the Secretary of State had decided he was liable to a penalty of 6,000.

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The letter accused him of failing to check the trailer before arriving at immigration control at Calais.

Angela Rayner, the Deputy Prime Minister and Mr Hughes local MP, took up the case and her office liaised with Mr Hughes. UK Border Force wrote to him revealing the revised fine after his written notice of objection had been carefully considered, but that his liability stands.

Not just HGVs

Mr Hughes said: I was on the phone first thing on the Monday following the arrival of the letter on the Friday. When I rang them they had to double check the amount, it was still showing 6,000.

I dont think the woman who answered my call was impressed with my reaction when she asked for the full amount. I very much appreciate the help and support from the media and Angela Rayner and her staff. There can be a positive thing that can come out of all this.

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There are many people that travel into Europe for camping holidays  the more of them that are aware of what can happen the better. I wouldnt wish the problems that we have had on anyone. The stress upon us has been awful.

We have all seen the television reports about illegal immigrants stowing away in goods vehicles and I am sure the majority of us, like myself, wouldnt even consider my particular circumstances.

Perhaps the ferry companies and Eurotunnel could start issuing warnings to people who make bookings that include a trailer, to be aware that the illegal immigrants target everyone, not just HGVs.

The Home Office said the Clandestine Entrant Civil Penalty Scheme was designed to secure the border, target negligence, and ensure drivers take every reasonable step to deter irregular migration.

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The scheme is designed to target negligence rather than criminality, as drivers involved in people smuggling would be investigated and prosecuted in the courts, and comes under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999: The Carriers Liability Regulations 2002.

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HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP)  Two Holyoke police officers prevented a fight from turning deadly after arresting a man who attempted to fire a gun at someone early Saturday morning.

Holyoke Interim Police Chief Isaias Cruz said that at around 1:40 a.m., officers were on duty monitoring an establishment inside their police cruiser when they saw a fight happening at the intersection of High Street and Lyman Street. One of the individuals took out a firearm and fired it, missing the other person.

Truck falls through ice of Pontoosuc Lake in Pittsfield

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The officers promptly exited their vehicle and ran towards the fight, where the shooter then noticed the officers and began to run away. The officers successfully caught and arrested the shooter, later identified as Erik Santiago, and took his firearm into police custody.

(Courtesy of Holyoke Police Department.)

Santiago was charged with the following:

Attempted murder

Discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling

Possession of loaded firearm without FID

Possession of a Class A substance (heroin)

Receiving Stolen Property (firearm)

Possession of Large Capacity Firearm

Possession Ammunition without FID

Unlawful storage of a Firearm

Disorderly Conduct

Santiagos bail was set at $50,000, and he will be arraigned on Monday, December 30 in Holyoke District Court. Chief Cruz would like to commend the officers for their work in arresting Santiago and preventing a tragedy.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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The homeless man who sustained burns to both legs and his upper body after catching fire inside Penn Station late Friday is now believed to have set himself ablaze.

Police and MTA sources told The Post on Saturday there is no evidence that a second person was involved in the shocking incident.

NYPD officers investigate the scene where a man was found on fire Friday night. KYLE MAZZA/Shutterstock

Officers from the NYPD search the secluded tunnel for clues after a man was found on fire. ZUMAPRESS.com

The station was cordoned off to commuters. KYLE MAZZA/Shutterstock

The 67-year-old man, who police have yet to identify, was found on fire by first responders at around 8 p.m. in a secluded tunnel not far from New Jersey Transit Tracks 11 and 12.

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He was rushed to NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center where he was listed in critical condition on Saturday, medical personnel upgraded him to critical.

The victim told police he awoke to find he was on fire, and claimed the blaze was set by someone.

It remains unclear how the fire began, but no criminality appears to be involved, sources said.

The incident had commuters nevertheless shaken, with crime underground on the rise.

Portions of Penn Station were blocked off from commuters. Christopher Sadowski

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The man was found by first responders in a tunnel near NJ Transit Tracks 11 and 12. Christopher Sadowski

Fridays shocking incident unfolded just days after a still-unidentified woman was torched to death while sleeping on an F train in Brooklyn on Dec. 23.

Thats crazy, commented Mike Jones, 28, a school safety officer from the Bronx who commutes to Penn Station. I come through this area sometimes. Its dangerous. Its scary. Two people on fire, two different stations, and two stabbed at Grand Central Station  thats dreadful.

In response, the Guardian Angels on Sunday will announce the revival of their subway patrols.

Ashley Cole, from Brooklyn, said hes disgusted by the crime on the subways.

Fire fighters were summoned to the scene as well. ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

I dont think its completely safe [underground], but Im not afraid, the 75-year-old Cole said. I try to pay attention to my surroundings, and Im very sorry about whats happening. I dont know whats going on.

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Curtis Sliwa said that his red beret-sporting Guardian Angels will be back patrolling subways  a decision made after the woman was set ablaze in Brooklyn.

The womans arson murder was caught on surveillance video. Obtained by the Post

Zapeta was previously deported in 2018. Gregory P. Mango

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Homeless individuals inside Penn Station told The Post many of them carry matches and lighters, as many smoke crack or synthetic marijuana, like K2.

Murder and arson charges in the F train incident have been filed against Sebastian Zapeta, a Guatemalan migrant who had been deported in 2018.
Dec. 29There was fire and ice. There were significant shifts politically and economically. And there was crime.

Even though the items on the Lewiston Tribune's countdown of the top stories of 2024 are unique to this year, the underlying issues are quite familiar to modern life.

One such issue is homelessness. Any illusion that the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley is immune from homelessness has been dispelled in recent years, and the plight of the unhoused population, particularly in Clarkston, was selected as the top story of 2024, as voted on by Tribune staff members.

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It was a presidential election year, making the 2024 election especially prominent. And there were lots of business rumbling in the region, most of which had ties to national or global trends.

A cold snap in January, fires in July and the ongoing struggles of salmon were the big environmental news of 2024.

The murder of two area residents  possibly committed by two fugitives  and the methodical legal proceedings following the murder of four University of Idaho students in 2022 were the top crime stories of the year.

No. 1: Clarkston homeless camps cleared

The homeless camp near Walmart was filled with ice and people last winter. This year, the site is empty and an affordable housing complex is under construction nearby.

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Unhoused people were invited to move into an area thought to be a city right of way west of Walmart in November 2023, and the camp grew from there. After the city discovered the land was not public, the camp was cleared in February 2024, and most folks wound up at Foster Park in Clarkston.

Neighbors of Foster Park began attending every city council meeting to shed light on what was happening at the park.

When a Supreme Court ruling cleared the way to close down the camp, the city of Clarkston worked with police to alert the homeless community.

Since then, Foster Park is no longer crowded with tents and people, and the unhoused have scattered. However, the Asotin County Alliance for the Unhoused, a nonprofit organization, is working toward building sleeping huts.

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The holdup has been finding property near stores, public transportation and other resources, but Alliance leaders said they haven't given up on the idea and are still searching for the right location.

Other housing projects are underway, including the Clarkston Family Haven affordable housing complex near Walmart, the Union Gospel Mission homeless shelter on Snake River Avenue in Lewiston and the LC Valley Youth Resource Center's proposed tiny homes village in east Lewiston that would cater to young, at-risk adults.

No. 2: Eventful election cycle sees Idaho get redder, Washington turn bluer

A presidential election year paired with legislative races and a contentious ballot initiative effort made 2024 a particularly eventful year in Idaho politics.

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The active election year began with a presidential caucus in a process that hadn't been used in Idaho for more than a decade. The Legislature inadvertently eliminated the presidential primary in 2023, deleting it from code, so the parties hosted private caucuses.

Republican voters overwhelmingly selected Donald Trump as the state's nominee in a single day of voting in March. Experiences varied across the state, with several voters reporting smooth operations and others experiencing long wait times and shorter voter periods than expected. Both the Republicans in March and Democrats in May reported low turnout.

May also brought the legislative primary contest in which every state legislative seat was up for election. Money poured in across the state and 15 incumbents lost their seats, including longtime Senate leader Chuck Winder. A central theme of many races was the idea of allowing state funds to be used in private education, with several lawmakers who had been against the concept losing their contests.

A statewide ballot measure that would have amended Idaho's election system to implement a nonpartisan, top-four primary and ranked-choice voting in the general election brought in a lot of money in favor and a strong pushback from Idaho GOP officials. Prop 1, also known as the Open Primaries initiative, garnered support from former Republican officials who said it would counter extremism in the state. Currently elected Republican and party officials strongly opposed the system, arguing it was too expensive and confusing.

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Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador sought to prevent the measure from appearing on the ballot through court challenges claiming it violated the single-subject requirement and that supporters were misleading in the process of gathering signatures. A judge later dismissed the case, clearing the way for Prop 1 on be printed on the November ballot.

Voters decisively defeated the measure in the general election, with nearly 70% voting against implementing the new election system.

Idaho's other general election results largely followed a national conservative trend  Trump won Idaho's vote by a slightly larger margin than in 2020. Trump won the popular vote nationwide and 312 electoral college votes. Idaho Republicans picked up one more legislative seat that had been held by a Democrat; the House now has 61 Republicans and nine Democrats, and the Senate has 29 Republicans and six Democrats.

In Washington state, Democrats retained control of Olympia and voters largely supported Kamala Harris for president. Harris received around 57.3% of the vote over Trump.

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Bob Ferguson, the state's former attorney general, won the race for governor, replacing fellow Democrat Jay Inslee, who is retiring. Voters also chose Democrats for every statewide elected office. Voters rejected all but one of a slate of initiatives meant to roll back liberal policies enacted by the Washington Legislature  only one measure meant to pull back on regulations on natural gas was narrowly approved.

No. 3: Vista Outdoors, Clearwater Paper sell parts of businesses

Ammunition and toilet paper continue to be two of Lewiston's most important exports, but in 2024 new owners acquired the plants here that make those goods.

The Czechoslovak Group purchased the ammunition making operations of Vista Outdoor, the parent company of Lewiston's CCI/Speer, as part of a $2.23 billion deal that closed in November. CCI/Speer is one of Lewiston's largest employers.

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The acquisition included other important ammunition producers such as Federal, Remington and Hevi-Shot, which, with CCI/Speer, are the largest ammunition maker in the United States.

The plants are now a part of a private company that has its global headquarters in the Czech Republic.

Clearwater Paper's private label tissue-making operations also are under new ownership after Sofidel America Corp. acquired them in a $1.06 billion deal that was finalized in November.

The transaction included Clearwater Paper's tissue operations in Lewiston; Las Vegas; Shelby, N.C.; and Elwood, Ill., near Chicago.

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The Lewiston, Las Vegas and Shelby sites all have machines that manufacture tissue then cut and package it into toilet paper, paper towels, paper napkins and facial tissue for retailers that sell it under their own brands. The facility at Elwood cuts and packages tissue from large parent rolls.

The about 500 employees who staff the former Clearwater Paper tissue operations in Lewiston all kept their jobs in the transition.

Top executives of Sofidel visited Lewiston earlier in December and introduced themselves to the community at an open house.

With the purchase of the Clearwater Paper operations, the Sofidel executives said, Sofidel is now the largest producer of private-label tissue in the U.S. retail market and the fifth largest manufacturer of household paper tissue products worldwide.

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Late in December, news reports indicated Clearwater Paper's pulp and paperboard operations could potentially be sold to another foreign company. According to sources, Brazil's Suzano SA is exploring the possible purchase, which would affect the other 800 employees at the Lewiston mill.

No. 4: Men on the run accused of two murders

Two people were killed in Nez Perce and Clearwater counties allegedly after two men escaped from custody in southern Idaho.

In March, Skylar W. Meade and Nicholas D. Umphenour escaped in Boise. Meade was an inmate and Umphenour had recently been released from the Idaho Maximum Security Institution in Kuna, south of Boise. The two had been housed together and were both members of the Aryan Knights prison gang. Officers were shot at when Meade was taken to St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise. The two then drove to northern Idaho, then through Montana and back to southern Idaho, where they were arrested in Twin Falls.

James L. Mauney, 85, of Juliaetta, was found dead in Nez Perce County and Gerald Don Henderson, 72, was found dead outside his cabin near Orofino.

Meade and Umphenour faced charges in Ada County relating to the escape. Those cases have been closed. Meade was sentenced to 35 years to life in prison and Umphenour was sentenced to 40 years to life in prison.

Meade and Umphenour were indicted in Nez Perce County for first-degree murder in the death of Mauney. Both have stood silent rather than enter a plea and face the death penalty for the charge.

Meade's trial is scheduled to take place Feb. 3. Umphenour waived his right to a speedy trial and his next court date is March 27.

No charges have been filed in the death of Henderson.

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No. 5: Fires take a toll on residents

The 2024 wildfire season was both mild and severe.

North central Idaho and southeastern Washington experienced a relatively light fire season in terms of acres burned but one of the worst when it comes to impact to communities.

The Texas Ridge and Gwen fires were particularly painful. Both exploded in their first few days and consumed multiple structures.

The Gwen Fire, which started from a July 24 lightning strike to the hills above the lower Potlatch River Canyon, destroyed 25 homes and 118 other structures, including Colter's Creek Winery near Juliaetta. It wrapped around and over the ridge that separates the Potlatch and Clearwater rivers and pushed up Cottonwood Creek as it grew to more than 28,800 acres.

Rural volunteer fire departments fought it alongside crews from the Idaho Department of Lands, Nez Perce Tribe and U.S. Forest Service.

The Texas Ridge Fire started July 15 near Kendrick and burned more than 1,500 acres and destroyed four homes.

Despite those two destructive blazes and blazing hot temperatures for much of the summer, more remote forests of the region experienced fewer fires than normal. Nonetheless, large fires burning across the West, garnered attention from firefighters and stretching firefighting resources.

No. 6: End of Denver-Lewiston flights announced

The final countdown has started for the last United Airlines' Denver-Lewiston commercial passenger flights.

United announced its plans to pull the plug on the nonstop service earlier this month. United will operate the flights from Denver to Lewiston through Jan. 31 and service from Lewiston to Denver through Feb. 1.

The Denver flights, according to airport officials, have never been profitable for United. They have been subsidized with government money since they debuted in 2021.

United had requested another $4.9 million minimum revenue guarantee for the fiscal year that started Oct. 1.

Nez Perce County and the city of Lewiston's elected officials were unable to find the money. The city and the county jointly own the airport.

The Lewiston airport still has nonstop flights to and from Salt Lake City and Seattle on Delta, which are not subsidized.

Airport officials are working on a plan to replace the United flights and could have a proposal ready by the end of this month.

No. 7: Lewiston-Clarkston business scene alerted by openings, closings

The debut of Planet Fitness at the Lewiston Center Mall was a key development in a whirlwind of changes this year in the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley's retail scene.

The 24,000-square-foot gym is in the eastern section of a former Macy's. On the other end of the enclosed section of the shopping center, remodeling is underway for a 40,000-square-foot Hobby Lobby where J.C. Penney once was.

The renovation is expected to be done on time in the spring, but no opening date has been established for the store.

A few blocks away, the national chain Denny's is working on plans to open at 2122 Nez Perce Grade in a former Shari's Cafe and Pies that closed Memorial Day weekend this year.

At least four other prominent restaurants closed in 2024  Red Lobster on Thain Grade, Tapped in downtown Lewiston, the Super China Buffet at the Lewiston mall and The Bait Shop Grill in the Lewiston Orchards.

Lewiston's Red Lobster was one of about 50 that closed around the country at the same time leaving about 600 locations of the restaurant. Red Lobster's financial troubles have been attributed in part to the extreme popularity of an all-you-can-eat shrimp promotion.

Like Shari's, Tapped and The Bait Shop Grill are not expected to be vacant for long. The Mango Tree Indian Kitchen and Tap House is expected to open at the former Tapped location. Tapped continues to operate its original location in Moscow.

Betsy and Jason Rowden are taking over The Bait Shop Grill. They are revising the concept for the restaurant and expect to introduce The Bait Shop Grill's replacement in 2025.

It wasn't just restaurants that Lewiston lost. Eddie Bauer at Nez Perce Plaza ended its run in Lewiston in June.

The retail news continued into December. Just before Christmas, Big Lots announced it was planning going-out-of-business sales at its brick-and-mortar stores throughout the nation. One of Big Lots' four Idaho locations is at the Lewiston mall.

No. 8: Deep freeze in January coincides with natural gas conservation

The coldest stretch of 2024 was memorable on its own, with low temperatures in the region dipping below zero in mid-January.

But what made it especially noteworthy was the fact it coincided with Avista Utilities asking its customers in Idaho and Washington to conserve natural gas because of a malfunction at a compressor station in Canada.

Natural gas was still available  unlike during an outage in November 2023  but the mechanical issues made it important that residents didn't splurge, Avista said.

The cold snap lasted for about five days, from Jan. 12-16. The coldest day was Jan. 13, when Lewiston saw an official high temperature of 2 and a low of negative-10.

Avista's request to conserve natural gas was over less than 48 hours after the plea was made. The utility arranged for natural gas to be obtained from a different supplier.

"Avista really wants to thank our customers," said Scott Kinney, Avista's vice president of energy resources. "We do appreciate the actions they did take, because it really did stabilize our system both days. We know it was a hardship. Again, we are so thankful for the response we did get."

No. 9: Kohberger case moves to Ada County

The crime may have occurred in Moscow, but the fate of the suspect in the November 2022 murders of four University of Idaho students will be decided in Boise.

Latah County District Judge John Judge agreed with suspect Bryan Kohberger's argument that Latah County's relatively small community and its exposure to media coverage of the murders would make it difficult to find an impartial jury for his trial.

Judge also felt that Latah County's Courthouse lacks the resources to take on such a high-profile trial.

The Idaho State Supreme Court handed the case over to Ada County District Judge Steven Hippler.

The trial is now scheduled to start in August 2025.

Kohberger faces four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary in the November 2022 stabbing deaths of University of Idaho students Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin. He faces the death penalty if convicted.

No. 10: Salmon vs. dams issue continues to play out

In early 2024, a federal judge overseeing a sprawling salmon-versus-dams lawsuit signed off on a settlement that could pause the legal proceedings for up to a decade. As the year drew to a close, the Army Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Reclamation reopened a 4-year-old study measuring the damage Snake and Columbia river dams inflict on wild salmon and steelhead projected by the Endangered Species Act.

In between those bookends, the region saw OK but far from great returns of spring and summer chinook, steelhead, coho, and fall chinook to the Snake River. The Columbia River experienced a huge return of sockeye but the number returning to the Snake River Basin and their spawning grounds in the Stanley Basin continued to be troubling.

In November, former President Donald Trump was reelected. While salmon recovery was not a campaign issue, the change in administrations is likely to play a role in how it plays out over the next four years. The Biden administration was more involved in efforts to recover wild salmon and steelhead in the Snake and Columbia rivers than any of its predecessors and was willing to entertain the idea of breaching one or more of the four lower Snake River dams. Trump has said little about the iconic fish but has talked about his desire for "energy dominance," and congressional Republicans from Idaho, eastern Washington and Oregon who oppose breaching are likely to have his ear on the issue.

The Tribune staff may be contacted at city@lmtribune.com.
Homers epic poems The Iliad and The Odyssey have been hit with trigger warnings by a university for distressing content.

The University of Exeter has come under fire after telling undergraduates they may encounter views and content that they may find uncomfortable in their Greek mythology studies.

In what has been branded as a parody and bonkers, students enroled on the Women in Homer module are told material could be challenging.

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With references to sexual violence, rape and infant mortality, undergraduates are also advised they should feel free to deal with it in ways that help (eg to leave the classroom, contact Wellbeing, and of course talk to the lecturer) if content is causing distress.

However, the advice, which was obtained by the Mail on Sunday via Freedom of Information laws, has been ridiculed by both classics-loving Boris Johnson and experts alike.

The Iliad depicts the final weeks of the ten-year siege of the city of Troy by Greek city-states, while The Odyssey describes Odysseuss successful journey back to Ithaca, set over multiple locations, timelines and alternative homelands.

Ralph Fiennes as Odysseus in The Return

Mr Johnson, who read classics at the University of Oxford and is a fan of Homer, said the ancient works provided the foundation of Western literature.

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Reacting to news of the universitys warning, the former prime minister described the policy as bonkers, telling the paper: Exeter University should withdraw its absurd warnings. Are they really saying that their students are so wet, so feeble-minded and so generally namby-pamby that they cant enjoy Homer?

Is the faculty of Exeter University really saying that its students are the most quivering and pathetic in the entire 28 centuries of Homeric studies?

Historian Lord Andrew Roberts said students shouldnt be wrapped in cotton wool and essentially warned against ancient but central texts of the Western canon.

Frank Furedi, emeritus professor of sociology at the University of Kent, added: A university that decides to put a trigger warning on Homers Iliad and Odyssey has become morally disoriented to the point that it has lost the plot.

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Jeremy Black, the author of A Short History Of War, said the measure can surely only be a parody.

Bust depicting Homer author of classical texts Illiad and Odyssey - Universal History Archive/Getty

A spokesman from the University of Exeter told The Telegraph: The University strongly supports both academic freedom and freedom of speech, and accepts that this means students may encounter views and content that they may find uncomfortable during their studies.

Academics may choose to include a content warning on specific modules if they feel some students may find some of the material challenging or distressing.

Any decision made to include a content warning is made by the academics involved in delivering the modules, and these help ensure students who may be affected by specific issues are not subjected to any potential unnecessary distress.

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The warnings on Homers work come amid an increasing number of works being slapped with trigger warnings.

Last week, it emerged that John Steinbecks Of Mice and Men was removed from the Welsh GCSE curriculum for the psychological and emotional harm caused by its racial slurs.

In October, the University of Nottingham received similar criticism for warning students of The Canterbury Tales expressions of Christian faith.

Earlier this year, Peter Pan and Alice in Wonderland were amongst a collection of childrens stories that were handed trigger warnings for white supremacy at York St John University.

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In 2023, a disclaimer was added to the republishing of Nobel Prize-winning Ernest Hemingways The Sun Also Rises. Whilst deciding not to censor the book, publisher Penguin Random Houses note made clear the reissue did not constitute an endorsement of Hemingways original text.

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The Horton Fire increased to 1,074 acres but remained at 17% containment, the U.S. Forest Service said Sunday.

Fire activity increased and continued to move east and south near the Promontory Point area. The Forest Service also said the human-caused fire is moving east of Horton Springs. The fire was at 928 acres Friday.

A community meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 30, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 546 West Ashby Apple Drive in Payson, the Forest Service said.

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Crews patrolled the fire area and secured handlines and bulldozer control lines on Saturday. Firefighters continued their work to keep the Horton Fire west of FR 76 and secure Forest Road 300.

In an effort to control the fire's spread, ignited fuels within control lines to meet the main fire. As the region experiences above-average temperatures and extremely dry conditions, these operations help contain the fire, according to the Forest Service.

The affected communities remain in "Set" status.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona's Horton Fire, burning near Payson, surpasses 1,000 acres
For the record:

3:44 p.m. Dec. 30, 2024: An earlier version of this article said a body was found Sunday. It was discovered Saturday.



Human remains continue to be found on the coast around the Palos Verdes Peninsula.

A human body in a state of decay was found by a hiker Saturday on beach rocks off a trail in Rancho Palos Verdes, according to law enforcement officials.

The discovery follows recent discoveries of a human skull and bones, two legs and a femur at various locations along the peninsula. Thus far, police and medical examiners have been unable to identify whose remains they are or a cause of death.

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On Tuesday, a small boat belonging to two missing fishermen was found upturned near the 800 block of Paseo Del Mar in Palos Verdes Estates. After a days-long effort, a Coast Guard search was called off with the men presumed dead.

The Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department said the body found Saturday had probably been there for months ... its in a state of decay.

The trail of events:

Nov. 18: A human skull and a human bone were found near the 300 block of Paseo Del Mar. Palos Verdes Estates police searched the beach area and found more bones.

Monday: Fishermen who apparently ignored a small craft warning went missing amid high winds and powerful waves.

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Wednesday: A human leg washed up on the 800 block of Paseo Del Mar, near where the abandoned boat was found.

Thursday: Another human leg and a femur washed up near the same place.

Saturday: A body was found.

Palos Verdes Estates police and Los Angeles County sheriff's officials said their investigations continue.



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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
There is a statewide shortage of lawyers and the Danville Public Defender office is feeling the impacts.

Joseph Schenk, a public defender in Danville, has two positions open at the public defender office on Lynn Street. While one of them has been vacant for a few weeks, the other has been empty for a year.

I have not received a single application for that position, Schenk told the Register & Bee.

While having that open position doesnt mean the remaining lawyers are going to be overburdened with an excessive caseload, it helps to have a full staff, he said.

Having a full staff is beneficial to the office, Schenk said. It allows the more senior attorneys the ability to focus on the more serious cases and it lowers the caseload for everyone in the office as a whole.

The Danville Public Defender office has a total of eight lawyer positions, leaving six currently on staff, Schenk said.

According to a nationwide analysis published by the Register & Bees parent company, Lee Enterprises, American public defenders regularly work triple the cases that they can effectively handle, with some working as many as 10 times the recommended number, the Richmond Times-Dispatch reported in September 2023.

The Virginia Bar Associations Board of Governors formed two task forces to look into the statewide shortage of attorneys last spring.

Danville attorney Steven Gould, at PLDR Law, co-chairs one of the study groups, the VBA Task Force on the Future of Bar Membership in Virginia.

There was a 10-year drop in the number of people sitting for the state bar exam in Virginia  from nearly 2,200 in 2013 to 808 in 2023, the VBA reported on May 6.

Our task force is looking at both the root causes of the decline in bar membership across the state and, practically speaking, what that means for our communities if it continues, Gould told the Register & Bee. At a certain point, as legal needs grow and the number of available attorneys decreases, citizens access to justice suffers, and thats a real problem.

The Danville Public Defender Office is not the only one feeling the impact.

Danville Commonwealths Attorney Michael Newman said he has two assistant commonwealths attorney positions vacant. One has been open for more than a year and the second has been empty for about six or seven months, he said.

The vacancies have led to higher caseloads for his attorneys, Newman said.

If I could fill even just one of those positions, it would ease caseloads and give me more flexibility in case distribution and court coverage, Newman said.

The decline in the number of attorneys can cause the smooth functioning of the legal system to suffer, Gould said, pointing to the effects, especially for public defenders and others who represent the poor and other vulnerable people.

We rely on having a sufficient number of attorneys who are able to represent indigent defendants, provide civil pro bono legal services and play other key roles, like guardians ad litem for children and incapacitated adults, Gould said.

In his nearly dozen years practicing law in the Danville area, Gould has seen a drop in the availability of lawyers locally.

The number of attorneys in the area, and especially the number of lawyers with civil practices, has dwindled, Gould said. When longstanding members of the bar retire, relocate or become judges, we simply havent had a corresponding influx of new lawyers to take their places.

While there is always turnover at public defender offices, some attorneys make a career of being a public defender, Schenk said.

You dont want an office with all new lawyers, he said. You want a wide range of experience.

The cycle for a recent law school grad is to get experience as a prosecutor or a legal aid attorney for a couple of years, Schenk said.

Many of them not wanting to pursue a career in those areas will transition to private practice, Schenk said.

Some of those with a practice may go to the court and ask to be added to the court-appointed list, he said.

In a case with multiple defendants accused of a crime, such as robbing a store, Schenks office can represent only one suspect, he said. The others may need court-appointed attorneys, he said.

Thats why its important that we have more lawyers coming to Virginia to take the [bar] exam, Schenk said. They get their experience and go into private practice and we have lawyers available to be court-appointed.

Also, Schenk pointed out that the pay for the public defender positions are good for the area  at an entry-level $75,505 annually.

The vacant positions in Newmans office offer about $77,000 a year, Newman said.

One way to address the shortage locally is through the continued growth of our local economy, Gould said.

Danville is a great place to live and practice, and there are ample opportunities for folks interested in a market of our size where you can do sophisticated work and enjoy a terrific quality of life, Gould said. Its also incumbent upon members of the bar to help tell our communitys story and actively recruit law students and current lawyers to the region.

As for the task force co-chaired by Gould, it plans to outline a series of recommendations in early 2026 to be considered by various entities, including the General Assembly, the Supreme Court of Virginia, law schools and others, Gould said.

The VBA can advocate for policy changes, he pointed out, and the work of the task force is something we expect will lend itself nicely to that ability.

In the meantime, we have a number of working groups focused on specific issues and areas of legal practice, and the VBAs annual meeting next month will feature a panel discussion to help frame the issues were facing, Gould said.

In addition, the Virginia State Bar, through its Entry, Growth, and Distribution of Virginia Attorneys Study Committee, is also examining the decrease in the number of lawyers in the state. The committee is expected to have recommendations ready by early next year, according to the state bars website.

As for whether Schenk will see that second, more recently vacated position at the public defender office filled soon, hes not optimistic.

Judging on the amount of applications weve had for the other position, it could be some time, Schenk said.
Jimmy Carter once held the highest office in the land  but was just as content in his family home in small town Georgia.

At the age of 56, having lost the 1980 election to Ronald Reagan, Jimmy Carter returned to Plains, Georgia, the small town where both he and his wife Rosalynn were born in the 1920s.

From the White House, they moved back into the ranch house they built in the city in 1961. That modest home is where Carter peacefully died on Sunday at the age of 100.

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At the 2020 census, Plains, which to many is only known for being the birthplace of the Carters, had a population of 573. In 2022, the median household income was $36,138.

The man Carter snatched the presidency from, Gerald Ford, was the first former president to take advantage of the plentiful opportunities to make money that now come easily to former occupants of the Oval Office. That wasnt the way of the most humble president.

Carter did the opposite, presidential historian Michael Beschloss told The Washington Post in 2018.

The couple spoke to the paper from the home of their friend Jill Stucky, and the former first couple ate salmon and broccoli casserole on paper plates. The then-94 year-old former president drank ice water from a plastic solo cup and a glass of a bargain-brand chardonnay, the paper noted.

Jimmy Carters hometown of Plains, Georgia, pictured in 2023, is where he retired after leaving the White House in 1981 (AFP via Getty Images)

When Rosalynn Carter died in November 2023, grandson Jason Carter told The New York Times that she once brought Tupperware on a commercial plane and began making sandwiches for her family as well as other passengers.

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People were sitting there like, Rosalynn Carter just made me this sandwich! he told the paper. They couldnt believe it. But she loved people. And she was a cool grandma. She was cool, like, she did tai chi with this sword.

While former presidents often fly on private jets, the Carters flew commercial  more evidence they prefered the humble life, not one of post-presidency fame. On a flight from Washington, D.C., to Atlanta in the summer of 2017, Carter walked the aisle, greeting passengers.

Jimmy Carter is on my plane to DC from ATL and just shook every hand of every passenger. #swoon #atl #delta pic.twitter.com/y6otolbhPj  James Parker Sheffield (@JayShef) June 8, 2017

Unlike other former presidents such as Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, Carter didnt make tens of millions of dollars from the private sector.

Hes the only president in recent times, apart from former president Donald Trump, who returned to his before-presidency residence. While Trump returned to the glitzy Mar-a-Lago and, at times, Trump Tower, Carter went back to his two-bedroom ranch house assessed at $167,000.

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Carter told The Post in 2018 that he didnt want to capitalize financially on being in the White House.

I dont see anything wrong with it, I dont blame other people for doing it, he said at the time. It just never had been my ambition to be rich.

Carters White House communications director, Gerald Rafshoon, told The Post that he doesnt like big shots, and he doesnt think hes a big shot.

Former Vermont Governor Howard Dean walks with Carter and Rosalynn at Carters home on January 18, 2004 in Plains, Georgia (Getty Images)

Carter was the longest-living president and had the longest post-presidency clocking in at more than four decades. But he also cost less for the U.S. taxpayers than any other ex-president.

According to the General Services Administration, the 2023 budget for Carter came in at $496,000, including his pension and miscellaneous expenses. The budgeted numbers for Bill Clinton, George W Bush, Barack Obama and Donald Trump were all over $1 million.

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Similarly, Carters office cost less than any other ex-presidents. For instance, in 2018, at $115,000, his office  the Carter Center in Atlanta  cost less than half of his fellow ex-presidents, with Obamas costing $536,000, Clintons $518,000, George W Bushs $497,000, and George HW Bushs costing $286,000, the agency stated.

Joe and Jill Biden leave after visiting the Carters at their home in 2021 (AFP via Getty Images)

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Carter could have built an office with living quarters in Atlanta, but he and Rosalynn stayed on a pullout couch for years before installing a Murphy bed.

Having only worked for the federal government for four years  his single White House term  and not the required five, he didnt receive federal retirement health benefits. He said that he received health benefits via Emory University, where he taught for decades.

Carter returned to Plains after losing the 1980 election. His peanut business, held in a blind trust while he was in the White House, had a debt of $1 million, and he had to sell it.

We thought we were going to lose everything, Rosalynn told The Post.

Carter wanders through the crowd after a press conference where he talked about receiving the Noble Peace Prize on 11 October, 2002 in Plains (AFP via Getty Images)

Carter wrote 34 books, published between 1975 and 2018. They traced everything from his life and career to his faith, aging, fishing, woodworking and peace in the Middle East.

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They never fetched as much money as books written by other presidents, but with a pension for former presidents at $230,000 last year, according to the federal government, the Carters lived without having to worry about their finances.

In 2018, Trump, a man who rarely misses an opportunity to brag about his wealth, was in the White House. At the time, Carter was asked if he thought a former president would ever live the humble way he did.

I hope so, the man from Georgia told The Post. But I dont know.
(This story was updated to add new information.)

Two men are dead after a fight turned into a stabbing early Sunday on the city's west side, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department said.

Police believe the stabbing in the 800 block of North High School Road at about 2:25 a.m., according to information from police gathered after they had received a report of a fight.

A few minutes after being dispatched to the fight police learned that two men had arrived at Eskenazi Hospital with stab wounds.

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Both men ultimately died due to their injuries.

The names and ages of the men were not immediately released.

It's unclear how many people were involved with the initial fight or if police have any suspects in custody.

Homicide detectives are investigating and ask anyone with information to contact lead detective Steven Gray at Steven.Gray@indy.gov.

Contact IndyStar reporter Noe Padilla at npadilla@indystar.com or follow him on X @1NoePadilla.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indianapolis police investigate fatal stabbing of two men during fight
The COVID-19 pandemic was uniquely colored by the Trump administration, to put it lightly. Almost five years ago, Donald Trump downplayed the public health emergency, spread misinformation and failed to mount a coherent response to the crisis that ultimately killed an estimated 400,000 Americans by the time he left office. COVID is still with us, though it is far less deadly thanks to vaccines, advanced treatments and acquired immunity. But it could surge yet again, as it just did at the tail end of summer. Meanwhile, the bird flu crisis continues to worsen, escalating fears of another pandemic.

All of this and more is weighing heavily on the minds of public health officials as they prepare for another Trump administration. The incoming surgeon general  48-year-old Janette Nesheiwat, a Fox News contributor, vitamin supplement seller, and medical director of the CityMed network of urgent care clinics  will be tasked with the near impossible: protecting the health of Americans against the odds, which unfortunately includes the administration itself.

That was the situation  though he may not have realized it  that Dr. Jerome Adams faced back in 2016. As another doctor accepts the double-edged honor of the surgeon general appointment, Salon decided to check in with Adams.

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Adams, who is currently distinguished professor and director of Health Equity Initiatives at Purdue University, helped lead Americans through the ravages of the initial years of the COVID-19 pandemic. He recently published Crisis and Chaos: Lessons from the Front Lines of the War Against Covid-19, an engaging account of those challenging years, the Indiana University-trained anesthesiologist has a lot to say. Despite devoting a significant part of his book to dissecting communications challenges and mistakes he feels he made, his way of communicating is equal parts folksy and conceptually sophisticated. He works scientifically accurate concepts so smoothly into ordinary language that you barely notice it. Adams also seems untroubled discussing the ideological differences that are tearing the country apart, calmly addressing fraught concepts like poor health outcomes among people of color, the drug overdose crisis, or the racism he has experienced throughout an illustrious career.

Hes had to bridge those differences wherever he goes, not just in Donald Trumps White House. He told Salon, for example, that publishers, when he started shopping around the idea for his book, tended to exhibit the polarization that increasingly characterizes politics, including the politics of health care, in the United States. In his words, they were either left-leaning people, who wanted a hostage book: Oh my gosh, it was terrible, It was miserable, heres all the reasons why  or what he calls the other extreme: a lot of the folks in the administration [are] now being picked this way, of everyone was wrong and Trump was right, and heres all the reasons why.

It seemed highly characteristic of Adams very genuine attraction to moderation and balance that, in the second of two video interviews, he told Salon, As usual, the truth lies somewhere in between. Adams explained that a life spent in very different parts of the country  he was raised in the rural community of Mechanicsville, Maryland  taught him that in reality, most people share similar values. Even in Berkeley, California, where, he said, I literally had neighbors who proudly call themselves socialists. He earned a masters in public health with a focus on chronic disease prevention from the University of California at Berkeley. Or now, living in Hamilton County, Indiana, the most Republican county in the state of Indiana, where people proudly call themselves MAGAs  and proudly were part of the Tea Party.

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Even across such huge ideological caps, Adams maintains, we actually share common goals  though we may differ in how we think we should meet them.

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Ive seen these extremes, Ive spent time with people, and Ive realized that in most cases, we share the same goals. We want our kids to be healthy. We want to be able to support ourselves. We want to be able to get health care when we need it, he said.

Even though he ran the Indiana State Department of Health, only the second African American or person of color to do so, and had a warm relationship with new vice president, Mike Pence, the former governor of Indiana, the offer to join the Trump administration as Surgeon General came as a surprise to Adams. His mother, a lifelong Democrat as most African Americans are, refused to speak to President Trump or even smile as the family posed for a photo with her sons new boss. Close friends and family, including his wife, Lacey, were proud but deeply conflicted about his decision to take the position, and worried about how he would be treated as a Black man in the administration of a president whod said there were very fine people on both sides in reference to the tiki-torch wielding white supremacists who terrorized Charlottesville.

I must admit I am still processing it all to this day, he writes in the book. The experience was, he stressed, not as glamorous as people might imagine. Adams writes of the first four months of his tenure as surgeon general, when he commuted between Washington, D.C. during the week and his family home in Indiana on the weekends, losing ten pounds in the process.

The reality of my public service was that, despite being a three-star admiral, I was living out of a suitcase, separated from my family, and surviving off of apples, bananas and microwaved ramen noodles while often using Uber to get from place to place," he recalled.

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Jerome Adams term as surgeon general ended in 2021, but he took his time getting to his memoir, which is also a reflection on public health, a blow-by-blow account of steering the Good Ship America through a pandemic, and a practical guide to reducing risk of poor outcomes from COVID-19. He told Salon that he studied the post-Trump book output of his peers  Deborah Birx, the White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator under Trump (Dishing dirt from behind the scenes  somewhat defensive)), and Scott Gottlieb, advisor to the former and future presidents 2016 campaign and a member of his transition team in 2016 before being appointed commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration a few months later (I didnt think it was very approachable for the average person to pick up and read). Also, Adams says, he wanted to gain some perspective on the COVID-19 pandemic. So he waited.

And whats interesting, Adams told Salon, is that the pandemic just wouldnt go away. We kept having surge after surge after surge. And so we kept going through these ebbs and flows where Im writing the book from a reflective standpoint.

He notes  with maybe a touch of defensiveness  that the change in administration represented a natural experiment of sorts.

We got to change everyone in charge and whats interesting is in 2020  with no vaccine, with no treatment, with very little testing and no home testing, with lack of PPE  throughout most of the year, we had about 300,000 people die of COVID. [Under Biden the following year] they had three vaccines, they had Paxlovid, they had ample PPE, they had testing. And twice as many people died under a whole new administration. So regardless of how you feel about Trump or Biden, we actually conducted the experiment, we changed everyone out, and we didnt get better. We got worse, far worse, and there you cant argue that.

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The variant soup spawned in the wake of the Omicron surge continues to evolve new strains of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is a natural process pathogens undergo to evade our immunity. It has resulted in variants such as XEC, which makes up an estimated 45% of current infections, but something else will inevitably replace it as COVID is now an endemic disease, like seasonal flu or HIV.

I came to the realization that COVID is not going away, and we cant just say heres what we should have done, Adams explained. We have to say, heres what we need to do right now.

His book conveys both candor and a rigorous attempt to not only scrupulously point out mistakes Adams feels he made, but to help people understand why you made the mistake.

Adams feels that while there simply wasnt adequate or good data to guide many decisions that needed to be made early in 2020 (for example, we simply didnt know that SARS-CoV-2 was airborne), he and other public health voices failed to make this clear to the public. We lost a lot of public trust because of some of the flip-flopping advice. But we also need to understand that part of the reason we made those mistakes was because we didnt have good testing, we didnt have good flow of data, and we were forced into a situation where we were making policy recommendations without the data to back it up. Not because we were nefarious or because we were idiots, but because we needed to tell the public, we needed to give them the best advice we could  but we were doing it with limited information.

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The environment in which Adams was forced into this delicate balancing act was, he stressed, quite different from that which confronted public health officials in other countries. For one thing, Americans baseline health is simply not as good as in many countries, specifically mentioning those in the European Union. Americans also have more obesity and chronic health conditions, drastic differences in health outcomes according to race and socioeconomic level and less preventative health care. For another, Americans also possess less scientific literacy and are less confident in our leaders compared to Europeans. This creates significant challenges.

It creates a challenge because youre trying to have very nuanced conversations in a rapidly evolving environment with people who don't understand the scientific method, dont understand basic statistics, Adams said. And so it makes it easier for those individuals to be taken in by misinformation when they hear a statistic out of context and they dont understand, or [when] they don't understand the difference between correlation and causation. And so that basic science and math and reading literacy that were failing in in the United States makes it difficult for us to have broader discussions.

The need to speak in 30 second sound bites designed for Tiktok  and at a fourth grade or even second grade level, at that  was challenging to public health officials trained to communicate via peer-reviewed journals. All of this poses significant risks as the bird flu crisis, caused by the virus H5N1, continues to escalate. Adams says he is incredibly worried about H5N1.

I am worried about some of the rhetoric from some of the nominated Trump officials, particularly if we get to a place where we rely on vaccines to deal with the pandemic, and you have flagging vaccine confidence, Adams said. Im also very worried about some of the rhetoric around tearing down the CDC at a time when you may need all hands on deck to deal with the pandemic. But that said [...] if you dont understand the root issues that cause you to go towards that iceberg.

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Adams warns that if we dont address the root causes of these issues, we're going to continue to make the same mistakes over and over again.

We saw that with mpox, we saw that with multiple COVID outbreaks, were seeing that with H5N1, he said. The exact same issues: lack of data, a lack of testing, poor communication with the public about whos at risk and how to protect themselves, [the] same mistakes over and over and over again.

On the surface, the incoming Trump administration is setting its sights on improving public health with the Make America Healthy Again movement. The figurehead for this return to focus on baseline health is Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President-Elect Trumps presumptive nominee for United States secretary of health and human services. But as Salon has previously reported, public health experts are extremely skeptical of Kennedys overall ideology and strategy, given his attacks on vaccines and promises to deregulate agencies like the Food and Drug Administration.

I think thats something that Ive been fighting for my entire career is for us to focus more on nutrition, on exercise, on baseline health. And thats one of the main points from the book, Adams said, emphasizing that our lack of health resilience and the inequities that exist in our society are going to continue to put us at risk whether its H5N1 or impacts of COVID or flu, and so I think theres opportunity.

And I remain hopeful, and will work with folks in the new administration to try to help them address nutrition and exercise and overall wellness, Adams added.
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A Red Flag Warning and a Fire Weather Watch have been issued for parts of eastern New Mexico for Monday. We will see winds gust between 35-60 mph with humidity percentages between 10-20%. Elevated to critical fire conditions will be present.

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A strong cold front will move into New Mexico from the northwest Monday night through Tuesday. This will bring in cooler air to start the New Year.

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Two Bedford Police Officers performed a daring rescue, saving three people and a dog from the icy Concord River Saturday afternoon.

Officers were dispatched to the Concord River boat ramp around 2:41 p.m. after reports of a woman on a walk with her dog fell through the ice.

Thats when a second person, who saw the two stuck in the water, attempted to go in to rescue them but then got stuck themselves. A third samaritan saw them struggling and attempted to save them, but they eventually got trapped as well.

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Officers Patrick Coady and Daniel Sanchez arrived, using throwable water and ice rescue floats to rope the three people and dog ashore. The rescue happened all within minutes of the officers being dispatched.

Officers Patrick Coady and Daniel Sanchez arrived within minutes and used their training and quick-thinking to rescue three people and a dog from the Concord River, Bedford Police Chief John Fisher said. They did an incredible job and were able to pull everyone from the water before anyone was seriously injured. I also want to urge residents to stay off the ice. While no natural ice is ever 100 percent safe, icy waterways in Bedford are absolutely not safe for any human activities at this time.

Mutual aid by Officers David Lopez and Mary Ellen Brickey was provided.

The woman with the dog was transported to the hospital for cold exposure, while the other two individuals and the dog were not hospitalized.

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China is readying forces that could seize Taiwan in a future attack, analysts and officials say.

Any military operation is likely to rely partly on China's militarized police.

The People's Armed Police has been training in a wide range of conditions, including water.

China is preparing its militarized police for kinds of combat that would play a key role in any invasion of Taiwan.

A September report from China Central Television shows what appears to be the People's Armed Police Force, or PAP, simulating attacks from inflatable boats.

Footage and pictures from Chinese state-run outlets show the extent of the combat training and battlefield simulation  blockade breakthroughs, grenade throwing, battlefield rescue, and group tactics in cold, hot, and high-altitude conditions.

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This training indicates PAP soldiers "are getting ready" for a takeover of Taiwan, said Lyle Goldstein, director of Asia Engagement at the Defense Priorities think tank in Washington, DC.

Clandestine movement by water would be an essential capability to quell resistance in Taiwan's populated areas near the coast and rivers.

"From my observation, they train hard; they are well equipped and disciplined, and they're given stringent ideological training for the reason that they are probably, in my view, the primary reserve force for section invasion," Goldstein said.

"If they went forward with a full-up invasion, I think an amphibious assault is not just conceivable but is quite a possibility," he added.

Urban training

Since its founding in 1982, China's PAP has been firmly placed under the country's military.

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These armed police are a shock force in China's vast state security apparatus. The force plays a key internal security role, mostly in law enforcement, counterterrorism, disaster response, and maritime rights protection.

Beijing also regularly uses them for propaganda. One likely goal of publicizing the recent training was to intimidate Taiwan and its backers.

China's People's Armed Police could be used in the later stages of an amphibious assault on Taiwan. REUTERS/Thomas Peter

Alessio Patalano, a professor of war and strategy in East Asia at King's College London, said the PAP's inclusion in any takeover of Taiwan would make sense given their urban training.

He told BI the PAP keeps "highly skilled" special forces at hand who are involved in surgical operations to capture strategic goals where mobility, speed, and familiarity with operating in urban areas are key.

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PAP special forces maintained security at Beijing Olympic venues in 2008, conducted drills in Shenzhen near Hong Kong in 2019, and have engaged in multiple counter-terrorism operations in China's Xinjiang region over the years, according to Chinese state-run media.

"To that extent, whether in decapitation scenarios or early stages of operations to seize key port and airport infrastructures, the use of PAP should be regarded as a viable, if not preferable, option," Patalano said.

A supporting role

It's unlikely that the PAP would participate in the first stages of any island landing.

"That is the purview of the PLA," said Joel Wuthnow, a senior research fellow at the Center for the Study of Chinese Military Affairs at the National Defense University in DC. The PLA is China's main military  the People's Liberation Army.

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He said that the PAP would instead initially participate in operations to firm up internal security in mainland China, including suppressing signs of social unrest, protecting critical infrastructure, and clearing out national highways to facilitate the delivery of supplies to regions near Taiwan.

Any attempt to seize Taiwan, a self-ruled island of 23 million that Beijing views as a breakaway province, would require warships, armored vehicles, and heavy firepower, to answer Taiwan's advanced missiles, tanks, and F-16 fighter jets.

China's People's Armed Police could play a key role in any invasion of Taiwan. Costfoto/NurPhoto via Getty Images

However, if PLA's operations in Taiwan didn't go according to plan, and it faced a protracted campaign, Wuthnow said the PAP's Special Operation Forces could be mobilized to institute military governance through missions in urban areas like Taipei.

Another aspect of the PAP's response could involve China's Coast Guard, which it oversees.

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The coast guard is already "very much" on the front lines of China's "coercive" campaign against Taiwan, Wuthnow said, and its role seems to be increasing.

Meanwhile, Taiwan's mountainous terrain, as well as its few major land routes and numerous river crossings, would make it difficult for any invading forces to move.

"If the population of Taiwan were not compliant with a PRC-led occupation authority, the period where the PRC would need to rely on their own police might be quite prolonged," said Philip Shetler-Jones, a senior research fellow in the International Security team at the UK's Royal United Services Institute, using the acronym for the People's Republic of China.

The more PAP forces can take over the "public order" task, the more it frees up combat troops, he added.

An imminent invasion

Military experts and defense officials see signs  like China's rapid modernization of its armed forces over the past two decades and drills around Taiwan  that suggest that China could take action within a few years.

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But the form of that action is a matter of debate, from a blockade to a full-scale invasion.

During a 2021 hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee , Adm. Phil Davidson, then the US Indo-Pacific commander, said Taiwan was "clearly" one of China's "ambitions" and that he believed the threat would be "manifest" within the next six years.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping said in October, as part of the country's anniversary celebrations, that reunification with Taiwan was "where the greater national interest lies, and it is what the people desire."

"The wheel of history will not be stopped by any individual or any force," he added.

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Goldstein of Defense Priorities, who described himself as a bit of an outlier, said he believes China is ready to take over Taiwan now "if they choose to," and that the PAP's Special Operation Forces would likely play a significant role.

They "will be in very high demand in a Taiwan scenario," he said.

He added that China regards Taiwan as internal security. "So, for them, the use of these forces is entirely legitimate."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Originally appeared on E! Online

When Eleanor Rosalynn Smith first laid eyes on Jimmy Carter, he was a fascinating older boy.

She was a few days old and he was 3, and his mother was a nurse who helped deliver the infant girl in their hometown of Plains, Ga. But still, it was the start of something big.

The eventual sweethearts went on to have the longest marriage of any U.S. president and first lady in history, 77-plus years of matrimony that only ended when Rosalynn died Nov. 19, 2023, at the age of 96.

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Jimmy died Dec. 29 at the age of 100 at the home in Plains where he and Rosalynn spent most of their married life. In announcing his father's passing, son James E. "Chip" Carter III didn't give a cause, but the 39th president of the United Statesset to be laid to rest in a state funeral Jan. 9had been in hospice care since February 2023.

Celebrity Deaths: 2024's Fallen Stars

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My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love," Chip said in a statement released by the Carter Center. "My brothers, sister, and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs. The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honoring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs."

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His last public appearance was sitting in the front row at his wife's funeral. Rosalynn was laid to rest on their Plains property and, according to the Washington Post, Jimmy will be buried next to her under the shade of a willow tree, by a pond he helped dig.

Carter was the longest-living former U.S. president of all time, followed by George H.W. Bush, who died in 2018 at 94.

The Carter Center shared in May 2023 that Rosalynn was battling dementia but continued to live happily with her husband, "enjoying spring in Plains and visits with loved ones."

After she died that November, a large memorial service was held for the great-grandmother of 14 in Atlanta, followed by a more intimate funeral at Maranatha Baptist Church, where Jimmy taught Sunday school.

Michael Tran/FilmMagic

"I just think none of us really understand what its like for him right now, grandson Jason Carter, the eldest of Jimmy and Rosalynn's 22 grandkids, told Southern Living in June. "We have to embrace that fact, that theres things about the spirit that you just cant understand.

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Ahead of his 100th birthday on Oct. 1, Jimmy remained "emotionally engaged," Jason told People, and was "still having experiences and laughing, loving."

Minus the Carters' four-year stay at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., their primary home was the one-story ranch house at 209 Woodland Dr. that they built themselves in 1961.

While the world ambassador for Habitat for Humanity and his missus knocked down a wall themselves during renovations in 2010, the four-bedroom abode was modest by modern ex-president standards.

"I don't blame other people for doing it," Carter told the Washington Post in 2018 of his fellow former commanders-in-chief who cashed in on lucrative business opportunities after leaving the White House. "It just never had been my ambition to be rich."

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And then he got up from the table to take his nightly after-dinner walk with the love of his life, hand-in-hand.

Jimmy and Rosalynn, each the eldest of four siblings, grew up a few miles away from each other in Plains (pop. 553 in 2021), he on a farm and she in a simple frame house in the middle of town. There was no movie theater, recreation center or even a library, so school and church were the center of life for study and socializing.

Rosalynn graduated from Plains High School as salutatorian while World War II was raging overseas and, when she enrolled at Georgia Southwestern College in nearby Americus, there weren't many eligible young men around. "Our social life was bleak," she wrote in her 1984 autobiography First Lady From Plains, "our adolescent fantasies about love and romance high."

But when she'd visit her longtime friend Ruth Carter, Rosalynn started to pay closer attention to a photograph on the wall of Ruth's older brother Jimmy, who was attending the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis.

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"I thought he was the most handsome young man I had ever seen," Rosalynn wrote. She'd known him "for as long as I could remember," but their three-year age gap meant they'd rarely crossed paths growing up, and he'd been away at school for four years.

AP/Shutterstock

"I don't remember ever having said a word to him," she continued, "except when we bought ice cream cones from him one summer in the old bank building on the main street in town. He seemed so glamorous and out of reach."

Ruth was all for playing matchmaker, but Rosalynn had worked herself into a frenzy, worried that the real thing wouldn't match the image in her mind. At a loss for what to say to Jimmy if they did meet, she recalled in her book being almost relieved that she and the midshipman remained ships in the night.

Yet at the same time, she wrote, "I knew this was the person I would fall in love with, the person I wanted to have fall in love with me, but I never thought it would happen."

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And vice versa. Carter famously told his mother, Bessie "Miss Lillian" Carter, the very next morning that he was going to marry Rosalynn.

"I didn't know that for years," Rosalynn told the Post in 2018.

She did know back in 1945, however, that Jimmy had a date with someone else the night after he went out with her, and then he was scheduled to catch a train back to Annapolis at midnight. So Rosalynn initially resisted Ruth's insistence that she join the Carter family at the train station to see Jimmy off.

In the summer of 1945, right before Jimmy was supposed to go back to Annapolis, Ruth was determined to get those two together. She invited Rosalynn to a picnic at the Pond House, a local gathering spot built by Jimmy's father, James Earl Carter Sr., and that's where they were first together long enough to chat. Jimmy memorably teased Rosalynn about putting salad dressing instead of mayonnaise on her sandwich.

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The then-17-year-old didn't mind him poking fun at her, though, she wrote. And afterward, as they were cleaning up, "I discovered I could talk, actually talk, to him."

Still, Rosalynn didn't think Jimmy thought of her as anything other than his kid sister's friend. But later that day, she had just walked out of a youth group meeting at Plains United Methodist Church when Jimmy drove up and asked her to go on a double date to the movies with him, Ruth and her boyfriend.

Rosalynn couldn't remember what they saw, she wrote in her book more than 35 years later, but the date "couldn't have been more wonderful." Jimmy kissed her goodnight on the way homethe first time she'd ever let a guy sneak a smooch on the first dateand she was "in love with a real person, not just a photograph."

Whirlwind Romances That Worked Out

And vice versa. Carter famously told his mother, Bessie "Miss Lillian" Carter, the very next morning that he was going to marry Rosalynn.

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"I didn't know that for years," Rosalynn told the Post in 2018.

She did know back in 1945, however, that Jimmy had a date with someone else the night after he went out with her, and then he was scheduled to catch a train back to Annapolis at midnight. So Rosalynn initially resisted Ruth's insistence that she join the Carter family at the train station to see Jimmy off.

But, she went. On the platform, Jimmy took Rosalynn aside, apologized and told her he would have much rather spent the evening with her. And he asked her to write. (The other gal, Annelle Gray, married a medical student and moved to Macon, Jimmy noted in his 2015 memoir Jimmy Carter: A Full Life. The book's dedication: "To Rosalynn, who has kept my life full of love.")

Initially Jimmy encouraged Rosalynn to go out and have fun, not to wait around for himwhich just made her mad. So, she started writing to him about all the boys she was spending time with (as friends, but an admittedly "distressed" Jimmy didn't need to know that) until, finally, he insisted they be exclusive.

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Which is what she wanted all along.

Inside Barbara Bush and George H.W. Bush's Epic Love Story: How a Christmas Dance Led to a Dynasty

And yet, Carter recalled during a Habitat for Humanity press conference in 2019, "When I asked Rosalynn to marry me for the first time, she said no."

That was during his Christmas break in 1945, the first time he'd been home since their one date, and Rosalynn was too shocked to say yes. And, she admitted in First Lady From Plains, not yet confident enough "for such an eligible bachelor." She had also promised her late father that she'd finish college.

But during their second separation, she realized she totally wanted to marry Jimmy and accepted when he proposed again that February over President's Day weekend. He bought her a compact engraved with "ILYTG""I love you the goodest"beating instant messaging lingo by about 50 years.

During their engagement, Jimmy sent Rosalynn a copy of The Navy Wives' Handbook, and she read every word, excited to join himbasically anywhere but Plains.

They married in a small ceremony at Plains Methodist Church on July 7, 1946, after both had graduated from their respective schools. They didn't send out invitations, but word got around that friends and family who wanted to attend were welcome.

The bride was 18 and the groom 20, and pretty much everyone thought they were too young, Rosalynn recalled. But her mother, Frances, seemed happy that her daughter was so happy.

Presidential Dogs and Other Pets at the White House

The Carters spent their earliest days as husband and wife at the Naval base in Norfolk, Va., where Jimmy was gone most of the week on assignments and Rosalynn enjoyed a crash course in homemaking.

Their first child, son John William "Jack" Carter, was born July 3, 1947, so the couple celebrated their first anniversary at the hospital as a family of three. The following year, Jimmy was selected for submarine school in New London, Conn., and finally had regular hours so he could be home each night with his wife and child.

They welcomed son Chip on April 12, 1950, while they were living in Hawaii. Then it was onto San Diego, Calif., then back to New Londonwhere son Donnel Jeffrey "Jeff" Carter was born Aug. 18, 1952and then they moved to Schenectady, N.Y., so Jimmy could study nuclear power at Union College.

Rosalynn has said that she planned on being a Navy wife, moving from city to city and seeing the world with her husband. Which she ultimately did, but not in the way she ever would have imagined.

Jimmy was working toward a post on a nuclear submarine, but when his father died in 1953, he took leave and went back to Plains with his wife and sons to look after his family's peanut farm. Rosalynn hadn't intended on ending up right back where she started (She was "astounded and furious," Jimmy wrote in A Full Life), but eventually the Carters' partnership extended to running the farm, too.

"I knew more on paper about the business than he did," Rosalynn told the Associated Press in 2021 ahead of their 75th wedding anniversary. "He would take my advice about things."

By the early 1960s they had acquired 3,200 acres of land and their supply business, Carter's Warehouse, was a one-stop shop for local farmers.

Horace Cort/AP/Shutterstock

When Jimmy decided to enter politics, Rosalynn was forever an asset as the more natural politician of the twowhich Jimmy readily admitted. Though she could be shy at cocktail parties, her husband wrote, she was warm, charming and savvy, and he "soon realized that people were more inclined to express their beliefs or concerns to her" than to him.

"I love it," Rosalynn told the AP for their diamond anniversary story. "I love campaigning. I had the best time. I was in all the states in the United States. I campaigned solid every day the last time we ran."

It all started with a successful run for Georgia State Senate in 1962that Rosalynn first found out about when she asked her dark suit-wearing husband if he was going to a funeral. In A Full Life, Jimmy called it "inconceivable" to think he'd decided to run for public office without first consulting his wife, but luckily for him, she was "pleased and excited."

After two terms in the state senate, Jimmy threw his hat into the Democratic race for governor in 1966 to oppose the party's presumed candidate, segregationist Lester Maddoxwho still ended up getting the nomination. Running against a Republican and an independent, Maddox didn't get a majority of votes, butas the state constitution allowedwas installed as governor by the Democratic-majority state legislature.

The whole process left Jimmy "deeply disappointed and disillusioned with politics and with life in general," he wrote.

CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images

He used the time away from politics to recommit to the Christian faith that remained at his core for the rest of his life. And, he wrote, after 14 years of an "off-and-on argument" with Rosalynn that the aspiring girl dad "finally won," daughter Amy Lynn Carter was born on Oct. 19, 1967.

Jimmy was elected governor in November 1970 but still had his eye on even higher office. He became chair of the Democratic National Committee in 1974 and declared he was running for president that December.

In First Lady From Plains, Rosalynn remembered looking at her husband on the morning of his inauguration on Jan. 20, 1977, and being so proud. And a little taken aback that this was "the same person who spent yesterday morning with me, mopping up the garage in Plains after the hot-water pipes burst from the cold, the same son who had called Miss Lillian later to admit the motorcade had forgotten to pick her up on the way to the airport."

That issue was resolved and Jimmy's mother arrived in time to see her son sworn in as the 39th president of the United States.

Afterward, the president and first lady walked the mile and a half from the Capitol to the White House, hand-in-hand.

Here's a look at the road that Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter traveled together for three-quarters of a century:

Young Love

A photo from Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter's earliest days together as a young naval officer and his bride stands out at the Plains High School Jimmy Carter National Historical Park in their Georgia hometown.





PDA at the DNC

The Carters could share a private moment anywhere, even in front of thousands of people at the Democratic National Convention in 1976.





Three Generations

Along with his mother, Jimmy and Rosalynn were joined at the DNC here by daughter Amy Lynn Carter, their eldest son, John William "Jack" Carter, and third son Donnel Jeffrey "Jeff" Carter with his wife Annette Davis.





President and First Lady-Elect

The couple, watching the returns with family in Atlanta, embraced on Election Night in 1976 upon finding out that Carter was going to be the 39th president of the United States.





Dancing the Night Away

The president and first lady put their best feet forward at a series of inaugural balls following Jimmy's swearing-in on Jan. 20, 1977. Rosalynn raised some eyebrows by recycling the same Mary Matise for Jimmae gown she wore to her husband's 1971 gubernatorial inauguration balls, but she had her husband's full support, Jimmy writing in A Full Life that he was "very proud of her beauty and grace."





First Daughter

Daughter Amy Lynn Carter was 9 when she and her Siamese cat Misty Malarky Ying Yang and dog Grits moved into the White House in January 1977. Jimmy was the first sitting president since Theodore Roosevelt (and no president has done it since) to send his child to public school, enrolling Amy at Thaddeus Stevens Elementary School in Washington, D.C. But if there had been an Internet, this would have been a meme: During his one debate with Republican challenger Ronald Reagan in October 1980, President Carter invoked his then-13-year-old when he said, "I had a discussion the other day with my daughter Amy before I came here to ask me what the important issue was. She said she thought nuclear weaponry and the control of nuclear arms." Let's just say, the other side had a little fun with that, with Reagan supporters in Milwaukee chanting "Amy! Amy!" two days later when the candidate delivered a speech. "I remember when Patti and Ron were tiny kids," the future 36th president quipped. "We used to talk about nuclear power." "Ask Amy" bumper stickers became a quick moneymaker for Republican groups, and she even made The Tonight Show, host Johnny Carson joking, "This will be a significant monologue because I asked Amy Carter what she thought were the most important issues to make jokes about."





Family Portrait

The Carters may have had a young daughter but they also had three daughters-in-law by the time Jimmy became president, and most of the family moved to Washington. Jack and wife Juliette "Judy" Langford stayed in Georgia, where they had welcomed son Jason James Carter on Aug. 7, 1975, and where daughter Sarah Rosemary would be born Dec. 19, 1978. (After their divorce, Jack married mother of two Elizabeth Brasfield on May 15, 1992.) The Carters' second son, James Earl "Chip" Carter III, worked for the Democratic National Committee in Washington while his dad was in office and moved into the White House with wife Caron Griffin, who was eight months pregnant on Inauguration Day. Still, she strolled along the parade route with the rest of the family for a few blocks when the president and first lady made the unprecedented move to walk the whole mile and a half from the Capitol to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. "People along the parade route, when they saw that we were walking, began to cheer and weep," Jimmy later wrote, "and it was an emotional experience for us as well."





Baby on Board

Chip and Caron's son, James Earl Carter IV, was born Feb. 25, 1977. That August it was announced that Chip was returning to Plains but his wife and child would be staying with the first family, and he and Caron confirmed their separation in 1978. Chip later married Ginger Hodges, with whom he welcomed daughter Margaret Alicia Carter on Sept. 23, 1987. Chip's been married to third wife Becky Payne since 2001.





Happy Family

The Carters' third son, Jeff, married his college sweetheart Annette Davis on April 6, 1975, and they moved into the White House, too, while he was attending George Washington University. Jeff and Annette eventually had three sons, Joshua Jeffrey (b. 1984), Jeremy Davis (1987-2015) and James Carlton (b. 1991), and were together until her death on Sept. 19, 2021.





Close-Knit Couple

Rosalynn was her husband's number-one confidante when he was presidentand forever after. "It's a full partnership," Carter told the AP in 2021 of his then-75-year marriage.





The Beat of Their Own Drum

Jimmy and Rosalyn remain in sync at the White House in January 1979.





First Daughter

Amy, here with her dad in 1995, is mom to son Hugo, born in 1999, with first husband James Gregory Wentzel, and son Errol Carter Kelly with her spouse since 2007, John Joseph "Jay" Kelly.





Merry Christmas From Plains

The house Jimmy and Rosalynn built in 1961 and have lived in ever since remained the gathering spot for the whole family. The Carters are also great-grandparents to Jason's sons, Henry and Thomas, with his wife Kate; Sarah's daughter, Josephine, with husband Brendan Keith Murphy; Margaret's daughter, Alicia, with husband Harold Edward Carter; Joshua's sons, Charles and Jonathan, with wife Sarah; and James' daughter, Rayna Rose, with wife Anna.





Here's Looking at You

It's no wonder they earned the nickname "first lovebirds."





Sealed With a Kiss

Jimmy knew a thing or two about keeping the peace. "Every day there needs to be reconciliation and communication between the two spouses," the winner of the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize told the AP. "We don't go to sleep with some remaining differences between us."





Through Thick and Thin

"Jimmy and I are always looking for things to do together," Rosalynn said, but "each [spouse] should have some space. That's really important."





Habit for Longevity

"One of the things Jesus taught was: If you have any talents, try to utilize them for the benefit of others," Jimmy told People in 2019, discussing the nearly four decades he and his wife had spent volunteering and advocating for Habitat for Humanity. "That's what Rosa and I have both tried to do." Though their physical involvement in construction grew more limited with time, the Carters became synonymous with the organization, which builds affordable housing and offers no-interest mortgages to buyers who otherwise wouldn't be able to afford a home. "I think both mine and Rosa's minds are almost as good as they used to be, we just have limited capability on stamina and strength," Jimmy said. "But we still try to stay busy and do a good job at what we do." They got so adept at wielding tools over the years, they knocked down their own bedroom wall during a later-in-life home renovation in Plains. "By that time," Rosalynn told the Washington Post in 2018, "we had worked with Habitat so much that it was just second-nature."





National Treasures

"It's hard to live until you're 95 years old," Jimmy told People in 2019. "I think the best explanation for that is to marry the best spouse: someone who will take care of you and engage and do things to challenge you and keep you alive and interested in life."





(Originally published Nov. 19, 2023, at 12:55 p.m. PT)
DES MOINES, Iowa  Iowa is celebrating is 178th year of statehood on December 28th, review the long rich history of the corn capital of the United States.

Iowa was signed into the Union as a state on December 28 in 1846 by President James Polk. Iowa was the 29th state signed into the Union.

Iowa was originally part of the Wisconsin Territory but in 1838 it was separated and became the Iowa Territory, till 1846 when Iowa gained statehood. In 1847, the State University of Iowa was approved and in 1855 the first train crossed the Mississippi river into Davenport, Iowa.

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Wilhelm Schneiders patent of the carousel in 1871 and Dr. William Grant performing the first appendectomy in America in 1885 are just some examples of the great minds Iowa produces. To continue learning about landmark moments in Iowa visit the On This Day Timeline.

On Saturday, the State Historical Museum of Iowa opened their doors to celebrate Iowas birthday with a tour of the history of our beloved state.

The tour taught people about some of Iowans historical places and most prominent figures. Stations were set up throughout the tour for families to engage with and artist Sarah Pratt, who carves the Iowa State Fair butter cow, gave a demonstration.

Senator Chuck Grassley, who has represented Iowa in the United States Senate since 1980, released a statement reading in part.

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Throughout our states history, Iowans have continued beating the drum for freedom and civic engagement, from the abolitionist movement to desegregation and womens suffrage. The Great Seal of Iowa is a testimonial for the ages: Our liberties we prize, and our rights we will maintain. As we celebrate Iowas 178 years of statehood, lets remember the sacrifices and grit of the earliest settlers and the resilience of those who strengthen our communities today. Looking ahead to the New Year, lets recommit ourselves to Americas promise of freedom and prosperity for generations to come. U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com.
The Irish government thought a Labour politician was too bitchy to lead peace talks, records show.

Officials took a dim view of several proposed candidates to lead key negotiations on North-South co-operation, according to newly unsealed documents from the National Archives in Dublin.

A briefing note from the Department of Foreign Affairs described some of the high-profile figures put forward by Unionists and the British Government as ineffective politicians, bad lawyers and, in one case, as having a bitchy temperament.

Lord Trimble allegedly wanted a border poll to be held on the same day as the Northern Ireland Assembly elections - Brian Lawless/PA

It came as Irish officials in June 1991 were making considerations of their own candidates, as well as individuals put forward by the UK Government and Unionists, to chair Strand Two talks leading into the Good Friday Agreement.

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Strand Two referred to the parts of the agreement which established North-South bodies and encouraged co-operation between the Republic and Northern Ireland.

Among nine names proposed by Unionists, the Irish side determined that George Thomas, Lord Tonypandy, was widely disliked at the House of Commons, where he had previously held the role as Speaker.

The briefing document says: He has a petulant and bitchy temperament and does not forgive slights, alleged or real.

Power-sharing ministers gathered for the first Cabinet meeting of the Northern Ireland Executive at Stormont Castle in 2007 - Paul Faith/PA

Expanding on what the commentary describes as a large streak of sycophancy towards the prime minister Margaret Thatcher, the author of the briefing says that a senior journalist described him as a kind of Welsh Uncle Tom.

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Elsewhere, the Lord Colnbrook, former Northern Ireland secretary of state, Humphrey Atkins, is noted as a Tory traditionalist in the Whitelaw/Carrington mould  though without the charisma of either.

Separate records show that the former UUP leader David Trimble was effectively told by Sir Tony Blair to get lost over the timing of a border poll.

Under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement of 1998, the UK government is obliged to call a referendum in Northern Ireland if there is evidence of a shift in public opinion in favour of Irish unity.

Files show that Mr Trimble was repeatedly engaged in a campaign in 2002 to hold such a vote on the same day as upcoming elections for the Northern Ireland Assembly. The National Archives records reveal the SDLP and the Irish government were heavily against the idea.

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In March 2002, the UUP leader publicly supported the idea of holding a border poll, adding that it would call the Republican bluff.

The move was seen partly as a bid to drive turnout in the Assembly elections, although questions were raised about whether this would benefit the DUP over the UUP.

The records, taken from a call between an Irish diplomat and the SDLP leader Mark Durkans main adviser Damien McAteer, show the party wanted to hold a border poll midway through the term of the next Assembly, but concern was raised that the move would boost votes for the DUP and Sinn Fein.

Mr Blairs chief of staff Jonathan Powell spoke with a high-ranking Irish official in the department dealing with the peace process on September 13. Michael Collins, the official who would go on to be Irelands ambassador to the US, wrote in a confidential memo: On the border poll idea, Powell said that Blair told Trimble to get lost.

National Archive files suggest officials felt the Lord Colnbrook, former Northern Ireland secretary of state, Humphrey Atkins, lacked charisma - ITN/Shutterstock

In any event, Mr Trimbles plan to hold a border poll on the same day as the election never materialised. This is partly because he and other unionists collapsed the power-sharing institutions one month later, in the fallout of a controversy arising out of the PSNI raiding Sinn Feins offices in Stormont in search of files.

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There has been no such border poll held since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement.

Throughout the 2024 general election campaign in the Republic of Ireland, Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald called on Sir Keir Starmer to set out the tipping-point circumstances which are required for his Government to call a referendum on Irish unification.

Earlier this year, Sir Keir said he was committed to the principles of the Good Friday Agreement. However, while in opposition, he claimed a referendum on Irish unification was not even on the horizon.

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The Israeli military killed seven people in a missile attack on a hospital in the eastern part of Gaza City, while a strike on a refugee camp killed nine people, Palestinian media and officials reported on Sunday.

Among those killed in the shelling of Gaza's Nuseirat refugee camp were women and children, according to the Palestinian news agency WAFA.

A further 15 people were reportedly injured in what was the latest of a string of aerial attacks on the central Gazan camp housing displaced Palestinians.

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The strike came after a separate Israeli strike killed a further seven people in Beit Hanoun in the north of the Gaza Strip, according to WAFA

Palestinian civil defence officials earlier reported that an Israeli missile hit the fifth floor of the Al-Wafa Hospital, injuring others and prompting an evacuation of the building in panic.

Israeli military officials, offering a different version, said the hospital was not being used at the time of the attack and was instead functioning as the command centre of a Hamas air defence unit which was targeted with a precision attack.

Information from both sides could not be independently verified.

Ongoing strikes on hospitals and school buildings

Since the start of the Israel-Gaza war in October 2023, Israel has repeatedly hit Gaza's hospitals, school buildings and refugee camps with missiles, saying that Hamas fighters and weapons are hidden there.

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On Saturday the Israeli military ended a three-day operation at the Kamal Adwan Hospital in the northern city of Beit Lahia, during which it said it arrested 240 Hamas fighters.

The patients were evacuated, the hospital ceased operations, and parts of the buildings were gutted by fire.

At least 33 hospitals in the Gaza Strip have had to close since the start of the war on October 7, 2023, according to Palestinian health officials.

Under international law, warring parties are not allowed to attack or repurpose hospitals for military reasons, and international law experts have argued that even if hospitals are used for military purposes, this does not allow the other side to target them.

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The well-being of patients, medical staff and others in need of protection must always be taken into account, they say.

Since the beginning of the Gaza war with the Hamas attacks in Israel on October 7, 2023, more than 45,500 people have been killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza, according to Palestinian sources.

Projectiles fired at Israel

Earlier on Sunday, five projectiles were fired from the northern Gaza Strip towards Israeli territory, the Israel military has reported.

Two were intercepted and the others are thought to have fallen on open ground, according to the IDF.

Air raid sirens sounded in Sderot, an Israeli town to the immediate north-east of the Gaza Strip, with police reporting rocket fragments falling in two parts of the town. There were no initial reports of casualties.

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Palestinian militants have mounted attacks of this kind for three days in a row. According to media reports, eight projectiles have been fired from the Gaza Strip since Friday.

The rockets were fired from Beit Hanoun, which lies in the north-eastern corner of the Gaza Strip.
BEIRUT (AP)  Syria's de facto leader said Sunday it could take up to four years to hold elections in Syria, and that he plans to dissolve his Islamist group that led the country's insurgency at an anticipated national dialogue summit for the country.

Ahmad al-Sharaa, who leads Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the group leading the new authority in Syria, made the remarks in an interview with Saudi television network Al-Arabiyya. It comes almost a month after a lightning insurgency led by HTS overthrew President Bashar Assad's decades-long rule, ending the country's uprising-turned civil war that started back in 2011.

Al-Sharaa said it would take time to hold elections because of the need for Syria's different forces to hold political dialogue and rewrite the country's constitution following five decades of the Assad dynasty's dictatorial rule. Also, the war-torn country's battered infrastructure needs to be reconstructed, he said.

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The chance we have today doesnt come every 5 or 10 years, said al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani. We want the constitution to last for the longest time possible.

Al-Sharaa is Syria's de facto leader until March 1, when Syria's different factions are set to hold a political dialogue to determine the country's political future and establish a transitional government that brings the divided country together. There, he said, HTS will dissolve after years of being the country's most dominant rebel group that held a strategic enclave in the country's northwest.

Earlier, an Israeli airstrike in the outskirts of Damascus on Sunday killed 11 people, according to a war monitor, as Israel continues to target Syrian weapons and military infrastructure even after the ouster of Assad.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the airstrike targeted a weapons depot that belonged to Assads forces near the industrial town of Adra, northeast of the capital. The observatory said at least 11 people, mostly civilians, were killed. The Israeli military did not comment on the airstrike Sunday.

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Israel, which has launched hundreds of airstrikes over Syria since the country's uprising turned-civil war broke out in 2011, rarely acknowledges them. It says its targets are Iran-backed groups that backed Assad.

Unlike his criticism of key Assad ally Iran, al-Sharaa hoped to maintain strategic relations with Russia, whose air force played a critical role in keeping Assad in power for over a decade during the conflict. Moscow has a strategic airbase in Syria.

The HTS leader also said negotiations are ongoing with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces in northeastern Syria, and hopes that their armed forces will integrate with the Syrian security agencies.

The Kurdish-led group is Washingtons key ally in Syria, where it is heavily involved in targeting sleeper cells belonging to the extremist Islamic State group.

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Turkish-backed Syrian rebels have been clashing with the SDF even after the insurgency, taking the key city of Manbij, as Ankara hopes to create a buffer zone near its border in northern Syria.

The rebels attacked near the strategic northern border town of Kobani, while the SDF shared a video of a rocket attack that destroyed what it said was a radar system south of the city of Manbij.

In other developments:

 Syrian state-run media said a mass grave was found near the third largest city of Homs. SANA said civil defense workers were sent to to the site in al-Kabo, one of many suspected mass graves where tens of thousands of Syrians are believed to have been buried during a brutal crackdown under Assad and his network of security agencies.

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 An Egyptian activist wanted by Cairo on charges of incitement to violence and terrorism, Abdulrahman al-Qardawi, was detained by Lebanese security forces after crossing the porous border from Syria, according to two judicial and one security officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to to talk to the press.

Al-Qardawi is an Egyptian activist residing in Turkey and an outspoken critic of Egypt's government. He had reportedly visited Syria to join celebrations after Assad's downfall. His late father, Youssef al-Qaradawi, was a top and controversial Egyptian cleric revered by the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood. He had lived in exile in Qatar for decades.

 Lebanese security forces apprehended an armed group in the northern city of Tripoli that kidnapped a group of 26 Syrians who were recently smuggled into Lebanon, two Lebanese security officials said on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to share the information with the media. The Syrians included five women and seven children, and security officials are working to return them to Syria.
By Nidal al-Mughrabi

CAIRO (Reuters) -Israeli forces carrying out a weeks-long offensive in northern Gaza ordered any residents remaining in Beit Hanoun to leave the town on Sunday, citing Palestinian militant rocket fire from the area, residents said.

The instruction to leave has caused a new wave of displacement, although it was not immediately clear how many people were affected, the residents said.

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Israel says its almost three-month-old campaign in northern Gaza is aimed at Hamas militants and preventing them from regrouping. Its instructions to civilians to evacuate are meant to keep them out of harm's way, the military says.

Palestinian and United Nations officials say no place is safe in Gaza and that evacuations worsen the humanitarian conditions of the population.

Much of the area around the northern towns of Beit Hanoun, Jabalia and Beit Lahiya has been cleared of people and razed, fuelling speculation Israel intends to keep the area as a closed buffer zone after the fighting in Gaza ends.

The Israeli military announced its new push into the Beit Hanoun area on Saturday. It said the rocket fire into Israel continued throughout Sunday despite the intense operation there.

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The Palestinian Civil Emergency Service said it had lost communication with people still trapped in the town, and it was unable to send teams into the area because of the raid.

Palestinian health officials said Israeli military strikes across the enclave killed at least 23 people on Sunday. One of those strikes killed seven people and wounded others at Al-WAFA Hospital in Gaza City, the Palestinian civil emergency service said in a statement.

Later on Sunday, an Israeli airstrike killed seven additional people in a house in Beit Hanoun, medics said. There was no immediate Israeli comment.

HOSPITALS

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Health officials said an Israeli tank shell on Sunday had hit the upper floor of the Al-Ahly Arab Baptist Hospital in Gaza City near the X-ray division.

The Israeli military said the strike targeted members of the Hamas "Aerial Defence Unit", who operated from the compound, saying the place no longer served as a hospital. It said the militants was using the compound to plan and execute attacks against Israeli troops in the immediate future.

On Friday, Israeli forces stormed the Kamal Adwan hospital in northern Gaza, detaining more than 240 Palestinians, including medics.

The military said the hospital had been used as a command centre for Hamas, adding on Sunday that 15 of those detained had participated in the Oct. 7 attack on Israel, and that its operation there had killed about 20 militants.

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Hamas denies Israel's claim that its fighters operate from hospitals, and called for U.N. observers to be sent to Gaza's medical facilities.

The raid on Kamal Adwan, one of three medical facilities on the northern edge of Gaza, put the last major health facility in the area out of service, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in a post on X.

Israel's campaign against Hamas in Gaza has killed more than 45,300 Palestinians, according to health officials in the Hamas-run enclave. Most of the population of 2.3 million people have been displaced and much of Gaza is in ruins.

The war was triggered by a Hamas attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, in which 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken to Gaza as hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

(Reporting and writing by Nidal al-Mughrabi, Editing by William Maclean and Hugh Lawson)
Dec. 28 (UPI) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will undergo prostate removal surgery on Sunday after being diagnosed with a urinary tract infection, his office says.

The 75-year-old Israeli leader on Wednesday was examined at Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem where a urinary tract infection caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia was detected, according to a statement issued to media outlets on Saturday.

"Over the past few days, the prime minister has received antibiotic treatment, which successfully eradicated the infection," the statement read. "Consequently, the prime minister will undergo a procedure tomorrow to remove the prostate. Full details will be provided later."

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Despite the procedure, Sunday's cabinet meeting will take place as scheduled, Netanyahu's office said.

The operation likely means the prime minister will not appear in court on Monday, where he is being tried on corruption charges, and could miss sessions scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday as well, the Jerusalem Post reported.

The surgery will be the second this year for Netanyahu, who In March underwent a procedure to treat a hernia.

Last year he was hospitalized and equipped with a pacemaker after heart irregularities were detected.

He also had a previous hernia operation in 2013.
A new report by Israels Ministry of Health has detailed the abuse of hostages held by the Hamas terror group inside Gaza.

According to the report, this includes branding, sexual violence against children, torture and starvation.

Two of the children that were held together during captivity reported that they were held bound and were beaten throughout their captivity. Signs of binding, scars, and marks consistent with trauma were found, the report by the Ministry of Health prepared for the United Nations said.

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Additionally, two young children had burn marks on their lower limbs. One child stated that the burns were the result of a deliberate branding with a heated object. Both the child and adults who were with him in captivity described the incident as a purposeful branding event, not an accident. It was described as an extremely traumatic experience.

The report also detailed that women, men, and children who returned from captivity reported that they endured severe physical and sexual abuse, such as beatings, isolation, deprivation of food and water, branding, hair-pulling, and sexual assault.

It said that additionally, some of them reported that the captors sexually assaulted them or forced them to undress.

Several of the children taken hostage were taken without their parents or after witnessing their murders on October 7, when thousands of militants from terror group Hamas invaded Israels southern communities.

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Over 1,100 people were killed and more than 250 people taken hostage by groups including Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad and other local gangs.

Adults also reported sexual abuse in the hands of their captors, some of whom have been rescued from civilian homes, while others have been held since October 7 in Hamass hundreds of miles long tunnel network under the coastal strip.

The report is based on interviews with the medical teams which treated more than 100 hostages - Jack Guez/Getty

One of the returned hostages described being sexually assaulted at gunpoint by a Hamas terrorist, the report said, while other brave victims such as Amit Soussna have spoken out about their ordeal since their release.

On several occasions, captors forced women of all ages to undress while others, including the captors, watched. Some women reported that the captors sexually assaulted them. In addition, some women reported that they were tied to beds while their captors stared at them.

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Another woman, injured during the October 7 attack, was held in a dark isolation for 30 days, bound and unable to move. She had no contact with the outside world, received only a small amount of food and water, and did not receive treatment for her injury.

Other women also reported starvation and abuse by their captors.

Additionally, men also endured severe physical abuse, including continuous starvation, beatings, burns with galvanised iron (branding), hair-pulling, confinement in closed rooms with a limited amount of food and water, being held in isolation with hands and feet tied, and being denied access to the bathroom, which forced them to defecate on themselves, the report added.

The report also highlights the case of two teenagers who were bound together by their hands and feet, and forced to perform sex acts on each other as well as being sexually abused by their captors, in addition to having their genitals whipped. They were also beaten during their captivity.

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Many of the hostages who have returned home, either through negotiated deals in November last year, or rescue operations, now struggle to return to normality with long term trauma and mental health symptoms and medical complications such as immune system damage, impaired cognitive function and for children, hindered development and growth.

Many others also have no home to return to, coming from the rural communities of the Gaza border where the Hamas attacks left thousands of families homeless.

There are still 100 hostages still in Gaza, including British-Israeli Emily Damari. Roughly half of those being held in the strip are believed to still be alive.

Of those, there are babies, women and children, such as Kfir and Ariel Bibas, taken at just nine months and four years old, in addition to the sick and elderly in desperate need of care.

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On Wednesday, as hostage talks continue to flounder and both sides blame each other for a stalemate, Israels Prime Ministers office released a statement saying: The Hamas terrorist organisation continues to lie, is reneging on understandings that have already been reached, and is continuing to create difficulties in the negotiations. However, Israel will continue its relentless efforts to return all of our hostages.

A bid to secure a ceasefire in Gaza has gained momentum in recent weeks - Kai Pfaffenbach/Reuters

Hamas spokesman, Bassem Naim, on the same day, said: The ceasefire and prisoner exchange talks in Doha, mediated by Qatar and Egypt, are progressing seriously, where the (Hamas) movement has demonstrated responsibility and flexibility.

The occupation, however, introduced new conditions related to the issues of the withdrawal (from Gaza), the ceasefire, the prisoners, and the return of the displaced people, leading to the delay in reaching an agreement that was within reach.

Hamas wants a full withdrawal of Israel from Gaza and a full ceasefire, while Israel insists that Hamas be totally removed from the strip and all the hostages returned before any deal is done. Hamas is also demanding hundreds of Palestinian prisoners be freed from Israeli jails in return for the hostages, many of whom are serving life sentences on terror charges.

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Israel also wants to retain control of the Netzarim corridor in order to safeguard from any future terror activity, a clause that Hamas opposes.

Israels President Isaac Herzog released a statement following the publication of the report.

Torture. Physical and psychological torture. Starvation. Sexual abuse. Beatings. Branding. Just some of the horrific words that jump off the pages of the Ministry of Healths submission to the UN on the horrific ordeal endured by the hostages at the hands of Hamas terrorist murderers and rapists in Gaza, he said on X, formerly Twitter.

These are the testimonies of those who have been released and rescued. But still, for 450 days 100 innocent men, women, and children, babies and the elderly, have been held hostage in Gaza. With the winter upon us, their lives are in imminent danger. The UN has the facts. It is morally obliged to do everything in its power to bring the hostages home now.

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Israeli shelling of Gaza's Nuseirat refugee camp has killed nine people, among them women and children, according to the Palestinian news agency WAFA.

Another 15 people were reportedly injured in what was the latest of a string of aerial attacks on the central Gazan camp housing displaced Palestinians in recent weeks.

The attack came after a separate Israeli strike killed seven people in Beit Hanoun in the north of the Gaza Strip, according to WAFA

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An Israeli army spokeswoman said the reports were being investigated.

Five rockets had earlier previously been fired at Israel from the Beit Hanoun area.

The spokesman for the Israeli army, speaking in Arabic, called on the inhabitants of several districts north-west of the city of Gaza to seek shelter in the centre of the city of Gaza.

Since the beginning of the Gaza war with the unprecedented Hamas massacre in Israel on October 7, 2023, more than 45,500 people have been killed in the coastal strip, according to Palestinian sources.
The Israeli military killed seven people in a missile attack on a hospital in the eastern part of Gaza City, Palestinian civil defence officials said on Sunday.

The Israeli missile was reported to have hit the fifth floor of the Al-Wafa Hospital, injuring others and prompting an evacuation of the building in panic.

Israeli military officials, offering a different version, said the hospital was not being used at the time of the attack and was instead functioning as the command centre of a Hamas air defence unit which was targeted with a precision attack.

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Information from both sides could not be independently verified.

Since the start of the Israel-Gaza war in October 2023, Israel has repeatedly hit Gaza's hospitals, school buildings and refugee camps with missiles, saying that Hamas fighters and weapons are hidden there.

On Saturday the Israeli military ended a three-day operation at the Kamal Adwan Hospital in the northern city of Beit Lahia, during which it said it arrested 240 Hamas fighters.

The patients were evacuated, the hospital ceased operations, and parts of the buildings were gutted by fire.

At least 33 hospitals in the Gaza Strip have had to close since the start of the war on October 7, 2023, according to Palestinian health officials.

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Under international law, warring parties are not allowed to attack or repurpose hospitals for military reasons, and international law experts have argued that even if hospitals are used for military purposes, this does not allow the other side to target them.

The well-being of patients, medical staff and others in need of protection must always be taken into account, they say.
Dec. 29 (UPI) -- A human rights monitor has documented incidents of alleged sexual harassment by Israeli fighters while storming the Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, as groups in Israel and the West Bank document continued sexual violence against Palestinians.

The Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor on Saturday documented the testimonies of women who were allegedly abused by Israeli soldiers, who ordered them to remove their pants before putting their hands on their bodies during Friday's raid.

"A soldier forced a nurse to take off her trousers, then placed his hand on her. When she tried to resist, he struck her hard across the face, causing her nose to bleed," one witness told the human rights monitor.

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Another woman recounted how a soldier ordered another woman to take off her pants or that the Israeli fighters would "force it off" of them. A third woman had her clothes torn to expose her chest by an Israeli fighter after she refused to remove her headscarf.

"The soldiers ordered us to remove our hijabs, but we refused. They then turned to the girls under 20 years old and demanded they remove their hijabs, but they also refused," a hospital staff member said.

"The soldiers decided to punish us by taking two women at a time and forcing them to lift their clothes and lower their trousers under threats and coercion."

When a young child with a psychological disorder was stripped to his underwear, he ran toward an Israeli tank and was shot dead by Israeli fighters, witnesses alleged.

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Palestinians have been documenting such incidents of sexual violence throughout, and before, the ongoing conflict between Palestinians and Israelis escalated last October.

In August, video emerged of a Palestinian man allegedly being gang raped by Israeli prison guards at the Sde Teiman detention facility in the Negev desert, which sits between the occupied Palestinian territories of Gaza and the West Bank. Israeli media reported at the time that the Palestinian victim was unable to walk after the brutal assault.

And the Israeli human rights group B'Tselem said in a report released this month that Palestinians have suffered varying degrees of sexual violence from threats of rape to forced undressing and physical blows to their genitals.

"I also had bruises all over my body, especially on my testicles. My head wound was stitched and the doctors wanted to keep me at the hospital for 24 hours for observation," Wisam Dugoush, a 35-year-old father, said in testimony to the Israeli human rights group.

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"But I chose to go home after my daughter Rital called me, crying, because she'd seen pictures of me bleeding on the neighborhood WhatsApp group."

He added that, a week after his alleged assault, his "testicles still hurt badly."

Another Palestinian recounted how they were forced to strip "completely naked" and perform 150 pushups for the Israeli guards.

"If I see you in this place again, I'll rape you and kill you. I'll do the same to anyone else I see here," an Israeli fighter allegedly told Muhammad a-Natsheh, a young Palestinian man.

And throughout the war, videos and pictures purporting to show Israeli soldiers going through Palestinian women's underwear in Gaza have gone viral.

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The Palestinian Commission of Detainees' Affairs, a governmental body of the Palestinian Authority, has also previously documented the alleged rape and sexual assault of Palestinian captives by their Israeli jailers.

Meanwhile, human rights experts with the United Nations have expressed alarm about the treatment of women and girls in Gaza who were subject to extrajudicial executions by the Israeli military.
An Italian tourist has been killed and another injured after they were attacked by a shark while diving in the Red Sea off the coast of Egypt.

According to Egypts ministry of environment on Sunday, the two holidaymakers were snorkelling in deep water outside designated swimming areas when they were attacked near the resort town of Marsa Alam.

A 48-year-old man from Rome is reported to have died, while a 69-year-old man from Cremona in northern Italy was taken to hospital with minor injuries in Port Ghalib, 40 miles north of Marsa Alam.

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Neither man has yet been identified but their families have been informed.

Yasmine Fouad, Egypts environment minister, reportedly issued an order to raise the level of preparedness and monitoring in the coastal areas of the Red Sea.

Local prosecutors have also opened an investigation into the accident and the stretch of sea where the attack occurred has been closed to bathers for two days.

Committee formed

The ministry said it had formed an urgent committee to look into what occurred and was working closely with the Red Sea Governorate.

Egypts Red Sea coastline is known for its pristine beaches, coral reefs and vibrant marine life. It is a popular destination for Italian tourists.

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The resort towns of Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh attract millions of tourists annually, contributing significantly to Egypts tourism industry.

There have been a number of shark attacks in the Red Sea in recent years.

Several beaches were closed two years ago after a 68-year-old Austrian tourist was killed by a shark.

In June 2023, a Russian tourist died after being savaged by a tiger shark and in September that year, a shark tore off an Egyptian womans arm in the waters in front of Dahab beach in South Sinai.

In 2022, an Austrian woman died after a shark tore off her arm and leg.

After previous attacks, the environment ministry promised to install monitoring devices to track the movement of sharks in a bid to prevent attacks on tourists.

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Dale Folwell is set on Wednesday  bittersweetly and yet appreciatively  to leave public service after 32 years, or nearly half of his 66 years.

With two terms as state treasurer almost exhausted, and still coming to grips with his 2024 Republican governor primary loss, Folwell said in a recent reflective interview with the Journal that he will take some time to decide on his post-political life.

A year ago, I thought I would be planning an inaugural, Folwell said wistfully on his primary loss to the controversial Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson.

When youve spent 20 years in Raleigh, theres a lot of repairing that needs to be done. I look forward to getting back to Winston-Salem, my home and my community.

This time next year, I want God, my family and my motorcycles to all be happy, Folwell said. I dont see another political step right now because there are the things I am going to focus on.

Folwells resume begins with serving on a Winston-Salem Police Department public advisory board and is summed up  for now  as one of the citys most influential statewide politicians of recent memory.

In between were: 1993 to 2001 on the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Board of Education; four terms in the state House from 2005 to 2013; and overseeing the McCrory administrations daunting pay off of more than $2.8 billion in debt to the U.S. Labor Department taken on during the 2008-11 Great Recession.

Driving Folwell have been his personal and political mantra of saving lives, minds and money, saying the phrase enough over the years to spawn waves of eye rolls from supporters and critics.

Folwell is known for being wonkish and doing his homework, rarely seen in public without a stack of dog-eared charts and reports, newspaper clippings and printouts.

Hes prickly, unapologetically stubborn on issues and causes he believes in, willing to grate on nerves and reluctant to pull political punches.

As such, Folwell has proven confounding for some, down to earth to others.

Ive always been the person to raise my hands to take on the toughest jobs, Folwell said when asked what sets him apart as a politician. I work for the underserved, the invisible, the worn down.

People may not like what I say or how I say it, but at least they know my heart and my mind are in the right place.

Taking apart and fixing

Drawing from a motorcycle mechanic background dating back to his teenage years, Folwell said he developed a knack for knowing how to take things apart and fix them.

Folwell says he is conservative politically because he believes devoutly in the root word conserve.

Yet, Folwell is quite liberal in sharing credit for his successes, constantly talking about the influence of his single mother, Lorraine, his wife Synthia, and standing on the shoulders of others in the local community.

Folwell stresses the importance of listening rather than talking, particularly to those who have the understanding to spot not only whats wrong, but offer constructive, practical advice on how to fix it.

Don Martin, chairman of Forsyth Board of Commissioners and former Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools superintendent, has known Folwell for more than 30 years.

Dale is a man of integrity, is very analytical, and is a man of action, Martin said. In every position he has held, he didnt just talk about changes  he worked tirelessly to make them happen.

Growing up in Winston-Salem

During a recent interview with the Journal, Folwell shared how being raised by a single mother of three children gave him a lifelong appreciation for helping those less fortunate.

As he began to earn wages as an industrious young teenager in a variety of jobs  such as newspaper delivery boy, mechanic, short-order cook, gas station attendant, custodian, trash collector (the old-fashioned way)  Folwell showed his appreciation for his moms sacrifices by paying down her extended loans.

Its hard to turn down offers of credit to make life better for your children, he said.

Folwell recalled hard life lessons that molded him as a public servant and politician.

One was the importance of punctuality and dependability, learned up close and personal from a disappointed customer.

I was arriving around 5:30 a.m. one day, and the Wake Forest professor who was a customer was very mad because he expected his paper delivered at 5 a.m. sharp, Folwell said.

He told me  and I never forgot it  Let this be the last time that an excuse ever came between you and your work. 

When hes asked about his upbringing, he emphasizes that I struggled to get out of high school. It was determined, based on my performance in school, that I was going to make my living with my hands and my back.

Folwell said he had zero interest in politics, but a desire to better the local community led him to take a seat on the Winston-Salem Police Departments public advisory board.

By listening to police officers concerns, Folwell helped develop a proposal allowing officers to take their patrol cars home at the end of their shift, rather than park them in the police lot.

Depending on where the officer lives, Folwell said, that could add up to eliminating up to 1 hours of wasted time per shift ... and officers did not know day to day which car they would drive at the beginning of any shift. The recommendation would save the department time and money, getting more official use out of the patrol cars per shift.

Light out of tragedy

The challenging life lessons didnt end for Folwell in childhood.

Its been more than 25 years since his 7-year-old son, Dalton, a first-grader at Whitaker Elementary School, died in May 1999 from head and chest injuries after being struck trying to board a stopped school bus.

Folwell was serving on the WS/FCS board at that time.

The death of their son jolted the grieving parents in private and public ways.

Habitually punctual and reliable, Folwell seldom attended WS/FCS board meetings over the next year  missing 14 of 17 meetings  before resigning in April 2000. Before his resignation, he and the school board received criticism because of his absence.

Its not anything you get over, Synthia Folwell said when her husband resigned. Especially in a year. Thats no time.

Dale Folwell said at the time of his resignation that grief made it difficult for him to walk into the school boards meeting room.

Ive gotten dressed and gotten in my car and then never opened the garage door, he said. Ive sat in the lobby on the first floor (of the school systems administration building) and watched the school-board meetings on TV.

Everybody Ive ever worked for . . . knows of my passion for giving somebody a days work for a days pay. The burden of not being able to fulfill that responsibility as a school-board member is quite heavy.

The driver of the car, Aymara Sanchez Hernandez, was from Costa Rica. She told police she didnt know that cars were required to stop for school buses. She pleaded guilty and was given a suspended sentence, ordered to do community service and pay a fine.

Trying to bring light out of the tragedy, Folwell attended in March 2000 a town meeting at Kernersville Elementary School. He asked then-Gov. Jim Hunt to support requiring rental-car companies to provide drivers with school-bus safety pamphlets.

Folwells lobbying efforts encouraged Forsyth legislative members Democrat Sen. Linda Garrou and Republican Rep. Lyons Gray to file bills during the 2001 session mandating rental-car companies notify customers of school-bus passing laws.

Our highest priority should be to protect our children, and we want to prevent another tragedy like this, Garrou said in 2001 in sponsoring the bill.

House Bill 774, titled Motor Vehicle Passing Laws/Daltons Law, unanimously passed both chambers and was signed into law by Gov. Mike Easley in August 2001.

Every child ready to learn

Folwell lost in 2002 his first run for the Republican nomination for a state House seat, but was not deterred.

Taking a grassroots, knock-on-doors approach in 2004, Folwell won the N.C. House District 74 GOP primary against three candidates, including defeating then-Forsyth commissioner Debra Conrad in a runoff. He ran prominently on an anti-immigration stance, particularly when it comes to public education.

Folwell began advocating right away for legislation toughening penalties for passing a stopped school bus.

The law made passing a stopped school bus a Class 1 misdemeanor, doubling the current penalty to as much as 120 days of community service or jail time. The law also made passing a stopped school bus and causing serious injury a Class I felony, which could carry a penalty ranging from four months of community service to 10 months of active time behind bars.

This basically goes to protect the children of North Carolina from the increasing number of stop-arm violations that were seeing, Folwell said in 2005 in discussing the bill. Children, and especially parents, depend on the halo of that stop-arm on a school bus. Its like a virtual crossing guard.

Folwells four terms in the legislature were during the Easley and Perdue administrations, the first three terms with a Democratic majority, and the final term under a Republican majority with Folwell as House Speaker pro tem in 2011-12.

Folwell shakes his head even now about his initial low seating chart number, which reflected his perceived importance to the Republican caucus.

Undeterred, Folwell dug in on his dogged and stubborn pursuit of changing the age for entering kindergarten  an issue close to his heart.

In June 2007, the legislature overwhelmingly passed a Folwell-sponsored bipartisan bill  House Bill 150, titled Every Child Ready to Learn.

The law requires children have to turn age 5 by Aug. 31, rather than Oct. 16, in order to start kindergarten that school year. Parents can get exceptions for younger children who are unusually mature.

In the last school year with an Oct. 16 start date for kindergarten, 524 children statewide, or about 12%, had birthdays that fell between Aug. 31 and Oct. 16.

Folwell said allowing children to enter kindergarten at age 4  when a child may be too young or immature  can cause setbacks affecting the childs entire educational development. What convinced him was listening to students and adults who look back and attest that starting kindergarten too early affected them for years.

It comes from the two issues that Im most evangelical about working on: North Carolinas horrific dropout rate, and our inability to retain teachers beyond the first three years, Folwell said in 2007.

Rep. Pricey Harrison, D-Guilford, said she and Folwell joined the legislature the same session.

In that first term, he was able to enact several substantial legislative measures despite being a freshman in the minority party, Harrison said. He was dedicated, hard working, and very principled during his legislative tenure.

While I did not always agree with him, I very much enjoyed working with him.

Connecting with Easley

Reflecting back, Folwell talked about how difficult it was to get Democratic legislative leaders on board with HB150 to hold even one committee hearing, as well as facing resistance from the State Board of Education.

Folwell recalled speaking with Easley about HB150 in a conversation that initially appeared to go sidewise. Folwell said Easley asked in a dismissive tone why he should work and spend political capital on a low-profile Republican member on such controversial legislation.

But after Folwell explained the purpose of the legislation, Easley brought up how his starting kindergarten too early affected his educational progress and social maturity. Easley agreed to ask the House Education committee chair to hold a hearing on the bill.

At that hearing, Folwell was supported by public-school teachers and the N.C. Association of Educators on the need for the legislation.

When HB150 appeared to be shelved in the Senate, Folwells research on the senators families found that about half had held their children back from starting kindergarten before they were ready.

I asked them (in Senate Education committee hearing), Why cant you pass a law that protects everybody the way you are protecting your own? Folwell said.

They agreed, and once they did, the bill sailed through the Senate.

Martin said Folwell recognized the educational and maturity issues that starting kindergarten too early was causing, particularly for young boys, just for the sake of an arbitrary date.

Moving the date back increases the maturity of entering students, particularly males, and put N.C. in line with the rest of the country, Martin said.

Folwell also was a driving force for the state law requiring automobile property taxes to be paid when car license tags are renewed.

Counties were struggling to collect 65% to 70% of the property tax owed on cars, Martin said. Now, they collect 99% of it, plus it is more efficient to bill and collect the tax when tags are renewed.

Fixing state unemployment

In March 2013, Folwell was appointed by Gov. Pat McCrory as assistant secretary for the N.C. Division of Employment Security to be in charge of the states fractured unemployment benefits program.

Folwell was charged with resolving inefficiencies, including claim determination, employer account management and legal enforcement of employment security law.

His foremost accomplishment was the successful repayment of $2.8 billion in debt owed to the U.S. Labor and Treasury departments.

It was the most broken state unemployment trust fund in the United States, Folwell said.

The debt was created in part when a Democratic-controlled General Assembly approved a series of unemployment insurance tax cuts in the 1990s when the states jobless rate was well below 5%. The tax rate was not increased even as North Carolina and the nation experienced two recessions because it was feared that doing so could deter employers from hiring.

When Folwell left his position on December 2015 in preparation for his run for state treasurer, the division had a $1 billion surplus for the UI program.

Folwells strategy proved unpopular with some critics.

Part of the debt reduction was achieved through a controversial amending of the states UI law in July 2013 that drastically cut the maximum individual UI weekly benefit amount from $530 to $350, and maximum number of benefit weeks from 26 to 12.

The left-leaning Justice Center said in May 2015 that employers have borne about 22% of the repayment burden, while beneficiaries have contributed 73% through reduced benefits.

The McCrory administration was fundamentally dishonest in saying that there was no way to repay the debts without cuts, said John Quinterno, principal with South by North Strategies Ltd., a Chapel Hill research company specializing in economic and social policy.

Federal law provides a clear, automatic repayment mechanism that would have eliminated the debt, just in a way that was unpopular with the business community.

In effect, the administration and legislature scare-mongered a fake crisis as an excuse to gut a social insurance system they disliked for ideological reasons.

Butting heads

Folwells first bid for a Council of State seat failed in 2012 in a third-place finish in the Republican primary for lieutenant governor.

Undaunted, Folwell promoted his expertise in finding solutions to complex financial challenges in his 2016 run for state treasurer. In both 2016 and his 2020 re-election, Folwell received the most votes of all statewide races, including president.

Folwell acknowledges a knack for latching onto a perceived injustice with a clinched bite, sometimes to his own detriment.

As treasurer, Folwell butted heads with the states largest health-care systems in encouraging state legislators to introduce bills to rein in patient costs and reduce the amount of patient medical debt.

Folwell has taken considerable heat from some state employees in switching the State Health Plan from longtime provider Blue Cross Blue Shield of N.C. to Aetna in January, as well as persuading the SHP Board of Trustees to halt coverage of obesity prescription drugs for non-diabetic weight-loss use because of their high costs.

Folwell has claimed that continuing SHP coverage of weight-loss drugs purely for that purpose eventually would bankrupt the SHP. Folwell has projected the SHP facing a $4.2 billion budget gap over the next five years, what he calls an existential threat.

Meanwhile, outgoing House speaker Tim Moore, R-Cleveland, has expressed concern that the SHPs weight-loss coverage decision could dampen Novo Nordisks future investment interest in the Triangle, where it already has more than 2,500 employees.

Dale has been willing to take on the health care industry to demand transparency and accountability, Martin said.

While not as successful as he would like to have been, the third-party studies commissioned by the State Health Plan and performed by highly respected universities has changed the publics view of healthcare costs and led to more transparency by providers. 

Folwell summed up his efforts to reform healthcare in North Carolina by saying everybody knows theres something wrong with healthcare.

The General Assembly could have  with the snap of their fingers  taken several actions to put the state on the path for higher-quality, higher-access care.

These are not Republican, Democrat or unaffiliated issues, but rather issues to help our fellow North Carolinians.

COMING MONDAY: FOLWELLS LAST YEARS IN OFFICEAND DEFINING HIS LEGACY
The Boca Raton-based company 4ocean has pulled more than 40 million pounds of trash from the world's oceans, rivers and coastlines since 2017. It hopes to do so much more with a new nonprofit foundation led by prolific fund raiser Jack Lighton, who oversaw a $30 million campaign at Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach.

Lighton, 49, spent nearly 10 years at Loggerhead, and most recently worked as the CEO of SeaLegacy, a global ocean conservation nonprofit. He said he joined 4ocean in September to launch the foundation and provide a way for people to donate to the effort aside from buying the company's products, including its signature bracelet made from recycled plastics collected from waterways around the world.

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"I think 4ocean is the best-kept local secret that has been humming away here in Boca since 2017," Lighton said. "Many people and foundations have come to us and said they want to help, but we didn't have a pathway for that."

4ocean is a for-profit public benefit corporation dedicated to preserving and restoring the environment. The foundation is a nonprofit philanthropy.

Separating garbage collected during beach and waterway cleanups in Indonesia.

Alex Schulze, a graduate of Florida Atlantic University, co-founded 4ocean with friend Andrew Cooper after being disturbed by the amount of garbage they saw during a surfing trip to Bali. They started paying fisherman for plastic they removed and using the plastic to make bracelets.

That enterprise has since expanded to other products such as sustainable clothing, totes, reef-safe sunscreen, biodegradable sponges, water shoes and reusable water bottles. Each item removes a specific amount of plastic from the environment.

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"Bringing Jack on as the Executive Director of the 4ocean Foundation marks a new chapter of growth and innovation," Schulze said in a statement. "The more organizations that we have on the ground working together to fight against plastic pollution creates a path towards a healthier future for the ocean, marine ecosystems, and the communities that depend on them."

Boca Raton-based 4ocean working in Indonesia to clean up ocean garbage.

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Lighton, who lives in West Palm Beach, said when he finished the Loggerhead Marinelife Center campaign he was planning to go on a sabbatical. He bought an RV and he and his wife made plans to travel the country.

Jack Lighton, executive director 4ocean Foundation.

But then he was offered a job at SeaLegacy, which focuses on visual storytelling to promote ocean conservation. He spent four years with SeaLegacy, which he said built on his experience at Loggerhead and prepared him to work on a more global level.

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"We operate in an international space, and that's really where our huge opportunity is," Lighton said about 4ocean. "Everyone thinks we are in Boca, but we are massively involved in global ocean cleanup and involved in incredibly important ocean education for students and businesses."

Lighton said the foundation expects to hire three staff members at the beginning of 2025 to begin a capital expansion of 4ocean's innovation center in Boca Raton.

The center, which is housed under the foundation, is where custom-built tools used for ocean cleanup are created. Those include electric aquatic drones that collect floating debris in the water, robotic sand sifters that act like a Roomba for the beach, and a large stationary skimmer that can be installed on pontoons to catch up to 220 pounds of floating trash at a time before it can enter a river or marina.

"The foundation will radically amplify our ability to pull out more debris," Lighton said. "We are born and raised here in Palm Beach County, but we are powering a global movement."

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Kimberly Miller is a journalist for The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA Today Network of Florida. She covers real estate, weather, and the environment. Subscribe to The Dirt for a weekly real estate roundup. If you have news tips, please send them to kmiller@pbpost.com. Help support our local journalism; subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: 4ocean in Boca Raton launches 4ocean foundation to help clean world's water
An advisory board to the Jackson County Prosecutors Office calls for the Kansas City Police Department to fire an officer who has killed three people and faces several other excessive force allegations, according to a report released Friday.

Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker released the 55-page report from the prosecutor offices Community Advisory Board, which examined the killing of 47-year-old Donnie Sanders and other police shootings in the past several years.

The officer who killed Sanders, Blayne Newton, was not named in the report, but his identity has become public through lawsuits and numerous news articles.

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Newton was not charged in the March 2020 killing of Sanders, but among the advisory boards recommendations is for the KCPD to fire him.

KCPD should reconsider the employment status of the officer who fatally shot Donnie Sanders to ensure that this officer no longer poses a risk to public safety, the report said.

The Kansas City Police Department was reviewing the document, a spokesperson said Saturday.

We were not included in the discussions or the details prior to release, said Officer Alayna Gonzalez, a spokesperson for the Kansas City Police Department.

In an introduction to the report, Baker said Police Chief Stacey Graves had reviewed and commented on the reports findings.

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Graves embraced some findings and directed us to key issues we had not considered, Baker wrote. We were able to discuss this reports suggestions in a thoughtful and helpful way.

Baker called the report a first-of-its-kind examining officer-involving shootings.

The concept of reviewing and addressing an officer-involved shooting beyond criminal charges is novel, Baker wrote. It is also necessary, however, if we are to effect change to processes and policies that govern these incidents.

Fatal shooting of Donnie Sanders

On March 12, 2020, Newton was patrolling near 51st Street and Prospect Avenue when he made a U-turn and started to follow Sanders.

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Newton, who suspected Sanders of speeding, followed him as he turned into an alley between Wabash Avenue and Prospect Avenue. Newton then turned on his lights and sirens.

Sanders drove nearly to the end of the alley and parked his Chevrolet Tahoe. He then ran and Newton chased after him with his gun drawn. Dash camera video from Newtons police cruiser doesnt capture the shooting, but Newton can be heard yelling commands for Sanders to stop and show his hands.

Newton then fired five shots, striking Sanders three times. Newton told investigators that he saw what appeared to be a gun in Sanders hand.

No gun or weapon of any kind was found at the scene. Sanders had only a cellphone in his right jacket pocket.

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Prosecutors declined to press charges against Newton following an investigation by Kansas City police and the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Baker had determined that the account provided by witnesses back up Newtons defense that he feared for his life when he shot Sanders.

Could not have issued citation for speeding

The report noted that though speeding was suspected, Newton had no radar and there was no evidence that he was specifically trained in assessing speed.

Further he only briefly spotted Sanders as he was passing him traveling the opposite direction, the report said. A review of the dashcam is far from dispositive that Sanders was speeding, yet the officer guessed that Sanders was driving roughly 10 mph over the limit.

The report also noted that without additional evidence, such as a read out from a radar gun, Newton could not have issued Sanders a citation for speeding.

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The report said Sanders was pulled over for something known as a pretextual stop. That is where police stop a driver on a technical violation of a traffic ordinance  that does not immediately impair public safety  when the officers true motivation is to investigate some other crime, despite lacking probably cause or even reasonable suspicion.

Pretextual stops impact Black drivers at a higher rate than white drivers, the report said.

The report also questioned whether Newton should have initiated the foot pursuit.

Foot pursuits produce a net cost that rarely outweigh the net gain, the report said, noting that several departments prohibit or greatly discourage chasing people with guns drawn.

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Newton, who has been with the department since 2017, has previously been the subject of excessive force allegations. In addition to the Sanders killing, Newton shot and killed two others and injured in another shooting on June 9, 2023.

Newton was driving near East 31st Street and Van Brunt Boulevard when he saw a person on the drivers side of a truck point a firearm out of the window toward a white van and drove off.

Dashboard camera video reviewed by The Star showed Netwon, who had been behind the truck, pull up to the passenger side of the white van and immediately opened fire.

The passenger in the front seat, 42-year-old Marcell Nelson, who was armed, died. The driver, 42-year-old Kristen Fairchild, who was not armed, also died. A teenager in the backseat was also struck.

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Earlier this month, a woman who accused him of assault and battery in Platte County Circuit Court reached a settlement agreement for $65,000.

The suit accused office Newton of assaulting Bermeeka Mitchel of Lansing at a Platte county Walmart in September 2022 while he was off-duty but in uniform.

A lawsuit filed by Sanders family against Newton is pending in U.S. District Court in the Western District of Missouri.

The report made several recommendations, including limiting pretextual stops, discourage officers from foot pursuits and establish a liaison officer to assist families of persons killed by KCPD officers.
Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) had a blunt message for fellow Democrats on Saturday as she weighed in on Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) defeating Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) in a vote to become the top-ranking party member in the House Oversight Committee next month.

While I think that both are absolutely qualified, I do think that within the Democratic caucus, we are really stuck in our old ways of doing things, which is you get there by seniority, said Crockett in an appearance on MSNBC.

And so if youve been there longer, then you get the post. And I dont think that we fully sit there and say, Who may be best equipped for this moment?

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The support of the Democratic caucus for Connolly, who is 74 years old, over Ocasio-Cortez, who is 35 years old, was met with backlash from critics who have arguedin favor of a new generation taking over party leadership as Republicans have control of the House, Senate and White House in 2025.

Such critics include outgoing-Rep. Annie Kuster (D-N.H.) who, in an interview shared by The Boston Globe on Thursday, said shes trying to set a better example as she decided to not seek reelection after six terms in Congress.

I think there are colleagues  and some of whom are still very successful and very productive  but others who just stay forever, said Kuster, who added that shes not the best gladiator right now for a Trump-led Washington.

Crockett, a member of the House Oversight Committee, said Americans are looking to see if Democrats are willing to shake it up if it means that we can move this country forward.

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She said the committee is going to be great under Connollys leadership, adding that hes not new, and hes very true to this.

Crockett said she expects the party will talk about how it handles committee leadership positions, noting that the Republican Conference has rules that limit chairs and ranking members to no more than three consecutive terms.

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(Bloomberg) -- A Boeing Co. 737-800 aircraft operated by Jeju Air Co. crashed and caught fire on an airport runway in South Korea, resulting in more than 170 people dead or missing.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Flight 2216 was carrying 175 passengers and six crew from Bangkok when the accident happened at Muan International Airport in the countrys south, according to officials. At least 124 people were killed, two were rescued, while the remainder are unaccounted for, they said.

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The disaster took place at about 9 a.m. local time on Sunday. Yonhap News Agency reported the landing gear of the Boeing single-aisle jet malfunctioned, causing it to land on its belly without its wheels deployed. It then hit a wall at the end of the runway.

Muans control tower had warned of the risk of a bird strike about a minute before the pilot declared a Mayday, transport officials said at an afternoon briefing. Two minutes later, the crash occurred, they said.

Authorities said theyve retrieved the flight-data recorder that contains vital statistics and performance metrics of a flight. They are still looking for the second so-called black box, the voice recorder that tapes conversations and sounds in the cockpit.

The accident stands to become the worst passenger airline disaster in South Korea in more than two decades, and takes place amid a deepening political crisis in Seoul after its president provoked public outrage by briefly imposing martial law earlier this month.

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The 15-year-old aircraft, registered HL8088, entered service with Jeju Air in 2017. It was initially delivered in 2009 to Irish discount carrier Ryanair Holdings Plc, according to the Planespotters.net database. The jet was configured to seat as many as 189 passengers.

The plane underwent regular maintenance and there was no evidence or signs of malfunction during the checks, Kim E-Bae, chief executive officer of Jeju Air, said at a press briefing. He wouldnt speculate on the cause of the crash and said to wait for an official investigation to determine what had happened.

The fire agency said most of the plane was damaged except for part of its tail. Passengers were thrown out of the aircraft upon its impact with the wall, Yonhap reported, citing a fire official who said chances of survival were extremely low and identification of the dead is difficult. Boeing said its in contact with Jeju Air and ready to support them.

More than 1,500 people including police, military, coast guard and local government personnel are assisting at the crash site, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said. Six air accident investigators are on the scenes conducting their initial investigation.

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Two passengers of Flight 2216 were Thai citizens, while authorities are checking on other nationalities besides South Koreans, according to the transport ministry.

Founded in 2005, Jeju Air operates 42 aircraft, according to its website. The company pledged to provide all necessary support to the victims and their families.

The death toll from the Jeju Air crash would be the highest in South Korea since at least 2002. An Air China plane crashed near Busan that year, killing 129 people, according to the Aviation Safety Network.

The crash is the second major air disaster in less than a week. An incident in Russian airspace led to the crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines passenger aircraft on Dec. 25, killing dozens.

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After a year of not a single fatal accident involving a large commercial aircraft in 2023, this year has seen a rising number of cases. Early in January, an approaching Japan Airlines Co. Airbus A350 crashed into a smaller plane on a runway in Tokyo, killing five occupants of the stationary plane.

A few days later, a door plug blew out of an airborne Boeing 737 Max 9 flying in the US. Though nobody was killed in that accident, the episode threw the US planemaker into deep crisis because it exposed sloppy workmanship at the company.

In August, a smaller ATR plane operated by Brazils VoePass crashed near Sao Paulos Guarulhos International Airport killing 58 passengers and four crew members.

--With assistance from Aradhana Aravindan.

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2024 Bloomberg L.P.
WASHINGTON (AP)  A machinists strike. Another safety problem involving its troubled top-selling airliner. A plunging stock price.

2024 was already a dispiriting year for Boeing, the American aviation giant. But when one of the company's jets crash-landed in South Korea on Sunday, killing all but two of the 181 people on board, it brought to a close an especially unfortunate year for Boeing.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and aviation experts were quick to distinguish Sunday's incident from the companys earlier safety problems.

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Alan Price, a former chief pilot at Delta Air Lines who is now a consultant, said it would be inappropriate to link the incident Sunday to two fatal crashes involving Boeings troubled 737 Max jetliner in 2018 and 2019. In January this year, a door plug blew off a 737 Max while it was in flight, raising more questions about the plane.

The Boeing 737-800 that crash-landed in Korea, Price noted, is a very proven airplane. "Its different from the Max ...Its a very safe airplane.

For decades, Boeing has maintained a role as one of the giants of American manufacturing. But the the past year's repeated troubles have been damaging. The company's stock price is down more than 30% in 2024.

The company's reputation for safety was especially tarnished by the 737 Max crashes, which occurred off the coast of Indonesia and in Ethiopia less than five months apart in 2018 and 2019 and left a combined 346 people dead. In the five years since then, Boeing has lost more than $23 billion. And it has fallen behind its European rival, Airbus, in selling and delivering new planes.

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Last fall, 33,000 Boeing machinists went on strike, crippling the production of the 737 Max, the company's bestseller, the 777 airliner and 767 cargo plane. The walkout lasted seven weeks, until members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers agreed to an offer that included 38% pay raises over four years.

In January, a door plug blew off a 737 Max during an Alaska Airlines flight. Federal regulators responded by imposing limits on Boeing aircraft production that they said would remain in place until they felt confident about manufacturing safety at the company.

In July, Boeing agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy to commit fraud for deceiving the Federal Aviation Administration regulators who approved the 737 Max. Acting on Boeings incomplete disclosures, the FAA approved minimal, computer-based training instead of more intensive training in flight simulators. Simulator training would have increased the cost for airlines to operate the Max and might have pushed some to buy planes from Airbus instead. (Prosecutors said they lacked evidence to argue that Boeings deception had played a role in the crashes.)

But the plea deal was rejected this month by a federal judge in Texas, Reed OConnor, who decided that diversity, inclusion and equity or DEI policies in the government and at Boeing could result in race being a factor in choosing an official to oversee Boeings compliance with the agreement.

Boeing has sought to change its culture. Under intense pressure over safety issues, David Calhoun departed as CEO in August. Since January, 70,000 Boeing employees have participated in meetings to discuss ways to improve safety.
Former President Jimmy Carter, the 39th leader of the United States, a Navy veteran and the only commander-in-chief to graduate from the United States Naval Academy, died on Sunday at his home in Plains, Georgia. He was 100 years old.

Carter, who began hospice care at his home in Georgia in February 2023, is often remembered as the one-term president who led the nation in the wake of the Vietnam War and who oversaw treaties involving the Panama Canal and a diplomatic relationship between Egypt and Israel.

But before Carters 1977-81 presidency, Carter served his nation in the sea service.

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Born James Earl Carter Jr. in Plains, Georgia, the sailor-turned-president attended Georgia Institute of Technology as a Navy ROTC student before receiving an appointment to the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Inspired by his uncle to join the service, he graduated in June 1946 and commissioned as an ensign, according to Naval History and Heritage Command.

Carter received his first assignment with the battleship Wyoming, stationed at Norfolk, Virginia, where he served until the vessel was decommissioned in 1947. He then served on the battleship Mississippi as a training and education officer.

Following a six-month course at the U.S. Navy Submarine School in New London, Connecticut, Carter served aboard the Balao-class submarine Pomfret, based in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and later as an engineering officer with the K-1 submarine.

Jimmy Carter in the main control room of USS K-1 (SSK-1) between June and October 1952. (Naval History and Heritage Command)

After a promotion to lieutenant in 1952, Carter began working with the Navys nuclear submarine development team. Only a few months later, he successfully helped prevent a nuclear disaster.

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When a power surge at Chalk River Laboratories in Ontario, Canada, caused fuel rods to melt in a nuclear reactor, damaging its core, Carter and his team assisted in the response, according to the Navy. Each person was allowed up to only 90 seconds at a time for the cleanup work due to the extreme radioactivity.

We were fairly well instructed then on what nuclear power was, but for about six months after that I had radioactivity in my urine, Carter previously told CNN.

While preparing to work aboard one of the first subs to operate on atomic power, Carters father passed away in July 1953 and the young naval officer opted for an honorable discharge to return to Georgia and assist his familys peanut-growing business.

It was a very torturous decision for me to make, Carter previously told CNBC.

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Carter remained in the Naval Reserve until 1961, transferring to the retired reserve at the rank of lieutenant before beginning a career in politics.

Five other presidents also served in the Navy, including Carters four presidential predecessors as well as George H. W. Bush, according to the Navys heritage command.

The third Seawolf-class nuclear-powered submarine is named after the former president. Last year, a building at the Naval Academy was renamed after Carter following a congressionally-mandated decision to redesignate military assets across all branches with ties to the Confederacy.

Carters grandson indicated in May that his grandfather was coming to the end during an event with The Carter Center, the nonprofit the former president  and eventual Nobel Peace Prize recipient  founded after he left office to advance human rights internationally.

Carters wife Rosalynn died in November 2023.
Former President of the United States Jimmy Carter has died at the age of 100. His death was announced on Sunday, December 29.

"Our founder, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, passed away this afternoon in Plains, Georgia," the Carter Center said in a statement shared on X. His family also confirmed the news to The Washington Post.

Tributes poured in for Carter on social media. "Jimmy Carter, former US president who was committed to human rights, has died. He was 100 years old," Human Rights Watch wrote on X. "Carter set a powerful example for world leaders to make human rights a priority, and he continued to fight for human rights after he left office."

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Carter had suffered a number of health issues in the years leading up to his death. In February 2023, the Carter Center announced that he was being placed on hospice care.

"After a series of short hospital stays, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter today decided to spend his remaining time at home with his family and receive hospice care instead of additional medical intervention, the statement from the former presidents foundation read. He has the full support of his family and his medical team. The Carter family asks for privacy during this time and is grateful for the concern shown by his many admirers."

Jimmy Carter's Inauguration

The former governor of Georgia became the 39th Commander in Chief after beating out incumbent president Gerald R. Ford in the 1976 presidential election.

Upon entering office, Carter got right to work with one of his first orders of business being to pardon all Vietnam War draft evaders, which he signed on his second day in office. While Carter worked to calm global conflicts  including signing the Camp David Accords and giving the Panama Canal back to Panama  his presidency was plagued by economic and energy crises.

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Carter served just one term as president and was defeated in the 1980 presidential election by republican candidate Ronald Reagan.

Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter

Despite losing the re-election, Carter remained active in various diplomatic and humanitarian efforts. He worked extensively with Habitat for Humanity and founded the Carter Center in 1982 in an effort to help advance human rights and improve the quality of life of people around the world. In 1998, he received the United Nations Human Rights Prize and just four years later, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

Born James Earl Carter Jr. on October 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia, Carter was the first child of Bessie Lillian (nee Gordy) and James Earl Carter Sr. and would later be joined by siblings Gloria, Ruth, and Billy. Following his high school graduation, Carter went on to attend Georgia Southwestern College before transferring to the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta and earning admission to the Naval Academy in 1943.

He met his future wife, Rosalynn Carter, while at the academy and the two were wed shortly after his graduation in 1946. Rosalynn died on November 19, 2023.

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Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished, he said at the time. She gave me wise guidance and encouragement when I needed it. As long as Rosalynn was in the world, I always knew somebody loved and supported me.

Carter is survived by their four children  sons Jack, James and Donnel and daughter Amy  and more than 20 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
President Jimmy Carters hearse arrived in Atlanta Saturday afternoon after his six-day funeral schedule began that morning.

Carter, a Nobel Peace Prize winner and peanut farm operator who became the 39th president of the United States, died at his home in Plains, Georgia, last week at 100 years old.

The procession began at the Phoebe Sumter Medical Center in Americus, Georgia, where former and current Secret Service agents assigned to Carters Protective Division carried his remains to a hearse. His motorcade then passed through his hometown of Plains. After a stop at his childhood home and a four-hour journey, his procession arrived in Atlanta on Saturday afternoon.

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Following a moment of silence at the State Capitol, the former president was honored at the Carter Presidential Center in a private memorial service.

Now, he will lie in repose until early Tuesday, when his body will be flown to Washington, D.C. There, he will lie in state at the Capitol Rotunda.

His national funeral will be held at the National Cathedral on January 9, which President Joe Biden marked as a national day of mourning and has called on U.S. citizens to assemble in their respective places of worship to pay homage to the former president.

Key points

Jimmy Carter to lie in repose in Atlanta until Tuesday

President Carters son speaks at memorial

Watch live: Jimmy Carters casket travels from medical center in Americus to Atlanta

How Jimmy and Rosalynn returned to their Plains home after the White House

Monday 30 December 2024 07:00 , Oliver O'Connell

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Jimmy Carter once held the highest office in the land  but was just as content in his family home in small town Georgia.

At the age of 56, having lost the 1980 election to Ronald Reagan, Jimmy Carter returned to Plains, Georgia, the small town where both he and his wife Rosalynn were born in the 1920s.

From the White House, they moved back into the ranch house they built in the city in 1961. That modest home is where Carter peacefully died on Sunday at the age of 100.

Gustaf Kilander reports on how Carter was the humblest president in history.

How Jimmy and Rosalynn returned to Plains after the White House

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Monday 30 December 2024 07:10 , Oliver O'Connell

I had a very challenging question at Emory (University) the other night: How would you describe the United States of America today in one word? And I didnt know what to say for a few moments, but I finally said, Searching. I think the country in which we live is still searching for what it ought to be, and what it can be, and Im not sure were making much progress right at this moment.

Jimmy Carter  October 2014 during a celebration of his 90th birthday

Watch: Carters modest life after leaving office

Monday 30 December 2024 07:30 , Oliver O'Connell

From sleeping in a Murphy Bed that pops out of the wall to carrying his own bags, former president Jimmy Carter preferred to live modestly. He died today at age 100. pic.twitter.com/Em73SgOYZ9  60 Minutes (@60Minutes) December 29, 2024

Monday 30 December 2024 07:50 , Oliver O'Connell

The life we have now is the best of all. We have an expanding and harmonious family, a rich life in our church and the Plains community, and a diversity of projects at The Carter Center that is adventurous and exciting. Rosalynn and I have visited more than 145 countries, and both of us are as active as we have ever been. We are blessed with good health and look to the future with eagerness and confidence, but are prepared for inevitable adversity when it comes.

Jimmy Carter  From 2015 book, 'A Full Life

Jimmy Carter, who rose from humble peanut farmer to president, dies aged 100

Monday 30 December 2024 08:00 , Oliver O'Connell

James Earl Jimmy Carter Jr, a naval officer, Nobel Peace Prize winner and peanut farm operator who became governor of Georgia and later the 39th president of the United States, has died.

Carter, who was the longest-living former US president, died at the age of 100 on Sunday, 29 December, his son announced. An immediate cause was not given.

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He served as president for one term from 1977 to 1981, but is just as well-known for his humanitarian service after leaving Washington DC, working for Habitat for Humanity and negotiating peace deals.

Ariana Baio and Andrew Feinberg report.

Jimmy Carter, US president and human rights champion, has died

Live: Flag lowered at Capitol Hill to honour former president Jimmy Carter

Monday 30 December 2024 08:19 , Alex Croft

Carters dedication and humility was an inspiration - King Charles

Monday 30 December 2024 08:30 , Alex Croft

King Charles has responded to Jimmy Carters death with great sadness.

He wrote in a post on X: "It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of former President Carter. He was a committed public servant, and devoted his life to promoting peace and human rights.

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His dedication and humility served as an inspiration to many, and I remember with great fondness his visit to the United Kingdom in 1977.

My thoughts and prayers are with President Carter's family and the American people at this time."

A condolence message from The King to President Biden and the American people following the death of former US President Jimmy Carter. pic.twitter.com/EIZqj7MZeb  The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) December 29, 2024

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Meeting Jimmy Carter  and getting a scoop about Bush, Blair and Iraq from the perfect gentleman

Monday 30 December 2024 08:40 , Alex Croft

The thing that sticks in my mind  even now  was the welcoming eyes and the warm smile.

He stretched out his hand to offer it in greeting and said something along the measure of: Thanks for coming down to see us.

Jimmy Carter  who died Sunday at his home in Plains, Georgia, at age 100  was always known as a gentleman, a farmer from Georgia who had held the most powerful political office in the world. But it did not seem forced, it did not seem an act.

Id flown to the offices of The Carter Center in Atlanta to interview him about his latest book, The Hornets Nest: A Novel of the Revolutionary War. Hed written plenty of books  he would go on to author more than 30  but this was his first novel, one that the publisher Simon & Schuster described as a sweeping novel of the American South and the War of Independence.

Meeting Jimmy Carter  and getting a scoop about Bush, Blair and Iraq

Watch: Carter says best thing he ever did was marry Rosalynn

Monday 30 December 2024 08:53 , Alex Croft

From 2015: Former President Jimmy Carter: "The best thing I ever did was marrying Rosalynn. Thats the pinnacle of my life." pic.twitter.com/35g68jXVka  CSPAN (@cspan) December 30, 2024

Obituary  Jimmy Carter: The unlikely 39th president of the United States

Monday 30 December 2024 09:14 , Alex Croft

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Despite just one four-year and somewhat unorthodox term in office, Jimmy Carter brought much hope to the White House during a tenure that was marred by several major crisises.

As Americas 39th president, he emphasized human rights in his foreign policy, championed environmentalism at a time when it was not yet popular, and appointed record numbers of women and people of color during his administration, which lasted from 1977 to 1981.

Read on...

Jimmy Carter: The 39th president of the United States

Watch: Carter believed Trump lost in 2016 but Russia interfered

Monday 30 December 2024 09:27 , Alex Croft

From 2019, former President Jimmy Carter: If fully investigated, it would show that Trump didn't actually win the election in 2016. He lost the election and he was put in office because the Russians interfered on his behalf. pic.twitter.com/o71Z4InVxB  CSPAN (@cspan) December 30, 2024

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Explained: What happens when a president dies?

Monday 30 December 2024 09:40 , Alex Croft

There are a number of traditions and customs that govern the death of a US president, but the wishes of the family are also heavily considered, meaning the proceedings can be quite different from each other.

Gustaf Kilander explains.

What happens when a president dies?

Watch: President Bidens full remarks on passing of Jimmy Carter

Monday 30 December 2024 09:52 , Alex Croft

WATCH: President Biden complete remarks on death of former President Jimmy Carter. pic.twitter.com/Sea2QtgMPW  CSPAN (@cspan) December 30, 2024

We give money, we dont take it: Where might former president Jimmy Carters savings go after he dies?

Monday 30 December 2024 10:05 , Alex Croft

Jimmy Carter, former president of the United States, was not an extravagant man.

He lived on a property in Plains, Georgia  where he died Sunday at age 100  that was worth a fraction of the average U.S. house price, he shopped at budget stores, and he did not fly privately.

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The least expensive former president for the U.S. government, Carter and his wife Rosalynn  who died in 2023  lived a surprisingly average life after his term ended in 1981.

While the Carters lived a public life, they were nothing if not generous with their money.

We give money, we dont take it, the former president told The Los Angeles Times in 1989  though his record of charitable donations speaks for itself.

Katie Hawkinson has the report:

Where might former president Jimmy Carters money go after he dies?

Watch: Carter recalls advice he was given during Iranian hostage crisis

Monday 30 December 2024 10:17 , Alex Croft

From 2010, former President Jimmy Carter on Iranian hostages: "The main advice I got was to attack Iranbut I was convinced then and still am convinced that had I done so I would have killed maybe 10,000 innocent Iranians and they would immediately have executed our hostages." pic.twitter.com/C9cQZQXC1E  CSPAN (@cspan) December 29, 2024

Continuing a life of public service, Jimmy Carter spent his final years building houses for the poor

Monday 30 December 2024 10:28 , Alex Croft

He was the oldest living president and had been out of the White House for more than 35 years, but Jimmy Carter never stopped working to improve the lives of others  much of which included building homes for the needy.

Even well into his 90s, Carter put on a hard hat and volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, the nonprofit organization he often partnered with through The Carter Center.

The one-term president  who died Sunday at his home in Plains, Georgia  worked alongside 103,000 volunteers in 14 countries to build, renovate and repair 4,331 homes with Habitat for Humanity for more than 35 years. Often, Carter and his late wife, former first lady Rosalynn Carter, volunteered together.

Graeme Massie and Ariana Baio have the story.

How Jimmy Carter built houses for the poor until his final years

Watch: Biden says America lost remarkable leader as he pays tribute to dear friend

Monday 30 December 2024 10:40 , James Liddell

Trump says he strongly disagrees with Carter philosophically and politically in second statment

Monday 30 December 2024 10:53 , James Liddell

Donald Trump released a second statement about Jimmy Carters death on Sunday evening on Truth Social (Donald Trump/Truth Social)

Carter never got to appoint a Supreme Court justice. Trump appointed three

Monday 30 December 2024 11:07 , James Liddell

Jimmy Carter served a full presidential term without the chance to appoint a Supreme Court justice.

Carter, who died on Sunday aged 100, sat in the White House from 1977 to 1981. While serving the single term before being succeeded by Ronald Reagan, Carter did not appoint a single justice to the higher court, as no vacancies occurred.

He marks the only one-term president to finish a full term without making an appointment and the fourth overall.

Donald Trump, however, appointed three in his first term: Amy Coney Barrett, Brett Kavanaugh and Neil Gorsuch. They make up half of the six justices appointed by GOP presidents, with nine making up the current Supreme Court.

Meeting Jimmy Carter  and getting a scoop about Bush, Blair and Iraq from the perfect gentleman

Monday 30 December 2024 11:20 , James Liddell

The thing that sticks in my mind  even now  was the welcoming eyes and the warm smile.

He stretched out his hand to offer it in greeting and said something along the measure of: Thanks for coming down to see us.

Jimmy Carter  who died Sunday at his home in Plains, Georgia, at age 100  was always known as a gentleman, a farmer from Georgia who had held the most powerful political office in the world. But it did not seem forced, it did not seem an act.

Id flown to the offices of The Carter Center in Atlanta to interview him about his latest book, The Hornets Nest: A Novel of the Revolutionary War. Hed written plenty of books  he would go on to author more than 30  but this was his first novel, one that the publisher Simon & Schuster described as a sweeping novel of the American South and the War of Independence.

Find out more about when Andrew Buncombe met the 39th president.

Meeting Jimmy Carter  and getting a scoop about Bush, Blair and Iraq

Remants of the US embassy crisis in Tehran remain

Monday 30 December 2024 11:35 , James Liddell

Graffitti on the walls of the former US embassy headquarters in Theran photographed on Monday which was stormed and occupied by Iranian students in November 1979 (AFP via Getty Images)

Man walks past a graffiti depicting the Great Seal with a Star of David on top on the walls of the former US embassy in Theran on Monday (AFP via Getty Images)

Where might former president Jimmy Carters savings go after he dies?

Monday 30 December 2024 11:50 , James Liddell

Jimmy Carter, former president of the United States, was not an extravagant man.

He lived on a property in Plains, Georgia  where he died Sunday at age 100  that was worth a fraction of the average U.S. house price, he shopped at budget stores, and he did not fly privately.

The least expensive former president for the U.S. government, Carter and his wife Rosalynn  who died in 2023  lived a surprisingly average life after his term ended in 1981.

Katie Hawkinson has the story.

Where might former president Jimmy Carters money go after he dies?

ICYMI: Trump, Biden and Obama pay tribute to public servant Jimmy Carter after his death aged 100

Monday 30 December 2024 12:05 , James Liddell

Washingtons political heavyweights paid tribute to former President Jimmy Carter after his death was announced on Sunday by his family.

The nations 39th president was renowned for his commitment to public service in the years after his exit from political life and earned a strong reputation for helping Americas neediest families in his post-presidential years.

After news of his passing was reported by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, tributes began to swiftly pour in for the 100-year-old statesman.

John Bowden has collated the tributes below.

Lawmakers pay tribute to public servant Jimmy Carter after his death aged 100

Did Jimmy Carter blow royal etiquette by kissing Queen Mother on the lips?

Monday 30 December 2024 12:20 , James Liddell

The late former US president Jimmy Carter was a relative novice at international diplomacy when made his first visit to the UK just four months into his term in the White House in 1977  which resulted in him earning the displeasure of the Queen Mother after being said to have given her a parting kiss on the lips.

It was the year of Queen Elizabeths Silver Jubilee, marking her 25th year on the throne, and world leaders attending a G7 summit were invited for a state banquet in Buckingham Palace where they were to meet the Queen and other members of the Royal Family.

Photographs showed Mr Carter and the Queen Mother being all smiles as the president escorted her by her white-gloved hand to their places in a formal group portrait with the G7 leaders before dinner. But the evening would end with a short moment which would spark debate among British tabloids and the American media for decades afterwards, with the president accused of a total ignorance of royal protocol.

Alex Croft has the full story.

Did Jimmy Carter blow royal etiquette by kissing Queen Mother on the lips?

Jimmy Carters grandson Jason breaks silence sharing touching cartoon on X

Monday 30 December 2024 12:35 , James Liddell

Monday 30 December 2024 12:50 , James Liddell

I realize that my physical strength and endurance are steadily declining, and I am having to learn how to conserve them, but I have found with relief and gratitude  even when facing the prospect of an early death from cancer in my liver and brain  that my faith as a Christian is still unwavering and sustaining.

Jimmy Carter  from his 2018 book, Faith: A Journey for All

Flags fly at half-staff near the Capitol

Monday 30 December 2024 13:05 , James Liddell

Flags fly at half-staff at the Washington Monument on the National Mall on Monday (REUTERS)

Former UK Prime Minster Gordon Brown laments loss of friend jimmy Carter

Monday 30 December 2024 13:20 , James Liddell

The former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown has joined a chorus of political heavyweights in lamenting over the loss of Jimmy Carter.

He is, and will be, mourned in every country and continent where civil liberties are valued and peace has proved elusive; revered as the leader who stood with all those who faced imprisonment, torture or persecution for defending democracy and human rights, Brown wrote in an op-ed for The Guardian on Monday morning.

Carter gave oppressed people hope. I was proud to learn from him and to count him and his wonderful wife, Rosalynn  who was also his closest adviser  as friends.

World leaders react to Jimmy Carters death

Monday 30 December 2024 13:35 , James Liddell

We express our heartfelt condolences to the American people and to the family of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter on his passing. He was a leader who served during a time when Ukraine was not yet independent, yet his heart stood firmly with us in our ongoing fight for freedom.  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) December 30, 2024

Deeply saddened by the passing of former USA President Mr. Jimmy Carter. A statesman of great vision, he worked tirelessly for global peace and harmony. His contributions to fostering strong India-U.S. ties leave a lasting legacy. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 30, 2024

Throughout his life, Jimmy Carter has been a steadfast advocate for the rights of the most vulnerable and has tirelessly fought for peace. France sends its heartfelt thoughts to his family and to the American people.  Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) December 29, 2024

Today the world says goodbye to a brave leader: the 39th President of the United States of America, Jimmy Carter.



In recent years I had the pleasure of calling him and thanking him for his historic efforts to bring together two great leaders, Begin and Sadat, and forging a    Isaac Herzog (@Isaac_Herzog) December 30, 2024

Watch live: Outside Carter Presidential Center as former Nobel Peace Prize winner dies aged 100

Monday 30 December 2024 13:45 , James Liddell

Biden declares National Day of Mourning to honor Carter

Monday 30 December 2024 14:00 , James Liddell

President Joe Biden has marked January 9, 2025, as a National Day of Mourning in honor of Jimmy Carter, who passed away on Sunday aged 100.

In a statement late on Sunday evening, Biden called on US citizens to assemble in their respective places of worship to pay homage to the former president.

The president has also scheduled a state funeral in Washington, DC, for Carter on January 9.

Previously, federal offices and stock markets have been closed during national days of mourning  including for former presidents Gerald Ford in 2006 and George H. W. Bush in 2018.

The president also declared that flags will be displayed at half-staff for 30 days from the day of Carters death at the White House, on public buildings and grounds, at military posts and naval stations.

Monday 30 December 2024 14:20 , James Liddell

If I were an amputee, for instance, my prayer would not be to restore my leg but to help me make the best of my condition, and to be thankful for life and opportunities to be a blessing to others. At the moment, we are monitoring the status of my cancer, and my prayers about my own health are similar to this.

Jimmy Carter  2018 book, Faith: A Journey for All

Jimmy Carters funeral plans revealed

Monday 30 December 2024 14:40 , James Liddell

Jimmy Carters funeral will be held at Washington National Cathedral on January 9, according to organizers.

President Joe Biden will read a eulogy at the ceremony, those orchestrating the funeral logistics told The New York Times on Monday.

It will mark part of an eight-day plan of ceremonies and honors, which will not commence until later this week due to the New Years holiday.

Carter will be brought to the Carter Center in Atlanta on Saturday and Sunday by motorcade to lie in repose at the home of his post-presidential humanitarian work.

The former presidents body will be flown to Washington, DC, on Monday where he will lie in state at the Capitol Rotunda, according to organizers.

The memorial journey will end at his house in the tiny town of Plains, Georgia  where he grew up on a peanut farm  and will be laid to rest.

Initial plans once called for him to be transported by train but, according to The Times, Carter objected to a staffer: If you take my cold, dead body across the U.S. by train, Ill haunt you until the day you die.

What is a national day of mourning?

Monday 30 December 2024 15:00 , James Liddell

The last time a Democratic president died was in 1973 when Lyndon Baines Johnson passed away at the age of 64, just a few years after leaving office.

Following the death of Jimmy Carter on Sunday at the age of 100, the nation will now see the first funeral for a Democratic president in more than 50 years. Carter is the longest-living president, who also had the longest post-presidency after leaving office at the age of 56 in 1980.

Since the death of Johnson, there have been four state funerals for former presidents  Johnsons in 1973, Ronald Reagans in 2004, Gerald Fords in 2007 and George HW Bushs most recently in 2018.

Gustaf Kilander has the full story.

Jimmy Carter death: What is a national day of mourning?

Pope Francis saddened to learn of Carters death as he applauds his Christian faith

Monday 30 December 2024 15:20 , James Liddell

Pope Francis was saddened to learn of Jimmy Carters passing and has offered his heartfelt condolences and prayers to those mourning his loss, the Vatican said on Monday.

According to a statement from the Cardinal Secretary of State of Vatican City, Pietro Parolin, Pope Francis also recalled Carters firm commitment, motivated by deep Christian faith, to the cause of reconciliation and peace between peoples, the defence of human rights and the welfare of the poor and those in need.

Parolin added: The Holy Father commends him to the infinite mercies of Almighty God and prays for the consolation of all who mourn his loss.

In photos: A look through Kimmy Carters life

Monday 30 December 2024 15:40 , James Liddell

Jimmy Carters life was marked by his devotion to his family, public service and humanitarian efforts.

The former president first emerged into the political scene in the early 1960s and spent the rest of his life working to ensure people in the US and around the world received fair treatment and a better quality of life.

From an early age his desire to make a difference in peoples life was evident.

He continued his public service through time spent in the military, elected office and volunteer work after leaving Washington, D.C.

Ariana Baio takes a look at the life of the Peanut President in photos.

Jimmy Carters life in photos

Monday 30 December 2024 15:59 , James Liddell

We appreciate the past. We are grateful for the present and were looking forward to the future with great anticipation and commitment.

Jimmy Carter  October 1986, at the dedication of the Carter Presidential Library and Museum

Spains Prime Minister joins chorus of world leaders paying tribute to Carter

Monday 30 December 2024 16:20 , James Liddell

Spains Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has joined a chorus of foreign leaders in lamenting over loss of Jimmy Carter, who died aged 100 on Sunday.

My deepest condolences to President Carters family and the people of the United States, he wrote on X on Monday, which was translated from Spanish by Google.

Jimmy Carter was one of the leaders most committed to justice and human rights and will always be remembered for his defense of democracy and his dedication to peace.

Texas governor offered condolences to Jimmy Carters wife Rosalynn  who has been dead for over a year

Monday 30 December 2024 16:40 , James Liddell

Texas Governor Greg Abbott mistakenly sent his condolences to Jimmy Carters wife, Rosalynn, despite her being dead for over a year.

Cecilia and I send our prayers and deepest condolences to First Lady Rosalynn Carter and the entire Carter family, the GOP governor wrote in a statement released on Sunday.

However, Rosalynn Carter passed away on November 19, 2023 at the age of 96. The statement came just hours after Carters death at his Plains, Georgia, home on Sunday.

Did anyone in the Governors Office Proof the Condolence note?, the Democratic party of Collins county, Texas, teased on X after the mistake.

Netanyahus office praises carter for forging the first Arab-Israeli peace treaty'

Monday 30 December 2024 17:00 , James Liddell

We will always remember President Carters role in forging the first Arab-Israeli peace treaty signed by Prime Minister Menachem Begin of Israel and President Anwar Sadat of Egypt, a peace treaty that has held for nearly half a century and offers hope for future generations.  Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) December 30, 2024

Houses of Parliament and No.10 fly British flags at half-staff in honor of Carter

Monday 30 December 2024 17:19 , James Liddell

A flag flies at half-mast for the late former U.S. President Jimmy Carter at the Houses of Parliament in London on Monday (AP)

Flags fly at half-mast for the late former U.S. President Jimmy Carter at Downing Street in London on Monday (AP)

Wall Street to close on Jan. 9

Monday 30 December 2024 17:40 , James Liddell

The New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq will be closed on January 9, 2025 after President Joe Biden declared a national day of mourning for Jimmy Carter after the former president died at the age of 100 on Sunday.

Jimmy Carter, with humble roots as a farmer and family man, devoted his life to public service and defending our freedom, Lynn Martin, President of NYSE Group, said in a statement on Monday.

During his noteworthy post-presidential life, President Carter left an enduring legacy of humanitarianism. The NYSE will respectfully honor President Carters lifetime of service to our nation by closing our markets on the National Day of Mourning.

In focus: Carters father was a white supremacist, but a black farmhand gave him faith and purpose

Monday 30 December 2024 18:00 , James Liddell

For decades after he was crushed in the 1980 presidential election, Jimmy Carter was defined as a loser. But, by any standard, he won at life. He was the longest-living American president, the longest married (77 years, and happily), and  especially if you look at his whole career  among the most accomplished and productive figures of our era.

Now its time for the public to reassess this inspiring, complex, and confounding man. When I first began researching his epic American life in 2015, I was struck by the ubiquity of the easy shorthand on him  bad president; great former president. Even now, everyone from political scientists to the average person on the street will express this idea as if its an established fact. The problem is, the widespread conventional wisdom on Carter is mostly wrong.

Carters his biographer Jonathan Alter takes a look at the extraordinary life and achievements of the former president.

Jimmy Carter: Born to a white supremacist, but raised by a black farmhand

Eulogy from former president Gerald Ford will be read at funeral

Monday 30 December 2024 18:30 , Ariana Baio

A eulogy, written for Carter by former president Gerald R. Ford, will be read at Carters funeral, according to the New York Times.

Ford, who Carter defeated in the 1976 presidential election, became a close friend to Carter after the election. Ford died in 2006 at the age of 93. His son, Steven Ford, is expected to read his eulogy to Carter.

Another political, former vice president Walter F. Mondale  who served as VP for Carter  also wrote a eulogy for Carter. Mondale died in 2021 at the age of 93. His son, Ted Mondale, will read the eulogy for Carter.

Biden signs executive order closing government January 9

Monday 30 December 2024 19:00 , Ariana Baio

President Joe Biden has officially signed the executive order that will effectively close the government on January 9, the day he has declared the national day of mourning for former president Jimmy Carter.

Departments related to national security, defense or other public needs can remain functioning.

Carters niece says he was one of a kind'

Monday 30 December 2024 19:30 , Ariana Baio

Carters niece, Kim Fuller, said her uncle was one of a kind and that its unlikely the world will ever get another person like him, in an interview with ABC News.

I think that Uncle Jimmy was one of a kind, Fuller said.

Fuller said her uncle lived his life for others before himself.

I have hopes that maybe one day somebodys going to show up like him, Fuller said.

Delta airlines shares

Monday 30 December 2024 20:00 , Ariana Baio

Carter will be remembered for his commitment to humanitarian services and kindness toward people. Delta Airlines shared their fond memories of the former president with a video showing Carter shaking hands with each passenger on board.

Every time Jimmy Carter flew Delta, he shook hands with each person on the plane. Because thats who he was. Someone who treated people as people, Delta wrote

Every time Jimmy Carter flew Delta, he shook hands with each person on the plane. Because that's who he was. Someone who treated people as people. pic.twitter.com/mnWiiDwaZ3  Delta (@Delta) December 30, 2024

Carter insisted on no funeral train procession

Monday 30 December 2024 20:30 , Ariana Baio

Carter specifically requested that his body not be transported by train from Washington D.C. to Georgia, once telling a staffer, if you take my cold, dead body across the U.S. by train, Ill haunt you until the day you die.

In the past, some presidents have traveled from Washington D.C. to their place of rest by train, allowing people all across the U.S. to pay their respects. George H.W. Bushs family did this in 2018.

But Cater was adamant this not be his situation, according to the New York Times. Instead, his body will be transported by military flight.

Carter often volunteered with Habitat for Humanity after leaving White House

Monday 30 December 2024 21:00 , Ariana Baio

He was the oldest living president and had been out of the White House for more than 35 years, but Jimmy Carter never stopped working to improve the lives of others  much of which included building homes.

Even well into his 90s, Carter put on a hard hat and volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, the nonprofit organization he often partnered with through The Carter Center.

The one-term president  who died Sunday at his home in Plains, Georgia  worked alongside 103,000 volunteers in 14 countries to build, renovate and repair 4,331 homes with Habitat for Humanity for more than 35 years. Often, Carter and his late wife, former first lady Rosalynn Carter, volunteered together.

The couple first participated in a Habitat for Humanity project in 1984 in New York City. Carter discovered the organization while on a run. He recalled that he passed by a building and thought, Rosalynn and I should come up and give them a hand.

When we left the White House, we could have done anything, Carter once said. But our choice was to volunteer as Habitat workers, and thats been a life-changing experience for us.

Watch: Jimmy Carter death: Biden says America lost remarkable leader as he pays tribute to dear friend

Monday 30 December 2024 21:30 , Ariana Baio

Voices: Jimmy Carter brokered peace in the Middle East  then triggered his greatest failure

Monday 30 December 2024 22:00 , Mary Dejevsky

The Carter administration did, however, notch up one diplomatic success, which might have gained more recognition without what happened next. The success came with the Camp David accords that were signed in September 1978; that is a third of the way through his term, and constituted a diplomatic breakthrough of the first order.

Mary Dejevsky writes:

Jimmy Carter brokered peace in the Middle East  then triggered his greatest failure

Jimmy Carter made eradicating Guinea worm disease a top mission

Monday 30 December 2024 23:00 , AP

Noble Prize-winning peacemaker Jimmy Carter spent nearly four decades waging war to eliminate an ancient parasite plaguing the worlds poorest people.

Rarely fatal but searingly painful and debilitating, Guinea worm disease infects people who drink water tainted with larvae that grow inside the body into worms as much as 3-feet-long. The noodle-thin parasites then burrow their way out, breaking through the skin in burning blisters.

Carter made eradicating Guinea worm a top mission of The Carter Center, the nonprofit he and his wife, Rosalynn Carter, founded after leaving the White House. The former president rallied public health experts, billionaire donors, African heads of state and thousands of volunteer villagers to work toward eliminating a human disease for only the second time in history.

Carters presidency was marked by turmoil

Tuesday 31 December 2024 00:00 , Ariana Baio, Andrew Feinberg

Carter was full of ambition at the start of his presidency but beset with problems from the start.

The presidency was weighed down by multiple crises. In the 1970s, the economy struggled with a rare combination of simultaneous inflation and recession, an oil shortage sent gas prices soaring and the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan, derailing negotiations for an important arms treaty.

Notably, in a struggle that lasted almost as long as his presidency, Carter fought over an energy program that was structured to make fuel expensive enough that consumers would be encouraged to conserve it.

The crisis required Carter to address the nation multiple times in 1979.

In order to control energy price, production, and distribution, the Federal bureaucracy and red tape have become so complicated, it is almost unbelievable. Energy prices are high, and theyre going higher, no matter what we do, he said in an April 1979 speech.

Editorial: America  and Donald Trump  have much to learn from the life and service of Jimmy Carter

Tuesday 31 December 2024 01:00 , The Independent

The contrast between the peanut farmer and the mogul could not be more different as the US marks the passing of its most humble president  and braces for the return of its most divisive

America  and Trump  have much to learn from the life and service of Jimmy Carter

President Jimmy Carters funeral begins today

14:19 , Katie Hawkinson

President Jimmy Carters multi-day funeral schedule begins this morning, at 10:15 a.m. Eastern Time.

Former and current Secret Service agents assigned to Carters detail will carry his remains to a hearse this morning in Americus, Georgia.

From there, the motorcade will travel to his childhood home in Plains before heading toward Atlanta.

In the states capital, the former president will be taken to the Carter Presidential Center, where he will lie in repose until early Tuesday.

Watch live: Jimmy Carters casket travels from medical center in Americus to Atlanta

14:32 , Katie Hawkinson

President Jimmy Carters full funeral schedule today

14:45 , Katie Hawkinson

President Jimmy Carters multi-day funeral service begins this morning.

10:15 a.m.Current and former Secret Service agents assigned to Carters Protective Division will carry the former presidents remains to the hearse and walk alongside it as the motorcade leaves toward his hometown of Plains.

10:50 a.m.After passing through Plains, the motorcade will pause in front Carters boyhood farm. There, the National Park Service will salute Carter and ring the historic farm bell 39 times.

10:55 a.m.Carter begins his journey to Atlanta.

3 p.m.Governor Brian Kemp, Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, members of the Georgia Legislature, and Georgia State Patrol troopers will lead a moment of silence for Carter.

Then, Carters remains will be taken to the Carter Presidential Center.

3:45 p.m.The Carter Presidential Center hosts an arrival ceremony.

4 p.m.A private funeral service in the lobby of the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum.

7 p.m.Carter will lie in repose for the public to pay their respects until early Tuesday.

In pictures: Mourners gather to pay their respects as Carters funeral services begin

14:59 , Katie Hawkinson

Mourners have gathered in Jimmy Carters hometown of Plains, Georgia to see his hearse pass through on Saturday morning (Getty Images)

Mourners gather in Plains. Carters hearse will pass through between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. this morning (Getty Images)

A mourner wears a Jimmy Carter inauguration button from 1977 (Getty Images)

Motorcade arrives at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center

15:16 , Katie Hawkinson

President Jimmy Carters motorcade has arrived at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center in Americus, Georgia.

Any moment now, former and current Secret Service agents assigned to the Carter Protective Division will transport the former presidents remains to the hearse.

Carters remains transferred to hearse

15:25 , Katie Hawkinson

Former and current Secret Service agents assigned to the Carter Protective Division have transported the 39th presidents remains to the hearse.

Now, Carters remains will pass through his hometown, Plains.

Former and current Secret Service agents assigned to President Jimmy Carters detail move his remains into a hearse on Saturday morning (AP)

Motorcade passes through Jimmy Carters hometown

15:50 , Katie Hawkinson

President Jimmy Carters motorcade has passed through his hometown of Plains, Georgia.

Now, the motorcade will stop in from of Carters childhood home. There, the National Park Service will salute Carter and ring the historic farm bell 39 times.

President Jimmy Carters hearse drives through Plains, Georgia as people gather to mourn the 39th president (AP)

Watch: Jimmy Carters remains carried to hearse at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center

16:15 , Katie Hawkinson

Just under an hour ago, Jimmy Carters remains were transferred to a hearse by former and current Secret Service agents assigned to his detail.

Watch the ceremony here:

Carters procession passes by childhood home

16:21 , Katie Hawkinson

President Jimmy Carters motorcade passed by his childhood home in Plains, Georgia. There, the National Park Service saluted Carter and rang the historic farm bell 39 times.

His motorcade will now travel to Atlanta, where he is expected to arrive at 3 p.m. local time.

See it: Carters hearse passes through his hometown

16:40 , Katie Hawkinson

President Jimmy Carters hearse drives through Plains, Georgia as people gather to mourn the 39th president (AP)

A mourner holds signs that read, President Carter, a man of honor, and Thank you President Carter, as the 39th presidents hearse drives through his hometown of Plains, Georgia (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

A mourner salutes President Jimmy Carters hearse as it drives through Plains, Georgia (AP)

Who are Jimmy and Rosalynn Carters children?

17:00 , Amelia Neath, Gustaf Kilander

When Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter entered the White House in 1977, they became the first couple since John F Kennedy to raise their children in the executive mansion on Pennsylvania Avenue.

Over the years, their family continued to grow in size, with nearly two dozen grandchildren and great-grandchildren added to the Carter clan.

We have a big family now. We have 22 grandchildren and great-grandchildren, 38 of us in all, Carter told CNN in 2015.

Read on:

Who are Jimmy and Rosalynn Carters children?

See it: Carters family watches on as funeral procession begins

17:30 , Katie Hawkinson

President Jimmy Carters family, all dressed in black, watched on as former and current Secret Service agents assigned to his detail carried his casket into a hearse.

Carters procession is now en route to Atlanta.

President Jimmy Carters family watches as former and current Secret Service agents assigned to his detail carry his casket into a hearse (Getty Images)

Voices: Jimmy Carter brokered peace in the Middle East  then triggered his greatest failure

18:00 , Mary Dejevsky

For all the praise that has been lavished on Jimmy Carter, he was a one-term president and his four years at the White House were for the most part a failure  albeit outweighed many times over by the charitable endeavours of his retirement.

The Carter administration did, however, notch up one diplomatic success, which might have gained more recognition without what happened next. The success came with the Camp David accords that were signed in September 1978; that is a third of the way through his term, and constituted a diplomatic breakthrough of the first order.

Read on:

Jimmy Carter brokered peace in the Middle East  then triggered his greatest failure

Trump claims Dems are giddy flags will be half-staff for his inauguration

18:30 , Kelly Rissman

President-elect Donald Trump claimed that Democrats are giddy about flags being flown at half-staff in a sign of mourning and respect to honor the late Jimmy Carter during his inauguration.

President Joe Biden ordered flags be flown at half-staff to honor the late president, who died Sunday at age 100. Trump has tried to politicize the gesture, since the flags will still be lowered during his second inauguration on January 20.

Read on:

Trump claims Dems are giddy flags will be half-staff for his inauguration

Full story: Jimmy Carters casket carried by his Secret Service agents as his funeral procession begins

19:00 , Katie Hawkinson

Former president Jimmy Carters funeral service began Saturday morning as former and current Secret Service agents assigned to his detail carried his casket into a hearse.

Read the full story below:

Carters casket carried by his Secret Service agents as his funeral procession begins

President Carter will soon arrive in Atlanta

19:30 , Katie Hawkinson

President Jimmy Carters procession is set to arrive in Atlanta in 30 minutes.

There, the 39th president will be honored by Governor Brian Kemp, Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, members of the Georgia Legislature and Georgia State Patrol troopers.

Jimmy Carters hearse drives through Archery, Georgia on Saturday afternoon (EPA)

See it: Carters procession heads to Atlanta

20:01 , Katie Hawkinson

Mourners in Byron, Georgia watch as Jimmy Carters procession passes through on its way to Atlanta (AFP via Getty Images)

Mourners gather on an overpass to watch former president Jimmy Carters casket drive on I-75 toward Atlanta, Georgia (AP)

Mourners place flowers, flags at the Carter Presidential Center

20:30 , Katie Hawkinson

Mourners are leaving flowers, flags and messages of support at the Carter Presidential Center in Atlanta, where the 39th presidents hearse will soon arrive.

A mourner holds a flag outside of the Carter Center in Atlanta, Georgia on Saturday afternoon (Getty Images)

A mourner places flowers outside the Carter Center. Former president Jimmy Carters hearse is set to arrive in Atlanta this afternoon (Getty Images)

Carters hearse arrives in Atlanta

20:34 , Katie Hawkinson

Former president Jimmy Carters hearse has arrived in Atlanta, Georgia after a four-hour-long journey from his hometown of Plains.

Governor Brian Kemp, along with other state leaders, will be in the state capital to mourn the 39th president.

Marty, the girls, and I join all Georgians and the entire nation in mourning the loss of former President Jimmy Carter, Kemp said after Carters passing. As the only American president thus far to come from Georgia, he showed the world the impact our state and its people have on the country. And as a son of Plains, he always valued Georgians and the virtues of our state, choosing to return to his rural home after his time in public office.

Jimmy Carters hearse pauses outside the State Capitol in Atlanta, Georgia on Saturday (EPA)

Carters family mourns 39th president outside of State Capitol in Atlanta

20:58 , Katie Hawkinson

Former president Jimmy Carters family and state lawmakers have gathered outside the Georgia State Capitol to pay their respects to the 39th president.

Mourners and former president Jimmy Carters family members watch as his casket arrives at the State Capitol (AFP via Getty Images)

Jimmy Carters son, Jack Carter, and grandson Jason Carter watch as his hearse arrives in Atlanta, Georgia (via REUTERS)

Carters private memorial begins

21:23 , Katie Hawkinson

President Jimmy Carters private memorial at the Carter Presidential Center has begun.

Well have many chances this week to pay tribute to my grandfather, but it was important for all of us that we stop here, the former presidents grandson Jason Carter said of the Center.

These buildings, as you all know, are filled with his life, not just because this is a museum to his life, and not just because theres a collection here of his beloved paintings, but his spirit fills this place, and the real reason that this spirit fills this place is because of the people who are standing here, the people in this room from the library and the museum and the Carter Center itself.

Jimmy Carters grandson, Jason Carter, speaks at his private memorial (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

President Carters son speaks at memorial

21:31 , Katie Hawkinson

Former president Jimmy Carters son, James Chip Carter, spoke at his private memorial at the Carter Presidential Center.

Im so proud of Jason for accepting to be our family member on the Board, James said of Jason Carter, the 39th presidents grandson.

Were trusting him with my fathers legacy now so no pressure, Jack said, eliciting a laugh from the crowd.

He went on to tell a story about how Carter helped him learn Latin after he failed his final exam in the class.

[My father] came into my room and said, we were on Christmas vacation, he said, You have your Latin book?...When he came home that night, we spent an hour and a half, him teaching me Latin that he had learned from my book that day, James said.

He did that every day of Christmas vacation, and the first day of the school year after Christmas, I went to my teacher and asked her if shed let me take the final over again that shed given us the midterm test, he continued. And she said yes. So after school that day, I took that test, and I made 100.

I owed it to my father who spent that kind of time with me.

James Chip Carter speaks at his fathers private memorial at the Carter Presidential Center (AP)

Jimmy Carter to lie in repose until Tuesday

22:05 , Katie Hawkinson

Former president Jimmy Carter will lie in repose in Atlanta, Georgia until Tuesday morning at 6 a.m. local time, when his casket will begin its journey to Washington, DC.

The Independents live blog coverage will resume January 7.
Former President Jimmy Carter was a builder. He built houses of faith, halls of industry and actual homes. They all made an impact in Tennessee.

Carter had decadeslong connections to the Volunteer State. He made Habitat for Humanity trips with the Carter Work Project. As a fellow Southerner, he kept in touch with Democratic politicians, checking after their jobs and health. He loved country music, bringing Loretta Lynn and Willie Nelson to the White House  and later befriended Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks through their shared volunteerism.

Here are three stories of what Carter built in Tennessee. Carter died on Sunday. He was 100.

Home with help from the Carters

Tara Morgans cottage is a cheerful yellow with a red door. On that door hangs, year-round, a wreath her sister made that says, Blessed.

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Blessed because the Carter Work Project came to build houses in Nashville in 2019, including hers.

Morgan spent a week working alongside the Carters. She saw them rest indoors, then go out to work. Rosalynn painted. Carter dealt with some woodwork in the front of her house, focused, his hands steady despite his age and a bad fall hed taken just before the trip.

It was surreal, she said.

Tara Morgan, right, and her daughter Kennedy Russell live in a Nashville house Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter helped build.

The former president led a devotional for the volunteers, breaking down the verse so they could see how it applied to their lives. Rosalynn asked Morgan for the correct pronunciation of her name before introducing her on stage at the Ryman to talk about the house  which will always be one of the highlights of my life.

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Before, Morgan had lived in a dark place, she said. But even when the pandemic descended, her new home was bright, safe and affordable. For the first time, her daughter had her own room. Morgan has earned three promotions. She credits them to the house, her boat in a storm.

Hearing that Carter had entered hospice, my heart dropped, she said. This is my way, for the very last time, to say thank you.

Nashville visit: Jimmy Carter bids Nashville farewell after 'wonderful' Habitat build

Volunteer work: 'I saw how desperate they were for help': How Jimmy Carter became a Habitat humanitarian

Sparking an industry

When then-Gov. Lamar Alexander stepped into Tennessees first auto plant in 1983, I thought it was the start of something big, he said in February 2023.

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It was. Four decades and $15 billion in international investments later, the auto industry employs nearly 143,000 Tennesseans, according to the state department of economic and community development.

And Carter sparked that economic engine, Alexander said.

President Jimmy Carter, left, shares a moment with June Carter Cash during the Country Music Fundraiser event hosted by the country music stars at the Opryland Hotel Oct. 9, 1980.

In February 1979, he attended the annual governors dinner at the White House. The country was reeling from culture wars and polarization; Tennessees new leader was and is a Republican. Still, Carter was to me my president, and he deserved my respect, Alexander said.

So he listened when Carter said, Governors, go to Japan and persuade them to make in the United States what they sell in the United States, Alexander said. Nobody had suggested to me that I go to Japan.

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He asked Carters secretary of state for guidance on how to behave when meeting Japanese businessmen. Then he met with Nissan executives in Tokyo. Eventually, Tennessee won the bid for the companys first North American factory.

It encouraged me to believe we could do things as well as any other state, Alexander said.

Building in faith

Glen Money came of age as a pastor in a Georgia where the former presidents religious influence permeated Baptist life.

You just cannot say enough about the man and his consistency, living out his faith, his brilliance, his humility, said Money, now senior pastor at First Baptist Church in Murfreesboro. He seemed to think: Ive got this platform. How can I use it to advance the Kingdom?

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Speaking at Emory University, Carter blended theological and geopolitical analysis. Standing outside their river cabin after a flood, the president and his wife pulled out all the sodden bedding just like their neighbors.

Dr. Glen Money and his wife, Lisa Money, with Rosalynn and President Jimmy Carter after Sunday School at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Ga., March 2016.

He was never a look at me, look at me guy. Which made us want to look at him more, Money said.

The influence came closest to home for Money in the early 1990s when Carter threw his support behind the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. The new fellowship consisted of Southern Baptists who were uncomfortable with the increasingly conservative Southern Baptist Convention, particularly its views on the role of women and the literal interpretation of the Bible, Money said.

In particular, Carter supported the theology program at Mercer University, where Money and others were trying to create a more moderate alternative with serious scholarship, he said.

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He gave us the courage to say its OK to be a different kind of Baptist, Money said. Bless all you can bless, leave the rest alone, and dont be afraid to embrace new ways of living.

Today, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship has close to three dozen member churches in Tennessee, according to its website.

One of the last things Money did before leaving Georgia in 2016 was attend President Carters Sunday-school class. Despite their previous meetings, Money felt he had something more to learn.

Opinion: At 95, Jimmy Carter still keeps his faith in God, America and us | Opinion

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: President Jimmy Carter dies at 100: What he helped build in Tennessee
Jimmy Carter, the former US president, has died at the age of 100.

The Democrat served one term between 1977 and 1981 and had the longest life of anyone to hold the office.

Chip Carter, the son of the former president, said his father died around 3.40pm local time at his home in Plains, Georgia, where he had been receiving hospice care.

It was where he and his wife, Rosalynn, who died aged 96 in November 2023, spent most of their lives, the Carter Centre said.

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Mr Carter won the presidency in the wake of the Watergate scandal and the Vietnam war and became known as a global humanitarian after leaving office.

Chip said that his father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love.

He added: The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honouring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs.

A state funeral will be held for Mr Carter on Jan 9 in Washington, which will also be a national day of mourning.

Jimmy Carter served one term in office between 1977 and 1981 - David Hume Kennerly/Getty Images

He was the longest-living US president in history - Grace/Keystone USA / Rex Features

President Joe Biden called fellow Democrat Mr Carter a dear friend.

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Today, America and the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian, he said.

Over six decades, we had the honour of calling Jimmy Carter a dear friend. But, whats extraordinary about Jimmy Carter though is that millions of people throughout America and the world who never met him thought of him as a dear friend as well.

With his compassion and moral clarity, he worked to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil rights and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless, and always advocate for the least among us. He saved, lifted and changed the lives of people all across the globe.

He was a man of great character and courage, hope and optimism.

President Carter in 1978 with then senator Joe Biden, who paid tribute to an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian - Barry Thumma/AP

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Former president Bill Clinton paid tribute to Mr Carter as someone who lived to serve others until the very end while president-elect Donald Trump said he had done everything in his power to improve Americans lives.

Known for his work ethic, the 39th president continued to conduct diplomatic missions into his 80s and built houses for the poor well into his 90s.

A peanut farmer by upbringing who was deeply committed to his religious faith, Mr Carter once said: My faith demands  this is not optional  my faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can, with whatever I have to try to make a difference.

Mr Carter in a Carter family peanut field in Plains, Georgia - Jack Kightlinger

Mr Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, who died aged 96 in 2023

A moderate Democrat, Mr Carter entered the 1976 presidential race against Republican Gerald Ford as a little-known Georgia governor with a background in engineering.

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He was swept into the White House off the back of a no-frills campaign that depended on public financing and a promise not to deceive the American people that resonated following Richard Nixons ignominious departure from office in 1974.

A moderate Democrat, Mr Carter was swept into the White House on a promise not to deceive the American people - Diana Walker

A state funeral will be held for Mr Carter on Jan 9 in Washington - Scott Olson

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Mr Carter governed amid Cold War pressures, turbulent oil markets and social upheaval over racism, womens rights and Americas role on the global stage.

He was the first president since Thomas Jefferson under whom no blood was shed in a war.

His most notable achievement in office was a Middle East peace deal that he brokered by keeping Anwar Sadat, the Egyptian president and Menachem Begin, the Israeli prime minister, at the bargaining table for 13 days in 1978.

That Camp David experience inspired the post-presidential centre where Mr Carter would establish much of his legacy.

Yet his electoral coalition splintered under double-digit inflation, queues for petrol and the 444-day hostage crisis in Iran triggered in the wake of the countrys 1979 revolution.

Mr Carter won the presidency in the wake of the Watergate scandal and the Vietnam war - HO

In 1978 Mr Carter brokered an agreement between Israel and Egypt with the Camp David Accords - David Hume Kennerly

His bleakest hour came when eight Americans died in a failed hostage rescue in April 1980 in the lead up to the election, helping to ensure his landslide defeat to Republican Ronald Reagan later that year.

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Following his departure from office, the Carters founded the Carter Centre in 1982, positioning themselves as international peacemakers and champions of democracy, public health and human rights.

The centres achievements included easing nuclear tensions in North and South Korea, helping to avert a US invasion of Haiti and negotiating ceasefires in Bosnia and Sudan.

By 2022, the Carter Centre had declared at least 113 elections in Latin America, Asia and Africa to be free or fraudulent. Recently, the centre began monitoring US elections as well.

Mr Carter lost the 1980 election in a landslide to Ronald Reagan, the Republican nominee - AP

Jimmy Carter shakes hands with the crowd in Kentucky while campaigning for re-election in 1980 - Shutterstock

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In 2002, Mr Carter won the Nobel Peace Prize, with the committee citing his untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development.

In his later years, the former president spent his days in the same one-storey Plains house he had lived in before he became governor.

He regularly taught Sunday School lessons at Maranatha Baptist Church until his mobility declined and the coronavirus pandemic raged.

Those sessions drew visitors from around the world to the small sanctuary where Mr Carter will receive his final send-off after a state funeral at Washingtons National Cathedral.

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The New York Times reported he died after deciding nearly two years ago to forgo further medical care following a series of medical crises.

In 2010, he returned to the White House to greet President Barack Obama and discuss international affairs amid rising tensions on the Korean peninsula.

Mr Carter (right) in the Oval Office with then president-elect Barack Obama (2nd left) and former presidents George HW Bush (left), George W Bush and Bill Clinton - Getty Images North America

Jimmy Carter with Russias Leonid Brezhnev in 1979 - AFP

In 2015, he revealed he had cancer which had been diagnosed after he underwent surgery to remove a small mass in his liver.

Mr Carter underwent immunotherapy and radiation therapy, before announcing in March the following year that he no longer needed any treatment.

Former first lady Rosalynn Carter, the closest adviser to Mr Carter during his term as US president, died in November 2023. She had been living with dementia and suffering many months of declining health.

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Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished, Mr Carter said in a statement following her death.

She gave me wise guidance and encouragement when I needed it. As long as Rosalynn was in the world, I always knew somebody loved and supported me.

Rosalynn was the closest adviser to Carter during his term as US president - Ira Schwarz/AP

Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter pictured on their wedding day - Reuters

Leaders pay tribute

The King said he remembered Mr Carters 1977 visit to the UK with great fondness and praised his dedication and humility.

In a message to President Biden and the American people, he said: It was with great sadness that I learnt of the death of President Carter.

He was a committed public servant, and devoted his life to promoting peace and human rights.

His dedication and humility served as an inspiration to many, and I remember with great fondness his visit to the United Kingdom in 1977.

My thoughts and prayers are with President Carters family and the American people at this time.

Queen Elizabeth II with Jimmy Carter at a State Dinner in 1977 at Buckingham Palace - PA

Sir Keir Starmer said: Motivated by his strong faith and values, President Carter redefined the post-presidency with a remarkable commitment to social justice and human rights at home and abroad.

The Prime Minister added that Mr Carter lived his values in the service of others to the very end.

David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, described the former president as a lifelong champion of rights, democracy and global health.

World leaders across Europe also paid tribute, with Emmanuel Macron, the French president, saying Mr Carter had been a steadfast advocate for the rights of the most vulnerable and has tirelessly fought for peace.

Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton in 2013 - Mark Wilson

Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, said Mr Carter served as US president when Ukraine was not yet independent but his heart stood firmly with us in our ongoing fight for freedom.

We deeply appreciate his steadfast commitment to Christian faith and democratic values, as well as his unwavering support for Ukraine in the face of Russias unprovoked aggression, Mr Zelensky said on X.

The Carter Centre said that the final arrangements for the former presidents funeral were pending. The Carter family asked that donations be made to the Carter Centre in lieu of flowers.

The 39th US president is survived by his children Jack, Chip, Jeff and Amy as well as by 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

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Former President Jimmy Carter, who served from 1977 to 1981, has died at age 100.

The 39th president of the United States was widely admired for his global humanitarian work.

Carter won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. He was the son of a peanut farmer from Georgia.

Former President Jimmy Carter, who rose from humble beginnings in rural Georgia to the White House and was renowned for his global charity work, has died at age 100.

He died Sunday in his Plains, Georgia home, The Carter Center  the former president's nonprofit organization  confirmed in a statement posted to social media.

"My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love," said Chip Carter, the former president's son, said in the statement released by the Carter Center. "My brothers, sister, and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs. The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honoring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs."

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President Joe Biden in an address to the nation said a major service for former president Carter would be hosted in Washington DC.

"Jimmy Carter lived a life measured not by words, but by his deeds," Biden said. "On behalf of the world, and the whole nation, we send our whole heartfelt sympathies and our gratitude for sharing President Carter for so many years."

The Carter Center in February 2023 announced that the former president would enter hospice care to "spend his remaining time at home with his family" following several hospital stays. After almost a year and a half in hospice, Carter's grandson, Jason, said the former president was "coming to the end."

Carter had previously been treated for brain and liver cancer, was hospitalized after a fall in 2019, and had surgery the same year to relieve a buildup of pressure around his brain.

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Presidents often fade into the background after they leave the White House, but Carter  the 39th president of the United States  was in many ways a more popular, impactful figure after his single tumultuous term from 1977 to 1981.

Carter has often been referred to as the best ex-president in history, a compliment he seemed to embrace.

He came to be admired for his amiable demeanor and lifelong dedication to public service and humanitarianism. Carter was a US Navy veteran and a Nobel laureate.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 77 years, Rosalynn Carter, who died in November 2023 at age 96. He is survived by his four children, 11 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren.

Carter with, from left, former President George H.W. Bush, then-President-elect Barack Obama, then-President George W. Bush, and former President Bill Clinton at the White House in 2009. J. Scott Applewhite/AP

The peanut farmer who became president

Carter, whose full name was James Earl Carter Jr., was born October 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia. His father was a peanut farmer who'd served in the Georgia state legislature. His mother, Lillian Gordy Carter, served as a nurse, civil- and women's-rights activist, and Peace Corps volunteer in India at the age of 68 in 1966. The Carters were deeply tied to their Baptist faith.

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Carter graduated from the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, in 1946. He served in the Navy for seven years before returning to Georgia to take over his family's peanut farm after his father died.

In a photograph from September 1966, then-Georgia state Sen. Jimmy Carter hugs his wife, Rosalynn, at his Atlanta campaign headquarters. Horace Cort/Associated Press

'I'll never tell a lie'

Carter entered state politics as a Democrat in the early 1960s and in 1970 was elected to the Georgia governorship. In 1974, he announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for president.

Initially, Carter was pegged as a long shot given his lack of political connections and the fact he was relatively unknown nationally.

But Carter painted himself as an honest outsider with strong morals at a time when many Americans were disillusioned with Washington over the Watergate scandal, and his campaign gradually gained momentum.

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He repeatedly told voters, "I'll never tell a lie."

Carter's longtime embrace of civil rights was also crucial to his victory.

After being elected governor, Carter declared during his inaugural address, "I say to you quite frankly that the time for racial discrimination is over."

Carter, then Georgia's governor, announcing his Democratic candidacy for the US presidency in Atlanta. AP

He carried these sentiments into his presidential campaign and allied himself with key Black members of Congress. Carter received overwhelming support from Black voters, especially in the South, which propelled him to the White House.

Carter won the Democratic nomination in July 1976, choosing then-Sen. Walter Mondale of Minnesota as his running mate against President Gerald Ford, the Republican incumbent. Carter defeated Ford in November of that year, winning 50.1% of the popular vote and capturing 297 electoral votes to Ford's 240.

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The Georgian swept the Deep South, the last Democrat to do so on the presidential level, while also carrying important battlegrounds like Ohio and Pennsylvania.

The informal president

As president, Carter sought to portray himself as a man of the people and make the presidency more accessible.

After he was sworn in, Carter and his wife walked to the White House, launching an informal tradition followed by subsequent presidents at their inaugurations.

He also spoke and dressed in a less formal manner and held frequent press conferences.

Carter with his wife, Rosalynn, and their daughter, Amy. The Carters started a tradition by walking the parade route from the Capitol to the White House following his inauguration. Suzanne Vlamis/AP

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Carter entered office as a popular figure pushing for ambitious programs to address the country's myriad social and economic woes. His administration had a historically large number of women, Black, and Latino members and staff.

Though Carter's image as an "outsider" seemed to be advantageous during his campaign, it hurt him with Congress once he was in the White House. He struggled to get lawmakers on board with his bold proposals for reform, and his approval ratings tanked as he struggled to push his proposals through the legislative branch.

A scandal in the summer of 1977 didn't help matters. At the time, Bert Lance, the director of the Office of Management and Budget, was accused of being involved in dubious financial activities as a Georgia banker. Carter at first defended Lance, whom he saw as a close friend, but ultimately called on him to resign.

In 1979, amid an energy crisis and recession, Carter delivered his infamous "crisis in confidence" speech, contending that the nation needed to restore its faith in itself. The speech was well-received at first but was ultimately not a particularly successful selling point.

Carter with Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh at Buckingham Palace. PA Images via Getty Images

Carter's biggest accomplishments were in foreign policy

Despite the many challenges Carter faced, his presidency wasn't without major accomplishments.

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On the domestic front, his achievements included establishing the Department of Education and the Department of Energy and expanding the national parks system. His actions helped lay the framework for future administrations to tackle America's educational and energy needs.

But Carter's biggest accomplishments as president came in the foreign-policy arena.

He facilitated the first peace treaty between Israel and Egypt, known as the Camp David Accords. Carter also established full diplomatic relations between the US and China and orchestrated two important treaties between the US and Panama.

Carter with Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin on the North Lawn of the White House as they finished signing the Camp David Accords. Bob Daugherty/AP

Carter also stood up to the Soviet Union on human rights and completed negotiation of the SALT II nuclear-limitation treaty (though the treaty ultimately fell through with the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan).

The Iranian hostage crisis and Carter's downfall

Carter's progress in the realm of foreign policy was in many ways overshadowed by the 1979 Iran hostage crisis.

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Amid a revolution in Iran that saw a pro-US government ousted, a mob of students stormed the US Embassy in Tehran and took the staff members as hostages. The revolutionary Iranian government, led by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, supported the actions of the students. The US Embassy staff members were ultimately held hostage for hundreds of days.

The timing of the crisis and Carter's perceived failure to secure the release of the hostages, which included a disastrous military operation that failed to rescue them, was deeply damaging to his image domestically.

Combined with an economy in turmoil, the hostage crisis was a large part of the reason Carter lost reelection in a landslide to former Gov. Ronald Reagan of California in 1980. In that race, Carter's support had diminished across the South and in the Midwestern and Northeastern states that boosted his first presidential bid; he earned 49 electoral votes to Reagan's 489.

Carter's administration negotiated the release of the hostages during his final days in office, and they were freed the same day as Reagan's inauguration.

The post-presidency peacemaker

Carter spent most of his postpresidential years championing human rights and pushing for peace in various corners of the world. He founded The Carter Center to focus on such issues in 1982 and played an active role with Habitat for Humanity until the end of his life.

Jimmy Carter, Rosalynn Carter, and former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan concluding a visit to a polling center in South Sudan. Pete Muller/AP

As a private citizen, Carter worked for peace everywhere from North Korea to Haiti. He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for what the Norwegian Nobel Committee described as his "decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development."

Staying humble

After he left the White House, Carter moved back to Plains, Georgia.

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He's the only US president in the modern era to return to the two-bedroom house he lived in before ascending to the highest office in the land.

Carter favored a humble lifestyle. He was known to fly on commercial airliners, unlike other past presidents who preferred private jets, and was filmed walking up and down the aisle to shake the hands of other passengers.

He also cost US taxpayers far less per year than any other former president, according to the General Services Administration, in large part because he avoided extravagances.

Carter was a former president longer than anyone else in US history.

Staying true to principles

In 1954, the chief of police and a Baptist minister in Plains asked Carter to join the local White Citizens' Council, a pro-segregation organization.

The peanut farmer said no, and a few days later the men came back to tell Carter he was the only white man in the community who hadn't joined. Carter told them he didn't care.

The police chief and minister returned a third time and said they would pay the $5 membership fee for Carter if that's what was holding him back. He was also warned that his peanut business would face a boycott if he didn't join.

In response, Carter told them: "I've got $5. And I'd flush it down the toilet before I'd give it to you."

Throughout Carter's long life, he frequently proved unafraid to stray from the pack, even if it made him at times unpopular.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Former President Jimmy Carter died Sunday at age 100 after nearly two years in hospice care.

His wife, former first lady Rosalynn Carter, died in 2023. Their marriage lasted 77 years.

Carter, a former Georgia governor, was the nations 39th president, serving from 1977 to 1981, and was the longest-living former president. He lost his 1980 reelection bid to Republican Ronald Reagan.

He battled cancer and struggled with other health issues since 2015.

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He had several notable connections to Arizona before, during and after his single term in the White House.

Here is a rundown of what you need to know about Carter and Arizona.

Arizonas Mo Udall stood in his path

One of the 12 men challenging Carter for the 1976 Democratic nomination was U.S. Rep. Morris K. Mo Udall, D-Ariz.

Udall received the fourth-most votes in the Democratic primaries and finished a distant second to Carter in the partys delegate count.

Carter made three campaign appearances in Arizona in 1976, one of them to help Udall retire his own presidential campaign debt.

That November, President Gerald Ford carried Arizona by about 16 percentage points over Carter. It extended a string of Republican wins in the state that began in 1952 and continued until 1996.

Senator from Arizona helped shape Panama Canal Treaty

The same year Carter won the White House, Arizona elected U.S. Sen. Dennis DeConcini, D-Ariz. While they belonged to the same party, they battled on at least two major issues.

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Perhaps the most memorable involved ratifying the handover of the Panama Canal. DeConcini was a key holdout on the decision and only approved the deal Carter and Ford had negotiated when an amendment was included to make clear the U.S. could still use military force in Panama if the canals security was threatened.

The issue was one of the more controversial of its era and 11 Democratic senators who voted for handing over the canal lost in 1980. DeConcini, who wasnt on the ballot until 1982, survived a recall attempt over the issue.

President-elect Donald Trump floated the idea of the U.S. reestablishing control of the canal during an appearance in Phoenix in December.

'He was such a gentleman': Jimmy Carter's Arizona legacy

Carter sought to kill Central Arizona Project

Carter wanted to cut spending across the government and looked for prominent examples to make his case, such as selling the presidential yacht. One of his targets was the Central Arizona Project, the 336-mile water network that provides plentiful water for the Phoenix and Tucson areas.

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DeConcini again butted heads with the Carter administration.

In 1968, President Lyndon Johnson signed onto a plan that allowed Arizona to move ahead with the system in exchange for earlier support for his Voting Rights Act.

The CAP was an area of intense lobbying by Arizonas congressional delegation for decades beginning in the 1940s with eventual Senate Majority Leader Ernest McFarland, D-Ariz., and carried on principally by Sen. Carl Hayden, D-Ariz., who rose to head the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee.

It also helped that Arizona had another well-positioned senior member of Congress.

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Rep. John Rhodes, R-Ariz., was on the House Appropriations Committee and was the ranking member of its Public Works subcommittee. He ensured the project had funding support  including its first $1 million  in his chamber as well.

By the time Carter took office, Rhodes had risen to the post of House minority leader and had the influence to resist Carter's efforts to defund CAP.

The Central Arizona Project, there was nothing more dear for Arizona than that, so we had a second run-in, DeConcini told The Arizona Republic in 2023. He said, 'Well, Dennis, we just cant afford it.'  But he was nice about the disagreement.

Carter eventually backed off the issue and the water system continued to receive annual federal funding.

An early interest in Latino affairs

Carter showed an interest in Latino issues and their political empowerment at a time when much of the country didnt.

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Arizonans played a role in his administrations efforts on that front.

In 1977, Carter named Graciela Olivarez, a Phoenix resident who advocated for the poor, to head the federal Community Services Administration. Near the end of his presidency, Carter created the Office of Hispanic Affairs to increase representation of the demographic in the federal government.

Carter named Tommy Espinoza, CEO of the San Juan Diego Institute, a Phoenix nonprofit, to the presidents Mexican American Advisory Council ahead of his 1979 state visit to Mexico.

Most of the time, they come in and do the meet-and-greet and, maybe, if youre lucky, five or 10 minutes. President Carter sat through it and asked a lot of good questions, Espinoza recalled. He definitely wanted to get a pulse of what was happening out there across the country.

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Jimmy Carter: The media has been harder on Trump than predecessors

One Carter appointment led to Arizona having 3 governors in 5 months

Carter named Arizonas then-Gov. Raul Castro as ambassador to Argentina in 1977.

Castros departure from the state Capitol meant longtime Secretary of State Wesley Bolin ascended to governor.

But Bolin died after less than five months in office, and, because his recent replacement as secretary of state was not elected, the states attorney general, Bruce Babbitt, became the governor.

Babbitt held office until 1986, when he left to pursue his own presidential ambitions. Babbitt later served as secretary of the Interior under President Bill Clinton.

Arizona played part in Carters post-presidency

In 2017, Carter received an honor from Arizona State University named for former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day OConnor in one of her final public appearances.

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Carter offered rare praise for his successor, President Ronald Reagan, over nominating the nations first woman justice to the U.S. Supreme Court.

I didnt always agree with everything that Ronald Reagan did, but selecting her as a justice was one of the best decisions he ever made, Carter said at the time.

In 2022, the Carter Center, the namesake nonprofit he founded that provides humanitarian aid and monitors elections, gave Arizonas embattled election systems a clean bill of health.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Jimmy Carter has died: What to know about his ties to Arizona
Former President Jimmy Carter died on Sunday, Dec. 29, at the record-breaking age of 100 years old.

In 2019, at the age of 94 years and 172 days, Carter became the longest-living president in United States history, who had already enjoyed the lengthiest post-presidency life.

But Carter's life of service didn't begin with his 1977 inauguration. From his humble roots as a Georgia peanut farmer to his years as a submarine officer in the U.S. Navy and more, here is a look into the 39th U.S. presidents life before the White House.

He was born and raised in Plains, Georgia

Corbis via Getty Images

James Jimmy Earl Carter Jr. was born on Oct. 1, 1924, in the small, rural town of Plains, Ga., as the first child of parents James Earl Carter Sr. and Bessie Lillian Gordy Carter.

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Born in Wise Sanitarium, where his mother worked as a nurse, Carter became the first American president to be born in a hospital, according to History.com. Aside from his mothers nursing career, Carters family were primarily peanut farmers, and his father also owned a small general store in town, per the University of Virginia's Miller Center.

Carter grew up with three younger siblings  Gloria, born in 1926; Ruth, born in 1929; and Billy, born in 1937. As a child, Carters days consisted of working on the peanut farm that his family had cultivated. He was able to save up money by selling the familys produce in town and, at one point, according to UVA's Miller Center, had enough money to purchase five houses, which he then rented to families nearby.



He was a dedicated student

Win McNamee/Getty Images Plains High School. Plains High School.

Carter attended Plains High School until the 11th grade, as the school did not have a 12th grade until 1952, according to the National Park Service.

After graduating from high school in 1941, Carter attempted to enter the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. As a young boy, he was enthralled by stories from his Uncle Tom, who was in the Navy while Carter was growing up. In fact, before he had even graduated from high school, Carter wrote to the Naval Academy to request its catalog.

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Despite his enthusiasm, Carter was unsuccessful with his first application to the school. He spent a year at Georgia Southwestern College, then began studying math at the Georgia Institute of Technology, and finally earned his admission to the Academy in 1943, per NavyOnline.com.

Carter graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy early on an accelerated wartime track, shortly after the end of World War II. He finished in the top 10% of his class.



He fell in love with his future wife, Rosalynn, while visiting home from the Naval Academy

Atlanta Journal-Constitution/AP Rosalynn and Jimmy Carter on their wedding day

Though they did not fall in love until many years later, Jimmy Carter first met his wife Rosalynn when he was only 3 years old, and she was less less than a day old.

Carter's mother, a nurse, had helped deliver Rosalynn, whose family lived near the former president's. Rosalynn would become close friends with Carter's younger sister, Ruth.

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Related: Rosalynn Carter Never Knew Life Without Jimmy  She Met Her Future Husband as a Newborn

While home from the Naval Academy the summer before his final year in Annapolis, 20-year-old Carter ran into Rosalynn, then 17, after her first year at Georgia Southwestern College.

The former president extended an invite to Rosalynn for the pair to go see a movie together. Carter told authors Phil Donahue and Marlo Thomas (who wrote the book What Makes A Marriage Last) of the first date: "We rode in the rumble seat of a Ford pickup  Ruth and her boyfriend in the front  and I kissed her on that first date. I remember that vividly."

After the date, Carter told his mother: "Shes the girl I want to marry."

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Rosalynn rejected Carter's first proposal in 1945, as she wanted to continue focusing on her education. However, in 1946, when Carter popped the question again, Rosalynn said yes, and in July 1946, the two were married at the Plains Methodist Church shortly after Carter's graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy.



Related: Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter's Relationship Timeline: Inside Their 77-Year Marriage

He was a submarine officer in the U.S. Navy

PhotoQuest/Getty Images

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After Carter married Rosalynn, the pair moved down to Norfolk, Va., for Carter's first duty station post-graduation as an ensign (the lowest commissioned officer rank in the Navy).



Ensign Carter completed his first two years of surface ship duty on the USS Wyoming battleship, after which he decided to apply for submarine duty. He served as an executive officer, engineering officer, and electronics repair officer on the submarine SSK-1.

In 1952, Carter became involved with Admiral Hyman G. Rickover's (known today as the "Father of the Nuclear Navy") nuclear-powered submarine program. He was soon promoted to lieutenant, and from November 1952 to March 1953, served on temporary duty with the Naval Reactors Branch, U.S. Atomic Energy Commission in Washington, D.C.



Afterward, while Carter was in Schenectady, N.Y., taking classes on reactor technology and nuclear physics at Union College while gearing up to become the engineering officer for the USS Seawolf (one of the first submarines to operate on atomic power), his father, who had been sick with pancreatic cancer, died.



Carter resigned from his Naval duties in 1953 to return home to Plains and take care of his family's farm and estate.



He revived his familys peanut farm

President Jimmy Carter's boyhood home on Old Plains Highway (Lebanon Cemetery Road) in Plains, Georgia, 1989.

After returning to Plains, Ga., to oversee his family's farm, which had fallen on hard times in his father's final years, Carter threw himself into reviving the family business.



Carter sacrificed his naval career to be in Plains. Rosalynn, who had enjoyed the steady income and travel as features of her husband's job (she especially loved when he was stationed in Hawaii), found herself unhappy with her husband's new pursuits.



Plus, the peanut business was no overnight success. In 1954, the farm made a scant $187 in net profits, according to the Miller Center. It wasn't until five years later, in 1959, that the peanut farm finally began to resemble something successful.



He got involved in local politics amid racial tensions in his hometown

Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty From left to right, Jimmy Carter, the Governor of Georgia, with his wife Rosalynn Carter and retired US Army General Louis W. Truman (1908 - 2004), UK, 15th May 1973.

Leading his family's peanut farm strengthened Carter's community involvement, and would serve as the springboard for his career in politics.



According to the Miller Center, Carter began serving on local boards for hospitals and libraries while living in Plains. In 1955, he won a seat on the Sumter County Board of Education and later became its chairman.

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Carter's involvement on the Sumter County Board of Education came during a time of intense change in his Southern hometown. The civil rights movement was beginning to pick up steam, and racial tensions had billowed since the Supreme Court had ordered the desegregation of public schools in 1954.



Despite personally agreeing with desegregation, Carter found himself surrounded by the pro-segregation attitudes that were deeply entrenched in his hometown's culture. At one point, he was met with fierce opposition as the only White man in Plains to refuse to join a segregationist group called the White Citizens Council.

In 1962, a mere 15 days before the election, Carter saw an opportunity to spark change in Georgia. So he announced his campaign to fill an open state Senate seat.



He worked his way to Georgia governor through the state Senate

Mikki Ansin/Getty Jimmy Carter and his sister Ruth Carter Stapleton campaigning in Boston, Massachusetts in 1976 Jimmy Carter and his sister Ruth Carter Stapleton campaigning in Boston, Massachusetts in 1976

Carter's 1962 Georgia state Senate campaign was hard-fought, and initially it appeared that he'd lost the election to a local businessman named Homer Moore.

But upon investigation, it became apparent that Moore's victory was the result of blatant voter fraud, according to the Miller Center. Carter jumped on the opportunity to appeal the outcome and was successful. He served two years as a state senator before turning his eye toward a larger prize: the Georgia governor's office.



Carter had his sights set on the U.S. House of Representatives toward the end of his second term in the Georgia state Senate, hoping to challenge a political rival who held the seat, according to Fox 5 Atlanta. But when that incumbent, Bo Callaway, decided to run for governor instead, it unnerved Carter, who didn't want to see Callaway take the reins of the state's government.

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Though Carter believed he could easily win the vacant House seat, he decided to challenge Callaway for governor in an attempt to keep him from power.



Carter ultimately lost the 1966 gubernatorial race, but he was undeterred. In 1970, he campaigned for governor again, taking a less liberal approach and appealing to the demographic of voters who had rejected him in 1966.

The Georgian peanut farmer won the gubernatorial race, aided by a more polished campaign that featured posters and relied on poll data to guide Carter's campaign strategy.



He defeated incumbent Gerald Ford to become the 39th U.S. president

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Though Carter was named campaign chairman of the Democratic National Convention in 1974 while serving as Georgia's governor, his presidential campaign was marked by his relative unknownness. A newspaper back home in Georgia even ran a headline that read, "Jimmy Who Is Running For What?!" when he announced his bid for office.

Though his lack of recognition initially posed a challenge during his campaign, it ultimately became the driving force that propelled him to success as a candidate.

In the wake of the infamous Watergate scandal during President Nixon's administration and in the years after the Vietnam War, the country was hungry for something new and far removed from the White House and Washington.



Gerald Ford, the incumbent who had offered Nixon a full pardon in the wake of the Watergate scandal, was exactly the opposite. His pardoning of Nixon discouraged voter's confidence in him. Carter, a relative unknown in the world of politicians, was just what citizens were looking for to clean up Washington's act.

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Carter ultimately won the presidential election on a campaign that allowed him victories in many of the early primaries, appealing to both Southern voters (which he ultimately won) and Northerners in his running mate Walter Mondale.



Read the original article on People
Jimmy Carters death marks both the passing of a peacemaker and the demise of a distinguished strain of religious life in America: progressive evangelicalism.

This tradition, with roots in the Second Great Awakening at the turn of the 19th century, set the social and political agenda of much of the 19th century as evangelicals sought to reform American society according to the norms of godliness, paying particular attention to the admonition of Jesus to care for the least of these. Carters life and career, not to mention his probity, cannot be understood without reference to progressive evangelicalism.



But his electoral defeat in 1980, at the hands of Ronald Reagan and the Religious Right, dealt a crippling blow to this tradition, which has been reeling ever since. That election led to the melding of white evangelicals with the far-right reaches of the Republican Party, culminating in overwhelming support for Donald Trump, hardly an avatar of the family values that evangelicals claimed lay at the heart of their activism. Over the decades the Religious Right has become the most reliable component of the Republican Party, much the way that labor unions once served as the backbone of the Democratic Party.

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Carters successful presidential run in 1976 was propelled by popular distrust of politicians generally, and Washington specifically, in the wake of the Watergate scandal. Wearied of Richard Nixons endless prevarications, Americans were prepared to consider someone from outside the Beltway, someone with a moral compass. Carter, the one-term governor of Georgia and a Southern Baptist Sunday school teacher from the tiny town of Plains, fit the bill.



Carters election was also abetted by the brief resurgence in the 1970s of progressive evangelicalism, the particular stripe of the Christian faith that he embodied. Others have tried to keep the tradition alive  people like Jim Wallis and William Barber II and institutions such as Sojourners and the Black church  but progressive evangelicals have never been able to match the media megaphones of Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson or Franklin Graham.

Part of what made the voices of the Religious Right so effective was their canny use of the rhetoric of victimization. Even though evangelicals, by virtue of their numbers and their mobilization, exercise outsized influence in American society, they claim that their values are under siege, that they represent an embattled minority. That rhetoric has proven very effective  and its one of the reasons white evangelicals gravitated to Trump, who speaks this language more fluently than anyone Ive seen.



The demise of progressive evangelicalism has opened the way for compromise on other evangelical principles, including the separation of church and state. Even though evangelicals have benefited perhaps more than any other religious group from the free marketplace of religion set up by the First Amendment, many are now perpetrating the falsehood that the United States is and always has been a Christian nation and that our laws should conform to Christian mores. The Religious Rights opposition to abortion, an attempt to camouflage the real origins of evangelical mobilization, nevertheless proved effective, despite the fact that the Dobbs decision entails government intervention in matters of gestation.

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With Carters passing, the far-right shift of political evangelicalism is complete  but history will note the massive impact that progressive Christians like Carter have had on American life.



Progressive evangelicalism traces its roots to the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament and to a much earlier era in American history. Jesus enjoined his followers to be peacemakers and to care for those on the margins of society. Throughout American history, progressive evangelicals have sought to take those commands seriously. Especially in the antebellum period, evangelicals worked to promote peace and to end slavery, even though many Southern evangelicals continued to defend it. Evangelicals also advocated equality for women, including the right to vote, and supported the expansion of public education so that children on the lower rungs of the economic ladder might be able to improve their lives.

Although the fight against slavery arguably represented the zenith of progressive evangelicals influence, their presence continued into the early decades of the 20th century. William Jennings Bryan, for example, the Great Commoner and three-time Democratic nominee for president, continued to advocate for womens equality and also for the rights of workers to organize.

Following the Scopes trial of 1925  which was not Bryans finest moment, as he argued against teaching human evolution in state-funded schools  evangelicals largely abandoned the political arena. Bryan might have won the trial (John T. Scopes was convicted), but he, and by extension evangelicals, lost decisively in the larger courtroom of public opinion. Humiliated by the coverage of the trial and by Bryans poor performance, evangelicals chose to turn away from politics. Many, expecting the imminent return of Jesus, refused even to vote in the middle decades of the 20th century. This world, they believed, was transitory, corrupt and corrupting, and their time was better spent securing individual regeneration rather than working for social amelioration. What evangelical political advocacy existed in the middle decades of the 20th century listed toward the right of the political spectrum. Evangelicals suspicions of godless communism helped to push them in a conservative direction, and evangelist Billy Grahams very public friendships with a succession of Republican politicians reinforced that predilection.

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In the early 1970s, however, progressive evangelicalism mounted a comeback. In the throes of the Vietnam War, progressive evangelicals sought to reclaim Jesus command that his followers be peacemakers. They gravitated to the 1972 presidential campaign of George McGovern, a Wesleyan Methodist preachers son and himself a former seminary student. A year after McGoverns landslide loss to Nixon, a small group of progressive evangelicals gathered at the Chicago YMCA hoping to keep the tradition of progressive evangelicalism alive. The document that emerged out of that November 1973 meeting was called the Chicago Declaration of Evangelical Social Concern, a remarkable reprise of evangelical concerns from a century earlier. The signatories  55 initially, but many more signed later  called the powerful to account and decried the persistence of racism and rampant militarism in American life. They lamented the persistence of poverty and hunger in an affluent society. At the insistence of an English professor from Trinity College in Deerfield, Illinois (where I was then an undergraduate), the Declaration also reaffirmed evangelicals historic commitment to womens equality.



Not quite six months later, Carter echoed many of these themes in his famous remarks at the University of Georgia Law School, though he did so in far more strident terms. One of the venerable traditions at the University of Georgia Law School is Law Day, an occasion to honor student achievements, as well as to invite distinguished guests, including Supreme Court justices, senators, attorneys general and, on this day, the governor. On a warm spring day in May 1974, Carter unleashed a blistering extemporaneous critique of the legal and legislative process. His own sense of justice, he said, derived from two sources. The first was theologian Reinhold Niebuhr and his oft-quoted lament that the sad duty of politics was to establish justice in a sinful world. The second was Bob Dylan. It wasnt until Carter heard Dylans I Aint Gonna Work on Maggies Farm No More, he said, that he began to appreciate the plight of the poor, especially tenant farmers.

Carter lamented that the powerful and the influential in our society shape the laws and have a great influence on the legislature or the Congress. He lit into lobbyists and decried the incestuous relationship between corporations and the agencies regulating them. The governor also noted that the prison population consisted overwhelmingly of poor people. Part of the problem, he suggested, is that we assign punishment to fit the criminal and not the crime. He concluded his remarks by sounding the populist theme that he was already honing for his presidential bid. Any hope for the future, Carter said, lay in the combined wisdom and courage and commitment and discernment of the common ordinary people.

Carters address captured the attention of Hunter S. Thompson of Rolling Stone magazine. During the course of his speech, Carter noticed that Thompson had briefly left the room; he surmised that the self-proclaimed gonzo journalist had simply exited to refresh whatever adult beverage he was consuming that day. Thompson, however, scurried to the parking lot to retrieve a tape recorder so he could record what he believed was an extraordinary moment: a politician who dared to speak the truth.

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I have heard hundreds of speeches by all sorts of candidates and politicians, Thompson later wrote, but I have never heard a sustained piece of political oratory that impressed me any more than the speech Jimmy Carter made at Law Day at the University of Georgia on that Saturday afternoon in May 1974.

Carters campaign for the presidency would emphasize many of the themes articulated by progressive evangelicals in Chicago: racial, economic and gender equality; justice; care for those less fortunate. (Although he didnt describe himself as a progressive evangelical at the time, he eventually embraced the term.) By no means were progressive evangelicals decisive in Carters 1976 victory, but many evangelicals supported him either for his policies or simply for the novelty of voting for one of their own at a time when evangelicals themselves were largely apolitical. His share of the evangelical vote would have been even greater were it not for the misbegotten Playboy interview that appeared a few weeks before Election Day; Carters approval dropped 15 points, and by Election Day evangelicals split their vote evenly between Carter and Gerald Ford, the Republican incumbent.



Carter was not the only politician in the 1970s to advocate progressive evangelicalism. Harold Hughes, Democratic senator from Iowa, and Mark Hatfield, Republican senator of Oregon, were among the most prominent. John B. Anderson, a Republican member of Congress from Illinois, was a member of the Evangelical Free Church, an evangelical denomination with Scandinavian roots, and could also be counted in that cohort. Still, Carter was the most prominent among them.

As president, Carter sought, with mixed success, to act on the principles of fairness and equality that he articulated. Early in his presidency, he recognized that if the United States were to have a meaningful relationship with Third World nations, especially in Latin America, it would need to renegotiate the Panama Canal treaties; he expended a great deal of political capital to do so. He sought to move American foreign policy away from the reflexive dualism of the Cold War and toward an emphasis on human rights, even though it angered many U.S. allies. He worked tirelessly for peace, especially in the Middle East, and one of his proudest accomplishments was that no American soldier died in military conflict during his presidency. Although he was not averse to defense spending  and succeeded in restoring the cuts enacted by his Republican predecessors  Carter often said the best and the most effective military armaments are the ones never used. He worked for racial and gender equality, and many environmentalists consider Carter the greatest environmental president ever.



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Leaders of the Religious Right routinely claim that opposition to abortion led them to mobilize politically in the 1970s. That couldnt be further from the truth. Evangelicals considered abortion a Catholic issue for most of the decade. The Southern Baptist Convention, hardly a redoubt of liberalism, passed a resolution calling for the legalization of abortion in 1971, a resolution they reaffirmed in 1974 and again in 1976. Several evangelical leaders applauded the Roe v. Wade decision when it was handed down in 1973, and Reverend Jerry Falwell, by his own admission, didnt preach his first anti-abortion sermon until 1978.

Despite the durability of this abortion myth, the genesis of the Religious Right is rather less edifying. As the Internal Revenue Service began to scrutinize the racial policies of evangelical institutions, including church-related segregation academies, evangelical leaders rushed to defend the tax-exempt status of their schools, arguing that they should be able to retain both their racially segregated policies and their tax exemptions. Falwell, who had described civil rights as civil wrongs and who had his own segregation academy in Lynchburg, Virginia, led the charge, disingenuously asserting that Carter was responsible for endangering their tax status. Falwell, together with other leaders of the Religious Right, effectively turned evangelicals into hard-right conservatives.

Carters reelection campaign in 1980 was bedeviled by a sour economy, the taking of the American hostages in Iran and a challenge from within his own party with the candidacy of Edward M. Kennedy. The formation of Falwells Moral Majority, together with the efforts of other Religious Right leaders, undermined the president further; by the end of the race, the Reagan-Bush campaign had begun to emphasize opposition to abortion, ignoring the fact that Carter had a much longer and more consistent record of working to limit the incidence of abortions.

Carters loss to Reagan in 1980, and the defection of evangelicals from one of their own, were devastating to him personally. But his defeat also signaled the eclipse of progressive evangelicalism in American politics and the stampede of evangelicals toward the far-right precincts of the Republican Party. Only Hatfield, the senator from Oregon, remained as a national politician who advocated principles consistent with progressive evangelicalism; he retired from the Senate in 1997.



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The Carters, Jimmy and Rosalynn, returned to Plains in January 1981, four years earlier than they had planned. Carter told me that one of the reasons he rebounded so quickly from his defeat was that he had to keep reassuring his wife that they still had a life ahead of them and could continue to do good work. Eventually, he said, he began to believe his own rhetoric.

Forced into political retirement, he set about making plans for his presidential library, and here, freed from political constraints, Carter would be able to act most fully on his religious principles. As James Laney, former president of Emory University, memorably remarked, Carter is the only person in history for whom the presidency was a steppingstone. He conceived the Carter Center as a working institution, not merely a celebratory one, and it has been extraordinarily effective in the eradication of disease, the monitoring of free and fair elections, and the pursuit of peace, justice and care for those on the margins.



These are the principles of progressive evangelicalism that Carter sought to advocate throughout his political career. These are the principles he was able to advance even more fully once he left Washington. As a progressive evangelical, someone who took seriously the command of Jesus to care for the least of these, Carter might have been the last of his kind. He was also surely among the best of his kind.


In 2019, former President Jimmy Carter showed up at a Habitat for Humanity site in Nashville with a smile  and a black eye. One day earlier, Carter, then 95, had fallen and needed 14 stitches, but he kept up his commitment to the organization. It's a commitment he upheld for decades.

Carter, who died on Dec. 29, 2024, at the age of 100, first volunteered with the organization in 1984. Habitat for Humanity, which helps homeowners build homes alongside volunteers, was founded in Americus, Georgia, near Carter's hometown of Plains.

Later that year, Carter happened to walk by another Habitat build in New York City, according to the organization. He noticed there were few volunteers, so he and his wife, Rosaylnn, joined them. They brought some more volunteers with them, helping to renovate the apartment building that would house 19 families.

Former president Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, work on building a home during Habitat for Humanity's Carter Work Project event in the Globeville Neighborhood in Denver, October 09, 2013. / Credit: RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post via Getty Images

Since then, the former president and first lady have run The Carter Work Project with Habitat for Humanity. The New York City building is considered the first of the homes they've worked on  and the couple has returned to the city for builds three times, according to CBS New York.

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"He's funny and one hard worker," CEO of Habitat for Humanity New York City and Westchester County Karen Haycox told CBS New York. "He's the first on the site in the morning and very often the last one to leave at the end of the day."

Habitat homeowner Jacqueline Wills told CBS Dallas Fort Worth what it was like to work alongside the president as he volunttered in Forth Worth.

Former US President Jimmy Carter Jimmy Carter works on one of the homes at the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project for Habitat for Humanity Edmonton. / Credit: Ron Palmer/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

"It was such an honor it was a humbling experience," Wills said. "I will never forget that and I'll be totally indebted to him for the rest of my life."

"They had the houses on this street marked one through 10 and ours was number one, and they called it The Carter house because President Carter himself worked on it," she added.

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More than 4,300 homes could be considered a "Carter House" because the Carters have helped build that many homes with more than 100,000 volunteers in 14 countries over nearly 40 years, according to the organization.

"I sure hope when I'm 90 years old, I still have a hammer in my hand and I'm out building houses. That'd be a life well lived," volunteer Mike Criner told CBS Colorado. Criner worked alongside Carter and said the former president was one of his main inspirations for joining the build.

In 2019, Carter became the longest living president at at 94 years and 172 days old. A few months later, just after his 95th birthday, he showed up to that build in Nashville, as he recovered from a fall. He was joined by Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, and hundreds of volunteers.

At the build, Carter spoke about not letting anything stand in his way to be there. "Habitat is inspirational. You know, just a motivation to come to Habitat and we always, as I've said many times, we get a lot more out of it as we put into it," the former president said.

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Jimmy Carter, the longest-lived president in U.S. history and a proud Georgia native, has died, according to The New York Times and other reputable news outlets.

Carter, a Democrat and former peanut farmer who served one presidential term that ended in 1981, has been a popular subject of fact-checks over the years at Snopes, from quotes to viral photos.

On the celebration of his 100th birthday on Oct. 1, 2024, Snopes shared this collection about Carter's life.

Details about Carter's death reportedly at his home in Plains, Georgia, on Dec. 29, 2024, were forthcoming.


Jimmy Carter, the Nobel Peace Prize-winning 39th president of the United States who transformed his legacy from one-term commander-in-chief to beloved humanitarian, died on Sunday, Dec. 29 at the record-breaking age of 100.

His son James E. Carter III confirmed that he died at home in Plains, Ga., per The Washington Post. The Carter Center also announced his death in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Carter's wife of nearly eight decades, Rosalynn Carter, died 13 months earlier at the age of 96. He made his final public appearance in November 2023 to mourn her death.

Library of Congress/MCT/Tribune News Service via Getty Jimmy Carter in 1977 Jimmy Carter in 1977

Carter is survived by his four children with Rosalynn: Jack, Chip, Jeff and Amy. In March 2019, Carter became the longest-lived American president who also enjoyed the lengthiest post-White House life. His and Rosalynn's 77-year marriage was the longest of any first couple.

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The Carter Center announced in February 2023 that the former president had been moved to hospice care following "a series of short hospital stays," adding that he "decided to spend his remaining time at home with his family."

Related: Rosalynn Carter Never Knew Life Without Jimmy  She Met Her Future Husband as a Newborn

Carter's longevity in hospice surprised the whole family, his grandson Jason Carter told PEOPLE in September 2023, adding that it had turned into a "real blessing."

"This is an important part of his faith journey, and it's one that you don't get to experience at any other time in your life except for the very end," Jason said. "And so in that way, I think this has been a really meaningful time for him, and it's been a really reflective time for him."

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Jason told Southern Living in June that Carter was no longer awake every day, adding that his grandfather was "experiencing the world as best he can as he continues through this process."

Related: President Jimmy Carter Hits 1-Year Mark Since Entering Hospice Care: 'It's Very Powerful'

David Goldman/AP Photo Jimmy Carter teaches Sunday school at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Ga., on Aug. 23, 2015

Although President Carter contended with a string of health struggles over the past decade, including a cancer bout in 2015, he remained physically active into his 90s  continuing to help build houses for Habitat for Humanity, attending regular church services and teaching Sunday school.

Related: Jimmy Carter's Life in Photos

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In August 2015, Carter revealed that he had a small mass removed from his liver, at which time doctors discovered that he had cancer which had spread to other parts of his body.

He faced the diagnosis with his trademark "humor and impatience," his friend and former White House communications director Gerald Rafshoon told PEOPLE at the time. "Nothing about Jimmy has changed with this diagnosis."



The cancer was eliminated within four months, and he resumed life as usual.

Related: Jimmy Carter, Fresh Off First Cancer Treatments, Teaches Double Sunday School to Record Crowd

Matt McClain/The Washington Post via Getty Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter in Plains, Georgia

In July 2017, the former president made headlines again when he collapsed from dehydration while at a Habitat for Humanity work site in Canada  only to return the following morning after the hospital gave him the all-clear.

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In October 2019, he was hospitalized after falling and fracturing his pelvis at his home in Plains, Ga. His injury was described in a statement from The Carter Center as "minor."

The incident marked the third time he had fallen in 2019 and the second time in October. Earlier that month, he received 14 stitches on his head and a black eye after another accident. And in May 2019, he fell at his home and had to undergo surgery on his broken hip.

AFF-USA/Shutterstock Jimmy Carter volunteers for Habitat for Humanity in Nashville shortly after an October 2019 fall

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Hours after that first October incident, he went to Nashville with Mrs. Carter to lead their annual build for Habitat. There he helped glue, drill and nail pieces of wood together for corbels as part of a project to build 21 new homes in Nashville's Park Preserve neighborhood.

"One of the things Jesus taught was: If you have any talents, try to utilize them for the benefit of others," President Carter told PEOPLE from the Habitat construction site. "That's what Rosa and I have both tried to do."



Related: Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter's Work with Habitat for Humanity Through the Years: Devoting Decades to Service

"It's hard to live until you're 95 years old," he told PEOPLE in 2019. "I think the best explanation for that is to marry the best spouse: someone who will take care of you and engage and do things to challenge you and keep you alive and interested in life."

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"I think both mine and Rosa's minds are almost as good as they used to be, we just have limited capability on stamina and strength," he added. "But we still try to stay busy and do a good job at what we do."

Related: Jimmy Carter's Kids Console Him During Rosalynn Carter's Memorial Service

Library of Congress/MCT/MCT via Getty

Ushered into the White House in 1976 in the wake of Watergate and predecessor President Gerald Ford's deeply unpopular pardon of disgraced President Richard Nixon, Carter by all accounts had forged a unique path to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

He was a son of the Deep South who became a nuclear scientist and Navy submariner, then a peanut farmer and community organizer, and then the desegregationist governor of his home state of Georgia, whose segregationist groups still held great sway at the polls. After defeating then-President Ford in the 1976 presidential election, the Democrat became the first Deep South president since before the Civil War.

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Related: All the Times Amy Carter Stole the Spotlight During Jimmy Carter's Presidency

Carter's time in the nation's highest office was marked by economic uncertainty, rising gas prices, political upheavals, racial tensions and increasing evidence of America's waning power overseas.

Though he negotiated a lasting peace treaty between Egypt and Israel and reestablished full formal diplomatic relations with China, his popularity plummeted as he made a series of clumsy public relations gaffes, launched a rescue mission for American hostages in Iran that ended in a fiasco and enacted a controversial boycott of the 1980 Moscow Olympics.

He lost reelection to Republican rival Ronald Reagan by a historic landslide in 1980.

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Related: How Jimmy Carter's Presidency Was Really 'Ahead of His Time,' According to Documentary

After leaving the White House, however, the Carters set the standard for post-presidency activism that successors like the Clintons and Obamas have followed.

He and Rosalynn created The Carter Center to further global peace and human rights, brokered a nuclear-nonproliferation deal with North Korea, acted as an unofficial diplomat on behalf of the U.S. in troubled areas around the world and worked hands-on to build affordable homes for low-income families both in the U.S. and abroad.

In 2002, Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to promote peace, democracy and human rights.

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Related: How Past Presidents Spent Their Time After Leaving the White House

John Amis/AP/Shutterstock From left: Former President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter in September 2018

To those who knew him best as he rose to national prominence, Carter remained the unpretentious peanut farmer who grew up in a tiny Georgia town.

Pennsylvania dairy farmer Wayne Harpster was friends with Carter since their first fishing trip in 1979. They kept in touch over the years, with Carter visiting Harpster nearly every year to go fishing. In 1989, the former president even helped his old fishing buddy build a covered bridge.

"Over those years, nothing changed between him and I. That's a lot of years," Harpster told PEOPLE in 2014. "He's still President Carter to me."

And President Carter was rarely without his first lady, Rosalynn, whom he fell in love with while attending the U.S. Naval Academy as a young man. Mrs. Carter shared her husband's lack of pretension, his hardy constitution and his heart.

Related: Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Celebrate 77th Anniversary in Same Small Town as Their 1946 Wedding

David Goldman/AP Rosalynn and Jimmy Carter walk through Plains, Ga., on Feb. 8, 2017 Rosalynn and Jimmy Carter walk through Plains, Ga., on Feb. 8, 2017

But more than all that, said Harpster, she was Carter's "fishing buddy  which is deeper." They were inseparable, traveling the four corners of the globe together not only to monitor elections in emerging democracies, fight disease in forgotten poor villages and build houses for the homeless through Habitat for Humanity  but also to share a tent along some far-flung river where the fishing was good.

Related: What Do Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Mean by 'ILYTG'? Behind the Secret Acronym They've Used Since the '40s

Harpster said he was by the couple's side when they celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary in Russia in July 2013.

"We had a little party at the fishing camp. It was kind of unique to be with somebody who's been together [for so long]. You could see a lot of contentment between them," he said. "I've never seen two people as close as they are."

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The Carters remained full and equal partners in his post-presidency, even as Harpster said he sensed in his friends the lingering sting of losing the reelection bid.

"Mrs. C. took it harder than the president," he said. "But I think they both adjusted pretty fast and they started to have so many projects with The Carter Center and [doing] all these good things in Africa  Just keeping themselves busy and looking ahead to what they could do good for the world and people who need help."

"He has had a very full, wonderful, productive life," Carter's cousin Betty Pope told PEOPLE. "He wanted to make sure every day of his life he was able to do what he was charged to do personally  which, he felt, was to try to make peace and improve the world."

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On December 28, 2024, Jimmy Carter's family announced he passed away at age 100. Take a look back at his life in photos here and read about how he was a citizen of the world here. Below, a story on his health that was updated throughout this past year.

Nearly two years ago, on February 18, 2023, the Carter Center announced that former U.S. President Jimmy Carter would be entering hospice care. In October 2024, Carter reached a milestone no other president has: He celebrated his 100th birthday.

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When Carter entered hospice, the Carter Center said, "after a series of short hospital stays, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter today decided to spend his remaining time at home with his family and receive hospice care instead of additional medical intervention." They did not specify why he was hospitalized. His grandson, Jason Carter, later revealed to T&C that the family thought they had just days left with him when he entered hospice.

"Obviously we're not in charge, and God had other plans," Jason told T&C in September 2024. "What that has done for us as a family is these last 18 months, it's given us a chance to have an enormous amount of reflection with each other, with him." He adds, "The whole world has had this opportunity for real reflection about him and my grandmother and their legacy. It's been a remarkable outpouring of love and respect, but also of admiration for what he actually accomplished, both in the White House and after."

Since the news that he went into hospice broke, there have been very few updates on his health (though President Joe Biden did reveal that Carter had asked him to deliver his eulogy), and he has only been seen in public once, at the funeral for his beloved wife, Rosalynn Carter; she passed away in November at the age of 96. In a statement at the time, Jimmy said, "Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished. She gave me wise guidance and encouragement when I needed it. As long as Rosalynn was in the world, I always knew somebody loved and supported me."

At the service for Rosalynn, his grandson Jason Carter spoke to the New York Times about his grandfather, Jimmy, saying, "Hes coming to the end, and he's very, very physically diminished. But I think he was proud and happy that he was there for her till the very end, and he wasnt going to miss this for anything." Carter was pictured at Rosalynn's funeral service in a wheelchair, and with a blanket covering his legs.



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Additionally, for a story about Carter spending a year in hospice, Jason told the Times, "He was really honored and glad that he made it to the end with my grandmother, and that was a real treasure for him. And I think that for whatever reason, the way he approaches this is from a place of enormous faith. And so he just believes that for whatever reason, Gods not done with him yet."

He added, "One of the things that has driven home to me is there are things about life and the spirit that you just cant understand. I dont know what its like for him right now. I dont know what its like to face this moment in the way that he has been facing it for the last year. But thats been liberating for me to know that I just dont know. And thats OK."

In May 2024, Jason offered another update on his grandfather, during the Rosalynn Carter Symposium on Mental Health Policy. "I said, 'Pawpaw, people ask me how you're doing, and I say, I don't know.' And he said, 'well, I don't know myself,'" Jason said, per the Georgia Recorder. "He's still there." Jason added, "There's a part of this faith journey that is so important to him, and there's a part of that faith journey that you only can live at the very end. And I think he has been there in that space."

A month later, Jason spoke with Southern Living, saying there's "really been no change" in Carter's condition, saying his grandfather "experiencing the world as best he can as he continues through this process." He added that Carter is no longer awake every day.

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However, in August 2024, Jason offered new insight into his grandfather: He plans to stay alive to vote for Kamala Harris. At the Democratic National Convention, Jason spoke, reiterating this sentiment, and saying Carter "can't wait" to vote for Harris, and is "holding on." He said, "though his body may be weak tonight, his spirit is as strong as ever."

Jason emphasized this to T&C after the DNC, saying, "He's excited to cast a ballotfor a host of reasonsfor Kamala Harris. There's a lot of poetry to it, if you want to go down that line. He also is excited to turn the page on this Donald Trump era that has really been defined by a meanness and a darkness that's very different than what Jimmy Carter has always been about."

Carter fulfilled his goal and voted for Harris: According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution on October 16, "he got his wish by filling out a ballot for his fellow Democrat that was put in the drop box at the Sumter County Courthouse near his hometown of Plains." (Early voting began in Georgia on October 15.) After the election of Donald Trump, a spokesperson for the Carter Center revealed that Carter would not be attending the inauguration due to his health issues.

Carter remains the nation's longest-living president; he turned 100 years old on October 1, 2024.



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People from across the political spectrum mourned former President Jimmy Carter upon news of his death.

The Georgia Democrat and noted humanitarians son James E. Carter III announced that his father had passed away while surrounded by family in his birthplace of Plains, Georgia, on Sunday. He was 100 years old.

His son, known as Chip Carter, wrote, My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love.

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In a statement from the White House, President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden remembered Carter as a dear friend who changed the world.

Today, America and the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman, and humanitarian, it began.

Remarking on Carters compassion and moral clarity, the Bidens noted how the Nobel Prize winner worked to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil rights and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless, and always advocate for the least among us.

He saved, lifted, and changed the lives of people all across the globe, the statement went on.

President Jimmy Carter speaks at his home parish of Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia, on April 28, 2019. The Nobel Prize winner died at 100 on Sunday. NurPhoto via Getty Images

Calling Carter a man of great character and courage, hope and optimism, the Bidens also shared their admiration for the presidents 77-year marriage with his late wife, Rosalynn Carter, who passed away in November 2023.

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The love shared between Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter is the definition of partnership and their humble leadership is the definition of patriotism, the president and first lady said.

President-elect Donald Trump paid tribute to Carter in a post on Truth Social, where he wrote about the weight of the presidential office.

Those of us who have been fortunate to have served as President understand this is a very exclusive club, and only we can relate to the enormous responsibility of leading the Greatest Nation in History, he shared.

The challenges Jimmy faced as President came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans, Trump went on. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude.

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Former President Bill Clinton and wife Hillary Clinton celebrated Carters life in a joint statement where they gave thanks for his long, good life.

Guided by his faith, President Carter lived to serve others-until the very end, it continued, noting his commitment to civil rights, protecting the environment, international diplomacy and supporting vulnerable Americans through his post-presidential work with Habitat for Humanity.

He worked tirelessly for a better, fairer world, the Clintons tribute said.

Former President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama said in a statement, Elected in the shadow of Watergate, Jimmy Carter promised voters that he would always tell the truth. And he did  advocating for the public good, consequences be damned. He believed some things were more important than reelection  things like integrity, respect, and compassion. Because Jimmy Carter believed, as deeply as he believed anything, that we are all created in Gods image.

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Whenever I had a chance to spend time with President Carter, it was clear that he didnt just profess these values. He embodied them. And in doing so, he taught all of us what it means to live a life of grace, dignity, justice, and service, the Obamas went on.

Remembering Carter in his own words, they concluded, In his Nobel acceptance speech, President Carter said, God gives us the capacity for choice. We can choose to alleviate suffering. We can choose to work together for peace. He made that choice again and again over the course of his 100 years, and the world is better for it.

In a statement, former President George W. Bush wrote, James Earl Carter, Jr., was a man of deeply held convictions. He was loyal to his family, his community, and his country. President Carter dignified the office.

It continued, And his efforts to leave behind a better world didnt end with the presidency. His work with Habitat for Humanity and the Carter Center set an example of service that will inspire Americans for generations.

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In his own statement, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) wrote that Carter personified the true meaning of leadership through service, through compassion, and through integrity.

Hillary's and my statement on the passing of President Jimmy Carter: pic.twitter.com/SOgqTZUdi6  Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) December 29, 2024

From his legacy as President, to his dedication to improving human rights across the globe, and his tireless efforts alongside his wife Rosalynn, in building a better world through Habitat for Humanity, he inspired millions with his unwavering commitment to justice and equality, the statement read.

Former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) mourned Carter in a statement that said, At the heart of President Carters public service was his fervent commitment to honoring the spark of divinity within every person.

Her statement continued, As President, his work to restore integrity to the political arena during a difficult chapter in our history was a testament to his firm faith in the sanctity of the public good, which he always placed above his own. After leaving the White House, he carried on his service  leading perhaps the most impactful post-presidency in history.

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Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) honored Carter as someone who lived a truly American dream, serving his country during times of tension and uncertainty, both at home and abroad.

A statement from McConnells office described Carter as a devoutly religious peanut farmer from small-town Georgia whose career in public service started when he volunteered to serve his country in uniform.

He found himself manning cutting-edge submarines hundreds of feet beneath the ocean, the Kentucky Republican wrote. He returned home and saved the family farm before feeling drawn to a different sort of public service. And less than 15 years after his first campaign for the state Senate, his fellow Americans elected him leader of the free world.

McConnell went on to say that despite the tumult of Carters 1977 to 1981 term in the Oval Office, his calm spirit and deep faith seemed unshakeable.

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Remarking on Carters deep faith, he added how Jimmy Carter served as our commander-in-chief for four years, but he served as the beloved, unassuming Sunday school teacher at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia for forty. And his humble devotion leaves us little doubt which of those two important roles he prized the most.

Sad to learn about the passing of President Jimmy Carter. I join all Americans in saluting President Carters lifetime of servicefirst as a naval officer, then as a senator in the Georgia legislature, then as Governor of Georgia, and, finally, as President of the United States.  Steve Scalise (@SteveScalise) December 29, 2024

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) paid tribute to the former president in a post on X, where he wrote that he was sad to learn of Carters death.

I join all Americans in saluting President Carters lifetime of service  first as a naval officer, then as a senator in the Georgia legislature, then as Governor of Georgia, and, finally, as President of the United States, his post continued, adding how Carter set the standard for post-presidential service through his work with Habitat for Humanity.

At 100, Carter was the longest-living U.S. president in the nations history. Born in 1924, he witnessed the tenure of 17 other presidents throughout his lifetime.

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Carter is survived by sons James E. Carter III, Jack Carter, Jeff Carter and daughter Amy, as well as his 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Memorial services will take place in Atlanta, Georgia, and Washington, D.C., in the coming weeks, according to The Carter Center.

Related...
Jimmy Carter, America's oldest living president, died on Dec. 29, 2024, at age 100.

The former president, who was born on Oct. 1, 1924, was the head of a large, extended family, many of whom accompanied his remains on a flight from Georgias Dobbins Air Reserve Base to Washington, D.C., on Jan. 7, for the late presidents final journey to the nations capital.

PHOTO: The Carter family pay their respects during a ceremony as the flag-draped casket of former President Jimmy Carter lies in state, at the Capitol in Washington, DC, Jan. 7, 2025. (Kent Nishimura/AP)

The Carter family was also front and center on Jan. 9, at Washington National Cathedral, where the state funeral for the former president was held.

PHOTO: Members of the Carter family, including Jeff and Jack Carter, greet President Joe Biden as they arrive for state funeral services for former President Jimmy Carter at the National Cathedral, Jan. 9, 2025 in Washington, D.C. (Ricky Cariot-Pool via Imagn Images)

Near the start of the service, Carters grandson Josh Carter recalled his grandfathers weekly packed Sunday school classes in Plains, Georgia, saying, in part, "My grandfather spent the entire time I've known him helping those in need. He built houses for people that needed homes. He eliminated diseases. ... He waged peace.  He loved people."

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Carter's eldest grandchild, Jason Carter, remembered the former president in a eulogy as the "definition of integrity," and said his house, like other southern grandparents', was filled with fishing trophies, a phone with a landline and a fridge covered with photos of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Rosalynn Carter, Jimmy Carter's wife of 77 years, predeceased her husband.

She died on Nov. 19, 2023, two days after the Carter family announced publicly that their matriarch had started hospice care as well. She was later honored at a memorial service held at Emory University's Glenn Memorial Church in Atlanta, where Jimmy Carter made a rare appearance.

"Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished," former President Jimmy Carter said in a statement at the time. "She gave me wise guidance and encouragement when I needed it. As long as Rosalynn was in the world, I always knew somebody loved and supported me."

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World leaders mourn Jimmy Carter, celebrate 'noble' legacy

Rosalynn Carter had been diagnosed with dementia in her final year of life.

Together, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter had four children and around two dozen grandchildren and great-grandchildren, according to the Jimmy Carter Library.

After Jimmy Carter's death, Jason Carter, remembered the former president as a grandfather first.

"He was my grandfather so I have a lot of memories, like others do, of him taking me fishing or sitting around and talking about what I should do in my life," Jason Carter told "Good Morning America" on Dec. 31. "When I graduated from college, he and I sat down and I said, 'What would you do if you were me?,' and he said, 'I would go to Africa and join the Peace Corps,' and so I did that."

Meet Rosalynn and Jimmy Carter's family

Rosalynn and Jimmy Carter, who were married for over seven decades, were parents to three sons -- John William, James Earl III, Donnel Jeffrey -- and one daughter, Amy Lynn.

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In addition to their four children, the Carters were grandparents of 12 (one deceased) and great-grandparents to 14 children, according to the Jimmy Carter Library.

PHOTO: A portrait of President Jimmy Carter and his extended family. (Corbis via Getty Images)

The Carters grew up together as neighbors and schoolmates in Plains, Georgia, and went on to become the longest-married couple in presidential history. They married on July 7, 1946.

PHOTO: FILE - Former president Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn prior to a game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Sept. 30, 2018 in Atlanta. (Scott Cunningham/Getty Images, FILE)

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Jimmy Carter told ABC News in 2021 that the key to their long and happy marriage included taking the time to both "share as much as we possibly can" and giving each other permission to pursue separate interests.

"We've survived this long together because first of all, we give each other plenty of space to do our own thing," he said at the time.

"We're always looking to do things or find things we can do together, like fly fishing and bird watching and just going out to the pond," Rosalynn Carter also added.

Learn more about the Carters children.

PHOTO: Democratic Presidential nominee, Jimmy Carter, and his wife, Rosalynn, are surrounded by family on the podium after Carter made his acceptance speech. (Bettmann Archive via Getty Images, FILE)

Jack Carter

Jack Carter was born in Virginia in July 1947, nearly a year after his parents' marriage.

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He owns an investment company and lives in Las Vegas.

The eldest Carter son was previously a lawyer and a businessman and in 2016, followed his fathers footsteps into politics. He ran as a Democratic candidate for the Senate in Nevada but lost to incumbent Republican Sen. John Ensign.

PHOTO: U.S. Senate candidate Jack Carter is greeted by supporters as he walks into the Channel 8 studios in Las Vegas for a debate with incumbent U.S. Sen. John Ensign, Oct. 15, 2006. (John Locher/AP)

He was previously married to Juliette "Judy" Langford and they share two children  son Jason James and daughter Sarah Rosemary, according to the New Georgia Encyclopedia, which is run by the University of Georgia. Jack Carter has been married to Elizabeth Brasfield since 1992.

Jason Carter delivered the eulogy at the memorial service of his late grandmother Rosalynn Carter.

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In an interview on "Good Morning America" on Dec. 31, Jason Carter described his grandparents' 77-year marriage as "one of the great American love stories."

He also described his closeness with his grandfather, saying of the former president, ""Hes an interesting guy, but he really was a grandfather to me first."

Chip Carter

James Earl Carter III, named after his father, was born in Hawaii in April 1950.

The second Carter son also grew up in his father's hometown of Plains but in a 2008 interview with the Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies, he said his nickname Chip was given to him while he was still in Honolulu.

PHOTO: President Jimmy Carter and Mrs. Rosalynn Carter along with their son, Chip, and his wife, Caron, arrive at the White House, Jan. 15, 1978, from the presidential retreat at Camp David, Md. (Barry Thumma/AP)

"'Chip' is Hawaiian for 'baby' and my blue armband when I was born had 'Chip Carter' written on it, which meant 'baby Carter' and that's how I got the name Chip," he said.

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MORE: Jimmy Carter's life in pictures

Chip Carter was married in 1973 to Caron Griffin and they had a son named James Earl Carter IV. The couple divorced in 1980. Chip Carter would later marry Ginger Hodges and they had a daughter named Margaret Alicia Carter. Today, Chip Carter is married to Becky Payne, according to the New Georgia Encyclopedia.

Chip Carter welcomed guests to the late Rosalynn Carters memorial service and called his mother his "hero."

"I will always love my mother. I will cherish how she and Dad raised their children. They'd given us such a great example of how a couple should relate. Let me finish by saying that my mother, Rosalynn Carter, was the most beautiful woman I've ever met and pretty to look at, too. Thank you," he said.

Jeff Carter

Donnel Jeffrey Carter is the youngest son and third child of the former president and former first lady.

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Jeff Carter was born in August 1952 in Connecticut and attended Georgia Southwestern State University, where he would meet his future wife, the late Annette Davis Carter.

PHOTO: Jeff Carter, son of President Jimmy Carter, gives Pele a plaque thanking Pele for his contributions while playing for the New York Cosmos during ceremonies before Pele's last game, Oct. 1, 1977 at Giant Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (Red/AP)

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The couple married in 1975, lived at the White House and, later, had three children  sons Joshua, Jeremy and James. Jeremy Carter died in 2015 after an apparent heart attack, according to the biography "His Very Best Jimmy Carter, a Life," by Jonathan Alter.

In "Caregiving: Generations," a short documentary released in October 2024, Joshua Carter opened up about his personal experience caregiving for his sons Charlie and Jonathan and his family, especially his grandmother Rosalynn Carter's advocacy for caregiving on the national level.

Amy Carter

PHOTO: Amy Carter touches the flag-draped casket of her father, former President Jimmy Carter, after a ceremony where Carter lies in state at the Capitol in Washington, DC, Jan. 7, 2025. (Ricky Carioti/AP)

Amy Lynn Carter is the youngest of the Carter kids and was born in Plains in October 19, 1967.

Amy was one of the speakers at her late mothers memorial service and read letters her father Jimmy had written to her mother Rosalynn.

"My mom spent most of her life in love with my dad. Their partnership and love story was a defining feature of her life," Amy Carter said. "Because he isn't able to speak to you today. I am going to share some of his words about loving and missing her."

"This is from a letter he wrote 75 years ago while he was serving in the Navy. 'My darling, every time I have ever been away from you, I have been thrilled when I returned to discover just how wonderful you are. While I'm away, I try to convince myself that you really are not, could not be as sweet and beautiful as I remember. But when I see you, I fall in love with you all over again. Does that seem strange to you? It doesn't to me. Goodbye, darling. Until tomorrow, Jimmy,'" she finished.

PHOTO: Amy Carter with her father Jimmy and mother Rosalynn Carter in a family suite at the Americana Hotel in Washington, D.C., July 14, 1976. (Newsday via Getty Images)

Amy Carter spent her young teenage years in the White House when her father was president and her mother was first lady, between 1977 and 1981.

PHOTO: FILE - View of future First Lady Rosalynn Carter (fore left), daughter Amy, and husband, US President-Elect Jimmy Carter, as they wave, Atlanta, Nov. 3, 1976. (Consolidated News Pictures/Getty Images)

In 1996, Amy Carter married James Wentzel and the couple had a son, Hugo James Wentzel, who was born on July 29, 1999. The couple later divorced and Amy Carter remarried Jay Kelly. They also welcomed a son, named Errol Carter Kelly.

In the summer of 2023, Hugo James Wentzel appeared on the second season of the reality competition show "Claim to Fame," which features celebrity relatives, and revealed he was one of the Carters' grandchildren.

"He's an amazing grandpa, honestly. I love him so much. I call him Papa," Wentzel said of the former president. "He led America and my family very well. I stand for everything he stands for. He believes in equality for everyone, regardless of race, class, gender, anything. He's just an amazing person. I aspire to be like him one day."

Former President Jimmy Carter dies at 100: What to know about his kids, grandkids originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com
President Jimmy Carter, who died Sunday at 100, is leaving an enduring legacy in one of the causes he spent decades working on and cherished most, according to those who volunteered with him.

Carter and his wife, Rosalynn Carter, had been "been champions and groundbreaking voices for affordable, decent housing for all" since 1984, according to Habitat for Humanity. The Carters donated their time and influence and worked with nearly 103,000 volunteers in 14 countries to build, renovate and repair 4,331 homes, the nonprofit stated.

PHOTO: Thomas Trumble shakes former President Jimmy Carter's hand at a build site on a Carter Work Project in South Africa in 2002. (Courtesy of Thomas Trumble)

Rhode Island-based builder and designer Kenneth Young, 66, first began volunteering with Habitat for Humanity in the 1990s. After his first "Carter build" in 1995 in Watts, California, a neighborhood in southern Los Angeles, he "got the bug," he told ABC News.

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Since then, Young has carried out 20 builds, many alongside the 39th president of the United States -- including Carter's last build in Nashville in 2019, Young said.

MORE: Biden lets it slip that Jimmy Carter wants him to deliver Carter's eulogy

Young's favorite memory of Carter was during a build in Budapest, Hungary, in 1996, when the residents of a newly built home -- twin boy toddlers -- smacked him in the face with a balloon and Carter, a grandfather himself, "took in it stride" and with a smile.

"It was classic," Young said.

PHOTO: Kenneth Young poses with former President Jimmy Carter at a Carter Work Project in the Watts neighborhood in Los Angeles in 1985. (Courtesy of Kenneth Young)

Don Shaw and Thomas Trumble -- lifelong friends who have been volunteering together for decades with the Habitat for Humanity chapter in Hartford, Connecticut, first worked with Carter in 2002 during a build in Durban, South Africa, they told ABC News.

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Much of the focus of the build was reconciliation from apartheid, and the project was part of Carter's aim to build 1,000 homes in Africa, Shaw said.

PHOTO: Don Shaw poses with former President Jimmy Carter on a plane back the U.S. following a build in Haiti on December 2, 2012. (Courtesy of Don Shaw)

Shaw and Trumble went on to join Carter on builds in Mexico, India, Thailand, Canada and twice in Haiti, they said. They were also with Carter during his last build in Nashville.

The volunteers were often on a first-name basis with Carter, who made them feel like they were part of his "inner-circle," Shaw said.

MORE: Jimmy Carter to receive hospice care following hospitalizations: Carter Center

Although Carter's celebrity and political status often brought a media circus and extra funding, the former president also knew how to get his hands dirty, the volunteers said.

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On the job site, Carter was a natural leader, Young said.

PHOTO: Former President Jimmy Carter, and wife, Rosalynn help build houses as part of a weeklong nationwide project with Habitat for Humanity, in Baltimore, October 5, 2010. (Baltimore Sun via Getty Images)

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Carter's presence alone was enough inspire everyone to work hard and efficiently. The builds run by the Carters were "a logistical miracle," Shaw said, adding that it was often astonishing to see how many homes the group could build within a mere week.

"President Carter, also being a Navy man, and having that military background., he wants it right. He wants it done properly. And he wants it on time," Young said.

PHOTO: After falling at his home and injuring himself, former President Jimmy Carter helps builds homes at a Habitat for Humanity project, Oct. 7, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (Mark Humphrey/AP)

Shaw nicknamed Carter the "benevolent taskmaster," he said.

"President Carter was all about getting the job done," Shaw said. "I can remember him going around the site saying, "No photos, no photos. We've got houses to build. Get back."

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MORE: A look back at Jimmy Carter's health journey and thoughts on aging

After an eight-hour work day, the volunteers would come together under a huge camp and share a meal, Trumble said.

One of Carter's favorite rituals was to walk into the completed homes to hand the new occupants the keys and a Bible, Young said.

"He really cares about the people that we're building for," Young said.

PHOTO: Former President Jimmy Carter works on the construction site during the building of 100 houses as part of Jimmy Carter's Work Project 2002, at the Cato Manor, north of Durban, South Africa. (Rajesh Jantilal/AFP via Getty Images)

Carter will be sorely missed, the volunteers said.

"God knows we're all going to miss President Carter when when he leaves us, but I'm hoping his legacy will continue quite a long way forward," Young said.

Shaw said, "Being around the Carters was just magical."

Jimmy Carter's legacy lives on through Habitat for Humanity, volunteers say originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Egyptian President Anwar Al Sadat, U.S. President Jimmy Carter, and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin, seated at a table during the signing ceremony for the Camp David Accords in the White House's East Room, Washington D.C., on Sept. 17, 1978. Credit - Arnie SachsCNP/Getty Images

Some U.S. presidents have the (mis)fortune of having their entire foreign policy defined by their handling of one part of the world. For Jimmy Carter, who died on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, aged 100, it was the Middle East.

There, he reached his highest point as a peacemaker and his lowest one as a seemingly inept protector of Americans. His legacy in the region is a complex one, featuring stunning triumphs and bitter defeatsand setting dubious precedents.

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In November 1977, Egyptian President Anwar Sadat traveled to Israel to seek peace, creating an opening for an agreement between the heretofore bitter enemies. By July 1978, however, the talks had stalled. In an attempt to resurrect them, Carter audaciously proposed that he, Sadat, and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin meet at the presidential retreat at Camp David in September.

After 13 days of arduous negotiations and diplomacy, Carter brokered the Camp David Accords. The agreement had two parts: a framework for peace between Egypt and Israel, and a framework for negotiations on Palestinian autonomy. Although Egypt and Israel signed a peace treaty in March 1979, the Palestinian autonomy talks ultimately went nowhere, in large part due to Israeli intransigence.

This left a mixed legacy for the agreement.

On the one hand, it ended the threat of conflict between Israel and the strongest Arab state, thereby drastically decreasing the chances of another large-scale Arab-Israeli war like those that took place in 1967 and 1973. That not only prevented mass casualties and destruction, but it also reduced the possibility of a nuclear war between the superpowerssomething that had seemed possible during the 1973 war when there was a nuclear standoff between the United States and Soviet Union.

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Read More: How U.S. Failures in the 1970s Contributed to the Israel-Hamas War

On the other hand, Egypts peace with Israel hamstrung the Palestinians, depriving them of their greatest source of pressure on Israel to negotiate fairly. Furthermore, the United States repeatedly missed or forfeited the chance to involve the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in the negotiations. When Carters ambassador to the United Nations, Andrew Young, secretly met with a PLO representative, Carter fired him. Carter later expressed regret for that decision, and he had understandable reasons for not wanting to upset the Israelisafter all, without them, there could be no negotiationsor to suffer the potential domestic political costs of engaging the Palestinians. Yet, the move punctuated Carters failure to seriously and directly engage with the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, or to sufficiently pressure Israel on Palestinian rights.

Carter also rebuffed Soviet attempts to engage in the peace talks, which erased the possibility of securing comprehensive Arab-Israeli peace, as historian Galen Jackson argues in his recent book. Without Soviet involvement, there was no way to bring the other Arab nations to the table, making a broader deal and regional peace impossible. But Cold War considerations trumped all for Carter, and instead of working on a peace deal, the Soviets joined with the Arabs to oppose the Egyptian-Israeli peace.

While Carter was preoccupied with guiding the Egyptian-Israeli talks to completion and negotiating a strategic nuclear arms deal with the Soviets, Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi of Iran, Americas closest partner in the Middle East, faced a revolution at home, beginning in November 1978. When pushed by his hawkish national security adviser, Zbigniew Brzezinski, to encourage the Shah to use force against the opposition, Carter refused, and the Shah abdicated in January. Ultimately, the radical Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini took power and turned Iran from a close American ally into a staunchly anti-Western force in the region, despite the Carter Administrations efforts to develop positive relations with the new government.

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Irans collapse added to the anxiety of other American partners in the regionespecially Saudi Arabiawho were unsure whether the United States would support them if revolution crept to their doors. This fear was punctuated by a border conflict between the Yemen Arab Republic (YAR) and its southern Marxist neighbor, the Peoples Democratic Republic of Yemen (PDRY) in February and March 1979, which threatened Saudi Arabias security. Hoping to reassure U.S. allies, Carter ordered a Navy carrier to the Gulf of Aden and used a congressional waiver to hasten arms deliveries to the YAR. That conflict ultimately ended in a cease-fire in mid-March.

Though short-lived, this crisis, sometimes called the Second Yemenite War, was a turning point for Carters Middle East policy that signaled his increased openness to military intervention. This willingness stemmed from the administrations impression that the Persian Gulf was vital to American security, that the situation was rapidly spinning out of control and that it could only be rectified through a stronger pro-American security architecture in the regionwhat Brzezinski dubbed a consultative security framework. Accordingly, the administration also undertook a drastic increase in arms sales to Saudi Arabia as part of a recognition of its outsize role in American interests in the region, especially due to its oil production.

Read More: Jimmy Carter Was More Successful Than He Got Credit For

Carters mettle would be tested again later that year, when, on Nov. 4, Iranian student protesters seized the American embassy in Tehran and took over 60 U.S. Embassy personnel and expatriates hostage, only releasing some of the African American and female captives in a show of solidarity. Despite tireless diplomatic efforts to free the hostages, 52 Americans languished in captivity in Iran for 444 daysa colossal embarrassment to the Carter Administration (though recent reporting has renewed debate over whether the Reagan campaign may have quietly signaled to Iran not to release the hostages while Carter was in office).

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To make matters worse, the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan in late December 1979, marking the end of the period of improved Soviet-American relations known as detente. The Soviets had grown wary of American moves in the Middle East and feared that Afghanistan could become an American proxy on their border.

Western intelligence agencies were shocked by the invasion and American policymakers worried that the Soviet Union might be angling to control the Persian Gulf and its oil, through Iran or Saudi Arabia. This possibility represented a significant threat to American interests, as it raised the specter of worsening the existing oil crisis caused by the Iranian Revolution, and prompted Carter to promulgate what came to be knownmuch to his chagrinas the Carter Doctrine.

In his Jan. 23, 1980 State of the Union address, Carter bluntly declared that An attempt by any outside force to gain control of the Persian Gulf region will be regarded as an assault on the vital interests of the United States of America, and such an assault will be repelled by any means necessary, including military force.

Read More: Jimmy Carter Revolutionized Politics. We're Still Paying the Price

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The Carter Doctrine set the stage for a more militant American policy toward the Middle East and created a policy rationale that allowed for the disastrous April 1980 attempt to free the hostages in Iran (the first offensive U.S. military action in the region since 1958), the even-more-catastrophic U.S. intervention in Lebanon between 1982 and 1984, the 1991 Gulf War, and the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Carter also helped create the basing system and diplomatic relations necessary for projecting American power into the Middle East, a feat that was previously far more difficult because of the lack of U.S. bases and forces in the region.

What, then, is Carters Middle East legacy?

He was a peacemaker but was unable to end the Palestinian-Israeli conflict  something he urged his successors to do by recognizing a Palestinian state.

He believed in restraint but ended up looking weak to many Americans, which contributed significantly to his defeat in 1980.

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He was an advocate for human rights and a reluctant interventionist, but paved the way for decades of American policy excesses in the Middle East, including unjust wars and torture.

This mixed record reflected not only the complexity of Carter, but also the difficulty of the region and the cross pressures facing American policymakers as they determine a course in the Middle East.

Benjamin V. Allison is a PhD student in history at the University of Texas at Austin, where he specializes in U.S. foreign and national security policy since 1945, especially toward the Middle East and Russia. He also studies terrorism. Made by History takes readers beyond the headlines with articles written and edited by professional historians. Learn more about Made by History at TIME here.

Write to Made by History at madebyhistory@time.com.
Former President Jimmy Carter died a "hero," his second-born son said in a powerful statement on Sunday, Dec. 29, as the late leader's family announced his death at 100 years old.

The Nobel Peace Prize-winning 39th president had been in hospice care since Feb. 2023, and died in his beloved hometown of Plains, Georgia.

Former President Carter, a father of four, had a profound impact on both his children and his constituents, his son James Earl "Chip" Carter III, said.

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My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love, Chip said in a statement released by the Carter Center. "My brothers, sister, and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs."

Continued the statement, "The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honoring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs."

Related: Jimmy Carter's Life in Photos

In addition to Chip, former President Carter is survived by his children Jack, Jeff and Amy, all shared with wife Rosalynn, who preceded him in death in Nov. 2023. Combined, the late former president and first lady also had 22 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Library of Congress/MCT/Tribune News Service via Getty President Jimmy Carter in 1977 President Jimmy Carter in 1977

Family was important to the former president, as he said during an appearance on The Lead with Jake Tapper in 2015: "We try to hold our family together."

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Related: Jimmy Carter Will Be Buried Beside Rosalynn Carter, His Wife of 77 Years, at Their Longtime Georgia Home

In the years before his death, former President Carter praised his partnership with Rosalynn, as well. He told PEOPLE in 2019 that they'd "had a good life together," adding, "Now when we have a quiet moment, like a birthday or something, we like to stay at home, just by ourselves, and enjoy a quiet day in our own house without any visitors and with minimum phone calls and emails coming in."

Public observances for the late former president will be held in both Atlanta and Washington, D.C., before a final interment in Plains. A state funeral, including public events, is still being planned.

Read the original article on People
At the ripe age of 100, Jimmy Carter, a former peanut farmer, was the 39th president of the United States and the longest living American president. He died Sunday at his home in Plains, Georgia, according to his son James E. Carter III per The Washington Post. Beloved and misunderstood, Carter especially had a complicated relationship with Black America. It might surprise you to learn that the man who would eventually win the overwhelming support of Black voters for President (twice), wasnt always seen as a friend to the Black community.

To call Carters early relationship with the Black community complicated, would be the understatement of the century. As a candidate for Georgia governor, Carter cozied up with avowed segregationists, earning himself a rather unflattering description from the premier state newspaper, the Atlanta Journal Constitution. In their opposition to his candidacy they called him ignorant, racist, backward, ultra-conservative, red-necked South Georgia peanut farmer.

But in his personal life, the rural Georgian politician had taken stances in favor of integration. At his Baptist church, Carter and his wife, the late Rosalynn Carter,were two of only three congregants to vote in favor of integration. (He later joined an integrated church, the Maranatha Baptist Church)And as renewed segregationist sentiment swept through the South after Brown v. Board, Carter was one of the only white men in his community to refuse to join the local chapter of the white supremacist group, The White Citizens Council.

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The clear contradictions didnt go unnoticed by Black Americans, who overwhelmingly supported Carters primary opponent in the Georgia Governors race. But as evidenced by Black voters later support of Carter, his story doesnt end there.

Its hard to know exactly what changed with Carter. Its possible that the fact he was no longer running in the Deep South meant he felt safe standing by the convictions hed espoused in his personal life. But in his inaugural address as Governor in 1970, Carter hit a different note than his campaign, swearing the time for racial discrimination is over.

From there, Carter began to build a relationship with Black civil rights leaders that would continue into his Presidency.

Civil rights leaders felt comfortable negotiating with him, says Andra Gillespie, an American Politics Professor at Emory University, where Carter also served as a Professor.

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That didnt mean Carter and civil rights leaders always say eye to eye. During one of Gillespies classes that Carter guest-lectured, she says he described a moment of tension between himself and civil rights leaders during negotiations of the Humphrey-Hawkins Act, which sought to grant full employment to Americans.

The bill was so watered down by amendments that it didnt do anything, explains Gillespie, and it was really interesting to hear President Carter explain his take on what happened with that bill to my class. So basically, he was like, civil rights leaders were demanding things that were just not possible.

Despite these tensions, Carter accomplished a lot for the Black community while in office, says Gillespie. For his time, he had the most diverse cabinet that anybody prior to that had had, she says.

And as a former-President, Gillespie said that he continued to push for racial equality. When President Obama was in office and Republicans were openly talking about obstructing him with a goal of trying to do ruin his chances for re-election, he was the one one who on television and said thats racist, says Gillespie.

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Gillespie says that Obama likely would have struggled to make the argument himself as a Black man and current President, but that Carter didnt sugar coat it.

He just straight up said these attacks are racist to try to use his political capital to be able to shake people into realizing that the attacks against Obama were more than just partisan posturing, says Gillespie. I think thats an example of ally-ship.

Outside of his work in politics, Gillespie says that Carters humanitarian work with groups like Habitat for Humanity have directly benefited Black people in the United States and globally.

Jimmy Carter will be known for having the most successful post-Presidency of anybody, says Gillespie. I think hes the standard and the model for what a post-Presidency looks like, using the platform that was gained by having held the most powerful office in the world to go do good for others.

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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, holds talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 28, 2024. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

China on Saturday called on the international community to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries in the Middle East, respect the legitimate and reasonable concerns of those countries, respect the independent choices made by the people of the Middle East, and respect the historical and cultural traditions of countries in that region.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi made the remarks when holding talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi in Beijing.

Noting that the Middle East belongs to the people of the Middle East, Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that it is not an arena for major-power rivalry, nor should it be the victim of geopolitical competition among countries outside the region.

For the region to emerge from chaos and enjoy stability, the pressing task is to achieve an immediate ceasefire and stop violence, ease the humanitarian crisis, adhere to political settlement and resume dialogue and negotiation, Wang said.

He said it is hoped that all parties will play a constructive role in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East, instead of trying to impose their will on the people of the Middle East or pointing fingers at Middle Eastern countries, let alone resorting to sanctions and pressure, provoking confrontation or resorting to force at every turn.

As a good friend and partner of Middle Eastern countries, China has always firmly supported them in independently exploring development paths, in resolving issues through dialogue and consultation, in safeguarding sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and in opposing external interference, Wang stressed.
Tributes are pouring in for Jimmy Carter following his death on Sunday, Dec. 29.

From President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden, who urged people to take inspiration from the the late president, to Donald Trump, who wrote that Americans owe him a debt of gratitude, politicians from across party lines shared heartfelt messages honoring the Nobel Peace Prize-winning 39th president of the United States.

Here are all of the politicians and public figures mourning the longest-living U.S. president:

Gary Miller/Getty From left: George W. Bush, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama in 2017 From left: George W. Bush, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama in 2017

Joe and Jill Biden

The Bidens began their official statement on Carters death, Today, America and the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman, and humanitarian.

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Over six decades, we had the honor of calling Jimmy Carter a dear friend, the statement continued. But whats extraordinary about Jimmy Carter, though, is that millions of people throughout America and the world who never met him thought of him as a dear friend as well.

The Bidens praised Carter for his accomplishments before, during and after his presidency, writing, With his compassion and moral clarity, he worked to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil rights and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless, and always advocate for the least among us. He saved, lifted, and changed the lives of people all across the globe.

He was a man of great character and courage, hope and optimism, the statement continued. We will always cherish seeing him and Rosalynn together. The love shared between Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter is the definition of partnership and their humble leadership is the definition of patriotism.

We will miss them both dearly, the Bidens wrote of the late couple, but take solace knowing they are reunited once again and will remain forever in our hearts.

Virginia Sherwood/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Joe Biden (left) with former Jimmy Carter in 2008 Joe Biden (left) with former Jimmy Carter in 2008

The Bidens' statement continued, To the entire Carter family, we send our gratitude for sharing them with America and the world. To their staff  from the earliest days to the final ones  we have no doubt that you will continue to do the good works that carry on their legacy.

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And to all of the young people in this nation and for anyone in search of what it means to live a life of purpose and meaning  the good life  study Jimmy Carter, a man of principle, faith and humility. He showed that we are [a] great nation because we are a good people  decent and honorable, courageous and compassionate, humble and strong.

Barack and Michelle Obama

Barack Obama shared a particularly touching tribute to Carter on Medium, praising the "remarkable" former president for both his political accomplishments and his "decency."

"For decades, you could walk into Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia on some Sunday mornings and see hundreds of tourists from around the world crammed into the pews," he wrote. "And standing in front of them, asking with a wink if there were any visitors that morning, would be President Jimmy Carter  preparing to teach Sunday school, just like he had done for most of his adult life."



"Some who came to hear him speak," he wrote, "were undoubtedly there because of what President Carter accomplished in his four years in the White House  the Camp David Accords he brokered that reshaped the Middle East; the work he did to diversify the federal judiciary, including nominating a pioneering womens rights activist and lawyer named Ruth Bader Ginsburg to the federal bench; the environmental reforms he put in place, becoming one of the first leaders in the world to recognize the problem of climate change."

Everett/Shutterstock From left: Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama and George W. Bush in 2013

Obama continued, "Others were likely there because of what President Carter accomplished in the longest, and most impactful, post-presidency in American history  monitoring more than 100 elections around the world; helping virtually eliminate Guinea worm disease, an infection that had haunted Africa for centuries; becoming the only former president to earn a Nobel Peace Prize; and building or repairing thousands of homes in more than a dozen countries with his beloved Rosalynn as part of Habitat for Humanity."



"But Im willing to bet that many people in that church on Sunday morning were there, at least in part, because of something more fundamental: President Carters decency," the former president continued. "Elected in the shadow of Watergate, Jimmy Carter promised voters that he would always tell the truth. And he did  advocating for the public good, consequences be damned. He believed some things were more important than reelection  things like integrity, respect and compassion. Because Jimmy Carter believed, as deeply as he believed anything, that we are all created in Gods image."



"Whenever I had a chance to spend time with President Carter, it was clear that he didnt just profess these values. He embodied them," Obama wrote. "And in doing so, he taught all of us what it means to live a life of grace, dignity, justice, and service. In his Nobel acceptance speech, President Carter said, 'God gives us the capacity for choice. We can choose to alleviate suffering. We can choose to work together for peace.' He made that choice again and again over the course of his 100 years, and the world is better for it."



Carter's Georgia church, Obama wrote, "will be a little quieter on Sundays, but President Carter will never be far away  buried alongside Rosalynn next to a willow tree down the road, his memory calling all of us to heed our better angels."

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The former president concluded his tribute to Carter by stating that he and former first lady Michelle Obama "send our thoughts and prayers to the Carter family, and everyone who loved and learned from this remarkable man."



Selcuk Acar/Anadolu via Getty, Jessica McGowan/Getty Donald Trump; Jimmy Carter Donald Trump; Jimmy Carter

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Donald Trump

President-elect Donald Trump shared a tribute to Carter on Truth Social, writing, I just heard of the news about the passing of President Jimmy Carter. Those of us who have been fortunate to have served as President understand this is a very exclusive club, and only we can relate to the enormous responsibility of leading the Greatest Nation in History.

The challenges Jimmy faced as President came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans, Trump continued. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude.

The president-elect finished by stating that he and wife Melania Trump are thinking warmly of the Carter Family and their loved ones during this difficult time. We urge everyone to keep them in their hearts and prayers.

Bill and Hillary Clinton

Bill Clinton paid tribute to Carter in a joint statement with wife Hillary Clinton on X (formerly known as Twitter). Hillary and I mourn the passing of President Jimmy Carter and give thanks for his long, good life, the statement began. Guided by his faith, President Carter lived to serve others  until the very end.

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The former president went on to celebrate Carter for his accomplishments in and outside of the White House.

From his commitment to civil rights as a state senator and governor of Georgia; to his efforts as President to protect our natural resources in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, make energy conservation a national priority, return the Panama Canal to Panama, and secure peace between Egypt and Israel at Camp David; to his post-Presidential efforts at the Carter Center supporting honest elections, advancing peace, combating disease, and promoting democracy; to his and Rosalynn's devotion and hard work at Habitat for Humanity-he worked tirelessly for a better, fairer world, the statement read.

Hillary and I met President Carter in 1975 and were proud, early supporters of his Presidential campaign, the Clintons continued. I will always be proud to have presented the Medal of Freedom to him and Rosalynn in 1999, and to have worked with him in the years after he left the White House.

Our prayers are with Jack, Chip, Jeff, Amy and their families, the statement concluded.

Joe Sohm/Visions of America/Universal Images Group via Getty From left: George W. Bush, George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter in 2004

George W. and Laura Bush

George W. Bush and wife Laura Bush honored Carter with an official statement on the George W. Bush Presidential Center website, writing, Laura and I send our heartfelt condolences to Jack, Chip, Jeff, Amy, and the entire Carter family.

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James Earl Carter, Jr., was a man of deeply held convictions, the statement continued. He was loyal to his family, his community, and his country. President Carter dignified the office. And his efforts to leave behind a better world didnt end with the presidency. His work with Habitat for Humanity and the Carter Center set an example of service that will inspire Americans for generations.

We join our fellow citizens in giving thanks for Jimmy Carter and in prayer for his family, the statement concluded.

Victoria Jones - Pool/Getty; Kevin Mazur/WireImage King Charles; Jimmy Carter King Charles; Jimmy Carter

King Charles

King Charles issued a statement on Carter's death via Buckingham Palace: It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of President Carter. He was a committed public servant, and devoted his life to promoting peace and human rights.

The King's statement continued, His dedication and humility served as an inspiration to many, and I remember with great fondness his visit to the United Kingdom in 1977. My thoughts and prayers are with President Carters family and the American people at this time.

Chuck Schumer

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer paid tribute to Carter on X, sharing a headshot of the late president and writing, As we remember President Carter's extraordinary life, we also honor the countless lives he touched through his vision and generosity.

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My thoughts are with the Carter family and all those mourning this incredible man, Schumer continued. May his memory be a blessing and an enduring reminder of what it means to truly serve.



Read the original article on People
Dec. 28In the middle of the night four years ago, a man stole five baby moccasins and a leather glove from a display case at Northern Quest Resort & Casino in Airway Heights. The Kalispel Tribe and the family that owns the items want them back.

Annie Bluff, a Kalispel elder and matriarch, made the moccasins for her children in the 1940s. Her grandson, JR Bluff, said she often made things like that for people in the community.

"She was really a different generation, representing that way where they would make things," Bluff said. "If someone was born, she would make them something."

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The gauntlet and one of the moccasin pairs are embroidered with colorful beads. They weren't ceremonial objects, but practical gear for cold winters. She made the hide herself.

"She was a very simple woman," said Bluff, who is the tribe's director of language and culture. "Salish was her first language."

The two pairs, along with an extra single moccasin and glove, were arranged in a shadow box shown in the Heritage Hall at Northern Quest. The corridor linking the hotel to the casino rotates items loaned from Kalispel members like the Bluffs to highlight the tribe's culture.

At about 12:30 a.m. Oct. 30, 2020, the thief arrived at the casino parking garage as a passenger in a Nissan Titan pickup truck, according to a Kalispel police report of surveillance footage. Along with the driver, the thief walked through the Heritage Hall.

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The thief stopped at the sliding glass display case and fumbled with the lock, the police report said. He then walked with the driver to the gaming floor. At about 3 a.m., the thief walked alone back to the case, slipped the lock and the display window to remove the shadow box containing the items. He hid the box under his coat and rode away with the driver.

Kalispel Tribal Police and the FBI have identified a suspect, but have been unable to locate him.

Kevin William Wissman, a 61-year-old white man, was indicted with a misdemeanor charge  theft from an Indian tribal organization  by a grand jury in U.S. District Court for Eastern Washington in October 2023.

Wissman, whose last known residence was in the Yakima area, has a criminal history dating to 1989, including convictions of burglary, theft of a firearm, forgery, possession of stolen property and kidnapping.

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"We would consider him armed and dangerous, due to his history," Kalispel police Detective Dan Dice said.

In 1996, Spokane sheriff's deputies identified Wissman as the driver of a stolen Toyota Corolla who led a high-speed chase through Spokane Valley, The Spokesman-Review reported at the time.

Kalispel police believe Wissman was most recently working in construction somewhere near the Washington coast and commuting back to Yakima.

Detectives located the owner of the truck in Ellensburg. He told them he doesn't know Wissman well and that he believed Wissman might have discarded of the artifacts because they were hard to sell, Dice said.

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Since the moccasins are less than 100 years old, they aren't covered under the federal Archaeological Resources Protection Act for Native American artifacts. Because it is only a misdemeanor warrant, federal law enforcement hasn't prioritized it.

Yet it remains a priority for the Kalispel Tribe of Indians, which is offering a $25,000 reward for information that leads to the safe return of the stolen shadowbox containing the moccasins, said Julie Holland, spokeswoman for the tribe and casino.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Kalispel Tribal Police Department at (509) 481-4444 or the U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center at (800) 336-0102 or online at usmarshals.gov/tips.

Kalispel police hope that if they locate Wissman, they can learn what happened to the moccasins  whether he still has them, sold them, lent them to someone else to hold onto or threw them away.

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Because the items are so specific, there would likely be questions about where they came from. That's why Kalispel Police Chief Rodney Schurger thinks it might have been a targeted job.

"Maybe someone wanted them, hired him to come in and get them, but we can't confirm that," Schurger said.

Police scoured local pawn shops, but few deal in Native artifacts.

Bluff said there is a black market for Native American heirlooms like these. The shadow box is probably on someone's wall or in their closet as a personal piece, he said.

But the moccasins seem like a strange choice, being relatively unremarkable.

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"I don't know who would steal this," Bluff said. "To me, I would want to steal something that I knew the value of, that I knew I could flip."

Perhaps the moccasins weren't targeted specifically.

Maybe the thief just knew where he could sell items like it.

While the moccasins don't have a large monetary value, they are priceless to the family for their link to the past.

"It's not so much the item as the connection of the item to the person who made it," Bluff said.

Moccasins like these weren't meant for display, he said; they were meant to be used.

"I have grandkids right now that would wear those, for sure," Bluff said.

James Hanlon's reporting for The Spokesman-Review is funded in part by Report for America and by members of the Spokane community. This story can be republished by other organizations for free under a Creative Commons license. For more information on this, please contact our newspaper's managing editor.
I was a municipal judge in Kansas City from 2001 to 2019 and was taken aback by Melinda Hennebergers recent column concerning Kansas City inmates held in the Vernon County, Missouri, jail. I couldnt help but think back about the old Municipal Correctional Institution, commonly referred to as The Farm, which was run by Nancy Leazer and her very compassionate and professional staff when I was a judge.

Its worth pointing out that:

Leazer was a very compassionate leader who constantly sought to help inmates. She and her staff did some remarkable things with very little help from the city. The city totally failed to consult her and others with deep institutional knowledge on how best to house inmates at both the pretrial and post-trial phase to create a long-term plan on caring out this important administration of justice responsibility.

The old MCI building was not in good condition, and the city made a decision to raze it and contract with Jackson County to house the inmates. Its likely that in the short term, this saved the city money in not having to pay the salaries and fringe benefits of city jail employees. What is hard to fathom about the City Council is that when council members are elected, and they naturally have zero institutional knowledge about their responsibilities, they often go about trying to put their stamp of change on a system they neither know nor understand.

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For example, members of the old council put themselves in a position to be totally dependent on Jackson County to house inmates when the county had no interest in doing that. That might have been a quick fix for that council, and saved the city money in the short term, but they took that action with no long-term plan to fulfill their responsibility to house and treat inmates. Newly elected council members should have some humility about their lack of knowledge and consult the professionals who have done their jobs for years in crafting a continuing plan to carry out this difficult and complex task.

The inmates of an inner city court, many of whom are repeat offenders, frequently have complex, expensive and intractable ailments: homelessness, mental illness, substance addiction, post-traumatic stress disorder, serious physical health problems, lack of personal and social support and more, and very often a combination of several of these problems. When old council members are term-limited out and new officials are elected, they should rely upon the expertise of the professionals who are in a position to help create an enduring solution to fulfilling difficult responsibilities. How to house city offenders, both at the pre- and post-trial phases, is a difficult, expensive and complex responsibility. Its become a crisis when newly elected officials dont do their homework to try to understand how to solve this criminal justice riddle prior to eliminating a system that works. It becomes a humanitarian crisis when the city contracts with an out-of-town institution that doesnt have the expertise, interest or concern to address the complex problems of city offenders.

Doing away with compassionate and caring professionals who sincerely strive to help troubled individuals was a mistake. They need to be recognized and respected for the work they do. These were the professionals who ran the old MCI and they, and the inmates they housed and helped, deserved better.

And finally, the public deserves to have a local administration of justice system that effectively addresses the complex problems of chronic offenders in an effort to reduce recidivism and make Kansas City a more safe, livable city. That is an investment in the administration of justice worth making.

Joe Locascio is a retired Kansas City municipal judge.
Kari Lake will not seek office again, following two failed campaigns in the state of Arizona.

Lake, who ran for governor in 2022 and a U.S. Senate seat in 2024, addressed her decision in a Saturday evening post on X, where she blamed a corrupt machine for keeping her from being elected.

We know the movement that we have in Arizona, and I will never take that for granted, the Republican wrote. But there is a corrupt machine here that is hellbent on making sure I never hold office.

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So, I wont put my family (and myself) through the torture of running again, Lake continued.

The right-wing politician appeared to be referencing audio of a conversation with former Arizona Republican party chair Jeff DeWit which leaked back in January. In the surreptitiously captured clip, he appeared to ask Lake to drop her senate bid in exchange for a job in the private sector.

We know the movement that we have in Arizona, and I will never take that for granted.



But there is a corrupt machine here that is hellbent on making sure I never hold office.



So, I won't put my family (and myself) through the torture of running again.



I will go to Washington, https://t.co/L8VpQl1kfA  Kari Lake (@KariLake) December 28, 2024

There are very powerful people that want to keep you out, DeWit tells Lake in the recording. But theyre willing to put their money where their mouth is in a big way.

While DeWit described the leaked audio as a selectively edited distortion of his actual conversation with Lake, he subsequently resigned over the scandal.

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In Lakes Saturday statement, she went on to address her new role as director of the state-run media organization, Voice of America.

I will go to Washington, D.C., return @VOANews to its glory days, and help President Trump Make America Great Again, she wrote.

President-elect Donald Trumps decision to tap Lake as director of the historically nonpartisan VoA was met with concern when it was announced earlier this month.

The former news anchor has a history of peddling political misinformation, blaming her 2022 gubernatorial loss on election fraud. Similarly, she backed Trumps own lies about a stolen 2020 election.

Related...
Kari Lake, a GOP Senate candidate in Arizona who lost her campaign against Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) this past election cycle, said she will not seek political office again.

We know the movement that we have in Arizona, and I will never take that for granted. But there is a corrupt machine here that is hellbent on making sure I never hold office. So, I wont put my family (and myself) through the torture of running again, Lake wrote Saturday in a post on the social platform X.

Gallego, who had served in the House for nearly a decade representing a Phoenix-based seat, secured his victory against Lake, garnering 50.1 percent of the vote compared to Lakes 47.7 percent, according to a polling aggregate from The Hill/Decision Desk HQ.

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Lake announced her Senate bid in October 2023 and entered the race for Sen. Kyrsten Sinemas (I-Ariz.) seat as the heavy favorite for the GOP nomination. The Republican is a sharp ally of President-elect Trump, who endorsed her in a video on social media. Lake had previously denied her loss in Arizonas gubernatorial race in 2022.

Im really tired of watching our politicians retreat from every single important battle. Theyre cowards, Lake told supporters in October, vowing to be the most pro-America senator in the entire country.

Thats how we got into the mess were in right now, because they have surrendered far too many hills. We are on  were on the final hill right now, and Im not surrendering this hill, she said.

Lake has recently been in the spotlight after Trump nominated her to lead Voice of America, though Lakes attacks on the media and history of floating unfounded theories about voting fraud raised alarms that the outlet could be used by the federal government as a megaphone to push pro-Trump propaganda around the world.

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In her Saturday post, Lake pledged to support Trump and help revamp the media outlet. Trump has said his vision is for Lake to ensure that the American values of Freedom and Liberty are broadcast around the World FAIRLY and ACCURATELY, unlike the lies spread by the Fake News Media.

I will go to Washington, D.C., return @VOANews to its glory days, and help President Trump Make America Great Again, Lake wrote.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Karoline Leavitt is weeks away from stepping into her highest-profile position: press secretary for President Trumps White House.

Leavitt, 27, will be the youngest person to ever hold the position. Ron Ziegler, who worked as President Nixons press secretary, was 29 when he was hired.

The New Hampshire-born Leavitt has become a trusted messenger for Trump who served as the chief spokesperson for his campaign.

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In that role, she seemed to relish opportunities to spar with members of the media, something Trump likely admired.

In network interviews, she has backed some of the former presidents most controversial claims and often blasted journalists and news outlets for covering Trump unfairly.

Many saw her as an obvious choice as press secretary for Trump, who places major stake in personal chemistry behind the scenes with his aides and weighs heavily their ability to defend him convincingly on television.

This is an extremely personal choice for Donald Trump, Sean Spicer, who served as Trumps first White House press secretary, told The Hill.

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He knows the importance of that role, and Karoline has earned his trust on that, said Spicer, who is also a contributor to NewsNation, The Hills sister network.

Experience with the logistics of the White House press office and the bond she forged with Trump along the campaign trail are the two qualities that likely put Leavitt over the top, Spicer said.

She had the relationship nobody else did, he said.

Before joining Trumps 2024 campaign as a spokesperson, Leavitt worked as a top aide to Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) and ran an unsuccessful campaign for Congress in New Hampshires 1st District, though she won a contested GOP primary.

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She comes with West Wing bona fides, having worked as an assistant press secretary under Kayleigh McEnany at the end of Trumps first term.

McEnany, now a Fox News host, spoke glowingly of Leavitt as she ran for Congress, calling her a rock solid conservative and skilled public speaker as she backed her former assistants candidacy.

Being press secretary for the White House is one of the most difficult jobs in communications, and working in that capacity for Trump may only make it harder.

Trump wants the people who speak for him on television to be able to do so strongly, and he can be their greatest critic. He likely watches the briefings more than the average modern-day president. In his first term, McEnany was just one of four press secretaries for Trump, along with Spicer, Stephanie Grisham and Sarah Huckabee Sanders.

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On the second day of Trumps first presidency, Spicer was tasked with defending Trumps claims that the crowds that came to see his inauguration were the biggest in history. Disagreeing with that claim from Trump was not really an option.

Spicer has said in media interviews since leaving the White House that Trump made it clear he was not pleased with his first performance at the podium.

In all honesty, I wasnt prepared the first time I went out to give a briefing in the way that I was on the subsequent Monday, he told The Hill.

Four years later, McEnany served as Trumps top spokesperson as he was floating unfounded theories about treatment for the coronavirus pandemic.

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Days after Trump was mocked for musing about the possibility of light or disinfectant being used to treat patients with the coronavirus, she issued a blistering statement blaming the media for irresponsibly taking President Trump out of context and running with negative headlines.

Come January, White House press briefings are expected to garner widespread television coverage once again, and Leavitt will be asked to react in real time to developing news events as she takes her turn in the spotlight.

Some in the Washington press corps have told The Hill in recent weeks Trumps selection of Leavitt telegraphs a doubling down on the more combative rhetoric with the press that came to define Trumps first term.

The president-elect is currently suing several mainstream media outlets and journalists, though he has offered to be more open and available to members of the media during a second term.

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Leavitt, meanwhile, turned heads with comments on Sean Hannitys Fox News program about how she plans to deal with the media.

She, like others in Trumps orbit, has teased a shake up the seating chart and operating procedures of the James S. Brady briefing room that could deemphasize the prominence of mainstream news outlets.

We hope there will be decorum, certainly, and we will try to instill that, she said during the Fox appearance with Hannity. But were not shy of the hostile media.

Others who have worked for Trump say Leavitts job will be an especially difficult one given the incoming presidents unpredictable and free-wheeling style as he deals with the press.

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Trump, these people say, will always see himself as his own best media messenger.

You dont manage Donald Trumps personality, but to know what to expect is important, said Mick Mulvaney, a former White House chief of staff who is now a contributor to NewsNation.

Folks dont last forever; its not a job that lasts four years. The question is can she effectively articulate the presidents agenda. I think shes already proven she can do that.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
**UPDATE: KCPD says Billy Eskridge was found safe**

KANSAS CITY, Mo.  The Kansas City Police Department has issued a SILVER Alert for a missing man from Kansas City, Mo.

According to police, Billy Eskridge, 70, was last seen leaving his residence near 29th Street and Van Brunt Boulevard on December 27 around 5 p.m. He was wearing a gray hat, brown coat and khaki pants.

WATCH: Opossum porch pirate swipes package overnight in Osawatomie

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Eskridge is diagnosed with dementia and is believed to be endangered as he requires medical care.

If anyone has any information about Eskridges whereabouts, theyre asked to call 911 or the KCPD Missing Person Squad at 816-234-5043.

This is an ongoing investigation, FOX4 will provide updates as theyre made available.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
The Chilean Police have reportedly recovered three wristwatches stolen from actor Keanu Reeves' Los Angeles home in 2023.

The "John Wick" actor has been a victim of several home robberies, including in September 2014 when intruders broke into his home twice in three days.

The news of Reeves' recovered wristwatches comes after he spoke about his chances of reprising his role in "John Wick."

Chilean Police Recover Keanu Reeves' Wristwatches

MEGA

Wristwatches belonging to superstar actor Keanu Reeves have been found in Chile. According to CNN, the Chilean police recovered three watches belonging to Reeves, including a $9,000 Rolex.

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The police recovered a Rolex Submariner wristwatch engraved with Reeves' name and the words, "2021, JW4, thank you, The John Wick Five."

They found the wristwatch during an operation linked to several local robberies in eastern Santiago.

The Blast previously reported that Reeves gifted Rolex Submariners to the stuntmen he worked with while filming "John Wick: Chapter 4" in 2021.

Chilean Authorities And U.S. Officials Worked Together To Find The Wristwatches

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The Chilean Police raided four houses and found jewelry and valuable wristwatches. They reported that at least one of the watches belonged to a famous actor who was a victim of a robbery in Los Angeles in December 2023.

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Per CNN, local police reported that Chilean authorities worked with officials from the United States on the case.

This collaboration helped them link the watch to the robbery at Keanu Reeves' home last year.

Following the raids, the police arrested a 21-year-old man.

Keanu Reeves' Home Burglarized

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On December 8, 2023, TMZ reported that ski-masked burglars broke into Reeves' home in Los Angeles.

The LAPD responded to an anonymous call about a possible trespasser at the actor's property at around 7 p.m. on Wednesday, December 6, 2023. When officers arrived at the scene, they searched the house but found no one.

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However, the police returned to the property at around 1 a.m. after an alarm went off. When the police arrived and checked the security cameras, they saw several men in ski masks smashing a window and entering the house.

At the time, reports revealed that the burglars took a firearm from Reeves' home before fleeing. However, it was unclear if they took anything else. The 60-year-old actor wasn't at home at the time of the robbery.

Interestingly, the robbery mirrored a scene from the "John Wick" saga, where Reeves' character's home was broken into, valuables stolen, and his dog killedan event that drove him to seek vengeance, setting off a chain of violence.

Keanu Reeves' Home Invaded Twice In Three Days

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The LAPD reported that officers responded to a burglary call in progress at Reeves' property at 5 a.m. on September 12, 2014.

Following a search, it was discovered that nothing was taken from the home. However, officers detained a woman in her 40s and later took her to a medical facility for further evaluation. Reeves was at home during the invasion.

Three days after the incident, another woman allegedly broke into Reeves' home after the gates were left open from construction.

According to CNN, the police responded to a call about a trespasser at Reeves' residence at about 10:13 a.m.

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Officers arrived promptly and found the woman in the "47 Ronin" actor's pool. The woman was reportedly "erratic" following her arrest and was later taken to a medical facility for evaluation. It wasn't clear if Reeves was at home during the incident.

Reeves Unsure About Continuing 'John Wick' Role

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Keanu Reeves appeared on CBS Mornings on December 27 to promote his latest project, "Sonic the Hedgehog 3." The film's director, Jeff Fowler, joined him.

During the interview, Reeves discussed possibly returning to the "John Wick" franchise for a fifth installment.

Reeves responded, "You can never say never, but my knees right now are saying, 'You can't do another 'John Wick.'"

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He added, "So my heart does, but I don't know if my knees can do it."

Fowler chimed in, referencing Reeves' upcoming role as the voice of Shadow in "Sonic the Hedgehog." The film director said lightheartedly, "Which is why you can voice Shadow for, like, decades to come. There are no physical limitations, just your voice."

Reeves laughed and agreed with Fowler, saying, "I'm free."

Although Reeves is not certain to star in a fifth "John Wick" installment, he will definitely reprise his role in a cameo for the franchise's upcoming spinoff movie, "From the World of John Wick: Ballerina," which is set for release in June 2025.
Kenyan President William Ruto has promised to stop abductions of government critics, in an apparent change of stance for a leader who has previously called the wave of disappearances fake news.

Ruto, his government officials and police have maintained for months that there were no abductions. Ruto has also demanded names of the missing from families, and told parliament that the reports were fabricated to tarnish his governments name. At least 82 government critics have allegedly gone missing after a youth-led protest movement erupted in June against a controversial finance bill, though some have resurfaced.

Rutos remarks on Saturday did not acknowledge government culpability for those missing, however. The Kenyan leader also said that parents should better take care of their children.

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What has been said about abductions, we will stop them so Kenyan youth can live in peace, but they should have discipline and be polite so that we can build Kenya together, Ruto said at a stadium in Homa Bay, in the west of the country.

Among the disappeared are two young men who shared AI-generated images of Ruto in a casket that some considered offensive and a popular cartoonist whose images of the president went viral. Despite Rutos speech, a state-funded human rights body says 29 people remain unaccounted for, including six people who disappeared days before Christmas.

Human rights defenders allege that all of the missing activists and critics are believed to have been tracked down by government intelligence who tapped into phone signals. The protests were widely mobilized online, before they spread onto the streets.

Human rights activist Bob Njagi, who said he was abducted this summer, reacted to Rutos comment: It was an admission that theyre happening under their watch, if not by them.

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This is just damage control, but it does not absolve them of the previous abductions, and we want all the missing people to be set free, he told CNN.

Njagi leads the Free Kenya Movement, which he described as a consortium of organizations united in pursuit of change for the country. He was one of the most prominent figures behind the protests against Rutos government before he disappeared.

The 47-year-old told CNN he was forcibly dragged out of a matatu (minibus) one night in August by four hooded men wearing black balaclavas, then was blindfolded, beaten and waterboarded.

Activist Bob Njagi at the bus stop where he says he was abducted in August. - Festo Lang/CNN

Njagi said that he was driven to an undisclosed location, stripped naked and chained to the floor for the first two days of his detention. He said that Kenyan security officers held him incommunicado, handcuffed and blindfolded in solitary confinement for 30 more days but was released after a judge threatened to jail the police chief for not revealing his whereabouts.

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Theyre Kenyan security officers who took us because they told me we had become a threat to the state. These men would just give us one meal a day  ugali (cornmeal) and cabbage or beans, he said.

Until President Rutos comments, the Kenyan government has always denied that anyone was missing. Social media has been used to perpetuate the narrative that certain lawful arrests were abductions when, in fact, those arrested were either awaiting trial or have been released after necessary legal procedures, Chief Minister Musalia Mudavadi said last week.

Njagi said that he was never formally questioned, but the guys who brought us food would ask random questions, like, whos been funding you? and who our associates were.

The detention was excruciating for many reasons, he said, including that he couldnt communicate with his family. Njagi was expecting a daughter. She was born nine days before he was released.

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I was very traumatized, he told CNN. He was held in the same premises and released alongside two brothers who are also his neighbors  Jamil and Aslam Longton. Aslam organized and led many protests in the area. He says he was beaten constantly and asked to explain the sources of their funding.

Njagi is now reunited with his now three-month-old daughter. But others like Gideon Kibet, a 24-year-old college student who drew the viral cartoon of Ruto, are still missing.

Kibet disappeared after meeting opposition senator Okiya Omtatah on Christmas Eve.

Kibets younger brother Ronny Kiplangat, who is also still missing, had disappeared a few days earlier. The brothers family fears that security forces used Kiplangat as bait to lure Kibet  who was studying outside the capital  to Nairobi.

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Omtatah said that both Njagi and Kibet were abducted by security forces after leaving his office.

(Kibet) boarded a matatu after my driver dropped him off in the city center. As they have done with others, they must have blocked the matatu and snatched him from it, he said.

If you look at the attitude of the police, they know what is happening. The state is simply allowing it or acquiescing to it, Omtatah said.

Kenyan opposition senator Okiya Omtatah at his office in Nairobi during an interview with CNN. - Festo Lang/CNN

Like many young Kenyans, Kibet was once a fervent Ruto supporter. But he turned into a sharp critic as the euphoria that propelled Ruto to power has turned into disappointment with his government over corruption, unemployment, and an anemic economy.

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Kibet is among many youth that voted for Rutos hustler-in-chief promise of a better future, but have soured on his government just two years in.

Twenty-two-year-old Peter Muteti Njeru was abducted from a suburb outside Nairobi last week.

Njeru had posted an AI-generated image of Ruto in a casket on social media, but deleted it after some commenters said it could amount to treason under Kenyan law.

CCTV footage from a shop in Njerus apartment building showed two men ambushing him before dragging him into a car that speeds off.

Where do you draw the line between power and dictatorship?, Njerus cousin Ansity Kendi Christine said in reference to the abduction.

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Christine, who says their whole family voted for Ruto, added: Its a shame I will carry for the rest of my life.

Kenyas recently impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has claimed that a rogue unit of security officers outside of the command of the police was carrying out abductions and killings in the country. Some youth who went out to protest and disappeared were later found dead.

Your guess is as good as mine as to who is the commander of that unit, he told reporters, demanding that it be dismantled.

Gachagua hinted that his former boss and running mate Ruto was ultimately responsible after Kenyas police chief denied involvement in the disappearances.

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For the avoidance of doubt, the National Police Service is not involved in any abduction, and there is no police station in the country that is holding the reported abductees, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja said in a statement last week.

The countrys senior-most police officer declined an interview requested by CNN on the cases.

Omtatah has called on Kanja and Kenyas chief detective to come clean on the abductions or quit.

Meanwhile, Rutos promise to stop the abductions cant come soon enough for the families of the missing.

Retired civil servant Gerald Mwangi, whose son has been missing since Saturday, is hoping Ruto will keep his word.

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Billy Mwangi, 24, disappeared from his barbershops doorstep the day after a now suspended X account believed to belong to him, posted a doctored photo showing Rutos head emerging from a casket.

Mwangis barber told CNN that unidentified men jumped out of a car and grabbed Mwangi, who was waiting for a haircut, from his shop.

Mwangis father hopes his son will be released after Rutos announcement. In the meantime, he says, he is continuing what he calls a laymans investigation into his sons disappearance.

Civil society groups and professional bodies have condemned the abductions, calling them enforced disappearances with the regional cartoonists society decrying a return to the dark days of censorship, detention without trial, torture and murder of voices critical of the government.

And, while a civilian-led police oversight body is investigating, many Kenyans have little faith in their independence.

We believe in God and I believe that my son is going to be released, Mwangi said.

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US President Donald Trump (L) shakes hands with North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un before a meeting at the Sofitel Legend Metropole hotel in Hanoi on February 27, 2019. (Photo by Saul LOEB / AFP) (Photo credit should read SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images) SAUL LOEB via Getty Images

SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  North Korean leader Kim Jong Un vowed to implement the toughest anti-U.S. policy, state media reported Sunday, less than a month before Donald Trump takes office as U.S. president.

Trumps return to the White House raises prospects for high-profile diplomacy with North Korea. During his first term, Trump met Kim three times for talks on the Norths nuclear program. Many experts however say a quick resumption of Kim-Trump summitry is unlikely as Trump would first focus on conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. North Koreas support for Russias war against Ukraine also poses a challenge to efforts to revive diplomacy, experts say.

During a five-day plenary meeting of the ruling Workers Party that ended Friday, Kim called the U.S. the most reactionary state that regards anti-communism as its invariable state policy. Kim said that the U.S.-South Korea-Japan security partnership is expanding into a nuclear military bloc for aggression.

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This reality clearly shows to which direction we should advance and what we should do and how, Kim said, according to the official Korean Central News Agency.

It said Kims speech clarified the strategy for the toughest anti-U.S. counteraction to be launched aggressively by North Korea for its long-term national interests and security.

KCNA didnt elaborate on the anti-U.S. strategy. But it said Kim set forth tasks to bolster military capability through defense technology advancements and stressed the need to improve the mental toughness of North Korean soldiers.

The previous meetings between Trump and Kim had not only put an end to their exchanges of fiery rhetoric and threats of destruction, but they developed personal connections. Trump once famously said he and Kim fell in love. But their talks eventually collapsed in 2019, as they wrangled over U.S.-led sanctions on the North.

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North Korea has since sharply increased the pace of its weapons testing activities to build more reliable nuclear missiles targeting the U.S. and its allies. The U.S. and South Korea have responded by expanding their military bilateral drills and also trilateral ones involving Japan, drawing strong rebukes from the North, which views such U.S.-led exercises as invasion rehearsals.

Further complicating efforts to convince North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons in return for economic and political benefits is its deepening military cooperation with Russia.

According to U.S., Ukrainian and South Korean assessments, North Korea has sent more than 10,000 troops and conventional weapons systems to support Moscows war against Ukraine. There are concerns that Russia could give North Korea advanced weapons technology in return, including help to build more powerful nuclear missiles.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said last week that 3,000 North Korean troops have been killed and wounded in the fighting in Russias Kursk region. It was the first significant estimate by Ukraine of North Korean casualties since the North Korean troop deployment to Russia began in October.

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Russia and China, locked in separate disputes with the U.S., have repeatedly blocked U.S.-led pushes to levy more U.N. sanctions on North Korea despite its repeated missile tests in defiance of U.N. Security Council resolutions.

Last month, Kim said that his past negotiations with the United States only confirmed Washingtons unchangeable hostility toward his country and described his nuclear buildup as the only way to counter external threats.
North Korea will adopt the toughest strategy against the United States and increase its defence capabilities, officials said at a policy meeting last week.

During a five-day plenary gathering, Kim Jong-un called the US the most reactionary state that regards anti-communism as its invariable state policy.

He said that the security partnership between the US, South Korea and Japan was expanding into a nuclear military bloc for aggression.

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This reality clearly shows which direction we should advance and what we should do and how, Kim said, according to the official Korean central news agency (KCNA).

It said Kims speech clarified the strategy for the toughest anti-US counteraction to be launched aggressively by North Korea for its long-term national interests and security.

KCNA did not elaborate on the anti-US strategy. But it said Kim set forth tasks to bolster military capability through defence technology advancements and stressed the need to improve the mental toughness of North Korean soldiers.

Donald Trumps return to the White House has raised prospects for high-profile diplomacy with North Korea.

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During his first term, Mr Trump met Kim three times for talks on the Norths nuclear program. Many experts however say a quick resumption of the Kim-Trump summit is unlikely as Mr Trump would first focus on conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Experts say incoming president Trump would be too busy with Ukraine and the Middle East to resume early talks with Kim - Susan Walsh/AP

The meeting, which took place from Dec 23-27, was a key policy-setting session for the ruling Workers Party ahead of the new year, KCNA reported.

Led by Kim, it also reviewed the response to recent floods and pledged to strengthen ties with friendly countries, according to state media on Dec 29.

During the week-long sessions, Kim voiced the need for further progress in science and technology to boost the countrys defence capabilities.

According to state media, Kim ordered a strengthened military capability through advances in North Korean defence technology - KCNA/AFP

Major personnel changes were also on the agenda.

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Pak Thae-song, a senior party official, was appointed as the new premier, replacing Kim Tok-hun.

Choe Son-hui, the foreign minister, was promoted to the politburo of the Workers Partys central committee, a key position within the partys power structure.

The plenary session was the last of 2024, a year that saw North Korea strengthen ties with Russia, culminating in a meeting between Kim and Vladimir Putin.

The two leaders signed agreements, including a mutual defence pledge, which has drawn criticism from both the US and South Korea, especially over reports of Pyongyangs military support for Russias war in Ukraine.

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Harry who?

King Charles has been criticized for not acknowledging his son Prince Harry, his wife Meghan Markle, or their two children in a Christmas address, which focused on how the holiday was a chance for family and friends to come together.

The closest Charles came to acknowledging his family in California was when he spoke about the need to protect and safeguard the environment for the sake of our childrens children, however, no direct reference was made to Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

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By contrast, multiple images were shown of his son, Prince William, and his wife, Kate Middleton, and their three children, Princess Charlotte, Prince George and Prince Louis.

The refusal to acknowledge Harrys family went almost entirely unremarked in largely fawning accounts of the annual televised speech in the British media but was criticized on social media.

The kings failure to acknowledge Harry was made less obvious by the decision not to film the speech from his desk, thereby avoiding critics analyzing photographs and portraits in the shot for clues about who was in or out of royal favor.

The media is making the same crap  every Christmas. Charles does not give a toss about Harry and his family. He made them homeless.

He only cares about Camilla.  SueJon (@SueJon8) December 27, 2024

The Daily Beast has been told that Charles would like to reconcile with Harry but is being blocked from bringing him back into the family by William, who is implacably opposed to any such move. The elder son believes Harrys betrayal of the family in his books and interviews, in which he accused a member of the family, later revealed to be Kate, of racism, has put him beyond the pale. Williams consent is needed because Charles, who is sick with cancer, feels he cannot bequeath his heir a settlement with Harry that William cannot live with.

Cold comfort

The beleaguered Norwegian royal family have said they have sought professional help after a challenging year.

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In the course of 2024, the crown princes wayward stepson was accused of multiple assaults while high on drugs, a senior princess married a shaman who accused the family of racism and the clans leader, King Harald, 87, is widely believed to be close to death.

In a special Christmas interview screened on Norwegian TV, Crown Prince Haakons wife Mette-Marit said, If I had to choose one word for this year, it would be challenging. It has been a demanding year and a demanding autumn for us.

Mette-Marit will be understood by many Norwegians to have been referring to her son, Marius Borg Hoiby, 27, from a previous relationship, born before she married Haakon.

Borg Hoiby has the dubious distinction of being the first member of the Norwegian royal family to be charged with a crime after he was arrested in August, accused of assaulting his former girlfriend and threatening to set her clothes on fire.

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He admitted assault and wrecking the womans home. He said he was high on alcohol and cocaine then claimed that he was seeking treatment for alcohol and drugs. However, two more arrests have followed, and in November, the London Times reports, he was accused of a sexual act with someone who is  unable to resist the act. He denied the charges and was released after a week, the Times said.

Mette-Marit said: What we can say is that we have been receiving help, professional help, from the healthcare system for a long time. I dont think we would have been able to be in a situation like this without having that help, together as a family, and at the same time fulfill our obligations to the Norwegian people.

King Harald, Europes oldest reigning monarch, also spoke in the program, saying: Its hard that someone we love has experienced this, but now we must let the legal system work as it should, he said.

His wife, Queen Sonja, said: But its clear that its taking its toll, the London Times reports.

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Support for the royal family has slipped from 81 percent in 2017 to 62 percent in September, the Times says, with the family also being damaged by fall out from the marriage of Haakons sister, Princess Martha Louise, to Durek Verrett, an American shaman. Verrett claimed he was criticized because people dont want a black man in the royal family, adding, I have never experienced so much racism as when I came to Norway.

Further weakening the familys position is the fact that Harald, 87, appears increasingly frail, and now uses crutches. He was hospitalized after a fall earlier this year.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE)  Police officers helped capture a pig that got loose at a North Knoxville restaurant on Saturday.

The Knoxville Police Department shared on social media that officers had to assist after pig had apparently escaped and was running loose around the Wendys on North Broadway.

Photo by Knoxville Police Department Photo by Knoxville Police Department

Blount County Fire Protection District rescues horses trapped in mud

Animal Service Officers from Young-Williams Animal Center, the nonprofit organization that assumed animal control responsibilities for the City of Knoxville and Knox County this year, took control of the pig after it was captured.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side.
CHRISTIAN COUNTY, Ky. (WKRN)  Kentucky State Police (KSP) is trying to track down an inmate from the Christian County Detention Center who reportedly escaped.

According to a statement provided to News 2 on Saturday, Dec. 28, the detention center called KSP Post 2 shortly after 3:15 p.m. about an escaped inmate.

Man dead following shooting at Oak Grove truck stop

KSP said the preliminary investigation indicates Kevin D. Johnson, 52, of Madisonville, walked away from a work detail at The Bruce Convention Center in Hopkinsville.

Kevin D. Johnson (Source: KSP)

Authorities described Johnson as 6-feet 2-inches tall and 250 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. He was reportedly last seen wearing khaki pants and a black shirt.

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CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee

If you have any information regarding Johnsons whereabouts, youre asked to call KSP Post 2 at 270-676-3313. You can also report tips anonymously through KSPs website.

No additional details have been released about Johnson or his escape, which is under investigation.

 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.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
Imprisoned Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Ocalan indicated in a statement issued on Sunday that he would be prepared to contribute positively to a "new paradigm" initiated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government.

The statement was published after the first visit for years by pro-Kurdish party members to Ocalan, who has been held by the Turkish authorities since 1999.

It is being seen as a response to the latest initiative by the ultranationalist Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), which supports Erdogan's Justice and Development Party (AKP). The initiative referred to releasing Ocalan, provided that the PKK disarmed.

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Observers have seen the move as a possible start to a new peace process.

Ocalan's statement was published by Sirri Sureyya Onder and Pervin Buldan, members of parliament for the pro-Kurdish DEM party. They were allowed to visit Ocalan, where he is being held on the Imral prison island south-west of Istanbul, on Saturday for the first time in years.

In the statement, Ocalan called on all political forces to act constructively and seize the initiative to ensure a successful "process," adding that the Turkish National Assembly was the most important platform for this.

The PKK, which is seen as a terrorist organization by the European Union and the United States, has been fighting the Turkish state since the 1980s.

Onder and Buldan have been involved in talks with Ocalan in the past. Onder read out a statement from the PKK leader at the Kurdish new year festival of Newroz in 2013, in which he called for PKK fighters to stand down. A ceasefire broke down in 2015.
After a career selling cars at a Maryland Lexus dealership, Edward Jackson could chill the rest of his life at his and his wife, Jaynes, home on Lake Normans Brawley School Road peninsula in Mooresville.

Instead, Jackson is busier than ever volunteering to help others, both locally and 12,000 miles away in Africa.

And Jackson, 63, who became a grandfather this month, has done it for quite sometime now.

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For at least 22 years, he has educated people about substance abuse, including maximum security inmates at Jessup Correctional Institution in Maryland, he said.

Once a month, he visits inmates at the Mecklenburg County jail through the sheriffs alcohol and drug division, he said.

Many years ago, I also had a substance abuse problem, Jackson said. And by the grace of God, I was able to get some help. And now I want to give back, to help those whove helped me.

Spreading Gods love

In October, Jackson flew to Liberia, on the west coast of Africa.

He visited through the international G20 mens ministry started by his good friend, the Rev. Jeff Harper, a nuclear engineer from the Baltimore area.

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I visited cemeteries where folks are actually living because of the shelter they provide in the tombs, Jackson said. And they also take out the bones of the deceased, and they crush them up, and its called crush.

They learned to smoke it because of the amount of formaldehyde in the bones, he said. That is an addiction issue.

Jackson also spoke at churches and rehab centers in Liberia. His image appeared on a postage stamp illustration in literature promoting a substance-abuse panel discussion in which he participated.

Edward Jacksons image appeared on a postage stamp illustration in literature promoting a substance abuse panel discussion in Liberia this year.

His goal is to visit all 54 countries in Africa through G20, he said, to bring about changes in the way that people live and try to change the lives of men.

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Theyve got a very serious substance abuse problem there, Jackson said. So when I went over, I was able to take a lot of literature and materials that helped them understand substance abuse and to help them overcome their substance abuse with the help of God.

Jackson also took a mission trip to Kenya in 2024.

He spoke with men in a 12-step recovery program and was a guest speaker on overcoming addiction.

How do you overcome it?

A lot of help and prayer through God and a great community, a lot of fellowship, he said.

Helping orphaned children in Uganda

Jackson worships at Williamsons Chapel United Methodist Church in Mooresville.

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The church has supported Acres of Hope, a nonprofit, Christ-centered community for orphaned and other vulnerable children in Nebbi, Uganda.

The church has supported Acres of Hope since Ugandan Pastor Geoffrey Odongo opened the ministry in 2011 at a mango tree on a remote acre he bought. Nothing else was there, just the tree, Williamsons Chapel member Michelle Campbell said.

Pastor Geoffrey Odongo is shown at his Acres of Hope ministry for orphaned and vulnerable children in Uganda.

Williamsons Chapel members have taken many mission trips to Acres of Hope. They sponsor children and have contributed financially to build its classrooms and housing.

Its a life-changing experience to see what God is doing in a completely different part of the world, Campbell said.

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Jackson joined two Williamsons Chapel trips to Acres of Hope and is helping lead another one from Oct. 19 to Oct. 27.

Children dance and play for the camera during a visit by Lake Norman resident Edward Jackson to Acres of Hope in Uganda.

He also belongs to the Top of the Lake-Mooresville Rotary Club, which he inspired to donate $10,000 to Acres of Hope this year. The money will buy science equipment for its secondary school thats under construction. The school opened in temporary quarters last year.

Acres of Hope educates and provides housing, food, health care and other services to about 250 sponsored children and 250 whose parents pay for them to attend, Campbell said.

Students garden at Acres of Hope in Uganda.

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Its just been a miracle to see whats happened, club and church member Stephanie Richart said.

Jackson said he was hooked the moment he met the gaggle of kids in the school yard.

When I went over there, it pulled at my heart string, he said. I love seeing what Pastor Geoffrey is doing. I love being a part of that.

This church has allowed me to get involved, and Ill be forever grateful to Williamsons Chapel for offering this type of opportunity for me, Jackson said.

Children wave to the camera at Acres of Hope in Uganda.

Join mission trip

Acres of Hope International, a nonprofit formed by Williamsons Chapel UMC members to support the Ugandan ministry, welcomes people to join its October mission trip.

Details: Michelle Campbell, 704-928-5400; michelle@aohi.org.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  The City of Las Cruces violated New Mexicos Open Meetings Act throughout its process of hiring a new city manager earlier this year and the hiring is invalid, the New Mexico Department of Justice said.

According to the findings of the NM Justice Department, the hiring of new City Manager Ikani Taumoepeau lacked compliance with the OMA (Open Meetings Act) and therefore is invalid, according to documents obtained by KTSM.

Ikani Taumoepeau officially appointed as Las Cruces City Manager

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The only open meeting at which the City Council ever discussed the selection of the new city manager was its April 1, 2024 meeting, the document stated. At that meeting, the City Council had already selected its candidate and negotiated an employment agreement.

The City Councils opaque process deprived the public of any opportunity to meaningfully participate in the selection of the new city manager, the document said.

The NM Justice Department added: (The) concern is that the City Council never discussed or took any final action in an open meeting to select Mr. Taumoepeau as the final candidate for the city manager position. The City Council should have held an open meeting to take any

final action related to selecting its new city manager before publicly announcing an offer, either

tentative or final, and certainly before any contract negotiations.

Among the open meeting violations the City of Las Cruces is found to have committed are:

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failure to decide the scope of the city manager search in an open meeting and using what appeared to be a rolling quorum;

using a closed session to narrow the candidate field to three people without discussion in public;

and taking final action on hiring a city manager in a closed meeting outside of a public session, which was called the most egregious violation.

It is our offices opinion that the City Council engaged in closed deliberations and invalid finals

actions prior to the single, open public meeting held to discuss the hiring of a new city manager

on April 1, 2024. These actions deprived the public of any meaningful opportunity to participate

in, or even witness the deliberations on, a question of significant public importance, the New Mexico Justice Department said.

The Justice Department said the City of Las Cruces can correct these actions in one of two ways. The City Council can hold a public meeting that is compliant with the states Open Meeting Act, summarize all discussions and comments made outside of public meetings and then vote on the actions in public.

The second alternative is to start the entire hiring process over again, the Justice Department said.

We advise the City Council to immediately address the OMA violations associated with

the selection of the city manager and cure them with one of these two alternatives, the Justice Department said.

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Given the gravity of the subject matter, we recommend that the City Council address this matter either at a special meeting or at the next available City Council meeting. The NMDOJ also requests that the City Council alert the NMDOJ of any corrective action it chooses to take, notices of meetings, and any decision stemming from these violations, the NM Justice Department added.

The City of Las Cruces sent us this response from City Attorney Brad Douglas:

We will take immediate action to remedy the deficiencies the AG identified. We will take this as a learning opportunity and make improvements in the future. As the AG acknowledged, we have already made corrective action regarding the closed meeting statement requirements.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
Former President Jimmy Carter has died at the age of 100. The 39th president of the United States was a Georgia peanut farmer who sought to restore trust in government when he assumed the presidency in 1977 and then built a reputation for tireless work as a humanitarian. He earned a Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.

Carter died Sunday, coming up on two years after entering hospice care, at his home in Plains, Georgia.

At age 52, Carter was sworn in as president on Jan. 20, 1977, after defeating President Gerald R. Ford in the 1976 general election. Carter left office on Jan. 20, 1981, following his 1980 general election loss to Ronald Reagan. Here's the latest:

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Carter's state funeral will be Jan. 9

President Joe Biden has scheduled a state funeral in Washington for former President Jimmy Carter on Jan. 9.

Biden also declared Jan. 9 as a National Day of Mourning across the U.S. Carter, the longest-lived former president, died Sunday at his home in Plains, Georgia. He was 100.

Biden also ordered U.S. flags to fly at half-staff for 30 days from Sunday.

Guterres' remembrance focuses on Carter's contributions to peace

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Sunday praised Carter for his significant contributions to international peace through the Camp David Accords, the SALT II Treaty and the Panama Canal treaties.

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President Carters commitment to international peace and human rights also found full expression after he left the presidency, Guterres said in a statement. "He played a key role in conflict mediation, election monitoring, the promotion of democracy, and disease prevention and eradication. These and other efforts earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 and helped advance the work of the United Nations.

President Carter will be remembered for his solidarity with the vulnerable, his abiding grace, and his unrelenting faith in the common good and our common humanity, Guterres said.

Reflections from King Charles III

King Charles III joined leaders from around the world in issuing their condolences and sharing their reflections on the former president.

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It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of former President Carter," the king said in a public statement. He was a committed public servant, and devoted his life to promoting peace and human rights. His dedication and humility served as an inspiration to many, and I remember with great fondness his visit to the United Kingdom in 1977."

Biden remembers Carter for his decency

President Joe Biden broke from his family vacation in the U.S. Virgin Islands to remember Carter, recalling his predecessor as a role model and friend.

America and the world lost a remarkable leader with Carters death, Biden said, adding that he had spoken to several of the former president's children and was working with them to formalize memorial arrangements in Washington. Speaking for roughly 10 minutes, Biden remembered Carter as a humanitarian and statesman, someone he couldn't imagine walking past a person in need without trying to help them. He represented the most fundamental human values we can never let slip away, Biden said.

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The president repeatedly praised Carter's simple decency and his values, saying some will see him as a man of honesty and humility from a bygone era.

I dont believe its a bygone era. I see a man not only of our time, but for all times, Biden said. To know his core, you need to know he never stopped being a Sunday school teacher at that Baptist church in Plains, Georgia.

Egyptian president notes historic Camp David Accords

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi said on X that Carter's significant role in achieving the peace agreement between Egypt and Israel "will remain etched in the annals of history.

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He went on to say Carter's humanitarian work exemplifies a lofty standard of love, peace, and brotherhood. Carter will be remembered as one of the worlds most prominent leaders in service to humanity, el-Sissi said.

Biden to speak on Carter's death

President Joe Biden will speak about Carter Sunday evening. The president will make his address from a hotel in St. Croix, from the U.S. Virgin Islands, where he is on a holiday vacation with his family.

Carters relationship with his wife Rosalynn spanned a near-lifetime

Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter had one of the great love stories and political partnerships in U.S. presidential history.

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The former president sometimes called his wife, who died Nov. 19. 2023, Rosie, which is a good way to remember how her name actually is pronounced. It is ROSE-uh-lyn, not, repeat NOT, RAHZ-uh-lyn.

They were married more than 77 years but their relationship went back even further. Jimmys mother, Miss Lillian, delivered Eleanor Rosalynn Smith at the Smith home in Plains on Aug. 18, 1927. The nurse brought her eldest child back a few days later to visit, meaning the longest-married presidential couple met as preschooler and newborn.

She became his trusted campaign aide and White House adviser, surprising Washington by sitting in on Cabinet meetings. Then they traveled the world together as co-founders of The Carter Center.

Most of the nation saw the former president for the last time at Rosalynn Carters funeral.

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Grandson Jason Carter says Plains kept his grandparents humble

Jason Carter is now the chairman of The Carter Centers board of governors. He said his grandparents never changed who they were even after reaching the White House and becoming global humanitarians.

He says their four years in Washington were just one period of putting their values into action and that the center his grandparents founded in Atlanta is a lasting extension of their belief in human rights as a fundamental global force.

Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter traveled the world advocating for democracy and fighting disease, but Jason Carter said they werent motivated by pity, or arrogance that a former American president had all the answers  they ventured to remote places because they could recognize these people. They too were from a 600-person village and understood that even the poorest people have the power ... the ability ... the knowledge and the expertise to change their own community.

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President Biden mourns his predecessor

As reaction poured in from around the world, President Joe Biden mourned Carters death, saying the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian and he lost a dear friend. Biden cited Carters compassion and moral clarity, his work to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless and advocacy for the disadvantaged as an example for others.

Biden said he is ordering a state funeral for Carter in Washington.

Pelosi says Carters life was saintly in devotion to peace

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is remembering Carter as a man steeped in devotion to public service and peace.

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The California Democrat said in a statement Sunday that Carter was committed to honoring the spark of divinity within every person, something she said manifested in teaching Sunday school in his beloved Marantha Baptist Church, brokering the landmark Camp David Accords to pave the way to peace or building homes with Habitat for Humanity.

Pelosi also said Carter led perhaps the most impactful post-presidency in history.

Historical praise from the United Kingdom

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer noted in a post on X the special contribution Carter made by brokering the Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt and through his work with the Carter Center.

Motivated by his strong faith and values, President Carter redefined the post-presidency with a remarkable commitment to social justice and human rights at home and abroad, Starmer said.

Commemoration in New York City

To commemorate Carters death, officials with the Empire State Building said in a post on social media that the iconic New York City landmark would be lit in red, white and blue on Sunday night, to honor the life and legacy of the late former president.

The Obamas recall Carter's Sunday services

In a statement issued Sunday, former President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama said Carters beloved Maranatha Baptist Church will be a little quieter on Sunday,s but added that the late former president will never be far away -- buried alongside Rosalynn next to a willow tree down the road, his memory calling all of us to heed our better angels.

Noting the hundreds of tourists from around the world crammed into the pews to see the former president teach Sunday school, as he did for most of his adult life, the Obamas listed Carters accomplishments as president. But they made special note of the Sunday school lessons, saying they were catalysts for people making a pilgrimage to the church. Many people in that church on Sunday morning were there, at least in part, because of something more fundamental: President Carters decency.

A somber announcement

The longest-lived American president died Sunday, more than a year after entering hospice care, at his home in the small town of Plains, Georgia, where he and his wife, Rosalynn, who died at 96 in November 2023, spent most of their lives.

Our founder, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, passed away this afternoon in Plains, Georgia, The Carter Center said in posting about his death on the social media platform X. It added in a statement that he died peacefully, surrounded by his family.

A Southerner and a man of faith

In his 1975 book Why Not The Best, Carter said of himself: I am a Southerner and an American, I am a farmer, an engineer, a father and husband, a Christian, a politician and former governor, a planner, a businessman, a nuclear physicist, a naval officer, a canoeist, and among other things a lover of Bob Dylans songs and Dylan Thomass poetry.

A moderate Democrat, Carter entered the 1976 presidential race as a little-known Georgia governor with a broad smile, outspoken Baptist mores and technocratic plans reflecting his education as an engineer.

After he left office and returned home to his tiny hometown of Plains in southwest Georgia, Carter regularly taught Sunday School lessons at Maranatha Baptist Church until his mobility declined. Those sessions drew visitors from around the world.

Former Vice President Gore remembers Carter for life "of purpose

Former Vice President Al Gore praised Jimmy Carter for living a life full of purpose, commitment and kindness and for being a lifelong role model for the entire environmental movement.

Carter, who left the White House in 1981 after a landslide defeat to Ronald Reagan. concentrated on conflict resolution, defending democracy and fighting disease in the developing world. Gore, who lost the 2000 presidential election to George W. Bush, remains a leading advocate for action to fight climate change. Both won Nobel Peace Prizes.

Gore said that it is a testament to his unyielding determination to help build a more just and peaceful world that Carter is often remembered equally for the work he did as President as he is for his leadership over the 42 years after he left office.

During Gores time in the White House, President Bill Clinton had an uneasy relationship with Carter. But Gore said he is grateful for many years of friendship and collaboration with Carter.

The Clintons react to Jimmy Carter's death

Former President Bill Clinton and his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, remember Carter as a man who lived to serve others.

Hillary and I mourn the passing of President Jimmy Carter and give thanks for his long, good life. Guided by his faith, President Carter lived to serve others  until the very end."

The statement recalled Carter's many achievements and priorities, including efforts to protect our natural resources in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, make energy conservation a national priority, return the Panama Canal to Panama, and secure peace between Egypt and Israel at Camp David."

After he left office, the Clinton statement said, Carter continued efforts in "supporting honest elections, advancing peace, combating disease, and promoting democracy; to his and Rosalynns devotion and hard work at Habitat for Humanity  he worked tirelessly for a better, fairer world, the statement said.
Latvia will transfer over 1,000 "combat drones of various types" to Ukraine through the international drone coalition, the country's Defense Minister Andris Spruds announced on social media on Dec. 28.

The drones, which are produced in Latvia, will be administered through the U.K. and Latvian-led drone coalition, which aims to bolster Ukraine's arsenal of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Latvia previously announced it will also provide an additional 20 million euros ($20.8 million) to the coalition in 2025.

Together with Latvian  drone manufacturers, we continue to support Ukraine . The latest shipment, consisting of more than 1,000 combat drones of various types, has been prepared. The Drone Coalition is led by Latvia and Great Britain . In 2025, Latvia will allocate another pic.twitter.com/lxCYCC3Ls7  Andris Spruds (@AndrisSpruds) December 28, 2024

Latvia, one of Ukraines biggest supporters, has committed to providing military support at the level of 0.25% of its GDP every year and will provide thousands of drones. In August, the country pledged to provide 112 million euros ($126 million) in military support to Ukraine this year, in addition to helping expand the drone coalition initiative.

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Apart from the founding states, seven countries have joined the drone coalition, including Germany, Canada, the Netherlands, Lithuania, Sweden, Estonia, and Denmark. The alliance previously planned to gather 1.8 billion euros ($1.8 billion) by the end of 2024 to support Ukraine.

In November, the U.K., Germany, Canada, Luxembourg announced an additional $30 million for drone coalition funding.

Ukraine is also working to scale up domestic production, aiming to produce at least 1 million drones in 2024. On Dec. 29, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said that Ukrainian drones accounted for over 96% of all UAVs used by the military in 2024.

Kyiv employs long-range drones to strike deep into Russian territory, targeting military infrastructure such as airfields and logistics, as well as oil refineries and depots.

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Read also: Ukrainian drones made up over 96% of UAVs military used in 2024, defense minister says













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KSNF/KODE  When Missouri lawmakers return to Jefferson City next month, one of the first items on their to-do list is selecting who will lead the House of Representatives.

Republican State Representative Bob Bromley says that traditionally, the party that controls the House picks someone from within its ranks for that role.

Every two years, someone is chosen as Speaker of the House  and that person leads floor discussions on legislation, and assigns committee appointments, among other duties.

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Earlier this year, while meeting at a party caucus, Jonathan Patterson of Lees Summit announced he would seek that position.

He remained the sole candidate until this fall, when Justin Sparks from St. Louis announced he would also be seeking the job.

Bromley says between now and then, there could even be more candidates who decide to vie for the Speakers position.

Anybody can nominate anybody for Speaker of the House, and, so, ultimately, there will be nominations made and the entire body, Republicans and Democrats, will decide who the Speaker is going to be, but there is no limit, said St. Rep. Bob Bromley, (R)-Carl Junction.

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Missouri public safety director reflects on leadership role

The Missouri Legislature goes back into session on January 8 and thats when theyll decide who will lead them.

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The Daily Beasts brilliant political columnist Eleanor Clift reveals how she saw the truth about Jimmy Carter up closeand how when a source told her a story to attack Carter it really revealed the greatness of the man.

Jimmy Carters legacy is defined more by the causes he embraced and the work that he did as an ex-president than his single term in the White House.

Among those causes was Habitat for Humanity, which builds houses for low-income people.

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My husband and I volunteered one summer to work on a project in Atlanta headed by Carter. We stayed in the dorms at Agnes Scott College, and each day boarded a bus to the work site to arrive by 7 a.m. That first morning, I remember looking out the window and there was Carter jogging the seven miles to where a full day of hard work awaited.

Once there, he wasnt merely a supervisor. He was fearless, climbing on top of roofs when one house crew fell behind. He was there not so much to cheer them on, but to drive them the way he drove himself.

From the Archives: Read the Daily Beasts Brilliant Jimmy Carter Stories

In the more than four decades after his presidency ended, Carter built such an eclectic list of accomplishmentsfrom leading the fight against guinea-worm disease in Africa to building museum-quality furniturethat he must have been motivated by far more than the loss of an election.

Carter lived each day as though it might be his last, knowing that his three siblings and his father had all been taken in the prime of life by pancreatic cancer. His mother, the indomitable Miss Lillian, lived into her 80s, but she was felled by the same disease.

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Its as though Carter, given the gift of time, was determined to make the most of every minute. He was a relentless self-improver, bringing a Spanish-speaking barber into the White House so he could practice his Spanish while getting a haircut, and having a plaque put on each tree on the grounds so he could identify the different types of foliage.

He typically arrived in the Oval Office before dawn and prided himself on turning everything around from his inboxa real one, obviously, not emailwithin 24 hours.

As president, he had more than his share of crises, compounded by rotten luck. The rescue mission he ordered to save 53 Americans held hostage in Tehran failed when four of the nine helicopters proved unworkable and a fifth collided with one of the C-130 aircraft dispatched to a staging area at a remote desert strip, killing eight American servicemen and wounding four others. Carters presidency pretty much went up in flames along with the aborted mission.

Years later, a member of Carters national-security team told me about briefing the president on the original rescue plan and how it was supposed to unfold. First, Carter had been advised to also bomb Tehran. That way, if the risky rescue operation failed, the headline would be Carter Bombs Tehran, and any attempt to free the hostages would be a sidebar.

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Carter refused to escalate the confrontation. Secondly, the student protesters who had taken over the U.S. Embassy in November 1979 would probably be called terrorists today, but Carter was reluctant to take their lives. He asked the briefer if they would be killed in the rescue operation, and when told that they would, he wanted to know if stun guns could be used instead.

The briefer who related the story rolled his eyes at this point, conveying distaste for Carters reluctance to fully deploy American force. Ive always felt it was Carters finest hour.

With images of Iranian students shouting Death to America and burning the American flag, Carter would have had the countrys backing to bomb Tehran, but with untold consequences. He showed admirable restraint, and after 444 days of captivity, the hostages were released unharmed in time to celebrate the swearing-in of Carters successor.

Carter came to Washington with his loyal band of Georgians, a mischievous bunch epitomized by the Rolling Stone cover of Hamilton Jordan and Jody Powell posing as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

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His political family was taken too soonJordan by cancer and Powell by a heart attack. I thought Jody would speak at my memorial service, Carter said in the fall of 2009, just days after his 85th birthday, as he eulogized the man who had been with him from the start. (The two of them had traveled through Iowa together in those early days, staying in peoples homes, and when they couldnt find free lodging, sharing a room in the cheapest motel they could find.)

Powell was Carters alter ego, and the bond the two men shared was unshakable. We breathed the same air, he said at Powells memorial. Carter recalled that when students at the University of Wisconsin pelted him with peanuts, Powell quipped, Im only glad you didnt grow watermelons.

After four years of watching his boss take the medias pummeling, Powell said to me that he had begun to wonder whether Richard Nixon had indeed gotten a raw deal. I think he was joking, but maybe not.
A passenger plane crash-landed in South Korea, killing 179 people on board, including a 3-year-old boy.

Jeju Air flight 7C2216 caught fire while landing at Muan International Airport at around 9:03 a.m. local time on Sunday, Dec. 29, airliner CEO Kim E-bae confirmed in a statement on Instagram.

The plane, carrying 175 passengers and six crew members, was flying in from Bangkok when it veered off the runway after landing and collided with a concrete fence at the airport, according to local police and firefighters, South Korean news agency Yonhap and CNN reported.

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A 3-year-old boy is among the victims identified in the crash, Muan fire chief Lee Jeong-Hyun announced in a news briefing, per CNN.

Two crew members are the only survivors of the crash. They were rescued with mid to severe injuries from the tail section of the wreckage, The Guardian reported. Both are currently in the hospital.

Chris Jung/NurPhoto via AP Fire authorities search for the missing and recover the deceased at the site of an accident near Muan International Airport in South Korea on Dec. 29 Fire authorities search for the missing and recover the deceased at the site of an accident near Muan International Airport in South Korea on Dec. 29

Related: Dozens Dead After Plane Crashes on Christmas Day: Reports

Footage released online of the crash shows the jet skidding off the runway due to what appeared to be a landing malfunction, before hitting a concrete barrier and bursting into flames. The plane was completely destroyed in the crash, apart from the tail section.

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The incident is believed to have been caused by a bird strike combined with adverse weather conditions Jeong-hyun stated, per The Guardian. He added that the exact cause will be announced following a joint investigation.

Jeju Air CEO E-bae said in a statement, I would like to express my deepest condolences and apology to the passengers and their families."

The Yomiuri Shimbun via AP Images Burnt Jeju Air aircraft is seen at Muan International Airport in Muan, South Jeolla Province, South Korea, Dec. 29 Burnt Jeju Air aircraft is seen at Muan International Airport in Muan, South Jeolla Province, South Korea, Dec. 29

Currently, the cause of the accident is difficult to estimate and we have to wait for the official investigation of the relevant government agency. As a CEO, I feel the responsibility regardless of the cause of the accident  [Jeju Air] will do our best to find out the cause of the accident with the government," he continued.

According to E-bae, there were no signs of issues before the incident. The plane had been flying for 15 years before the crash with no history of accidents, a company official told Yonhap.

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Witness Yoo Jae-yong, 41, told the news agency, I was telling my family there was a problem with the plane when I heard a loud explosion. Second witness Kim Yong-cheol, 70, said they also heard a loud explosion when the plane crash-landed, after attempting to land for the second time, per The Guardian.

AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon Rescue teams carry the body of a passenger at the site of the Jeju Air crash on Dec. 29 Rescue teams carry the body of a passenger at the site of the Jeju Air crash on Dec. 29

Related: 10 Members of the Same Family Killed After Private Jet Crashes into Center of Busy Tourist Resort: Reports

So far, 56 victims have been identified in the crash, with the passengers being predominantly South Korean and two Thai nationals, Time reported. Among the accounted victims are 84 women, 82 men and 11 others whose genders remain unidentified, the outlet said.

Both black boxes from the jet were recovered after the incident. They include flight data and voice recordings, the Land Ministry confirmed, per CNN and The Guardian.

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The planes manufacturer, Boeing, wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that they are in contact with Jeju Air regarding the incident and stand ready to support them."

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.

Over 700 police, military and Coast Guard members are currently on the ground at the airport to continue response efforts, searching for and identifying the victims. The bodies of the dead will be released for burial once the identification process is complete, according to CNN.

South Korea's acting President Choi Sang-mok reacted to the incident, stating, per Reuters, "The government would like to offer its sincere condolences to the bereaved families and will do its best to recover from this accident and prevent a recurrence."

The investigation into the cause of the incident remains ongoing.

Read the original article on People
At least 28 people died after a plane veered off a South Korean airport runway and caught fire on Sunday, local media reported.

The Yonhap news agency, citing officials, said the plane veered off the runway while landing and collided with a fence at the Muan International Airport, killing at least 28 people.

The Jeju Air flight, with some 175 passengers and six crew members aboard, was returning from Bangkok, Yonhap reported.

Authorities were investigating the cause of the crash and rescue operations were under way, the officials said.
A plane veered off a runway and hit a fence at an airport in South Korea on Sunday morning, killing at least 62 people.

Fire crews are on the tarmac of the Muan International Airport, in the countrys southwest, and are continuing attempts to rescue passengers and crew from the burnt wreckage.

Initial reports suggested as many as 29 people had died, but the death toll was upgraded an hour later to 47. Minutes after that, authorities confirmed a total of 62 bodies had been found.

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Only two people had been rescued by 12pm local time, authorities said, suggesting there were grave fears for the rest of the missing.

There had been 181 people on board the flight operated by Jeju Air, a South Korean budget carrier, as it returned from Bangkok in Thailand.

The majority of the passengers were South Korean citizens, except for two Thai nationals. They were accompanied by six airline staff, one of whom was among the rescued victims.

Emergency workers searched the wreckage for survivors - Newsis

Initial reports suggested the pilot had struggled to keep the aircraft on course due to a malfunctioning landing gear, possibly caused by a bird striking the plane before coming in to land shortly after 9am.

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A passenger had texted a loved one saying that a bird got caught on the wing and we couldnt land, local media reported.

Video showed the twin-engine aircraft skidding down the runway with no apparent landing gear before slamming into a wall in an explosion of flame and debris.

Local TV stations aired footage showing thick pillows of black smoke billowing from the plane - YONHAP

Aviation tracking site FlightRadar24 said the aircraft appeared to be a Boeing 737-800. Boeing did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

South Korean acting President Choi Sang-mok, who was named interim leader of the country on Friday after the previous acting president was impeached amid an ongoing political crisis, ordered all-out rescue efforts, his office said.

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His chief of staff convened an emergency meeting.

More to come.

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Scores of people were killed on Sunday when a passenger jet crash-landed at an airport in southwestern South Korea, with the aircraft careening down the runway on its belly before bursting into flames.

Just two of the 181 people on board the plane survived, after the deaths of 179 people were confirmed, according to the local fire department. The two crew members were pulled alive from the crash site.

It is the deadliest aviation disaster to hit South Korea since 1997, when a Korean Air Lines Boeing 747 crashed in the Guam jungle, with the loss of 228 lives.

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Families of the victims have gathered to mourn their loved ones as new details are emerging of the moments before the crash.

Heres what we know:

What happened?

Jeju Air flight 7C 2216 from Bangkok was carrying 175 passengers and six crew when disaster struck at the airport in Muan county, on the countrys southwestern tip, just after 9 a.m. local time Sunday (7 p.m. ET Saturday).

Footage of Sundays crash broadcast by multiple South Korean news outlets showed the plane sliding on its belly at high speed, hitting an earthen embankment and erupting in a fireball.

Neither the back nor front landing gear was visible in the footage  broadcast by networks including YTN, JTBC and MBC  as smoke poured from the back of the sliding aircraft.

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Firefighters were later seen using water cannons to extinguish the blazing wreckage of the aircraft, a Boeing 737-800. Several parts of the aircraft were also seen strewn across the runway.

Experts told CNN that the planes undercarriage  specifically, the wheels used for takeoff and landing  appeared not to have fully deployed before landing. But what caused this failure to deploy is still unclear. Aviation analysts say more evidence is needed before South Korean authorities can definitively pinpoint what might have caused Sundays crash.

In a briefing on Monday, South Korean officials confirmed that the pilot reported a bird strike before he made the doomed emergency landing.

The pilot reported an emergency declaration and go-around due to a bird strike, Kang Jung-hyun, a senior official at the Transport Ministry, told reporters. The pilot declared mayday, mayday, mayday three times and used the terms bird strike and go-around, the official said.

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The transport ministry said the control tower had warned the pilot of birds in the area shortly before the pilot reported a bird strike and declared mayday. The pilot asked to land in the opposite direction, the ministry said, clarifying comments made Sunday that the control tower had instructed the pilot to change course shortly after he declared mayday.

The landing attempt occurred about two minutes after the mayday call, according to the ministry.

A go-around is an aviation term that means a landing is aborted when a plane is making a final approach and instead the pilot will increase speed and ascend before attempting another approach or diverting elsewhere.

Uncertainty remains as to what exactly went wrong as some aviation experts question how much impact a bird strike could have had in bringing down the Jeju Air plane.

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Sundays crash is very perplexing given that both the aircraft and carrier have a strong safety record and flying conditions were excellent, an aviation journalist said.

The Boeing 737-800 is one of the most widely used aircraft in the world and each one is used for about four or five flights per day, Geoffrey Thomas, editor of Airline News, told CNNs Paula Newton, adding that the maintenance done in (South) Korea is as good as it gets around the world.

Its a little bit unclear whether or not the undercarriage collapsed on landing or whether the undercarriage was not deployed at all. This is a really serious issue that obviously investigators will be very much focused on, Thomas added.

Jeju Airs chief executive said Sunday the aircraft had shown no signs of issues prior to Sundays accident.

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At this time, it is difficult to determine the cause of the accident, and we have to wait for the official announcement of the investigation by the relevant government agency, Kim Yi-bae said during a press briefing at the airport.

Where is the investigation focused?

Officers from the national Incident Investigation Committee had arrived to look into what caused the accident.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading a team of US investigators, including from Boeing and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), to assist South Korean authorities with their investigation of the crash. The NTSB said any information about the investigation would be released by South Koreas Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board (ARAIB).

Two so-called black boxes  the flight data and voice recorders  have been recovered from the crash site, according to a briefing by the Transport Ministry. But the flight recorder suffered external damage that required it to be sent to an analysis center in Seoul to see how much information could be extracted and whether it needed to be sent to the United States, the ministry said.

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The black boxes offer aviation safety investigators critical facts when piecing together an incident.

The transport ministry said the head pilot on the flight had held the role since 2019 and had about 6,800 hours of flight experience.

More than 700 personnel from the police, military, and coast guard have been mobilized for on-site response efforts, the ministry added.

South Koreas acting president, Choi Sang-mok, has declared seven days of national mourning and ordered an investigation into the countrys entire airline system.

We will transparently disclose the progress of the investigation into the accident, even before the final results are released, and keep the bereaved families informed, Choi said Monday at a disaster control meeting in Seoul.

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The Transport Ministry will also inspect all Boeing 737-800 planes  the same model as the one that crashed  operating in the country, according to Deputy Transport Minister Joo Jong-wan.

A total of 101 planes of the same model used by six airlines are subject to the latest inspection with authorities looking at each planes maintenance record on major parts, including the engine and landing gear, Joo said.

What are the authorities saying?

South Koreas acting president declared the site of Sundays plane crash a special disaster zone as he expressed heartbreak over the tragedy.

Choi, who travelled to the crash site on Sunday, extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and pledged to make every effort to manage the aftermath of the incident and prevent similar accidents in future.

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The tragedy comes only two days into Chois acting presidency, the latest chapter in a time of political chaos in South Korea.

The countrys current president, Yoon Suk Yeol, was stripped of his powers by parliament two weeks ago following a short-lived martial law order that plunged the country into political disarray. He is suspended while a top court decides his fate.

Han Duck-soo, the man who stepped in to replace Yoon as acting president, was impeached by parliament on Friday, meaning Choi  the finance minister and deputy prime minister  stepped in for him.

Boeing also extended its condolences to those who lost loved ones in the crash.

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We are in contact with Jeju Air regarding Flight 2216 and stand ready to support them, Boeing said in a short statement posted to its X account.

We extend our deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones and our thoughts remain with the passengers and crew, the company added.

The US aviation giant has had a turbulent time in recent years, including two 737 Max crashes, a tragedy for which the company agreed to plead guilty to deceiving the Federal Aviation Administration during the certification process for the plane.

However, analysts have described the Boeing 737-800  an earlier and different model to the Max  as a reliable workhorse of the skies with an extremely strong safety record.

What the families have said

The victims of Sundays crash include 84 males, 85 females, and 10 people whose gender could not be determined, according to the South Jeolla Fire Service. Both of the survivors were crew members, one man and one woman, pulled from the wreckage, according to the rescue team.

Two Thai nationals were among those on board, according to the transport ministry. All other passengers were South Korean.

Authorities have so far identified 146 of the 179 victims, while efforts are underway to identify the remaining 33 bodies, according to Transport Ministry.

The scene inside Muan International Airport has been one of heartbreak and anguish as relatives and loved ones waited for news. Many of those gathered burst into tears or cried out as authorities read victims names out loud, video footage from Reuters showed.

In the airports departure hall, some families were seen wrapped in each others embrace, weeping, while several monks spoke to gathered groups. Rows of yellow tents stood erected for people who had stayed overnight. Several relatives could be seen yelling at officials, demanding more information.

A father of one of the Thai victims, Boonchuay Duangmanee, told the Associated Press he never thought that this would be the last time we would see each other forever.

His daughter, Jongluk, had been working in a factory in South Korea for several years, he told the AP. She had been back in Thailand visiting family before departing on the flight from Bangkok to Muan International Airport.

I heard that the plane exploded in Korea this morning. But I did not expect at all that my daughter would be on this flight, he said.

Another man who lost his daughter told Reuters he had not heard from her before the crash.

She was almost home so she didnt feel the need to make a call, 71-year-old Jeon Je-Young said of his daughter Jeon Mi-Sook.

She thought she was coming home. I figure in those last moments when she did try to reach out, the damage had already been done and the plane had probably crashed, he said.

Mourners have also begun laying flowers and candles at a public memorial altar set up in Muan to honor victims of the crash.

This story has been updated with additional information.

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At least 94 people have died after a plane veered off a South Korean airport runway and caught fire on Sunday, local media reported.

The Yonhap news agency, citing officials, said the plane veered off the runway while landing and collided with a fence at the Muan International Airport.

Authorities had confirmed 94 deaths from the accident so far but warned the death toll was expected to rise sharply with almost all of the 181 people on board presumed dead, Yonhap reported.

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The chances of survival were extremely low, Yonhap reported, citing a fire department official.

"The aircraft has almost completely been destroyed, and it is difficult to identify the deceased," the official said. "We are in the process of recovering the remains, which will take time."

The news agency said two people had been rescued and were being treated in hospital.

The Jeju Air flight, with some 175 passengers and six crew members aboard, was returning from Bangkok.

Jeju Air chief executive Kim E-Bae said the airline extended its deepest condolences and apologies to those affected.

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"Currently, the exact cause of the accident has yet to be determined, and we must wait for the official investigation by government agencies," Kim said in a statement.

"Regardless of the cause, I take full responsibility as the chief executive."

Authorities were investigating whether a landing gear failure, possibly due to bird strike, may have caused the accident, Yonhap reported.

Acting President Choi Sang Mok visited the accident site and ordered agencies to use all available equipment, personnel and infrastructure to "save even one more life," Yonhap reported, citing his office.

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"I believe no words of consolation will be enough for the families who have suffered such a tragedy," Choi said.

"The government will spare no effort in supporting the bereaved families."

Choi has been acting president since Friday, after lawmakers voted to impeach then-acting president Han Duck Soo, barely two weeks after Yoon Suk Yeol was removed from the presidency over his imposition of martial law.

South Korea's Defence Ministry said about 180 personnel, firefighting vehicles and ambulances had been deployed to the airport.

Muan Airport, which opened in 2007 after ten years of construction, is located in the south-western province of Jeolla - almost 300 kilometres from the capital Seoul. Western airlines do not fly to the airport.
PIERRE, S.D. (KELO)  The Legislatures investigative panel is taking a second run at requiring South Dakota Department of Revenue officials to meet with its members.

The Government Operations and Audit Committee has set a meeting for Thursday morning at the Capitol to discuss issuing new subpoenas.

Lawmakers are trying to learn what corrective steps the department is taking regarding criminal allegations of title fraud within the state Division of Motor Vehicles.

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The committee had subpoenaed Secretary Michael Houdyshell and DMV director Rosa Yaeger to testify in closed session on December 11. But a state attorney representing them filed a motion to quash the subpoenas so that they wouldnt have to appear. The committees chair, Republican Rep. Ernie Otten, then canceled the meeting and the subpoenas fight went away.

Thousands still without power following weekend tornadoes

Otten said he would bring the matter back up. That time has now come.

State law requires that the Legislatures Executive Board approve any subpoena sought by the committee.

The Executive Board has now set a meeting for Friday afternoon.

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All of this comes amid major shake-ups at the state and federal levels.

Republican Governor Kristi Noem awaits confirmation from the U.S. Senate to serve as the new secretary of homeland security for the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump. Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden would become governor after Noem resigns.

The Legislature meanwhile starts a new term on January 1, with substantial changes in memberships coming in 2025 for both GOAC and Executive Board.

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GIRARD, Ohio (WKBN)  Dec. 29 is the last Sunday of 2024, and the new year starts in the middle of the week. However, many are preparing for the transition now.

Members of Unity Spiritual Centre in Girard spent Sunday morning preparing for the new year with their annual burning bowl ceremony.

On a piece of paper, members write down any negative beliefs or statements. By burning the paper, theyre leaving those thoughts behind in the new year.

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Service leader Larry Etheredge says they first affirm a good belief, then burn a bad one.

Im starting a new rule. So, my affirmation was a belief that I would not be good enough for the church, and that belief is an illusion. So, I burned that up, and now Im the loving child of God, Etheredge said.

After lighting the paper using a candle, the paper immediately burns up. Following the burning bowl is the tradition of white stones. The stones represent a clean slate and what people want to bring into the new year.

Kimberly Ford is a member of Unity and has been going for about 10 years. She says she looks forward to the new year ceremonies.

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This year, I used the word choices. So every day, I was just really aware of the choices I was making and trying to make the best choices, Ford said.

Ford said this year she wrote I am scared and I am full of doubt on paper before burning it.

Etheredge said anyone can replicate the burning ceremony if they didnt attend the service. He believes its the best way to expel the negative thoughts.

I think the best way to do it is put it in writing, whatever it is that theyre struggling with, then bless it  say a blessing over it, then burn it. If you got to go outside and burn it, burn it wherever it will put it in smoke, Etheredge said.

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A Long Island woman who was walking on a Queens sidewalk Saturday was struck and killed by a yellow cab that jumped a curb after a crash, cops said.

The 23-year-old taxi driver was in a Toyota Rav4 at 115th Avenue and Lefferts Boulevard in South Ozone Park around 3:10 a.m. when he collided with a Honda Accord that was being driven by a 25-year-old man, cops said.

The crash occurred at 115th Avenue and Lefferts Boulevard. Brigitte Stelzer

The taxi was sent onto the sidewalk, where it hit three people. Brigitte Stelzer

The crash sent the taxi careening onto the sidewalk, where the vehicle hit the 51-year-old woman and two men, 44 and 49.

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The woman was pinned against a fence by the vehicle, a police source said

All three were rushed to Jamaica Hospital, where the woman died.

She was identified as Vidya Dookran-Franco of Merrick, cops said.

The men suffered minor injuries. There were no arrests.
After more than a thousand days of war, there are signs Ukraine is running short of manpower. Russia is capitalizing, seizing territory faster this year than it's done since 2022, and terrorizing Ukrainians with cheaply-produced glide bombs  old Soviet-era ammunition retrofitted with wings and GPS.

This past fall, we spoke with Colonel Maksym Balagura, a special forces commander in Ukraine's State Border Guard, and asked if Russia's use of glide bombs had changed the trajectory of the war.

"At the moment they're the biggest threat," he told us. "They're sapping the motivation of our soldiers to win."

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How Russia, Ukraine deploy new technologies, tactics on the battlefield ("Sunday Morning")How Russia is utilizing glide bombs to gain ground in Ukraine warWar in Ukraine pushes women into new roles

Ukrainians fought back in August, with the biggest foreign incursion into Russian territory since World War II.

Ukrainian troops push deeper into RussiaThe stakes behind Ukraine's surprise attack inside Russian territory ("Sunday Morning")Kremlin struggles to respond to Ukraine's shock offensive inside RussiaU.S. "seeing evidence" of North Korean troops in Russia as Ukraine war rages

But in October we found the mood in Kyiv gloomy and anxious. Ukrainians told us they feared that if Donald Trump won the U.S. election, he'd stop the supply of weapons, and pressure Ukraine's government into surrendering territory.

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One woman, Halina, told us her husband was serving in the military, and hoped Americans wouldn't abandon them.

I asked, "Are you worried that Donald Trump could cut off the supply of weapons to Ukraine?"

"Yes," she replied. "For us, it's a matter of survival."

Ukrainians warily eyeing the U.S. election have a simple message: Thank you, and please don't abandon us.How Donald Trump and Kamala Harris differ on the Russia-Ukraine warNATO aims to safeguard commitment to Ukraine amid concern about rising right-wing populismTrump indicates he "would encourage" Russian aggression against NATO allies who don't meet spending targetsU.S. aid to Ukraine in doubt after Trump election victory

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After the election, President Joe Biden finally gave Ukraine permission to hit Russia with American-supplied ATACMs  missiles with a range of close to 200 miles  perhaps an attempt to help Ukraine maximize its gains before Trump takes office.

White House announces nearly $1 billion more in military assistance to UkraineBiden lifts restriction on Ukraine's use of U.S.-provided weapons deep inside Russian territoryUkraine uses U.S.-supplied long-range ATACMS missiles for first time in counteroffensive against RussiaWhat long-range missiles bring to Ukraine's fight against RussiaTrump denounces Biden decision to let Ukraine fire American missiles toward Russia

Without a steady flow of U.S. weapons, Ukraine's front line could collapse. It would hand Russian President Vladimir Putin a monumental victory. Throughout this grinding war of attrition, he's been waiting for the West's unity and resolve to fall apart.

Russia accuses U.S. of adding fuel to the fire, 1,000 days after war beganWhat we know about Russia's attack on Ukraine's power gridUkraine says Russia's "tactics of terror" apparent in huge missile attack on energy sector as winter arrives

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Story produced by Mark Hudspeth. Editor: Ed Givnish.

"Romeo and Juliet" actress Olivia Hussey dies at 73

Philanthropist David Rubenstein on how 2024's unsettled times compares to past unsettled times

David Rubenstein on "Face the Nation" | Full interview
A 15-year-old boy is in critical condition after police shot him during a gun fight in Los Angeles on Thursday, authorities confirmed.

The incident took place at about 6:40 p.m. in the area of Hooper Avenue and 92nd Street. Officers on patrol spotted a male suspect spray painting a wall and stopped their vehicle to investigate.

When the officers stopped, a second suspect appeared and produced a handgun. Police said that suspect, a 15-year-old boy, then opened fire on the officers.

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The officers then exited their vehicle and returned fire at the teen. He was struck, but managed to get inside an awaiting vehicle being driven by a man, along with the vandalizing suspect, and leave the scene.

Fight with numerous individuals involved leads to quadruple stabbing, police say

That led to a pursuit, which eventually ended in Compton, where the vehicle was stopped.

All three suspects were arrested. The driver was identified as 20-year-old Kevin Diaz. The other two suspects, including the boy who was shot, are both 15, and their identities were not revealed.

A loaded .45 caliber handgun and a shotgun shell casing were found in the vehicle.

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The wounded boy was transported to a local hospital, where he remains in critical condition, police said. The other two were not injured and were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder on a police officer.

No officers were injured. No additional details were immediately made available.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
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After five years of marriage, Sarah, 27, and her husband decided that they were finally in a place to start trying to conceive a child. My husband got a good job offer in Minnesota, so we moved and bought a house. It felt like the right timewe both had stable jobs, we had a home, we loved our new city. There was no more We need to do this before we have a child.  Then Donald Trump won the 2024 U.S. presidential election.

Everything is on hold now. Im terrified of a national abortion ban. What if I have complications? Im not ready to die trying to bring a baby into this world, and my husband doesnt want to risk my life, said Sarah, who, like other women quoted in this piece, preferred to use only her first name.

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In the days following the U.S. election, many young women took to social media to share similar fears about what a second Trump presidency could mean for their own reproductive futures in the wake of the Supreme Courts Dobbs decision overturning Roe v. Wade: We wanted to have another baby soon. And now it feels wildly unsafe to even think about it, wrote one Threads user. Posts predicting a postelection baby bust racked up tens of thousands of likes and hundreds of comments. A week ago my partner and I were set on having children in the next 3 years. Today we discussed the possibility of never having children, another replied.

People say a lot of things online after election results they perceive as disastrous. To those of us who agree with these types of sentiments, it feels obvious, on the level of received wisdom: Liberal-leaning women will be less likely to have babies (on purpose, at least) between 2024 and 2028. On the other hand, millions of women enthusiastically voted for the former president and happily celebrated his victory. So will a Trump 2.0 baby bust actually materialize? And when, if it does, will we know?

The first thing we can do is look at whats happened in the past. In their paper Partisan Fertility and Presidential Elections, published in American Economic Review: Insights in 2022, economist Gordon Dahl, a professor at the University of California San Diego, and his co-authors found that changes in political leadership can have measurable, albeit uneven, effects on fertility. Following the 2016 election of Donald Trump, for example, they found that Republican-leaning counties experienced a sharp and persistent increase in fertility relative to Democratic counties. Similarly, the analysis found evidence of falling fertility in Democratic counties relative to Republican counties after George W. Bush won the 2000 election. There is a partisan divergence on policy priorities and worries about the future. So when their party does not win the presidency, they respond to changes in actual or expected policy they think is important to them when considering whether to have kids, says Dahl.

Given his past findings and the 2024 election results, Dahl predicts, Republican fertility will rise relative to Democrats, with an increase in the number of babies in Republican families showing up roughly 912 months from now. But given the gender divide among younger voters, with younger women disproportionately supporting Vice President Kamala Harris, Dahl predicts that Trumps election will ultimately lower U.S. fertility somewhat overall.

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After all, exit polls show that women under the age of 45, those most likely to be making reproductive choices, were the least likely (among agegender cohorts) to have cast their votes for the president-elect. And early indicators suggest that their disappointment in the election outcome may have already transcended the limits of social media rhetoric. According to Planned Parenthood, appointments for birth control implants increased by 350 percent and appointments for IUDs (a form of long-acting contraception) increased by over 760 percent on Nov. 6, the day after the election. Aid Access, a nonprofit providing access to abortion medication by mail, also reported a 16-fold increase in requests that day. And similar spikes were reported for other forms of birth control and emergency contraception.

This all comes amid a year of hand-wringing over Americas falling fertility rates, which have been trending downward for the better part of two decades and hit a new low in 2023, with just 54.51 births per 1,000 women aged 15 to 44, relative to 69.3 in 2007. Notably, 2023 was also the first year to reflect the fertility effects of the Supreme Courts Dobbs decision, after which, a 2024 research letter published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found, vasectomies and tubal ligation (a procedure that involves cutting or blocking the fallopian tubes to prevent future pregnancy) had risen abruptly among 18-to-30-year-olds. A recent review of insurance claims confirms these findings, with tubal sterilization rising in every one of the 36 states analyzed, plus Washington D.C., in the latter half of 2022.

Post Dobbs, the public seems to have adjusted its fertility behavior, in recognition of the transformed scene, concludes a 2024 analysis of Centers for Disease Control data from the Institute for Research on Women, Gender & Sexuality. Those adjustments range from greater vigilance around birth control and travel across state lines to access abortion care to increases in more permanent contraception procedures, like tubal ligation. All of which may help explain why, despite near-total abortion bans in 14 states and restrictions on abortion access in many more, fertility still fell across all 50 U.S. states in 2023. Getting a tubal ligation feels like a necessary act of preservation, said Meg Wheeler, a Massachusetts-based small-business owner and mother of a 7-year-old, in the days after the election. This recent dip suggests that curtailing reproductive rights, or signaling the possibility of further restrictions, like through Trumps reelection, might lead to longer-term drops in U.S. fertilityeven in states that have preserved abortion access.

But even with postelection fears driving up demand for long-term birth control, sterilization, emergency contraception, and medication abortion, it is very hard to make projections when predicting future fertility, says director of the Carolina Population Center and professor of sociology Karen Guzzo,

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While in 2023, fertility rates continued to fall in states with near-total abortion bans, policies that limit access to medication abortions or restrictions that would require women to self-manage or leave the country to access abortion care may have a different effect. In Minnesota, where Sarah and her husband live, the law still protects abortion, but Im afraid that state laws wont matter once he gets into office, Sarah said, referring to Trumps next term.

The 2024 election did include several wins for reproductive rights, as seven states passed ballot measures protecting abortion, but the Dobbs decision leaves that access to abortion care contingent. And while President-elect Trump has claimed he would veto a federal abortion ban and has criticized some of the most extreme state abortion restrictions, he has also celebrated his part in appointing the Supreme Court justices who overturned Roe v. Wade, making such restrictions possible. Those restrictions include Texas near-total ban on abortion care, after which, according to an analysis of CDC data by the Gender Equity Policy Institute, the rate of maternal mortality cases rose by 56 percenta number thats even more dramatic when compared to the 11 percent increase in maternal mortality cases nationwide in the same time period. Women in states with severe abortion restrictions are now more than twice as likely to die in pregnancy, childbirth, or postpartum than in states with greater abortion access, according to a 2022 analysis from the Commonwealth Fund, an independent health research foundation.

My son needs a mom more than he needs a sibling, said Lindsay, an account manager based in West Virginia. Lindsay was seven weeks pregnant when the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, and a West Virginia law from the 1800s that makes obtaining or performing an abortion a felony resurfaced. Her state Legislature then voted to ban the procedure almost entirely. Four weeks later, Lindsay started having pregnancy complications. By 16 weeks, her doctor had labeled her pregnancy high-risk. What should have been the happiest time of my life quickly turned out to be the most terrifying and uncertain. I remember grabbing the mask over my mouth and sobbing, said Lindsay.

While today, the son she was carrying then is a happy and healthy almost-2-year-old, the experience of that high-risk pregnancy paired with her states abortion ban was decisive. We never thought we would have to plan our family based on state and federal laws. Now that Trump is [going to be back] in office, there is a real threat to the ACA [Affordable Care Act], and even potentially restricting access to birth control or sterilization. I have decided to seek a tubal ligation, said Lindsay.

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In Lindsays home state of West Virginia, deaths from any cause among women of reproductive age are nearly three times higher than in Hawaii (a state with more protections on abortion access) post-Dobbs, according to the Commonwealth Funds analysis. Restricting abortion access and criminalizing abortion care have led to an exodus of health care providers in states with such legislation. The resulting health care deserts have left the health and lives of all women of reproductive age at greater risk, whether or not they are pregnant.

The Commonwealth Funds analysis also confirms the disproportionate impact of abortion restrictions on women of color, worsening existing racial inequities across the health care system, including higher rates of maternal mortality and infant death. As a fat Black woman, I automatically face a lot of discrimination at hospitals and medical facilities everywhere, but specifically in those spaces, where my pain is ignored or they deduce it to mean, Oh, well, maybe its because of your size. So I already worry. But now with this [the reelection of Donald Trump], I dont know what is going to happen, said Cassandra Kelly, a 39-year-old mother of two who is reconsidering whether she can have another child given her upcoming move to Kentucky to become a caregiver for her grandparents.

After having her first two children, Cassandra experienced two ectopic pregnancies. I had no clue I was pregnant at all. I was actually on birth control, and I got really sick and I was in so much pain that my doctor was like, You have to go to the ER. I sat there for hours until the doctors believed me that I was in pain. When Cassandra was finally admitted for exploratory surgery, the surgeon discovered her ectopic pregnancy. He ended up taking my left fallopian tube because the baby was eight weeks and three days and had started to rupture my tube. The experience led her to become a traveling postpartum doula, and to become an activist with the Southern Birth Justice Network. I feel like a lot of the people that Im closest to, even the ones that havent been considering pregnancy, are scared, said Cassandra.

You might say, I had such a horrible pregnancy experience, I dont want to risk not being a mom to my current kid for this idea of a future kid,  says Guzzo, the director at the Carolina Population Center, noting that the majority of women seeking abortion care in the United States are already mothers. In fact, in low-fertility countries, women with one child are much more likely than men to be opposed to having another child. And that gender gap increases with the existing number of children, according to a 2019 paper by economists Matthias Doepke and Fabian Kindermann that was published in the American Economic Review. Theres a cost of having children that is borne primarily by the mothers, says Doepke, citing factors like the unequal distribution of child care responsibilities and the motherhood penalty, where womens earnings fall after the birth of their first child in a way that mens typically do not. We argue thats kind of a big obstacle to fertility being higher, he says.

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As reproductive rights are chipped away, putting more womens lives and futures at risk, the realized costs of both pregnancy and motherhood are risingboth relative to the cost of fatherhood and in absolute terms. New research by sociologists Bethany G. Everett and Catherine J. Taylor, published in American Sociological Review, suggests that abortion restrictions in the U.S. are related to lower educational attainment and economic stability for women living under such restrictions, whereas women in locations with greater access to abortion have higher rates of college graduation, higher incomes, and lower levels of economic instability in the long term. All of which suggest that the cost of motherhood is even higher when it isnt actively chosen.

If a society makes it easier to combine working and having families, then you will get more of both. You have to make those things more compatible, says Doepkefor women as much as men. But the data suggests that restricting reproductive rights does the opposite, making it even harder for women to combine their personal and professional aspirations while driving up the cost of motherhood relative to fatherhood, another gender gap that has been repeatedly tied to falling fertility.

The views that have gotten more support after the election are the ones trying to push us back in a more conservative direction, and I just dont think thats going to work. If anything, its going to make birth rates even lower, says Doepke. You will maybe have some children born because abortion is not accessible, but overall, those conditions are not very amenable to having a high fertility rate.

When Biden won in 2020, I had a lot of hope that we could kind of turn things around for my sons generation. And thats not really the case anymore, said Emily, a California-based mother of a 7-year-old, after seeing the 2024 election returns. Like so many women I heard from while reporting this piece, she fears the incoming administrations federal policies could render her states robust reproductive protections mootespecially after she faced complications throughout her first pregnancy and childbirth.

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After her son was born, Emily was diagnosed with lupus. To reduce the risk of similar complications in future pregnancies, she was advised to wait until her lupus had been in remission for at least a year before trying to conceive again. Thats when she came across the story of Candi Miller in ProPublica. Miller, a Georgia mother who was also diagnosed with lupus, along with diabetes and hypertension, died after being unable to access legal abortion care in her state. I just cant fathom my child losing his mother for a pregnancy, said Emily. I had always thought of myself as having at least two children, she said, but I dont feel comfortable having more kids. Both for the sake of my kid and my own personal safety. Given the circumstances, the best for the family that I do have is to keep it smaller and to keep us tighter knit and able to look out for each other, spend our resources wisely, and just [put] ourselves in the best possible situation with whatevers coming next.

Far from the stereotypes of career-obsessed #girlbosses or self-indulgent childless cat ladies so often imagined as the cause of Americas falling fertility rates, stories like Emilys and Cassandras and Lindsays, emerging in the aftermath of the 2024 election, point to how many women across the U.S. are downshifting their reproductive plans, not because they want to, but because of their actual experiences of pregnancy, childbirth, and motherhood in an increasingly hostile landscape for all three.

At the individual level, this falling fertility emerges far from any cold calculation of opportunity cost but rather through a painful reckoning with the shifting landscape of motherhood in Americaone that for many young women, especially in the aftermath of the 2024 election, is increasingly characterized by fear, disillusionment, and grief.

I still have hope that maybe after these four years are over, we can still right the ship and move forward, said Sarah. Our hearts still want a child, but our heads know its not the right time now. And were both dealing with that in different ways, because its hard to accept. I think were both dealing with the grief of what could have been.
Loved ones and detectives are seeking the communitys help in finding a teenage girl who went missing on Friday night.

The Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department said Lamia Witherspoon, a county resident, was last seen on Dec. 27 at 11 p.m. on the 100 block of South Bowen Court in Compton.

Authorities described Witherspoon as a 17-year-old Black female who stands 5 feet and 2 inches tall and weighs 102 pounds. She has brown hair in braids, brown eyes and wears glasses.

Lamia Witherspoon, pictured here in 2023, is a 17-year-old teen who has been missing since Dec. 27, 2024. (LASD)

More visual descriptions released by the sheriffs department to help aid in the search included that Witherspoon has crooked bottom teeth and scars on the lower left and right sides of her back.

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When she was last seen, officials said Witherspoon wore a black onesie with a hoodie.

The teens family is concerned for her well-being and is pleading for community members to help find her and bring her home.

Details are limited, officials did not immediately say whether Witherspoon had a suspected destination or what her last communication was with her loved ones.

The sheriffs department encourages anyone with information about the teens whereabouts to contact the Compton Sheriffs Station Detective Bureau or the on-duty Watch Commander at 310-605-6500.

To provide information anonymously, you may call Crime Stoppers by dialing 800-222-TIPS (8477) or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.

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Lieutenant-Commander Ian Crash McLaren, who has died aged 67 of complications arising from diabetes, led a prize crew onboard the freighter Monsunen during the Falklands War and later became a civil servant.

Early in 1982, Fearless was being prepared for the summer cruise of the Dartmouth Training Squadron and McLaren was chosen as the instructor for the young officers onboard, when, following the Argentine invasion of the Falkland Islands, she was rapidly returned to her primary role as an amphibious assault ship.

McLaren, an extrovert and an entertainer by nature, nicknamed Crash for an unwarranted reputation which he acquired for crashing ships, had already established himself in Fearlesss wardroom and bridge. Her executive officer, Commander John Kelly, easily persuaded her commanding officer, Captain Jeremy Larken, that McLaren should be retained as a watchkeeper and go to war.

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Fearless was soon in the thick of the action, as headquarters ship of Commodore Michael Clapp, Commodore Amphibious Warfare, and Brigadier Julian Thompson, Commanding Officer 3 Commando Brigade, and their staffs, and successfully landed her embarked Royal Marine forces in San Carlos Water on the night of May 21 1982.

Meanwhile, the 326-ton coaster MV Monsunen, of the Falklands Island Company, had been requisitioned by the Argentinians, run aground and abandoned in Seal Cove. When found by the Paras of 5 Airborne Brigade alongside Goose Green jetty, where she had been towed, Monsunen was repaired, from June 3 to June 5, and pressed into service by the Navy, her Falklands islander crew being augmented by McLaren in command of Naval Party 2160. McLaren took with him as his jimmy one of the ships trainees, Acting Sub-Lieutenant Phil Jones, a future First Sea Lord.

Monsunen wearing the white ensign

At dusk on June 8, after Fearlesss landing craft, LCU F4, had been attacked by a wave of Argentine Skyhawks, Monsunen sailed on a search-and-rescue mission. Finding the wreck down by the stern, Monsunen attempted to take her in tow but fouled her own propeller and drifted helplessly until divers from the frigate Yarmouth helped to clear her screw.

Monsunen had to abandon the salvage attempt and returned to Goose Green on the morning of June 9. Realising the dangers of further air attacks, the civilian crew was disembarked and later that day McLaren, now in sole command, resumed the search for the stricken landing craft but found no sign of her.

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During the following nights, McLaren ferried stores and personnel along the south coast of East Falklands in support of the Paras and others, and, after the Argentine surrender on June 14, this included carrying sheep between settlements, until McLaren and the Fearlesses returned to their own ship on June 25.

McLaren in his element

Ian McLaren was born in London on June 27 1957 where his father was a company director in a construction company and his mother dealt in antiques. He was educated at Highgate School and joined Dartmouth in 1976.

Under training he served in the guided missile destroyer Fife, and as a sub-lieutenant in the frigate Avenger. McLarens leadership was soon recognised when he was sent to the University Royal Navy Unit, Liverpool, to command the patrol boat Cutlass: his reward was further command of the fast patrol boat Scimitar based in Hong Kong.

After the Falklands War and an Arabic course, McLaren spent 1984 to 1986 on loan service in the Sultan of Omans Navy, before specialising as a principal warfare officer. From 1986 to 1990 he was warfare officer in the frigate Broadsword, and then operations officer in the destroyer Gloucester during the First Gulf War.

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Though he was off watch and asleep during the 89-second-long incident when Gloucesters Sea Dart shot down a Silkworm fired at the battleship USS Missouri (the first-ever missile-versus-missile engagement at sea), McLaren was mentioned in despatches for the skill with which he had trained his people.

McLaren in later life

After staff training and other appointments, he undertook operations in the carrier Illustrious from 1995 to 1995) when she helped to maintain the no-fly zone over Bosnia, and he was appointed MBE. His last uniformed job was as service attache to the Five Powers Defence Arrangement in Penang, Malaysia.

Leaving the Navy in 2000, McLaren started a series of projects to help other countries, particularly in the Middle East, to protect their maritime exclusion zones. His knack for convening all kinds of disparate experts, from retired admirals to university professors, enabled him to push causes, and he established Proteez, a company which promoted maritime cyber resilience.

Although perhaps few might have predicted it, McLaren took happily to his final role of full-time civil servant, as a maritime specialist in the Department for Business and Trade. There he brought his characteristic initiative, dynamism and determined focus that had served him well in business.

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His demeanour, cheerfulness and positive attitude survived a diagnosis of diabetes which led to the amputation of both legs, something he treated as no more than an inconvenience, living life at full-throttle until his final, emergency admission to hospital.

McLarens warm, light-hearted bonhomie concealed a sharp mind and an acute commercial instinct. A big and zestful raconteur, well able to mix at all levels, he knew by heart every Monty Python script, and he took great pride in his O-gauge model railway.

He married Kathleen Flanagan in 1986; they divorced in 2005. There were no children of the marriage.

Ian McLaren, born June 27 1957, died November 3 2024

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Emmanuel Macrons former heritage tsar has denounced the presidents God-like decision to replace 19th-century stained glass windows that survived the fire in Notre-Dame with contemporary ones.

Stephane Bern, Mr Macrons former heritage adviser and a presenter of popular history documentaries, blasted the presidents decision saying the 4 million euros earmarked for the new windows would be better spent elsewhere.

But hey, its the presidents wish. So what the president wants, God wants, I guess!, he told regional daily Ouest France.

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Mr Bern is the latest to add his voice to a chorus of disapproval over the plan to remove six windows installed by architect Eugene Viollet-le-Duc in 1844 in the chapels on the south side of the medieval church.

Notre Dames 2019 blaze caused massive damage to the Gothic masterpiece, which has just been reopened to the world after a huge reconstruction effort costing around 800 million.

While the spire, parts of the vaulted roof and medieval beams went up in smoke, Viollet le-Ducs stained glass was not damaged in the fire.

French President Emmanuel Macron speaks with Stephane Bern - JEAN-CLAUDE COUTAUSSE

However, Mr Macron decided that while almost all of the monument would be restored to its former glory in identical fashion, he favoured adding a contemporary gesture to leave a trace of the fire in the restored building.

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He went on to champion the idea of adding contemporary stained glass windows.

Days after this months reopening ceremony, attended by various world leaders and heads of state, it was announced that the French artist Claire Tabouret had been chosen from a shortlist of eight to design the windows depicting Pentecostal scenes.

The 43-year-old figurative artist, who lives in Los Angeles, submitted designs showing scenes of people in prayer in red, turquoise, yellow and pink. She will work with master glassmakers at the Atelier Simon-Marq, a glass workshop founded in Reims in 1640, to recreate the drawings in glass.

Mr Bern said: I have nothing against Claire Tabouret or contemporary stained glass... But I am in favour of them when the old ones are destroyed or damaged. You cant remove stained glass windows that are listed as historic monuments.

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Why does the state set itself free from the rules it imposes on others? Just because the president wants it that way?

Emmanuel Macron wants to put the stamp of the 21st century on Notre Dame - SARAH MEYSSONNIER

In July, the national committee for heritage and architecture at Frances ministry of culture unanimously opposed the plan to remove Viollet-le-Ducs windows, prompting one artist to withdraw his designs from the competition.

The Academie des Beaux-Arts has also expressed reservations, saying last year that it hoped that other locations, starting with the North Tower, will be considered for this commission for contemporary stained glass.

However, the plan, expected to cost more than 4 million (3.3 million), has the approval of the president, the archbishop of Paris, Laurent Ulrich, and the church authorities.

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Didier Rykner, a French journalist, art historian and founder of the La Tribune de lArt heritage website, has described the planned replacement as totally ludicrous. He has started a petition against the plan that has almost 250,000 signatures.

Notre-Dame Cathedral fire in 2019 - GEOFFROY VAN DER HASSELT

The president has decided on his own, without any regard for the heritage law or Notre Dame cathedral in Paris, to replace the stained glass windows in six out of the seven chapels on the south aisle with contemporary creations, after organising a competition, it reads.

The stained glass windows in Notre Dame designed by Viollet-le-Duc were created as a coherent whole. It is a genuine creation that the architect wanted to be faithful to the cathedrals gothic origins. Who gave the head of state a mandate to alter a cathedral that does not belong to him, but to everyone?

Emmanuel Macron wants to put the stamp of the 21st century on Notre Dame de Paris. Perhaps a little modesty would be preferable.

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The French heritage association Sites and Monuments has threatened legal action if the plan to remove Viollet-le-Ducs windows goes ahead.

Mr Bern expressed confidence that a raft of appeals would block the plan. I dont think were anywhere near these stained glass windows being installed, he said.

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The Fox & Friends Weekend hosts tried their best on Sunday to make sense of the MAGA mess over H-1B visas last week, but even they admitted Donald Trumps flip-flop on the program left a lot of people confused.

Hosts Rachel Campos-Duffy, Charlie Hurt, and Will Cain reflected on the online meltdown over the visas, which are backed by close Trump allies Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. The issues, they said, were in abuses of the system that prioritized cheaper labor over Musk-type prodigies.

The idea of having a program that allows an Elon Musk to come into the country, I dont think anybody has a problem with that, and certainly Donald Trump doesnt have a problem with that, Hurt said. The problem with the program is that its been so abused and turned into a system where it is designed for big tech employers to get, maybe not cheap labor, but cheaper labor.

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The chaos started on X last week as MAGA acolytes urged Trump to stick to his promise of promoting U.S. jobs over foreign labor, a direct threat to a program that allows U.S. companies to hire foreign employees for specialty jobs. Musk fired back against many of them, promoting the program and telling one person in a post to f--k yourself over their opposition. In that same post, Musk vowed to go to war on the issue.

Trump told the New York Post he supported the visas, saying they helped staff many of his properties. Ive always liked the visas, I have always been in favor of the visas, Trump said on Saturday. Thats why we have them.

Campos-Duffy highlighted both Trump and Musks backing of the visas, saying limiting them to only the Musk-types may force tech titans to reach into their pockets and pay their U.S. workers morean overall benefit.

What youre going to see is that theres a tighter market and the wages will have to be  youll have to pay wages that young math students like my son-in-law, who is married and has to support a family, would want to be part of," Campos said. And that may mean, guys, guess what? Fox News alert! It may mean that big tech bosses make a little less money and they have to pay their workers a little better. I think all of us would be okay with that.
Gladiator 2 director Ridley Scott is facing backlash for comments he made about Malta, one of the locations where he filmed scenes for the long-awaited sequel.

While speaking with Oppenheimer director Christopher Nolan during a recent promotional Q&A, Scott, 87, advised people against vacationing in the European island country.

Calling Malta, where hes filmed three times, a treasure trove of architecture, Scott said: I wouldnt advise going there on holiday.

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He then added: I would not go back there on holiday. But see, architecture goes from medieval right into the Renaissance, and when its good, its spectacular.

The Blade Runner directors remarks, which were picked up by the Times of Malta, have since angered local politicians, who have condemned Scott for his disrespect towards their home.

On December 27, Parliament of Malta member and former leader of the Nationalist Party, Adrian Delia, shared a screenshot of the article  titled Gladiator director tells fans not to visit Malta on holiday  on Facebook.

Dear Ridley Scott, You have achieved worldwide fame and probably deserve it; You have amassed countless accolades and with that contingent wealth which you have earned; You have mesmerized millions with tales of historic legend brought to life, Delia wrote.

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Sadly however seems you have not managed to learn respect, he said. Towards those who welcomed you warmly, shared and lent their history and culture and showered you with millions to credit to your tax bill. How unfortunate. You advised the world not to visit us as tourists.

Well, allow me to advise you not to visit at all. Not to screen your movies, not to plunder our hard earned tax coffers and certainly not to spit disrespect in our faces, he concluded.

The Independent has contacted Scotts representative for comment.

In an earlier Facebook post, Malta Film Commissioner Johann Grech shared an edited clip of Scotts Q&A which excluded the portion where he tells people not to visit the country on vacation.

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Grech is now facing calls for resignation by The Nationalist Partys Shadow Minister for Culture, Art, the Film Industry and National Heritage, Julie Zahra, who accused him of uploading a censored and manipulated version for his own benefit.

Johann Grech was humiliated by the director Sir Ridley Scott who directed the film Gladiator 2 in Malta, Zahra claimed in a Facebook post.

And what did Commissioner Johann Grech do? He uploaded this interview on his Facebook but censored it and manipulated what Sir Ridley Scott really said by only using what suits him, she continued.

Johann Grech must step down immediately, Zahra said, adding that Grechs position is no longer tenable because he lost all credibility.

I continue to maintain that the film industry can reach its true potential by also focusing on local talent while supporting them in their initiatives and putting them on a level playing field, she said. The Maltese film industry deserves much better.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  A convicted felon was taken into custody early Sunday morning in Old Hickory after authorities determined he was the owner of a social media account sending death threats to retired Davidson County Judge Stanley Kweller.

The Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) said detectives from the Specialized Investigations Division started investigating the threatening messages in May, adding that they were believed to be related to a January custody decision where Michael Wortham lost his parental rights. However, Kweller reportedly retired from the bench shortly after presiding over that case.

Over the course of the investigation, officials said they confirmed Worthams phone number was linked to the Facebook account sending the harassing messages.

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Mt. Juliet LPR system helps officers find 2 wanted men

According to authorities, Wortham  who was believed to be living out of state  was entered into a national database after two felony warrants were recently sworn out against him.

The MNPD said its detectives worked to acquire any license plate reader (LPR) information that could indicate Worthams vehicle was heading to Nashville. Then, on Saturday, Dec. 28, his car was reportedly spotted by an LPR in Arkansas.

Officials said detectives from the TITANS Unit found the 31-year-old sleeping in his vehicle near his last known Davidson County address on Sunday, Dec. 29. Wortham was booked on his outstanding warrants for aggravated stalking and retaliation for past action.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

No additional details have been released about this case.

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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA)  A man is behind bars after he stole a bird worth more than $3,000 from a St. Petersburg pet store on Friday, according to an affidavit.

Sean Ronanyne, 34, is accused of stealing a blue and gold Macaw bird from Animal House Pet Center, located at 950 34th Street North.

Police investigating after Tampa officer shoots at man near Amalie Arena

The bird is a juvenile and is valued at $3,299.

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Just after noon, staff at the pet store saw Ronanyne riding his bicycle past the business, roughly 30 minutes after stealing the animal, the report said.

Thats when store members began chasing Ronanyne southbound on 34th St. N.

Police were able to catch Ronanyne and arrest him for grand theft greater than $750 but less than $5,000. He is being held on a $5,000 bond.

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CHICAGO  A Chicago man has been arrested in connection with a deadly 2023 Fourth of July shooting on the citys Southwest Side.

Chicago police said 28-year-old Luis Vela was arrested on Dec. 26, 2024 in the 3000 block of South Farrell Street in Bridgeport.

Authorities seek public assistance to solve deadly mass shooting on Chicagos Southwest Side; $20k reward offered

Authorities identified him as the suspect who shot and killed a 24-year-old man on July 4, 2023 in the 4400 block of South Wood Street in Back of the Yards, according to investigators.

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Vela has been charged with one count of first-degree murder.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

No other information was released.

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YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  A man was taken into custody in Youngstown in connection to an ongoing armed robbery investigation in Allegheny County.

The Allegheny County Police Department posted Friday on Facebook asking for the communitys help locating 30-year-old Trey Bell after a T-Mobile store in Crafton was robbed around 7:45 p.m. on Thursday. No one was injured in the robbery.

Bell was arrested on Saturday by the Beaver Police Department and booked in the Mahoning County Jail, according to the Mahoning County Sheriffs Office.

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A court date has not yet been set for Bell.

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The Friday after a holiday is always a busy time at Penn Station, but this week, things were more chaotic than usual after a man was found on fire.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) police were notified on Friday, Dec. 27, around 8:10 p.m. local time that a man was ablaze inside of the bustling New York City railroad station, a spokesperson for the New York City Police Department (NYPD) told PEOPLE in a statement.

MTA police responded to the scene and located the 67-year-old man, whose identity has not yet been publicized.

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Police also did not share where in Penn Station the man was, though CBS News reported that he was located in a passageway.

The man, who had suffered burn injuries to both of his legs and upper body, was then transported to the nearby NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, the NYPD spokesperson said.

KYLE MAZZA/Shutterstock Penn Station after a man was set on fire on Dec. 27 Penn Station after a man was set on fire on Dec. 27

When he was being transported, his burns were serious but not life-threatening, a spokesperson for the New York Fire Department told the The New York Times. He is currently listed in critical condition, per the NYPD.

It is not clear what caused the fire and whether there was any criminality behind it. No arrests have been made in relation to the incident, and the investigation is ongoing, the NYPD spokesperson said.

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The Penn Station fire follows another disturbing incident involving a person on fire while using N.Y.C. transportation earlier this month.

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On Sunday, Dec. 22, a man allegedly set an unidentified woman on fire as she slept on a stationary F train at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue subway terminal in Brooklyn, fanning the flames with a shirt and then sitting down and watching as she burned to death, according to police.

Read the original article on People
IOWA CITY, Iowa  A Coralville man is celebrating more than 350 blood donations, beginning 50 years ago when blood donations saved his brothers life. Now hes hoping to encourage others to donate during alarming blood shortage.

50 years ago, Ray Haass began his donation journey after blood donations helped save his brothers life.

In August 1974 my four-year-old brother became an amputee, says Haass. After he received two units of blood a nurse asked whether any family members would consider donating to replenish the hospitals blood supply. I said yes and have donated 357 times since then.

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Haass celebrated 50 years at the DeGowin Blood Center on December 16th. His donations have earned him honors at both the local and state level.

Haass hopes his donation will encourage others to donate and contribute to saving Iowa lives. His latest donation is especially appreciated due to the recently low amount of donations.

Its typical for the need for blood to increase during the holidays. However, throughout this year, weve seen a trend of less people donating, says Kerry DuBay, MBA, a donor center supervisor with DeGowin.

Sober Under the Stars, an alcohol-free new years celebration

The decreasing is alarming as the DeGowin Blood Center provides more then 27,000 blood products to UI Health Care patients.

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Its really important that, as a community, we continue to keep our blood supply stable. All blood donations given with DeGowin go to patients within UI Health Care, said DuBay.

Each pint of blood donated benefits two patients. One pint is separated into two products, red blood cells and plasma, saving two lives. Centers are looking for both whole blood and platelet donations. They are particularly looking for type O blood, known as the universal donor.

Blood is needed in every area of the hospital including trauma patients, cancer patients, transplant operations, people with blood disorders, and so many others.

According to Iowa Health Care one in seven people who enter the hospital need blood and every two seconds someone in America needs blood.

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Red blood cells can only be stored for 42 days and platelets must be used within seven days.

Iowa Health Care also says that less then 10% of people who are eligible to donate give blood each year.

To learn more about blood donation and becoming a doner visit the Iowa Health Care website or the LifeServe Blood Center website.

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Dec. 28Officials have identified the man who died Thursday after a nearly five-hour standoff with police that ended when fire engulfed his Bradford home in central New Hampshire, authorities said.

The state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner identified the man as Ian Bryant, 39, of Bradford. The cause and manner of death are pending, according to a Friday night news release.

Police responded to a person in crisis at 21 W. Main St. about 12:45 p.m. Officers found a man armed with a knife, according to State Fire Marshal Sean P. Toomey.

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Law enforcement from five neighboring communities attempted to de-escalate the situation without success, authorities said. At about 5:30 p.m., officers noticed smoke and flames coming from the house.

Firefighters from nine departments responded to battle the blaze. After the fire was extinguished, investigators found the man's body inside.

The incident remains under investigation by the state Fire Marshal's Office, Bradford police and fire departments. Officials ask anyone with information to contact the Fire Marshal's Office at 603-223-4289.

Toomey reminded anyone struggling with a mental health crisis that help is available. The National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 provides free, confidential support 24/7.
A man was arrested after he was found with thousands of dollars worth of stolen Apple products at an Orange County mall.

Irvine Police identified the suspect as Malcolm Walker, 30, an Illinois resident.

Authorities said Walker visited the Apple store at the Spectrum Center mall where he grabbed around $1,200 worth of merchandise before placing the items into an Apple shopping bag he brought with him.

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Loss prevention workers at the store detained him as police officers were called to the location.

While searching the suspects vehicle, they discovered over $5,000 worth of additional stolen Apple products including 15 wireless keyboards and three Pencil Pros.

Authorities said the merchandise had been stolen from Apple stores throughout Southern California.

Malcolm Walker, 30, was arrested after he was found with thousands of dollars worth of stolen Apple products at the Irvine Spectrum Center mall in December 2024. (Irvine Police Department)

Under the newly passed Proposition 36, Walker was charged with burglary, committing theft with prior convictions, and possessing stolen property.

He was booked into the Orange County Jail with enhanced bail conditions.

Thank you to Apple Loss Prevention and Spectrum Security for your great work and partnership, the police department said.

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WILLIAMSBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD)  One person was injured in a Saturday afternoon hunting accident in Williamsburg County.

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources said a deer hunter suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

SCDNR said the hunter was taken to an area hospital for treatment; however, his injures were not considered life-threatening.

DNR officers are investigating the incident.

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Jimmy Carter died Sunday, prompting reactions from Americans everywhere, including Ohio lawmakers.

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Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said he and his wife were saddened to hear of the death of President Jimmy Carter.

TRENDING STORIES:

DeWine highlighted Carters dedication to humanitarian work and his service during WWII which earned Carter a victory medal.

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Dayton-area Congressman Mike Turner describes Carter as, a man of integrity who was guided by his faith.

Turner also said he, extend[s] my heartfelt condolences to the Carter family.

Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted kept his message short, saying Thank you President Jimmy Carter for your service to your country and God. May you rest in peace.

President Joe Biden and his wife spoke of their friendship with Carter in their statement.

Over six decades, we had the honor of calling Jimmy Carter a dear friend. But, whats extraordinary about Jimmy Carter, though, is that millions of people throughout America and the world who never met him thought of him as a dear friend as well, the statement said.

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Vice President-Elect JD Vance wrote a short message on social media honoring Carter.

Jimmy Carter dedicated his life to serving this country. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones. May he Rest in Peace, Vance said.

Vice President Kamala Harris posted a statement on social media about Carter.

Our world is a better place because of President Carter. His life and legacy continue to inspire me  and will inspire generations to come.

Our world is a better place because of President Carter. His life and legacy continue to inspire me  and will inspire generations to come. pic.twitter.com/RviJ80nwaH  Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) December 29, 2024

Elizabeth Walters, Chairwoman of the Ohio Democratic Party, said she was saddened to hear about President Carters passing.

His life was a model for generations of public servants now & still to come. Countless Ohioans are better off because of his work. Ill keep his family in my thoughts during this time, she said.

Im saddened to hear of President Jimmy Carters passing. His life was a model for generations of public servants now & still to come. Countless Ohioans are better off because of his work. Ill keep his family in my thoughts during this time.  Elizabeth Walters (@lizmwalters) December 29, 2024

Rep. Greg Landsman also paid tribute to Carter on social media.

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From a peanut farm to the presidency, Jimmy Carter lived a life dedicated to others a true public servant, he said.

From a peanut farm to the presidency, Jimmy Carter lived a life dedicated to others a true public servant. https://t.co/7x8qWhmWMX  Congressman Greg Landsman (@RepGregLandsman) December 29, 2024

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Full statement from DeWine can be read below:

Fran and I are saddened to hear of the death of former President Jimmy Carter.

President Carter lived his faith through his public life, and he had one of the most impactful post-presidencies in American history. He dedicated his life to humanitarian work, including the building of housing through Habitat for Humanity, for which he became synonymous. He founded the Carter Center to support democracy and fight disease across the globe.

President Carter was a member of our Greatest Generation and was awarded the World War II victory medal, among others, for his service in the United States Navy. President Carter was our longest-living ex-President, and he and the late First Lady Rosalynn were the longest-married presidential couple in history, having celebrated their 77th wedding anniversary.

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Fran and I extended our sincerest condolences to President Carters children Jack, James, Donnel, and Amy, and his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Full statement from Turner can be read below:

I am deeply saddened to learn about the death of President Jimmy Carter. President Carter was a man of integrity who was guided by his faith. I join all Americans in saluting President Carter for his lifetime of service, first as a naval officer, then as a senator in the Georgia State Senate, then as Governor of Georgia, and, finally, as President of the United States. I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to the Carter family.

News Center 7 will continue to update this story.

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[In the player above, see recent homicide statistics in the city of Cleveland.]

CLEVELAND (WJW)  Police are searching for the suspect in a fatal shooting early Saturday outside a downtown Cleveland bar.

Police called to Frozen Daquiri Bar & Restaurant along Bolivar Road were unable to find the shooting victim, but found evidence of the shooting, according to a Saturday evening statement from police.

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Teens arrested after crashing stolen car during chase

They later learned the victim had been transported to the hospital by a personal vehicle.

Investigators learned that the victim and an unknown man began fighting outside the bar just before 2:30 a.m. on Saturday. A large crowd gathered around them.

When they stopped fighting, the suspect drew a firearm and shot the man several times.

Dog rescued from frozen pond in NE Ohio

The investigation is ongoing. No arrests have been made. Anyone with information is urged to call the Cleveland police Homicide Unit at 216-623-5464.

Two people were injured in an April shooting at the same bar. Officers treated a man inside the bar who had been shot in the leg and was transported to the hospital in serious condition. Another man grazed by a bullet transported himself to a hospital.

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NEW YORK  A homeless man found on fire at Penn Station may be the victim of an arsonist who set him ablaze, police sources said Saturday.

The 67-year-old victim was seen on fire at the bustling Midtown transit hub near West 34th Street around 8:10 p.m. Friday by a commuter who alerted two MTA police officers.

The victim was found near the entrance to the 1/2/3 train lines, suffering from severe burns to his legs and upper body, cops said. EMS rushed him to Weill Cornell Medical Center where he remained in critical condition on Saturday.

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Detectives are investigating the possibility that the homeless man was the victim of a criminal act, said a police source with knowledge of the case.

Law enforcement was reviewing station surveillance footage and speaking to witnesses to see if anyone was seen near the homeless man before the fire broke out.

No arrests have been made.

The Penn Station incident comes fast on the heels of Sundays tragedy that shocked the nation, when a woman died after a man set her clothes on fire while she was sleeping aboard a subway car at the Coney Island-Stillwell Ave. station in Brooklyn, then callously fanned the flames with a shirt, according to police.

Cops arrested Sebastian Zapeta, a Guatemalan migrant who had been living in a Brooklyn mens shelter.
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said a man was shot in Southeast D.C. on Sunday morning.

Police said that at about 9:45 a.m., they responded to Astor and 53rd Street for the report of a shooting.

Man stabbed in Northeast DC

Officers said a man was found shot. He was conscious and breathing.

The man was transported to the hospital to be treated for his injuries.

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WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said a man was stabbed in Northeast D.C. on Sunday morning.

MPD said that at about 9 a.m., officers were sent to the 1400 block of New York Ave. for the report of a stabbing.

One injured in house fire in Montgomery County

When police arrived at the scene, they found a man who had been stabbed.

He was conscious and breathing. The man was transported to the hospital.

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GEORGETOWN COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD)  A man was injured Saturday afternoon while hunting deer in Georgetown County.

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources said the man was struck by stray shotgun pellet(s) from another hunter participating in the deer hunt.

SCDNR said the man was taken to the hospital for treatment. His injuries were not considered life-threatening.

DNR officers are investigating.

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Maria Munoz, a young and healthy Texas mother, died unexpectedly. A toxicology report later revealed seven different surgical drugs were found in her system. Was it murder or a terrible accident? The evidence presented at Joel Pellot's trial for the murder of his wife tells a different story from what he told police happened the day Munoz died.

Sept. 22, 2020

Maria Munoz / Credit: Facebook

Munoz, 31, a stay-at-home mother, lived in Laredo, Texas, with her two young sons and her husband, Pellot. On Sept. 22, 2020, Pellot called 911 saying Munoz may have taken some prescription pills and was not breathing. First responders tried to save her but after failed attempts, Munoz was declared dead at 3:58 a.m. that day. The first officer on the scene, Gregorio De La Cruz, told "48 Hours" that Pellot's behavior seemed suspicious and certain aspects about the scene didn't quite make sense.

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Police bodycam video

Joel Pellot as seen on Laredo, Texas, police bodycam video on Sept. 22, 2020 after calling 911. / Credit: Webb County District Attorney's Office

When Officer De La Cruz from the Laredo Police Department responded to the 911 call, his bodycam was recording. Pellot, a nurse anesthetist, is seen dressed in teal surgical scrubs. The video captured some key moments that made De La Cruz suspect that Pellot may have had something to do with his wife's death.

The pill container

Joel Pellot had told police Maria Munoz may have overdosed on the drug clonazepam, but when the autopsy was conducted  eight hours after she was declared dead  the medical examiner found no pill residue in her stomach. / Credit: Webb County District Attorney's Office

One of those key moments was when De La Cruz asked for the pills Pellot said Munoz had taken. Pellot went to the bathroom and De La Cruz says he heard him pull a container from the medicine cabinet. De La Cruz thought it was odd because in his experience when someone overdoses on drugs, they are usually found near the person. In this case, the clonazepam pills prescribed to Pellot, were in another room.

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Later, Pellot is seen on camera grabbing the pill container from the floor and putting it in his pocket. De La Cruz wondered, why would he take the pills back? Was he hiding something?

Suspicious behavior

Joel Pellot talks to police in his Laredo, Texas, kitchen. / Credit: Webb County District Attorney's Office

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In addition to Pellot putting the pills in his pocket, there was something about his appearance that De La Cruz said seemed suspicious. De La Cruz observed Pellot sweating profusely through his scrubs, and De La Cruz said he seemed like he may have been under the influence of drugs.

Evidence at the scene

A needle catheter, the kind used for IVs, was discovered on the carpeted staircase. / Credit: Webb County District Attorney's Office

De La Cruz also found a needle catheter on the stairs at the couple's home. This didn't make much sense to him. Pellot and Munoz had two young children  why would there be a needle on the stairs?

A medical bag

Syringes and IV equipment were found in a medical bag inside the home. / Credit: Webb County District Attorney's Office

In addition to the needle, first responders also found syringes and IV equipment in a medical bag at the home. Although Pellot was a nurse anesthetist who worked in operating rooms, these types of supplies are normally found in a medical setting.

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Police interview Joel Pellot

Cameras recorded Joel Pellot in the police interview room. While he was alone,

Authorities put Pellot in the back of a cruiser and drove him to the police station for an interview. The cameras captured him crying, screaming, and pushing furniture around in the interview room.

During this interview, Pellot told lead investigator Sgt. Luis Mata that he had moved out of the house and was living with his girlfriend and that he went to see Munoz to talk about their marriage. Pellot told Mata that his wife took the clonazepam pills at some point after they talked, and the medical supplies found at the home were his. Pellot said he was taking steroids.

An unexplained pinprick mark

What investigators found particularly suspicious was a pinprick mark on Maria Munoz's right elbow crease, the type someone would get after getting an IV. / Credit: Webb County District Attorney's Office

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What Pellot couldn't explain was a red mark on Munoz's right elbow crease. This mark, along with phone calls from concerned friends, family, and colleagues of Pellot telling Mata that Pellot may have killed Maria, is what led him to request a toxicology screening.

Maria Munoz's own words

Maria Munoz's journal / Credit: Webb County District Attorney's Office

Investigators found a series of journals Munoz used to write about what was happening in her life. Through her writings, they discovered Munoz loved her husband and wanted to keep her family together, but accepted that he wanted to be with someone else.

The medical examiner also looked at the journals and determined Munoz's death was not a suicide.

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Maria Munoz's cellphone recordings

Cellphone video secretly recorded by Maria Munoz shows her and her husband Joel Pellot arguing in the car. / Credit: Webb County District Attorney's Office

Munoz secretly recorded a conversation on her cellphone that provided a glimpse on how Pellot was treating her. In the cellphone video, Munoz is heard asking her husband what he wanted out of their marriage. She was trying to keep her family together, but Pellot didn't seem interested in having that conversation.

"Pray for me"

The day before Maria Munoz died, she planned to meet with Joel Pellot to discuss their future. She texted a friend:

The day before she died, Munoz told her friend, Yazmin Martinez, that she and Pellot were going to have a "heart to heart" conversation that night. Munoz asked Martinez to pray for her, but not because she suspected her husband was capable of killing her. Martinez said all Munoz was hoping for was an honest conversation with him.

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A bombshell toxicology report

The toxicology report showed no clonazepam  the drug Joel Pellot claimed Maria Munoz had taken  in her system. It revealed seven other drugs in her system, most of them typically used during surgery and one of them can only be administered with an IV. / Credit: Webb County District Attorney's Office

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In January 2021, Mata and De La Cruz finally got the toxicology test results they had been waiting for. There was no clonazepam, the drug Pellot claimed Munoz had taken. But there were seven other drugs in Munoz's system: morphine, Demerol, Versed, Propofol, ketamine, lidocaine, and Narcan. Most of them are typically used during surgery.

"Maria's Team"

From left, Karina Rios, Ana Karen Garza, Marisela Jacaman and Cristal Calderon. / Credit: CBS News

District Attorney Isidro Alaniz selected a team of attorneys to represent Munoz: Karina Rios, Ana Karen Garza Gutierrez, Marisela Jacaman, and Cristal Calderon. Based on the evidence collected at the scene, the extensive writings in Munoz's journals, interviews with friends, and expert accounts, they were convinced Pellot killed his wife.

A guilty verdict

Joel Pellot at his trial for the murder of Maria Munoz. / Credit: KYLX, Laredo, Texas

The all-women prosecution team built a strong case against Joel Pellot, and showed the jury the type of wife and mother Maria Munoz was. The prosecutors told "48 Hours" that Munoz's journals helped them understand what she was going through and motivated them to fight for justice in her case.

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On March 30, 2023, after nine days of trial, a jury found Joel Pellot guilty of murdering his wife Maria

Maria's journals were her testimony

Maria Munoz / Credit: Rosalinda Villarreal Photography

"Maria's team" says the most important witness at trial ended up being Munoz herself. Prosecutors shared with "48 Hours" that they could feel Maria's energy through her journals. They describe her as a great mother, loving and bright.

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Editors note: Video was from the first night of Hanukkah on Wednesday, Dec. 25.

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  A West El Paso synagogue will have a public celebration of Hanukkah on Sunday, Dec. 29.

Chabad Lubavitch Center for Jewish Life, 6516 Escondido Dr., will host a Hanukkah Playground at 2 p.m. Sunday and then a grand menorah lighting at 4:30 p.m.

El Paso Mayor-Elect Renard Johnson is scheduled to light the tallest candle known as the Shamash.

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Las Cruces celebrates Hanukkah with event at Plaza

The celebration marks the fifth night of the eight-day holiday which began on Dec. 25 and lasts through Jan. 2.

The Hanukkah Playland will include inflatable rides, holiday-themed arts and crafts, face painting and doughnut making.

You can RSVP for the Hanukkah Playland by clicking here.

The message of Chanukah is the message of light, Rabbi Levi Greenberg, of Chabad Lubavitch, said. The nature of light is that it is always victorious over darkness. A small amount of light dispels a lot of darkness. Another act of goodness and kindness, another act of light, can make all the difference.

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There are more than a half dozen public menorah displays throughout El Paso, according to Chabad Lubavitch.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
Dec. 28The decision to name London's federal court annex after a longtime judge now lies in the hands of President Joe Biden.

U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell and Congressman Hal Rogers, Dean of the U.S. House of Representatives, announced Thursday the passage of legislation to designate the United States Courthouse Annex in London as the "Eugene E. Siler, Jr. United States Courthouse Annex." The bill now goes to the president for his signature.

"Serving on the federal judiciary for nearly five decades, Judge Siler has had massive impact on my home state of Kentucky, both on and off the bench. Today, alongside Congressman Rogers, it is my privilege to designate the U.S. Courthouse Annex in London, Kentucky, in honor of this accomplished Kentuckian," said Sen. Mitch McConnell. "As one of my home state's top legal minds and a man synonymous with Whitley County, there is no person more befitting of this honor. I join the chorus of voices back home in thanking Judge Siler for his lifetime of service to our country and the commonwealth."

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Congressman Hal Rogers added, "Judge Siler's legacy as a jurist who earned appointments from two U.S. presidents gives us a great sense of pride in southeastern Kentucky. It is only fitting for the federal courthouse in London, Kentucky, where he dedicated many years of service and mentored aspiring legal minds, to bear his name. This designation for Judge Siler is a small token of appreciation on behalf of the Commonwealth of Kentucky to applaud his valiant service. It is an honor to join Senator Mitch McConnell to advance this worthy recognition from both chambers of this Congress."

Judge Siler, born in Williamsburg, has served on the federal bench for nearly 50 years. During this time, he was nominated by two U.S. Presidents  Gerald Ford, and George H.W. Bush  to the United States District Court for the Eastern and Western Districts of Kentucky and, subsequently, the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.

In 2016, Judge Siler was recognized as Leadership Tri-County's Leader of the Year for his contributions to Kentucky.

In addition to McConnell and Rogers, other state and local representatives gave testimonies to the impact they believe Siler has had across the state. State Senator Brandon Storm (R-London) reflected on knowing Siler for the majority of his adulthood.

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"I've known Judge Siler most of my adult life, and he's been both a friend and mentor long before I became an attorney. His support, including letters of recommendation for law school, played a key role in shaping my legal career. Judge Siler isn't just one of the most outstanding legal scholars of our time but also a pillar of Southeastern Kentucky  always gracious, whether at the bench or as a regular at Weaver's Hotdogs in London. His generosity, kindness, and tireless dedication to upholding the founding principles of our Constitution define his legacy of service," said Sen. Storm. "He is an inspiration to the 6th Circuit and to our nation. Having spent countless hours working in the federal courthouse here in London, it's especially meaningful that the annex will be named in Judge Siler's honor. I'm deeply grateful to Senator McConnell for his leadership in bringing this legislation forward and to Congressman Rogers for his partnership in securing this well-deserved recognition."

"Laurel County is very fortunate to have a federal courthouse here in our area. I appreciate Sen. McConnell and Congressman Rogers for recognizing Judge Eugene Siler's contribution to our community and its court system. Judge Siler has been a good personal friend of mine for many years and this recognition is well deserved. I want to congratulate Judge Siler for this accomplishment," Laurel County Judge-Executive David Westerfield stated.

Whitley County Judge-Executive Pat White, Jr. also chimed in.

"I'm thankful to Senator McConnell and Congressman Rogers for recognizing such an outstanding member of the Whitley County community. Judge Eugene Siler, Jr. has had a distinguished and respected career on the Sixth Circuit where his decisions have helped shape the law of the entire nation...[T]hat's not to mention the great number of East Kentucky law students he has encouraged through clerkships and other support, including myself," White said. "I can't think of anyone else more deserving of this honor."

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"I can't think of a more fitting tribute to be done by two of the most iconic figures in Kentucky, Senator McConnell and Congressman Rogers, for one of the most impressive figures to me, Judge Siler. Judge is a friend of mine and my family and is beloved by everyone in Williamsburg," remarked Williamsburg Mayor Roddy Harrison.

In closing, Corbin Mayor Suzie Razmus stated, "Judge Siler has been a blessing to so many in our community. He embodies the perfect example of what it means to live your life in service to others. Judge Siler has been a strong, compassionate, and dedicated leader in Eastern Kentucky throughout the years. I appreciate Senator McConnell and Congressman Rogers for honoring Judge Siler in this way."
A McDonalds employee accused of shooting and killing a DoorDash driver in North Carolina has been arrested.

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The shooting happened at a McDonalds at 5009 Santa Fe Drive in Fayetteville on Dec. 26.

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Fayetteville police say 25-year-old Kevin Holland got into a fight with a 25-year-old Doordash driver, Samori Husamudeen.

Holland allegedly shot Husamudeen during the fight.

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Husamudeen was pronounced dead on scene.

The police department says officers arrested Holland on Friday, about 20 minutes from the McDonalds where he worked.

Holland is facing a first-degree murder charge and is being held without bond.

He is scheduled to appear in court next week.

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A McDonald's employee has been charged after he allegedly shot and killed a father of four working as a DoorDash driver in North Carolina.

On Thursday, Dec. 26, around 8:00 p.m. local time, Kevin Holland, who worked at the fast food restaurant, got into an altercation with Samori Husamudeen, who worked for the food delivery service, ABC 11 reported, citing police.

Holland, 25, next allegedly pulled out a gun and shot Husamudeen, also 25, who was later pronounced dead at the scene, the outlet said.

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The suspect then fled, police said in a Facebook post. In an update, authorities said that Holland was found the following day at a Walmart.

Holland has since been charged with first degree murder and is currently being held at the Cumberland County Detention Center without bond, police said. He is set to appear in court for the first time next week, per ABC 11.

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.

McDonald's; DoorDash Logo McDonald's logo, DoorDash's logo. McDonald's logo, DoorDash's logo.

Related: Woman Visits McDonald's Drive-Thru to Get Diet Coke, Ends Up with Way More Than She Bargained for (Exclusive)

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Husamudeen's family remembered him as a "devoted father to four beautiful children" in a statement to ABC 11. "He was kindhearted and a very devoted soul to those who got the chance to know him," they said. "He could light a room with just his smile."

A DoorDash representative reacted to the tragedy in a statement to ABC 11, stating, "We are devastated by this tragic loss and our hearts are with Mr. Husamudeen's loved ones. This was a horrible and tragic crime, and we stand ready to assist law enforcement in bringing the individual responsible to justice."

The owner of the local McDonald's where the incident took place, meanwhile, told the outlet, "[The] tragic events are shocking and upsetting to our entire team. We are supporting our crew with counseling resources and fully cooperating with local law enforcement in their ongoing investigation."

The Fayetteville Police Department, as well as representatives for both DoorDash and McDonald's, did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's requests for comment on Sunday, Dec. 29.

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The case remains under investigation. Anyone with information tied to the case is asked to contact Detective C. Cross at (472) 210-2381 or Fayetteville / Cumberland County Crimestoppers at (910) 483-TIPS (8477).



Read the original article on People
Folks who are experiencing homelessness often use expensive acute health services like emergency department visits at a high rate but often experience poor outcomes. They may end up back on the streets and then cycle back to care when medical conditions become acute again. Sometimes, because they have no place to go, their hospital stays are longer than they would otherwise be.

A Utah Valley University study that focused on care provided by The INN Between in Salt Lake City suggests that medical respite for those experiencing homelessness saves money, improves outcomes and takes some pressure off often-stressed healthcare systems.

Amanda Weller, who has a master of social work degree, and Angelea Panos, an assistant professor of social work, looked at outcomes for patients who were referred to The INN Between by the University of Utah Hospital and Huntsman Care Institute for medical respite and got in, compared to those for whom there was no room at the time. Their needs were roughly comparable, but the difference was whether they could enter the medical respite program.

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The data was collected as part of an internship funded by the Community Foundation of Utah.

The researchers found that medical respite at The INN Between reduced individuals hospital utilization 91%. Additionally, it was estimated that the program:

Saved local hospitals $30.5 million since the facility opened in 2015.

Saved $6.4 million in just the last fiscal year.

Saved an estimated $47,110 in medical costs per patient each year.

Research suggests that individuals who are homeless use emergency services up to 19 times more than housed individuals, the report said. They also have more readmissions within a month and within a year of receiving care. Previous research has shown they often seek care for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, high blood pressure, major depressive disorder and psychotic disorders, all of which could be treated effectively at a lower acuity level with reliable access to housing, medications, nutrition and rest.

The numbers are especially salient as the Utah Legislature prepares to meet soon, since The INN Between is hoping for a one-time, half-million-dollar funding to help it expand from 63 beds to 80, as well as $100,000 in ongoing funding. The facility cant expand to that full capacity unless it can update some of the infrastructure, like the HVAC system. Each room needs individual heating and cooling units, like a hotel, and not all of them have that. They need the states help to afford it.

Kimberly Peterson chats with a resident during the eighth anniversary party at The INN Between in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023. Residents, their family members and neighbors were invited to the celebration. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

About The INN Between

The facility, currently located in what was formerly a long-term care facility in Salt Lake City, is part haven for those who have no home and are dying and part safe place to heal for those who have medical conditions that require some care and downtime, but who have no place of their own to rest and get well.

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Jill Olmsted, executive director of The INN Between, told the Deseret News that the study showed medical respite at the facility led to a 24% decrease in Medicare costs, a 30% reduction in hospital readmissions and emergency room visits and a 92% increase in follow-up appointment attendance.

The research, which is in the process of being expanded for peer review, shows the value of the collaboration the facility has with various stakeholders, including nearby health care systems.

That was kind of the impetus of doing this because weve been able to take general medical respite numbers throughout the United States and show that what were doing aligns with that, said Olmsted. The numbers show specifically that people referred to The INN Between need fewer resources elsewhere, which are generally more expensive. And their outcomes are better because of the respite care.

The INN Between has also been able to help about a quarter of its residents transition to permanent supportive housing. Theyd love to be able to help more, Olmsted said.

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The facility would like to bill insurance, which it cannot now do, but which would help funding. Grants and donations are a primary financial resource.

In 2021, the Legislature passed a Medicaid medical respite waiver, but its still pending on the federal level. The facility hopes to see that go through soon.

Eighty beds would be the facilitys capacity and would help reduce the waiting list of people who need a place to heal. Though the need still might exceed that capacity, my hope is that well never have to go over those 80 beds and that the community helps find a way to have more affordable housing, some more step-down care and things like that. Because especially if we cant bill insurance, theres just no way that we can continue to carry this burden when we dont get any of the homeless funding, Olmsted said.

The INN Between is medical support housing and theres no pot of money to fund that, she noted. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development doesnt see that as housing. And homeless funds target substance use shelter and housing and other criteria the facility doesnt fit.

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Olmsted said shed also like to see the state adopt a broader vision of affordable housing and step-down care facilities, which would help stabilize the fragile population The INN Between serves.

Saving the system money

Stakeholders like hospitals, insurance companies and government agencies are among the potential beneficiaries of medical respite services for people who experience homelessness, per the report. That population often has multiple health challenges. However, the unique barriers of homelessness, lack of transportation and potential distrust of the medical system bar these individuals from getting care at the most appropriate levels, leading to higher utilization of costly acute care services.

The report notes that the lack of insurance and money to pay for services drives up the cost for Medicaid, Medicare and those who provide charity care. It concludes that investing upfront in medical respite programs could save $1.81 for each dollar invested, based on National Institute for Medical Respite Care data.

Those estimated savings per patient per year are significant. But more importantly, patients received the care they needed  regardless of their social status or ability to pay  to thrive, the report said.

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The report concludes that medical respite offers a promising solution to providing care, improving outcomes, reducing emergency department use, readmissions and length of hospital stay for those who experience homelessness, while potentially saving money for the stakeholders who invest in medical respite.
Italys prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, has pledged to free Italian journalist, Cecilia Sala, who was detained in Iran.

Sala has been held in solitary confinement in Tehrans infamous Evin Prison without any explanation for over a week.

The 29-year-old journalist and podcaster was arrested on Dec 19 at her hotel in the Iranian capital a day after she presented a podcast for Chora Media about a jailed female Iranian comedian.

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Ms Meloni said she was following the complex affair closely and was pursuing every avenue to bring the young journalist home.

In agreement with her parents, we are pursuing this objective by activating all possible avenues of dialogue and with necessary caution, the prime minister said in a statement.

According to La Repubblica, the Italian daily, the US is also calling on Iran to immediately and unconditionally release all those detained without just cause, including Sala.

Unfortunately, the Iranian regime continues to unjustly detain citizens of many countries, often to use them as political leverage, a State Department spokesman reportedly said.

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Sala, who was due to return to Italy on Dec 20, has not been charged with any crime and there is growing speculation she was detained in Teherans most notorious prison as a reprisal for Italys arrest of an Iranian national wanted by the US.

Demonstrators in Turin take part in a peaceful sit-in for Cecilia Sala who has been detained in Iran - JESSICA PASQUALON/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Mohammad Abedini Najafabadi, a 38-year-old Swiss-Iranian linked to the Tehran regime, was detained on an international arrest warrant at Milan airport on Dec 16 after landing on a flight from Istanbul.

Antonio Tajani, Italys foreign affairs minister, confirmed Mr Najafabadis arrest on Saturday but stressed it was not up to the Italian government to determine his fate.

Italy does not have jurisdiction over the prosecution of this Iranian, Mr Tajani told journalists. The courts will decide. At the moment he is being held in prison but with all the guarantees that are given to a non-Italian detainee.

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Mr Najafabadi is being held in Milans Opera prison where he is facing extradition to the US on terrorism charges.

He rejects the charges and is unable to understand the reasons for the arrest, Alfredo De Francesco, his defence lawyer, told ANSA news agency.

Chora Media said Sala had left Rome for Iran on December 12 with a valid visa and had conducted several interviews and produced three episodes of her Stories podcast.

Italian journalist Cecilia Sala was arrested by police in Tehran, Iran - @ceciliasala/Instagram

Claudio Cerasa, the editor of Il Foglio newspaper, one of the outlets that employ Sala, defended her right to report on a country she knows and loves, a country where information is stifled in the face of repression, threats, intimidation, violence, and detentions.

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In a strongly worded editorial, Mr Cerasa said Iran was one of the worst countries in the world to be a journalist and said Iran was using Salas arrest to demonstrate the strength of the regime.

He declined to comment further on Sunday.

Italys foreign ministry said Romes ambassador to Tehran, Paola Amadei, had visited Sala in prison on Friday and she had been allowed to make two phone calls to her family.

Giudo Crosetto, Italys defence minister, said in a social media post that her arrest was unacceptable, while adding Italy was working at the highest political level to have her freed.

Evin prison has been used by the Tehran regime to detain thousands of people connected to the Woman, Life, Freedom protests that were sparked by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in September 2022.

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British-Iranian citizen Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe was detained in Iran in April 2016 while visiting family in Iran with her then 22-month-old daughter.

She was sentenced to five years in prison after being found guilty of supposedly plotting to topple the Tehran regime and was only released in March 2022 after Britain paid an outstanding debt of 393.8 million to Iran.

Ms Zaghari-Ratcliffe has said she spent almost 1,800 days in Evin prison.

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MEMPHIS, Tenn.  The Memphis Police Department says several streets and intersections were impacted by flooding during Saturdays storms.

According to MPD, the Emergency Communications Bureau took hundreds of calls about flooding on streets, the interstate, and even homes. Some of the streets affected included:

Jackson Avenue and Macon Road

Walnut Grove and Poplar Avenue

Central Avenue and Lombardy Place

E Parkway South

Union Avenue

Summer Avenue and North Highland Street

Central Avenue and South Hollywood Street

Gordon Street and Macon Road

Waring Road and Charleswood Avenue

Goodlett Street and Poplar Avenue

Goodlett Street and Walnut Grove

Perkins Avenue and Walnut Grove

Getwell Road and Elliston Road

Portiosn of East Mallory Avenue

1736 Prescott

3891 Barron Ave

Lamar Ave and Old Getwell Road

1273 Winchester, east bound

East Brooks and Fontaine Road

East Brooks and Winbrook Drive

West Raines and Third Street

Millbranch Road and Winchester Road

I-55 west near McLemore was also briefly closed due to flooding. Memphis Police say motorists stalled and were trapped in the area.

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MPD says the Memphis Fire Department made several water rescues during Saturdays downpour.

According to MPD, officers are assisting with traffic at Jackson Avenue and Macon Road, Walnut Grove and Poplar Avenue, Central Street and Lombardy Place, East Parkway South, and on Union Avenue.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
Across Metro Atlanta and north Georgia, people are bracing for strong storms overnight Saturday and into Sunday morning.

The National Weather Service has canceled a Tornado Watch that was in effect for many Georgia counties until 9 a.m.

The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Watch for the following counties until 1 p.m.: Bryan, Bulloch, Burke, Candler, Columbia, Effingham, Elbert, Franklin, Habersham, Hart, Jenkins, Liberty, Lincoln, Long, McIntosh, McDuffie, Rabun, Richmond, Stephens, and Tattnall.

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Severe Weather Team 2 Meteorologist Ashley Kramlich says a strong line of storms will be moving across Georgia between 3 a.m. and 8 a.m. Sunday.

That line brings with it a slight chance of damaging wind gusts and the possibility of brief spin-up tornadoes.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

According to Kramlich, this is the first severe storm system to threaten Metro Atlanta since Hurricane Helene on Sept. 27.

The region has seen long stretches of calm weather, with only a trace of rain in all of October. That said, 2024 has so far been the 15th wettest year on record in north Georgia.

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Channel 2s Bryan Mims spoke to Janasthisa DeJesus who lives in Buckhead and grew used to the uneventful weather forecasts.

I think it could be better, she said of the Sunday forecast. Id rather more sunny days. Its gloomy.

DeJesus spoke at a gas station along Peachtree Road in Buckhead, where vehicles were splashing through standing water Saturday evening.

Peachtree Creek, which overflowed its banks during Helene, flowed calmly.

The storm system overnight could cause flash flooding and topple trees and power lines.

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Chris Harper, who deliverers mail for the U.S. Post Office, said he doesnt usually shy away from inclement weather, but he intends to stay dry on his day of rest.

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Im at home tomorrow, he said. So Im good.

Emmanuel Park had the same idea. Just staying off the road, he said. Its the weekend. Just stay in.

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Kramlich says that most of the rain will move out of the area by Sunday afternoon.

Heres what you need to know:
NEW MEXICO (KRQE)  Drier weather returned statewide today as temperatures continued a warming trend with lighter winds. Winds will pick up once again overnight tonight, into Sunday morning. Sunday and Monday will be the warmest day for many of us over the next several days. Stronger winds will pick up again Monday afternoon.

Forecast Continues Below

A Fire Weather Watch has been issued for all of eastern New Mexico for Monday. We will see winds gust between 35-55 mph with humidity percentages between 10-15%. Elevated to critical fire conditions will be present.

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A strong cold front will move into New Mexico from the northwest Monday night and through the day Tuesday. This will bring in cooler air to start the New Year.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
A Mississippi teen was killed, and two others were injured, amid a severe weather storm in the state this weekend.

Natchez, Miss. Police Chief Cal Green identified the victim as 18-year-old Tykeria Rogers in a statement to local news outlet WLBT. Green said Tykeria died when a tree fell on the front part of the house on the evening of Saturday, Dec. 28.

Emergency crews and neighbors reportedly used chainsaws in an attempt to save Tykeria, according to the outlet, before rescue workers arrived on the scene to clear away branches and rescue those inside, the Natchez Democrat reported.

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Its a tough pill to swallow, Green told WBLT of the incident. Its so devastating.



Getty Fallen tree on roof (stock image) Fallen tree on roof (stock image)

Related: 15-Year-Old Dies After Tree Falls on Him During S.C. Storm: 'So Greatly Missed,' Says Dad

The ages and names of the two injured individuals have not yet been released. It is currently unclear if Tykeria and the two who suffered injuries were residents of the home.

The Natchez Police Department and the Natchez Fire Department did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment on Sunday, Dec. 29.

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

In a statement to WJTV, Malary White, Chief Communications Officer for the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), said two additional local residents were also injured during the storm, though she did not disclose the severity of the injuries or how they occurred.

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According to CNN, severe storms and a tornado tore through parts of Mississippi and Texas on Dec. 28.

There was one reported death in northern Brazoria County, Texas, which is about 45 miles south of Houston, the outlet said, and four non-fatal injuries were also reported.

Related: 2 Boys Drowned When 17-Year-Old Tried to Save His Brother, 6, from Flooded Canal After Hurricane Ian

We are still conducting secondary searches and going through and ensuring that all the residents are accounted for, Brazoria County Sheriffs Office spokesperson Madison Polston told CNN, adding that they currently do not expect additional fatalities.

Read the original article on People
Moldovas Foreign Ministry on 28 December condemned the annual report from the Russian Foreign Ministry on "violations of the rights of Russian citizens and compatriots in foreign countries". In the report, the Russians accuse Moldova of allegedly "rapidly slipping into support for the ideologies of neo-Nazism and racial discrimination".

Source: Moldovan online news publication NewsMaker

Details: On 20 December, the Russian Foreign Ministry published a report by Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin, which contains statements about alleged "violations of the rights of Russian citizens" in 42 countries and partially recognised Kosovo. Particular attention was paid to Moldova, which the Russians accused of "destroying historical ties with Russia", "spreading Russophobia", and "imposing totalitarianism".

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According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, "the problem of violations of the rights of people from Russia abroad has only been exacerbated in recent years by the efforts of Western countries". The ministry also linked this to Russia's war against Ukraine, calling the "special military operation [this is how Russians call the war in Ukraine  ed.]" "a pretext to justify discriminatory attitudes towards compatriots".

The Russian agency also stated that the "Maia Sandu regime" allegedly acts in a similar way to the Ukrainian authorities, "destroying the Soviet heritage" and "undermining national identity". The report states that the attitude towards Russian speakers in Moldova has deteriorated since the outbreak of Russia's war against Ukraine.

The Moldovan Foreign Ministry categorically denied these accusations, emphasising their provocative nature and the absence of any facts that could support them.

"The Ministry categorically rejects the unfounded accusations made in the annual report of the Russian Foreign Ministry about alleged discrimination against Russian citizens and the promotion of Russophobia in Moldova. Moldova fully respects the fundamental rights and freedoms of all citizens, regardless of their nationality, ethnicity or language. The Moldovan authorities strictly adhere to the principles of the rule of law and international human rights standards," the Moldovan Foreign Ministry said.

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The ministry also condemned the provocative statement about "similarities with the Ukrainian scenario". "[Such statements] do not contribute to strengthening security in the region but only increase tensions and incite hatred. We urge citizens not to succumb to manipulation. (...) Moldova remains committed to promoting peaceful dialogue and constructive cooperation based on mutual respect and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states," the ministry concluded.

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By Alexander Tanas

CHISINAU (Reuters) - Authorities in Moldova's separatist Transdniestria region on Sunday cut off gas supplies to several state institutions as a deal allowing Russian gas to transit through Ukraine comes to an end at the close of the year.

The cutoff was imposed two days before the transit deal runs out, following Ukraine's refusal to extend it in wartime. It has sparked fears of mass New Year power cuts in Moldova, an ex-Soviet state between Ukraine and Romania.

The company that distributes gas in the pro-Russian separatist region, Tiraspoltransgaz, said 12 state institutions were cut off around the towns of Dubasari and Bender, on the border with government controlled-areas of Moldova.

They included four education establishments and a medical facility as well as a police station and a prosecutor's office.

The cuts were imposed a day after Russian energy giant Gazprom said it would suspend gas exports to Moldova from 0500 GMT on Jan. 1 due to unpaid debt by Moldova.

Moldova disputes the allegations of arrears for past gas shipments and accuses Russia of destabilising the country.

Russia supplies Moldova with about 2 billion cubic metres of gas per year, which has been piped via Ukraine to pro-Russian separatist Transdniestria, where a thermal plant produces cheap power that is sold to government-controlled parts of Moldova.

"The Kremlin's real goal here is to destabilise Moldova and plunge it into chaos," former Energy Minister Victor Parlicov told Radio Moldova. Parlicov was dismissed for failing to tackle the energy crisis after meeting the head of Gazprom last month.

Moscow denies all such allegations.

Both government-controlled Moldova and Transdniestria have imposed economic states of emergency, including measures to reduce power consumption at peak hours.

Parlicov dismissed Gazprom's claim Moldova had accumulated arrears of $709 million, saying that since 2022 all gas shipped to Moldova had been directed straight to separatist Transdniestria. The country has since diversified its sources and secured gas supplies from Romania and other countries.

Moldova says an international audit of its transactions with Gazprom puts the payment arrears at $8.6 million.

Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean has condemned Gazprom's decision ahead of the total shutdown of Russian gas exports via Ukraine, also intended for Slovakia, Austria, Hungary and Italy.

Moldova has urged Gazprom to consider other routes to supply the country, particular through the Turkstream pipeline in Turkey and from there through Bulgaria and Romania.
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In this episode, we explore the decline in trust within the U.S. health care system and discuss actionable strategies to rebuild it. Matthew Sherrer, associate professor and director of care team collaboration at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and health care consultant Martin Nowak share insights on how relationship marketing, narrative medicine, and patient-centered care can improve health care experiences and restore confidence in the system. Learn how innovative approaches, such as leveraging technology and shifting to value-based care, can foster trust and strengthen connections between patients and providers.

Matthew Sherrer is an associate professor and director of care team collaboration at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine. He can be reached on X @MattSherrerMD and LinkedIn. He is also the co-host of the Fresh Flow podcast and has publications on PubMed.

Martin Nowak is a health care consultant.

They discuss the KevinMD article, Trust in American health care: Whats driving the decline?

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Transcript

Kevin Pho: Hi and welcome to the show. Subscribe at KevinMD.com/podcast. Today, we welcome back Matthew Sherrer and Martin Nowak. Matthews an anesthesiologist. Martin is a health care consultant. The KevinMD article they wrote is Trust in American Health Care: Whats Driving the Decline? Martin and Matthew, welcome back to the show.

Martin Nowak: Thank you.

Matthew Sherrer: Thanks, Kevin. Good to see you.

Kevin Pho: All right, Martin, lets start with you. Tell us about this article for those who didnt get a chance to read it.

Martin Nowak: Matt and I discuss frequently about comments we hear from patients or from my clients, and much of that recently in the last year has been a dissatisfaction with health care. In trying to tease that out, there is some literature about this, and we cited some in the article. But the real issue here, we think, isMatts coined the phrase narrative medicine, which we think is very importantand a great issue behind the lack of trust in both hospitals, physicians, other caregivers, and certainly insurance, is that the communication is so poor. One of the things I did to help us with our article on KevinMD was I asked a bunch of people at the coffee shopjust wherever I wasDo you trust your doctor? Do you trust your hospital? And regrettably, not a single person said, Oh, wonderful, 100 percent, its great. All the answers were hedging. So Matt and I began researching the literature, and much of the literature looks at single slices of the pie: is it the cost, is it accesswhatever it might be. But when you talk to the families and the patients, its really some combination. I think we came up with a conclusion that were in a perfect storm of many things colliding at the present time. Part of it began with COVID, the pandemic, and part of that had to do with mixed messages out of our leadership in Washington and so forth. But part of it also is declining reimbursement for physicians, and they dont have as much time. Thats really a bad thing because the whole key is, of course, history and physicaland the history part is so important, and the connection. Just this morning, Gallup published an articletheir research view of the youth view of the U.S. health care quality declines to a 24-year low. The people in their survey cited cost and access as the first two things. Ill just close this part and turn it over to Matt by one other thing: Ive been visiting a family relative in a local hospital that I trust, that I like, I trust the doctors. But in the waiting room, I asked families over a several-day period, Well, do you trust this hospital? And I got answers like, Well, its the one in our neighborhood. It wasnt, Oh yes, its a wonderful thing. Then I got, Yes, you know, its very expensive to be here. And then what really put the cement on some of the things Matt and I wrote about is that the patients really didnt know who the doctor was. That didnt mean the doctor didnt come intheyre busy, and there were like five partners in the group, and each day a different partner made rounds. They had to be concise in their work. No issues with thatI had the same thing with the family member I was visitingbut they didnt know who the doctor was. They didnt know who the nurse practitioner belonged to. So it was just this whole communication of how one introduces oneself. Matt, your comments.

Kevin Pho: Yeah. So let me ask you, Matt, do you feel that lack of trust, speaking through the lens from the physician standpoint?

Matthew Sherrer: Absolutely, absolutely. Yeah, unfortunately, I do. I hate to give Martin credit for anything on these types of things, but hes right on this one. Our communicationwere good friends, and its usually, Hey, Matt, you doctors need to do better at this. And of course, I always turn that back around: Hey, Martin, you admins and consultants need to do a better job at this. But unfortunately, I do feel what hes talking about. Patients are angry a lot of timeswe make them wait for long periods of time, were hard to access, care gets denied. There are so many factors that, more and more commonly, when I visit people in the preoperative area, I walk in and its pretty apparent right off the bat theyre angry about something. So, yeah, its something thats becoming more prevalent. Martin did a great job of laying out many of the factors, and we certainly dont have a magic bullet to fix all thisits a complex, complex problem. But definitely seeing it on the clinical side.

Kevin Pho: Yeah, its really stark how much that anger in patients really manifests recently. Of course, we have the tragic murder of the CEO of UnitedHealth. And if you look it up, the comment section of one of those articleszero sympathy for that CEOs family. All of it about the anger toward UnitedHealth and the health care system.

Matthew Sherrer: Yeah, Ive gotten text messages on that today. Same thingmy friends outside of health caretheres a lot of vitriol out there. Certainly thoughts and prayers with the Thompson family and with the UnitedHealthcare family as well. Terribly tragic event that just underscores, as you said, Kevin, the vitriol thats out there.

Martin Nowak: I see the vitriol. Yesterday, I actually looked at LinkedIn and Reddit, both, just to see what the comments were. They are very much alike. Its only the method and the manner in which the vitriol is expressed on those two social media places. I was quite astounded just how angry those responses are.

Kevin Pho: Yeah. So Martin, when you talk to those patients at the coffee shop, just give us a sample, qualitatively, of some of the comments that they said when you asked them whether they trusted their doctor or hospital.

Martin Nowak: Sure. Obviously, they would say it costs so much, my insurance costs so muchits the whole cost thing. One of the areas, though, that I took from them is that they believe the doctor is the captain of the ship. But more so, they believe the doctor should be the captain of the ship. I believe that Matt will confirm that; I have no issues with that. They find that their doctors are not able to be the captain of the shipinsurance denials, days in the hospital, the case manager. And nothing wrong with case managers, but they come in within hours of admission and begin talking to the patient about getting out, and the patient and the family are concerned about being there in the hospital. So its rush, rush, rush. And the next day, a different doctor comes in, and the case manager comes back in, and the doctor may come in and say something was denied. And now one thing we didnt mention is we are reading more and more about fraudjust outright fraud, upcoding, charging for things not done. This then adds to the whole thing. But I find it a tragedy that the doctors are no longer the captains of the ship.

Kevin Pho: Matthew, how does this vitriol and dissatisfaction in our health care system affect the patient care that you give, knowing that sometimes the reason for that vitriol is out of the physicians controllike the health insurer denials, the pharmacy benefit plan? Sometimes youre not in control of the cause of that patient anger, so how does that affect you?

Matthew Sherrer: Yeah, were not in control many times. One thing I try to come back toits easy to get angry yourself in that situation. I try to tell myself, Hey, you are in control of your response, right? Youre not in control of whats given to you, but you do get to control how you respond to that. One of the things Martin said that I think is true is this rush, rush, rush. Ive tried to really make a point of late to say, You know what? Being a patient is hard. Ive been on the other sideIve had a sick family member, I had a son who was in the ICU for a long time. Being on the patient side is very, very hard. Anytime I see residents or colleagues frustrated with their day, its easy to point out, Hey, no matter how bad your day is, its not as bad as your patients right now. Being a patient is incredibly, incredibly hard. So trying to have that mindset of theyre going through something; I can at least come to them with empathy. I can certainly come to them and treat them in a way thats respectful. And so what Ive started to do recentlyits kind of become my go-to after addressing their issuesis to simply say, Hey, where are you from? You know, Im an Alabama guy. I was born and raised in Birmingham, spent most of my life here, I know most of the surrounding areas. Just start a conversation. It doesnt have to be that leading question, but thats the one that I usually go with. Then that leads to, Oh yeah, certainly, I have relatives there, or, I used to work for so-and-so, and its just generating conversation. I think relating to people on that human level has really been beneficial for me in my practice.

Kevin Pho: Martin, how can health care clinicianshow can we regain that trust?

Martin Nowak: Matt has alluded to this. Its how one addresses the patient, I think, thats one of the key things. Some of these patients also told me they go to the office, and the nurse practitioner sees them first, and they wanted to see the doctor. If, for example, the physician could just step in for a momentjust for a momentand say, This is my nurse practitioner. Theyre going to take care of you for now, Im looking at your records, and Ill see you on the next visit, that works. When the doctor comes into the patients room in the hospital, they say, I admitted you. My partner will be in tomorrow, my nurse practitioner may be in, but were all watching your record, and we all know about you. Just those kinds of things really put the patient at ease and feel like the doctor is in control, and that they are in good hands. The physicians have difficulty with the hospital environment, meaning if the whiteboard in front of the patient doesnt have the nurses name on it, the time of day, the diagnosissome of those things that are helpful for the patient to seeor if the clock is broken on the wall. Those are all important things to the patient that make them feel like so its both. But I think the key for the physician is a bit more communication that really does not take up a great deal of time, and if the patient feels confidence in what the admitting doc tells them, then the admitting doc doesnt have to be there long periods of time.

Kevin Pho: Matthew, you talk about the importance of narrative medicine in terms of regaining that trust. Talk more about that.

Matthew Sherrer: Yeah, so narrative medicine is a field. My good friend Tom Vedder has written extensively on itjust the idea of establishing rapport in a more humanities-based way to approach patients. Theres plenty of literature out there, but unfortunately not something that has really gained a ton of traction. Its not like we have a program here at my institution; they are few and far between. But when I read about it, I really think about this idea of focusing on the patient experience, patient engagement, right? Those are thingsthere have been articles writtenthat are outside of the physicians control. Ive actually pushed back before and said, Well, time out. Hang on. Martin has just said patients want us to be in control. We are leaders in the health care system, right? So while it may not be our traditional role, if we make it our role, people will listen. People do listen to us in the health care system. My point is: lets make patient engagement a priority. Lets make patient satisfaction a priority. Lets make patient experience a priority. Thats long been a concept in businessvoice of the customer, relationship marketing, etc. Building harmonious experiences for patients, establishing two-way communication. Those types of concepts have been around in business for a while. Lets take those, lets make it our responsibility as physician leaders in our institution, and lets push that. While it may not be our direct responsibility, we can make it our responsibility.

Kevin Pho: Fee for service versus value-based caresometimes fee for service increases the quantity and increases the financial incentives for physicians to see more patients, and subsequently less time is spent with each patient. How can changes in the physician payment systemdo you think that can rebuild some of the trust?

Martin Nowak: Yes, I think that the people I talk to have no issues with physicians being upper-income earners. Thats not the point, but it goes back to narrative medicine. So long as they feel comfortable with the doctor, nobody minds a neurosurgeon making the highest nobody minds any physicians income. Ive just never heard that. But if the physician does not have the time or the ability to talk to them, that becomes the issue. One thing we havent talked about here, either, is one of the impinging issues is a decline in public health. As a society, we are not seeing the publics health getting better. Part of thats access, part of it is not all the states expanding Medicaid. We just have the whole system is kind of messed up. So its a public health issue, its a singular health issue, its a community health issue. What I am hoping to see in my lifetime, actually, is this return of care more in the hands of physicians, decrease in fraud, decrease in absencemeaning absence of the time spent. And yet the declining payment to physicians is a tragedy. Its interesting that the anesthesiologists were put back into Anthem just yesterday. If you saw that, thats a remarkable turnaround, and maybe its a harbinger of looking at these things in a much better light, hopefully.

Kevin Pho: Yeah, so I think that story that you were referring to with AnthemI think that they had dictated how much time is suitable for surgery. With the social media pushback from physicians and anesthesiologists, they rescinded that policy.

Matthew Sherrer: Also great work by our parent society, the American Society of Anesthesiologists, pushed hard against that. Thats why advocacy is so important. I will commend my parent society, of which I am a member, for their hard work there as well.

Martin Nowak: Social media responded, too. They said, What do you mean they dont want to pay my doctor for the time he spends with me? Is he going to walk out of the room? So it wasthe society did great, but the public catches on. They get this stuff. You just have to let them know whats going onthey get it. Yeah, and they were in favor of the anesthesiologists.

Kevin Pho: Were talking to Matthew Sherrer and Martin Nowak. Matthew is an anesthesiologist; Martin is a health care consultant. The KevinMD article is Trust in American Health Care: Whats Driving the Decline? Now Im going to ask each of you to share some take-home messages with the KevinMD audience. Matthew, why dont you go first?

Matthew Sherrer: Yeah, I alluded to it earlier. Its just this spending time with your patientsestablishing a narrative, right, just starting a conversation. They want to know that I can take care of them, they want to know that I have the expertise and skill to handle whatever may come while theyre in the operating room. But I think, as weve alluded to throughout this episode, theres also just a certain level of comfort in knowing that I care, right? I care about them, I care about them as a person, I want to know where theyre from, I want to know whos in the room with them. I know that theyre going through a lot. I know theyre going through a really, really hard time, and I have the privilege of being able to walk through that with them. So if I could encourage my physician colleagues out thereall of our clinician colleagues out theretake some time, get to know your patients. Theyre going through really hard stuff, and we get to be there with them.

Kevin Pho: And Martin, well end with you. Your take-home messages?

Martin Nowak: Sure. I think that the confidence of the physician to the patient and family is returned in trust. The greater the confidence, the greater the trust. The second piece is I think if physicians will take just a bit more timemake sure the patient understands their time, meaning Ill be back tomorrow, make sure they introduce the people that represent themthen the patient has great trust in the physician and those who represent them. Those two things would make a world of difference in the trust issue.

Kevin Pho: Martin, Matthew, thank you so much for sharing your perspective and insight, and thanks again for coming back on the show.

Martin Nowak: Thank you. Good to see you.

Matthew Sherrer: Thank you so much.
Democratic presidential candidate Jimmy Carter embraces his wife Rosalynn after receiving the final news of his victory in the national general election, Nov. 2, 1976. The former president died on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Gov. Greg Gianforte said Sunday he honored former President Jimmy Carters life of service.

Carter died on Sunday at 100 years old after being in hospice for more than one year.

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Susan and I join the nation in mourning the passing of Former President Jimmy Carter, Gianforte said in a statement.

At 100 years old, President Carter led a remarkable life of service, even after leaving the presidency. Together with his wife, Rosalynn, the Carters will be forever memorialized for their legacy of service to our great country.

As we remember the life of President Carter, we are reminded of the unlimited potential in America  a nation where a humble peanut farmer from Plains can rise to the presidency and dedicate his life to serving others.

We are praying for his family. May he rest in peace.
People have donated more than 615,000 ($641,000) for the victims and relatives of the attack on the Magdeburg Christmas market, the city administration has said.

More than 5,600 donations had been made to the cause so far, it added.

On December 20, a man - a doctor originally from Saudi Arabia who came to Germany in 2006 - drove a large BMW car through crowds at the Christmas market, killing five people and injuring as many as 235.

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Magdeburg's Mayor Simone Borris said people's willingness to donate was impressive.

"My thoughts are also with the five fatalities, the bereaved and the many injured, as well as the countless relief and emergency services," she said in a statement.

"All donations prove that our city is sticking together. This gives us strength and confidence for the future."
To know Jean-Georges Vongerichten is to know decadence.

The 67-year-old Strasbourg, France native may be best known for his eponymous midtown restaurant with two Michelin stars. He moved to New York City in 1986, when the citys fine-dining scene, depending on who you ask, was in a dire state of affairs. (Vongerichten, for one, said the American palate hadnt quite progressed to its current state of cultural advancement.)

Vongerichtens first big gigat age 29was as an executive chef at Lafayette, a French bistro in the Drake Hotel, which ended up earning a four-star review from the New York Times. Thats where Vongerichten first met Bob Giraldi and Phil Suarez, two filmmakers with a keen interest in restaurant development.

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Giraldi and Suarez partnered with Vongerichten to open his first restaurant, JoJo, on the Upper East Side in 1991. (Suarez, in particular, has stuck with him for the long haul; the business partners have opened nearly 40 restaurants together.)

JoJo began Vongerichtens long tenure as a chef-owner; he has nearly six dozen global restaurants to his name. In New York, his home base, hes done everything from classic French-American (Jean-Georges; Perry Street; Nougatine), to Latin (ABC Cocina), to modern American (The Mark; The Fulton; ABC Kitchen), and even to vegan (abcV). In fact, Vongerichten has done the near-impossible: keeping a New York City restaurant alive amid razor-thin margins, and then doing it again, and again, and again.

He refuses to franchise out his restaurants, hand over the reins, or leave New York City behind. Thats because New York is still totally alive to Vongerichten, he told Fortune over the summer after his once-daily customary visit to the Union Square Greenmarket.

Keeping the spirit alive

Even the pandemic wasnt the death knell to his restaurants the way it was to hundreds of others. Though it delayed the grand opening of his Tin Building by Jean-Georges food hall in South Street Seaport, the pandemic actually offered him the opportunity to double down on an area that few fine dining establishments know as well as he does: takeout food.

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Owing to his years operating in hotels, Vongerichten said he had reached a point of ensuring room service or delivered food is of equal standard to a sit-down meal. The key, he said, is focusing on items that travel well. One such example: crispy rice sushi, which he began doling out in delivery boxes along with a QR code that taught customers how to prepare it.

But today, no such inventions are necessary. Over the last two years, the dining scene in New York has completely matched its pre-pandemic levels in Vongerichtens eyes.

The real mark of success for Vongerichten is a crowded restaurant in traditional business districtsareas that were hollowed out during the pandemicsuch as his own Four Twenty Five by Jean-Georges, in Midtown East. He was nervous when Four Twenty Five opened its doors last year, because Park Avenue was empty.

But no longer. I saw a new renaissance in midtown, Vongerichten said, in no small part due to the emergence of power hour, a new, more mature twist on happy hour.

I try to do something that people like to come back for

Most New York restaurants dont make it to five years. But Vongerichtens restaurants tend to last significantly longer; while a few, like Mercer Kitchen and Spice Market, have closed, most of his hallmark eateries, like JoJo and ABC Kitchen, remain hot tickets.

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I try to do something that people like to come back for, Vongerichten explained. That consistency is ever more difficult to guarantee, as meals have become pricier, owing to the razor-thin margins and the ballooning costs of everything from raw materials to pantry staples to wages.

But as an executive chef, Vongerichten insists on remaining on top of every detail at each of his locations, sniffing out signs of trouble before they can topple him. I want to know whos cooking, whos doing the day-to-day operations, how much the overhead is, how much my rent ishow much I need to break even, Vongerichten said,

Another key differentiator that he said can divide fine restaurants between bankruptcy risks and city stalwarts: Proper ZIP code orientation. Failing to consider the neighborhood vibe when renting out a restaurant space is probably the biggest mistake todays young hopefuls are making.

You have to be in touch with your ZIP code, Vongerichten said. We can all use ZIP codes to see whos going to come in regularly. If youre in midtown, maybe not people from uptown or downtown. Its those in the 10 blocks around you. Dont have prices for Madison Avenue if youre on the Lower East Side.

Matching New York sophistication

Many restaurants will struggle with foot trafficand long-term loyaltyif their designs or approach doesnt align with the lifestyles of their neighbors.

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Even back in the mid-1980s, Vongerichten said, people preferred going out to eat rather than cooking at home. That hasnt changed, he said, even if the food itself has become more expensive. The main difference: Back then, the only ethnic food you could find in New York was in Chinatown, he said.

I try to do diversityI mean, look at the market today, Vongerichten said. Things have changed; there are more restaurants. Indeed, Vongerichten is a standout among his peers for his eagerness to incorporate new and often unfamiliar flavors to his diners. He has a 14-seat omakase restaurant in Japan, JG Tokyo, as well as French-Indonesian at Vong Kitchen in Jakarta.

But he was still lucky, Vongerichten contended. In 1986, there was a new wave, he said. Le Bernardin opened, bringing a new way of eating seafood. Then came Thomas Keller, Daniel Boulud.

The American palate at the time was far less sophisticated than it is today, which posed a slight challenge. But Vongerichten was nonetheless drawn in because sensed an openness to trying new thingsespecially in New York

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New Yorkers were always sophisticated, Vongerichten said. They always went to Paris, they always went to Italy, to Londonto places where they saw something different. I feel like New Yorkers are at an advantage.

While he admitted to not knowing about the people in Alabama, he still thinks today, the whole country is different, he added. Theres a vegetable market in every city. Theres a local chef in every city.

In a twist, its exactly those burgeoning local dining scenes in cities like Portland, Charleston, Nashville, and San Francisco that have made things more difficult for Vongerichten back in New York.

Before, a lot of young chefs came to New York to learn about the different cuisines, he recalled. But now, every city in America has great local chefs. They dont have to move as much, so we have fewer people coming in from the rest of the country.

No substitute for hours in the kitchen

Because of the variety of foods on offer, after a 50-year career in restaurants, Vongerichten says today is the golden age. But for those unlucky restaurateurs whose places shut down within a year? Its a matter of commitment, Vongerichten said; theres no secret sauce (save for a really good sauce).

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Hard work has no substitute; each day, Vongerichten is in the kitchen from 9am until at least 11pm. If you want to get home at 7:30 and watch TV, he said, then the chef life is not for you.

The thought of hanging up his apron is anathema to Vongerichten, who says he never wants to stop cooking.

Vongerichten acknowledges the difference between vacation-minded French chefslike Dominique Ansel, who founded the cronut, or Le Bernardins Eric Ripertand American business hard-nosed sensibilities. Vongerichten said he falls somewhere in the middle. But on the more American side of things, retirement is a distant idea.

Whats that wordretirement? he said with a laugh.

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I have a mission in life, he went on. When I was a child, I wanted to be a clothing designer or an architect. Then I left school to become a chef. But now Im doing everything I wanted to do. Im part of the design with every single lamp, every single plant, every piece of silverware. Its not just food, he said.

But it is just the food that keeps him motivated. The actual business of keeping a restaurant afloat, which has broken so many of his peers, can be draining.

If he had his choice, he said, Id open a restaurant every month, and I would give someone else a key and tell them to take care of it for life.

Thats because the hardest part is not coming up with the concept. Its to keep it going, and keep it fresh for the term of the lease15 or 20 yearsand be consistent the entire time.

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His dream in retirement (which he admits will likely never materialize) is to operate a restaurant entirely himself.

Itll be a counter, with maybe seven or eight seats. Im going to cook, Im going to serve you, and Im going to wash the dishes. Its going to be 100% me. Thats what Ill do when I retire. No cost to the people, its just for fun, he said, breaking into a grin. Open twice a week.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
Former Illinois Rep. Joe Walsh shocked an MSNBC panel into laughter with his earnest suggestion of who Republicans may choose as their next House Speaker.

The Republican opted for a blast from the past, exclaiming on The Weekend that Kevin McCarthy would be a wonderful turn for the speakership.

Considering current Speaker Mike Johnson only took the role from McCarthy in October 2023, the MSNBC pundits didnt seem to buy that the party would opt for the switcheroo to happen again.

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Symone Sanders opened the segment about the next House Speakernoting that an election is due to take place on Friday and prospects are looking low for Johnson to keep the role.

Whats interesting about this is that DemocratsMike Johnsons been in trouble beforeand the last time he was in trouble, Democrats saved him, they saved his speakership, Joe. Democrats are being very, very clear... theyre saying Not this time, she said.

Bernie Sanders' former press secretary then read out information from an Axios article, suggesting that several Democrats who previously supported Johnson would no longer vote for him.

She summarized, So hes got some real issues. But Michael puts the real question on the table. If not Mike Johnson, then who?

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Kevin McCarthy, Walsh said without skipping a beat.

Sanders and Michael Steele seemed almost frozen in silence for a long pause, before both devolving into laughter.

Walsh later explained, Look, the best thing Johnson has going for him is the calendar. Trump wants to do a bunch of cruel, aggressive stuff in January. A speakers mess messes that up.

But Kevin McCarthy. I could see Donald Trump getting behind Kevin McCarthy. What a wonderful turn that would be. Im just saying!

April Ryan ripped the idea, asking, How many votes were there to oust Kevin McCarthy? Do we want to go through that again?

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Do we want to go through any of this again? questioned Alicia Menendez. She also pointed out that unlike the McCarthy vote, the upcoming House Speaker election would coincide with an Electoral College count on Jan. 6, prior to Trumps inauguration.

Ryan responded that the Electoral College count would be fine, with Democrats unlikely to fight against Trump taking up the Presidency.

However, she did point out that Johnsons current major issue revolves around his and Trumps inability to secure a spending bill earlier this month.

The infighting in the Republican Party is harsh, and if they cant get it togetherthe bottom line is politics is personal, and peoples pocketbooks will be impacted," she said.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. (WKRN)  Two men  including one wanted for rape and one wanted for domestic assault  were taken into custody in Mt. Juliet just hours apart Saturday thanks, in part, to the citys license plate recognition (LPR) program.

The Mt. Juliet Police Department (MJPD) announced on Facebook at 12:10 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 28 that a violent rape suspect was just apprehended after the Guardian Shield LPR system alerted officers and directed them to his location after he he passed in and out of the city between Nashville and Mt. Juliet near the county line along Central Pike.

(Courtesy: MJPD)

According to officials, the 42-year-old Columbia man was wanted out of Maury County for rape and aggravated burglary. In addition, he was allegedly found armed with a handgun.

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This arrest highlights the importance of advanced technology in keeping our community safe, and were thankful for the tools that help us serve and protect, the department wrote on social media. Great teamwork by our officers!

Metro police investigate deadly shooting along Penn Meade Way

Just over two hours later, MJPD posted about another arrest credited to the Guardian Shield program.

Authorities said the LPR system notified them about a wanted 33-year-old Nashville man who had been threatening and stalking a person working in Mt. Juliet. Warrants for domestic assault and stalking were reportedly obtained during the investigation on Friday, Dec. 27, so Saturday mornings alert allowed law enforcement to act quickly and prevent further harm when the suspect re-entered the city.

(Courtesy: MJPD)

Todays two significant apprehensions underscore the effectiveness of our officers dedication and the critical role technology plays in enhancing public safety, police stated. Our communitys continued support and investment in advanced technology like #MJGuardianShield enable us to keep our community safe, and we are sincerely grateful.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

No additional details have been released about the circumstances surrounding either of Saturdays arrests, including the identities of the men taken into custody.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
The clock is ticking on extensive mild Pacific air that has infiltrated much of the United States in the past week. AccuWeather meteorologists advise that drastically colder air from the Arctic will invade the Central, Southern and Eastern states and could set up a stormy pattern with areas of substantial snow and ice for much of the first half of January.

The bulk of the cold is likely to occur before the middle of the month and may be so extreme that "this could end up being the coldest January since 2011 for the U.S. as a whole," AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Expert Paul Pastelok said.

The severity of the cold air could be dangerous, damaging and disruptive and is expected to create a big surge in demand for heating, leading to higher energy bills.

The jet stream pattern, which has been generally west to east this weekend, will soon develop a large southward buckle. As this occurs, the doors to the Arctic will open.

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The big dip in the jet stream will evolve in stages next week and not in one sudden, massive shift.

The first exploits of colder air will begin during the middle and latter part of next week in the wake of a storm that transitions the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025.

"Some of the first subzero F temperatures will occur over parts of the northern Plains late this week, then will back off," Pastelok said.

But then, as the jet stream dip continues to evolve, the Arctic Express will kick into high gear during the first full week of January.

"The first large and long-tracking Arctic high pressure area will sink southward across the Plains and impacts Texas early next week," Pastelok said, "This air mass will continue to follow the storm along the Gulf coast, Tennessee Valley and Southeast between Jan. 8-9."

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The end result will direct a significant amount of Arctic air directly southward over the North Central states and then into parts of the South Central and Southeast states.

For example, around Chicago, following mild conditions with highs in the 40s F on Tuesday, highs from Friday through next weekend will be no better than the 20s, then no better than the 10s from Jan. 7-10.

At the pit of the Arctic air outbreak before the middle of the month, temperatures may trend far below the historical average for what are typically some of the coldest days of the winter.

"The last two Januarys in the Upper Midwest (Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin and Michigan) have been well above the historical average spanning 1991-2020," AccuWeather Senior Director of Forecasting Operations Dan DePodwin said, "January 2023 was 6.3 F above and January 2024 was 4.2 F above.

This January will end up below normal in this region for the first time since 2022."

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As the cold air deepens and tightens its grip before the middle of January, subzero temperatures will be felt over a portion of the North Central states. As more information becomes available, temperature forecasts may trend downward.

Should the cold wave evolve to its full potential, temperature departures could plunge to 30 to 40 degrees below the historical average from the Midwest to the interior Southeast for several days during the first to second full week of January.

"In the Southeast (Virginia, the Carolinas, Georgia, Alabama and Florida), this January could end up being the coldest since January 2018, which was 4.3 F below the historical average," DePodwin said, "In an extreme scenario where the cold lingers past the middle of January, January 2025 could be the coldest since January 2014 in this region, which was 6 F colder than the historical average."

Cold air of this magnitude over hundreds of thousands of square miles could cause power grid issues, with the potential for rolling blackouts.

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Penetrating waves of cold air into the South Central and Southeast states during the pattern could lead to problems with frozen pipes and water damage in poorly insulated or exposed homes and buildings.

Portions of the Southern states may experience many consecutive hours or days where temperatures remain below freezing. Some pump systems may struggle to keep up. Similar Arctic outbreaks in the past have tested the electric grid.

"We will be closely monitoring how far south the cold air is able to press in crop-vulnerable areas such as Florida, southern Louisiana and Texas," AccuWeather Meteorologist Alex DaSilva said. "It is possible that freezing temperatures may reach these far southern locations in the pattern during the first half of January."

As much colder air blasts across the Great Lakes and into the Northeast in waves, it will unleash shifting bands of heavy lake-effect snow that can hamper travel, increase the risk of multiple vehicle pile-ups and even close some major highways at times. Multiple feet of snow may bury some communities where the bands of heaviest lake-effect snow persist.

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This pattern is likely to be strewn with various storms of different magnitude and tracks. Depending on exactly where these storms travel, a band of heavy snow and wintry mix is likely to occur just to the north and west of the center of low pressure for each system.

The upcoming pattern is conducive to supporting storms that bring snow or a wintry mix instead of plain rain to many areas.

Not only may some storms bring a general snowfall to parts of the Midwest, but there is also some risk that accumulating snow may reach the mid-Atlantic and New England coasts and perhaps parts of the South Central and Southeast states.

"Where the storms produce a significant snowfall, that snow cover will assist with the southward spread of more Arctic air," Pastelok said.

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Major metro areas such as Chicago, Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Charlotte, Atlanta and others could be on the receiving end of accumulating snow during the pattern.

It is not entirely out of the question that at least one of the storms late next week will attempt to bring a period of snow and/or ice to the zone from Houston to New Orleans.

"The key here is that the Arctic outbreak will involve many days and not just be a quick one-to-three-day event," Pastelok said, "A trainload of Arctic high pressure areas will move southward into the U.S. from the northern Plains to the Southeast states with the pattern."

Winter storms are likely to arise with each new wave of cold air. Temperatures may recover briefly ahead of new surges of Arctic air.

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.
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)  The Ohio County Sheriffs Office is asking the for the publics help after multiple firearms were stolen on Christmas Eve.

The sheriffs office took to Facebook to say multiple firearms were stollen on Front Street in Rosine on Christmas Eve.

The ask the public to call 270-298-4411 to report any tips about the thefts. Officials have not yet said how many guns were stolen.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).
Dec. 28Authorities helped multiple people and seven dogs escape while a fire burned through a residence in Franklin on Friday.

The city fire department was dispatched to 137 Prospect St. about noon following a report of a building fire in the wall near a woodstove. Upon arrival, city Fire Chief Michael J. Foss saw smoke coming from an exterior wall and on the first floor, the department said in a news release Friday night.

In addition to others who had exited the building before officials arrived, responders found a male and a female occupant on the first floor, as well as a total of seven dogs, according to the report.

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Firefighters put out the fire and contained damage to the basement and first floor, then checked the building and declared the blaze under control at 1:30 p.m., the release said.

The cause of the fire is under investigation, but officials said it appeared to be accidental.

The Franklin Fire Department was assisted on scene by officials from Bristol, Tilton-Northfield, Sanbornton, Belmont, Boscawen, Laconia, Gilford, Concord, Andover, Salisbury and Lakes Region Mutual Fire Aid, the report said.
Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk strengthened his support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, calling the group the countrys last spark of hope in an opinion piece published Saturday.

Musk, who spent more than a quarter billion dollars supporting Donald Trumps election in the U.S., wrote that AfD can lead [Germany] into a future where economic prosperity, cultural integrity and technological innovation are not just wishes, but reality.

Germany will elect a new government on Feb. 23 following the collapse of the three-party governing coalition last month. The country has been plagued by economic stagnation.

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The traditional parties have failed in Germany, he Tesla CEO and X owner wrote. Their policies have led to economic stagnation, social unrest, and the erosion of national identity.

This is not the first time Musk has supported AfD. Last week, he shared a video on X from a far-right political activist and wrote, Only the AfD can save Germany.

The AfD, which has been growing in popularity, espouses a Germany first ideology. The party supports virulently anti-immigrant and white supremacist views and has advocated for mass deportations. Its leader has proposed segregating disabled students from regular schools. The party, which has connections to neo-Nazis, has been deemed suspected extremist by German authorities while its youth wing has been classified as confirmed extremist.

In September, the party won a state election in Thuringia, marking the first time a far-right party has had that kind of victory since the Nazi era. While it is unlikely AfD will win the national election in February, and Germanys other leading parties have said they will not form a coalition government with AfD, its rising popularity is causing concern.

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Musks opinion piece drew the ire of left-leaning German politicians. Its unacceptable that foreign billionaires try to influence our political landscape and support parties that undermine our democratic values, Matthias Miersch, general secretary of Germanys ruling Social Democrats (SPD), told the Handelsblatt newspaper. Miersch also criticized media conglomerate Axel Springer for the shameful and dangerous decision to allow the piece to run in one of its papers, Welt am Sonntag. Axel Springer also owns Politico.

Welt opinion editor, Eva Marie Kogel, resigned in protest of Musks article. I always enjoyed leading the opinion section of WELT and WAMS. Today an article by Elon Musk appeared in Welt am Sonntag. I handed in my resignation yesterday after it went to print, Kogel wrote on X shortly after the piece was published online.

Along with Musks opinion piece, the paper published an article by Welts soon-to-be editor-in-chief, Jan Philipp Burgard, who wrote, according to The Washington Post, Musks diagnosis is correct, but his therapeutic approach, that only the AfD can save Germany, is fatally wrong.

Per The Post, Burgard and the Welt groups current editor-in-chief, Ulf Poschardt, said in a statement to German Press Agency, dpa, that Musks opinion piece prompted a discussion that was very insightful.

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Democracy and journalism thrive on freedom of expression, they added.

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Its not your imagination. Ransomware threats to health care organizations are at record levels and continue to rise. Last year, there were 389 reported ransomware attacks on health care organizations in the U.S., up from 258 in 2022. This year, there were 44 ransomware attacks against health care organizations in April alone, the most ever recorded for one month by cybersecurity firm Recorded Future and up from 30 in March. The trend is ominous.

Major health care ransomware incidents this year

Drug distributor Cencora Inc. (formerly AmerisourceBergen) paid a record $75 million ransom in bitcoin last March after a breach resulted in the theft of sensitive data.

Lehigh Valley Health Network, a health system based in eastern Pennsylvania, agreed in September to pay $65 million to victims of a 2023 ransomware attack after hackers posted nude photos of cancer patients online.

Leading health care clearinghouse Change Healthcare (a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group) was hit with a ransomware attack in February that prevented electronic payments to physicians and claims processing. Change Healthcare paid a $22 million ransom in early March and was not given access to its data, as acknowledged by UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty in a Congressional hearing.

The cost of these attacks extends far beyond any ransom payments. Change Healthcare says the incident has cost it $872 million and expects that amount to exceed $1 billion. In addition, the American Medical Association found that four in five clinicians lost revenue due to the Change Healthcare breach, with 55 percent of practice owners resorting to using personal funds to pay bills and meet payroll.

Ransomware attacks also threaten the lives of patients when provider organizations systems and files are controlled by hackers demanding payment in return for decryption keys. In the case of the high-profile Change Healthcare breach, the ability of clinicians to approve medical procedures and prescriptions was limited. The attack disrupted 80 percent of U.S. hospitals and 60 percent of pharmacies, leading to delays in billing and processing claims.

Ransomware disrupts everything in a health network, including labs and administrative functions. Work slows to a crawl when organizations shift from electronic to physical paper-and-pen communication. This crippling inefficiency alone can severely compromise patient safety.

Cybersecurity experts for years have recommended that health care organizations refuse ransom demands. Caving in, experts warn, encourages more attacks and rewards criminal actions. And as happened in the Change Healthcare breach, the attackers who stole 4TB of patient and payment information were paid $22 million in bitcoins, but they did not provide the decryption key, and Change did not get their data back.

Yet the prospect of a ransomware attack costing the lives of patients under the care of a hospital or health system is something decision-makers undoubtedly want to avoid. After all, their primary mission is to care for patients; better to pay and get back to normal, many believe. This urgency to protect lives and sensitive patient information offers powerful leverage to bad actors and is a main reason why health care organizations are the most lucrative targets of ransomware.

When ransomware hackers strike  to pay or not to pay?

The dreaded day finally arrives  clinicians and staffers at your large hospital or health system suddenly are unable to log on to their networks to do their jobs. Instead, they are greeted with a grim warning on their computer screens that they will not be able to access any systems or data until a multimillion-dollar ransom is immediately paid in bitcoin. What do you do?

Your response depends on several factors. First, dont panic. If youre the organizations chief information security officer (CISO), you should immediately consult with internal leaders and external partners to get more information about how an ongoing ransomware incident will impact various departments and processes but also impact legal and compliance aspects. The critical elements to be considered when responding to a ransomware demand are the risks to the organization, exactly which data has been stolen and held, and whether patient safety and data privacy are imperiled.

Working directly with your general counsel (GC), health care CISOs should seek input from external experts such as digital forensics specialists, ransomware experts, cyber insurance carriers and brokers, law enforcement (including the FBI and the Department of Homeland Securitys Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, or CISA), and your organizations outside counsel.

Experienced outside voices can assess a ransomware hackers history and help you soberly weigh the risks and benefits of paying the ransom. Health care organization leaders faced with a ransom demand understandably may be angry, but it is imperative that their response isnt influenced by emotion. At this point, whether you pay the ransom is a business decision.

Investing in cybersecurity

Legacy infrastructures and specialized connected devices (which may lack robust security features) make health care organizations inviting targets for ransomware hackers. Given the continuing increase in ransomware incidents, health care organizations should assume they eventually will be attacked.

Indeed, the Change Healthcare ransomware attack earlier this year has galvanized security efforts at provider organizations. A new Bain & Company survey shows that 38 percent of provider organizations have increased spending on cybersecurity software designed to detect and prevent ransomware attacks.

Further, many organizations have developed a variety of effective response and recovery plans and technologies that enable them to continue operations even if ransomware attackers seize their systems and data.

Whatever health care organizations decide, it is critical that they carefully weigh the pros and cons of paying a ransom to hackers that have seized their systems and data before an incident occurs. This is a critical business decision and a legal decision as well that needs to be made before any actual incident. Most CISOs I have surveyed said their stance is not to pay as it just supports the criminal industry. However, these decisions may change depending on the impact of these threats to any organizations and to protect health care information.

Developing long-term strategies for ransomware attacks will make health care organizations better prepared to effectively manage these incidents should they occur. More significantly, a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy will decrease the chances of an organization being successfully targeted by bad actors seeking exorbitant ransom payments.

Cecil Pineda is a health care executive.
Theres a lot of uncertainty in the air about what well see the next two years after Donald Trump takes office and Republicans control both chambers of congress.

Donald Trump will be working with a new cast of characters advising him and carrying out his agenda. One of them getting a lot of attention is Elon Musk.

Host Jim Niedelman brings back Dave Heller and Drue Mielke to discuss.

Right now the influence is speculative, its conjecture what it might be, but I think that the general feeling of all Americans is that theres an idea that there could be too much influence, Mielke said.

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The only reason he is with this so-called Department of Government Efficiency, a department that doesnt really exist in reality at least at this point in time, is because he could never get Senate confirmation for any job in the government given the anti semitic things hes posted on Twitter, Heller said.

To hear more, click on the video.

And now we want to hear from you, too, with our question of the week: How do you feel about Elon Musks role in the next Trump administration? Please share your thoughts at 4therecord@whbf.com.

Local 4 News, your local election headquarters, is proud to present 4 The Record, a weekly news and public affairs program focused on the issues important to you. Its a program unlike any other here in the Quad Cities. Tune in each Sunday at 10:30 a.m. as Jim Niedelman brings you up to speed on whats happening in the political arena, from Springfield, Des Moines, Washington, D.C. and right here at home.

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Elon Musk again came out in support of Germany's far-right party, Alternative for Germany.

In an op-ed in a German newspaper, Musk praised the party's stance on immigration and regulation.

Germany is holding elections in February.

Elon Musk, the billionaire Tesla CEO and advisor to President-elect Donald Trump, has reaffirmed his support for Germany's far-right party.

In an op-ed for a major German newspaper, Musk called the Alternative for Germany party, or AfD, the "last spark of hope for this country." He praised its stances on immigration and government regulation, among others.

"The AfD advocates a controlled immigration policy that gives priority to integration and the preservation of German culture and security. This is not about xenophobia, but about ensuring that Germany does not lose its identity in the pursuit of globalization," Musk wrote. "A nation must preserve its core values and cultural heritage to remain strong and united."

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The Welt am Sonntag newspaper published the op-ed on Saturday alongside an opposing op-ed written by Welt's editor in chief for television. The newspaper's opinion editor resigned in response, citing the publication of Musk's piece. Welt am Sonntag and Business Insider are both owned by Axel Springer SE.

Germany is holding elections in February after Chancellor Olaf Scholz lost a vote of confidence earlier this month, paving the way for snap elections. Long a fringe political party, the AfD has been gaining popularity in Germany with its anti-immigration platform.

Musk said in his opinion piece that the party "resonates with many Germans who feel their concerns are being ignored by the establishment," adding that the "portrayal of the AfD as right-wing extremist is clearly false."

He also praised the party for supporting tax cuts and economic deregulation, and he called for a more balanced energy approach that includes nuclear energy.

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Tesla has a major gigafactory in Berlin that manufactures battery cells and Model Y cars.

"As someone who has made significant investments in Germany's industrial and technological landscape, I believe I have the right to speak openly about his political orientation," Musk wrote.

After publishing the op-ed, Musk reposted a series of comments on X, his social media platform, that also praised AfD. One post accused Europe and the United States of overusing the label "far-right."

Last week, Musk called Scholz an "incompetent fool," adding that the chancellor should resign following an attack on a Christmas market in Magdeburg that left five people dead. Musk shared a post on X suggesting that the attack was a result of immigration. Police identified the suspect in custody as a Saudi citizen who sought political asylum in Germany.

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"We have freedom of opinion  it also goes for multibillionaires, but freedom of opinion also means that you can say things that aren't right and don't contain good political advice," Scholz said in response, according to the Associated Press.

Editor's Note: Business Insider is owned by Axel Springer, which also owns the Welt am Sonntag newspaper.

Read the original article on Business Insider
(The Hill)  Tech billionaire Elon Musk penned an op-ed further expressing support for the far-right German political party Alternative for Germany (AfD). In response, the papers commentary editor resigned in protest.

Musk, a close ally of President-elect Trump, wrote a guest opinion piece in the German Welt am Sonntag newspaper, Axel Springer media groups flagship news outlet, that was released on Saturday. In it, the tech mogul touched on a variety of issues that, in his view, Germany needs to address as it near an economic and cultural collapse.

The Tesla CEO said he has the right to address the countrys political climate as he has made significant investments in Germanys technological and industrial sectors.

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Musks op-ed in the German newspaper comes just over a week ago after the SpaceX executive endorsed the far-right party, saying Only the AfD can save Germany. He received pushback from some current and former Congressional lawmakers, with some labeling the group as a neo-Nazi party.

The portrayal of the AfD as right-wing extremist is clearly false, considering that Alice Weidel, the partys leader, has a same-sex partner from Sri Lanka! Does that sound like Hitler to you? Please! Musk wrote in his opinion piece, mentioning Weidel, a co-chair of the party.

In the op-ed, Musk argued that Germanys economy is handicapped by regulatory overreach and bureaucracy.

The AfD has understood that economic freedom is not just desirable, but necessary. Its approach of reducing government over-regulation, cutting taxes and deregulating the market reflects the principles that made Tesla and SpaceX successful, Musk wrote, according to a rough translation.

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If Germany wants to regain its industrial strength, it needs a party that doesnt just talk about growth, but also takes policy action to create an environment where companies can thrive without heavy government intervention, he added.

Musk also endorsed AfDs immigration proposals in the op-ed. The party, similar to the incoming Trump administration in the U.S., has supported deportations from Germany. The tech entrepreneur also urged Germany to diversify when it comes to relying on energy sources, including utilizing nuclear power and increasing battery storage.

The traditional parties have failed in Germany. Their policies have led to economic stagnation, social unrest and an erosion of national identity, Musk wrote, according to the translation. The AfD, even though it is labeled as far-right, represents a political realism that resonates with many Germans who feel their concerns are ignored by the establishment.

Following the op-eds publication, the papers opinion section editor, Eva Marie Kogel, announced her resignation on X.

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The papers top editors, Jan Philipp Burgard and Ulf Poschardt, told Reuters that Democracy and journalism thrive on freedom of expression. This includes dealing with polarising positions and classifying them journalistically, adding that discourse around Musks op-ed was very revealing.

Below Musks writing, Burgard authored a response, saying the tech moguls diagnosis is correct, but his therapeutic approach, that only the AfD can save Germany, is fatally false.

Elections in Germany are set for Feb. 23 following the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholzs government. AfD is reportedly second in public opinion polls.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Friedrich Merz, the conservative politician seeking to become Germany's next chancellor, lashed out at US tech billionaire Elon Musk on Sunday over his support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) in upcoming elections.

"I cannot recall, in the history of Western democracies, that there has been a comparable case of interference in the electoral campaign of a friendly country," the head of Germany's Christian Democratic Union (CDU), told newspaper and magazine publisher Funke Mediengruppe.

Merz termed Musk's call for support for the AfD in the February 23 elections "meddlesome and overbearing."

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In an opinion piece for Germany's conservative newspaper Die Welt, Musk described the AfD as "the last spark of hope for this country." The piece's publication prompted the resignation of a senior editor at the newspaper in protest.

Responding, Merz said: "Imagine for a brief moment, the  justified  reaction of Americans to a comparable article by a prominent German businessman in the New York Times backing an outsider in the US presidential election campaign."

Musk has emerged as a close advisor to President-elect Donald Trump. He has justified his intervention in German politics with the fact that he is chief executive of electric carmaker Tesla, which operates a huge production plant to the east of Berlin, and thus has a legitimate interest.
The Scottish National Trust has been accused of putting lives at risk over its opposition to mobile masts in the Highlands.

The National Trust for Scotland (NTS) has filed objections to a number of planning applications for the construction of masts in remote rural areas.

This includes an application to build a 20m mast close to the mountain resort of Glencoe, alongside equipment cabinets and a generator.

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In its submission, the NTS said it objected to the plans in the strongest terms owing to concerns about the landscape impact that the structures will have in a highly scenic area.

The charity also raised concerns about the audio impact of the generator and the ecological impact of the development in a highly sensitive area.

The application was also opposed by Mountaineering Scotland, which represents hillwalkers and climbers. It argued that the mobile mast would be visible from a nearby car park and would have a detrimental effect on the visual amenity of walkers.

However, the opposition has sparked accusations that campaigners are prioritising aesthetic concerns over crucial coverage that could even be life-saving.

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The proposed mast in Glencoe is located in the same area where a father and son were killed in a hiking accident earlier this year.

Tom Parry, 49, and his 12-year-old son, Richie, died following a fall on the Stob Coire Nan Lochan mountain near Glencoe in May.

While there is no guarantee that network coverage would have saved their lives, mobile industry sources questioned whether crucial safety issues were being overlooked in favour of Nimbyism.

Tom Parry and his 12-year-old son, Richie, died following a fall on the Stob Coire Nan Lochan mountain near Glencoe - Family Handout/PA

One industry insider said: Its vital organisations consider the right balance between life-saving 999 services and visual aesthetics.

Some of the blanket opposition to mobile sites  including share ones offering the first phone coverage in areas where people sadly died this summer  seems arbitrary, inconsistent and dangerous.

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The proposed mast forms part of the Shared Rural Network, a 1bn taxpayer-subsidised scheme by the UKs four mobile networks to boost 4G coverage in the most rural areas across the country.

NTS has already successfully opposed other planned developments of mobile masts. An application for a mast in Torridon in the north-west Highlands was withdrawn last year following fierce opposition.

NTS and Mountaineering Scotland are among a group of more than 40 companies campaigning against mast-building in remote areas, arguing it is causing needless damage to large areas of some of the wildest places.

They argue that burgeoning satellite mobile technology could instead be deployed in hard-to-reach areas.

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The group, dubbed the Coalition of Concern, have written to Chris Bryant, telecoms minister, calling for a pause and review of the Shared Rural Network Programme.

The Government has said it is for local authorities to assess planning applications for specific masts, adding that the UKs four mobile networks were sharing masts to minimise the impact on the environment.

An NTS spokesman said: The National Trust for Scotland understands that connectivity is vital to support thriving rural communities, and we are happy to work with providers to find appropriate places for their facilities.

This proposed mast will do little to improve the coverage in the area, and there will still be extensive remote areas of Glencoe without signal.

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It is extremely important that walkers do not rely solely on phones when heading into challenging and potentially hazardous mountain environments.

Stuart Younie, chief executive of Mountaineering Scotland, said: The Shared Rural Network aims to bring mobile broadband to rural communities and businesses, and we believe that is where the focus of this programme should be.

Achieving 95pc geographical coverage means building new masts in some of our most remote and scenic areas, potentially costing millions in public funds while benefiting very few people.

These masts will require maintenance, fuel, and new access tracks or helicopter trips, impacting some of our most beautiful mountain landscapes.

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With satellite technology now offering more cost-effective emergency communication solutions, we question the necessity of investing vast sums in 4G infrastructure for such remote locations.

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GUILFORD COUNTY, N.C. (WGHP)  A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued in the Piedmont Triad on Sunday.

The National Weather Service in Raleigh issued a severe thunderstorm warning at 10:21 a.m., stating that severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from Bermuda Run to near High Rock Lake to 6 miles north of Ansonville to 8 miles north of Chesterfield, moving northeast at 40 mph.

The warning is expected to last until 11:00 a.m.

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Triad counties affected include:

Forsyth County

Davidson County

Montgomery County

Randolph County

Western Guilford County

According to the NWS, Triad locations impacted include Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point, Asheboro and Lexington.

A severe thunderstorm watch is also in effect for the area until 5 p.m.

Stay alert for a possible tornado.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX8 WGHP.
CLOUD CROSSING, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  A Northwest Louisiana bayou was once the source of the Native American salt trade in the region that surrounds Natchitoches, Louisiana. And though salt is no longer produced on Saline Bayou, you can camp at one of the 13 campsites at Cloud Crossing and experience a mostly-forgotten trail and paddle route in the Kisatchie National Forest that has deep importance in ancient history.

Today, many people think of salt as a way to add flavor to French fries, tater tots, and onion rings. But the expedition of early American explorer Hernando De Soto, who began exploring North America in the 1530s and 40s, traveled to the region we now call Northwest Louisiana in search of Naguatex, the Caddo Nations place of salt. And along the way, De Sotos expedition met Native Americans across the South who traveled from tribe to tribe and sold salt.

Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville, the French explorer who became the father of New Orleans, wrote, on Mar. 22, 1700, that Four and a half leagues to the west from the Tensas we found some Ouachitas, with several pirogues partly loaded with salt. Then on Mar. 29, Bienville wrote of six Natchitoches who were going to the Coroas to sell salt.

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The Caddo acquired salt from the Gulf Coast Basin, particularly the saltworks along the Saline River, for cooking and barter.

The salt is a product of the Gulf Coast Basin, a major deposit of rock salt that is found beneath the soil in the lands around the lower portion of the Red River of the South.

Because of the Gulf Coast Basin, several locations in Northwest Louisiana and Southwest Arkansas have salt licks.

The above map shows the principal saline (salt) areas in Eastern North America. (Source: Peach State Archaeological Society

Salines (Latin name for the mixture of salt and water) were found in what is now Webster, Bienville, LaSalle, Red River, Natchitoches, Sabine, and Iberia Parishes.

Natives along Saline Bayou gathered a salt and sand mixture from the banks of the Bayou when the water was low. By adding water and boiling the salt and sand mixture, the salt could be separated from the sand.

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In other regions of North America, Native American tribes carried brine (salt water) from saline springs, then boiled the brine and scraped salt crystals out of the containers.

The Tunica Tribe became the middleman for much of the Caddo Tribes salt trade in the lower Mississippi River Valley.

Native Americans also used salt to barter with French settlers.

Cloud Crossing is a Louisiana State Park thats located in Kisatchie National Forest in Northwest Louisiana. (Source: KTAL/KMSS Jaclyn Tripp)

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If youre interested in visiting the salty bayou in Northwest Louisiana where Native Americans, immigrants, and even the Confederates at Vicksburg, Mississippi sourced their salt, then grab your tent, the ingredients for smores, hiking boots and a canoe, and head to Cloud Crossing Recreation Area and Campground. Located in the bottomlands along the Saline Bayou in Winn Parish, Louisiana, Cloud Crossing is an ideal spot for recreation on the Saline Bayou National Wild and Scenic River. A boat launch ramp is available for small, trailered boats.

And no, the water doesnt taste salty. But it does have several perks. During the heat of summer, the water is refreshingly cool. And in the winter, the contrast between Louisianas electric blue sky and amber, copper, and vivid green hues of nature also offers refreshment to hikers and paddlers.

You can camp for up to 14 days at any of the 13 primitive campsites at Cloud Crossing. Youll find bathrooms, picnic tables, a pavilion, steps leading down to the bayou, a hiking trail, and more.

Cloud Crossing is a beautiful, off-the-beaten-path getaway for those seeking peace from city lights and sirens.

Cloud Crossing is located on Forest Service Road 513, west of Highway 1233, near Goldonna.

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Begin your paddle at Cloud Crossing and float to the abandoned Goldonna salt works.

There are many salt licks along Saline Bayou, but the most famous of the licks used by immigrants to the New World was known as Drakes Saline, or Drakes salt works. The Saline Bayou salt works were the source of salt for Native Americans and, eventually, old-world immigrants who settled in the Natchitoches area in NWLA.

Drakes salt works consist of three principal licks located east of Saline Bayou on level patches surrounded by low hills. The licks are known as Upper Lick, Jacks Lick, and Lower Lick.

Upper Lick was likely the main lick, as is evidenced by the number of old wells that were drilled there. An old channel of Saline Bayou passed through the lick.

Image of Drakes Salt Works, Lower Lick, with salt kettles, from Geological Survey of Louisiana, Report, 1902

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An artesian well is located along Saline Bayou.

The artesian well is said to have passed through solid limestone for its whole depth, 1,011 feet The brine from this well has a temperature of 75 degrees F. and the gas which escapes with it will support a flame half an inch in diameter and six inches high, we read in The Geology of Louisiana containing special papers by different authors, based on the work of their field seasons, 1900, 1901, 1902.

A sandy ridge, 35-40 high, is found between the old upper and lower licks.

By 1908, salt was no longer being produced at Drakes saltworks.

Native American history of salt production near Saline Bayou

West of Saline Bayou, specifically west of Rock Bluff, is where Smiths Lick was located. Its hidden in a small valley, and north of Smiths Lick is a place known as Big Lick and Little Lick.

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Old settlers described Native Americans producing most of their salt at Little Lick, which is backed up by Native American pottery shards found there. Fossilized oysters are also found at Little Lick, where pulverized shells were mixed with clay to form pottery.

Old map showing the location of Drakes Salt Works on the Winn/Natchitoches Parish lines in Louisiana, 1899. (Source: Rock Salt: Its origin, Geological Occurrences, and Economic importance in the State of Louisiana, by Gilbert D. Harris, Geologist in Charge, Geological Survey of Louisiana, Bulletin No. 7, Report of 1907.)

French ethnographer, historian, and naturalist M. La Page DuPratz wrote in the 1700s that pretty near the Natchitoches we find banks of muscle-sells, such as those of which Cockle Island is formed. The neighboring nation affirms that according to their old tradition, the sea formerly came up to this place. The women of the nation go and gather these shells, and make a power of them, which they mix with the earth, of which they make their pottery or earthenware. However, I would not advise the use of these shells indifferently for this purpose, because they are naturally apt to crack in fire: I have therefore reason to think that those found at the Natchitoches have acquired their good quality only by the discharge of their salts, from continuing for so many ages out of the sea.

DuPratz also described Drakes salt works.

On the north side (of the River Rouge/Red River or Riviere des Natchitoches) and pretty near Natchitoches, there is, as is said, a spring of water very salt, running only four leagues. This spring, as it comes out of the earth, forms a little river, which during the heats, leaves some salt on the banks.

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Indian Agent John Sibley later wrote to General Dearborn, the American Statesman and Revolutionary War veteran, on Apr. 10, 1805, and described Rigula de Bondieu, a piece of the old Red River system, which is boatable the greater part of the year. Near the lake are the salt works, from which all the salt that is used in the district is made; and which is made with so much ease, that two old men, both of them cripples, with ten or twelve old pots and kettles, have for several years past made an abundant supply of salt for the whole district; they inform me they made six bushels per day.

Cloud Crossing on Saline Bayou, Louisiana. (Photography: KTAL/KMSS Jaclyn Tripp)

In 1816, William Darby listed the coordinates for the Saline Bayou salt works as 32 degrees north latitude and 92 degrees 52 West longitude.

The Drake salt works were named after Reuben Drake, who once owned the salt lick. Drake dug shallow wells and found the strongest brine at the location named after him.

During the Civil War, when salt imports to the South from the North were halted, sugar plantations from New Orleans to Alexandria were abandoned, and the old sugar kettles were used to make salt at several locations in Northern Louisianaincluding Drakes salt works. By Dec. 1863, a contract was formed with the Confederacy to supply salt from the Lower Lick to troops at Vicksburg, Mississippi.

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After the Civil War, salt production in the Saline Bayou area stopped.

If youre interested in checking out the area where salt was once produced, Saline Bayou Hiking Trail is an easy way to access Saline Bayou. The trail begins just south of Cloud Crossing Recreation Area and ends at Pearfield Launch Site area.

Nearby Saline, Louisiana in Bienville Parish, which was named in honor of the salty water of the Saline Bayou, is home to Louisianas oldest watermelon festivalthe Saline Watermelon Festival. Its held on the second Saturday of July each year.

Before visiting the area, contact the Forest Service district office at (318) 628-4664 to ask about water levels, as the trail is located in the bottomland and is prone to flooding.

Sources:

Louisiana: An Account of the Red River and Country Adjacent by John Sible, American Register, Vol. 4, pp. 49-67

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The Geology of Louisiana containing special papers by different authors, based on the work of their field seasons, 1900, 1901, 1902, by Gilbert D. Harris, Arthur C. Veatch, and Jov. A. A. Pacheco, Louisiana State University and A. and M. College, 1902

American State Papers, Volume 4, Indian Affairs Volume 1, pp. 725-773, 1832

The History of Louisiana or of the Western Parts of Virginia and Carolina, containing a description of the countries that lie on both sides of the River Mississippi, with an account of the settlements, inhabitants, soil, climate, and productions, written by M. LaPage DuPratz, 1763

Sketches, Historical and Descriptive, of Louisiana, Maj. Amos Stoddard, 1812

The Emigrants Guide to the Western and Southwestern States and Territories, William Darby, 1818

Rock Salt: Its origin, Geological Occurrences, and Economic importance in the State of Louisiana, by Gilbert D. Harris, Geologist in Charge, Geological Survey of Louisiana, Bulletin No. 7, Report of 1907

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com.
WASHINGTON  In addition to articles already covered by Native News Online, here is a roundup of other news released from Washington, D.C. that impacts Indian Country recently.

Federal Government Announces Significant Efforts to Reduce Homelessness

The Biden-Harris administration announced a series of measures to address homelessness across the country, reaffirming the Administrations commitment to ensuring all Americans have access to safe, stable housing. This includes updating regulations that streamline the repurposing of surplus federal properties for affordable housing and homelessness services, making resources available to a select number of states under the second cohort of the Housing and Services Partnership Accelerator with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and awarding approximately $39.8 million to support veterans through the HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program.

In collaboration with HHS, HUD announced an opportunity for states to apply to participate in a second cohort of the Housing and Services Partnership Accelerator. The program will provide individualized technical assistance to help states reduce homelessness by addressing health-related social needs, such as services that connect older adults and people with disabilities to affordable, accessible housing.

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The Accelerator also will facilitate sharing of lessons learned and promising practices for improving collaboration and coordination across the housing and healthcare sectors to optimize resources and close resource gaps, align state and local policies, deliver more integrated and seamless services, and ultimately help more people secure and maintain stable housing.

Additionally, HUD will award approximately $39.8 million in additional funding through the HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program, which offers rental assistance and supportive services to veterans experiencing homelessness. As of the end of Fiscal Year 2024, HUD has connected nearly 90,000 veteran households to stable, rental homes and services through VA health centers. This funding is a key step in the Administrations goal of ending veteran homelessness by ensuring that those who have served our country have access to stable housing and essential services. Earlier this year, the Biden-Harris Administration announced that veteran homelessness has dropped to its lowest level on record.

119th Congress Begins January 3, 2025

Friday, January 3, 2025, marks the first day of the 119th Congress, and its first order of business in the House will be electing a Speaker. The Senate has begun scheduling confirmation hearings for President-elect Trumps nominees. Incoming Senate Finance Committee Chair, Mike Crapo (R-ID), said last week that the confirmation hearing for Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trumps pick to lead HHS, will be held during the first two weeks of January. The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee plans to hold a courtesy hearing for the HHS Secretary nominee as well.

Calendars for the 119th Congress, 2025 are available here: House and Senate.

IHS Released FY25 Approved Reimbursement Rates

The Director of the Indian Health Service (IHS) has approved the rates for inpatient and outpatient medical care provided by the IHS facilities for Calendar Year 2025. The Calendar Year 2025 rates are as follows:

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Inpatient Hospital Per Diem Rate (Excludes Physician/Practitioner Services) for CY 25

Lower 48 States: $5,580.

Alaska: $5,074.

Outpatient Per Visit Rate (Excluding Medicare) for CY 25

Lower 48 States: $801.

Alaska: $1,209.

Outpatient Per Visit Rate (Medicare) for CY 25

Lower 48 States: $718.

Alaska: $1,193.

Medicare Part B Inpatient Ancillary Per Diem Rate for CY 25

Lower 48 States: $1,074.

Alaska: $1,567.

Outpatient Surgery Rate (Medicare) for CY 25

Established Medicare rates for freestanding Ambulatory Surgery Centers.

Learn more here.

About the Author: "Native News Online is one of the most-read publications covering Indian Country and the news that matters to American Indians, Alaska Natives and other Indigenous people. Reach out to us at editor@nativenewsonline.net. "

Contact: news@nativenewsonline.net
There is a genuine possibility that a non-conventional Russian attack on NATO, such as sabotage or arson, could lead to substantial losses.

Source: James Appathurai, NATO's Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Innovation, Hybrid, and Cyber, in an interview with Sky News; European Pravda

Details: Appathurai, overseeing NATO's strategy to track and deter hybrid warfare, stated that NATO members must be clear both with each other and with Moscow about the threshold of grey zone hostilities that would prompt an allied response, potentially involving military force.

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He said that NATO's 32 member states are already in a situation where Russian hybrid attacks across Europe, the United States and Canada are approaching levels that would have been "utterly unacceptable" five years ago.

The number of more "kinetic" actions  such as cutting vital undersea cables, sabotaging buildings and planting incendiary devices in aircraft cargo  has increased, especially since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

"We can definitely count dozens. Up to 100 for sure. But then there's a lot of foiled plots," Appathurai noted.

When asked if he was concerned that a potential Russian hybrid attack could cross the threshold for triggering NATO's Article 5 collective response  which considers an attack on one member as an attack on all  and lead to war with Russia, Appathurai replied: "What really worries me is that one of these attacks, as I say, will break through in a big way".

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"So there is a real prospect of one of these attacks causing substantial numbers of casualties or very substantial economic damage," Appathurai said.

"And then what we don't want is to be in a situation where we have not thought through what we do next," he added.

His team is revising NATO's strategy to better understand, deter, and counter hybrid warfare. The plan was last developed in 2015 when the threat landscape was markedly different.

This work includes a new effort by the Alliance to plan for all possible hybrid attacks by Russia and other hostile actors, including China, Iran and North Korea, to better understand the scope and focus of the challenge.

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The updated policy, set to be adopted at the 2025 Summit, will also outline how NATO can more effectively deter aggression and determine its response, taking into account that any action by the Alliance could be perceived as an escalation.

Background:

Finnish police are investigating whether a vessel from Russia's shadow fleet had anything to do with the damage to an undersea electric cable running between Finland and Estonia.

In total, Finland reported that interruptions had been detected in the operation of four telecommunications cables in the Baltic Sea connecting the country with Estonia and Germany.

After the damage to the cables in the Baltic Sea, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the Alliance would increase its presence there.

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A senior NATO official outlined the strong possibility of an unconventional attack by Russia on NATO countries in an interview with London-based broadcaster Sky News on Sunday.

James Appathurai, a Canadian diplomat serving as a NATO official in charge of hybrid and cyber warfare, said the alliance's 32 member states were already in a "boiling frog" situation with suspected Russian hybrid attacks across Europe, the United States and Canada,

He pointed to an increase in acts such as cutting cables on the seafloor, sabotage against buildings and the planting of incendiary devices inside aircraft cargo carried out since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

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"We can definitely count dozens. Up to 100 for sure. But then there's a lot of foiled plots," Appathurai told the broadcaster.

Appathurai, who works on NATO strategy to counter hybrid warfare, said there was a "real prospect" of an unconventional Russian attack that could cause "substantial" casualties.

The volume of attacks was creeping up to a volume that would have been "utterly unacceptable" just five years ago, he said.

There has been a series of incidents in the Baltic Sea over recent months, with damage to communications and electricity supply cables. Finnish officials are currently investigating an incident and have detained a tanker used to carry Russian crude.

NATO has announced it will strengthen its presence in the sensitive region where Russia shares a coastline with NATO members Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.
COURTESY IMAGE A rendering from the Navys Hawaii-California Training and Testing Draft Environmental Impact Statement / Overseas Environmental Impact Statement.

COURTESY IMAGE A rendering from the Navys Hawaii-California Training and Testing Draft Environmental Impact Statement / Overseas Environmental Impact Statement.

As the Navy seeks to renew its operating permit for training at sea around Hawaii and California, it is looking to expand mine warfare training here in the islands.

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The Navys, which is open for community input and will be the subject of public meetings in California and Hawaii next month, lays out a request to install and maintain new ranges to train troops to avoid, disable, destroy orin some casesuse ocean mines during operations at sea.

The service has a federal operating permit for what it calls the Hawaii-California Training and Testing Study Area that expires in 2025, and it is required to submit an EIS as part of the renewal process.

Proposed areas for mine warfare trainingusing dummy minesinclude the Kalohi Channel between Molokai and Lanai ; Pailolo Channel between Molokai and Maui ; Alalakeiki Channel between Maui and Kahoolawe ; the waters around Kahoolawe ; and Kauais Pacific Missile Range Facility Training Area and nearby Waiapuaa Bay.

Proposed training areas off Oahu are Barbers Point, Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Ewa Beach and Kaneohe Bay.

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We have a number of different mine warfare systems ; some are aviation, some are surface, some are divers, some are unmanned systems, some are submarines,  said Alex Stone, HCTT EIS program manager. So we have a whole suite of different mine warfare systems that the Navy uses. But for training, what it kind of looks like is placement of mine training shapes either on the sea floor or in the water column. And then, you know, the training is to, you know, locate the mine shapes.

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The mine shapes  are essentially dummies that service members have to avoid, destroy or otherwise disable during training missions.

According to the draft EIS, proposed mine warfare training in Hawaii includes training Marines and other amphibious fighting forces to avoid or neutralize enemy mines that could be lying in wait as they attempt beach landings and other operations ; port defense training to clear mines out of harbors ; and submarine warfare training and surface ship training using sonar to detect mines at sea that threaten their forces.

Sonar use has been controversial due to concerns about its potential effects on marine life, with some studies indicating beaked whales are particularly sensitive to the sounds. The draft EIS includes data on sonarincluding geographic and seasonal restrictions on its use around Hawaiiand other environmental considerations.

The military has in recent years faced increased scrutiny of its environmental bootprint on the islands and their surrounding waters. Stone said the EIS is updated with all the best science  on marine mammals, turtles and other marine life.

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And we also update the EIS to reflect our current testing and training requirements.

While the Navy has already done some mine-related training in Hawaii in the past, especially training submarines to avoid potential mines, most of the Navys Pacific mine training has been near California.

Weve traditionally done it more in California since thats where a lot of the mine warfare forces are, but were doing it more in Hawaii,  Stone said. Were not physically expanding the boundaries of the study area in Hawaii, but we are going to be doing more mine warfare-type training.

Navy officials declined to discuss why they see the need to increase mine warfare training in the Hawaiian Islands, though Stone said the decision was driven by real-world requirements.

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Sea mines have been getting a lot more attention in military circles lately with navies around the world already investing more in mine warfare and watching closely as recent conflicts have showcased the disruptive nature of the weapons.

In the Black Sea, both Russian and Ukrainian forces have laid an unknown number of mines as the two nations remain locked in a bloody war that has killed thousands of fighters and civilians, and mines are expected to be an ongoing danger to seafarers in the Black Sea after the conflict.

In an article published in the U.S. Naval Institutes magazine Proceedings in May, Estonian navy Cmdr. Ott Laanemets argued that since end of the Cold War, many militaries mostly focused on getting rid of old mines found in the ocean and put little thought into a future where they could be used again.

Laanemets wrote that as a result, NATO has lost its institutional mine warfare knowledge and, more broadly, coastal defense warfare knowledge.

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The increased interest in mine warfare training around Hawaii is likely tied to increased tension in the Pacific as China clashes with neighboring countries over territorial and navigation rights in the South China Sea, a critical ocean waterway where more than a third of all trade travels through. Beijing claims the entire waterway as its exclusive sovereign territory over the objections of its neighbors.

China also has increased military exercises around Taiwan, a self-ruled island democracy that Beijing sees as a rogue province. Chinese leader Xi Jinping has vowed to bring the island under Beijings rule and has reportedly instructed top military leaders to be capable of an invasion by 2027.

Analysts have warned that a breakout of open conflict or the establishment of blockades in the area could upend the global economy.

The Chinese military sees mine warfare as a critical skill set in a Pacific conflict and has been perfecting its use of the weapons for years. In 2018 the Chinese navy conducted a drill with 60 mine-laying and minesweeper ships in the South China Sea to protect various islands, rock formations and reefs where Beijing has asserted territorial claims.

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And since at least 2021, the Chinese military has been conducting exercises where bombers have dropped mines into the South China Sea to set up minefields near Hainan Island, the southernmost internationally recognized region of China. Beijing also reportedly has manufactured as many as 80, 000 of the weapons and continues to add to that arsenal.

The U.S. Navy has plans to replace its current fleet of 14 minesweepers over the next 15 years, and in November the U.S. Naval Sea Systems Command in Washington announced a potential $58.1 million contract to General Dynamics to develop the Mining Expendable Delivery Unmanned Submarine Asset systemor MEDUSAwhich would allow U.S. submarines to launch sea mines from their torpedo tubes.

As the U.S. military reinvests in ocean mine warfare, some of these new systems could be coming to Hawaii.Having a say Public meetings on the Navys draft environmental impact statement for the Hawaii-California Training and Testing Study Area will be held next month on Oahu and Kauai.Honolulu : Jan. 15, Keehi Lagoon Memorial Weinberg Hall ; open house from 4 to 7 p.m., presentation and comment session at 5 p.m.Lihue : Jan. 16, Kauai Veterans Center ; open house from 4 to 7 p.m., presentation and comment session at 5 p.m.Virtual public meeting : Jan. 22, 3 to 4 p.m., via Zoom or by telephone.

Questions concerning the draft EIS will be accepted in advance through Jan. 15 via the question form on the project website at, which also provides instructions for participating in the virtual public meeting.
Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, is undergoing surgery on Sunday to remove his prostate, forcing delays to his ongoing court battle.

The countrys longest serving premier had undergone an examination at Hadassah Hospital when they discovered a urinary tract infection stemming from a benign enlargement of his prostate, a statement from the prime ministers office said.

His office said on Saturday: Since then, for several days, the prime minister has been treated with antibiotics which have successfully dealt with the infection. As a result, Prime Minister Netanyahu will undergo treatment tomorrow to remove his prostate.

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Mr Netanyahu, 75, will probably be hospitalised for several days after the surgery under full anaesthetic, which could force the ongoing court hearing that he faces for corruption to be put on pause.

He was due to testify this week but Amit Hadad, Mr Netanyahus lawyer, has appealed to the Jerusalem district court to cancel the hearing.

Mr Hadad said: At this stage, the court is requested to cancel the hearings scheduled for this week.

He added that he will update the court going forward.

Mr Netanyahu faces charges of fraud, breach of trust, and bribery.

In the defences opening statement, seen by The Telegraph, Mr Hadad has called the charges against Mr Netanyahu a personal attack, saying that they area pursuit of a person, not a crime.

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The Israeli prime minister has had a string of health issues. In March, he underwent surgery for a hernia and last year, he was hospitalised suddenly and fitted with a pacemaker after a fainting attack revealed that he had heart irregularities.

Israel has been striking Yemen after a string of attacks from the Iran-backed Houthis, who are in allegiance with Hamas.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a press conference in Jerusalem, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo, Pool) via Associated Press

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP)  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu underwent successful surgery Sunday to have his prostate removed, hospital officials said, a procedure that came as he manages multiple crises including the war in Gaza and his trial for alleged corruption.

Netanyahu, who has had a series of health issues in recent years, has gone to great lengths to bolster a public image of himself as a healthy, energetic leader. During his trial this month, he boasted about working 18-hour days, accompanied by a cigar. But as Israels longest-serving leader, such a grueling workload over a total of 17 years in power could take a toll on his well-being.

Netanyahu, 75, is among older world leaders including U.S. President Joe Biden, 82, President-elect Donald Trump, 78, Brazils President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, 79, and Pope Francis, 88, who have come under scrutiny for their age and health issues.

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Netanyahus latest condition is common in older men, but the procedure has had some fallout. The judges overseeing his trial accepted a request from his lawyer on Sunday to call off three days of testimony scheduled this week. The lawyer, Amit Hadad, had argued that Netanyahu would be fully sedated for the procedure and hospitalized for a number of days.

Dr. Ofer Gofrit, head of the urology department at Jerusalems Hadassah Medical Center, said in a video statement late Sunday that the procedure had gone well and there was no fear of cancer or malignancy. We only hope for the best, he said.

In a statement, Netanyahu thanked his doctors. His office said he was fully alert and was taken to an underground recovery unit fortified against potential missile attacks. Netanyahu was expected to remain in the hospital for several days of observation.

Justice Minister Yariv Levin, a close ally, served as acting prime minister during the operation.

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With so much at stake, Netanyahus health in wartime is a concern for both Israelis and the wider world.

A turbulent time in the region

As Israels leader, Netanyahu is at the center of major global events that are shifting the Middle East. With the dizzying pace of the past 14 months, being incapacitated for even a few hours can be risky.

Netanyahu will be in the hospital at a time when international mediators are pushing Israel and Hamas to reach a ceasefire in Gaza and as fighting between Israel and Yemens Iran-backed Houthi rebels intensifies.

Prostate issues are common and in many cases easily treatable. Still, the procedure puts a dent in Netanyahus image of vigor at a time when he would want to project strength more than ever, both to an Israeli audience navigating constant threats as well as to Israels enemies looking to expose its weaknesses.

Previous health issues, including a heart condition

Netanyahu insists he is in excellent health. His office releases footage of him touring war zones in full protective gear flanked by military officers, or meeting with defense officials on windswept hilltops in youthful dark shades and puffer jackets.

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But that image was shattered last year when Netanyahus doctors revealed that he had a heart condition, a problem that he had apparently long known about but concealed from the public.

A week after a fainting spell, Netanyahu was fitted with a pacemaker to control his heartbeat. Only then did staff at the Sheba Medical Center reveal that Netanyahu has for years experienced a condition that can cause irregular heartbeats.

The revelation came as Netanyahu was dealing with massive anti-government protests. The news about a chronic heart problem stoked further anger and distrust during extreme political polarization in Israel.

Last year, Netanyahu was rushed to the hospital for what doctors said likely was dehydration. He stayed overnight, prompting his weekly Cabinet meeting to be delayed.

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Earlier this year, Netanyahu underwent hernia surgery, during which he was under full anesthesia and unconscious. Levin served as acting prime minister during the operation.

Recovery can be quick

According to Netanyahus office, the Israeli leader was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection on Wednesday stemming from a benign enlargement of his prostate. The infection was treated successfully with antibiotics, but doctors said the surgery was needed in any case.

Complications from prostate enlargement are common in men in their 70s and 80s, Dr. Shay Golan, head of the oncology urology service at Israels Rabin Medical Center, told Israeli Army Radio. Golan spoke in general terms and was not involved in Netanyahus care or treatment.

He said an enlarged prostate can block proper emptying of the bladder, leading to a build-up of urine that can lead to an infection or other complications. After medicinal treatment, doctors can recommend a procedure to remove the prostate to prevent future blockages, Golan said.

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In Netanyahus case, because the prostate is not cancerous, Golan said doctors were likely performing an endoscopic surgery, carried out by inserting small instruments into a body cavity, rather than making surgical cuts in the abdomen to reach the prostate.

The procedure lasts about an hour, Golan said, and recovery is quick. He said that aside from catheter use for one to three days after the procedure, patients can return to normal activity without significant limitations.

___

AP correspondent Isaac Scharf contributed reporting.
NEWPORT, Tenn. (WATE)  Its been about three months since devastating floods hit Cocke County and the community is slowly working to recover and rebuild from the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene.

Denise Webber, the owner of Roscoes Treasures in downtown Newport explains how the flood affected her business.

Associated Food Stores raises $73k for Hurricane Helene relief efforts

I was watching, and the water was coming up. We put plastic all over the front doors and sandbags. On the other side of the road where the train depot is, it came beside us and hit those buildings on Broadway and the side street and a lot of them people wont come back. But we got very lucky. We got a basement in the back that got flooded. We lost a little bit, and a trailer out back lost all the furniture on there, and our roof, because it didnt have anywhere to drain, said Webber.

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She is very happy with how Roscoes Treasures has been doing after the flood.

My business, Im very, very happy with it. Like I said, we got 81 vendors. I hope people keep coming, explained Webber.

With the new year coming she hopes to see the town have more businesses come back and rebuild in 2025.

The town. I hope they all come back. I really do and there is quite a few of them that came back, but theres a few of them that just were small businesses. One beauty shop is open. Then Flatwoods Vintage, hes actually sitting behind us here. His store got flooded, so he came in here with some of his stuff, Webber added.

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Cocke County Partnership fund distributes Helene relief checks

She also wants to remind people to support small businesses in areas affected by Helene like Western North Carolina and East Tennessee.

My heart hurts from the people in North Carolina. It really does. In East Tennessee, it really does. Its horrible. But I wish I could do something for them, I wish them all luck. And, you know, remember, these businesses are coming back like Hot Springs. They got a few businesses open. So people need to go shop at those businesses, you know, keep them going.

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GREATER READING CHAMBER ALLIANCE

The Greater Reading Chamber Alliance has promoted Leah Fassnacht to the position of senior director of communications and marketing. In her role, Fassnacht will continue to oversee all external and internal GRCA communications as well as the planning, strategy and execution of GRCA marketing.

Leah Fassnacht (Courtesy Greater Reading Chamber Alliance)

Since joining the organization in 2018, Fassnacht, along with Audrey Krupiak, assistant director of communications and marketing, have won numerous marketing and communications awards. Some of them include two awards from the Association of Chambers of Commerce Executives and two from the Pennsylvania Economic Development Association.

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According to GRCA CFO Sally Stewart, Fassnachts promotion comes not only because of these awards, but also because of her ability to stay on top of industry standards and implementation of new ideas. She always keeps the best interests of GRCA in mind and never hesitates to step in to help other departments.

Leah has consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership, creativity and dedication to GRCAs brand and communications efforts. She has played a key role in shaping our strategic marketing initiatives and fostering strong internal and external communications channels, Stewart said in a statement.

DERMATOLOGY PARTNERS

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Emily D. Cai has joined Dermatology Partners office in Drexel Hill.

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Dr. Emily D. Cai (Courtesy Dermatology Partners)

Cai has a special interest in medical dermatology. She is committed to providing the most up-to-date dermatologic care in the areas of acne, psoriasis, eczema, and rosacea.

She graduated from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Centers dermatology residency program. She did her internship at St. Marys Medical Center in San Francisco after receiving her medical degree in 2019 from Stanford University School of Medicine. Cai received her undergraduate degree from Cornell Universitys College of Arts and Sciences.

As a physician-led dermatology group, Dermatology Partners shares my own vision for providing the highest quality of patient service, Cai said in a statement. I look forward to working closely with each individual to address their concerns, using the most advanced medicine and technology in their treatment.

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Dermatology Partners has more than 30 clinics in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland offering a full spectrum of services for the detection and treatment of diseases of the skin, hair, and nails.

BARLEY SNYDER

Barley Snyder attorney Brandon R. Griest has been appointed to serve on the Boy Scouts of America  Pennsylvania Dutch Councils Distinguished Citizen Award Dinner Committee.

Brandon R. Griest (Courtesy Barley Snyder)

The PA Dutch Council is a regional council of the Boy Scouts of America, serving more than 5,300 youth throughout Lancaster and Lebanon counties. In the fall, the PA Dutch Council holds its annual Distinguished Citizen Award Dinner, honoring an individual who has made a lasting impact in the community and embodies the values of the Boy Scouts. This annual event also serves as the PA Dutch Councils primary fundraiser, supporting Scouting programs and scholarships. Committee members play a crucial role in planning the dinner, selecting the honoree, selecting the keynote speaker, and securing sponsorships to support the event and its fundraising goals.

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Griest is a member of Barley Snyders Litigation Practice Group, representing clients in state and federal trial courts as well as appellate courts. He advocates for his clients and helps them navigate the legal system from pre-complaint strategy through successful trial strategy. Active in his community, Griest is a member of the Rotary Club of Lancaster-South and LancasterHistory in addition to volunteering with Wills for Heroes.

Email your news to money@readingeagle.com and attach a recent (high-resolution) photo. Include a contact name and phone number with your submission. Deadline is the Tuesday prior to publication.
BIG COUNTRY, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  In this weeks episode of Big Country Politics, Nolan County Sheriff David Warren reflects on his 46 years in law enforcement, including 29 years with the Nolan County Sheriffs Office. As he prepares for his retirement at the end of December, Warren shares the challenges, changes, and unforgettable moments that have defined his career.

Nolan County Sheriff David Warren announces retirement

After an incredible 46 years in law enforcement  29 of them with the Nolan County Sheriffs Office  Warren is getting ready to retire at the end of December. Looking back on his career, he shared that this last year has been one of the busiest yet.

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Its pretty much been my busiest year so far. I am trying to get things closed out and get ready to turn the agency over to a new sheriff coming on January 1, and I am just trying to get everything finished up. It seems like its been the busiest year of my career, Warren shared.

With 46 years in law enforcement under his belt, Warren has witnessed a lot of changes over the decades  especially when it comes to the hard drugs prevalent in the community. When he first arrived in Nolan County in 1985, black tar heroin was the drug of choice. By the late 80s and early 90s, crack and cocaine had taken center stage.

Those of us in law enforcement thought that would be the worst of the worst wed seen. It was just so addictive and took so many lives, and we just thought that was going to be the worst. And then, unfortunately, in the 2000s, methamphetamine came on the scene in a big way, Warren recalled. Methamphetamine had been around before, but nothing like it began to develop in the 2000s, and so we dealt with a horrendous addiction problem with that, and the health problems and different things that it causes people were pretty traumatic.

12.4 lbs of Fentanyl, 44.5 lbs of meth seized during Mitchell, Nolan County investigation

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Today, law enforcement faces the growing challenge of fentanyl, along with an increase in cases where individuals mix substances to alter the drugs effects.

It seems like every hard drug like that that comes along eclipses the one before Now, theyre beginning to mix it with different ingredients to try to enhance it or alter it. The effects are very devastating. A lot of overdose deaths. I lost a nephew myself last year to it. Its just devastating what it does, Warren expressed.

Located near several major highways, Nolan County has long been a crossroads for illegal narcotics trafficking  something the sheriffs department has been tackling for years.

Nolan County has always been kind of a hub for drug activity, mainly not necessarily because of our size population-wise but just because of our proximity to the highways that we have, Warren explained. Interstate 20, being the busiest, traffic count has about doubled from what it used to be when I first moved here. Then U.S. 84 dumps in at Roscoe, and then Highway 70, coming up from the south. So the traffic is just very heavy, and because of that, it seems like Sweetwater in Nolan County has been, over the years, kind of a distribution point, if you will, for illegal drugs. So weve always had to combat that.

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Nolan County Sheriff Warren reflects on 46 years in law enforcement, shares insights on challenges, achievements & future plans

With Sweetwater located just under six hours from the Texas-Mexico border, Warren noted that the area sees a significant amount of drug activity, adding to the challenges faced by local law enforcement.

A good bit of our drug activity comes out of the El Paso region and out of the Big Bend region, and some from down the very south part of Texas. But human trafficking on the interstate is an issue, Warren said. Its just a constant thing with the officers. [Whether] its highway patrol or my deputies or city police, anybody that works along the interstate knows that you have no idea what youre going to encounter when you pull over a car. The incidents of officer assaults and shootings and things like that are getting higher in Texas. In fact, last year, our state had the highest number of officers shot in any state in the country, by nearly double any other state. So its a dangerous deal, and with 40,000+ vehicles coming down I-20 a day, its something we deal with quite often.

One of the biggest challenges facing rural law enforcement agencies, like those in Taylor County, is recruitment and retention. According to Warren, the Nolan County Sheriffs Office has felt the impact, with some deputy positions remaining unfilled for more than a year and a half.

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Retention and recruitment are huge issues for us. We have tried to get our salary levels up as much as we can. Fortunately, the legislature here, a couple of years ago, passed a deal for small rural sheriffs offices to give a little bit of a boost in salary through a grant through the state, and thats helped some, but were learning that its not always just about salary, Warren explained.

Taylor County Sheriff highlights fourth term goals, border challenges & public safety priorities

Warren shared that one of the hurdles in recruitment is that many people simply dont want to live in a small rural town. Even nearby cities like Abilene often arent appealing to some candidates, leaving the agency constantly competing with others to fill open positions.

I know you had a segment earlier in the week about all the troopers graduating from Texas DPS, and thats wonderful. Some of those troopers come from our small agencies across Texas, but its just everybodys struggling. Even the larger agencies are seeing an issue with vacancies that they cant fill, Warren added.

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Looking ahead, Warren said its time to pull out all the stops and try everything they can.

Were trying to be more proactive in getting out and letting people know what the job is like and what the benefits are, as well as the salary and things like that, Warren shared. But its about getting younger people to be interested and come into the business. Thats what we need Were trying to be more proactive as far as social media and website stuff. We recently had five different job fair locations throughout the Big Country area with the West Central Texas Council of Governments. So, anything, in any way, we can get our word out and try to encourage young people to come into it, because honestly, theres a lot of people reaching the same point I am and starting to retire out of the business.

After nearly five decades of serving the community, Warren has had countless memorable moments that will live forever in his heart.

Some of my time as chief deputy before I became Sheriff, I was fortunate enough to work for a really great Sheriff myself who allowed me the latitude and time to go and do some things that probably most chief deputies wouldnt be allowed to do, especially in the realm of narcotics work. So I had some really good times doing that, Warren recalled.

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Grinch on the loose in Big Country: Law enforcement & students join forces to save Christmas

He also reflected on a particularly impactful investigation that spanned five years, involving an international drug trafficking operation tied to Mexico.

That was something that other peace officers have been able to do, but for a small town chief deputy from a small sheriffs office, it was very interesting for me to be involved in, Warren shared.

While Warren has many uplifting, memorable moments, there have been tragic ones as well.

This time of year always brings to mind a murder-suicide of a couple that happened right after I became Sheriff. That was really hard to deal with, with children and everything this time of year, Warren expressed. There are certainly moments like that that are some grim reminders of what Ive dealt with over the years. But overall, its been a tremendous career, and its been an absolute honor and privilege for me to serve the citizens of Nolan County.

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On January 1, 2025, James Villanueva will be sworn in as the 22nd Nolan County Sheriff. Warren is eager to see Villanueva succeed and offers support throughout the transition.

I think hes going to do a great job. Hes been with us well over 18 and a half years and worked his way up through the ranks. He started out in the jail, became a deputy and then an investigator, and then hes currently sergeant over the Criminal Investigation Section, and so hes got a good breadth of experience and is ready to take on the reins, Warren expressed. Ill help him any way I can, and its great to see somebody from within the agency come up like that, and I think hell do an excellent job. Hes ready to take over January one and hit the ground running, and Im ready to pass the torch.

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The News

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un promised to employ the toughest anti-US policy, state media reported, less than a month before US President-elect Donald Trump returns to the White House.

Kim said the US was the most reactionary state that regards anti-communism as its invariable state policy, adding that Washingtons strengthened security partnership with South Korea and Japan was expanding into a nuclear military bloc for aggression.

Kims rhetoric may be strategic: A former North Korean official told Reuters earlier this year that Pyongyang hoped a second Trump presidency could lead to a breakthrough in nuclear diplomacy with Washington. However, many experts believe that Trumps focus on ending the war in Ukraine and North Koreas recent involvement in support of Russia erode the likelihood of such talks, The Associated Press reported.
Ukrainian special forces have released several excerpts from a diary purportedly found on a North Korean soldier killed during front-line fighting in Russia's western Kursk region, with entries shedding light on the ideology and tactics of the recent arrivals from Pyongyang.

The Ukrainian Special Operations Forces branch has been disseminating information on its social media accounts about North Koreans soldiers it claims have been killed on the front line in recent weeks.

Much has been taken from a diary attributed to Pvt. Gyeong Hong Jong, who Ukrainian authorities said was a member of a North Korean special forces unit.

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In the first entry translated, the notebook's author wished a comrade a happy birthday on Dec. 9. Ukrainian special forces released a purported photo of the killed author on Dec. 24, and additional translated excerpts in the days since.

PHOTO: People sit in front of a television showing a news broadcast of a parade marking the 75th anniversary of North Korea's founding, at a railway station in Seoul, South Korea, on Sept. 9, 2023. (Anthony Wallace/AFP via Getty Images)

MORE: Ukrainian forces claim 'significant' casualties among North Koreans in Kursk

The entries -- which ABC News could not independently verify -- appear to shed light on both the ideological motivations of Pyongyang's troops and the costly battlefield lessons they have learned in recent weeks fighting in Kursk.

Gyeong Hong Jong's diary contained instructions -- along with sketches -- for avoiding front-line Ukrainian drones and artillery. Stopping the former required using a comrade as live bait, he suggested.

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"When detecting a drone, you need to create a trio (three people), while the one who lures the drone keeps a distance of 7 meters, and those who shoot -- 10-12 meters," he wrote.

"If the one who is luring stands still, the drone will also stop its movement. At this moment, the one who is shooting will eliminate" the drone, Gyeong Hong Jong suggested.

To escape artillery, Gyeong Hong Jong said, troops should disperse into small groups and try to escape the dangerous area. He also suggested that troops "can hide at the point of [previous] hit" to avoid additional incoming rounds.

The entries appear to have a significant personal element. "I grew up in the bosom of a blessed party, studied to my heart's content without worrying about anything in this world," Gyeong Hong Jong is alleged to have written.

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"There is more unknown love than known and accepted," he said. "I didn't know how to react to the happiness that surrounded me."

MORE: Ukraine's Zelenskyy says 3,000 North Koreans killed or wounded in Russia fighting

"Since defending the fatherland is a sacred duty of a citizen and the greatest duty is defending the fatherland, which is the source of all my happiness, I put on the military uniform of the revolution for the sake of protecting the Supreme Commander," he wrote.

Promoted to the rank of sergeant major in his company, Gyeong Hong Jong said he later "betrayed my own party" and "committed ungrateful acts against the Supreme Commander."

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"The sins I committed are unforgivable, but my homeland has given me a path to rebirth, to a new start in life," he continued. "Now I have no choice but to return the trust I had. I will go to the front line of this operation."

"I will unconditionally carry out the orders of the Supreme Commander Kim Jong Un, even if it costs me my life," he continued. "I will show the whole world the invincible courage and sacrifice of Kim Jong Un's Red Special Forces (Red Commanders)."

"When we win the war and return to our homeland, I will submit a petition to the party," Gyeong Hong Jong added.

U.S., Ukrainian and South Korean officials have estimated there are between 10,000 and 12,000 North Korean troops currently deployed to Russia, primarily assigned to Moscow's efforts to eject Ukrainian forces from positions in the Kursk region taken there in a surprise August 2024 cross-border offensive.

PHOTO: This image taken from a video released by the Russian Defense Ministry on Oct. 17, 2024, shows a Russian soldier firing a gun toward a Ukrainian positions in Russia's Kursk region. (AP)

MORE: North Korean troops in Russia's Kursk adapting after 'serious losses,' Ukraine says

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said this month that more than 3,000 North Koreans have been killed or wounded in Kursk since joining the fight.

Neither Pyongyang nor Moscow have announced that North Korean troops have been deployed, nor have they confirmed the deaths of North Korean soldiers in Kursk.

White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said Friday that Russia is using the North Koreans in "massed dismounted assaults."

"These human wave tactics that we're seeing haven't really been all that effective," Kirby said during a briefing. "We assess that they've resulted in heavy casualties for these North Korean forces," with an estimated 1,000 killed or wounded in the past week, Kirby said.

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Kirby said the U.S. had received reports of North Korean soldiers killing themselves to avoid capture by Ukrainian forces, "likely out of fear of reprisal against their families in North Korea."

"It remains deeply troubling that Putin has decided to use foreign troops on Russian soil to defend that soil, which is a historic move that hasn't been done for decades," Kirby said. "I hope they're loading up their commanders with a bunch of body bags, because they're clearly going to need them."

North Korean killed in Russia wrote of 'sacred duty' to fight for Kim Jong Un originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
By Hyonhee Shin

SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has celebrated the completion of a new fish farm in the east coast and called for developing rural areas, state media KCNA said on Monday, amid concerns over chronic economic challenges.

Kim attended an inauguration ceremony of the Sinpho City Offshore Farm on Saturday, built in the coastal town where the country also operates a submarine base and has tested submarine-launched ballistic missiles.

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The farm, designed to grow and process scallops, kelp, sea cucumbers and sea urchins among others, was a centrepiece of Kim's "Regional Development 2010 Policy" aimed at building modernised factories in at least 20 remote counties every year for the next 10 years, visiting the site several times.

Kim lauded the farm as "a peculiar creation for regional transformation in the area which had been only a white beach with pine trees five months ago," calling for further progress in rural development nationwide.

"This is a start of the important undertaking whereby to ensure steady progress in socialist construction, aspiring after simultaneous and multiple development on a nationwide scale," he told the ceremony, according to KCNA.

Kim has been pushing to modernise the farming industry and rural communities as the country's economy relies heavily on agriculture but continues to grapple with food shortages amid sanctions over its nuclear and missile programmes as well as seasonal impacts from natural disasters.

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At a key year-end assembly of the ruling Workers' Party held from Dec. 23-27, Kim urged efforts to speed up the initiative and open another fish farm elsewhere for a trial programme based on the experience from Sinpho, KCNA said separately on Sunday.

(Reporting by Hyonhee Shin; Editing by Chris Reese)
SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  North Korean leader Kim Jong Un vowed to implement the toughest anti-U.S. policy, state media reported Sunday, less than a month before Donald Trump takes office as U.S. president.

Trumps return to the White House raises prospects for high-profile diplomacy with North Korea. During his first term, Trump met Kim three times for talks on the North's nuclear program. Many experts however say a quick resumption of Kim-Trump summitry is unlikely as Trump would first focus on conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. North Korea's support for Russia's war against Ukraine also poses a challenge to efforts to revive diplomacy, experts say.

During a five-day plenary meeting of the ruling Workers Party that ended Friday, Kim called the U.S. the most reactionary state that regards anti-communism as its invariable state policy. Kim said that the U.S.-South Korea-Japan security partnership is expanding into a nuclear military bloc for aggression."

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This reality clearly shows to which direction we should advance and what we should do and how, Kim said, according to the official Korean Central News Agency.

It said Kim's speech clarified the strategy for the toughest anti-U.S. counteraction to be launched aggressively by North Korea for its long-term national interests and security.

KCNA didn't elaborate on the anti-U.S. strategy. But it said Kim set forth tasks to bolster military capability through defense technology advancements and stressed the need to improve the mental toughness of North Korean soldiers.

The previous meetings between Trump and Kim had not only put an end to their exchanges of fiery rhetoric and threats of destruction, but they developed personal connections. Trump once famously said he and Kim fell in love. But their talks eventually collapsed in 2019, as they wrangled over U.S.-led sanctions on the North.

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North Korea has since sharply increased the pace of its weapons testing activities to build more reliable nuclear missiles targeting the U.S. and its allies. The U.S. and South Korea have responded by expanding their military bilateral drills and also trilateral ones involving Japan, drawing strong rebukes from the North, which views such U.S.-led exercises as invasion rehearsals.

Further complicating efforts to convince North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons in return for economic and political benefits is its deepening military cooperation with Russia.

According to U.S., Ukrainian and South Korean assessments, North Korea has sent more than 10,000 troops and conventional weapons systems to support Moscow's war against Ukraine. There are concerns that Russia could give North Korea advanced weapons technology in return, including help to build more powerful nuclear missiles.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said last week that 3,000 North Korean troops have been killed and wounded in the fighting in Russia's Kursk region. It was the first significant estimate by Ukraine of North Korean casualties since the North Korean troop deployment to Russia began in October.

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Russia and China, locked in separate disputes with the U.S., have repeatedly blocked U.S.-led pushes to levy more U.N. sanctions on North Korea despite its repeated missile tests in defiance of U.N. Security Council resolutions.

Last month, Kim said that his past negotiations with the United States only confirmed Washingtons unchangeable hostility toward his country and described his nuclear buildup as the only way to counter external threats.
(FOX40.COM)  The Tuolumne County Sheriffs Office is investigating a shooting that left a man hospitalized Saturday morning.

Around 6:25 a.m., detectives responded to a shooting in the area of Black Road and Highway 120 in Groveland. Deputies said the reporting party claimed a man with a gun had been beating on their camper. He reportedly shot a man and the man ran away on foot.

Man arrested after Yuba County deputy shoots at him, misses

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As deputies were en route to the call, the man with the gunshot wound was located at a nearby fire station, according to TCSO. The man was flown to a local hospital for treatment. Law enforcement asked the public to avoid the area while they investigate the incident. The incident is under investigation and law enforcement

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LA PORTE COUNTY, Ind.  A school bus driver in Northwest Indiana has been arrested for operating while intoxicated with 32 students on board her bus.

The La Porte County Sheriffs Office said on Sept. 20, 38-year-old Kayla Pier was driving for the La Porte Community School Corporation and was assigned to drive a school bus that day from La Porte Middle School to Riley Elementary School with 32 students on board. During the route, students on the bus noticed Pier was acting and driving erratically.

School district officials immediately went to Riley Elementary School, intercepted the bus and removed Pier. She resigned from the school district later that same day, according to investigators.

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Woman dead, suspect sought after deadly shooting in Hammond, Indiana

An investigation was launched and culminated with a probable cause affidavit and an arrest warrant issued for Pier.

Pier turned herself in on Friday and was booked into the La Porte County Jail. She was charged with operating while intoxicated and neglect of a dependent.

Pier was later released on bond, according to officials.

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Dec. 28LAS VEGAS, N.M.  She's known around San Miguel County as "the homemaker."

Debbie Romero travels throughout the county doing nonmedical tasks that seniors can't do for themselves. She changes linens. She sweeps, vacuums, mops and dusts. She drives clients to doctor's appointments, shops with them at Walmart and keeps them company.

Romero enjoys her job  "I love caring for the elderly," she said  but she faces a major challenge: There's too much work to do.

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Romero's three-page roster of clients includes more than two dozen names, most of whom qualify for four hours of care each week. That adds up to about 100 hours of work  and only one homemaker.

"There's not enough of me to go around," Romero said.

It's a common refrain in the caregiving industry. To meet the true needs of San Miguel County's seniors, the area could use two or three homemakers, estimated Phyllis Urioste, an assessment specialist for senior centers in Las Vegas, Pecos and Ribera.

The same is true in more-urban Santa Fe, said Ellen London, executive director of Coming Home Connection, a local not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing seniors with in-home care, service navigation and equipment loans.

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Caregiving is an essential element to allow seniors to age in place  something most people want to do, London said  but caregivers and administrators agree the industry needs big changes to become a viable, long-term career for most who enter it.

"It's so important that people value this work and encourage [it] and pay appropriately for these really critical skills," London said.

'Where did all the workers go?'

Romero's journey to becoming a homemaker started with a lost job. Laid off after nearly two decades from her position as the office manager in a health clinic, Romero said she turned to caregiving out of a desire to find a job with that same personal touch.

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"What I really missed was the patients," she recalled. "I'm a people person; I tried other jobs ... and it just didn't work."

Some people are cut out for professional caregiving. "When people love it, they really love it, and they're good at it," London said.

Caregivers perform essential tasks. While trained personnel take care of medical tasks like medication management, professional caregivers are typically responsible for assisting with what are known as "activities of daily living." Those can include tasks such as toileting, bathing, dressing and getting in and out of bed or a chair, as well as more complex duties, like providing transportation or preparing a meal.

Dr. Ann Garcia, who specializes in geriatric medicine through Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center's Center for Healthy Aging in Santa Fe, usually sees some kind of caregiver  whether it's a family member or a paid professional  with each of her patients.

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"We have to engage with these folks," Garcia said. "I tell all my patients, 'You're coming in with someone. You have to have someone next to you when we have this appointment.' "

The trouble is, the ratio of caregivers to people in need of care is out of balance: There aren't enough caregivers to meet the true need in the city.

During the coronavirus pandemic, many caregivers walked away from the profession, London said. Not everyone came back.

"Like everyone says, 'Where did all the workers go?' We don't know," she said.

Christus' Community Health Implementation Plan for 2023 to 2025 identifies older adult health as a "super priority" for Santa Fe. Alleviating "caregiver burden" is part of that.

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In practice, the dearth of caregivers strains those who remain in the industry. Each week, Romero has to make tough choices to prioritize who needs care the most  a client with dementia, another on hospice, a third who is blind.

Her clients ask why she can only visit them once a week or call asking her to make an extra visit to Rociada and other outlying communities in San Miguel County.

"People are calling me, and I'm like, 'I'm sorry; I can't.' My month gets filled up," Romero said.

Cost of care creates barriers

There is no typical day at work for Margaret Rigatti.

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The Santa Fe-based caregiver, who offers her services through her own company, arrives at her clients' homes with no set agenda in mind. Instead, she devotes herself to helping with housework and other activities of daily living, or just keeping her clients company.

"I see them, and they know it," Rigatti said of her clients. "They know they're being seen; they know they're being heard. They're allowed to say whatever they want, be whoever they want to be without any judgment."

Coming Home Connection connects clients with independent caregivers, including Rigatti. On any given day, about 60 of the organization's clients are paying for their own caregiving, with wages starting at $25 per hour, London said.

The organization also offers a limited no-cost caregiving program, primarily funded by the city of Santa Fe and Santa Fe County and based on clients' income.

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For some of Coming Home Connection's clients, the cost of caregiving isn't an issue, London said; for others, it's a major financial hardship.

London described Coming Home Connection's no-cost caregiving program as the "tip of the iceberg." It highlights the gaps in the system for seniors who can hardly afford housing, much less the cost of assisted living or skilled nursing care.

Medicaid can cover either home-based care or care in skilled nursing facilities  but London said the lack of skilled nursing beds in Santa Fe tends to leave low-income seniors without the latter option.

"It does get to the issue of people who probably shouldn't be living alone anymore  but we don't have options in Santa Fe," she said.

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Garcia said she sees that same dynamic play out among her patients, many of whom just can't afford to pay for care. The cost of professional caregiving is an "obvious" barrier, she added, leaving seniors "teeter-tottering" on the edge of being able to adequately care for themselves.

As a result, the Center for Healthy Aging's on-staff social worker maintains a running list of seniors to check on, Garcia said.

There is another cost to caregiving.

Rigatti said the personal connections she forges with clients is "the biggest part" of her job, and it's intensely intimate work. It also can take a toll on the caregiver.

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Rigatti works within what she calls the "emotional soup" of her clients' lives. Often, she appears when they're already weathering some kind of change  reeling from a bad diagnosis, recovering from an injury or doing battle with insurance companies.

"If I'm going to care for someone, I don't look at it any differently than showing up to care for my own mother and father. ... I'll be as vulnerable as you are and meet you where you're at," Rigatti said.

That mindset can lead to a disparity between the emotional heft of the work and the caregiver's hourly wage, she added.

"You give and give and give, and then when the paycheck came at the end, it was out of balance," Rigatti said. "So how long do you want to do that? How long can you show up that way?"

Stark wage gap for caregivers

Rigatti's second caregiving job  before she started her own company  offered an hourly wage of $12 per hour, she said.

That's not unusual. Inadequate pay is among the industry's major stressors.

A 2023 analysis by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service's Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation found wages for home health aides and personal care assistants trail those of other entry-level positions by an average of more than $3 per hour, despite rising demand for their services.

In New Mexico, the analysis found home health and personal care aides made about 75% of what other entry-level workers did in 2019, with wages averaging less than $11 per hour.

The wage gap becomes even more stark when considering the demographics of direct care workers like nursing assistants, home health aides and personal care assistants. The majority are women and people of color, according to Health and Human Services. More than a quarter are immigrants.

In addition to appropriate pay, London said caregivers should have the kind of career ladder customary in other industries. They can start with basic caregiving, before becoming nurse's assistants, registered nurses or specialists in a particular type of care, such as memory care.

Professional development opportunities to help caregivers manage the emotional toll of their work would be helpful, too, Rigatti added.

Rigatti argued fixing the system will require a fundamental shift: "Value human life. Value our elders. ... Value me as the caregiver, and I value you as the recipient of my care," she said.

She recalled one instance in which she was cleaning up a client who had just used the toilet.

"This must be the most humiliating part of your job," the client said.

Rigatti responded: "There is absolutely nothing humiliating about my job."
The Palisades nuclear reactor in Covert Twp. is located on the shores of Lake Michigan. | Lucy Valeski

Last week, the Ohio General Assembly sent a bill to Gov. Mike DeWine designating nuclear power as green energy.

Those who follow energy policy at the Statehouse should not find this particularly surprising. Last year, DeWine signed legislation to designate natural gas as green energy. Most experts would consider nuclear to be less harmful to the climate than natural gas, so this is not a particularly bold move.

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Nor does it have much of a policy impact. According to analysis by the Legislative Service Commission, the term green energy is not used by the Ohio Revised Code in any substantial way. It seems that this is more of a resolution than a true policy change by the state.

Green is kind of an empty term on its own, though it stands for certain things. We associate green fuels as those that are good for the climate, our health, and the sustainability of our energy supply. So lets ask those questions instead.

Is nuclear power good for our climate? The answer to this is, compared to the alternatives, almost certainly yes. In contrast to coal- or natural gas-powered power plants, nuclear power plants do not produce carbon dioxide when they are operating. Every kilowatt-hour of energy generated by a nuclear plant that replaces a kilowatt-hour of energy generated by a coal- or natural gas-powered plant helps reduce global emissions, slowing the changing of the climate.

Is nuclear power good for public health? This question is more tricky. On the one hand, nuclear power plants do not produce the sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and mercury emitted by burning fossil fuels. This means nuclear power plants are not associated with the respiratory and cardiovascular problems that burning of fossil fuels generate.

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While direct exposure to radioactive materials is associated with high cancer risk, there is very little evidence that living near a nuclear power plant does the same due to containment of the energy. Living near a coal power plant or natural gas power plant is much more hazardous to your health than living near a nuclear power plant.

Accident and security risks and waste disposal are the most concerning potential public health problems with nuclear power. While U.S. regulatory requirements have prevented a meltdown from happening in the United States (the closest being the near-miss at Three Mile Island) and even the more recent accident in Fukushima, Japan having no definitive casualties, Chernobyl still looms large in the public consciousness. And while domestic terrorism drives fear around security risks, the fact that the war in Ukraine has been fought so brutally and still avoided a nuclear disaster is a good sign for the energy source.

Long-term deep geological storage is the best practice in disposal of nuclear waste, but Congresss inability to authorize a permanent repository has been a barrier to safe long-term storage.

From a sustainability perspective, nuclear power also poses challenges. The world currently has an estimated 90 years of uranium reserves. While a more abundant alternative fuel thorium is starting to be used, technological change will be needed to make nuclear sustainable in the long-term.

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So lets stop talking about whether an energy source is green. Lets talk about what really matters: whether it is good for the planet, good for our health, and provides us with affordable, sustainable energy that we can use to provide for our businesses, our homes, and our families.

Ohio Capital Journal is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Ohio Capital Journal maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor David Dewitt for questions: info@ohiocapitaljournal.com.
As a line of strong storms swept over the Charlotte area Sunday morning, thousands lost power, about 700 flights out of the airport were delayed and one person died  crushed in a pickup truck by a falling tree.

The National Weather Service early Sunday warned that tornadoes, hail and strong wind gusts could shower the Carolinas. The storms spread across most of the eastern states, the NWS said.

On Saturday, the same storm system had spawned tornadoes over Southern Plains and Lower Mississippi Valley. A high school student died after a tree fell on a home in Natchez, Mississippi, CNN reported, and another person died where a tornado touched down in northern Brazoria County, Texas.

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At about 10 a.m. Sunday, as bands of storms moved north of Charlotte, a fallen tree had killed one person in a truck in Iredell County, authorities said. The victim was identified as Matthew Ronald Teeple, 70, of Cleveland.

The incident happened at approximately 10:10 a.m., the NC State Highway Patrol said, on NC 152 near Brumley Road during heavy rain. A 1979 Chevrolet pickup truck traveling south on NC 152 was struck by a falling tree

Iredell County authorities respond to the scene where one person in a vehicle was killed by a falling tree Sunday during powerful storms that ripped through the area.

The storms had moved out of the Charlotte area and pushed eastward by 11 a.m. Sunday. But afternoon non-severe storms remained possible for the afternoon, the NWS said.

As of 2 p.m., 676 flights out of Charlotte Douglas International Airport have been delayed and more than 30 have been canceled, according to FlightAware.

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Duke Energy reported about 20,000 outages in the region during the height of the storm. There were about 2,000 outages around Charlotte by 6:45 p.m.

Charlotte and NC tornado warnings

Charlotte airport delays mount for holiday travelers Sunday as storms rip through region

Mooresville, Gastonia, Huntersville, Cornelius and some communities in York County, South Carolina, were all under a tornado warning  meaning a tornado had been spotted  until 10 a.m. Sunday, the NWS said.

Mecklenburg and its surrounding counties were under a tornado watch  meaning weather conditions could create funnel clouds  until 1 p.m. Sunday. That included Alexander, Cabarrus, Catawba, Cleveland, Davie, Gaston, Iredell and Lincoln counties in North Carolina and York and Chester counties in South Carolina.

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Radar indicated a funnel cloud was seen around 8:40 a.m. near the Clover and Sharon communities in York County, forecasters said. Clover is about a 31-mile drive southwest from uptown Charlotte.

As of 2 p.m. Sunday, there were no other reports of tornadoes in the Charlotte area.

Charlotte resident Anthony Henning looks at a fallen tree across Monroe Road and Colonnade Drive in Charlotte, NC on Sunday morning Dec. 29, 2024 following a heavy rain and wind storm that swept through the area.

Severe thunderstorms in Carolinas

Forecasters warned of 60 mph winds, pea-sized hail and the possibility of a tornado in the Charlotte area stretching from Monroe to Cedar Rock to north of Statesville to east of Cleveland until about 10:30 a.m.

In South Carolina, a severe thunderstorm warning covered Clover to Great Falls until about 9:30 a.m.

A line of strong to severe thunderstorms will track across the western Carolina ... this morning into early this afternoon ahead of a strong cold front, the NWS said.

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Damaging wind gusts will be the main hazard, but an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out. Additionally, moderate to heavy downpours may lead to isolated nuisance flooding, mainly along the Blue Ridge Escarpment.

As much as 3 inches of rain could fall in the mountains through early afternoon Sunday and gusts of up to 50 mph may be recorded in high elevations, forecasters said.

Small tree branches, blown down from the storm earlier this morning, lie strewn over Keswick Avenue in Charlotte, NC on Sunday, December 29, 2024.

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Rough week for CLT passengers

Sundays weather-related delays at CLT airport were the latest in holiday-related problems. They hit at one of the busiest times of the year for one of the worlds busiest airports.

On Tuesday, the morning of Christmas Eve, the FAA ordered a one-hour ground stop of all American Airlines flights nationwide. The airline blamed a vendor technical issue for problems that caused the issue.

The airline apologized to customers. American accounts for nearly 90% of flight out of Charlotte Douglas.

Observer editor Adam Bell and reporter Joe Marusak contributed to this report
Mayor Adams has long been known to value personal loyalty when it comes to politics.

But in September, Adams made clear that loyalty isnt unconditional.

My loyalty does not go past if someone does something wrong  Lets not get it mixed up: My loyalty does not go to the point if you are found to have done something wrong, he told reporters on Sept. 10.

That loyalty would soon be tested.

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In the aftermath of Adams indictment on bribery and corruption charges two weeks after those comments, the mayors top advisors and closest allies, from his schools chancellor to his police commissioner, were pushed to resign.

Gov. Hochul  who has the authority to remove him as mayor  leaned on Adams to clean house of those in his inner circle whod become ensnared in several separate corruption probes, even as they didnt face criminal charges of their own and maintained they had done nothing wrong.

Now, as the mayor continues to fend off calls to resign, battles the federal charges he has pleaded not guilty to and runs for reelection, almost no one from the tight-knit crew he first entered office with  known internally as Team Adams  is left by his side.

Instead, Adams enters 2025 surrounded by veteran government operators, most of them new to his orbit, but many of them with deep municipal experience, like First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Chauncey Parker and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch.

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The shakeups come as next year could prove the most pivotal in Adams political career, as hes set to stand trial in April, two months before he faces multiple challengers in Junes Democratic mayoral primary, all while reeling from historically low approval ratings.

Its unclear how Adams legal challenges and the exodus of his closest aides will impact the election  or whether outside factors could play a role, too, including President-elect Donald Trump, who has openly entertained the idea of pardoning the mayor.

But with all the uncertainty on the horizon, some in Adams inner circle say the City Hall staff purges have marked a step in the right direction.

He has rid himself of people who were hurting him, so he is better off for it and should have done it a long time ago, a source close to the mayor told the Daily News, speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of angering him. I think he feels unburdened and ready for whatever comes next.

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Bradley Tusk, a political strategist and venture capitalist who served as a top aide to former Mayor Michael Bloomberg, echoed that sentiment and suggested city government hasnt been in a better place since Adams took office.

Its bad news for Team Adams, but actually very good news for New York, said Tusk, who helped run the campaign of one of Adams 2021 opponents, Andrew Yang.

He actually has the most competent professional team hes ever had, because all of the people who prioritize internal politics and petty grudges and their crumbs and their own well beingare gone, Tusk added.

The exodus of the old Adams guard at City Hall culminated this month, when Ingrid Lewis-Martin, the mayors chief adviser and self-proclaimed sister resigned abruptly on a Sunday just before news broke she would soon be indicted by the Manhattan District Attorneys office on bribery charges. Days later, just after Lewis-Martins indictment was unsealed, Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey, a powerful Adams ally in the NYPD, resigned, too, after facing disturbing sexual misconduct accusations.

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Like Adams, Lewis-Martin and Maddrey deny wrongdoing.

Their departures brought to at least 10 the number of high-profile resignations or firings from Adams administration that have come in recent months amid investigative controversy.

Besides Lewis-Martin and Maddrey, top Adams allies who have left under a cloud of scandal include, among others, Phil Banks, the deputy mayor for public safety, David Banks, the schools chancellor and Phils older brother, Sheena Wright, the first deputy mayor and Davids wife, Edward Caban, the NYPD commissioner, Tim Pearson, Adams public safety adviser, and Winnie Greco, Adams Asian affairs adviser.

That tally doesnt include the November 2022 resignation of Eric Ulrich, Adams first Buildings commissioner whos still battling bribery charges brought by the Manhattan DAs office.

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One of the few individuals left in Adams administration recently engulfed in law enforcement scrutiny is Jesse Hamilton, a former Brooklyn state senator who was appointed by the mayor to a top post at the Department of Citywide Administrative Services that involves overseeing the municipal governments sprawling commercial real estate portfolio.

Hamilton had his electronics confiscated by investigators from the Manhattan DAs office at JFK Airport in September when he, Lewis-Martin and Diana Boutross, a top executive at the Cushman & Wakefield real estate firm, stepped off a flight from Japan.

The trio, who say they were vacationing in Japan, are being eyed by the DAs office as part of a probe looking into potential corruption in the citys commercial real estate sector, according to sources. No one has been accused of wrongdoing in connection with that inquiry, and Lewis-Martins criminal charges, also brought by the Manhattan DA, are part of a different probe.

George Arzt, a seasoned New York political consultant, said the resignations, investigations and indictments have left a hole in Adams administration.

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It does make it a little bit of a different place, because hes lost the Banks brothers and hes lost Ingrid, said Arzt, noting they have been key in orchestrating his political rise and policy agenda.

But Arzt, who served as press secretary to Mayor Ed Koch between 1986 and 1989 when Kochs administration faced a number of corruption scandals, also said he believes its better for Adams  and the city  that there has been a changing of the guard at City Hall.

He just has to refocus the administration, Arzt said. Thats his new job, but the people who are left, theyre pretty good.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has long been known to value personal loyalty when it comes to politics.

But in September, Adams made clear that loyalty isnt unconditional.

My loyalty does not go past if someone does something wrong  Lets not get it mixed up: My loyalty does not go to the point if you are found to have done something wrong, he told reporters on Sept. 10.

That loyalty would soon be tested.

Advertisement Advertisement

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In the aftermath of Adams indictment on bribery and corruption charges two weeks after those comments, the mayors top advisers and closest allies, from his schools chancellor to his police commissioner, were pushed to resign.

Gov. Kathy Hochul  who has the authority to remove him as mayor  leaned on Adams to clean house of those in his inner circle whod become ensnared in several separate corruption probes, even as they didnt face criminal charges of their own and maintained they had done nothing wrong.

Now, as the mayor continues to fend off calls to resign, battles the federal charges he has pleaded not guilty to and runs for reelection, almost no one from the tight-knit crew he first entered office with  known internally as Team Adams  is left by his side.

Instead, Adams enters 2025 surrounded by veteran government operators, most of them new to his orbit, but many of them with deep municipal experience, like First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Chauncey Parker and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch.

Advertisement Advertisement

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The shakeups come as next year could prove the most pivotal in Adams political career, as hes set to stand trial in April, two months before he faces multiple challengers in Junes Democratic mayoral primary, all while reeling from historically low approval ratings.

Its unclear how Adams legal challenges and the exodus of his closest aides will impact the election  or whether outside factors could play a role, too, including President-elect Donald Trump, who has openly entertained the idea of pardoning the mayor.

But with all the uncertainty on the horizon, some in Adams inner circle say the City Hall staff purges have marked a step in the right direction.

He has rid himself of people who were hurting him, so he is better off for it and should have done it a long time ago, a source close to the mayor told the Daily News, speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of angering him. I think he feels unburdened and ready for whatever comes next.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Bradley Tusk, a political strategist and venture capitalist who served as a top aide to former Mayor Michael Bloomberg, echoed that sentiment and suggested city government hasnt been in a better place since Adams took office.

Its bad news for Team Adams, but actually very good news for New York, said Tusk, who helped run the campaign of one of Adams 2021 opponents, Andrew Yang.

He actually has the most competent professional team hes ever had, because all of the people who prioritize internal politics and petty grudges and their crumbs and their own well-being  are gone, Tusk added.

The exodus of the old Adams guard at City Hall culminated this month, when Ingrid Lewis-Martin, the mayors chief adviser and self-proclaimed sister, resigned abruptly on a Sunday just before news broke she would soon be indicted by the Manhattan District Attorneys office on bribery charges. Days later, just after Lewis-Martins indictment was unsealed, Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey, a powerful Adams ally in the NYPD, resigned too, after facing disturbing sexual misconduct accusations.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Like Adams, Lewis-Martin and Maddrey deny wrongdoing.

Their departures brought to at least 10 the number of high-profile resignations or firings from Adams administration that have come in recent months amid investigative controversy.

Besides Lewis-Martin and Maddrey, top Adams allies who have left under a cloud of scandal include, among others, Phil Banks, the deputy mayor for public safety; David Banks, the schools chancellor and Phils older brother; Sheena Wright, the first deputy mayor and Davids wife; Edward Caban, the NYPD commissioner; Tim Pearson, Adams public safety adviser; and Winnie Greco, Adams Asian affairs adviser.

That tally doesnt include the November 2022 resignation of Eric Ulrich, Adams first Buildings commissioner, whos still battling bribery charges brought by the Manhattan DAs office.

Advertisement Advertisement

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One of the few individuals left in Adams administration recently engulfed in law enforcement scrutiny is Jesse Hamilton, a former Brooklyn state senator who was appointed by the mayor to a top post at the Department of Citywide Administrative Services that involves overseeing the municipal governments sprawling commercial real estate portfolio.

Hamilton had his electronics confiscated by investigators from the Manhattan DAs office at JFK Airport in September when he, Lewis-Martin and Diana Boutross, a top executive at the Cushman & Wakefield real estate firm, stepped off a flight from Japan.

The trio, who say they were vacationing in Japan, are being eyed by the DAs office as part of a probe looking into potential corruption in the citys commercial real estate sector, according to sources. No one has been accused of wrongdoing in connection with that inquiry, and Lewis-Martins criminal charges, also brought by the Manhattan DA, are part of a different probe.

George Arzt, a seasoned New York political consultant, said the resignations, investigations and indictments have left a hole in Adams administration.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It does make it a little bit of a different place, because hes lost the Banks brothers and hes lost Ingrid, said Arzt, noting they have been key in orchestrating his political rise and policy agenda.

But Arzt, who served as press secretary to Mayor Ed Koch between 1986 and 1989 when Kochs administration faced a number of corruption scandals, also said he believes its better for Adams  and the city  that there has been a changing of the guard at City Hall.

He just has to refocus the administration, Arzt said. Thats his new job, but the people who are left, theyre pretty good.

_____
New Yorks Finest suffered a startling 4,600 injuries at the hands of violent suspects in the first nine months of 2024  the most since the NYPD started keeping such statistics in 2016.

The frightening figure is 13% higher than the 4,077 officer injuries sustained citywide during the same period in 2023, and a whopping 60% higher than the 2,886 logged at that point in 2021.

Between April and June, 1,640 on- and off-duty cops were hurt by perps  the highest number ever recorded in a single quarter.

One top cop blamed the NYPD Bruise on the influx of more than 58,000 migrant criminals into the Big Apple. fergregory  stock.adobe.com

And the next three months were almost as bad, with 1,618 officer injuries, the second-most on record.

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The majority of officer injuries in the first three quarters of 2024  4,285  were minor, but 192 were considered substantial and required treatment at a hospital, and 123 were seen as serious enough to warrant hospital admission.

One top cop blamed the NYPD Bruise on the influx of more than 58,000 migrant criminals into the Big Apple.

When the laws dictate that there are no meaningful consequences to assaulting police officers and we are housing that very same criminal element free of charge, of course there will be many more interactions with the very same violent individuals we couldnt prosecute or deport, SBA President Vincent Vallelong told The Post.

We have a notorious gang that is poisoning our city and they are given free passes, jeopardizing the lives of our law enforcement officers and compromising public safety, he continued, referring to the Venezuelan outlaws known as Tren de Aragua.

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A lot more migrants [assault cops] than regular citizens, said one officer with more than two decades on the job.

A lot more migrants [assault cops] than regular citizens, said one cop with more than two decades on the job. KYLE MAZZA/Shutterstock

As of last month, nearly 8% of the 759,218 illegal migrants living in New York City were either previously convicted of crimes or had criminal charges pending, according to jaw-dropping ICE data exposed by The Post.

In one particularly ugly, migrant-fueled incident, two groups of brawling illegals ganged up on a pair of officers who arrived to break up a May 19 fight inside of the Roosevelt Hotel in Midtown.

One officer was bitten in his left arm and bruised on his left leg. Another suffered injuries to his head, right elbow and wrist. One of the heartless assailants even tried to steal an officers hat as a trophy, police sources said at the time.

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Both cops were taken to the hospital in stable condition, and four migrants were arrested  three of whom had rap sheets prior to the incident, according to sources.

On May 19, two groups of brawling migrants ganged up on a pair of officers who arrived to break up a fight inside of the Roosevelt Hotel in Midtown. Robert Miller

Just last month, a 33-year-old migrant from Mexico was busted for attacking two cops while they tried to cuff him for a street brawl in Elmhurst, Queens.

Mauricio David Sosa, who had just punched another man in the face, slugged one cop in the face and kicked another in the lower stomach when they went to arrest him, according to authorities.

Sosa was later charged with two counts of felony assault and resisting arrest, police said.

Mexican national Mauricio David Sosa slugged one cop in the face and kicked another in the lower stomach last month, according to authorities. Obtained by the NY POST

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On Jan. 27, as many as 14 migrants joined in a vicious, caught-on-camera beating of two police officers in Times Square. Only one of the suspects was ever jailed, while five were charged but let go without bail.

About a week later, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg announced he had indicted seven of the alleged attackers, but authorities at the time said they had all already fled to California.

Beyond violent migrants, critics cited bail reform and soft-on-crime prosecutors like Bragg for the surge in cop assaults.

The de-carceral approach taken by both district attorneys and judges toward perpetrators who assault police officers is the main driver behind this ever-increasing rise in assaultsThe public sees no one is going to jail for it, so its I can do what I want,  said NYPD Lt. John Macari.

NYPD bodycam video shows the suspects charged with assaulting two police officers in Times Square on Jan. 27. Manhattan District Attorney's Office

Shoplifters, drug dealers, protestors, and migrants have no fear of putting their hands on anyone  including the police, he added.

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Far too many routine calls are turning into all-out brawls, and the reason is obvious: our justice system keeps releasing the same violent, repeat offenders, and they keep attacking cops when we try to lock them up again, agreed Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Hendry.

Repeat criminal Ernst Delma was on probation Aug. 8 when he viciously punched rookie officer Mary Fay to the ground in the Soundview neighborhood of The Bronx, according to authorities.

Video taken moments after the clobbering shows blood streaming down Fays face as a bystander helps her up off the sidewalk.

Video taken moments after the clobbering  which occurred after Fay tried to break up an argument between Delma, 41, and a group of kids  shows blood streaming down the officers face as a bystander helps her up off the sidewalk. Other cops pounced on Delma.

Fay sustained a cut to her lip and was taken to a local hospital in stable condition.

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Delma, who was on probation for a New Jersey conviction at the time, had numerous prior arrests for assault and burglary over the past several years  including a random slugging of a 57-year-old woman in Midtown in July 2022, police sources said.

The brute was charged with assault on a police officer, resisting arrest and obstructing governmental administration.

Ernst Delma was charged with assault on a police officer, resisting arrest and obstructing governmental administration. Matthew McDermott

On Nov. 19, career criminal Gary Worthy was stopped by cops after robbing a Jamaica, Queens smoke shop at gunpoint. Worthy, 57, turned and fired at officers, striking veteran officer Rich Wong in the thigh. The wounded hero cop fired back, hitting Worthy in the face and killing him.

Wong was transported to Jamaica Hospital and released the next morning as more than 200 NYPD cops cheered him on.

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Worthy was already on lifetime parole and had served two stints in state prison before the fatal incident. Just a couple of months earlier, a Queens judge had cut Worthy loose on despite pleas from the Queens District Attorneys Office to set bail on a pair of cases for assault and burglary.

Between August and September, cops from the NYPDs 46th Precinct suffered the most injuries  51  out of all 78 precincts citywide, according to the Use of Force data.

Career criminal Gary Worthy shot veteran officer Rich Wong in the thigh on Nov. 19. Kyle Mazza/SOPA Images/Shutterstock

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The 46 is one of the more violent commands, and these perps just feel like theres no consequences, explained the cop with 20 years on the job.

The stats also show an eye-popping 29% surge in subject injuries in the first three quarters of 2024 compared to the same period last year, with 4,515 this year compared to 3,497 in 2023.

Overall, there was a 20% increase in the number of interactions between cops and perps where at least one party was injured in the first nine months of 2024 compared to the same period last year.

The NYPD did not respond to a request for comment.
Lightning may not strike in the same place twice, but in Minnesota, it turns out one off-duty zoo worker can happen upon and rescue two different wounded owls on the same day.

The unlikely double-rescue happened in the Duluth area Monday, Dec. 23, when Annabell Whelan  a guest experience manager at Lake Superior Zoo  discovered both a great gray owl and a snowy owl in two separate incidents hours apart.

The gray owl was found on a roadside in Two Harbors, unable to fly and suffering from an injured eye after being hit by a car:

Whelan took the bird to Wildwoods, a Duluth-based animal rehabilitation center where she would soon return after making her second owl discovery later on Monday.

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That night, Whelan posted that she'd found a snow owl "stuck in the grille of someone's car" as she was leaving Bentleyville, Duluth's holiday light display:

Sadly, the latter owl ultimately had to be euthanized due to the severity of its injuries, but according to an update on Whelan's Facebook, the great gray owl was "still pushing through."

Whelan's rare feat has earned her recognition from local and even national media, from Duluth's FOX 21 to the Kansas City Star and ABC News.

In an interview with WCCO, she revealed that she has picked up some nicknames since the rescues, including "Owl Girl" and "Owl Whisperer."

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Whelan also received a nod from her employer, who took to Facebook to laud her "dedication to our mission and compassion for animals":

"Please join us in celebrating Annabell for doing whatever it takes to protect wildlife!" the zoo said.
An off-duty New York City cop has been arrested for allegedly raping and strangling someone close to him, sources told The Post Saturday.

Samuel Sierra, 35, was arrested around 7:20 p.m. Friday night in East Harlem and charged with first-degree rape, second-degree strangulation and third-degree assault, police confirmed.

The attack was domestic in nature.

Sierra was arrested Friday night in East Harlem. William Miller

He allegedly attacked a family member or a partner, according to a source who wouldnt disclose additional details of the incident.

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Sierra was expected to be arraigned Saturday in Manhattan Criminal Court. He was suspended without pay pending trial.

He joined the NYPD in 2016 and earned $167,584 last year, city records show.

Sierra has spent much of his career patrolling the 77th Precinct in Brooklyn, but in December 2023 he was transferred to the Auxiliary Police Section, where he oversees auxiliary cops, according to the 50-a.org website, which tracks NYPD complaints and discipline of cops.

Sierra joined the NYPD in 2016. 4kclips  stock.adobe.com

In February 2023, he was accused of assaulting a woman in her 20s during a traffic stop and abusing his authority, according to the website.

He was required to undergo retraining, but the allegations were found to be within department guidelines by the Civilian Complaint Review Board.
NEW YORK  An off-duty NYPD cop has been arrested for rape, officials said Saturday.

Investigators in East Harlem handcuffed police officer Samuel Sierra, 35, around 7:30 p.m. Friday on charges of first-degree rape, strangulation and assault.

The NYPD said the attack was domestic in nature  meaning Sierra allegedly attacked a partner or family member  but wouldnt disclose any further details.

Sierras arraignment in Manhattan Criminal Court was pending Saturday.

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The six-year member of the force, who earned more than $168,000 last year, joined the NYPD in 2018 and has spent most of his career patrolling the 77th Precinct in Brooklyn. He received a meritorious police duty award in 2019.

While on duty in February 2023, he was accused of assaulting a woman and abusing his authority during a traffic stop, according to the 50-a.org website. He was ordered to undergo retraining, although the abuse of authority and physical force allegations were deemed to be within department guidelines.

In December 2023, he was transferred over to the Auxiliary Police Section, where he helps oversee civilians who volunteer their time as auxiliary cops.
Germany needs to focus on recruiting personnel for its defence forces, the parliamentary commissioner for the country's armed forces has said.

Eva Hogl told dpa the country needs about 20,000 more soldiers to meet the target size of 203,000.

She said many vacant positions remained unfilled, adding that operational readiness in numerous units was only around 50%.

"That is clearly not enough," Hogl said, especially in view of the tense security situation after Russia's war in Ukraine.

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"I consider personnel to be the most important issue for 2025."

She also called for a new attempt to introduce a compulsory military service for young men and women.

"The personnel situation must be the highest priority for all those responsible for politics," Hogl added.

Earlier this year, Hogl warned in her annual report that Germany's military was ageing and shrinking.
An Ohio couple who tortured their five adopted sons in dungeon-like conditions and deprived them of food and water, among other abuses, has been sentenced after taking a plea deal.

On Friday, Dec. 27, Matthew Edmonson, 50, pleaded guilty to five counts of child endangering, and her husband, Charles Edmonson, 64, pleaded guilty to kidnapping, felonious assault and three counts of child endangering, according to The Cincinnati Enquirer and local outlet WLWT.

For the abuse they inflicted upon the five boys  four with special needs  Matthew was given a minimum of 13 years in prison, while Charles was given a minimum of 15 years behind bars, per the Enquirer.

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Prior to the plea deal, the Clermont County Prosecutors Office previously stated the Edmonsons  who were formally accused of child abuse in June following an investigation  faced potential sentences totaling more than 200 years, the outlet reported.

As part of the new agreement, prosecutors moved to dismiss 44 counts against Matthew and 48 counts against Charles, as well as the possibility of him receiving a life sentence.

Clermont County Sheriff's Office Charles Edmonson Charles Edmonson

The Edmonsons were first indicted on five counts each of child endangerment in June, and additional indictments were added in July and August after more evidence of severe mental and physical abuse was uncovered, including numerous videos, the Clermont County Sheriffs Office said at the time.

Clermont County prosecuting attorney Mark J. Tekulve previously said this investigation followed a separate one into Charles, which led to him being sentenced to three years in prison for sexually assaulting another one of his adopted sons, who authorities said was an adult at the time, but was groomed from childhood, according to the Enquirer and Cincinnati outlet WCPO.

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That investigation, Tekulve said, led to the discovery of footage of the parents treating their five young sons  biological brothers whom they fostered before formally adopting  worse than prisoners of war, according to WCPO and WLWT.

"The videos of these undernourished and naked children huddled up in a locked room in the basement, on the stone-cold basement floor like a pile of puppies trying to stay together to keep warm, are nothing short of gut-wrenching, Tekulve said in a statement in June.

These two are unfit to be parents, and I am grateful to those who have worked tirelessly to make sure they will not be, he continued. Unfortunately, this isn't the first time and will not be the last time that my office has had to seek indictment for people like this who pretend to be 'parents. 

Tekulves office did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment on Sunday, Dec. 29.

Clermont County Sheriff's Office Matthew Edmonson Matthew Edmonson

Prosecutors said that the kids had previously been in and out of the hospital for bruising, bleach burns and potential internal bleeding, among other reasons, all of which their parents were able to explain away, WLWT reported. These hospital visits stemmed from the abuse and torture they suffered, which prosecutors outlined in court.

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Among the punishment that the couple would inflict on the boys were placing them in a basement room with a metal bed, often without a mattress or blanket, depriving them of clothes and making them sleep naked on the floor, the Enquirer reported. The adoptive parents would also withhold food and water, abuse evidenced by footage of one of the children scavenging something to eat from the trash.

Footage uncovered by authorities also shows one of their kids tied to a basement bed, the outlet added. Prosecutors also said that one of the couples sons previously informed officials at his school that urine and feces had been rubbed in his eye as punishment.

At the time of their adoption, two of the brothers were ages 13 and 11, while a set of triplets was 8. They were removed from the Edmonsons home amid the investigation into their parents in February.

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Their father declined to speak during his sentencing, but their mom, Matthew, gave a statement, apologizing and wishing healing for her sons, according to WLWT.

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Your honor, Im here in front of you because I believe God has a purpose for me, she said through tears. I know it's taken a lot of mistakes to be here, and Im now seeing the bigger picture. I want to end the negative cycle. I want my sons to receive psychological and emotional healing. Im truly sorry.

The Edmonsons also have a biological son, Bailey, who was sentenced alongside his parents on Friday, receiving two years probation after pleading guilty to three misdemeanor counts of child endangering, the Enquirer reported.

He was indicted in July and previously faced two counts of felonious assault and four counts of endangering children.

Clermont County Sheriff's Office Bailey Edmonson Bailey Edmonson

The kids are now in new living situations, where they are thriving, Tekulve said in a statement after the couples sentencing on Friday, per WLWT.

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The monstrous acts they were subjected to will no longer be a barrier to their development, the prosecuting attorney continued. While they will likely need mental health intervention the rest of their lives, physically and emotionally, they are flourishing.

Read the original article on People
A 45-year-old man was shot after asking another man for money in a Cleveland parking lot last week.

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Around 1:15 p.m. on Thursday, officers were dispatched to Tower City to assist RTA police with a male who was shot, CBS affiliate WOIO reported.

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The 45-year-old man was taken to MetroHealth Hospital with a gunshot wound to the foot.

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The man reportedly told police that around 12:15 p.m. he was in the parking lot of the Triskett Rapid Station when he asked the suspect for money at which time the suspect shot him.

The suspect fled the scene in an unknown direction.

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PERRY COUNTY, Ala. (WIAT)  A 74-year-old Cleveland, Ohio, woman was killed in a crash that occurred in Perry County on Saturday morning, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.

Mable Shepard was fatally injured when the Buick Lacrosse she was a passenger in left the roadway and overturned. The crash happened around 10:40 a.m. on Perry County 23 about 12 miles north of Uniontown.

Alabama Republicans, Democrats say more work needs to be done with their parties in 2025

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Shepard, who reportedly was not wearing a seat belt, was ejected from the car and died at the scene. The driver of the Lacrosse was transported to Whitfield Regional Hospital for treatment.

Troopers with the ALEAs Highway Patrol Division are investigating the crash.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42.
An Ohio zoo is mourning the death of an African Lion.

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The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo announced the death of the African Lion, Serena, on their Facebook on Saturday.

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Serena came to the zoo in 2012 along with another lioness, Nala, who passed in 2022.

Serena was 19 years old, which is beyond the average life expectancy for lions, according to the Zoo.

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At 19 years old, Serena lived well beyond the average life expectancy for lions and was a tremendous ambassador for her species. She will be missed by all of us at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, the post read.

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Russia has raised concerns over a major oil spill in the Black Sea after two tankers collided during a storm near occupied Crimea. The incident, which took place on Dec. 15 in the Kerch Strait, led to one tanker sinking and another running aground.

Russia has declared a federal state of emergency on Dec. 26.

Authorities estimate the tankers were carrying 9,200 tons of fuel oil, of which approximately 40% potentially leaked into the sea. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov described the crisis as "truly critical" and acknowledged the challenges in assessing the full scope of environmental damage.

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"It is unfortunately impossible to calculate for the moment the extent of the environmental damage but specialists are working regularly on it," Peskov reportedly said, according to Russian media.

President Vladimir Putin, earlier this month, referred to the spill as an "ecological disaster."

Thousands of volunteers have joined the clean-up effort, though some Russian scientists have criticized the response as inadequate. Russias transport ministry announced on Dec. 28 that all affected areas had been cleaned, and no further pollution had been detected. However, Russian Emergency Situations Minister Aleksandr Kurenkov cautioned that the risk of additional leaks persists.

In October, the Kyiv School of Economics Institute warned that Russia's "shadow fleet" of old and poorly insured tankers poses significant environmental risks, as these vessels increase the danger of oil spills.

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Read also: NATO to enhance military presence in Baltic Sea following damage to undersea power cable, Rutte says

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
HOCHATOWN  Back in 1962, the tiny burb of Hochatown  like communities all over Oklahoma  was issued a ZIP code: 74742.

Just a few years later, when the Army Corps of Engineers moved Hochatown to build Broken Bow Lake, the little town lost its ZIP code. Instead, the U.S. Postal Service made Hochatown part of Broken Bow and assigned the community a Broken Bow ZIP code.

Since then, Hochatown has rebuilt itself, reincorporated as an official town and, in the process, become the states hottest tourism spot. Each year, thousands trek through the small community, renting cabins, eating at local restaurants and visiting Broken Bow Lake.

Beavers Bend State Park is one of several in Oklahoma that offer horseback riding.

Even with the $1 billion invested in real estate in the area, the economic impact of the area and the increase in tourism, Hochatown's ZIP code has remained elusive. For more than a year now, the town's leaders have been fighting to get their ZIP code back.

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They havent been successful.

But Dian Jordan, Hochatowns mayor, said she isnt giving up. Because ZIP codes are now used for so much more than just mail delivery, Jordan said the fight isnt just about a five-digit number, but instead, the towns identity.

When they took away our ZIP code, they stole our identity, she said.

The history of Hochatown, Oklahoma

Understanding Hochatowns effort requires a little history.

Originally part of the Choctaw Nation, Hochatown got its name after the members of the Choctaw Nation arrived in southeastern Oklahoma, having been forced to relocate during the time of the Trail of Tears. Records show that Hochatown had a postal service as far back as March 1832.

Hochatown Mayor Dian Jordan

By 1894, a post office was established in Hochatown. That facility, records show, operated until early 1964. After the original site of Hochatown was flooded to create Broken Bow Lake, the relocated Hochatown lost its ZIP code.

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Bob Burke, a well-known state historian and native of the area, is part of the group pushing to get the ZIP code reinstated. Burke, an attorney, said his great uncle, Arnold Kincaid, was the postmaster at the original Hochatown site for more than 35 years. For Burke, the fight to reinstate the ZIP code is personal.

My uncle served until the town post office was closed and the town moved out to where is it now, on (U.S.) Highway 259, he said.

Burke said he and his team are currently gathering as much information as possible to convince postal officials to reinstate the towns ZIP code.

Oklahoma City attorney and author Bob Burke holds his latest book about Hochatown, Beavers Bend State Park and Broken Bow Lake.

Hochatown had a ZIP code from the beginning of ZIP codes until the government decided to build Broken Bow Lake, he said. My purpose in helping the town is to develop a huge collection of data and a full report of why Hochatown ought to be given its old ZIP code back.

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Burke and Jordans battle for the ZIP code began last March.

On March 28, 2023, Jordan and Sara Jane Smallwood-Cocke, an official with the Choctaw Nation, sent a joint letter to eight postal officials asking that Hochatowns ZIP code be reinstated. The letter was also copied to three members of the states congressional delegation: Sen. James Lankford, Sen. Markwayne Mullin and U.S. Rep. Josh Brecheen.

In November 2022, residents of Hochatown, Oklahoma voted to officially incorporate as the Town of Hochatown. It is the newest old town, having been established two hundred years ago as a Choctaw tribal settlement. The USPS has a long history of service to this area, the letter said. With incorporation, we are in the unusual position of not specifically asking for a new ZIP code boundary review. One of our first steps in helping our town is to reinstate our previous ZIP code, 74742. There are several critical arguments for the Hochatown ZIP code to be reinstated.

Because ZIP codes are now used to designate communities in other ways, Jordan said the letter included other ways reinstating the communitys ZIP code would be helpful, including, safety and security with reliable 911 addresses that align with the town name; reliable and efficient transport of manufactured goods in and out of town; federal compliance for manufacturers' requirements related to address specifications; creating valid and reliable statistical data; and identifying infrastructure capacity building opportunities.

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Yet even with those arguments, the Postal Service denied the request.

In a letter dated more than a year after the original request was sent  and which listed an unknown persons name in the greeting and not Jordan, who made the original request  the Postal Service said it was denying Hochatowns request to reinstate its ZIP code.

After a review of your request and the documentation, granting a change of the assigned ZIP code would not have any appreciable positive impact on our operations or service to your community at this time, the letter said. ZIP code boundaries rarely mirror exact city, county or township boundaries. Given the finite nature of the current pool of ZIP codes , it is not possible to provide every city with their own, distinct ZIP code.

The letter, signed by Diane Ingland, the Postal Service's district manager for the Oklahoma and Arkansas region, said the agency would hear an appeal to her decision if that appeal was made within 45 days.

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A letter appealing the decision was sent to Ingland on Aug. 8, but that appeal, too, was denied. Jordan said she received notification of the denial on Friday, Dec. 18.

"They used the same excuses as last time," she said. "And they also said it would be too expensive."

Still, even with the second denial, Jordan said officials in Hochatown weren't giving up. She said supporters of the effort would "meet and regroup" and consider their next steps.

Hochatown Mayor Dian Jordan

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"We've been told told no before," she said. "We're used to it. But what's missing in the argument is the fact that ZIP codes are used for much more than just delivering the mail. They are used in all sorts of data collection, and people need to understand that. This is something we take very seriously, so we're going to get together and plan our next steps."

A spokesman for the Postal Service didn't say why it took the agency so long to respond.

Becky Hernandez, a strategic communication specialist for the Postal Service, said the Postal Service was "proud of the vital part it plays in the communities it serves, and always strives to provide excellent service."

"Regarding questions about a ZIP code request for the community of Hochatown, it is important to note that the Postal Service established ZIP codes and delivery boundaries to ensure efficient mail delivery and good service," Hernandez said in an email to The Oklahoman. "They are not intended to determine town, city, municipal or other identities."

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Hernandez said in order to ensure fairness and transparency regarding ZIP code issues, the Postal Service has developed a uniform process to review such requests.

"These requests undergo a careful analysis to ensure efficient resource allocation," Hernandez said in her email. "In this specific case, our records indicate a review was completed and a response was sent to the town administrator on December 6, with a final decision on a request for a unique ZIP code for Hochatown. We appreciate the patience of customers and community leaders during the review process.

For Jordan, Burke and others, the wait continues, but that wait, Jordan said, is nothing new. "We've been down this road before," she said. "We understand how things work. But we're not going to give up."

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Hochatown's fight to restore town's ZIP code continues, mayor says
Warren Red Upton, a 105-year-old World War II US veteran who was the oldest living survivor of the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, died on Christmas Day, according to his family and the Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors, a veterans organization.

Upton was a very humble, gentle, soft-spoken man, who was well-read and well-informed with current affairs, Kathleen Farley, the California state chair of the Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors, told CNN.

Warren never considered himself a hero, Farley said.

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He said: A lot of people would consider the survivors of Pearl Harbor heroes, but if you ask anybody, the real heroes are the ones who never made it home, Farley recalled.

Upton passed away at a hospital in Los Gatos, California, early Wednesday morning, after suffering a bout of pneumonia for several days, said Farley, who said shes been in constant contact with the veterans family.

Barbara Upton, 57, told CNN she and her brother were with their father in the hospital at the time of his death.

He was a very good and humble man, and a little bit shy, Uptons daughter said. He and my mom have always taught us good values.

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Upton was also the last surviving crew member of the battleship USS Utah, one of the seven ships sunk during the attack on December 7, 1941, according to Farley.

With his death, there are 15 survivors of Pearl Harbor that are known to still be alive, Farley said, adding there were 87,000 military personnel on Oahu on the day of the attack.

Uptons death came nearly three weeks after the 83rd anniversary of Pearl Harbor and two months after he celebrated his 105th birthday in mid-October, according to Friends of the National World War II Memorial.

The last time Upton went to Hawaii was in 2019, when he attended a remembrance ceremony at the USS Utah Memorial, Farley told CNN.

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Born on October 17, 1919, in El Dorado, California, Upton served as a Navy radioman aboard the USS Utah, according to Farley and Uptons daughter.

The USS Utah was a Florida-class dreadnought battleship that was moored off Ford Island at Pearl Harbor when Japanese forces attacked the Hawaii naval base in the early morning of December 7, 1941, according to the National Park Service.

The attack, which President Franklin D. Roosevelt famously described it as a date which will live in infamy, prompted the US to declare war on Japan the following day.

Upton, then 22, was shaving aboard the Utah when he felt the first torpedo hitting the battleship, he recalled during his 99th birthday celebration in 2018.

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A few seconds later, a second torpedo hit, causing the ship to list and capsize.

The crew was forced to abandon ship and swim for land. The Utah quickly rolled over and sank, with 58 of its crew dead that day. A total of 461 crew members, including Upton, survived, according to the National Park Service.

Upton recalled swimming towards Ford Island after escaping the ship. While in the water, he helped a fellow crew member who couldnt swim reach shore.

Upton, who got the nickname Red for his natural thick, red hair, recalled the man shouting at him, Red, do you know how to swim?

After reaching Ford Island, Upton said he jumped into a ditch, which was originally being dug up for sewer pipes, to take cover from attacking Japanese warplanes. Upton sheltered in the ditch until a flatbed truck came in and took him to safety, he said.

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Upton continued to serve as a radioman throughout the war and later served in the Korean War, according to Farley. He converted to Catholicism during his time in the Navy, his daughter said.

After the war, Upton returned to California, where he worked as secretary of Pearl Harbor Survivors Chapter 7 in San Jose, where he facilitated meetings and reported deaths of survivors from his chapter.

Upton raised a family with his wife, Valeria Gene Parker, a former Navy nurse who joined more than 11,000 women in the Navy Nurse Corps during the war, in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Parker passed away in 2018, according to her obituary. She was 97.

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He mourned his wifes death every single day, Farley said.

While Uptons funeral arrangements are pending, his final wishes were to be buried side-by-side with his wife instead of being interred within the USS Utahs wreckage, a solemn yet optional tradition among Pearl Harbor survivors, according to Farley.

Warren told me a few years back, Kathy, I was lucky enough to make it off the ship. Im not going back there again, Farley told CNN.

Upton is survived by his five children and several grandchildren, according to Farley.

Upton was one of the few surviving World War II veterans in the United States, where the population of the Greatest Generation is rapidly declining. Of the 16.4 million Americans who served, only 66,143  less than 1%  are still alive today, according to the National WWII Museum in New Orleans.

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Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly described Warren Uptons religious upbringing. He converted to Catholicism when he joined the Navy.

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In 1979, President Jimmy Carter finished one of his greatest accomplishments. He brokered peace between Israel and Egypt -- the first time that happened with any Middle Eastern country.

On Mar. 26, 1979, it was an iconic image of Carters presidency as he put his hands over the historic handshake between Egypts Anwar Sadat and Israels Menachem Begin.

He sat with them for 14 days at Camp David to help make peace between the two nations.

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He was known for bringing together two very crusty, grizzled nationalists who really didnt like each other, Emory professor Ken Stein said. He interceded and thats what he does best. Hes very good at having people talk to him. And what he did, was he massaged their words and then reworked them into a meaningful text.

[PHOTO: Jimmy Carter through the years]

And just as amazing as it being the first treaty, Carters peace deal has held up.

Not a single word of that peace treaty has been violated on either side, Carter said.

Stein said Carter was able to get it done because of his ability to talk to people and his sheer knowledge of the Middle East.

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Hed throw out a piece of information and he would stun people with his knowledge. and Id sit there and grin, Stein said.

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In 1978, Sadat and Begin won the Nobel Peace Prize.

Carter was supposed to win it alongside them but because of a technicality -- a missed deadline as a nominee -- he couldnt be.

Still, Carter said it was a moment he was incredibly proud of.

This deal was the first of its kind, but not the last. It opened the door for an Israel-Jordan deal in 1994.

Sudan, the UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco all normalized relations in 2020.

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A few weeks after the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel, the Department of Womens, Gender and Sexuality Studies at Barnard College posted a statement on its website supporting Palestinian resistance to settler colonial war, occupation, and apartheid, decrying Israels horrific genocidal violence and ethnic cleansing, and listing various educational resources for students. Two days later, college administrators temporarily unpublish[ed] the statement, claiming it violated Barnards policy prohibiting use of college resources for political activity.

When the department challenged that interpretation, Barnard rewrote its website governance and political activity policies, declaring its website the sole property of the college. It insisted that all content on the site constitutes speech made by the college as an institution, and prohibited use of any college resources, including email and letterhead, to post political statements, broadly defined.

The department then republished its statement on a private website and denounced Barnards act of overt censorship. The New York Civil Liberties Union challenged Barnards action as a violation of free speech and academic freedom.

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Similar debates have played out on many college campuses over the past few years. Following the murder of George Floyd in 2020, hundreds of academic units, including at least 144 political science departments as well as departments in fields ranging from linguistics to agricultural science, issued statements condemning racism. In 2021, 160 academic departments at 120 colleges and universities criticized Israels handling of clashes with Hamas. Since the start of the Gaza war, dozens more issued or joined statements deploring Israels conduct.

At the same time, college and university leaders have come under increasing pressure to refrain from taking institutional positions on contested social and political issues. In the past year alone, roughly two dozen schools  including Harvard, Stanford, Yale, Duke, Cornell and the University of Texas  adopted policies of institutional neutrality.

As the University of Chicagos famed Kalven Committee explained in 1967, colleges and universities can best foster an environment of unfettered inquiry if they avoid taking positions on issues that do not directly relate to their mission and operations. A university cannot insist that all of its members favor a given view of social policy without effectively censuring any minority who do not agree with the view adopted.

The same rationale applies with even greater force to academic departments, where the risk that voicing disagreement may jeopardize admission, grades, or advancement is especially acute, particularly for untenured faculty, students, and staff, given the close connections among individuals within those units. At the same time, departments are loci of specialized scholarly expertise and academic practice. Department websites, as the NYCLU argued to Barnards president, serve important scholarly and pedagogical functions in addition to administrative tasks such as informing students about the curriculum, course offerings, and academic requirements.

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Limiting departmental statements without infringing on the academic freedom that underpins university teaching and research presents daunting challenges as administrators try to decide what is and is not permitted. Even as Barnard administrators removed the Department of Womens, Gender and Sexuality Studies statement of solidarity with Palestinians from the departments homepage, they left up an earlier post expressing solidarity with Black Lives Matter.

The best way to square this circle is for administrators to make a compelling case for institutional neutrality while allowing some leeway to faculty. Meanwhile, faculty should recognize that there are occasions when free speech can best be protected and promoted by exercising discretion in testing its limits.

Some colleges and universities are aiming to find a middle ground. Dartmouth, for example, discourages political statements by academic units, but allows them on matters where the expertise in scholarship and academic practice located in an academic unit is salient, provided the unit lists the categories of those eligible to vote, the voting is anonymous, the vote tally is public, the statement appears on a page other than the departments homepage and it includes a clear disclaimer that the unit is not speaking for Dartmouth as a whole. The University of California permits discretionary statements by departments on matters that are not part of the day-to-day, term-to-term operations of the unit, if they do not appear on the units homepage and include procedural protections and disclaimers similar to Dartmouths.

Limiting political statements to issues of unit expertise makes sense, but departments often claim such expertise. Barnards Womens Studies Department, for example, contends that its statement on Palestine drew on the academic expertise of its faculty, who have written widely on the intersections of feminism with settler-colonialism, religion and violence. In a statement issued after the murder of George Floyd, Princetons English department announced that as critical readers of literary texts, we confront firsthand how these values [of racism and white supremacy] are created and defended.

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Procedural protections may mitigate the coercive signaling effects of departmental statements, but it would take a brave untenured faculty member or graduate student to vote against a statement strongly supported by senior faculty, especially in small departments where individual positions may surface despite anonymous voting. Similarly, removing statements from a departments homepage may reduce their visibility in the broader community, but will do little to moderate the effect on dissenting voices within the department or help students feel comfortable expressing opposing views in class.

Although critics of departmental speech policies worry that they will chill protected speech, universities can and usually do remind faculty and students that they remain free to express their views individually or in groups.

Policies like those at Dartmouth and the University of California are steps in the right direction. At the very least, they clarify and help educate members of the community and the broader society on the risks posed by departmental statements on divisive political issues.

Whats really needed, however, is a shift in campus culture. Critics who attack the lack of viewpoint diversity on college campuses have a point, especially regarding the humanities and social sciences departments most likely to issue political statements. Partisan political statements are not likely to emerge from departments that are not ideologically monolithic. By fostering a culture in which a wide range of views is not simply tolerated but welcomed, colleges and universities can offer a better education to their students  and a less inviting target to their critics.

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Glenn C. Altschuler is the Thomas and Dorothy Litwin Emeritus Professor of American Studies at Cornell University. David Wippman is emeritus president of Hamilton College.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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22:00 Odisha medical college terminates 4 doctors for attacking student Authorities of Berhampur-based MKCG Medical College and Hostel on Sunday terminated four doctors, including an assistant professor and three senior residents from their services, and debarred a second-year postgraduate resident from the hostel for six months for allegedly assaulting a student on... Read more >

21:47 Minor boy found hanging inside Mumbai madrasa An 11-year-old boy was found hanging inside the kitchen of a madrasa in Malvani area of Mumbai, the police said on Sunday. The police suspect the boy hanged himself from the iron rod of the ceiling using clothes, allegedly after he was scolded by a madrasa (Islamic seminary) teacher for... Read more >

21:45 Muslim body issues fatwa against New Year celebrations File image Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi, the national president of All India Muslim Jamaat on Sunday issued a fatwa against New Year celebrations, discouraging Muslims from celebrating it, instead urged them to focus on religious practices that align with their faith. According to Razvi, the... Read more >

21:41 Cong MLA critical after falling from stadium gallery in Kochi Congress MLA Uma Thomas/ANI Photo Kerala's Thrikkakara Congress MLA Uma Thomas is in serious condition after sustaining head and spinal injuries, reportedly after falling from a gallery at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kochi on Sunday evening. The severely bleeding MLA was rushed to a private hospital near... Read more >

21:28 Avalanche warning issued for Uttarakhand's Chamoli File image The Defence Geoinformatics Research Establishment, a laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation, on Sunday issued an orange alert for an avalanche at an altitude of over 3,000 metres in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district over the next 24 hours. The alert is for a period of... Read more >

21:25 7-8 Taliban forces killed on border in Pak retaliation File image Seven to eight personnel from the Taliban forces were killed along the Durand Line in the Upper Kurram district on Saturday, as the Afghan Taliban targeted Pakistani border posts in Ghozgarhi, Matha Sangar, Kot Ragha and Tari Mengal areas using both light and heavy weaponry, the Dawn... Read more >

21:09 Minor detained for abduction, killing of Class-11 student in UP The police have detained a minor friend of a Class-11 student in connection with his alleged abduction and killing in this Uttar Pradesh district, an official said on Sunday. Kankarkheda station house officer Vinay Kumar Singh said the 17-year-old Class-11 student, a resident of Rohta Road,... Read more >

20:45 Man killed in elephant attack in Kerala's Idukki File image A 22-year-old man lost his life after being attacked by a wild elephant in Kerala's Idukki district, the police said on Sunday. The incident occurred when Amar Ilahi, a native of Mullaringadu, a forest-fringe plantation area, went to bring back his cow after grazing, they added. He... Read more >

20:29 India not lucky on security front: Rajnath to Armymen Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday termed India a not very lucky nation on the security front and urged soldiers to keep a sharp eye on internal and external foes who he said are always active. He was addressing Army personnel at the more-than-two-century-old Mhow cantonment in the... Read more >

20:22 Navi Mumbai Airport conducts flight test, to be functional from next fiscal The upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport is set to be functional from early next fiscal year with the expected inauguration of the facility on April 17, a senior Adani Group official said on Sunday.Earlier in the day, an IndiGo A320 passenger aircraft landed successfully at runway 26/08 of... Read more >

19:51 Modi highlights ayurveda's growing global resonance in 'Mann ki Baat' In the 117th episode of his monthly radio broadcast Mann ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the growing global resonance of ayurveda, citing the inspiring work being done in Paraguay. There is a country in South America called Paraguay. The number of Indians living there would... Read more >

19:18 Ram temple to be completed by 2025: Panel chief File image Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple Construction Committee chairman Nripendra Mishra announced the completion of construction by June 2025, with rampart and shoe racks until September, with rising tower construction being checked for aviation safety. Speaking to the media persons, Mishra said,... Read more >

19:02 Malayalam actor Dileep Shankar found dead in hotel room Renowned Malayalam film and television actor Dileep Shankar has passed away. He was found dead in a hotel room in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday. As per Cantonment Police, Dileep, who is known for his roles in popular serials like Amma Ariyathe, Sundari, and Panchagni, had... Read more >

18:37 Man booked in UP for supporting Khalistan File image The police in this Uttar Pradesh district have lodged an FIR against a Sikh man for allegedly posting pictures of himself carrying weapons on social media and expressing support for Khalistan, officials said on Sunday.An FIR has been registered against the accused, Gursewak Singh, under relevant... Read more >

18:33 Akhilesh pitches for ballot voting, says EVMs not trustworthy Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav has called for elections to be conducted using ballot papers, citing a lack of trust in electronic voting machines (EVMs). The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said this at a press conference at the SP headquarters here on Sunday, alongside Rahul... Read more >

18:12 Sidhu writes to Prez Murmu for Manmohan Singh memorial at Rajghat complex Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu Senior Punjab Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu on Sunday wrote to President Droupadi Murmu, urging her to direct the Centre ro raise a memorial for former prime minister Manmohan Singh at the Raj Ghat complex. Sidhu's letter comes a day after the Congress accused the Centre of insulting... Read more >

18:07 After days of pursuit, Similipal tigress Zeenat finally captured in Bengal File image Tigress Zeenat, which had strayed from Odisha's Similipal Tiger Reserve to Bankura in West Bengal, was finally captured on Sunday afternoon after being sedated with tranquillisers, chief wildlife warden Debal Roy said. The tigress had kept wildlife officials from both the states on edge for... Read more >

17:49 Contractor suicide: Does Ambedkar's Constitution not apply to Kharge's family, asks BJP Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party on Sunday hit out at Mallikarjun Kharge over the alleged suicide of a contractor in Karnataka, wondering whether the Constitution does not apply to the family of the Congress president. In a statement, Leader of Opposition, R Ashoka, alleged that Kharge's... Read more >

17:27 Air Canada flight catches fire on landing; all safe File image An Air Canada flight coming from St John's city on Newfoundland Island had a rough landing at the Halifax airport in Goffs in Nova Scotia province that saw the aircraft skid down the runway and part of it catching fire. A statement issued by the airport said the incident involved Air Canada... Read more >

17:14 Fake passport racket: Police arrest kingpin from Bengal's North 24 Parganas The police arrested one person, the kingpin in the fake passport racket, from West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district, an officer said on Sunday. Acting on the inputs of those arrested earlier in connection with the same case, the Kolkata police nabbed the accused identified as Manoj Gupta... Read more >

16:40 Seven-year-old girl found hanging in UP's Bhadohi In a suspected case of suicide, a seven-year-old girl was found hanging under mysterious circumstances at her house in Uttar Pradesh's Bhadohi, police said on Sunday. The cause of the suicide is yet to be ascertained, said a senior police officer, adding the matter is being... Read more >

16:39 Priyank Kharge aide booked over plot to kill BJP MLA BJP MLA Basavaraj Mattimadu/Image courtesy Facebook A case has been registered against the close aide of Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge, Raju Kapanur and five others in connection with hatching a conspiracy to kill Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Basavaraj Mattimadu and other leaders, the police said on Sunday. The case was registered based on... Read more >

15:46 Peru closes 91 ports amid massive waves Representational image/Reuters Massive waves of up to 13 feet (four metres) are pummeling the coasts of Peru, leaving scores of ports closed on Saturday, authorities said. Peru closed 91 of its 121 ports until 1st January, the National Emergency Operations Centre said on its X social media... Read more >

15:28 Ex-PM Manmohan Singh's ashes immersed in Yamuna Former PM Manmohan Singh's wife Gursharan Kaur along with family members brings the ashes of her husband Gurdwara Majnu Ka Tila Sahib ahead of the immersion, in New Delhi on Sunday/ANI Photo The ashes of former prime minister Manmohan Singh were immersed in the Yamuna river near the Majnu ka Tila Gurdwara by members of his family following Sikh rituals. The ashes were collected from the Nigambodh Ghat on Sunday morning by Singh's family members and later taken to the 'Asth Ghat'... Read more >

15:14 CPM has no links in Periya double murder, says party leader Reiterating the Communist Party of India-Marxist's position that they had no involvement in the murder of two youth congress workers in Kerala's Periya five years ago, party central committee member AK Balan on Sunday said that neither the party nor its top leaders had any knowledge of the... Read more >

14:56 Malayalam film industry suffered at least Rs 650 cr loss in 2024 Jyotika and Mammootty in Kaathal: The Core. Though Mollywood has produced a few blockbusters that received a pan-Indian release and reaped huge profit in 2024, only 26 of the 204 films released in the year got a rewarding collection, as per the figures released by the Kerala Film Producers Association. Of the 199 new films and five... Read more >

14:31 ISRO to launch its SpaDeX mission tomorrow PSLV-C60 is ready to launch SpaDeX and 24 innovative payloads into orbit./Courtesy ISRO on X The Indian Space Research Organisation is set to launch its year-end mission, Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX), on Monday at 9:58 pm from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR in Sriharikota. The mission will use PSLV-C60. As per the ISRO, the primary objective of the SpaDeX... Read more >

14:21 Two burnt alive in road accident in UP's Hamirpur File image Two people were burnt alive following a collision between two trucks in Hamirpur district of Uttar Pradesh, the police said on Sunday. The incident occurred around 8:30 pm on Saturday, on National Highway 34 in the Sumerpur area, circle officer Rajesh Kamal said. Two trucks were... Read more >

13:59 Punjab police foil targeted killings plot, arrest five members of two gangs File image Five associates belonging to the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria and Amritpal Bath gangs, who had allegedly planned targeted killings, were arrested by the Punjab police, officials said on Sunday. Four weapons were also recovered from them. In a major breakthrough, the Tarn Taran police arrested 5... Read more >

13:47 Flight services resume at Srinagar airport after snowfall File image Air traffic to and fro the Srinagar International Airport was restored on Sunday, a day after heavy snowfall forced cancellation of all flights to the Kashmir valley.The flights to Srinagar have resumed and we expect normal operations, an official of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) said.He... Read more >

13:20 Pak soldier killed, 11 hurt in border firing by Taliban A Pakistan paramilitary soldier has been killed and 11 others injured in firing by the Afghan Taliban forces at the border posts of Pakistan troops, days after strikes by Pakistan targeted the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban militants. According to defence sources, the Afghan troops resorted to... Read more >

13:11 Jammu-Srinagar highway reopens after day-long closure due to snowfall The 270-km Jammu-Srinagar highway was on Sunday reopened for vehicular traffic after a day-long closure due to heavy snowfall, allowing stranded vehicles to proceed to their respective destinations, officials said. However, several other important inter-district routes, including the Mughal... Read more >

13:05 8 illegal Bangladeshi immigrants deported: Delhi police File image The Delhi police deported eight Bangladeshi nationals who were residing in the Rangpuri area of the national capital, an official said on Sunday. Those deported are Jahangir, his wife and their six children, hailing from Kekerhat village in Madaripur district of Bangladesh, he... Read more >

12:27 4 workers die after inhaling toxic gas at chemical unit in Gujarat's Bharuch Four workers died after inhaling toxic gas at a chemical plant at Dahej in Gujarat's Bharuch district, the police said on Sunday. They fell unconscious after inhaling the toxic fumes leaking from a pipe at a production unit of the Gujarat Fluorochemicals Limited at around 10 pm on Saturday,... Read more >

12:06 10-yr-old boy who fell into borewell in MP's Guna dies File image A 10-year-old boy, who fell into a 140-feet borewell in Madhya Pradesh's Guna district, lost the battle for life despite hectic efforts by multiple agencies for 16 hours to save him, officials said on Sunday. The boy, Sumit Meena, slipped into the open shaft of the borewell at around 5 pm on... Read more >

12:00 Fire breaks out on hill slope in Mumbai; none hurt A fire broke out on a hill slope in Goregaon area of Mumbai shortly after midnight on Sunday, a fire official said. No person was reported to be injured in the incident, he said. The level-one fire erupted at 12.14 am. It was confined to dry leaves, shrubs and trees in about 1.5 km... Read more >

11:38 BJP organisational election review meeting begins Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) organizational election review meeting is underway at the party's headquarters extension office in New Delhi on Sunday.Organisation general secretary B L Santosh, national general secretaries, all the state presidents, state organisation general secretaries and... Read more >

11:08 Govt cancels auction of 11 critical mineral blocks The government has cancelled the auction of 11 critical mineral blocks in the fourth round due to poor response.While no bids were received for four blocks, the remaining seven mines got less than three technically qualified bidders, according to the annulment notice.The four blocks which include... Read more >

10:26 Kirtan, Guru Path for Dr Singh to be held today Preparations for the Kirtan and Guru Path for former prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh are going on at Gurudwara Majnu Ka Tilla, Delhi.The last rites of Dr Singh were performed at Nigambodh Ghat, Delhi with full state honours, yesterday. -- ANI Read more >

09:36 Trump affirms support for 'great' H-1B visa program In a major shift from his earlier stance, United States-President elect Donald Trump has expressed his support for the H-1B visa programme and acknowledged frequently using it for his own properties, calling it a 'great programme', according to a report by New York Post.Calling it a 'great... Read more >
This summer, the first of whats slated to be romance author Colleen Hoovers several upcoming movie adaptions, It End With Us, was marred by controversy. Blake Lively, who played the films protagonist, Lily Bloom, was lambasted for the way she handled herself on the red carpet, on social media and in news interviews.

The consensus, especially online, was that Lively neglected to treat the films focus, domestic violence, with the gravity it deserved. She was also taken to task for the way she peddled her hair care and alcohol businesses in conjunction with promoting the movie. When Lively and Justin Baldoni, who directed, produced and also starred in the film, attended very few press events together, speculation swirled that the two where creatively and personally at odds. Livelys reputation was slammed, seemingly irreparably. Baldonis star, on the other hand, rose.

Earlier this month, Lively filed a legal complaint with the California Civil Rights Department against Baldoni, his film studio, Wayfarer Studios, Wayfarer Studios CEO Jamey Heath, Baldonis publicist Jennifer Abel and others. In the 80-page document, which includes screenshots of text messages and emails, Lively alleges that Baldoni and his team orchestrated a smear campaign to destroy her reputation. The legal complaint also details numerous alleged instances of sexual harassment that occurred while filming It Ends With Us.

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An attorney representing Baldoni denied the allegations, calling them completely false, outrageous and intentionally salacious.

Theres much to be said about the lack of protections for women, regardless of stature and resources, in a society that spends so much time disparaging and mistreating them. But more than anything else, this new chapter in the It Ends With Us controversy forces us to confront the uneasy relationship between reality and what we consume via pop culture and social media.

Livelys complaint adds alarming and painful context to what was widely speculated about this summer, including by me. Lively alleges in her complaint that Baldoni both sexualized and criticized her appearance. She alleges that at one point Baldoni pressured her to remove her coat in front of members of the crew and background actors to reveal a low-cut dress she was wearing to easily breastfeed her infant daughter. (Its worth saying anyone is entitled to wear a low-cut dress without providing a reason.) She also alleges that Baldoni contacted Livelys fitness trainer, without her consent or awareness, and implied he wanted her to lose weight in just two weeks.

The complaints allegations feel especially jarring because Baldoni has positioned himself as a feminist ally throughout his career. His 2017 TED Talk, book and podcast, all titled Man Enough, explore problematic notions of traditional masculinity and how they show up in relationships, body image, privilege, fatherhood, sex, success, mental health and so much more. Earlier this month, Baldoni was honored by Vital Voices, a nonprofit organization that works to support women in leadership, for his perceived solidarity. His award was rescinded after Livelys legal complaint, but his Instagram post celebrating the recognition is still up. In it, Baldoni writes, Looking at the landscape of our world, its hard to accept an award when its so evident that there is still so much more work to do.

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The questions at the center of this maelstrom are difficult to answer and depressing to consider. Was Baldonis entire media persona as a feminist ally and thought leader a lie? Whatever the truth might be, Baldoni has now been spun into a figurehead for an insidious stratum of men who use feminism and popular progressive ideology to win trust and gain access to women, publicly and privately.

It isnt necessarily surprising that the hypercalculated tactics alleged in Livelys complaint exist in Hollywood, but it is surprising to see them laid out so clearly and so obviously for the world to see, should the allegations from Lively and others be proven true. Between TikTokers, bloggers, journalists and the unpredictable power of virality, public opinion is a fickle currency celebrities must earn for success. Look no further than the onslaught of support Lively is now receiving, just months after so many were so quick to dismiss and disavow her.

Very few of us are free from the chains of social media. It is now impossible to divorce internet culture from contemporary culture, with a proliferation of memes, TikToks, hot takes and viral moments that seep into the analog world and make real, lasting cultural change. Perhaps what is so deeply uncomfortable about what Lively has been subject to  and what Im sure hundreds of other public-facing people have experienced as well  is that it shatters the illusion that that our culture is organic and real. Connections on social media, posts, AMAs, Instagram Lives are part of the modern game of fame. They can  and are  manipulated. If nothing else, the screenshots in Livelys legal complaint demonstrate that.

Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively on the set of It Ends With Us in Jersey City, New Jersey, on Jan. 12.

This is your reminder that social media isnt real has become a common refrain in self-effacing TikTok videos. We know intellectually that that is true, but it is easy to forget when your entire day is punctuated by scrolling, reading and formulating your own hot takes. It can feel impossible, in this day and age, to break the chains of social media and the outsize role it plays in our perception of reality, decency and justice. But perhaps these fleeting sober moments where we get to peek behind the curtain can help us loosen the shackles.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Walking along the Colorado River behind the old factories on the east side of Austin, Texas, you might forget that you are in one of the fastest-growing cities in America. The riparian corridor below downtown is a rare zone of urban biodiversity. Herons and egrets fish the spillway. Owls, coyotes, hawks, deer and even ringtail cats thrive in the surrounding woods, within earshot of the tollway and the airport flight path. As Texas' long hot summers cool into fall, the ospreys begin to arrive, and come winter there are bald eagles.

Its reassuring to witness so much wild nature inside a major city. But it also fills you with a sense of anticipatory loss, if you know how threatened it is by development pressure  from the nearby pecan groves being cleared out to make room for new apartments and offices to the massive Tesla gigafactory recently built downriver. When the choice is between more housing and jobs for humans and space for other species, the humans always win. Maybe thats as it should be. But what if it didnt have to be a zero-sum game?

On a shrinking planet, habitat has become increasingly scarce for us and our nonhuman neighbors. In the U.S., affordable housing has escalated from a local problem to a major national one, as median prices have increased by nearly 50% since 2020 , rising twice as fast as wages, and homelessness has reached record levels. Political leaders are talking about opening public lands for new housing. Less airtime is given to the stark tally of the biodiversity crisis: The World Wildlife Fund recently estimated that the wildlife population of the planet has plummeted 73% since 1970. The connections between these two crises are rarely examined.

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Read more: Wetlands get treated as the ugly duckling of L.A.'s natural spaces. It's time to change that

Increasing the supply of human housing does not always deplete wildlife habitat. Indeed, the concentration of the human population in urban areas is an important strategy to combat habitat loss. But the linkage between our own development and our devouring of the world is inescapable. The appetites of growing and ever-more affluent human populations drive an almost insatiable need to produce more food and essential commodities, and a powerful incentive to turn more undeveloped territory into cropland, pasture and timberland. The connection between urban consumption and habitat destruction seems evident in the hemispheric distribution of wildlife population loss  39% in the U.S. and Canada, but an astonishing 95% in Latin America  when you know which way the supply chains go.

Our capacity for myopia when it comes to the trade-offs between our lives and nonhuman life is profound. Its embedded in language, in the way we refer to undeveloped lands as empty, vacant or even waste. Its also baked into our legal and economic systems, which have few tools to value nature except as something humans own or consume. In part this reflects the more abundant world we evolved in, as bipedal hunters and foragers who walked out of Africa. That history of seemingly unlimited resources, made even more abundant through our control of fire and the reproduction of the plants and animals that feed us, has allowed us to ignore how reliant we are for our health and prosperity on the natural ecology that surrounds us. Living our lives in cities segregated from nature doesnt help.

Read more: Building with nature: Can reviving a marsh save this California town from sea level rise?

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There are signs we are developing new ways to recognize and address this dangerous imbalance. The emerging field of ecosystem services looks at the contributions of wild nature to human welfare through an economic prism, showing how, for example, the loss of predators, such as wolves , and scavengers, such as vultures, can be directly tied to a corresponding loss of human life and property those animals would have prevented by depleting the population of deer and cattle that might otherwise meet their deaths in automobile accidents or spread disease from their uneaten carcasses.

General awareness of the biodiversity crisis is spreading, in part through the changes we can see around us, especially those of us who have lived long enough to wonder why there are so many fewer bugs in the summer than when we were kids. And in some corners, meaningful action is being taken to link biodiversity health with human development, for the benefit of both.

In early 2024, England rolled out its final rules implementing a national requirement that new development of significant size demonstrate, after completion of the project, a 10% net gain in biodiversity on the site or in off-site projects. That such an encumbrance on property rights could be imposed by the then-Conservative government may reflect a uniquely British yearning for the green country of memory, but its a promising indicator of the change thats possible.

Read more: An L.A. River champion offers a vision for reimagining the waterway  and the city's future

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We have fragments of similar policy in this country, as with the U.S. Department of Agricultures wetlands programs, and many successful efforts to rewild blighted corners of our cities, from the Fresh Kills landfill in Staten Island to the Ballona Wetlands in West L.A. If we coupled our need for new housing with a genuine effort to share our habitat with other life, we would quickly see how much of the natural character of the land where we build could be restored through modest investments and simple strategies. Nature is good at healing itself, when we give it room to do so.

Here in Texas, as in much of the country, the erasure of native life is relatively recent. Agriculture and ranching really only arrived in the 1820s, and while 99% of the blackland prairie that once ran from Dallas to San Antonio has since gone under plow or pavement, every spring its remnants still pop up in the margins. Texas communities spar constantly over the need to make room for humans and the need to protect wild nature. After the pandemic lockdowns nature is healing reawakening, cities like Austin began taking steps to harness economic growth as an engine for rewilding the future. The balance may still be off, as with green urban creeks canyoned by new luxury high-rises that pay for them, or the restored riparian zone tucked behind the monolithic Tesla plant, but its a promising start that gives us a glimpse of the more profound results mandated biodiversity goals like Englands could deliver.

On the global scale, projects like Munichs restoration of the Isar River and Seouls daylighting of Cheongyecheon creek show the revitalizing potential of rewilding in the heart of great cities. By coupling the development with enhanced standards for its ecological impact, we can address the housing and biodiversity crises at the same time, providing habitat for all. And by experiencing the richness of life in more biodiverse environments ourselves, you can bet we would learn to be better stewards of our planetary future  and happier ones.

Christopher Brown is a novelist, a lawyer and the author of "A Natural History of Empty Lots: Field Notes from Urban Edgelands, Back Alleys, and Other Wild Places."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The recent shift in geopolitical events against Iran and its proxies provides Israel with a clear opportunity  and the second Trump administration with one as well. Israel must strike Iran now, hitting any number of high-value targets within the Islamic Republic. This sets the stage for the second Trump administration to go beyond just maximum pressure, and target the heart of the Iranian regime.

By providing Mr. Trump with an alternative to the first anti-Iranian coalition through a muscular demonstration of Israeli power, Jerusalem can provide Washington enormous leverage over the New Eurasian Axis.

The collapse of the Assad regime should remind observers of international events of two basic facts. First, the strength of authoritarian states can dissipate without any apparent warning. Bashar al-Assad was thought to have won the Syrian Civil War quite handily after 2020. The Gulf States and Europeans, when the Islamist rebel group HTS began its offensive in early December, were in midst of a year-long process to rehabilitate the Assad regime and integrate it back into regional political structures.

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Assad was viewed as having options and may have been able to choose between his Iranian and Russian backers in a manner relevant to the broader, ongoing Eurasian crisis. Yet just a few weeks later, the Assad regime has vanished. Despite expectations that Syrias various minorities, from the Assad-aligned Alawites to Syrian Christians, Druze and others would resist an Islamist groups offensive, the entire political-military structure unraveled.

There was no last stand in Damascus. Nor was there a dogged defense of the majority Alawite areas in Latakia and Tartus governorates. Russia in particular has noted the collapse of its most crucial regional partner, under two years after Yevgeny Prigozhins putsch attempt took Wagner Group columns to the outskirts of Moscow.

Second, international crises intersect in unexpected, largely chaotic ways that produce shocking outcomes  or more accurately, expose extant weaknesses. The Assad regime was never strong enough to withstand sustained opposition absent overwhelming external support. Assads forces defeated Syrias various rebel groups in the 2010s not because of ideological commitment to Assadist Baathism, or even fear of Sunni Jihadist domination, but because Iran and Russia committed extensive resources to keep Assad in power.

Iran deployed the bulk of Hezbollahs ground forces to support Assad, while providing cash, weapons, and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) operatives to coordinate various proxy forces. Russia initially provided weapons and cash, and from 2015 onward used airpower, naval forces and some special operators to pummel the rebels into submission, while working with Iran to create a full-fledged combined and joint staff.

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But Russias assault on Ukraine has limited its ability to act in the Middle East. The aircraft Assad needed to bomb rebel supply lines were largely redirected to Ukraine. The airfields from which Russian strategic bombers would launch strikes on Syria are under Ukrainian drone attack. Russian naval forces cannot simply transit the Turkish Straits, given Ankara has closed them since late February 2022.

And the rapid-deployment forces Russia would call on to fight on the ground, whether Russias paratroopers and special operators or Wagner Group and other mercenary organizations, have been battered after three years of combat in Ukraine. Iran, meanwhile, has experienced significant damage over the past year-plus of war with Israel.

Hezbollah has lost its command structure and taken heavy casualties since September, limiting its ability to deploy in support of Assad. Israel has killed a number of IRGC liaison officers from its strike on Damascus in April onward. Iran was thus in no position to react to a rapidly-developing crisis. In a direct confrontation, isolated from its international backers, the Assad regime thus predictably collapsed.

This opens up a clear opportunity for Israel. It also has direct implications for U.S. strategy.

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The Assad regime was crucial to Irans strategy. Transit of Syrian territory enabled Iran to sustain Hezbollah in Lebanon, threaten Israel from two axes in the north, pressure Jordan through cross-border drug smuggling, and transfer arms to Irans partners in the West Bank. Critically, Iran could also forward-deploy several air defense and early warning radars in Syria.

Given Saudi Arabia concluded a modus vivendi with Iran in 2023, Israel cannot strike Iran by transiting Saudi airspace. It must follow a corridor over Syria and Iraq instead. When combined with long-range radars based in Iran, Iraqi air defenses, and a variety of aging but numerous anti-air systems, the Syrian early-warning radars allowed Iran to detect an Israeli strike at any significant scale, particularly because of fuel consumption issues if Israeli aircraft were to fly at low altitudes for such a distance.

Without Syrian-provided early warning, a strike against targets in Iran becomes much more practical. Israel is surely considering this today. Irans hold on Iraq may also be in jeopardy. Once one proxy falls, others will begin to chafe under Iranian domination, particular actors like the Iraqi Sadrists who opposed the U.S. in Iraq but also view Iran with extreme suspicion.

If Israel could pull off a strike on the Iranian nuclear program in the coming weeks  or against other critical targets in Iran from arms factories to intelligence and security institutions  then the Iranian state may well face a broader domestic and regional backlash, with each actor it has contained sensing weakness.

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Israel may be tempted to wait until Trumps inauguration to move against Iran. This is a mistake. The president-elects administration will take a distinctly hawkish stance towards Iran, particularly because amongst its personnel, pressure on Iran is a natural point of strategic, ideological and prudential-political agreement  especially because Iran took the extravagantly imprudent step of trying to assassinate the president-elect.

However, once the Trump administration sets U.S. Middle East policy on a more rational bent than that of the past few years, it will face a distinct challenge. It cannot simply resurrect the anti-Iranian coalition of the late 2010s, enshrined through the Abraham Accords. Nor will the levers of the previous maximum pressure campaign be entirely available given the resilience Iran has cultivated through its relationships with Russia and China.

Instead, the U.S. needs a new strategy to apply pressure on Tehran, one that incorporates sanctions, threats and action against proxies, and intelligence operations to degrade what remains of Irans Axis of Resistance.

Creating this strategy will take time. An Israeli attack on Iran directly, whether against the nuclear program or other critical targets in the country, will help set the parameters for U.S. policy towards Iran, and open other possibilities for American action to end the radical clerics rule.

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The departing Biden administration can be counted on to oppose any effort by Israel to topple Iran, the source of the warfare that has engulfed the Middle East since Oct. 7, 2023. But Trump possesses a clearer understanding, and his administration should welcome a new approach, one that redefines maximum pressure on Iran.

Seth Cropsey is president of Yorktown Institute. He served as a naval officer and as deputy Undersecretary of the Navy and is the author of Mayday and Seablindness.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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At a campaign event in Winston-Salem on the eve of the 1976 North Carolina Democratic primary, a voter asked then-candidate Jimmy Carter whether he was a born again Christian. Carter, a Southern Baptist Sunday-school teacher, replied that, yes, he was born again, thereby sending a legion of journalists from outside the Bible belt to their Rolodexes to figure out what in the world he was talking about.

Carter sought throughout his life to act on the principles of his faith, which was defined in part by the extraordinary activism of 19th century evangelical Christians who worked assiduously on behalf of those Jesus called the least of these. They were involved in peace crusades and helped to organize public schools so that the children of those less affluent could become upwardly mobile. Northern evangelicals worked for the abolition of slavery. They supported prison reform and women's suffrage.

Carters progressive evangelicalism was very much in that tradition. He was sensitive to racial inequalities from a young age and tried to address them  as school board member, as governor and as president. He supported womens equality, including the proposed Equal Rights Amendment.

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Read more: Jimmy Carter, nation's 39th president who became influential human rights advocate, dies

As president, Carter tried to nudge American foreign policy away from its reflexive Cold War dualism toward an emphasis on human rights. He recognized that if the United States were to have any meaningful relationship with Latin America, we needed to attenuate our colonialism, so he pushed through the ratification of the Panama Canal treaties. He advanced peace in the Middle East farther than any of his predecessors (or successors), and he appointed more women and people of color to federal office than any previous president. Many environmentalists consider him the best president ever for their cause.

Carters failure to win reelection in 1980 devastated him. He departed Washington for Plains, Ga., at 56, the youngest president to leave office since William Howard Taft.

Rosalynn was especially embittered by the election loss. In one of our interviews decades after the 1980 election, Carter told me that in the course of his frequent reassurances to his wife that they still had productive years ahead of them, he began to believe his own rhetoric. He also conceded that if he had been president for four more years, that second term would not have been nearly so fruitful as the alternative turned out to be.

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Carters post-presidency began with a middle-of-the-night idea. In addition to a presidential library, Jimmy told Rosalynn, We can start an adjacent institution, something like Camp David, where people can come who are involved in a war. I can offer to serve as a mediator, in Atlanta or perhaps in their countries. We might also teach how to resolve or prevent conflict.

This would be an entirely new model for out-of-office presidents  a privately funded nonprofit center to advance his goals and allow him to address issues he would have pursued if he'd stayed in the White House.

Read more: Rosalynn Carter, former first lady who pushed for mental health reform, dies at 96

In a list of basic principles for the center, Carter stipulated that it would be nonpartisan and that it would not duplicate the programs of other institutions, such as the United Nations. Most important, Carter wanted an action agency, an institution devoted to change rather than simply theoretical or academic analysis.

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The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum, along with the Carter Center, was dedicated in Atlanta on Oct. 1, 1986, Carters 62nd birthday. His faith undeniably informed every effort at the center. Carter told an interviewer in 1988 that the life of Jesus had always been his guide. I dont see any disharmony in this life between evangelistic effort on the one hand and benevolent care of people who suffer or who are in need on the other, he said. I think they are intimately tied together.

Carter understood problems afflicting the world as spiritual challenges in part, noting that industrialized Western society had failed to adopt Christian principles of concern and caring. He believed that people of privilege, and especially people of faith, bore a special responsibility for those less fortunate, for those who suffer and are deprived. Thats where Jesus spent all his ministry, Carter said. Piety alone wasnt sufficient; followers of Jesus must live out their convictions with acts of charity.

Early on, Carter identified access to healthcare, including mental healthcare (one of Rosalynns concerns), as a fundamental human right, noting at one point that 40,000 children die every day from preventable diseases. Using education and simple, low-cost methods, the Carter Centers health initiatives addressed neglected tropical diseases: lymphatic filariasis, trachoma, schistosomiasis and malaria. Other programs targeted guinea worm and river blindness (onchocerciasis), extraordinary initiatives that have achieved near eradication of those diseases in regions where the Carter Center has been active.

Peace and conflict resolution, the second focus of the Carter Center, built on Carters success in negotiating the Camp David accords. We need to deal with other people with mutual respect, Carter told an audience at Messiah College in 1988, and through that kind of approach there can be peaceful resolution of differences through the use of diplomacy and negotiation, not through the use of military power.

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Read more: Nicholas Goldberg: Hes in hospice care now. But Jimmy Carter is still changing the world

The center conducted programs on democracy and human rights and monitored elections in dozens of countries. Carter leveraged his relationships with world leaders to mediate various disputes, including those in Guyana, Ethiopia and Serbia. In 1994, Carter convinced Kim Il Sung to open North Koreas nuclear reactors to inspectors. In Haiti the following year, U.S. military planes were headed toward the island when Carter, together with Colin Powell and Georgia Sen. Sam Nunn, persuaded the military junta to abandon power.

Carters persistent efforts at conflict resolution, dating back to the Camp David accords of 1978, were recognized with the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.

Jimmy and Rosalynn, who died in November 2023, extended their public service beyond the Carter Center, too  most notably with Habitat for Humanity, which Carter once described as the most practical, tangible way Ive ever seen to put Christian principles into action. During one of our conversations, Carter choked up when he told of completing a house for a woman and her family who had been living in an abandoned septic tank.

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Carter's alternative second term lasted for more than four decades. Out of the ashes of political annihilation, he became not just an elder statesman and world-renowned humanitarian but arguably the most consequential of modern former presidents.

James Laney, former president of Emory University, partner of the Carter Center, offered the best and most succinct characterization of the man from Plains. Carter, Laney remarked, was the first president to use the White House as a stepping stone.

Randall Balmer, the John Phillips Professor in Religion at Dartmouth College, is the author of "Redeemer: The Life of Jimmy Carter."



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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Jimmy Carter, who died Sunday, is the first presidential candidate I remember publicly expressing an opinion of. As it turned out, Carter would also be the first (and only) president to publicly express an opinion of me.

During Carters presidency he was criticized and lampooned, but during his life he was more often hailed for his public service and broad, renaissance mind. Personally, I will always think of him as a man with a dry wit and a sharp tongue. If youve ever wondered why Carter was always smiling, it may be because he was a pretty funny guy.

My first interaction with the former president was in the spring of 1987. I was the editor-in-chief of the Emory Spoke, the student-run humor magazine at Emory University in Georgia. We published three issues annually, generally blowing our budget on the one published fall semester, a full-color parody of a real magazine  Playspoke one year, Spokelights for Children another.

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Read more: Jimmy Carter, nation's 39th president who became influential human rights advocate, dies

Shortly before my tenure, a copy of a previous editorial teams Peeple Spokely made its way to Time-Lifes corporate counsel. They quickly forbade us from ever again encroaching on one of their titles. It felt as if hellfire, damnation and personal legal ruin would rain down on any student foolish enough to violate their orders.

My choice was clear. That falls issue would parody Time magazine.

How will we avoid hellfire and damnation? our managing editor asked.

It came to me in a flash. Well put Carter on the cover. Man of the Year! If they come for us, the publicity will kill em.

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Read more: Opinion: Jimmy Carter had a second term. It just wasn't in the White House

Because Emory was home to the Carter Center and his presidential library, I leaned hard on every connection I could to make an interview happen. Months after our entreaties began, I was called into the office of the dean who had appeared on the cover of Rolling Spoke with a parking cone on his head. The reverence of our irreverence had paid off  we would be granted 30 minutes with Carter, and nothing was off limits.

Ill chalk it up to nerve and not any innate Republican tendencies, but about a month later, on the day of the interview, when Carter walked in the room, I tossed him a T-shirt featuring the Spokes logo and told him to put it on for the cover photo. He gamely complied.

The interview was sublime  Carter talked about Dominos deliveries to the White House, Willie Nelson playing on the South Lawn, installing a hi-fi in the Oval Office so he could listen to his friends the Allman Brothers. He shared his biggest presidential regret  not sending a second helicopter on the failed hostage rescue in Iran.

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We asked what he wanted to say about President Reagan behind his back: That he is incapable of telling the truth. When we asked what hed say to Reagans face, he replied, The same thing. That got picked up on the front page of the Wall Street Journal.

Read more: Column: History gets Jimmy Carter wrong, both underrated and overrated

When lobbying for the interview, wed been clear about our satirical bent and forwarded past Spoke issues. During the discussion we restated our provenance as a humor magazine. I havent heard anything funny, yet, Carter deadpanned. We asked about his patience with journalists, if he ever wanted to haul off and hit a reporter. Yes, he said, and this is one of those times.

After the issue was published, Carter sent me a letter that included the line, Im glad my humorous responses more than made up for the lack of that quality in your questions.

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Sometimes I still impress myself, remembering that I once traded barbs with a former president. Other days, Im overwhelmed by the thought that a future Nobel Prize winner called me out on the one thing I thought I was good at.

Read more: Rosalynn Carter, former first lady who pushed for mental health reform, dies at 96

Our paths crossed a few more times, and each time, Carters humor was what stood out. At a formal dinner, he dared me to eat the desserts floral garnish. Before I could move, he popped it into his mouth.

He could have planned that joke to use on anyone who was at the table. But I like to think it was personal, and others who met Carter more than once have told me they also felt a stupefied humility that the onetime leader of the free world remembered them by name.

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A few years later, I was working on my MBA, again at Emory and Carter visited as a distinguished lecturer.

He marched to the lectern and scanned our power-suited crowd. Then he turned to his assistant and said, You didnt tell me Binney would be here.

He looked at me, eyebrows raised, and said, politely, Try to keep up.

My classmates were bewildered. Some in shock, some in awe. How had I pissed off a president?

I hadnt, of course. It was just a perfect opportunity for a man with a sly sense of humor, a good memory and a microphone. A man who made meaningful connections with the people he met, whether on the world stage or a college campus.

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Robert J. Binney is a screenwriter in Seattle.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Republicans have big plans in mind for when they reclaim the White House and both chambers of Congress in January. President-elect Donald Trumps disruptive agenda spans across immigration, the economy and foreign policy. But Democrats around the country are concerned that the GOP has its sights set even higher: a complete rewrite of the Constitution.

At issue is a provision that allows Congress to call for a new convention to propose alterations to the countrys foundational text. But, as The New York Times recently reported, states like California are now racing to rescind their previous calls for a constitutional convention. Their fear is that even a convention called under Trump to deal with a narrow issue, like a balanced budget amendment, would lead to a runaway convention where anything and everything is on the table.

Its not an unfounded worry on Democrats part. After all, the men who gathered in Philadelphia during the summer of 1787 were not there to draft a new constitution. The Continental Congress had only tasked the delegates with the sole and express purpose of revising the Articles of Confederation, which only loosely governed the 13 independent American states. Instead, they emerged with a document that not only abolished the articles entirely but provided for a novel form of government.

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Crucially, the draft that was presented to the states for ratification was purposefully incomplete. Under the Articles of Confederation, the only method of revision required unanimity from all 13 state legislatures. As you can imagine, this made the chance of amending them exceedingly low. The Constitution offered up two alternatives, both in Article V of the text:

The Congress, whenever two thirds of both houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose amendments to this Constitution, or, on the application of the legislatures of two thirds of the several states, shall call a convention for proposing amendments, which, in either case, shall be valid to all intents and purposes, as part of this Constitution, when ratified by the legislatures of three fourths of the several states, or by conventions in three fourths thereof, as the one or the other mode of ratification may be proposed by the Congress.

The first method has been used to add 27 updates to the Constitution since it was ratified, most notably with the first Congress passage of the Bill of Rights. These first 10 amendments were crucial in blocking the near immediate calls for a second convention from the likes of Patrick Henry and other anti-Federalists. Since then, there have been sporadic calls over the years to convene a new gathering to overhaul the Constitution  but as with many reform movements, the politics of altering the status quo have been difficult to overcome.

As someone who loves to probe and prod at a juicy hypothetical, I can see why the idea of a new convention has both appeal and detractors. The amendment process in Congress has languished in the last half-century. Proposed amendments that would require a balanced budget, ban flag-burning and abolish the Electoral College have all failed to pass both the House and Senate and be sent to the states for approval. Taking proposals directly to a convention where new deals could be made and different coalitions forged would skirt the thorny issue of which party controls Congress at any given time.

But the convention process isnt exactly a silver bullet for anyone wanting a constitutional do-over. The bar for calling a convention  two-thirds of state legislatures  is lower than the three-fourths approval required from the states to ratify any proposal. Its a hurdle that has failed to be met most recently with the push to enshrine equal rights among the sexes in the Constitution. The most recent success was back in 1992.

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With Republicans holding only 28 out of 50 state legislatures, theres little chance of a GOP-dominated conventions amendments getting rammed through and approved. Ultimately, while Im not going to tell any states Democrats that its unwise to rescind their states call for a convention, I think its best for now to leave the idea of a backdoor reboot to the country solidly in the realm of political fan fiction.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Dec. 29A collaboration between the New Mexico Department of Health and Albuquerque Fire Rescue aimed at curbing addiction and overdoses is off to a slow start, mainly due to drug users refusing treatment.

The departments kicked off the "Golden Opportunity" program on Oct. 15, allowing paramedics, already equipped with Narcan to reverse overdoses, to also offer Suboxone and then connect the patient to inpatient drug treatment, if they choose.

Narcan is used to reverse an overdose, while Suboxone is used to reduce opioid withdrawals for those trying to kick the habit.

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"We expected it to be a slow rollout. A lot of people have declined so far, but we've enrolled five people," AFR Chief Emily Jaramillo told the Journal on Thursday.

Jaramillo said the five people who took up the offer were given Suboxone and placed in an inpatient treatment program. AFR and its collaborators will track the patients' progress as much as they can, she said.

Jaramillo said many people who declined Suboxone and treatment were living on the streets. The reason, she speculated, was that they lack the same support system of those who have shelter while battling addiction.

She remains optimistic that the program will catch on.

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"We're not wasting our time because supporting five people who otherwise may have never received treatment in the past two months is life-changing for those individuals and everything starts with one or two people, and then it starts to catch on," Jaramillo said.

According to the most recent data published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, New Mexico's drug overdose rate was 50.3 per 100,000 residents, ranking seventh in the country with 1,024 overdose deaths in 2022.

"We look at anyone that's taken advantage of opportunity for connections to treatment as a win," Dominic Rodriguez, director of nursing services at the state's Public Health Division in Albuquerque, told the Journal on Friday.

Rodriguez added that opioid disorders are "really complex problems" that affect a wide range of people in the state.

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"Yes, the numbers are small, but it is a good building block so we can continue to collaborate with our partners to figure out what we do next to support folks seeking medication for opioid-use disorder," Rodriguez said.

The procedure for Golden Opportunity begins with AFR paramedics treating an overdose with Narcan and then offering an initial 16mg dose of Suboxone, with a secondary 8mg dose, along with the opportunity for an individual to go to one of four partnered area clinics to be treated.

AFR has given 501 doses of Narcan to people overdosing so far this year.

"Once we reverse an overdose, that's sometimes a really vulnerable time for that person or that family because a lot of times they haven't been breathing, and a lot of times we see people are a little bit more vulnerable and willing to get help," Jaramillo said.

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If the person accepts treatment, then the Albuquerque Community Safety department transports them to one of the four clinics: Courageous Transformations, CARE Campus, Duke City Recovery Toolbox, or Casa de Salud, which are part of the collaboration. The city-run Gateway Sobering Center will be added to the list upon its January opening, which has been delayed from its initially anticipated mid-December launch.

Jaramillo, a longtime paramedic who was promoted to head AFR in 2023, said throughout her career she has seen the substance of choice for the unhoused community shift: from alcohol to opioids.

"We didn't have the same level of people chronically homeless and dealing with serious addiction. A lot of our responses to the homeless, 10 years ago, was involving alcohol intoxication," Jaramillo said. "We saw kind of this shift to fentanyl ... around 2020, when everybody was focused on COVID."

An estimated 5,000 people are living without shelter in Albuquerque.

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Both Rodriguez and Jaramillo believe that the collaboration will make their departments ability to reach out and assist the city's population experiencing homelessness easier and more successful.

"That's what makes this partnership unique is it takes, I think, a creative approach to help meet the needs that all individuals have. Unhoused certainly adds another layer of needs that we need to work through in order to help," Rodriguez said.

While the program rollout has been slower than expected, Jaramillo still believes the five lives saved are an immeasurable accomplishment.

"You can't quantify it to those people's family members," she said. "They're getting their loved one back, and so we just hope to see it multiply, and we're willing to be patient and get there."
PORTLAND, Oregon (KOIN)  Two Portland men searching for Sasquatch and missing since early Christmas morning were found dead in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest  likely from exposure and being ill-prepared, officials said.

The search for the men, 59 and 37, began around 1 a.m. on Christmas Day after a family member reported them missing, the Skamania County Sheriffs Office posted on their Facebook page. Authorities said Flock camera footage spotted their car near Willard, Washington.

Father arrested in Portland after abducting children from Olympia

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For the next three days over difficult terrain and harsh weather conditions, sixty volunteer search-and-rescue personnel looked for the pair on the ground and by air. Their bodies were found in a heavily wooded area of the forest and officials said both deaths appear to be due to exposure, based on weather conditions and ill-preparedness.

Search and rescue crews look for two Portland men lost while looking for Sasquatch in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, December 28, 2024 (Skamania County Sheriffs Office)

Search and rescue crews look for two Portland men lost while looking for Sasquatch in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, December 28, 2024 (Skamania County Sheriffs Office)

Gifford Pinchot National Forest is about 150 miles northeast of Portland.

The search-and-rescue efforts involved the sheriffs offices in Skamania, Klickitat, Wasco and Hood River, plus search-and-rescue teams from Silver Star, PNW, Crag Rats and the US Coast Guard.

The Skamania County Sheriffs Office extends our deepest sympathies and condolences to the families of the loved ones lost in this tragic incident, authorities said.

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Washington, Oregon among states with most bigfoot sightings

The names of the men have not been released.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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People smugglers caught preparing to transport migrants across the Channel will face jail under terror-style offences being drawn up by the Home Office and the National Crime Agency (NCA).

Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, is proposing to replicate powers in the Terrorism Act 2006 so that possession of equipment such as boats, engines and life-jackets would be a criminal offence if the intention was to use them to take migrants across the Channel.

Under the Terrorism Act, suspects can be prosecuted for preparing a terror attack including the possession of items and the intention to use them in an atrocity. The maximum sentence is life in jail.

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The new offence is expected to be part of a set of legislative measures to be unveiled in Sir Keir Starmers Border Security Bill in the New Year in which people smugglers will be treated like terrorists.

Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, wants to replicate powers in the Terrorism Act 2006 - PA/Benjamin Cremel

Graeme Biggar, the NCA director general, said: What were working through with the Home Office is how can you frame legislation that begins to give us the ability to say: If youve got this type article and this type of article and this might suggest intent, then maybe theres a criminal offence in the same way we can do on terrorism.

It is currently not illegal to possess a dinghy, engine or life-jackets so the Home Office and NCA are also looking to tighten civil health and safety regulations so Border Force and customs could seize boats if they were deemed unsafe and a threat to life. Most vessels that cross the Channel are viewed as death traps by officials.

It is about doing everything that prevents that vessel from getting on the high seas with migrants, said Mr Biggar. That can be a range of measures which at the top end of it, if you could prove that it was being used for organised immigration crime, might engage that type of preparatory act power.

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The legislation would not be extra-territorial, so it would not extend to the Continent where most of the boats and engines are produced but Mr Biggar said there were cases of people smugglers based in the UK who were involved in the illegal cross-Channel trade and could be caught by the new offence.

He said the criminal and civil measures could also provide a model for legislation that could be adopted by EU nations like Germany, France, Belgium and Holland where the people smuggling gangs operated. It is also something that we can then show to European partners and say you might want to look at this, Mr Biggar said.

Possession of equipment such as life-jackets would be a criminal offence if the intention was to use them to take migrants across the Channel - PA

A Home Office source told The Telegraph: The details remain subject to ongoing conversations but the Home Office is planning to bring a Border Security Bill forward early in the New Year.

The Bill will also expand other counter-terror powers to enable NCA, police and Border Force officers to combat suspected people smugglers.

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This is expected to include extending serious crime prevention orders, which are currently restricted to suspected terrorists, to cover organised immigration crime. These enable law enforcement to place tough conditions on travel in the UK or abroad as well as on their access to the internet and banking.

Any breach of the order carries a maximum penalty of up to five years in jail. They can be applied both before a suspected people smuggler is convicted or if they are found guilty.

Border Force officials are also expected to get expanded powers under the 2000 Terrorism Act for enhanced stop and search powers for anyone suspected of being a people smuggler.

The Bill will also expand other counter-terror powers to enable NCA, police and Border Force officers to combat suspected people smugglers - PA/National Crime Agency

Police are required in traditional stop and searches to have genuine and objectively reasonable suspicion that they will find a banned weapon or item like drugs for use in a crime.

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The new powers will enable officers to carry out personal searches, examine and seize mobile phones and copy any data on the devices of any suspects at ports and border control.

Like terrorism police, officers could get warrants to search suspected people smugglers premises and seize items before an offence was committed and apply to courts for early access to financial information on suspects.

By replicating this power for organised immigration crime, we can ensure that investigators can raid and seize relevant information and property from addresses linked to people smuggling before an offence has taken place, said a Labour policy document.

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TUMBES, Peru (AP)  Peru's Navy says it has rescued about 30 fishermen who had been stranded for two days at sea as giant waves pounded the country's northern coast. Many of them had struggled to bring their boats back to Acapulco beach in the Tumbes region.

Jaime Yacila, the mayor of the province of Contralmirante Villar, which lies in the Tumbes region 1,200 kilometers (745 miles) north of capital Lima, said Saturday that some fishermen could not wait any longer to be rescued at sea, which accelerated the operation.

They (the fisherman) did not want to lose their boats, Yacila told reporters. Many boats capsized due to the waves, which also forced the closing of several ports in the region, according to authorities.

Defense Minister Walter Astudillo followed rescue operations from a helicopter flying over the affected area.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  After trailing 5-2 heading into the third period, the Youngstown Phantoms rallied to win, 6-5, in a shootout over the first-place Muskegon Lumberjacks in USHL action at the Covelli Centre on Saturday.

The Phantoms erased the three-goal deficit and forced overtime with a Jamison Sluys goal with just 40 seconds left in regulation.

Youngstown went on to win the shootout after two rounds when Landan Resendes put it home to secure the shootout victory.

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Other than Sluys, Phantoms goals were scored by Ryan Rucinski, Adam Benak, Michael Mesic and Luke Osburn.

With the shootout win, the Phantoms move to 17-11-0 and improve to 34 points overall.

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Theres something extraordinary about gazing up at a star-filled sky  a reminder of how small we are in the grander scheme of things. From wilderness glamping to geodesic domes that allow us to lie wide-eyed under a canopy of stars, there are myriad ways to take in the beauty of the night sky. But while seeing with your own eyes is one thing, trying to photograph a dark sky can be challenging. Spontaneously grabbing for your phone on a suddenly clear night might be a thrill for some, but careful pre-planning is what will maximise the chances of getting a close-to-perfect shot. And, once you get into the swing of astrophotography, it might become your next hobby  just choose a location, check the weather and you never know what you might capture.

Astrophotography tips you need to know

Just like photographing the Northern Lights, you need to consider keeping the camera still, increasing the ISO, opening the shutter for a longer exposure (a few seconds usually) and having a wide aperture and a lens that can take in the enormity of the view. You might want to go all out with a high-end mirrorless or DSLR set up, though intuitive night mode and AI on most recent smartphones has made low-light photography that much easier.

Using a tripod

Whichever camera system you use, youll need something to reduce camera shake, whether thats a tripod or other stabilisation. If you dont have anything to hand, balance your camera somewhere and use the timer to avoid blurry shots.

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Lens choices

The wider the lens, the bigger the sky will appear, but if you have a fabulous focal point such as a perfect tree or mountain arch, framing the Milky Way over the top of it might require something closer, so play around with what you have  and dont be afraid to shoot vertically. Its good to get to your location early to check out the lay of the land  its hard to figure out composition in complete darkness. If you cant do this, use your head torch to shed some light on the scene but be mindful of other astrophotographers and stargazers.

It's important to use a tripod to avoid any motion of the camera while it's capturing as much light as possible. Photograph by Austen Diamond Photography/Visit Utah

Using your phone

Though its electric light pollution in big cities that prevents us from fully seeing the night sky, its technology itself that has allowed us to really capture it. Switching on night mode, the camera will automatically adjust for a longer exposure and higher ISO. Stargazing apps like PhotoPills and Night Sky are perfect for aiming your phone at the celestial heavens and planning where to be, and when. Most phones also allow for professional mode where you can adjust the camera settings just like on a DSLR camera.

Travel smart and stay safe

Though you dont need to stay out all night to capture the stars, youll likely have to go somewhere elevated, remote or isolated, so plan ahead and travel safe. As soon as the sun drops in desert locations, the temperature goes with it, so dont get caught out without warm clothes or decent footwear. A head torch is advisable, and one that glows red will ensure you keep your night vision intact while helping you to check the dials and illuminate your footing.

(A practical guide to stargazing.)

When framing your shot, it's also important to think about the foreground and the overall composition of your image. Photograph by Ray Cleveland/Visit Arizona

When and where to travel for astrophotography

The best skies for astrophotography are the driest, clearest ones, so its no surprise to know that deserts and remote spots will favour you with the right conditions. The IDA  or International Dark-Sky Association  is a great place to start, listing designated dark places in 22 countries on six continents, while encouraging communities to protect their environment through low-glare street lighting and other measures.

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USA

The Great Western Starry Way in the US links several key locations, all of which offer the kind of arid climate and elevation that makes astrophotography possible. Utah is undoubtedly a dramatic destination with epic topography, which will provide a focal point to your night sky images. Compose stunning shots at the Natural Bridges National Monument, named as the first IDA Dark Sky Park in 2007, while you spot constellations and hope for a shooting star.

Arizona has some of the best stargazing spots in the world, too, with 20 designated areas, from the Grand Canyon in the north to the southern Sonoran Desert. In fact, Flagstaff became the first-ever Dark Sky City in 2001, and the Lowell Observatory is where Pluto was first discovered. Theres a new astronomy discovery centre there with an open-air rooftop planetarium. Travellers can gaze fully at the night sky from their own bed thanks to luxury eco-resorts, glass skylights and atriums  theres even a dormitory option at the observatory near Tucson if you want to pull an all-nighter.

The night domes at Mt Lemmon SkyCenter in Arizona are great for spending the night under the stars. Photograph by Visit Tucson

Australia

Similarly, with dry weather and long summers, Western Australia has spectacular stargazing options and the clearest night skies. Head into the Outback or plan a road trip with astrophotography as your guiding light. From the Kimberley in the north (make sure you visit in the dry season) to the Coral Coast, youre never far from seeing the Milky Way and the Southern Cross. Perth Observatory puts on special astrophotography events, while the Gravity Discovery Centre, north of the capital, has guided star walks under a mind-blowingly ink-dark sky.

Chile

Chiles Elqui Valley, north of Santiago, is famed for its rain-free clear skies, low light pollution and plethora of observatories  Observatorio Cerro Mamalluca has telescopes and offers talks to introduce keen astronomers to skygazing. With the town of Vicuna as your base, head out to see wide open landscapes and distant Andean peaks and structures.

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Europe

Island settings work well for photographing the stars, surrounded as they are by dark oceans and providing natural landscapes and rocky outcrops to add interest to your composition. The Isle of Wight off the UKs south coast has low-rise architecture, lighthouses and sea stacks like the Needles as foreground interest. La Palma in the Canary Islands has a dedicated astrotourism programme , too, as well as the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory.

Remote wilderness are also among the best to visit for stunning images. Bodmin Moor in Cornwall in the UK is a Dark Sky park and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Its granite moorland is designated for conservation and its the first AONB to receive IDA accreditation, while Dartmoor in Devon is similarly untouched, offering moorland, forest and rock formations that will add structure to your images.

(10 of the best places for stargazing in the UK.)
NORTH ALABAMA (WHNT)  The Weather Authority tracked severe storms across the Tennessee Valley that resulted in an EF-1 tornado in Athens Saturday evening into early Sunday morning.

A Tornado Watch was issued Saturday night into Sunday morning for parts of the area with the threat of damaging winds and isolated tornadoes. The Tornado Watch has since been dropped and the strong storms have moved out of the region.

The greatest threat was damaging straight-line winds over 60 mph. These winds led to power outages and downed trees.

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According to the National Weather Service on Sunday, it was reported that an Emergency Manager shared pictures of damage which appears to have been afflicted by a tornado in downtown Athens. A Tornado Debris Signature was also observed with this storm on radar.

Around 2 p.m. Sunday, the National Weather Service confirmed that an EF-1 tornado hit Athens with max wind speeds of 100 mph.

News 19 crews went out to look at the damage in the daylight. You can watch the video below of what crews saw.

19 will post reports and photos of damage we receive in the blog below. You can send in a report of damage to interactive@whnt.com.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com.
[See property crime statistics in the player above.]

AKRON, Ohio (WJW)  The Summit County sheriff is working to identify a person suspected of withdrawing more than $25,000 from another persons bank account earlier this year.

There were three separate withdrawals made at two Huntington Bank branches in Cleveland between May 13 and May 15, according to a Saturday Facebook post, which included surveillance photos of the suspect:

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Man killed in shooting outside Frozen Daquiri Bar & Restaurant: police

Driver reports road rage incident in Geauga County: Trying to run us off the road

The suspect used a paper containing the victims identifying information but with the suspects photo.

Anyone with information on the suspect is urged to call deputies at 330-643-8869.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
The News

A plane crash in South Korea killed 179 people, with only two survivors rescued from the crash site at Muan airport, officials said.

The Jeju Air aircraft  a Boeing 737-800 that had taken off from Bangkok  may have suffered from a landing gear failure, and a bird strike may have also been involved, local fire officials and aviation experts said.

A Jeju Air executive told local media the plane had no known maintenance issues, but promised a full investigation. Officials have warned that could take years. The crash is South Koreas worst air accident since a 1997 Korean Air crash in Guam that killed more than 200 people.

Acting President Choi Sang-mok, who is two days into the job, declared a week-long mourning period. Choi now faces the test of unifying the country amid the political upheaval triggered by impeached President Yoon Suk Yeols attempt to impose martial law earlier this month.
Only two people were rescued and 179 people died in the plane crash on Sunday morning at the international airport in the city of Muan in southwestern South Korea. All bodies have been recovered.

Source: South Korean news agency Yonhap, citing rescue service; The Guardian

Details: Officials have confirmed that all 175 passengers on the plane, as well as four crew members, died in the crash.

Quote from rescue workers: "Of the 179 dead, 65 have been identified."

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More details: The two surviving crew members were rescued from the tail section of the plane and suffered "mid to severe injuries", authorities said.

South Korea declares seven days of mourning over the plane crash.

Flags at government offices will be at half-mast and civil servants will wear black ribbons.

Background: A Jeju Air passenger plane crashed while landing at the Muan International Airport in southwestern South Korea. The plane veered off the runway, collided with a fence and exploded.

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All but two people on board an airplane were killed on Sunday when it veered off a South Korean airport runway and caught fire, Yonhap News Agency reported, citing local authorities.

The Jeju Air jet was carrying 181 people, 179 of whom have since been confirmed dead, while two survivors, both of them crew members, were taken to hospital and remain conscious after the accident, according to Yonhap.

At around 9 am (0000 GMT), the twin-engined Boeing 737-800 jet carrying 175 passengers and six crew members veered off the runway while landing at Muan International Airport in Jeolla province, about 288 kilometres south-west of Seoul.

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The plane, returning from Bangkok, skidded along the ground without its landing gear deployed, crashing into a concrete wall before bursting into flames with a deafening explosion.

By Sunday evening, the authorities could confirm all 179 deaths from the accident, making it the deadliest aviation accident ever on South Korean soil.

"After the plane collided with the wall, passengers were thrown out of the aircraft. The chances of survival are extremely low," a firefighting agency official told Yonhap.

South Korean television aired a video showing the aircraft skidding across the runway without its landing gear down, smashing at the end of the runway and bursting into flames.

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Several eyewitnesses on the ground reported seeing fire coming from one of the turbines and heard several loud bangs, Yonhap said.

"The aircraft has almost completely been destroyed, and it is difficult to identify the deceased," a fire official said, according to Yonhap. "We are in the process of recovering the remains, which will take time."

Jeju Air chief executive Kim E-Bae said the airline extended its deepest condolences and apologies to those affected.

"Currently, the exact cause of the accident has yet to be determined, and we must wait for the official investigation by government agencies," Kim said in a statement. "Regardless of the cause, I take full responsibility as the chief executive."

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US aircraft producer Boeing contacted Jeju Air after the accident, according to media reports.

Authorities suspect, based on initial investigations, a bird strike may have led to the accident. Before the accident, Muan's control tower issued a warning to the pilots of the risk of collisions with birds, according to reports. The pilots reportedly made an emergency call shortly afterwards.

Final clarification of the cause of the accident could take months, although the plane's two black boxes - which record flight data and the conversations in the cockpit respectively - have been found.

Acting President Choi Sang Mok visited the accident site and ordered agencies to use all available equipment, personnel and infrastructure to "save even one more life," Yonhap reported, citing his office.

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"I believe no words of consolation will be enough for the families who have suffered such a tragedy," Choi said. "The government will spare no effort in supporting the bereaved families."

Choi declared a seven-day period of national mourning. This will last until next Saturday, Yonhap reported.

The aviation catastrophe comes as South Korea faces political turmoil, and Choi has been acting president only since Friday, after lawmakers voted to impeach then-acting president Han Duck Soo, barely two weeks after Yoon Suk Yeol was removed from the presidency over his imposition of martial law.

South Korea's Defence Ministry said about 180 personnel, firefighting vehicles and ambulances had been deployed to the airport.

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All other flights to and from Muan have been cancelled.

Yonhap reported that two of the passengers were Thai nationals.

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed her condolences on social media platform X.

She had asked her country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs to investigate whether there were any Thai passengers on the plane and what the current situation was, according to the post.

Leaders worldwide sent condolences to South Korea, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru, Chinese President Xi Jinping, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Muan Airport opened in 2007 after 10 years of construction in the south-western province of Jeolla.
A plane carrying 181 people crashed at an airport in South Korea in late December, killing 179.

Photos and videos show the aircraft overrunning a runway before being engulfed in flames.

It will likely take months or years to uncover why the plane crashed.

A commercial aircraft crashed at a South Korean airport last month, killing 179 people.

Flight 7C2216, operated by the Korean budget airline Jeju Air, was carrying 181 passengers and crew when it tried to land at Muan International Airport at 9:03 a.m. local time but overran the runway.

A video broadcast by MBC News, a South Korean news network, showed the plane speeding down the runway, with smoke coming from its belly, before it crashed into what appeared to be a barrier and burst into flames.

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The flight was traveling from Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok.

The aircraft was a 15-year-old Boeing 737-800 that Ryanair, a budget Irish airline, operated before it was delivered to Jeju Air in 2017, according to the Planespotters.net flight tracking website. It was not a Max variant, which has been embroiled in quality and production problems.

Video footage shows the aircraft landed without its landing gear deployed.

Airline News editor and aviation expert Geoffrey Thomas told Business Insider that a bird strike could have caused a mechanical issue on the plane.

"It's possible that the bird strike prevented the standard landing gear operation," he said. "It's possible, however, the pilots could crank the landing gear down manually."

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"But if they had multiple failures related to the engines, then they probably didn't have time to do it, and therefore they simply made a belly-up landing on the runway because they had no options," Thomas added.

Jeju Air CEO Kim Yi-bae told reporters on December 31 that the aircraft's pre-flight inspection found "no issues" and "nothing abnormal was noted with the landing gear," the BBC reported.

Yonhap News Agency shows the wreckage of the Jeju Air passenger plane that crashed at Muan International Airport. Kim Jae-Hwan/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

South Korea's transport ministry said that it planned to conduct a safety inspection of all Boeing 737-800 aircraft in the country, per Yonhap News.

The Boeing 737-800 is a popular aircraft that is used widely around the world.

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Cirium data sent to BI found about 4,400 737-800s are used by nearly 200 airlines, representing 15% of the 28,000 passenger planes in service globally.

In a statement to BI, Boeing gave its condolences to families who lost loved ones and said it was in contact with and "ready to support" Jeju Air.

Spokespeople for Jeju Air did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In a statement posted online, Jeju Air said it was "bowing" its head in apology and would investigate the crash.

A total of 179 people died. Two of the plane's six crew members survived and were conscious, according to local health officials. They were rescued from the tail section of the jet.

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It was the first fatal crash involving a Jeju plane since the airline was founded in 2005. The last major aviation accident involving a South Korean airline was in 1997 when a Korean Air jet crashed in Guam, killing 228 people.

A South Korean rescue team member pictured near the wreckage of the Jeju passenger plane. Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images

Reports of birds striking the aircraft

In a televised briefing, Lee Jeong-hyeon, chief of the Muan fire station, said that workers were investigating what caused the crash, including whether birds struck the aircraft.

"It appears that the aircraft wasn't configured for a normal landing  the landing gear wasn't down, and it looks like the wing flaps weren't extended either," Keith Tonkin, the managing director of Aviation Projects, an aviation consulting company in Australia, told BI.

The plane was almost completely destroyed, with the tail assembly the most intact part of the wreckage. After landing, the plane hit a wall, which Thomas said was within international standards, but the plane landed fast and far down the runway.

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"The airport complied with international standards," he said. "The landing was anything but international standard."

Officials said that air traffic controllers warned about bird strike risks minutes before the incident, and a surviving crew member mentioned a bird strike after being rescued, The Guardian reported.

Thomas told BI that the pilots reported "mayday" shortly after air traffic controllers issued a bird strike warning. The pilots were then given permission to land on the opposite side of the runway.

Thomas said flight tracking was lost at about 900 feet, suggesting a possible electrical failure.

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"I think that could well be one of the pivotal factors in this investigation as to why did it fail," he said. "What does that tell us about what was going on in the cockpit?"

Former South Korean President Yoon Suk-Yeol declared martial law on December 3. The crash comes two days into his second successor's tenure. South Korean Presidential Office via Getty Images

South Korea's Yonhap News Agency reported that Muan International Airport has the highest rate of bird strike incidents among 14 airports nationwide.

Black boxes stopped recording before the crash

The Independent reported that transport ministry officials said they recovered the aircraft's two black boxes: the flight data recorder and the cockpit voice recorder.

These would normally provide investigators with information that could help string together events before and during a crash.

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However, Yonhap reported that officials said one of the black boxes, the flight data recorder, was partially damaged. The cockpit voice recorder remained intact.

South Korean authorities said on Saturday that an analysis by the US National Transportation Safety Board found that the black boxes holding the flight data and cockpit voice recorders stopped recording around four minutes before the crash, per Yonhap news agency.

The crash occurred at 9.03 a.m., and the data stopped recording at 8.59 am., the report said.

South Korea's transport ministry said plans were "in place to investigate the cause of the data loss during the ongoing accident investigation," AFP reported.

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Crashes typically have more than one cause  known as the "Swiss Cheese Model" in aviation, a string of smaller errors often leads to an accident, not just one.

"The biggest risk is speculation because it obscures the actual causes of a near-miss, incident, or accident," Simon Bennett, an aviation safety expert at the University of Leicester in the UK, told BI.

"I appreciate that the relatives of the dead and injured will want answers. Understandably, they will want closure," he said. "However, rushing the investigation would do a huge disservice to the aviation community and airlines' customers."

Read the original article on Business Insider
By Ju-min Park, Hongji Kim and Hyunsu Yim

MUAN COUNTY, South Korea (Reuters) -The deadliest air accident ever in South Korea killed 179 people on Sunday, when an airliner belly-landed and skidded off the end of the runway, erupting in a fireball as it slammed into a wall at Muan International Airport.

Jeju Air flight 7C2216, arriving from the Thai capital Bangkok with 175 passengers and six crew on board, was trying to land shortly after 9 a.m. (0000 GMT) at the airport in the south of the country, South Korea's transport ministry said.

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Two crew members survived and were being treated for injuries.

The deadliest air accident on South Korean soil was also the worst involving a South Korean airline in nearly three decades, the transport ministry said.

The twin-engine Boeing 737-800 was seen in local media video skidding down the runway with no visible landing gear before crashing into navigation equipment and a wall in an explosion of flames and debris.

"Only the tail part retains a little bit of shape, and the rest of (the plane) looks almost impossible to recognise," Muan fire chief Lee Jung-hyun told a press briefing.

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The two crew members, a man and a woman, were rescued from the tail section of the burning plane, Lee said. They were being treated at hospitals with medium to severe injuries, said the head of the local public health centre.

Investigators are examining bird strikes and weather conditions as possible factors, Lee said. Yonhap news agency cited airport authorities as saying such a strike may have caused the landing gear to malfunction.

The crash was the worst for any South Korean airline since a 1997 Korean Air crash in Guam that killed more than 200 people, transportation ministry data showed. The previous worst on South Korean soil was an Air China crash that killed 129 in 2002.

Experts said the bird strike report and the way the aircraft attempted to land raised more questions than answers.

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"At this point there are a lot more questions than we have answers. Why was the plane going so fast? Why were the flaps not open? Why was the landing gear not down?," said Gregory Alegi, an aviation expert and former teacher at Italy's air force academy.

Under global aviation rules, South Korea will lead a civil investigation into the crash and automatically involve the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in the United States where the plane was designed and built.

The NTSB said later it was leading a team of U.S. investigators to help South Korea's aviation authority. Boeing and the Federal Aviation Administration were also taking part.

'MY LAST WORDS'

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Hours after the crash, family members gathered in the airport's arrival area, some crying and hugging as Red Cross volunteers handed out blankets.

Many victims appeared to be residents of nearby areas returning from vacation, officials said.

Family members screamed and wept as a medic announced the names of victims identified by their fingerprints.

One relative stood at a microphone to ask for more information from authorities. "My older brother died and I dont know whats going on," he said.

Mortuary vehicles lined up outside to take bodies away, and authorities said a temporary morgue had been established.

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A transport ministry official said the control tower had issued a bird strike warning and shortly after the pilots declared mayday and then attempted to land from the opposite direction the plane had come in.

A passenger texted a relative to say a bird was stuck in the wing, the News1 agency reported. The person's final message was, "Should I say my last words?"

Jeon Je-young, the 71-year-old father of one woman on board, played and replayed a video of the crash.

"When I saw the accident video, the plane seemed out of control," said Jeon.

"The pilots probably had no choice but to do it. My daughter, who is only in her mid-40s, ended up like this. This is unbelievable," he said. "She was almost home."

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The Boeing model involved in the crash, a 737-800, is one of the worlds most flown airliners with a generally strong safety record. It was developed well before the MAX variant involved in a recent Boeing safety crisis.

The aircraft was manufactured in 2009, the transport ministry said.

Boeing said in a emailed statement, "We are in contact with Jeju Air regarding flight 2216 and stand ready to support them. We extend our deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones, and our thoughts remain with the passengers and crew."

The two CFM56-7B26 engines were manufactured by CFM International, a joint venture between GE Aerospace and France's Safran, the transport ministry said.

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A CFM spokesperson said, "We are deeply saddened by the loss of Jeju Air flight 2216. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the families and loved ones of those on board.

CHALLENGE TO COUNTRY'S NEW INTERIM PRESIDENT

Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae apologised for the accident, bowing deeply during a televised briefing.

He said the aircraft had no record of accidents and there were no early signs of malfunction. The airline will cooperate with investigators and make supporting the bereaved its top priority, Kim said.

No abnormal conditions were reported when the aircraft left Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport, said Kerati Kijmanawat, president of Airports of Thailand.

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The passengers included two Thai nationals and the rest are believed to be South Koreans, according to the transportation ministry.

It was the first fatal flight for Jeju Air, a low-cost airline founded in 2005 that ranks behind Korean Air Lines and Asiana Airlines as the country's third largest carrier by passenger numbers.

The accident happened only three weeks after Jeju Air started regular flights from Muan to Bangkok and other Asian cities on Dec. 8.

Muan International is one of South Korea's smallest airports but it has become much busier in recent years. All domestic and international flights at the airport were cancelled after the accident, Yonhap reported.

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South Korean acting President Choi Sang-mok, named interim leader of the country on Friday in an ongoing political crisis, arrived at the scene of the accident and said the government was putting all its resources into dealing with the crash.

Two Thai women were on the plane, aged 22 and 45, Thai government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub said.

The Thai foreign ministry later confirmed both were among those killed. The embassy in Seoul was coordinating with the South Koreans and arranging for family members to travel from Thailand, the ministry said in a statement.

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra sent condolences to the families of the dead and injured in a post on X, saying she had instructed the foreign ministry to provide assistance.

(Reporting by Hongji Kim and Ju-min Park in Muan, Hyunsu Yim, Cynthia Kim and Hyunjoo Jin in Seoul; Additional reporting by David Brunnstrom and Gram Slattery in Washington, Panu Wongcha-um and Chayut Setboonsarng in Bangkok and Lisa Barrington; Writing by Josh SmithEditing by Jonathan Oatis, William Mallard, Raju Gopalakrishnan, Frances Kerry and Gareth Jones)
Warns of consequences if Manila refuses to change course

China issued a stern warning to the Philippines over its planned purchase of the US-made Typhon mid-range capability missile system, saying there will be consequences if the acquisition pushes through.

Our message to the Philippines: China will not sit on its hands when its security interests are in danger or under threat. The Philippines will be hurting its own interests if it keeps refusing to change course, China Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said in a press conference late Thursday evening.

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Mao said that for the Philippines to maintain strategic independence, good-neighborliness and friendship, and peaceful development, it must remove the missile system.

China said it views the Typhon as an offensive weapon, and that its presence in the Philippines fuels geopolitical tensions and contributes to an arms race in the region.

Without mentioning the United States, Mao said the Philippines has helped a country outside the region deploy military forces and stoke confrontation in the region.

The Philippines once clearly promised that it will not choose sides between major countries, not engage in any activities that will harm Chinas interests and doesnt intend to incite tensions in the region, Mao said.

But then the Philippine side went back on its word, saying they would like to have the Typhon here in the Philippines forever and even plans to acquire the systems. This is a deliberate breach of the Philippines own words, she added.

This was the third time in less than a week that Beijing issued a statement on Manilas plan to acquire the missile system that would allow the Army to protect vessels up to 370 kilometers or 200 nautical miles off the coast  the limit of the Philippines maritime entitlement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Mao said the Philippines has been making provocations in the South China Sea by collaborating with external forces to flex muscle.

Beijing has been claiming the entire SCS, including the West Philippine Sea, despite international laws and an international arbitral ruling that invalidated its claim.

On Tuesday, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro told Beijing to stop its saber-rattling and interference in Manilas internal affairs.

The Philippines is a sovereign state, not any countrys doorstep,' Teodoro said in a statement. Any deployment and procurement of assets related to the Philippines security and defense fall within its own sovereign prerogative and are not subject to any foreign veto.

If the Chinese Communist Party is truly intent on reducing tensions and instability in the region, they should cease their saber rattling, stop their provocative actions, halt their interference in other countries internal affairs, withdraw their illegal presence from the Philippines Exclusive Economic Zone, and adhere to international law, Teodoro added.

The US Army deployed the mid-range missile system in the northern Philippines earlier this year for the annual joint military exercises with its longtime ally, and decided to leave it at the Laoag International Airport in Ilocos Norte.

Laoag airport is not among the nine sites covered by the Philippines-US Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement. It is, however, near two EDCA sites  the Camilo Osias navy base in Sta Ana and Lal-lo airport  both in Cagayan province that is near Taiwan.

The missile system can fire the Standard Missile-6 and Tomahawk Land Attack Missile.

Philippine Army chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido said: At 200 nautical miles, there is no land there and the army cannot go there. We need to contribute to this (defense of Philippine interests) by having this platform to be able to assist the primary major service that would focus on maritime and air domain.

Under that scenario, the Typhon platform will protect our floating assets, Galido said, a reference to ships of the Philippine navy, coast guard and other vessels.

He said Army personnel have been training on the missile system since it was left by the US after the Balikatan exercises in April.

We are learning a lot, Galido said.

Editors Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: China to Philippines: Withdraw Typhon missile or face consequences
Olha Mesheryakova doesnt know what the next year will bring for her life in the capital of war-torn Ukraine, for her family or her business. She is confident, however, that in 2025 she will attend a dozen performances in the theaters of Kyiv. The thought gives her a sense of hope.

This creates a certain expectation, gives a kind of structure, great support at a time when the world around me has gone crazy, and I know exactly what Im going to do on December 23, for example, because I bought tickets in the summer. Honestly, it gives me hope and faith in the future. Its some kind of magic, said Mesheryakova, an entrepreneur.

She is far from alone in her passion for theater. To get tickets to a popular performance, she, along with thousands of other Ukrainians, has to hunt for them months in advance.

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On a blacked-out street in the center of Kyiv in mid-December, cars move slowly, as hundreds of people descend on the small, historic building of the Ivan Franko National Academic Drama Theater, located just a few hundred meters below the presidential residence.

Since the theater reopened six months after the start of Russias full-scale invasion in 2022, it has been packed almost every day.

Over that time, the theater itself, its actors and its audience have changed. Its director, Yevhen Nyshchuk, volunteered in the military in 2022, as did many of his colleagues. For example, all three actors who played the main roles in Three Comrades, adapted from the post-World War I novel by the German writer Erich Maria Remarque, ended up at the front and were able to return to the stage only a year later.

Remarque sounded completely different. The reality of the war, which has already affected everyone, has changed us. I felt the audience had changed its perception of the theater, had more appetite for it, for this exchange of energy, Nyshchuk, also an actor, told CNN.

Theater director and actor Yevhen Nyshchuk volunteered in the military in 2022, as did many of his colleagues. He often addresses the audience before performances to thank them for their commitment. - Yulia Weber/Ivan Franko Drama Theatre

Nyshchuk felt this altered appreciation for Remarques writing so keenly in part because he and his colleagues continued to serve in the Armed Forces. To perform the plays, they received permission from their command to take short leaves.

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Since the war began, the Ivan Franko Drama Theater has staged more than 1,500 performances attended by more than half a million spectators. Seventeen plays have been premiered. One of them is The Witch of Konotop, a mystical play that explores themes of love and power. Tickets were sold out in minutes for the entire run and many Ukrainians have joined a waitlist for any that become available.

Its director, Ivan Uryvskyi, said he was astonished by the plays success and the influx of new theater-goers.

Thousands, tens of thousands of spectators wanting to be at the theater. I cant find an explanation for this, he told CNN. Full houses and sold-out performances are typical at most of Kyivs theaters, according to their websites and e-ticket services.

Uryvskyi says not all come to the theater to escape from the sad reality of war. It is often the opposite.

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Someone needs to plunge into the present day and understand themselves. And he/she doesnt need to go to a comedy, they dont need to be distracted. He needs some serious dialogue. Maybe he needs to cry it out in the theater, said Urivskyi.

Even if people want to escape from the war, they often cannot, as performances are regularly interrupted by air raid sirens. The audience has to leave the theater building and take shelter at the nearest metro station. If the danger passes within an hour, the performance resumes. Otherwise, the show continues on another day.

Both new plays and those that have been in the theaters repertoire for years get loud applause from the audience.

When people applaud for 10 to 20 minutes, they give some part of their applause to the artists for the performance, and looking at each other they give another part to themselves, for the fact that, for example, today everyone survived a missile attack of more than 120 missiles and more than 100 drones, and in the evening they came to the performance, which was not canceled, Nyshchuk said.

The Ukrainian book store Sens, which opened earlier this year, offers more than 57,000 books as well as a cafe and an event space. - Sens Bookstore

A thriving book scene

The number of bookstores in Ukraine has increased from 200 pre-war to almost 500 now. The largest of them, Sens, opened on Kyivs main street in the midst of the war. Offering over 57,000 books, it is crowded at any time of the day and says it had more than half a million customers this year. The stores event plan is scheduled for months in advance.

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For its founder, Oleksiy Erinchak, the launch of such a large-scale project in wartime seemed logical. He began the war as the owner of a small bookstore, opened on the eve of the invasion. It became a volunteer hub in the first months of the conflict and grew so popular that Erinchak started thinking about a new, larger space. Meanwhile, the book market and the needs of the audience had changed due to the impact of the war.

(A) book is the most convenient way to spend time during the war when it is impossible to predict anything. Many people have switched to the Ukrainian language (from Russian). They are trying to understand what it means to be Ukrainian. And books make it much easier to do that, Erinchak told CNN.

Oleksiy Erinchak, founder of Ukraine's largest bookstore, Sens, believes that now is the right time to invest in books and culture. - Sens Bookstore

According to the Ukrainian Book Institute, the number of adult Ukrainians reading books every day has doubled during the war to 16%.

Maybe its just war, or stress, and a person just hides under the covers, under the bed, opens a book and travels to other worlds to get away from it all. Or not traveling to other worlds, but delving deeper to understand why did this happen in our lifetime? And books actually have many answers, and you can feel them, understand them, and feel better, Erinchak explained.

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He argues that the current popularity of books should be maintained in the future.

Local culture always flourishes during wartime If people are bringing money to the Ukrainian bookstore, it means that we need to invest this money further in Ukrainian books, in Ukrainian culture, he said, which in turn will help build resilience to future potential Russian disinformation. We need to build this foundation in our book and cultural sphere as strongly as possible and build a semantic shield around it, a dome so that it would be much more difficult for others to break in and influence the minds of Ukrainians.

Songs in the shelters

A few songs before the end of an anniversary concert this fall by one of the most popular Ukrainian bands, Okean Elzy, an air raid was announced in Kyiv.

Part of the audience went down to the subway to take shelter, joined by the band. There, on the subway stairs, the performance resumed, with a speaker instead of a professional sound system, with only guitars  and hundreds of voices singing along to every hit.

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Okean Elzys 30th-anniversary concerts are a mirror of our history. We have been together for 30 years: at big concerts and in shelters, in stadiums and in dugouts But its not the place that matters, its our togetherness, the band later posted on their Instagram account.

In the almost three years since the full-scale invasion, Okean Elzys frontman Svyatoslav Vakarchuk has performed more than 300 concerts for the military, including at positions near the front lines. In some videos posted on the bands social media pages, what sounds like artillery fire can be heard while Vakarchuk sings for the military. Okean Elzy has donated almost 280 million UAH ($6.7 million) to the Defence Forces of Ukraine, a spokesperson for the band said.

The Ivan Franko Drama Theater also regularly organizes charity performances and says it has already raised more than $1.2 million for the Armed Forces. Additionally, it offers its stage to troupes that have lost their theaters to Russian occupation or can no longer perform in them due to adverse security conditions.

The Witch of Konotop, which premiered in April 2023, became one of the most popular theater performances in Ukraine. - Yulia Weber/Ivan Franko Drama Theatre

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The vibrant cultural life in cities to the rear contrasts with the situation in the frontline areas of Ukraine, where Russia keeps seizing territory.

Yegor Firsov, a chief sergeant who has been fighting against the Russians since 2022, says he is generally sympathetic to an active cultural life, even if some of those on the front lines may be fighting in real hell.

When it comes to women and children, I and my brothers-in-arms, and everyone, supports it, he told CNN. Because people are distracted from stress and in such difficult times they want to experience something genuine, and bookshops and theaters are about the real thing, about life.

And on those rare days when Firsov manages to come to Kyiv from the front, he too goes to concerts.

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Culture is a part of our lives, it is both about war and partly about leisure, because even we, military men, need mental healing, need to be distracted, to be resilient.

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Poland plans to complete its fortified border wall and close the border with Belarus by next summer, aiming to curb what it sees as Russia's and Belarus's "hybrid war" through illegal migration, Polish Deputy Interior Minister Maciej Duszczyk told the Financial Times on Dec. 29.

The initiative follows strained relations between Poland and Belarus, a close ally of Russia, after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Warsaw has accused Belarus of orchestrating migrant flows into Poland to pressure the EU over sanctions, a claim Minsk denies.

Additional reinforcements along the 400-kilometer (250 miles) eastern border include installing night vision cameras, thermal imagers, and a new patrol road, as well as strengthening the five-meter steel fence built in 2022.

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Poland is investing over 2.5 billion zlotys ($611 million) in the project, with half the funding allocated by the current government under Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

"This artificially created migration route will be closed during next summer, I hope and believe it," Duszczyk said. He added that once complete, the borders security would be "as close to 100% as possible."

Tensions escalated in May after a Polish border guard was critically injured by a migrant using a makeshift spear to breach the existing fence. In response, Tusk announced plans to create a 200-meter-wide buffer zone along the border with Belarus.

Despite the border fortification, Duszczyk warned of potential attempts by Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko to escalate tensions or sabotage Polands infrastructure.

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Read also: Russia may escalate hybrid warfare near NATO borders, Yermak warns

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Poland has expressed willingness to increase electricity exports to Ukraine if Slovakia halts its supply, Bloomberg reported on Dec. 29, citing an unnamed Polish official.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico threatened to stop electricity exports to Ukraine on Dec. 27, in response to Ukraine's decision to no longer transit Russian gas in 2025. Ukraine relies on energy imports from the EU amid Russian aerial attacks on energy infrastructure.

"If it is unavoidable, we will halt the electricity supplies that Ukraine needs during grid outages," Fico said in response to Ukraine's plans to no longer transit Russian gas on Dec. 27.

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Poland is ready to increase domestic electricity production if Slovakia halts the delivery of backup power supplies to Ukraine, an unnamed Polish official said, adding that the country is ready to compensate for any shortage that Ukraine's strained system would suffer from, the official said.

Ukraine is a key transit route for Russian gas to reach the EU. While much of the EU has abandoned Russian gas, Slovakia has remained heavily reliant on Russian gas imports.

Ukraine's contract to transit Russian gas expires on Dec. 31. Ukraine will not renew its contract, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Dec. 19.

"It appears that Putin has ordered Fico to open a second energy front against Ukraine, at the expense of the interests of the people of Slovakia," Zelensky said on Dec. 28 in response to Fico's threats.

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Energy companies from Austria, Hungary, Italy, and Slovakia have called for the continued transit of Russian gas via Ukraine.

EU sanctions have been reluctant to target Russian gas imports due to the bloc's reliance. The EU first imposed sanctions on Russian gas in June, over two years after the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Fico's stance marks a shift from Slovakia's previous commitment to increase electricity supplies to Ukraine in July.

Read also: Slovakia threatens to cut electricity supplies if Ukraine ends Russian gas transit

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Poland is prepared to increase electricity exports to Ukraine if Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico follows through on his threat to cut backup power supplies to the war-torn country.

Source: Bloomberg, citing a senior Polish official, as reported by European Pravda

Details: A Polish government official, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the private nature of the discussions, stated that Poland is ready to boost domestic electricity production to offset any imbalance that may occur in Ukraine's energy system if Slovakia takes such action.

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The assurance from Warsaw comes amidst escalating tensions over the future of gas transit through Ukraine.

Fico issued his threat two days ago, stating that Slovakia would stop supplying electricity, which is critical for Ukraine during network disruptions, if deemed necessary.

Background:

Slovakia has repeatedly attempted to secure an extension of the gas transit agreement between Ukraine and Russia, which is set to expire at the end of 2024.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has made it clear that Ukraine is not considering renewing the transit agreement with Gazprom and has ruled out allowing Russian gas to transit under the guise of Azerbaijani supplies.

Amid these developments, Robert Fico made a controversial visit to Russia, where he met with Vladimir Putin.

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(Bloomberg) -- Poland is prepared to step up electricity exports to Ukraine if Slovakias Prime Minister Robert Fico follows through on his threat to cut off back-up power supplies to the war-torn country, a senior official said on Sunday.

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The Polish government stands ready to boost domestic power production to compensate for any imbalances that Ukraines strained system would suffer in the event of a Slovak move, according to the official, who asked not to be identified as the talks are private.

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Warsaws assurances come amid an escalating row over the future of gas transit through Ukraine. Fico made the threat two days ago, when he said Slovakia would stop supplying electricity that Ukraine urgently needs during network outages, if necessary. Almost three years after Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Bratislava still relies on cheap gas from Gazprom PJSC, undermining a push by the European Union to reduce reliance on Russian energy.

The clock is ticking on Russian gas flows through Ukraine to Europe, which are set to end on Dec. 31 when the current arrangement expires. While Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has repeatedly stated he wont permit gas that benefits the Kremlins war machine to transit his country from January, he has signaled hed be open to transporting the fuel from countries other than Russia if the European Commission so requests.

The commission, which before the war helped broker transit agreements between Kyiv and Moscow, is staying out of negotiations. Instead, it has stressed that alternatives sources are available and that the regions gas storage levels are high.

While the EU aims to phase out sourcing fossil fuels from Russia by 2027, gas hasnt been part of sanctions the bloc has taken against Moscow since the February 2022 invasion. That means companies are still permitted to conclude contracts and continue imports if those agreements are in line with existing EU regulations.

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Energy analysts have pointed out that, even if a deal is reached to continue transit via Ukraine, it will only be temporary as the commission prepares a roadmap to end the blocs energy imports from Russia. That strategy is set to be unveiled in February.

Russia has stepped up missile and drone attacks on Ukraines energy infrastructure since March, destroying about half its power-generating capacities and causing blackouts across the country. Ukraine heavily relies on imports, including from Slovakia.

Slovakia continues to receive Russian oil through the Druzhba pipeline that transits Ukraine. Kyiv could halt those supplies in a possible counter-move, if Slovakia does stop electricity exports, a separate person familiar with the situation said on Saturday.

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DENVER (KDVR)  A 23-year-old man was arrested after allegedly firing several rounds at another driver while driving in Loveland Friday night.

Friday night officers with the Loveland Police Department responded to a report of a road rage incident in which a firearm was discharged near Taft Avenue and 57th Street.

Diesel fuel spill caused by crash prompts overnight road closures in Aurora

According to a press release from police, the victim reported that he had been shot at by another driver in a dispute. Police said the drivers were traveling north on Taft Avenue when shots were fired.

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No one was injured in the incident.

Police said it was reported that a suspect, later identified as Brice Carey, 23, fled the scene going north on Taft Avenue toward Fort Collins.

The roadway was closed for a brief period as authorities searched for evidence on the scene. The police department said it worked with the Larimer County Sheriffs Office to identify the suspect and the suspect vehicle.

He was arrested at his residence and booked into the Larimer County Jail on the following charges, according to the press release:

Murder in the second degree

Criminal attempt to commit class three felony

Menacing  intimidation  gun

Tampering with physical evidence

The police department is asking anyone with information about the incident to call the LPD tip line at 970-962-2032 or Larimer County Crime Stoppers at 970-221-6868.

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A 29-year-old Cincinnati woman was in custody Saturday after Davenport Police say she was the get-away driver for a theft of high-end handbags at NorthPark Mall, Davenport.

Lamaya Winslow faces charges of second-degree robbery and conspiracy to commit a forcible felony, according to court records.

Lamaya Winslow (Scott County Jail)

In affidavits, police say she did facilitate in the co-defendants committing this offense by acting as the get-away driver of the SUV with stolen plates affixed.

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Affidavits show a co-defendant entered a department store with co-conspirators with the intent to steal high-end purses. The co-defendant entered an employee-only area and removed high-end bags from the glass case and shelf. The co-defendants did then attempt to run towards the exit and past the last point of sale, affidavits show.

An off-duty police officer present in the store attempted to intervene and identified himself as Davenport Police to the co-defendant, affidavits say. The co-defendant then fought with the off-duty officer, who was struck once with a closed fist in the left eye, causing injury.

Affidavits show the co-defendant then ran from the store and entered an SUV with stolen license plates and fled the scene.

The co-defendant was able to remove more than $2,000 worth of purses past the last point of sale before the fight, affidavits say.

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Through the investigation, affidavits show, police learned that the defendant and co-conspirators traveled in a rental vehicle from Cincinnati, Ohio, to Iowa to commit a series of felony thefts.

In affidavits, police say Winslow was the renter of the vehicle through Enterprise Rental Vehicles.

Winslow was arrested on a warrant served Friday in Kentucky, court records show. Winslow, who was being held Saturday on $10,000 bond in Scott County Jail, is scheduled for a preliminary hearing Jan. 7 in Scott County Court.

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A pedestrian was injured Sunday afternoon after a car crashed into the Taste of Belgium location at The Banks.

The vehicle crashed into the building at 16 W. Freedom Way around 12:45 p.m., according to Cincinnati police spokesperson Lt. Jonathan Cunningham. No further information about the nature of the crash was available, but a crack could be seen in the building's brick facade that afternoon.

The pedestrian was struck in the crash and hospitalized. Their medical condition is unknown at this time.

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Taste of Belgium owner Jean-Francois Flechet said the restaurant was closed for the day following the crash. After assessing the damage, however, Flechet said the restaurant will reopen Monday under regular hours, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., according to Google.

Customers can use the entrance on Rose Parks Street if the front entrance is not available, Flechet added.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Taste of Belgium building damaged at The Banks after car crash
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

With five weeks of school summer holidays (that's around 25 days of weekday activities to organize), being online is a major attraction for most kids and a concern for most parents and caregivers.

The question is, how can kids make the most of technology, reaping the benefits of staying social while also staying safe?

The psychological impact of social and other online media, like video games, can be alarming.

American social psychologist and author Jonathan Haidt's recent book "The Anxious Generation" connects the rise of the "smartphone age" and social media use with the rapid increase in anxiety and depression rates among young people.

The book has mobilized politicians nationally to support an aged-based social media ban.

The concern is compelling: 80% of Australians surveyed support the ban, and 60% of parents cite social media as the biggest threat to their children's mental health. In some cases, the risk is real and outweighs any benefits.

There is certainly a need for stronger regulation of the distribution of dangerous content and greater accountability from social media companies.

It's important to note though, that on the whole, the coincidence of young people's online presence and mental health issues is partly just thata coincidence.

Adolescent mental health is far more complex than this simple linking suggests, with extensive research demonstrating that social media is only a relatively small contributor to mental health concerns.

Young people face a range of stressors including eco-anxiety about climate change, global conflicts and economic instability that understandably are also impacting their mental health.

There is no doubt that particularly during long holiday breaks, the effects of cyberbullying, social media overuse, gaming addiction, sexting, privacy issues and misinformation disproportionately impact vulnerable young people.

However, it's important we don't lose sight of the significant benefits technology can offer for youth mental health and well-being.

For example, along with the small associations with depression and anxiety, social media use is positively associated with improved social well-being.

Social connection and belonging

While we often think of the elderly as lonely, it's young adults who are in fact our loneliest generation.

Online connections are vital, particularly for those from marginalized or remote communities who may find it difficult to find like-minded friends in their everyday lives.

For many young people, online forums can provide a meaningful sense of connection and belonging, and online friendships can sometimes prove more stable than offline relationships.

Social media and gaming platforms can enable the formation of positive relationships and help define a young person's social identity.

For example, in a large global study, video games were found to enhance teamwork and collaboration skills, creativity and reduce isolation and loneliness.

These online communities can serve as a buffer against alienation, bullying and prejudices people often face offline, creating a more inclusive space.

Access to mental health and well-being promotion resources

Technology has also transformed access to mental health resources for young people, a valuable tool for the holiday season when in-person services may be limited.

Smartphone apps, online forums and virtual support groups can offer confidential spaces for seeking help and accessing mental health information.

Self-management mental health apps like MoodMission and Wysa offer confidential support for people who may not otherwise seek help from mental health practitioners.

Many digital resources are designed to help young people better understand and monitor their mental health. Mood-tracking apps like MoodPrism or MindDoc, can help people recognize patterns and seek support when they need it.

Trusted professional mental health organizations host a range of online youth resourcesin Australia, these include Reachout, headspace, Orygen's Most, Beyond Blue and Head to Health.

Creativity and self-expression

With extra time over the holidays, many young people turn to digital tools for creative expressionexploring interests from video editing and music production to graphic design and coding.

These resources allow our youth to explore their interests, develop new skills and find outlets for emotional expression and personal growth.

A recent APRA report found that 54% of musicians agree that AI can support the creative process, although young people express the highest concerns about using AI for music creation.

Finding balance and embracing the digital generation

While it's tempting to consider strict rules on social media during long holidays, these decisions need to be balanced with the risk of denying young people the opportunity to develop essential digital skills and resilience.

It also removes the autonomy of a generation that is educated, equity-focused and made up of global citizens.

If used the right way, social media can in fact enhance the autonomy of adolescents by helping them engage in self-directed behaviors and experience a sense of choice and personal agency.

Bans are also difficult to implement and may risk more harm than good, cutting off important connections without alternative support.

If you are concerned about how much time the young people in your care are spending onlineparticularly if you think it is affecting their sleep, opportunities for exercise and socializing with family or friendsthen talk to them.

The eSafety Commission advises that strict hourly limits are difficult as "too much online time" depends on the age and makeup of each child, and the quality of their online interactions.

If you're worried, talk to your young person about what they're doing online.

Think about what alternatives you can offer them (even if it's playing video games with them) and make sure also that you're setting a good example by not being online yourself all the time.

Ask them what they want to do during their holiday time and involve them in a family plan that gives them something to look forward to and some choice.

Involving young people in the conversation and empowering them as active participants in shaping a healthier digital environment, can help create a safer online environment.

They are, after all, intrinsically motivated to create safer and healthier environments to protect their own well-being.

By promoting evidence-based best practices and encouraging open conversations, we can empower young people to make informed decisions.

Ultimately, the solution lies in creating a balanced approach.

Embrace the positive role technology can play in youth mental health while addressing its potential risks.

By supporting young people as they navigate the digital world mindfully and safely, we can help them enjoy the best aspects of technology these summer holidays while staying connected, supported and safe.
DES MOINES, Iowa  Des Moines Police released the names of the deceased in the shooting on Christmas Day near the 2900 block of E 40th Court.

The Des Moines Police Department said 53-year-old LeAnna Carreon was shot and killed by her 60-year-old husband, Salvador Carreon, who then shot and killed himself. The department releasing the names involved along with a photo of Leanne on Sunday morning.

Leanne was taken to the hospital on Wednesday evening and was in critical condition. Leanne passed away on Thursday according to DMPD. Salvador was deceased at the scene.

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This is the citys 17th homicide victim of 2024. Des Moines Police Department detectives are continuing to investigate.

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Police are searching for a suspect after a mosque in Kent was vandalized Saturday morning.

Surveillance video captures the moment the suspect drives onto the property in a grey pickup truck before throwing what appears to be rocks through a window before speeding away.

Community members at the Islamic Center of Federal Way (located in Kent) are hopeful someone will recognize the suspect in the video and provide the information to police.

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Its heartbreaking, said Board President Atif Nazir. It puts everybody at unease in the community.

Nazir said people discovered the broken window when they showed up Saturday to pray.

Today this happens, he said. Whats tomorrow?

Its not the first time the Islamic Center of Federal Way has been targeted. Last year, suspects broke into the center and stole donation money.

In the years before that, Nazir said the center had been subject to harassment. People had gathered in the street shouting or screaming names, especially during times of prayer.

We are here in the community over 15 years, he said. Were good with our neighbors. Were doing everything we can for the community.

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Police are investigating and looking to identify the suspect, as Kents City Council President pushes for steep penalties.

Especially when places of worship are targeted, whether intentional or not intentional, it should be considered a hate crime, said Council President Satwinder Kaur.

While the shattered glass left behind has been swept away, officials at the center know the scars will take longer to heal.

Its not the matter of the property that can be recovered, which we did pretty quick, but its the damaging of hearts and minds and your soul, Nazir said.




HOPKINSVILLE, Ky. (FOX 56)  A search is underway for an inmate from the Christian County Detention Center after he escaped on Saturday.

According to the Kentucky State Police Department (KSP), Kevin Johnson, 52, of Madisonville allegedly walked away from a work detail at the Hopkinsville Convention Center.

London officer placed on leave following shooting death of 63-year-old

Just after 3:15 p.m. on Saturday, KSP got a call from the detention center officials that Johnson had escaped, according to a news release.

Kevin D. Johnson reportedly escaped from the Christian County Detention Center on Saturday. (KSP)

Law enforcement described Johnson as 6 feet, 5 inches tall, weighing 250 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing khaki pants and a black shirt.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

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Anyone who may have seen Johnson or knows where he could be is asked to call KSP Post 2 at (270) 676-3313. Anonymous tips can also be sent to the state police website.

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HONOLULU (KHON2)  A female in her 40s was stabbed to death in Halawa shortly after 12:30 a.m. Sunday.

A second female was also injured and the Honolulu Police Department (HPD). is investigating the. fatale incident.

The victims are said to have known the suspect and police are searching for them.

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HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY)  The Hampton Police Division is seeking the publics help in identifying the suspect in connection to a Friday shooting.

At around 3:40 p.m., Hampton Public Safety Communications received a call in reference to a walk-in gunshot victim at the Sentara Careplex.

When officers arrived at the hospital, they spoke with the victim, a woman suffering from a gunshot wound that was not life-threatening.

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The victim claimed she was walking in the area of Shell Road and Bell Street when she was struck by gunfire. She changed the location to the 2800 block of Rosalee Drive upon speaking with detectives.

The victim was unable to provide officers with a description of the suspect.

The incident remains under investigation by the Hampton Police Major Crimes Unit.

If you have any information about this case, you can submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-888-LOCK-U-UP, downloading the P3 tips app to a mobile device, or visiting www.P3tips.com and submitting a tip.

Continue to check WAVY.com for updates.

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Polish border guards have had to refute disinformation being spread by pro-Kremlin social media accounts about a new wave of refugees entering Poland from Ukraine.

Source: European Pravda; PAP, a Polish national news agency

Details: Pro-Kremlin accounts have been claiming that the Polish-Ukrainian border is being stormed by a new wave of refugees from Ukraine. In an attempt to scare people, they have been reporting that up to 150,000 people are arriving in Poland from Ukraine every day  twice as many as usual. This increase in border traffic is allegedly due to the Ukrainians' concern about the mobilisation age being lowered.

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Currently men over 25 can be called up, but the age limit may be lowered to 18 in 2025. According to Russian propaganda, large numbers of Ukrainian mothers, fearing these changes, are taking their minor sons out of Ukraine, causing queues at the border.

However, the Polish Border Guard Service has not confirmed either the figures or the phenomenon itself. Captain Dariusz Sienicki, a spokesperson for the Bug Border Guard Regional Unit, said border guards have indeed noted an increase in border traffic on the Polish-Ukrainian border over the past week, but that it applied to both directions, both to and from Poland.

Quote from Sienicki: "The increase in traffic is associated with the Christmas and New Year period, as it is every year."

More details: Longer queues at the Polish-Ukrainian border began to form on 20 December, but traffic was evenly distributed in both directions, with more people leaving Poland.

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In addition, there has been no day on which 150,000 Ukrainian citizens were recorded at the border as seeking to enter Poland. The number peaked on 22 December, when nearly 89,000 Ukrainian citizens crossed the Polish-Ukrainian border, but more than half of them  almost 49,000  were leaving Poland.

Nor are the claims of a new wave of refugees at the Polish border confirmed by NGOs that provide them with support. If there was any truth in the reports that mothers were fleeing Ukraine en masse with their sons ahead of mobilisation, many more people would have started to apply to these NGOs for legal aid before Christmas, but this did not happen.

ukasz Adamski, Deputy Director of the Juliusz Mieroszewski Centre for Dialogue, says the reports of the mass emigration of Ukrainians are deliberate disinformation derived from the Kremlin's propaganda activities and serve to stir up anti-Ukrainian prejudice among Poles.

Background:

Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stressed that he sees no point in lowering the conscription age, as the key problem is the lack of weapons and the slow pace of training for new brigades.

In recent weeks, the United States has been urging Ukraine both publicly and privately to reduce the conscription age to 18, arguing that the shortage of personnel on the battlefield is becoming critical and that this is why Russia is able to make advances in the east.

Disagreements over mobilisation rates and the conscription age in Ukraine have caused tension between Zelenskyy and US President Joe Biden.

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Reactions to the death of former President Jimmy Carter paid tribute to his service to the country and his contributions around the world after his time in the White House.

President Joe Biden on Sunday issued a proclamation on Carter's death, ordering American flags to be flown at half-mast for 30 days. He also marked Jan. 9, 2025, as a National Day of Mourning.

PHOTO: The flag over the White House flies at half-staff after former President Jimmy Carter died at the age of 100-years-old in Washington, Dec. 29, 2024. (Jim Lo Scalzo/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock)

Earlier in the evening, he made a televised appearance from St. Croix, a part of the U.S. Virgin Islands where he and his family were spending the holidays, to remember the accomplished man both politically and personally, noting, "Jill and I lost a dear friend."

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However, he added, what he found most extraordinary about Carter was the fact that millions of people around the world currently shared that feeling  whether they'd met him or not.

"Cancer was a common bond between our two families," Biden confided, and he said that they had shared the belief that America has "the talent and the resources to one day end cancer as we know it if we make the investments."

Biden praised the renowned humanitarian for being a man of both word and deed, suggesting, "We should all do well to be a bit more like Jimmy Carter."

On behalf of the nation, to Carter's family, he said, "We send our whole heartfelt sympathies, in gratitude" for that life of service  both in the Oval Office and in the decades beyond.

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In closing, Biden noted, of Carter being laid to rest: "I think he's happy, and he's happy with Rosie"  referencing Carter's beloved late wife Rosalynn Carter, who died one year prior in November 2023.

MORE: Jimmy Carter's legacy lives on through Habitat for Humanity, volunteers say

He had previously released a statement calling Carter "a man of great character and courage, hope and optimism."

"With his compassion and moral clarity, he worked to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil rights and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless, and always advocate for the least among us," Biden's statement said. "He saved, lifted, and changed the lives of people all across the globe."

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Vice President Kamala Harris mourned Carter's passing on Sunday, saying in a statement that the former president, "was guided by a deep and abiding faith  in God, in America, and in humanity."

"I had the privilege of knowing President Carter for years. I will always remember his kindness, wisdom, and profound grace. His life and legacy continue to inspire me  and will inspire generations to come. Our world is a better place because of President Carter," Harris added.

MORE: Jimmy Carter's improbable journey from defeated one-term president to our best ex-president: Analysis

In a statement posted to X, Secretary of State Antony Blinken remembered former President Jimmy Carter for demonstrating what could be achieved through tireless diplomacy and dedication to the pursuit of peace, democracy, and human rights.

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Listing Carters foreign policy achievements, Blinken included negotiating the return of the Panama Canal to its host nation and developing arms control agreements with the Soviet Union.

Meanwhile, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin wrote in a statement that "Americans will remember President Carter for his leadership in office and his distinguished post-presidency, but the Department also honors his sterling service in uniform."

Austin said, "We also honor President Carter for his contributions to global security. The Carter Doctrine still helps undergird our commitment to stability and security in the Gulf."

He added, on a personal note, "Charlene and I send our deepest condolences to the Carter family."

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As Biden mentioned in his televised tribute, many political leaders had close personal ties and friendships with the former president, and their remembrances were often heartfelt  even as they recognized Carter's many efforts to decentralize himself and put other people and good work first.

Former President Bill Clinton said in a statement on X that he and his wife Hillary Clinton "mourn the passing of President Jimmy Carter and give thanks for his long, good life." He also wrote, "Guided by his faith, President Carter lived to serve othersuntil the very end."

PHOTO: State Funeral Held For George H.W. Bush At The Washington National Cathedral (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

President-elect Donald Trump wrote of Carter on Truth Social, "The challenges Jimmy faced as President came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude."

In his statement, former President Barack Obama paid tribute to the former president's honesty, especially in the wake of Watergate saying in a statement that Carter "promised voters that he would always tell the truth. And he did  advocating for the public good, consequences be damned. He believed some things were more important than reelection  things like integrity, respect, and compassion. Because Jimmy Carter believed, as deeply as he believed anything, that we are all created in God's image."

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House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi also recognized the times in which Carter was elected to the White House, in a statement to ABC News:

"As President, his work to restore integrity to the political arena during a difficult chapter in our history was a testament to his firm faith in the sanctity of the public good, which he always placed above his own," she said in a statement. "After leaving the White House, he carried on his service  leading perhaps the most impactful post-presidency in history."

Former President George W. Bush posted on X, calling Carter "a man of deeply held convictions. He was loyal to his family, his community, and his country. President Carter dignified the office. And his efforts to leave behind a better world didn't end with the presidency. His work with Habitat for Humanity and the Carter Center set an example of service that will inspire Americans for generations."

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell's statement said, "President Carter lived a truly American dream. A devoutly religious peanut farmer from small-town Georgia volunteered to serve his country in uniform. He found himself manning cutting-edge submarines hundreds of feet beneath the ocean. He returned home and saved the family farm before feeling drawn to a different sort of public service. And less than 15 years after his first campaign for the state Senate, his fellow Americans elected him leader of the free world."

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Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer released a statement calling Carter "one of our most humble and devoted public servants."

"President Carter personified the true meaning of leadership through service, through compassion, and through integrity," Schumer said in a statement.

PHOTO: President George W. Bush welcomes former U.S. President's, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter and President-elect Barack Obama to the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, Jan. 7, 2009 . (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called him a "great man, role model and humanitarian" and said in a statement that "his incredible life, legacy and leadership are a testament to the power of the American dream."

MORE: Jimmy Carter's life in pictures

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise said in a statement that Carter "set the standard for post-presidential service through his work with Habitat for Humanity."

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The Clintons' statement summarized Carter's impact:

"From his commitment to civil rights as a state senator and governor of Georgia; to his efforts as President to protect our natural resources in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, make energy conservation a national priority, return the Panama Canal to Panama, and secure peace between Egypt and Israel at Camp David; to his post-Presidential efforts at the Carter Center supporting honest elections, advancing peace, combating disease, and promoting democracy; to his and Rosalynn's devotion and hard work at Habitat for Humanityhe worked tirelessly for a better, fairer world."

Former Vice President Al Gore said on Sunday that Carter had "lived a life full of purpose, humility, and kindness" and that "he led with heart, faith in God, and courage."

"He had an unyielding commitment to building a more peaceful, safer, and more just world and a cleaner environment," Gore said in a statement posted on social media. "He is also remembered around the world for the work he did over the 42 years after he left office."

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Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said in a statement that Carter was a "good and decent man" who "represented the heart of this country." And Former Attorney General Eric Holder said Carter "consistently showed that he was the best of us."

PHOTO: Former President Jimmy Carter, right, and former first lady Rosalynn Carter help build a Habitat for Humanity house in Violet, Louisiana, on May 21, 2007. (Alex Brandon/AP)

"History will look fondly on his many achievements, from the creation of the Department of Education to the Camp David Accords to his prescient focus on climate concerns," Holder said in a statement posted on X. "He is a President whose accomplishments will be seen for their true significance and lasting value in the years to come."

Jaime Harrison, the chair of the Democratic National Committee, praised Carter for "leading by example" during his presidency and during his time as governor of Georgia, where he enacted environmental policies "and stood up for civil rights and desegregation" in the state.

"Throughout his presidency, he was guided by his faith, his selfless commitment to others, and his empathy," Harrison said in a statement. "President Carter aspired to build a government grounded in competence and compassion and leave behind a country where dreams are achievable, and hope is more than an aspiration."

Biden marks Jimmy Carter's death with National Day of Mourning, amid sweeping tributes originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Poor maths skills are to blame for Britains ballooning benefits bill, according to the UK boss of Santander.

William Vereker, the banks UK chairman who served as business envoy to former prime minister Theresa May, said the worklessness crisis stems from a lack of understanding about money.

He said: One of the challenges of worklessness is that people look at benefits and they look at the job they can get, and they think to themselves well, Im only making 5 or 10 a week extra having a job, so why would I bother to do that?

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But of course the reason to bother is that the following year youll make more, and the following youre going to make more  and youll create an opportunity for yourself.

You have to have a fundamental grounding in finance, banks and salaries and expenses.

The warning comes as Sir Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves battle to lower Britains spiralling sickness benefit bill and tackle the worklessness crisis.

More than one in five working-age people are now classified as economically inactive, meaning they are neither in work nor looking for a job.

Critics have warned the welfare system has become too generous and is encouraging people to choose a life on handouts over work.

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Analysis by the Centre for Social Justice think tank published earlier this month found that sickness benefits are worth 3,000 a year more than a minimum wage job.

Mr Vereker said the lack of vocational financial literacy classes at UK schools meant young people were ill-equipped to understand the importance of work and were expected to just go from school to working out what theyre going to do and why its motivating and what theyre going to get out of it.

He added: My sense is that a lot of people live hand to mouth on a week-to-week basis. Theyre not doing any sort of financial planning or any kind of career planning or seeing any benefits of having a career and making more money over time.

The number of Britons who are signed off with long-term ill health has ballooned by 650,000 since the pandemic and now stands at 2.8m. A report published by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) has warned that tens of thousands of young students are going straight from education into long-term sickness.

With the costs of supporting those out of work projected to surpass 100bn by the end of the decade, the Prime Minister has vowed to tackle the issue.

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However, in a recently published white paper on the matter ministers were criticised for failing to address the benefits crisis, with proposals on how to bring down sickness handouts delayed until next year.

The Government instead vowed to power ahead with reforms to job centres, proposals to hand mayors more employment powers and a youth guarantee that will mean unemployed 18 to 21-year-olds lose their benefits if they refuse to take up jobs or training opportunities.

David Blunkett, the Labour peer, told The Telegraph earlier this month that people who refused to engage should not get benefits.

If you cant be bothered, then Im afraid we dont owe you, he said. We have an obligation to help people. We dont have an obligation to help people if theyre not prepared to help themselves.

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Weve got to try once again to balance those imperatives of making it absolutely clear that getting up in the morning and going to work and having a work ethic pays.

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What started as a COVID-19 side project for Arlee Tenpas has grown into a full-fledged business with a loyal online following and orders coming in by the hour.

Minneapolis-based Cheerware, an online retailer that sells custom glassware and apparel, is a small but mighty operation with more than 15,000 products sold thanks to the creativity of owner Tenpas and the TikTok algorithm.

A Lake Elmo native, 31-year-old Tenpas was working in marketing and product development for a beverage company in Chicago when the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

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I was spending way too much time on TikTok seeing other people do creative side projects and I thought I could do that and maybe even do it better, Tenpas said.

Cheerware products range from drinking glasses, diner mugs and reusable glass straws to T-shirts, shorts, sweatshirts and bags.

The goal of Cheerware? To make something simple and everyday a bit more exciting and magical, Tenpas said.

Each of the Cheerware designs, which range from quaint European village streets and lilypad-hopping frogs to pop culture nods like Zelda video game characters or lyrics from pop artist Chappell Roan, are created by Tenpas.

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(The designs) make very specific people super happy, she said. Its not for everyone, but the people who love it, really love it.

A small operation, Tenpas employs one studio assistant and a customer service representative and turns to her community when a product goes viral or a big order comes in.

After leaving Chicago in 2023, Tenpas briefly worked from Lake Elmo with the help of her family before moving into her current studio in Northeast Minneapolis.

Rest assured, the businesss east metro connections are still strong with its apparel embroidered by Shirt Werks in Eagan. And only weeks ago, Cheerware made its Twin Cities pop-up debut in St. Paul at St. Anthony Parks Milton Square.

Getting noticed

After some initial success selling her products on Etsy in the spring of 2020, Tenpas decided to level up with a bit of help.

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Elsie Tenpas, a web designer and the sibling of Arlee Tenpas, decided to gift her sister something every small business owner dreams of: a custom website.

To kick off the website launch in the fall of 2020, Tenpas debuted a Halloween collection complete with friendly ghosts and crisp autumn leaves that quickly went viral.

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Every second there was an order coming through, Tenpas said. With some 500,000 views of the collection on TikTok, the website broke.

Her business took off so fast that the site we built had trouble keeping up, Elsie Tenpas said. Because she was blowing up online, there were people from all over the world trying to buy Cheerware and we hadnt even set up global shipping options.

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After some tweaks that included making code up on the fly, Cheerware was off and running, her sister said.

Shortly after the Halloween collection launched, Tenpas quit her job and started running Cheerware full-time out of the second bedroom in her Chicago apartment.

Built with TikTok

Cheerware currently has more than 50,000 followers on TikTok with more than 810,000 views across its videos.

The business was built with TikTok, Tenpas said, and its following is growing by the day. When we are launching something, well partner with influencers and sometimes their videos get a lot of traction.

For the Zelda-themed Hylian Collection launch in 2023, Cheerware partnered with Cozy Games and Lifestyle influencer Wisteriem, who garnered more than 1.2 million views for Cheerware products on just two posts.

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Social media consultant Arik Hanson said while there is value in selling merchandise on TikTok, There is a lot of value in working with creators and influencers because thats how were seeing younger people buy merchandise and products  on social media.

Other Cheerware partnerships include Knock.Thrice, an embroidery and apparel business popular on TikTok, and XO Marshmallow Cafe in Chicago.

When youre small, it is just your work that speaks for you, Tenpas said. So when larger businesses repost (your content), it is huge exposure and that stuff happens because of the algorithm.

This time last year, Tenpas said 90% of her business came from TikTok, but as the federal government attempts to ban the social media platform, shes preparing for what comes next.

Time running out on TikTok?

A law enacted in April set a Jan. 19 deadline for ByteDance, the Chinese parent company of TikTok, to either sell the app or face a ban in the U.S. due to alleged threats to national security.

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With some 72,000 Minnesota businesses using TikTok to sell and market their products, its easy to see why there are concerns about the impending ban.

Youre talking about banning a cultural touchstone of the U.S. economy, basically, said Hanson, who also teaches social media courses at the University of Minnesota and University of St. Thomas.

If it gets banned thats huge news, not just for marketing but for the culture in general, Hanson said, adding that he would be surprised if it does get banned.

Three quick tips

Social media consultant Arik Hanson noted three actionable steps small business owners can take to prepare for a potential TikTok ban:

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Develop a contingency plan Save your TikTok content Reserve your businesss handles on emerging platforms

One third of small- to mid-size businesses in Minnesota said TikTok is critical to their business with over 90% reporting an increase in sales after promoting their products and services on the app, according to a recent TikTok consumer report conducted by Oxford Economics.

In Minnesota, small- to mid-size business use of TikTok supported over 4,000 jobs and contributed $430 million to the states GDP in 2023, per the report.

The Supreme Court recently said it would hear arguments on Jan. 10 regarding the constitutionality of the federal law that could ban TikTok. President-elect Donald Trump on Friday asked the court to consider pausing the ban until his administration can pursue a political resolution.

Still, some small business owners like Tenpas arent wasting time.

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Im planning for TikTok to not exist, Tenpas said.

While Cheerware is still posting on TikTok, Tenpas is turning to other means of exposure like YouTube, Patreon and an emailed newsletter with 15,000 subscribers to nurture my existing audience, she said, but they are not without their troubles.

Its harder to create content when its long-form, Tenpas said, as compared to TikTok or Instagram. You not only have to run the business, you have to record the experience of it for the internet.

This year, 70% of Cheerwares sales came from online and the other 30% from wholesale to coffee shops, bookstores and boutiques.

Whats next?

With a larger Minneapolis studio to grow into, Tenpas has no shortage of ideas on what to do next from pop-up markets to new designs and product development.

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I am excited to do things for Minnesota now that Im here, she said. One such example is designing cafescapes. Think of a skyline, but instead of commercial highrises, the illustrations showcase iconic buildings from different neighborhoods, she said.

In addition to creating the designs for already existing products, Tenpas said she is looking forward to creating her own products.

One product currently in development is a new type of lid for her drinkware glasses that she said she has yet to see elsewhere on the market.

Im really happy that this is what I get to do  making something ordinary a bright spot of your day, Tenpas said.

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COLRAIN, Mass. (WWLP)  An overloaded power strip plugged into the wall created an electrical fire that brought multiple crews from the area to a house on Main Road Sunday morning.

The Colrain Fire Department said that at around 5:38 a.m., there were reports of an electrical fire coming from 13 Main Road. Arriving at the house, firefighters saw smoke coming from a bedroom, and an alarm assignment was dispatched. Crews from Shelburne Center, Shelburne Falls, Heath, Charlemont, Greenfield, and Halifax, VT were called to provide mutual aid.

Water main break closes Franklin Street in Westfield

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A heavy electrical odor was said to have been found on the second floor and crews discovered the source to be an electrical power strip that was burned. The power strip had scorched the wood floor.

(Courtesy of the Colrain Fire Department) (Courtesy of the Colrain Fire Department)

Colrain Fire said that the home occupant was able to safely evacuate before the fire extended due to her pets alerting her of the danger. An electrical inspector was called to the home and the alarm was downgraded, at which time the crews that had not arrived were canceled.

Halifax and Shelburne Center firefighters assisted the Colrain Fire Department on Main Road. At the same time, Heath units are covered at the station.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
A Queens public high-school teacher created a creepy escape room where he allegedly sexually abused a female student, according to a troubling new report.

Scott Biski, a music teacher at Jamaica Gateway to the Sciences High School, also invited the girl to his home  calling it the bat cave  for sex when his wife and two kids were not home, investigators allege.

Biski, 50, began grooming the student when she was 14, a sophomore, and it culminated when she was a senior into a sexual relationship, charges a report by the Special Commissioner of Investigation for city schools.

Students allegedly hung out with music teacher Scott Biski in his classroom-office, which was transformed into a creepy escape room with old desks and file cabinets. biskisan/Facebook

I now understand that these weird hugs, embraces were actually just groping, the now 25-year-old ex-student told investigators in 2022. He was touching me for sexual pleasure without my consent.

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Biski arranged makeshift dividers and old desks in his music classroom and office, inviting students to hang out in his escape room.

There, Biski touched the students breasts and tried to kiss her, prompting the girl to pull away and promptly leave, the report says.

Biski would also invite the girl to his home to play board games with other kids. Once, she arrived to find she was the only student there, the report says.

Biski also gave the girl lavish gifts, such as a flute that was only supposed to be lent to students, his favorite childhood book, new clothes and cash, including $200 for Ugg boots, it says.

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The SCI found that he messaged the teen nearly 700 times, 82 times during school.

Biski told the girl to save his number under a fake name  Arthur Dent  so as to not arouse suspicion, she told investigators. Another student told SCI he believed the alias was Harvey Dent, a Batman villain whose alter ego was Two-Face.

Biski resigned from his post at Jamaica Gateway to the Sciences High School, but wasnt charged criminally. google

Biski forcibly kissed and groped the student in his school office and forced her to touch his erection, telling her, Thats how you make me feel, according to court documents and the SCI report.

Biski assigned the student to play lead flute in the school band, gave her coveted solos and wrote outstanding college recommendation letters for her, she said.

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These were things he did as a part of his grooming process, she said.

Once she graduated, she told investigators, Biski would allegedly pester her into coming to his house when his wife and two kids were gone to engage in sex acts.

And the perverted texts continued.

No Halloween party? No slut outfit? he texted her during her first year in college. No Im little red riding hood the whore.'

On another occasion, he wrote, I have risked everything for you. My job. My home. My kids. Everything.

The student told investigators she was disgusted by his behavior because she saw Biski as a father figure.

Biski gave the girl lavish gifts and messaged her nearly 700 times, according to investigators. biskisan/Facebook

The NYPD closed a criminal case against Biski because the student said the sexual contact was consensual and occurred after she turned 17, but the teachers behavior was egregious, manipulative, and predatory, the SCI charged.

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After the student came forward in June 2022, the city Department of Education removed Biski from Gateway, but he remained on the city payroll until last year, collecting $99,578 in fiscal year 2024, records show.

He has irrevocably resigned, a DOE spokeswoman said.

Besides recommending Biskis termination, SCI called on the DOE to amend its guidelines on teachers using private phone numbers to text kids.

The SCI has repeatedly urged the DOE to ban employees from contacting students cell phones and social media accounts. In the past five years, it has found at least 89 cases of DOE employees having inappropriate conversations with students via text and online.

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Last year, the 25-year-old former student filed a lawsuit, charging Biski with harassment and sexual assault. In June, Biski sued the DOE for denying him legal representation.

Lawyers for Biski did not respond to inquiries.
Former President Jimmy Carter, 39th President of the United States, died on Dec. 29 at the age of 100.

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The nations 39th president served from 1977 - 1981. In 1984 President Carter and his wife Rosalynn started the Habitat for Humanity project, where they have worked with over 100,000 volunteers in 14 different countries. In 2002 he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development.

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President Carter leaves behind three sons, John William, James Earl III, Donnel Jeffery, and one daughter Amy Lynn. His wife, Rosalynn Carter died on November 19, 2023, at age 96.

>> Photos: Jimmy Carter and his family

Then-Georgia Governor Carter first visited Dayton in 1976 while campaigning for the Ohio primary election and visited again in 1980 seeking a second term as President. Then Dayton Mayor James H. McGee welcomed President Carter when he landed at Wright-Patterson Air Force base. He then went to the Dayton Convention Center to hold a town meeting with 1,400 guests that were chosen in a lottery drawing. Guest took turns asking the President various questions from conflicts in the Middle East, college tax credits, and his stance on chemical warfare.

President Carter was born October 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia. In 1946, he received a Bachelor of Science from the United State Naval Academy. After graduation, he was assigned to the USS Wyoming, later applied for submarine duty, and rose to the rank of Lieutenant.

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After his fathers death in 1953, Carter resigned his commission from the Navy and took over the Carter Farms and Warehouse with his wife Rosalynn and became a leader of the community.

>> Jimmy Carter: What you may not know about the former President and humanitarian

In 1962 Carter was elected to the Georgia Senate, and after losing his first run for the governorship, he was elected as the 76th Governor of Georgia in 1971. In 1974, he announced his intentions to run as a Democratic presidential candidate, and he was elected as the 39th President of the United States on November 2, 1976.

President Carter served one term in the oval office and was succeeded by then California Governor Ronald Reagan.

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Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States and one-time peanut farmer who was married to his wife Rosalynn for 77 years, died Sunday. Carter was remembered on Sunday by President Biden, former President and First Lady Bill and Hillary Clinton who wrote that Carter worked tirelessly for a better, fairer world, as well as former presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush.

Barack and Michelle Obama hailed Carter for his decency and how he believed some things were more important than reelection  things like integrity, respect, and compassion. Because Jimmy Carter believed, as deeply as he believed anything, that we are all created in Gods image.

Former President Obama continued: Whenever I had a chance to spend time with President Carter, it was clear that he didnt just profess these values. He embodied them. And in doing so, he taught all of us what it means to live a life of grace, dignity, justice, and service.

President Carter taught all of us what it means to live a life of grace, dignity, justice, and service. Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to the Carter family, and everyone who loved and learned from this remarkable man. https://t.co/dZHL0Nu0Tj  Barack Obama (@BarackObama) December 29, 2024

President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden said the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian.

Today, America and the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian. pic.twitter.com/Ki7Rhbent0  President Biden (@POTUS) December 29, 2024

Statement from President Clinton and Secretary Clinton on the Passing of President Jimmy Carter pic.twitter.com/1Ejol6yjav  Angel Urena (@angelurena) December 29, 2024

STATEMENT BY PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH ON PRESIDENT JAMES EARL CARTER, JR.

"Laura and I send our heartfelt condolences to Jack, Chip, Jeff, Amy, and the entire Carter family.



James Earl Carter, Jr., was a man of deeply held convictions. He was loyal to his family, his pic.twitter.com/2hzebCyS4g  George W. Bush Presidential Center (@TheBushCenter) December 29, 2024

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Former President and First Lady Hillary Clinton issued a lengthy statement on X in honor of Carter. Hillary and I mourn the passing of President Carter and give thanks for his good, long life. Guided by his faith, President Carter lived to serve others  until the very end, the pair began.

From his commitment to civil rights as a state senator and governor of Georgia; to his efforts as President to protect our natural resources in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, make every energy conservation a national priority, return the Panama Canal back to Panama, and secure peace between Egypt and Israel at Camp David; to his post-Presidential efforts at the Carter Center supporting honest elections, advancing peace, combating disease, and promoting democracy; to his and Rosalynns devotion and hard work at Habitat for Humanity  he worked tirelessly for a better, fairer world, the statement continued.

Hillary and I met President Carter in 1975 and were proud, early supporters of his Presidential campaign. I will always be proud to have presented the Medal of Freedom to him and Rosalynn in 1999, and to have worked with him in the years after he left the White House.

Our prayers are with Jack, Chip, Jeff, Amy, and their families, they concluded.

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He was also remembered by Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, former Georgia representative Stacey Abrams, and Sen. Ed Markey, who wrote Carter was a conscience, caretaker, and commander for the U.S. and our world.

Today, we mourn the loss of one of our most humble and devoted public servants, President Jimmy Carter.



President Carter personified the true meaning of leadership through service, through compassion, and through integrity. pic.twitter.com/0l0VTJo2FO  Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) December 29, 2024

Sen. Chuck Shumer also published a statement on Carters death. Today, we mourn the loss of one of our most humble and devoted public servants, President Jimmy Carter. President Carter personified the true meaning of leadership through service, through compassion, and through integrity, he wrote on the social media platform.

President Jimmy Carter lived a life of courage, fortitude, kindness and grace. He was a giant who never saw anyone as smaller than himself. Whether at a Boys & Girls Club banquet or when he sponsored a medical clinic for the uninsured in his corner of rural Georgia, he lived pic.twitter.com/bm6a66cw2Q  Stacey Abrams (@staceyabrams) December 29, 2024

President Jimmy Carter lived a life of courage, fortitude, kindness and grace, Abrams wrote on X. He was a giant who never saw anyone as smaller than himself. Whether at a Boys & Girls Club banquet or when he sponsored a medical clinic for the uninsured in his corner of rural Georgia, he lived James 2:17 each day. Jimmy Carter built homes, saved lives and tended to souls. God bless President Carter, may the family he and Mrs. Carter raised know only comfort in these days of grief.

Carter was integral in paving the way for Georgia to become a production hub for film and television, which the Motion Picture Association and CEO Charles Rivkin noted in a statement.

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Jimmy Carter was a public servant to his core  a president, governor, humanitarian, farmer, and proud son of Georgia who always stayed true to his roots and his unwavering belief in fairness, equality, and justice, the statement read. For the creative community, he was also a visionary leader who saw what Georgia could, and would, become: a thriving ecosystem for film and television production. By establishing Georgias film office ahead of most other states, and envisioning movies and series as fertile ground for growth, President Carter helped turned his beloved home state into a powerful home base for world-renowned storytellers.

President Jimmy Carter led with compassion, integrity, & an heroic determination to lift humanitys spirit. We will forever be indebted to him for building a more peaceful world. Thank you, Mr. President, for being conscience, caretaker, and commander for the U.S. and our world. pic.twitter.com/iZS7y8z8iB  Ed Markey (@SenMarkey) December 29, 2024

Massachusetts Senator Ed Markey wrote his own tribute on the platform. President Jimmy Carter led with compassion, integrity, & an heroic determination to lift humanitys spirit. We will forever be indebted to him for building a more peaceful world. Thank you, Mr. President, for being a conscience, caretaker, and commander for the U.S. and our world.

President Jimmy Carter should be an example to all of us. He was decent, kind, and honorable. He devoted his life to serving others. It is heartbreaking to lose him, but we can say with utter confidence that his was a life well lived. pic.twitter.com/RsaDt5uXEh  Val Demings (@valdemings) December 29, 2024

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Former Florida Congresswoman Val Demings wrote, President Jimmy Carter should be an example to all of us. He was decent, kind, and honorable. He devoted his life to serving others. It is heartbreaking to lose him, but we can say with utter confidence that his was a life well lived.

President Jimmy Carters leadership, intellect, and moral example ennobled our country, during and ever since his presidency.  Secretary Pete Buttigieg (@SecretaryPete) December 29, 2024

President Jimmy Carters leadership, intellect, and moral example ennobled our country, during and ever since his presidency, Buttigieg wrote on X.

President Jimmy Carter embodied decency and integrity throughout his life of public service, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said on the platform. Ill never forget as a teenager meeting him in Buffalo. He was an inspiration to me and so many Americans. Our hearts are with the Carter family during this difficult time.

America mourns sharply the loss of President Jimmy Carter. A leader of soaring integrity and passionate devotion to human rights, his legacy already sparkles like a diamond in the rough.



With millions of Americans, I send love and gratitude to the Carter family. https://t.co/lTvMItCT0d  Rep. Jamie Raskin (@RepRaskin) December 29, 2024

Marylands Rep. Jamie Raskin said Carter was A leader of soaring integrity and passionate devotion to human rights, his legacy already sparkles like a diamond in the rough in a message shared on X.

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Jimmy Carter was the one ex-president in the modern era to openly admit (and lament) the truth about what America has become in the post-Citizens United era, wrote The Lever founder David Sirota. The national press corps probably wont mention this, but it was really something. He was a real one. RIP.

RIP President Jimmy Carter: a man who deeply loved his faith, family and country.



Although there may be disagreements about his policy choices, its hard to argue with his commitment to serving the public with honor, decency, and an eye towards lifting up the most vulnerable.  Elex Michaelson (@Elex_Michaelson) December 29, 2024

Fox 11 host Elex Michaelson noted that President Carter was a man who deeply loved his faith, family and country.

Although there may be disagreements about his policy choices, its hard to argue with his commitment to serving the public with honor, decency, and an eye towards lifting up the most vulnerable, Michaelson added.

Jimmy Carter lived his 100 years to the fullest. President, humanitarian, loving husband and father. RIP President Jimmy Carter, actress Marlee Matlin wrote on X.

The post President Jimmy Carter Remembered by Bidens, Obamas, Clintons, Bush Family for Decency, Service: A Remarkable Man appeared first on TheWrap.
Mathias Dopfner, Germanys Trump-praising media mogul, encouraged Elon Musk to openly back the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, according to a report.

Mr Musk wrote that Only the AfD can save Germany on social media last week before calling the far-Right party Germanys last spark of hope in an article published in the Die Welt newspaper, a move that led to the resignation of its opinion editor.

Mr Dopfner, the chief executive and part-owner of Die Welts publisher Axel Springer, asked Mr Musk to write the social media post shortly before Christmas and facilitated the article, German news magazine Der Spiegel reported.

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Open support for the hard-Right or far-Right is a taboo in post-war Germany, with most media houses refusing to give AfD politicians column inches.

Die Welt however invited Alice Weidel, the AfD co-leader, and the more controversial AfD state leader Bjorn Hock  who a court ruled could legally be called a fascist  to take part in broadcast debates in Autumn.

Pressure to break the taboo has also increased since the AfD, which is currently polling at about 19 per cent, overtook Olaf Scholzs Social Democrats to become Germanys second-strongest party in mid-2023.

Elon Musk has lent his support to Donald Trump, who in turn gave him a role in his administration - Kena Betancur/AFP

Axel Springer is one of Europes top publishers: a continental equivalent to Rupert Murdochs News Corp that also runs top-selling tabloid Bild, Politico, Business Insider and leading Polish red-top Fakt.

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Since it was founded by and named after Axel Springer in 1948, the fierce anti-communist, it has often been accused of Right-wing bias. Its Hamburg office was bombed by Left-wing terrorists in 1972.

Mr Dopfner was given 1 billion of controlling shares in Axel Springer in 2020 by Friede Springer, Axels widow, as she felt he was delivering on a promise to keep the company true to its original mission.

The 61-year-old is one of the usually staid German publishing worlds most colourful figures, and his encouragement of Mr Musk was not his first interaction with the worlds richest man  and far from his first attempt to influence politics.

Die Welt has previously invited Alice Weidel, the AfD co-leader, to take part in broadcast debates - Clemens Bilan/Shutterstock

Leaked messages from 2022 showed Mr Dopfner, who boasts one of Germanys largest collection of nude paintings, trying to convince an indecisive Mr Musk to buy the social media platform Twitter and let Axel Springer manage it.

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Why dont you buy Twitter? Well manage it for you. And build a true platform for freedom of expression  It will be fun, his message read.

Mr Musk bought Twitter and later rebranded it as X, but it is not managed by Axel Springer.

Other leaked chats showed Mr Musk asking Axel Springer executives to pray for Trumps re-election in 2022, although he later said this was an ironic, provocative statement in the circle of people that hate Donald Trump.

Mr Dopfner begged his editors to strengthen the FDP [Free Democrats] ahead of the 2021 German parliamentary election.

He said if the pro-business Free Democrats are very strong, then they can dominate the traffic light [governing coalition] until it collapses.

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The FDP was widely seen as blocking the coalitions legislation until Christian Lindner, the party leader, was fired as finance minister in November by Mr Scholz, the German chancellor, leading to government collapse and Februarys upcoming elections.

Mr Dopfner started his career with a PhD in musicology and became editor-in-chief of Die Welt in 1998.

He was later appointed the chief executive of Axel Springer by the founders widow, who is said to have been charmed by his similarity to her late husband.

Mathias Dopfner asked Elon Musk to write the article after he tweets only the AfD can save Germany - Andrew M Chang/Shutterstock

In October 2019, he considered writing an article arguing for the reversal of German unification.

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The article would have pondered turning the former East German bloc into an agrarian and production zone with uniform wage payments as ex-Communists were never going to adapt to democracy.

He later said he held no prejudices against east Germans.

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Russian leader Vladimir Putin has called Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev for the second time in two days to continue discussions about the Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash.

Source: Kremlin-aligned Russian news agency RIA Novosti, citing Putin's press secretary Dmitry Peskov; Azerbaijani president's press service

Details: Peskov stated that Putin and Aliyev held a phone conversation on Sunday, 29 December, continuing their discussions about issues related to the Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash.

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The Azerbaijani president's press service said that it was Putin who initiated the call to Aliyev.

Quote from the Azerbaijani president's press service: "During the phone conversation, the heads of state continued discussions on issues related to the crash of a passenger plane belonging to Azerbaijan Hava Yollari."

Background:

On 28 December, during a phone call with Aliyev, Putin apologised for the fact that "the tragic incident involving the Azerbaijan Airlines plane occurred in Russian airspace", but did not admit Russias guilt.

On 29 December, Aliyev stated that the Azerbaijani Airlines plane, which ran into trouble over Russian territory, had been attacked from the ground. He also demanded that Russia acknowledge its responsibility and provide compensation.

On 25 December, an Embraer aircraft operated by Azerbaijan Airlines en route from Baku to Grozny crashed near Aktau in Kazakhstan. 38 people were killed.

Azerbaijan Airlines said on Friday, 27 December that their plane had experienced "external physical and technical interference".

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U.S. President Joe Biden said on Dec. 28 that Russian President Vladimir Putin's apology over a deadly Azerbaijan Airline crash appears to acknowledge Moscow's responsibility for the disaster.

The plane was flying from Baku to Grozny in Russia's republic of Chechnya when it changed course and crashed in Kazakhstan on Dec. 25, killing 38 people. Azerbaijani officials reportedly believe that the aircraft was damaged by Russian air defenses while flying over Chechnya.

In a rare move, Putin called his Azerbaijani counterpart, Ilham Aliyev, to apologize "for the fact that the tragic incident occurred in Russian airspace" without commenting on whether the plane was hit by Russian air defenses.

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Responding to a question on whether Putin should acknowledge responsibility, Biden responded: "Apparently, he did, but I haven't spoken to him or my team."

The White House said on Dec. 27 it saw signs of the airliner being shot down by Russian air defenses, while Azerbaijan's Transport Ministry said the plane was subjected to "external interference" as it attempted to land in Grozny.

"All (the survivors) without exception stated they heard three blast sounds when the aircraft was above Grozny," Azerbaijani Transport Minister Rashad Nabiyev said.

The Kremlin said that the plane made multiple attempts to land at Grozny airport during a Ukrainian drone attack, which was reportedly repelled by Russian air defenses.

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The U.K. Foreign Office called for an investigation of the disaster while adding that Putin's apology "fails to recognize that the reckless and irresponsible actions of the Russian State pose an acute and direct threat to the interests and national security of other states."

In a separate incident in July 2014, a Russian Buk air defense system operated by Russian proxy forces in eastern Ukraine downed Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 (MH17), killing 283 passengers and 15 crew members.

Read also: Azerbaijan Airlines crash highlights Russias failure to close airspace amid war

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
An 18-year-old man was shot in the leg Saturday night and now police are looking for two suspects who ran from the scene of the shooting, according to Puyallup police.

About 10:30 p.m., police were dispatched to an apartment complex in the 700 block of 43rd Avenue Southeast after a report of gunshots in the area.

That address is just east of Meridian and between downtown Puyallup and South Hill.

Once there, police found the 18-year-old Pierce County man with a gunshot wound to his thigh. Witnesses reported hearing an argument before shots were fired, according to police. Police also found spent shell casings in the parking lot.

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The victim was treated at the scene, then taken to an area hospital. His injuries were not considered life-threatening, according to police.

Police are now looking for two suspects who ran from the scene. They were described as younger men last seen wearing dark clothing.

Police used a drone and a police dog to try to find the suspects, but were unsuccessful.

Anyone with information or video of the incident is asked to call the Puyallup police tip line at 253-770-3343 or email tips@puyallupwa.gov.
A raccoon attacked an infant inside an Idaho home this week as the baby boy was in a carrier, the state wildlife department said Friday.

The incident happened Monday in Cassia County after the infants mother had just returned home, Idaho Fish and Game said in a statement.

The mother heard a noise, investigated and found the animal, it said.

The mother found a raccoon attacking her infant. She was able to grab the animal to stop the attack, the department said.

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The childs father and a Cassia County sheriffs deputy went to the home, found the raccoon still inside and they killed the animal, Fish and Game said.

The baby was taken to a local hospital, and was then sent to a hospital in Salt Lake City, the department said.

The dead raccoon tested negative for rabies, the agency said. Its unclear how it got into the home.

Raccoon attacks against humans are extremely rare, it said. The animals are usually shy.

Raccoons can weigh about 12 to 30 pounds and are about three feet long, according to the department.

This story originally appeared on NBCNews.com.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
In todays fast-paced success-driven world the concept of Phdream stands as a beacon for those who aspire to achieve beyond boundaries. Phdream isnt just another motivational term or quick fix; its a lifestyle and a mindset focused on merging passion vision and relentless determination to reshape ones life. At its core Phdream encourages individuals to unlock their potential harness the power of their dreams and utilize innovative thinking to carve their own path. This article delves into how Phdream can act as the guiding light on your journey to success.

The term Phdream is a unique blend of two powerful concepts: Philosophy and Dreams. The philosophy element brings depth contemplation and a structured approach to achieving dreams while the dream element adds an inspirational boundless energy to push beyond traditional limits. When combined they represent a strategy that invites you to explore your full capabilities while redefining how you perceive your personal and professional growth.

The Origin and Power of Phdream

In an era filled with buzzwords and trendy mantras Phdream cuts through the noise by grounding itself in age-old principles while embracing modern-day innovation. Its not about quick wins or shortcuts but about fostering a sustained journey toward self-realization. Phdream encourages you to go beyond setting goalsto examine your true motivations dig deep and make changes that resonate on a profound level.

Imagine being driven by a dream so powerful that every morning you wake up with an intense determination to achieve it. Phdream embodies this by enabling you to connect with a vision that goes beyond mere ambition. This philosophy challenges you to dream but it also emphasizes the importance of nurturing that dream with actionable steps and persistent effort. Its a journey that requires courage and a willingness to confront both your strengths and limitations pushing you to grow in ways you never imagined.

Breaking Down the Key Components of Phdream

Phdream isnt about wishful thinkingits about a well-rounded approach that blends vision passion resilience and strategy. Heres a breakdown of the essential pillars of Phdream:

Visionary Thinking: A dream starts with a vision. Phdream promotes visionary thinking urging you to envision a future where you are the best version of yourself. Its about setting clear inspiring goals that align with your true desires and not just what society dictates.

Innovation and Creativity: Phdream is about innovationencouraging out-of-the-box thinking. It inspires you to challenge traditional methods embrace creativity and explore unique pathways to reach your goals. In a Phdream journey creativity becomes a core asset helping you stay adaptable in a constantly changing world.

Discipline and Perseverance: Dreams without discipline can often lead to unfulfilled ambitions. Phdream emphasizes the importance of self-discipline and relentless pursuit. This aspect is about building habits that reinforce your vision no matter how small or large they may be. Its these disciplined actions that ultimately bring dreams to fruition.

Mindfulness and Reflection: A Phdream journey isnt just about external achievements; its also about internal growth. By fostering mindfulness and encouraging regular self-reflection Phdream helps you stay grounded and connected to your purpose. This inner awareness becomes a stabilizing force guiding you through challenges and distractions.

Adaptability and Resilience: The path to realizing any dream is filled with obstacles. Phdream champions resilience and adaptability as cornerstones for success. This mindset prepares you to navigate setbacks with a positive outlook seeing them as opportunities for growth rather than failures.

Why Phdream Matters in Todays World

The modern world is often chaotic filled with information overload ph365 and intense competition. Amidst this sex chau au it chi gai Phdream offers a structured yet liberating approach that inspires you to rise above distractions and zero in on what truly matters to you. Phdream is not just a success formula; its a mindset that nurtures authenticityplay go88 win helping you discover and chase dreams that are genuinely aligned with your identity and passions.

In an environment that often values results over the journey Phdream emphasizes the importance of appreciating every step of the way. Its about finding joy in progress celebrating small victories and learning from every experience. When you adopt the Phdream mentality you shift your focus from purely reaching the destination to appreciating the growth resilience and transformation that occur along the way.

Adopting the Phdream approach can transform your lifenot just in terms of what you achieve but in who you become. This journey isnt just for aspiring entrepreneurs or leaders; its for anyone who wants to reach their potential no matter their field or background. With Phdream the path to success is redefined; its not about who gets there first but about making sure that when you arrive youve built something lasting and meaningful.

How to Implement Phdream in Your Life

Understanding the philosophy behind Phdream is one thing; implementing it is another. Phdream isnt about drastic overnight changes but rather about adopting a mindset and making small yet impactful shifts that accumulate over time. Here are some practical steps to integrate Phdream into your life and begin your journey toward success:

Define Your Vision: Start with introspection to uncover your dreams. What truly excites you? What are you most passionate about? Allow yourself to envision a life where youre actively pursuing what you love. Write down these aspirations and let them serve as a constant reminder of what youre working toward.

Set Micro-Goals: While long-term dreams are essential breaking them into smaller achievable goals makes the journey manageable. Each step no matter how small brings you closer to your ultimate vision. These micro-goals give you frequent moments of success that fuel motivation making the larger goal feel within reach.

Embrace Innovation: Dont limit yourself to conventional routes. Phdream encourages creativity and innovation so seek unconventional methods challenge the status quo and be open to experimenting with new ideas. Whether its adopting new skills exploring emerging technologies or rethinking old habits innovation keeps your journey fresh and exciting.

Develop Resilience: Success isnt linear. There will be setbacks unexpected obstacles and disappointments. Phdream teaches you to view challenges as learning experiences using them to build resilience. Keep your end goal in sight and remember that every challenge overcome adds to your growth and self-confidence.

Practice Mindfulness and Self-Reflection: Staying connected to your core purpose is essential. Phdream encourages a regular practice of mindfulness and self-reflection helping you stay grounded and true to yourself. Set aside time to reflect on your journey assess whats working and adjust where needed. This habit nurtures an inner stability that keeps you aligned with your values and vision.

Build a Support System: Success doesnt have to be a solo journey. Surround yourself with supportive individuals who inspire and uplift you. Whether through mentorship networking or simply friendships connecting with others who share a similar mindset can be incredibly motivating. A Phdream-oriented support system provides valuable insights fresh perspectives and encouragement when the road gets tough.

Real-Life Stories: Phdream in Action

Countless success stories illustrate how the Phdream philosophy has transformed lives. Take the example of Sara a young entrepreneur whose vision was to revolutionize online education. She faced multiple challenges from funding issues to finding the right market. Yet with each setback she applied Phdream principles: redefining her strategy innovating her product and remaining resilient. Today her platform serves thousands of learners worldwide a testament to the power of perseverance and visionary thinking.

Or consider Mark an artist who initially struggled to find his niche. By focusing on his true passions embracing creativity and learning from every challenge he crafted a unique style that eventually gained recognition. His journey is a reminder that Phdream is not just for traditional business pursuitsits a mindset applicable to any endeavor where dreams are involved.

The Phdream Legacy: Redefining Success

Phdream redefines success not as a destination but as a meaningful journey shaped by growth resilience and the pursuit of dreams. Its a legacy of constantly pushing boundaries an invitation to keep evolving and a celebration of the individual paths we carve out for ourselves. In embracing Phdream youre investing not just in your own future but in creating an inspiring ripple effect that encourages others to pursue their unique visions as well.

Imagine a world where more people are guided by Phdreama world where people wake up excited to contribute their best empowered by the knowledge that their dreams are within reach. Phdream can serve as a powerful catalyst for such a change providing a universal language for aspiration innovation and self-fulfillment.

Let Phdream be more than a concept; let it become the way you approach life goals and personal growth. Embrace it let it fuel your journey and become part of a movement that celebrates the potential within every dreamer willing to work for their vision.
Former President Carter died Sunday afternoon at the age of 100.

Here is the full statement from the Carter Center:

Jimmy Carter, 39th president of the United States and winner of the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize, died peacefully Sunday, Dec. 29, at his home in Plains, Georgia, surrounded by his family. He was 100, the longest-lived president in U.S. history.

President Carter is survived by his children  Jack, Chip, Jeff, and Amy; 11 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rosalynn, and one grandchild.

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My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love, said Chip Carter, the former presidents son. My brothers, sister, and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs. The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honoring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs.

There will be public observances in Atlanta and Washington, D.C., followed by a private interment in Plains, Georgia. The final arrangements for President Carters state funeral, including all public events and motorcade routes, are still pending. The schedule will be released by the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region at www.usstatefuneral.mdw.army.mil.

Members of the public are encouraged to visit the official tribute website to the life of President Carter at www.jimmycartertribute.org. This site includes the official online condolence book as well as print and visual biographical materials commemorating his life.

The Carter family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Carter Center, 453 John Lewis Freedom Parkway N.E., Atlanta, GA 30307.

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Along with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Jimmy Carter is one of only two Georgians whove won the Nobel Peace Prize.

On Oct. 11, 2002, the Norwegian Nobel committee awarded the prize to Carter, citing his decades of work trying to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, advancing democracy and human rights, and promoting economic and social development.

Channel 2 Action News traveled to Olso, Norway for the event. During Carters acceptance speech, he addressed human rights and acknowledged the courage of other Nobel laureates before him, including fellow Georgian Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

[PHOTOS: Jimmy Carter through the years]

The Nobel Prize also profoundly magnified the inspiring global influence of Martin Luther King Jr., the greatest leader that my native state has ever produced, Carter said.

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Carter called for those in richer nations to aid poorer nations.

The most serious and universal problem is a growing chasm between the richest and poorest people on earth, Carter said.

He concluded by asking all people to work towards peace instead of war.

Ladies and gentlemen, war may sometimes be a necessary evil. But no matter how necessary, it is always evil, never a good. We will not learn how to live together in peace by killing each others children, Carter said.

[PHOTOS: Dedication of the Carter Center and Presidential Library]

The Nobel committee sought to award Carter the peace prize in 1978 for brokering the peace deal between Israel and Egypt, but Carter missed out because of a technicality in the rules.

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Some 24 years later, he was honored with the peace prize and Channel 2 Action News was there to cover every moment.

I feel much more a global citizen than I had before. Im very grateful and pleased and proud, Carter told Channel 2s Monica Pearson about receiving the award.

Your mother, Miss Lilian, experienced pride a mother would feel to see her son elected president, what do you think shed say about you being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize? Channel 2s John Pruitt asked Carter at the time.

Well, she would probably say shes not surprised, which she did when I became President and when I became Governor. Mother had confidence in me and was always able to take the wind out of my sails when she thought I was getting a little too proud of my achievements. She had a way to convince me that I was just one of her two sons, Carter said.

[READ: A timeline: 10 of Jimmy Carters major accomplishments]

Carter won the Nobel peace prize for leading the charge for peace and human rights, and for his work monitoring elections around the world.

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Through his work with the Carter Center, he has helped resolve health problems, like Guinea Worm in Africa.

Its just grievous to me, and Ive wept over it, to go into a village that suffers from a disease that in a few days can be totally eradicated thats been there for 10,000 years and to give them a little bit of instruction and filter cloth that might cost $1, and those people will never have another case of guinea worm, Carter said.

How would you like to be remembered by the people of this country, by the people of the world, by history? Pruitt asked Carter.

If I had to encapsulate it, I would like to be remembered as being a proponent of peace and human rights. That would be a good legacy for anyone in the role of a leader, Carter said.

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Local, state and national leaders are reacting to the death of former President Jimmy Carter.

The former president died at his home in Plains, Ga. on Sunday afternoon. He was 100, making him the longest-lived president in U.S. history.

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President-elect Donald Trump says we all owe former President Carter a debt of gratitude.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp says he and his family are joining the nation in mourning the loss of Georgias native son.

Please read a statement on the passing of former President Jimmy Carter: pic.twitter.com/2Bxy2i7drk  Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) December 29, 2024

Vice President Kamala Harris called the former president an inspiration.

Our world is a better place because of President Carter. His life and legacy continue to inspire me  and will inspire generations to come. pic.twitter.com/RviJ80nwaH  Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) December 29, 2024

Senator Jon Ossoff says the former president will be remembered for his commitment to democracy and human rights, his enduring faith, his philanthropic leadership, and his deep love of family.

Sen. Ossoff on Passing of President Jimmy Carter. pic.twitter.com/eOUvV7lR6j  Ossoff's Office (@SenOssoff) December 29, 2024

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Senator Raphael Warnock called former President Carter one of his heroes.

President Carter was one of my heroes. His leadership was driven by love, his lifes project grounded in compassion and a commitment to human dignity. For those of us who have the privilege of representing our communities in elected office, Jimmy Carter is a shining example of what it means to make your faith come alive through the noble work of public service. Im honored to have had the opportunity to know President Carterthe first president I remember from my childhood, and someone with whom I developed a meaningful friendship. He brought his family to worship at my church. At a family dinner, I remember the President and his amazing wife, Rosalyn, holding my daughter, then just two months old, as if she were their own granddaughter. They were among my favorite people. President Carter taught us through his example that its not the office you hold but the orientation you have that gives you the ability to serve effectively. A moral powerhouse, he moved us closer toward our highest ideals while in the governors mansion and the White House, but perhaps even more so after leaving the presidency. A former president, he got his hands dirty, literally building peoples homes while helping them build their lives. President Carter was a Matthew 25 Christian. He believed, as I do, that the true test of your faith is the depth of your commitment to the most marginalized members of the human family. I believe he passed that test and has now graduated into immortality. Democracies around the world are stronger and children across the globe are alive today because of President Carters workwhat a legacy to leave. Well done, good and faithful servant, well done. Senator Raphael Warnock

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens recalled growing up in a Georgia led by then-Governor Andre Dickens, remembering saying the Pledge of Allegiance while facing a photo of the former president.

Today, Atlanta mourns Georgias only President. I was born into a state led by Governor Carter. When I learned the Pledge of Allegiance at Miles Elementary School, a photo of President Carter hung on the wall. And for the last four decades, I have watched Jimmy Carter and his beloved Rosalynn be the very definition of servant leaders, representing the best that our state and our nation have to offer. After returning home from the White House to Georgia, the Carters redefined the purpose of a post-presidency, never seeking riches and always being guided by their faith and values. They labored to end diseases that others ignored and advance democracy where others saw no hope. Sojourning from their modest home in Plains, they sought peace in war-torn regions and built houses with Habitat for Humanity. My heart goes out to the entire Carter family here in Atlanta, across Georgia and our nation. I am so proud that President Carters legacy will continue to endure here in Atlanta through The Carter Center. As we mourn this loss, let us also tell our children the story of the boy from Plains who would be President. From building affordable homes through Habitat for Humanity to protecting democracy across the globe by ensuring fair and free elections, President Carter has changed the world forever. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens

Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger acknowledged that the former president is now reunited with his first lady, Rosalynn Carter, who died last year.

President Carter dedicated his life to serving our great nation and the people of Georgia.



As a true servant-leader, he devoted his post-presidency to spreading the very best of American ideals across the globe. His commitment to peace, democracy, and human rights has left  GA Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger (@GaSecofState) December 29, 2024

Congressman Hank Johnson called former President Carters selfless service to mankind...unparalleled.

Congressman Hank Johnsons statement on the passing of Former President Jimmy Carter. pic.twitter.com/bBM0T4ikaU  Rep. Hank Johnson (@RepHankJohnson) December 29, 2024

Congresswoman Nikema Williams says she named her only son, Carter, after the former president. I strive everyday to make sure my Carter embodies his namesakes humility and commitment to service, she wrote.

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Throughout his extraordinary life, President Jimmy Carter was a force for peace, human rights, and a voice for marginalized communities. The once peanut farmer from Plains, Georgia became a Nobel Peace Prize recipient, reminding us that everyday people have the power to change the world. My husband, Leslie, and I named our only son, Carter, after this great President. I will always remember the time my two-year-old Carter met the former President. After finding a stuffed pig in President Carters box of toys, my Carter insisted the former leader of the free world play with him, oinking just like a pig. President Carter obliged with the same kindness he showed throughout his life. I strive everyday to make sure my Carter embodies his namesakes humility and commitment to service. My family sends our deepest condolences to the entire Carter family during this incredibly difficult time. Congresswoman Nikema Williams

Georgia Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones called the former president an exemplary statesman who was kind, wonderful, accepting and exactly what [he] portrayed every day.

Today, our state, nation and world lost a man who exemplified what it means to be a public servant and to put the needs of others before your own. Our 39th President represented small towns like Plains, Georgia and never forgot where he and his family came from. From his first day in office and until his last days on this Earth, he devoted his life to his late wife Rosalynn, their kids, grandchildren and the community they were born, raised and lived in their entire lives. President Carter was an exemplary statesman who was respected by many and served our nation with skill and experience. I had the honor of meeting him and his wife, and I will never forget that day. They were kind, wonderful, accepting and exactly what they portrayed every day, two people devoted to lifting up those in their community who needed help the most. President Carters legacy will live on in the numerous nonprofits, charities and organizations Rosalynn, his family and him started. Jan and I are keeping his loving family in our thoughts and prayers. Georgia Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones

Vice President-elect JD Vance commended Carter for his dedication.

Jimmy Carter dedicated his life to serving this country. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones. May he Rest in Peace. https://t.co/2tiQyb8N7K  JD Vance (@JDVance) December 29, 2024





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Opinion. Today, we remember the one hundred and thirty-three winters ago, on December 29, 1890, when innocent Lakota men, women, and children were massacred by the U.S. 7th Cavalry Regiment near Wounded Knee Creek on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Some estimates place the death toll close to 300, underscoring the horrific scale of this tragedy.

The massacre occurred under the pretense of disarming the Lakota, who had already suffered profound losses due to U.S. policies, broken treaties, and forced relocations. That December, the Great Plains were covered in heavy snowfall, adding to the grim and unforgiving conditions. The Lakota ancestors who were killed were left lying in the brutal, frigid environment of the reservation until a burial party arrived days later to place their frozen bodies in a mass grave.

Never miss Indian Countrys biggest stories and breaking news. Click here to sign up to get our reporting sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning.

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A haunting photograph of Chief Big Foots frozen and contorted body has since become a powerful symbol for American Indians, a stark reminder of the atrocities endured by their ancestors.

Some survivors of the massacre were taken to the Episcopal mission in Pine Ridge, where they received care. In time, they shared oral histories of the events that unfolded that day, passing down the stories of their trauma and resilience to future generations. These accounts form the foundation of our understanding of what happened, preserving the memory of those who suffered and died.

One poignant detail from that dark chapter in American history has remained etched in my mind since I first read these words from Dee Browns Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee: It was the fourth day after Christmas in the Year of our Lord 1890, when the first torn and bleeding bodies were carried into the candlelit church. Those who were conscious could see Christmas greenery hanging from the open rafters. Across the chancel front above the pulpit was strung a crudely lettered banner: Peace on Earth, Good Will to Men.

There was no peace on earth for the Lakota that day. Instead, there was unimaginable violence and suffering, compounded by the bitter irony of that banner hanging above the pulpit. It stands as a chilling reminder of the cruelty and Christian hypocrisy faced by Indigenous peoples during this era.

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Adding insult to injury, some 20 U.S. Cavalry soldiers were awarded Medals of Honor for their actions during the massacre. These commendations, meant to recognize acts of heroism, instead glorified the slaughter of innocent Lakota men, women, and children. This grotesque distortion of justice is an affront to the memory of those who perished and to humanity itself.

Today, there is a growing movement to rectify this historical wrong. The Remove the Stain Act, that lingers in Congress, aims to strip those soldiers of their Medals of Honor, a long-overdue step toward acknowledging the truth of what happened at Wounded Knee. Passing this legislation would be a meaningful act of justice, albeit symbolic, for the Lakota people and all American Indians.

The Wounded Knee Massacre is not only a historical tragedy but also a symbol for all American Indians of the injustices inflicted upon their ancestors. It marks the end of the American Indian Wars, yet it also signifies a moment when Indigenous peoples were largely erased from mainstream American history. After Wounded Knee, many history books fell silent about the continued struggles and resilience of Native peoples, as if they no longer existed.

But we do exist. Native Americans have endured and persevered for generations since Wounded Knee. Despite the systemic efforts to erase our culture, language, and identity, we have survived. It is our responsibility as descendants to honor our ancestors by remembering their sacrifices and by building a better future for ourselves and the generations to come. We are taught to prepare for the next seven generations, ensuring that their lives are enriched by the lessons of the past and the resilience of our people.

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As we work toward a brighter future, we must never forget the ancestors we lost 132 winters ago on December 29, 1890. Their memory fuels our determination to preserve our culture, advocate for justice, and ensure that the stories of our people are never forgotten. By remembering Wounded Knee, we honor their lives and reaffirm our commitment to a legacy of strength, survival, and hope.

Thayek gde nwendemen - We are all related.

About the Author: "Levi \"Calm Before the Storm\" Rickert (Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation) is the founder, publisher and editor of Native News Online. Rickert was awarded Best Column 2021 Native Media Award for the print\/online category by the Native American Journalists Association. He serves on the advisory board of the Multicultural Media Correspondents Association. He can be reached at levi@nativenewsonline.net."

Contact: levi@nativenewsonline.net
Amanda Zurawski, Josh Zurawski, Kaitlyn Joshua and Hadley Duvall speak at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Ill., on Aug. 19, 2024. (Andrew Roth for Michigan Advance)

Galvanized by a pivotal election almost two years after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned federal abortion protections, patients, doctors, and activists in 2024 fought for renewed and expanded reproductive rights, while others pushed for more restrictions. These are some of the people and organizations that impacted reproductive health law and abortion access this year.

Women with wanted pregnancies affected by abortion bans

In state legislatures, before Congress, in court, in presidential campaign ads, and on stage at the Democratic National Convention, women all over the country have been reliving some of the worst moments of their lives in an effort to roll back abortion restrictions that have changed reproductive health care in America.

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The year after Kentucky banned abortion, Hadley Duvall started talking publicly about how she was raped at 12 by her stepdad, who got her pregnant. She advocated for abortion rights in re-election campaign ads for Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear in 2023 and this year appeared in national campaign ads for Democrats.

Kaitlyn Joshua, of Baton Rouge, represented many Louisiana women at this years Democratic National Convention, telling whats becoming an increasingly common story of not being able to access miscarriage treatment after the state passed a strict abortion ban. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill subsequently challenged Joshuas story on social media.

Kaitlyn Joshua of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, addresses the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on Aug. 19, 2024, in Chicago. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Kristin Lyerly, an OB-GYN from Wisconsin, is one of many doctors across the country who have sued over state abortion bans they say have changed medical practice. Lyerly this year participated in a civic engagement experiment in Madison, where strangers came together and shared the life experiences that inform their abortion views. Even when abortion rights were protected under Roe v. Wade, Lyerly said she was almost forced to give birth to a stillborn, in lieu of a less invasive abortion procedure. She also ran a reproductive-rights-focused campaign as a Democrat in a conservative-leaning congressional district, a race she lost.

Allie Phillips ran as a Democrat for a seat in the Tennessee legislature after the states abortion ban kept her from terminating a nonviable pregnancy in her home state, leading her to travel to New York City for care. She lost the race but said in November that she plans to continue fighting for reproductive rights, and announced her new pregnancy. Phillips is a plaintiff in an ongoing lawsuit with other affected women and physicians to clarify the states medical health exceptions. A three-judge panel ruled in October that doctors cannot be penalized for performing an emergency abortion to save a patients life.

House District 75 Democratic candidate Allie Phillips stands in her home next to a calendar of Taylor Swift, her favorite artist. (John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout)

Amanda Zurawski developed sepsis in Texas after her water broke at 18 weeks and doctors waited for days to terminate her pregnancy, fearing prosecution under the states strict abortion ban. Shes since become an outspoken abortion-rights advocate. She campaigned heavily for abortion-rights candidates this year and said she wants to continue working in politics.

The Charlotte Lozier Institute

The high-profile federal lawsuit over medication abortion was made possible in part by the Charlotte Lozier Institute, the research arm of the anti-abortion political powerhouse Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America. Data from the institute featured prominently in the plaintiffs case for revoking the federal drug approval of mifepristone and was directly used as part of U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryks reasoning for granting the doctor-plaintiffs standing. The researchers found a significant jump in Medicaid-funded emergency room visits following a medication abortion over two decades, which also corresponds with an increase in access to medication abortion overtime.

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Public health experts told States Newsroom that the researchers inflated their findings, and appeared to conflate all emergency department visits with serious adverse events like sepsis. Their conclusions contradicted a large body of research showing a low rate of serious adverse events after taking mifepristone, prompting further scrutiny from curious scientists, as well as the academic publishing house that published it.

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In February, Sage retracted three studies produced by Charlotte Lozier researchers and published in the journal Health Services Research and Managerial Epidemiology between 2019 and 2022, after a reader-prompted investigation found flaws in the studies methodology and data representation. The team behind the studies included Charlotte Lozier vice president and director of data analytics James Studnicki and longtime anti-abortion researchers, including the then-CEO of one of the plaintiff groups in the medication abortion lawsuit. They sued Sage, saying the retractions were unjustified and politically motivated.

The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously rejected the abortion medication lawsuit this past summer  not on the merits of the case, but on the issue of the doctor-plaintiffs standing. Anti-abortion activists vowed to find a different plaintiff who could potentially persuade the court that abortion pills are too dangerous. After the Supreme Court remanded the case to the lower court, in October, intervening states Idaho, Kansas and Missouri amended their complaint, which no longer cites the retracted studies papers but instead cites a new paper from Studnicki and fellow Charlotte Lozier researchers, making similar claims.

The Alabama Supreme Court

From left to right: Cody Carnley of Crenshaw County, Alabama; Carrie McNair of Mobile; Veronica Wehby-Upchurch of Birmingham and Lindsey Shaw of Birmingham hold signs at a rally in support of legislation to protect in vitro fertilization on Feb. 28, 2024 in Montgomery, Alabama. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

A common fertility treatment, in vitro fertilization, was thrust into the national spotlight in February after the Alabama Supreme Court decided, 8-1, that frozen embryos should be considered children, in a wrongful death lawsuit over the embryos accidental destruction.

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A lower court had dismissed the claim, ruling that embryos do not meet the legal definition of children. But in the majority opinion siding with the couples who sued the Mobile fertility clinic, Justice Jay Mitchell cited a 2018 state constitutional amendment ensuring the protection of the rights of the unborn child. He also cited an 1872 law allowing for civil lawsuits for the wrongful death of children, and argued that it does not explicitly include an exception for frozen embryos. Mitchell reasoned that the law applies to all children, born and unborn, without limitation.

Chief Justice Tom Parker, an influential conservative Christian activist, cited biblical texts in his concurring opinion, writing, even before birth, all human beings bear the image of God, and their lives cannot be destroyed without effacing his glory.

Soon after, many IVF clinics in Alabama shut down until the state legislature passed a bill in March that extended criminal and civil immunity to IVF clinics for operations. This created major issues for families spending tens of thousands of dollars on a time-sensitive treatment. Alabamas ruling also created a fear among families struggling to conceive in other states with abortion bans and showed that the fertility treatment is broadly supported by voters from both political parties.

Republicans updated their national party platform to include support for IVF access. During his presidential campaign, President-elect Donald Trump promised: your government will pay or your insurance company will be mandated to pay for all costs associated with I.V.F. treatment  something he likely couldnt do without congressional action. Meanwhile, GOP members of Congress have largely opposed IVF protections and access bills.

Mark Lee Dickson and Jonathan Mitchell

Mark Lee Dickson holds a sign about the Comstock Act in front of the U.S. Supreme Court on March 26, 2024, while justices heard oral arguments in a since-rejected challenge to the abortion pill mifepristone. (Sofia Resnick/States Newsroom)

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This year, attorney Jonathan Mitchell and pastor Mark Lee Dickson together experimented with ways to prevent out-of-state abortions, using their home state of Texas as the primary testing ground. Mitchell, a former solicitor general of Texas, used a little known state rule to depose abortion funds, doctors, and women who left the state for an abortion. As the Texas Tribune reported, the actions created fear and confusion but have not resulted in charges. Mitchell previously filed a wrongful death lawsuit against women who allegedly helped their friend obtain medication to terminate a pregnancy, which has since been dropped.

Through their Sanctuary Cities for the Unborn project, Dickson and Mitchell helped pass approximately 80 ordinances in cities and counties, mostly in Texas, but also in strategically located cities in abortion-access states, like Illinois and New Mexico. Some of the ordinances say a doctor in a state where abortion is legal cannot perform an abortion on a resident who lives in a town that has passed one of these laws. Some of the ordinances ban the use of that towns highways to drive someone to an out-of-state abortion clinic. And some invoke a dormant federal anti-obscenity law known as the Comstock Act, which they say the federal government should enforce to mean that abortion pills cannot be transported through the mail.

Just like Texass 2021 six-week abortion ban that Mitchell and Dickson helped design, many of these ordinances are unenforceable by the governments that pass them, instead allowing for private citizens to sue other residents or medical professionals for aiding and abetting an abortion.

The activists experienced a major loss on Election Day with the majority of voters in conservative Amarillo, Texas, voting down a ballot measure blocking abortion-related travel on its highly trafficked roads. But just before the end of the year, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued a New York doctor for prescribing abortion drugs to a Texas resident, which Dickson told States Newsroom is a win for the anti-abortion movement. He said that in 2025 he plans to push for local anti-abortion ordinances in Arizona and Missouri, which reversed their abortion bans in November.

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Rescuers fear 179 people died when a plane veered off a South Korean airport runway and caught fire on Sunday, local media reported.

Two survivors, both of them crew members, were taken to hospital after the accident, the Yonhap news agency, citing officials, after the plane veered off the runway while landing and collided with a fence at Muan International Airport.

South Korean television aired a video showing the aircraft skidding across the runway without its landing gear down, smashing at the end of the runway and bursting into flames.

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Several eyewitnesses on the ground reported seeing fire coming from one of the turbines and heard several loud bangs, Yonhap said.

The pilots initially tried to land but aborted the attempt then tried a crash landing, the report said.

Pictures taken from a distance initially showed huge dark plumes of smoke above the scene. Later photos showed burning wreckage and charred debris from the aircraft.

"The aircraft has almost completely been destroyed, and it is difficult to identify the deceased," a fire official said, according to Yonhap. "We are in the process of recovering the remains, which will take time."

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The Jeju Air flight, with some 175 passengers and six crew members aboard, was returning from Bangkok.

Jeju Air chief executive Kim E-Bae said the airline extended its deepest condolences and apologies to those affected.

"Currently, the exact cause of the accident has yet to be determined, and we must wait for the official investigation by government agencies," Kim said in a statement.

"Regardless of the cause, I take full responsibility as the chief executive."

Authorities were investigating whether a landing gear failure, possibly due to bird strike, may have caused the accident, Yonhap reported.

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Acting President Choi Sang Mok visited the accident site and ordered agencies to use all available equipment, personnel and infrastructure to "save even one more life," Yonhap reported, citing his office.

"I believe no words of consolation will be enough for the families who have suffered such a tragedy," Choi said.

"The government will spare no effort in supporting the bereaved families."

Choi has been acting president since Friday, after lawmakers voted to impeach then-acting president Han Duck Soo, barely two weeks after Yoon Suk Yeol was removed from the presidency over his imposition of martial law.

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South Korea's Defence Ministry said about 180 personnel, firefighting vehicles and ambulances had been deployed to the airport.

Yonhap reported that two of the passengers were Thai nationals.

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed her condolences on social media platform X.

She had asked her country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs to investigate whether there were any Thai passengers on the plane and what the current situation was, according to the post.

All other flights to and from Muan have been cancelled.

Muan Airport, which opened in 2007 after 10 years of construction, is located in the south-western province of Jeolla - almost 300 kilometres from the capital Seoul.

Firefighters conduct rescue operations at Muan International Airport after a passenger plane carrying 181 people crashes. -/YNA/dpa
A year ago, we suggested New Years resolutions that local and state leaders might make. Just as people pledge to exercise more, spend less time scrolling on social media or to finally finish that project around the house, leaders can promise to change and do better.

With the calendar about to flip, its time to assess how well some of last years suggestions did. We also have a few new ideas for 2025.

Resolutions symbolize more than fleeting aspirations. They represent the belief that we can grow as individuals and as communities. They provide structure for our ambitions and inspire us to do better.

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Whatever your resolutions, we wish you success and a happy, prosperous, loving new year.

2024 resolutions

Local elected officials: Resolve to remember that were in this together and must work together, not as four cities and surrounding areas in competition.

Success: Localities worked together on economic development, planning for a new emergency services communication system and against state overreach in our community. Keep it up!

Richland School Board members: Resolve to leave behind the acrimony that led to recall elections.

Mixed. The board was less acrimonious, and hot-button social issues were not as prevalent. There were other problems, though, as the board rushed into a bond measure while dealing with a budget crunch and a lack of transparency. The bond failed.

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Gov. Jay Inslee: Resolve not to rush blindly into a green energy future.

Failed: When the State Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council proposed a compromise on the scope of the Horse Heaven Hills wind farm, Inslee all but vetoed it and demanded maximum windmills no matter the cost to local ecological, cultural and social resources.

State Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council: Resolve to listen to locals who know that Horse Heaven Hills ridgeline is a terrible location for a wind farm and can help you find a better one.

Mixed: EFSEC came up with a compromise, but when the governor didnt like it, the council capitulated.

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State lawmakers: Resolve to embrace transparency by abandoning the ridiculous claim of legislative privilege.

Failed: Lawmakers cling to secrecy and keep the public in the dark.

Candidates: Resolve to run campaigns focused on issues that matter to voters, not personal attacks and the controversy du jour.

Mixed: In some races, the candidates gave voters a clear choice between differing policy prescriptions for the future. In too many others, they bickered and cast aspersions on each other.

Local tribes and the U.S. Energy and Interior departments: Resolve to find a compromise that will share the majestic local landmark that is Rattlesnake Mountain and honor its cultural importance.

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Failed: Access remains mostly closed.

2025 resolutions

Besides renewing all of the failed and mixed results above, we suggest the following resolutions for the new year.

Gov. Bob Ferguson: Resolve to undo your predecessors overreach on the Horse Heaven Hills wind farm and return to compromise on the project.

State lawmakers and the Washington State Bar Association: Resolve to end the states public defender crisis without bankrupting local judicial budgets.

Local political parties: Resolve to identify and cultivate potential candidates for local office who have the potential to govern successfully not just spout the days party line.

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Pasco and Franklin County: Resolve to implement a joint strategic and funding plan that will turn the HAPO Center around.

Washington Department of Transportation: Resolve not to paint any bridges around here for a while.

Port of Pasco: Resolve to build more covered walkways between planes and the terminal. Things are going great at the airport by all accounts, so spend a little money protecting travelers from the regions temperamental weather.

Donors and volunteers: Resolve to support local nonprofits that have a direct impact in the community. There are so many that make a difference, like Friends of Badger Mountain, which is helping maintain and develop a trail system on what has become a jewel of Tri-City recreation.
CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / SEPT. 2 A crushed car remains at 85-1373 Waianae Valley Road where a front loader, operated by a neighbor, razed into vehicles and people on the night of Aug. 31. The neighbor went on to shoot five people, killing three, before being shot and killed by a resident at the home.

1 /6 CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / SEPT. 2 A crushed car remains at 85-1373 Waianae Valley Road where a front loader, operated by a neighbor, razed into vehicles and people on the night of Aug. 31. The neighbor went on to shoot five people, killing three, before being shot and killed by a resident at the home.

CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / OCT. 17 Newly appointed University of Hawaii President Wendy Hensel speaks at a news conference as UH Board of Regents members watch at Bachman Hall on the UH-Manoa campus.

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2 /6 CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / OCT. 17 Newly appointed University of Hawaii President Wendy Hensel speaks at a news conference as UH Board of Regents members watch at Bachman Hall on the UH-Manoa campus.

CRAIG T. KOJIMA / SEPT. 23 Unionized nurses protest outside Kapiolani Medical Center in Honolulu after management locked them out after a one-day strike.

3 /6 CRAIG T. KOJIMA / SEPT. 23 Unionized nurses protest outside Kapiolani Medical Center in Honolulu after management locked them out after a one-day strike.

JAMM AQUINO / JAN. 1 An ambulance leaves the scene at the intersection of University Avenue and Dole Street on New Years Day 2024 in Honolulu. Two Honolulu police officers were shot today by 44-year-old Sydney Tafokitau, who was wanted for three separate shootings since Dec. 16. Tafokitau was shot and killed by HPD officers as he tried to flee arrest on University Avenue after leading police on an island-wide car chase.

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4 /6 JAMM AQUINO / JAN. 1 An ambulance leaves the scene at the intersection of University Avenue and Dole Street on New Years Day 2024 in Honolulu. Two Honolulu police officers were shot today by 44-year-old Sydney Tafokitau, who was wanted for three separate shootings since Dec. 16. Tafokitau was shot and killed by HPD officers as he tried to flee arrest on University Avenue after leading police on an island-wide car chase.

CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / MARCH 13 A make-shift memorial has grown in front of the Manoa home at Waaloa Place where a family of five died in a murder-suicide in March.

5 /6 CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / MARCH 13 A make-shift memorial has grown in front of the Manoa home at Waaloa Place where a family of five died in a murder-suicide in March.

CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / AUG. 8 Members of Male I Ka Ulu drape a 600 foot lei upon the Lahaina memorial crosses on the Aug. 8 anniversary of the Maui wildfires. Pictured is Charlene Mercer.

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6 /6 CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / AUG. 8 Members of Male I Ka Ulu drape a 600 foot lei upon the Lahaina memorial crosses on the Aug. 8 anniversary of the Maui wildfires. Pictured is Charlene Mercer.

CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / SEPT. 2 A crushed car remains at 85-1373 Waianae Valley Road where a front loader, operated by a neighbor, razed into vehicles and people on the night of Aug. 31. The neighbor went on to shoot five people, killing three, before being shot and killed by a resident at the home.

CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / OCT. 17 Newly appointed University of Hawaii President Wendy Hensel speaks at a news conference as UH Board of Regents members watch at Bachman Hall on the UH-Manoa campus.

CRAIG T. KOJIMA / SEPT. 23 Unionized nurses protest outside Kapiolani Medical Center in Honolulu after management locked them out after a one-day strike.

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JAMM AQUINO / JAN. 1 An ambulance leaves the scene at the intersection of University Avenue and Dole Street on New Years Day 2024 in Honolulu. Two Honolulu police officers were shot today by 44-year-old Sydney Tafokitau, who was wanted for three separate shootings since Dec. 16. Tafokitau was shot and killed by HPD officers as he tried to flee arrest on University Avenue after leading police on an island-wide car chase.

CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / MARCH 13 A make-shift memorial has grown in front of the Manoa home at Waaloa Place where a family of five died in a murder-suicide in March.

CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / AUG. 8 Members of Male I Ka Ulu drape a 600 foot lei upon the Lahaina memorial crosses on the Aug. 8 anniversary of the Maui wildfires. Pictured is Charlene Mercer.

The headlines from New Years Day 2024 brought news of a violent shootout on Oahu after an islandwide car chase, kicking off what seemed to be a particularly tumultuous year in Hawaii marred by tragic incidences of gun violence, including the shooting deaths of four feuding neighbors in Waianae.

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But 2024 also will be remembered for the $1.9 billion merger of Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines, announcement of a $4 billion settlement for victims of the Maui wildfires, the selection of Wendy Hensel to replace retiring University of Hawaii President David Lassner, and labor unrest that led to hospital nurses and hotel workers walking picket lines.

New Years Day police shooting Two Honolulu Police Department officers were wounded in an exchange of gunfire on New Years Day with 44-year-old Sydney Tafokitau, who while free on bail was wanted for three separate shootings over a period of about two weeks leading up to the shootout.

Tafokitau, who had told a relative he would never go back to prison, led more than 20 HPD officers on a daylong chase across Oahu that ended on University Avenue near UH-Manoa. Tafokitau was under the influence of alcohol and cocaine when he opened fire and wounded the two officers and was shot 23 times by police in return.

Prosecuting Attorney Steve Alm announced Dec. 4 that HPD officers were justified in killing Tafokitau and that no police personnel would be charged.

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Dana Ireland murder suspect revealed Using DNA evidence, Hawaii County police in July identified a previously unknown suspect in the notorious 1991 Christmas holiday rape and murder of 23-year-old Dana Ireland as Albert Lauro Jr., 57, who lived in the Kapoho area where the attack occurred.

Lauro had never been a prior suspect over the three decades since Ireland, a visitor from Virginia, was run over while riding a bicycle on Christmas Eve, sexually assaulted and left for dead. She died at Hilo Medical Center on Christmas Day.

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In July, Hawaii County police called Lauro in for questioning and asked him to take a court-ordered, second DNA swab. He was then released and four days later, on July 23, killed himself at home.

Attorneys for brothers Albert Ian Schweitzer and Shawn Schweitzer, who years earlier were convicted and sentenced to prison in connection with Irelands slaying, last year filed a declaration of innocence after being exonerated in 2023 with the help of the Hawaii Innocence Project.

One year after the Maui wildfires Commemorations were held Aug. 8 to mark one year since the deadly and devastating 2023 Maui wildfires.

The solemn day began in Lahainawhere 3, 900 structures were destroyed or left uninhabitablewith state, county and federal officials joining the public in remembering the 102 people who died, while recalling the harrowing stories of survivors and vowing to rebuild in the days ahead.

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Just days earlier, the state announced that a $4 billion global settlement had been reached over liability for the wildfires in hundreds of lawsuits filed against Hawaiian Electric, Maui County, the state, large landowners and other defendants. Gov. Josh Green called it an historic settlement to resolve all tort claims arising from the Maui wildfires.

Under the proposed settlement, which remains subject to court approval, the defendants will pay $4.04 billion for all claims, which included approximately 2, 200 parties. The governor said the state would contribute to the settlement in addition to its $65 million contribution to the One Ohana Fund. The states contribution to the settlement must be approved by the Legislature.

The settlement would resolve the approximately 450 lawsuits filed by individuals, businesses and insurance companies in state and federal courts for fires in Lahaina and Upcountry Maui, but almost immediately attorneys for more than 160 insurance companies objected, claiming that a Maui judges decision barring them from suing any party thought to be responsible had no precedent around the country.

Miske trial and prison death A federal jury in July convicted Honolulu businessman Michael J. Miske Jr. of a slew of charges alleging he was the leader of a major organized crime ring engaged in murder and racketeering. The trial spanned 98 days of testimony and evidence, and deliberations that lasted four days.

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Federal prosecutors maintained that he orchestrated the 2016 killing of Johnathan Fraser, best friend to Miskes only son, Caleb. Miske blamed Fraser for the traffic accident that killed his son, prosecutors said.

Miske, 50, was scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 30 and faced mandatory life sentences on two charges, but he was found dead Dec. 1 while being held at the Honolulu Federal Detention Center. The Honolulu Medical Examiner announced on Christmas Eve that Miske died of a fentanyl overdose, but the circumstances of his death remain under investigation.

Murder-suicide in Manoa Paris Oda, 46, originally from Kauai, fatally stabbed his wife and three children March 10 at their Waaloa Place home before killing himself. Oda was reportedly laden with debt.

Murdered were his wife, Naoko, who was originally from Japan ; Sakurako Sakura  Oda, a 17-year-old senior at Iolani School ; Orion, a 12-year-old sixth-grader at the School for Examining Essential Questions of Sustainability public charter school in Nuuanu ; and 10-year-old Nana, who attended Manoa Elementary School.

Waianae feud turns deadly The night of Aug. 31, Hiram James Silva Sr. shot five of his Waianae Valley Road neighbors, killing three women at a family gathering.

In a violent rampage, Silva, armed with an unregistered and unlicensed AK-47 assault rifle and a handgun, also rammed cars into his neighbors home with a front-end loader packed with barrels of fuel. He was shot and killed by Rishard Kanaka Keamo-Carnate, who lived at the home with relatives who were hosting an annual family mahjong tournament.

The families of Keamo-Carnate, 42, and Silva, 59, had been next-door neighbors for more than 20 years but were locked in a simmering dispute over Silva allowing large, unpermitted events that included noisy concerts in a Quonset hut on his property. The events had drawn crowds and complaints over noise, parking, vehicles speeding along Waianae Valley Road and alleged violations of COVID-era restrictions that were in place in 2021.

On Aug. 31, another event was underway, and the Keamo-Carnate family had finished dinner and an awards ceremony when Silva went on his rampage. Investigators found 20 bullet casings from his weapons.

Keamo-Carnate was initially arrested on suspicion of second-degree murder, but prosecutors declined to file charges against him due to issues related to self-defense and defense of others.

Red Hill cleanup completed Two years after the Pentagon agreed it would remove fuel from its underground Red Hill fuel storage facility and shut it down, the military task force charged with removing the stored fuel officially concluded its mission in March. In a ceremony aboard the USS Missouri, Joint Task Force Red Hill handed over authority to the newly formed Navy task force that will ultimately close the facility.

The removal of fuel from the militarys bulk storage facility was prompted after 19, 000 gallons of jet fuel leaked in November 2021, contaminating the Navys Oahu water system, which serves 93, 000 people, including military families, many of whom complained of health problems including rashes, headaches, diarrhea and vomiting.

Even as the tanks were defueled, tensions erupted last year between the military and the Red Hill Community Representation Initiative, the community board made up of a mixture of local residents, activists and people directly affected by the Red Hill water crisis. Meetings were often deeply contentious with CRI members frequently accusing military leaders of dodging questions, while federal officials complained of CRI members being disrespectful and going off-topic during meetings.

In November, a mediator appointed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was put in charge of setting meeting agendas, but the relationship between military officials and the community board remains testy. Earlier this month, the EPA said military officials violated a federal consent decree when they chose not to attend a Dec. 12 public meeting with the CRI. The agency said it was disappointed  by their decision and assessed a $5, 000 fine.

Long lines at election polls The biggest news to come out of the Nov. 5 general election in Hawaii were the long lines of votersmany waiting as long as three hourswho turned out to cast their ballots in person instead of taking advantage of the states mail-in voting system.

With many voters still in line at city halls in Honolulu and Kapolei after the scheduled 7 p.m. closing of polls, the official release of election results was delayed past midnight, the longest delay in Hawaii voting history, Turnout of 522, 236 voterswhether by mail or in personaccounted for roughly 61 % of Hawaiis 860, 868 registered voters. Mail-in turnout was 483, 078, with only 39, 158 ballots cast in person, according to the state elections office.

Much of the results were determined three months earlier, when all of the contested Honolulu racesnamely, elections for mayor and City Councilwere decided during the Aug. 10 primary election.

In the primarys largest upset, state House Speaker Scott Saiki was unseated by former state Board of Education member Kim Coco Iwamoto in her third attempt to represent parts of downtown, Ala Moana and Kakaako. She faced no general election opponent, clearing the way for her to take office in January.

Saiki had been House speaker since 2018 and a member of the House for 30 years. Kauai Rep. Nadine Nakamura was subsequently picked by her peers to lead the 51-member House and is the first woman to hold the speaker position.

While Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi cruised to a landslide victory in the primary, Hawaii County voters elected a new mayor when Kimo Alameda, former CEO of Bay Clinic, was victorious over incumbent Mitch Roth in the general election.

Labor unrest hits hotels, hospitals Unite Here Local 5 workers ratified the Hyatt Waikiki contract Dec. 9, the last contract to settle of eight hotels where union workers authorized strikes this year. The newly ratified hospitality contracts cover some 5, 456 workers across nine hotels, setting historic wage standards of $10-per-hour raises across-the-board over four years for nontipped workers, $6.50 in raises for tipped workers and $8.50 for uniformed-service workers.

Additional contract talks are coming up for about 2, 842 Local 5 members working at 11 hotels across the state whose contracts have recently expired or will soon expire.

Hawaii Nurses Association union members at Kapi olani Medical Center for Women & Children ratified a new three-year contract Oct. 2 after two strikes, a lockout by management and two rounds of negotiating efforts with federal mediators.

The new agreement includes across-the-board raises that average out to 3.5 % annually over nearly four years, flexible staffing levels and creation of a staffing council to address staffing issues.

HNA also represents nurses at Wilcox Medical Center on Kauai and at The Queens Health System on Oahu, where nurses are pushing for safer staff ratios in their new contracts. Nurses at Queens have until Tuesday to vote on a strike authorization.

Safe staffing ratios also were a key concern when hundreds of unionized health care workers at Maui Memorial Medical Center walked off the job Nov. 4 on the first day of a planned, three-day strike after United Nurses and Health Care Employees of Hawaii said talks with their employer broke down.

UH regents go far afield to find new leader In October, the University of Hawaii Board of Regents unanimously selected Wendy Hensel, executive vice chancellor and university provost for The City University of New York, to take over the 10-campus system in January.

Hensel, 54, who will earn an annual salary of $675, 000, follows President David Lassner, who is retiring at the end of the year. After her selection was announced, she pledged to take over UH with a heart open wide.

Despite concerns expressed by some regents of the lack of a finalist with deeper Hawaii roots, former Gov. Neil Abercrombie, who serves as a regent, said that ultimately, This is a big day for everybody.

Merger brings changes for airlines Alaska Airlines completed its $1.9 billion acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines in September, the first major airline deal since 2016, when Alaska bought Virgin America.

Hawaiian Airlines President and CEO Peter Ingram immediately stepped down from his post, and Joe Sprague, who served as Alaska Airlines regional president of Hawaii /Pacific, was named the new CEO of Hawaiian.

Sprague is leading the team overseeing Hawaiians operations while Alaska pursues a single operating certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration, which if granted will allow the airlines to function as a single operation with two public-facing brands, Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines.

The deal came after a protracted period of losses for Hawaiian, whose history dates back to 1929.

Air crashes on two islands kill five A Robinson R44 Raven II helicopter operated by Ali i Kauai Air Tours crashed off Kauais Na Pali coast July 11, killing all three aboard. The helicopter went down in waters about a quarter-mile offshore from Hanakoa Valley.

The victims were pilot Guy Croyden, 69, and Kentucky couple James Jimmy  Quintua, 60, who was born and raised in Kaunakakai, Molokai, and Amy Nichole  Ruark Quintua, 53.

A Dec. 17 air crash near Daniel K. Inouye International Airport claimed the lives of the two Kamaka Air pilots. Hiram deFries, 22, of Papakolea, and Preston Kaluhiwa, 26, of Kaneohe, died when a single-engine Cessna 208 slammed into a vacant building just after taking off. DeFries was a 2020 Punahou School graduate. Kaluhiwa graduated from Kamehameha Schools in 2016 and was certified as a flight instructor.

Honolulus Skyline gets federal boost The city in February received its first federal payment for its Skyline rail project since 2017, worth $125 million.

The U.S. Department of Transportation resumed federal funding after Blangiardi and Lori Kahikina, CEO and executive director of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation, worked to regain the trust of the Federal Transit Administration and got the system open for riders in 2023, a milestone that triggered Februarys payment.

The year ended when U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz announced that the DOT will release another $250 million to HART. The two payments mean HART is still due $369 million in federal funds that will be paid as it reaches future milestones.

But harsh questioning and skepticism this year directed at Kahikina and the HART staff in public meetings by HART Board Chair Colleen Hanabusa threatened to set back the Skyline project when Hanabusa made it clear she did not want Kahikina to continue leading HART after her contract ended at the end of the year.

The issue appeared resolved when the board gave Kahikina a 22 % raise to oversee completion of the $9.8 billion project. Her new three-year contract means she will be paid $336, 000 annually, up from $275, 000.
Michigan will welcome the new year with the Quadrantid meteor shower, set to peak in early January.

The shower is the first of the new year that will be visible in Michigan's night sky and should be easy to watch without a full moon in the sky.

Here's what to know about the Quadrantid shower:

When can you see the Quadrantid meteor shower?

The Quadrantids are currently active, with streaks in the sky visible from Dec. 26 through Jan. 16, 2025, according to the American Meteor Society. The meteor shower is set to reach peak activity in early January, lasting a few hours overnight between Jan. 2-3, 2025.

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More: When are the full moons of 2025 in Michigan? Here's what to know

The best places to watch in Michigan are dark sky parks

Michigan is home to six dark sky state parks, three international dark sky parks and an international dark sky sanctuary.

Visit Lake Hudson Recreation Area in Lenawee County, Negwegon State Park in Alcona County, Port Crescent State Park in Huron County, Rockport Recreation Area and Thompson's Harbor State Park in Presque Isle County, and Wilderness State Park in Emmet County.

Headlands Dark Sky Park in Emmet County, Keweenaw Dark Sky Park in Keweenaw County and Dr. T.K. Lawless Park in Cass County are international spots. And, finally, the Beaver Island State Wildlife Research Area is an international sanctuary.

How to watch the Quadrantids in Michigan

The Quadrantids are best viewed at night and predawn, according to NASA. Clear skies are essential for best viewing, so keep an eye on the forecast as the meteor shower's peak grows near.

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The Quadrantids are named after the constellation Quadrans Muralis because the meteors seem to emerge  or radiate from  the same area in the sky as the constellation, NASA said. However, NASA advises stargazers to also look elsewhere to get the best views. The Quadrantids should be visible across the night sky.

What should I do to ensure I see the meteors?

Here are some general viewing tips from the space agency:

Find an area well away from street lights and the light pollution of cities.

Come prepared for winter temperatures with a sleeping bag, blanket or lawn chair.

Lie flat on your back with your feet facing the northeast and look up, taking in as much of the sky as possible.

It should take less than 30 minutes for your eyes to adapt so that you can see streaking meteors. But be patient, NASA warns: the show will last until dawn.

What causes the Quadrantid meteor shower?

Meteor showers occur when Earth passes through dusty debris trails left by space objects orbiting the sun. While most meteor showers originate with comets, the Quadrantids comes from an asteroid.

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The debris  small rocks known as meteoroids  collides with Earth's atmosphere at high speed and disintegrates, creating fiery and colorful streaks in the sky, according to NASA.

Those resulting fireballs, better known as "shooting stars," are meteors. If meteoroids survive their trip to Earth without burning up in the atmosphere, they are called meteorites, per NASA.

The pieces of space debris that interact with our atmosphere to create the Leonids originate from Asteroid 3200 Phaethon. The small asteroid is named for the Greek mythology character who drove the Sun god Helios' chariot because of the asteroid's close approach to the Sun, according to NASA.

More: Michigan is home to popular winter activities. Here's where to find them

When will the next meteor shower be?

If you can't glimpse the Quadrantids, don't worry. There will be another chance to catch meteors in the spring.

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Look for the Lyrid meteor shower in late April. The Lyrids are set to peak April 21-22, 2025, according to the American Meteor Society.

Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Quadrantid meteor shower lights up sky in January over Michigan
A Jeju Airline jet crash-landed at Muan International Airport in South Korea at 9 a.m. local time on Sunday (7 p.m. Saturday ET).

Flight 2216, carrying 175 passengers and six crew members, careened off the runway, rolled over, hit a wall and burst into flames at the airport in southwest South Korea. The flight had originated in Bangkok, Thailand.

BREAKING: Video shows crash of Jeju Air Flight 2216 in South Korea. 181 people on board pic.twitter.com/9rQUC0Yxt8  BNO News (@BNONews) December 29, 2024

Officials initially suspected the disaster was caused by a failure of the planes landing gear.

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South Koreas National Fire Authority said that all but two of the 181 people on board are presumed to have perished. The two survivorsa man and a woman said to be flight crewwere pulled from the wreckage and rushed to hospital.

Firefighters used water cannons to douse the raging flames.

Flaming wreckage of Jeju Air jet / Handout / Getty Images

According to CNN, the airline leadership said in a statement on its website, Jeju Air will make every effort for this accident. We apologize for causing concerns. Jeju Air is Koreas most popular low budget airline, flying to dozens of destinations around Asia.

The crash comes amid weeks of acute political chaos in South Korea. On Friday, acting President Han Duck-soo was impeached. The latest acting president, Choi Sang-mok, was reportedly on his way to visit the crash site.

South Korean soldiers search for missing passengers near wreckage of the crashed Jeju Air Boeing 737-800. / JUNG YEON-JE / AFP via Getty Images

We have a grave situation where a great loss of life occurred after a plane went off the runway in Muan airport this morning, Choi said, according to presidential office statement.

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I express my deepest condolences to the many victims in the incident. I will do all I can for the injured to quickly recover. I give my condolences to the victims and give my sincere regards to the bereaved families.

This is a developing story.
Three men dressed in "police-style" uniforms and apparently posing as law enforcement robbed a Koreatown apartment early Saturday morning, according to the LAPD.

The men, joined by a fourth accomplice, took an unspecified amount of cash and jewelry from a residence on the 3100 block of Wilshire Boulevard and committed an assault around 2:40 a.m., police said.

LAPD Officer Drake Madison said three of the thieves wore black ski masks and "all-black police-style uniforms" and the fourth wore a gray hooded sweatshirt. At least one carried a black semiautomatic handgun, Madison said.

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The thieves fled the scene after the assault and robbery.

When police and paramedics arrived, the assault victim declined an offer to take an ambulance to the hospital, Madison said.

The incident is not the first in recent months in which criminals have worn clothing similar to that of law enforcement officials during crimes. In June, police said two men pretended to be U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, including using fake badges, to gain access to homes in Anaheim before robbing Latino residents.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO)  Police arrested Adam Hoffman, 24, for allegedly hitting a woman with her own purse and stealing it.

On Dec 9, around 6 p.m., officers were called to the 300 block of Dawn Avenue for a domestic battery complaint. The suspect started to argue with the victim after he arrived to return her purse, according to court records.

The victim told police the argument escalated and Hoffman hit her in the head with the purse, threw her glasses on the ground and fled the scene with her purse.

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He then returned to give her phone back, but still left with the purse, according to court documents.

Hoffman was previously convicted of domestic battery in May this year.

Hoffman is charged with domestic battery and theft.

If you are a survivor of domestic or sexual violence, visit our Stateline Strong page for resources.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports.
Romanian intelligence chiefs should be fired for creating an ambiguous report used by judges to annul the countrys general election results, a leading candidate has said.

Speaking exclusively to The Telegraph, Elena Lasconi took aim at intelligence agencies, police, prosecutors, and even the internal revenue service for their roles in a shambolic election process which ended in its cancellation.

The first-round result last month caused a political earthquake in the former communist country.

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Polls had suggested that the incumbent centre-Left party led by Marcel Ciolacu, the prime minister, would easily win. However, Calin Georgescu, a pro-Russian critic of Nato, took 23 per cent of the vote share and surged into the lead.

Ms Lasconi, from the pro-European Save Romania Union (USR) party came second with 19 per cent, securing a place in the run-off.

The shock result sparked an investigation by intelligence agencies who allege that Romania was the target of aggressive hybrid Russian attacks, including on social media.

Mr Georgescu, who believes the moon landing was faked and that Covid-19 was not real, campaigned heavily on TikTok. His videos were viewed millions of times and his messages were amplified by tens of thousands of users  some of whom said they were paid.

Calin Georgescu came first after the initial round of presidential elections - VADIM GHIRDA/AP

Intelligence agencies claimed that Mr Georgescus surge in popularity was due to a highly organised and guerrilla messaging strategy co-ordinated by a state actor. They also questioned whether Georgescu had benefited from undeclared financing  which would be illegal. Mr Georgescu has denied any wrongdoing.

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The report released by Romanias Supreme Council of National Defense (CSAT), referenced Russia as a source of aggressive hybrid actions, including cyberattacks and disinformation. However, it stopped short of providing detailed evidence linking Russian interference to the election results.

Now, critics say that the evidence is thin and does not warrant the result being cancelled.

And Mr Georgescu has now found an unlikely ally in his opponent, Ms Lasconi.

Ms Lasconi says people demand answers over the election cancellation - ROBERT GHEMENT/SHUTTERSTOCK

The courts decision was illegal, immoral, and crushes the very essence of our democracy, she said.

Intelligence agencies, police, prosecutors, and even the internal revenue service  all of them failed to intervene when they needed to. Some people should pay the price for letting this happen under their watch, she told The Telegraph.

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I havent yet seen one person in charge within the intelligence community being fired or quitting their job.

People demand answers, and more than a week later these details are not convincing, Ms Lasconi added, calling the evidence ambiguous.

Posts that were amplified showed Mr Georgescu on the running track, throwing opponents in judo and riding a white horse in a traditional Romanian shirt.

Calin Georgescu in national shirt on a white horse, imitating former far-Right politician Corneliu Zelea Codreanu - YouTube

Romanian lawyer Adrian Calin echoed public frustration with the votes annulment: It is obvious that more is needed, he said. The exposure we have seen so far is not enough to justify such intrusive decisions as cancelling the popular vote.

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TikTok, which is headquartered in China, denies deliberately amplifying Georgescus account and being opaque about who is funding his campaign, but the European Commission has launched formal proceedings against the company because of serious indications of foreign interference and for breaching the Digital Services Act (DSA).

Apparent failures by Romanian intelligence agencies to act before the election have also been highlighted. The declassified files show that Romanian Tiktok influencers were contacted by FA Agency, a South African company offering 1,000 for videos promoting Georgescu. In total, some $381,000 had reportedly been funnelled to influencers on Tiktok via a Romanian cryptocurrency millionaire, on the basis that they made content supporting Mr Georgescu.

Clips of Mr Georgescu doing Judo were posted to TikTok as part of his campaign

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Another dark dynamic emerged in the days after the vote cancellation. Horatiu Potra, a Wagner-style mercenary leader, was arrested while en route to Bucharest along with a gang of 20 heavily-armed men.

Potra spent the eve of the cancelled vote with Mr Georgescu and was feared to be heading to the capital with plans to incite unrest. Despite photographic evidence showing the men together, Mr Georgescu initially denied knowing Potra  who was in the French Foreign Legion and then worked as a military contractor in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

We now have a very polarised society, something that I have never experienced, not even during the turbulent 90s, Ms Lasconi told The Telegraph, describing the growing tensions in Romania.

George Simion, the leader of Romanias Right-wing AUR party, which gained nearly 14 per cent of the vote in the first round, has called for the resignation of current President Klaus Iohannis and the judges of the Constitutional Court, accusing them of orchestrating a coup detat by cancelling the vote. Mr Iohannis has said he will remain in the position until a new president is elected next year.

A Romanian activist holds up a placard depicting Romanian far-right independent candidate Calin Georgescu (L) and Russian President Vladimir Putin - ROBERT GHEMENT/SHUTTERSTOCK

Romanias situation has drawn comparisons to Moldova and Georgia, both of which faced Russian election interference this year. The scheme Georgescu used to promote himself on TikTok is reminiscent of Russian ways. All these things should have had answers well before the Constitutional Court intervened and annulled the elections, Lasconi told the Telegraph, highlighting Romanias position in the geopolitical buffer zone which covers the three countries.

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We, the Moldovans, and the Georgians live inside this buffer that Russia feels compelled to control every now and then. Therefore, we constantly need to do things to avoid being sucked into the vortex of Russian influence, she said. If anyone thinks the Russians are giving up, think again.

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BUCHAREST (Reuters) -Romania's new coalition government will make a series of tax hikes and caps on public sector wages and pensions via emergency decree on Monday, in a move to lower the EU's largest budget deficit as a percentage of gross domestic product.

The prospect of presidential and parliamentary elections in central Europe's second-largest economy in November and December had triggered a spending surge that is expected to push Romania's 2024 budget deficit to 8.6% of GDP.

Yet Romania is obliged to cut its deficit to below the EU's ceiling of 3% of GDP within seven years and the government's emergency decree reflects its need for fiscal measures to come into effect before January.

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It had submitted a deficit-cutting strategy to Brussels in late October but had not specified what tax and spending measures it planned to take.

A draft emergency decree published by the finance ministry on Sunday showed the government will raise the tax on company dividends to 10% from 8% from January 2025. It will also lower a tax threshold for the smallest companies - those with no more than three staff and revenue of less than 500,000 euros ($521,350) per year - in stages in 2025 and 2026.

In addition it will eliminate tax exemptions and fiscal incentives for IT, construction, agriculture and the food industry. It will also reintroduce a tax of 1.5% on the value of all buildings owned by companies, from oil wells to warehouses to electricity poles.

The decree will also cap public sector wages and pensions as well as a series of subsidies. Political parties will have their state subsidy cut by a quarter compared with 2024.

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The government will also set up an efficiency department tasked to cut public-sector costs by at least 1.0% of economic output in 2025.

Romania aims to lower its deficit in increments over seven years, from 7.0% in 2025 to 2.5% in 2031.

Three consecutive ballots to elect a new president and parliament in Romania, which shares the longest land border with Ukraine, descended into chaos when a little-known far-right pro-Russian politician won the first presidential round on Nov. 24. Amid suspicions of Russian interference, the top court annulled the election.

Ratings agencies have already been reacting to the country's financial and political situation and Fitch for example changed Romania's credit outlook to negative earlier this month. Fitch and its peers Moody's and S&P Global Ratings all have Romania on their lowest investment-grade ratings.

($1 = 0.9590 euros)

(Reporting by Luiza Ilie; Editing by David Holmes)
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  A stolen vehicle was found crashed into another vehicle in a Walgreens parking lot Saturday night, according to the Rochester Police Department.

Officers were called to the Bay Street Walgreens just after 8:30 p.m. Police said it was discovered that four people were inside the vehicle when it crashed. They all fled before officers arrived, police announced. Officers said they also found that the vehicle the suspects were in was reported stolen.

Driver hospitalized after crashing into tree on I-490

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No suspect description was provided, no injuries were reported, and no arrests have been made.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst.
A man has been killed in Kherson Oblast when a Russian drone attacked a civilian vehicle. Three people were injured by a Russian kamikaze drone strike, with one in a critical condition in the Nikopol district of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.

Source: Kherson Oblast Prosecutors Office; Serhii Lysak, Head of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram

Quote from Kherson Oblast Prosecutors Office: "Investigation indicates that on 29 December, at around 12:00, Russian forces attacked a civilian car with a drone in the village of Tiahynka, Beryslav district, Kherson Oblast.

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A man was killed as a result of the explosion."

Quote from Serhii Lysak: "Three people were injured due to an enemy kamikaze drone strike in the Marhanets hromada, Nikopol district of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories  ed.]

A man, 77, was taken to hospital in a critical condition with a severe head injury. Doctors are fighting for his life. A woman, 38, with a blast injury has also been taken to hospital. A man, 65, received medical assistance and will remain under outpatient care.

A petrol station and two cars were damaged."

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Russia has escalated its aerial assault on Ukraine, launching more than 280 KAB guided bombs, nearly 370 attack drones, and over 80 missiles in the past week, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Dec. 29.

"Our cities and communities are under constant Russian attacks. Even on Christmas night, Russia organized a massive air attack," Zelensky wrote on Telegram, sharing footage of the destruction across Ukraine.

On Dec. 25, Russia conducted a large-scale attack, firing 78 missiles and 106 drones against multiple cities. Kharkiv came under "massive fire" from ballistic missiles, resulting in one death and six injuries.

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During the same attack, a Russian missile entered Moldovan airspace, Moldovan President Maia Sandu confirmed.

Unverified reports claimed another missile entered Romanian airspace, though Romania's Defense Ministry denied any violation. Poland scrambled fighter jets in response to the missile threat in western Ukraine, according to the Polish Operational Command.

"I am grateful to the defenders who save our people from daily attacks and to the partners who understand the importance of timely air defense to protect lives and bring a just and fair peace," Zelensky said.

The president underscored the need for collective action, saying, "Such terror can only be stopped with joint efforts."

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Read also: Russia may escalate hybrid warfare near NATO borders, Yermak warns

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Ukraine's Air Force on Dec. 29 denied claims spread by the Russian state media about a Ukrainian pilot surrendering to Russian forces in Kursk Oblast.

The statement came after the Russian state news agency TASS claimed, citing Russian security services, that Ukrainian pilot Volodymyr Popovich had surrendered in the embattled Russian region.

"Unfortunately, cases of capture of military personnel who previously served in the Air Force do occur," the Air Force said in a statement.

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"However, the information about the capture of a Ukrainian pilot is false. All Ukrainian pilots continue to perform tasks to protect the country."

The Kyiv Independent could not verify the claims.

Ukraine's Air Force did not provide further details nor name Popovich specifically. It is unclear whether the Air Force was refuting that Popovich was captured or that he was an active pilot at the time of his alleged capture.

Training new pilots is a lengthy and expensive process, making aviators especially valuable personnel.

Read also: One killed, one in captivity: The tragic story of two brothers forever separated by Russias war

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There is a real possibility that Russia could inflict "substantial" casualties by carrying out arson or sabotage operation against a NATO country, NATO Deputy Assistant Secretary General James Appathurai told Sky News in an interview published on Dec. 29.

"What really worries me is that one of these attacks, as I say, will break through in a big way," Appathurai said. Warnings about Russian hybrid attacks against allied countries have mounted since Moscow launched its full-scale war against Ukraine in 2022.

NATO pledged to step up security measures to counter hybrid attacks as the Finnish authorities recently seized the Eagle S tanker transporting Russian oil on suspicion it cut an undersea cable between Finland and Estonia.

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"So there is a real prospect of one of these attacks causing substantial numbers of casualties or very substantial economic damage," the NATO official overseeing an updated allied strategy on countering hybrid attacks told Sky News.

Appathurai said that the current volume of attacks would have been "unacceptable" five years ago, presenting it as Russia's response to the Western support for Kyiv. The official stressed that NATO must be clearer about what kind of an attack would trigger a joint response.

NATO's Article 5 says that an attack against one ally represents an attack against the alliance as a whole and warrants a joint response. The application of this rule on Russian hybrid attacks has been hotly debated over the past few years.

"We can definitely count dozens. Up to 100 for sure. But then there's a lot of foiled plots," Appathurai said when talking about a surge in Russian kinetic hybrid attacks since 2022.

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These operations have not been limited to cutting cables, as Russian intelligence services have been connected to flammable parcels smuggled onto cargo planes and sent out to European airports.

Read also: German FM warns of Russian shadow fleet amid undersea cable incidents, calls for sanctions

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President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced that Russia has used more than 370 attack drones against Ukraine over the past week.

Source: Zelenskyy on Facebook

Details: The Ukrainian president has been providing weekly updates on the number of drones, guided aerial bombs and missiles launched by Russia against Ukraine for the past three months, starting from 1 September.

The average number of drones launched by Russia is 500-600. However, the 370 drones launched this week are the lowest number ever reported by Zelenskyy.

Quote from Zelenskyy: "Our cities and communities are under constant Russian shelling. Even on Christmas night, the terrorists launched a massive air attack.

This week alone, Russia has used over 370 attack drones, approximately 280 guided aerial bombs and 80 missiles of various types against Ukraine."

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Russia may escalate its hybrid warfare tactics beyond sabotage of European infrastructure, potentially resorting to provocations on NATOs borders, Andriy Yermak, the head of the Presidential Office, warned in a Telegram post on Dec. 29.

Nordic countries have been on high alert due to warnings from European intelligence agencies about potential Russian sabotage of power cables, wind turbines, and gas pipelines.

On Dec. 25, the Estlink 2 power cable connecting Finland and Estonia was severely damaged in an incident investigated as a possible sabotage. Finnish authorities detained the vessel Eagle S, whose anchor reportedly caused the damage, and linked the ship to Russia's shadow fleet used to evade sanctions.

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Yermak expressed concern over the risks posed by Russias shadow fleet and unconventional threats involving North Korean or Iranian proxies.

"The appearance of North Korean troops dressed in Russian uniforms or Iranian proxies on the borders of NATO countries is quite realistic if Russia is not stopped now. The North Korean military is already fighting in Europe. Who could have thought of this before?" he said.

Yermak said that impunity for such actions could embolden further provocations. "Impunity breeds permissiveness. This is the moment that requires strong decisions and strong actions."

Earlier in 2023, Finland also investigated Russia's role in damaging an underwater gas pipeline, though Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed the allegations as "complete rubbish."

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Read also: Russia could inflict substantial casualties by unconventional attack against NATO, allied official says

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Russia is dissatisfied with the reported peace deal proposals on Ukraine from U.S. President-elect Donald Trumps team, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Dec. 29, according to state-owned TASS.

Earlier reports from the Wall Street Journal indicated that Trumps team is considering a plan to delay Ukraines NATO membership by at least 20 years in exchange for continued Western arms supplies and the deployment of European peacekeepers to monitor a ceasefire.

Lavrov said the proposal, as outlined in leaks and Trumps Dec. 12 Time interview, suggests "freezing hostilities along the current line of contact and transferring the responsibility of confronting Russia to Europe."

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"We are certainly not satisfied with the proposals sounding on behalf of representatives of the president-elect's team," Lavrov said, specifically rejecting the idea of introducing European peacekeepers in Ukraine.

Reports suggest that Trump discussed these ideas during a Dec. 7 meeting in Paris with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron. Trump reportedly emphasized Europes need to take the lead in deterring Russian aggression.

Lavrov noted that Moscow has received no official signals from Washington regarding these proposals, adding that policy remains under the Biden administration until Trumps inauguration on Jan. 20.

Lavrov expressed Russias "willingness to engage" with the new U.S. administration, provided Washington takes the "first move" to restore dialogue severed after the start of Russias invasion.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Dec. 26 that Russia aims to "end the conflict" in 2025 while reiterating hopes for a front-line success. Following Putin's comments, Lavrov ridiculed the possibility of a ceasefire, adding that "a ceasefire is a road to nowhere."

Putin expressed openness to dialogue with Trump but maintained Russias firm demands, including no territorial concessions and a rejection of Ukraines NATO membership.

Trumps team has yet to outline officially any concrete steps for ending the war, despite his bold claims of achieving peace "within 24 hours."

Read also: Russia may escalate hybrid warfare near NATO borders, Yermak warns

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Russian ruler Vladimir Putin has signed a law allowing for the removal of the Taliban and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) from Russias list of terrorist organisations, creating a legal basis for changes in relations with these groups.

Source: Institute for the Study of War (ISW)

Details: The recently signed decree authorises the Russian government to remove certain organisations from its list of terrorist groups. This includes the Taliban, which currently rules Afghanistan, and HTS, which has recently assumed power in Syria. The decision is viewed as part of Russias wider strategy to build stronger relations with these groups.

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Russian military bloggers suggest that these actions will promote political and economic cooperation between Russia and the Taliban, potentially facilitating the creation of new trade routes through Afghanistan. The decree also provides an opportunity for Russia to collaborate with the interim Syrian government led by HTS. Analysts observe that this will enable Russia to secure and sustain its military bases in Syria.

To quote the ISWs Key Takeaways on 28 December:

Russian leader Vladimir Putin appears to be trying to smooth over possible tensions in the Russian-Azerbaijani and Russian-Kazakh relationships after Russian air defence likely shot an Azerbaijan Airlines passenger plane on 25 December, causing it to crash in Kazakhstan.

Ukrainian forces recently struck a Russian Shahed drone storage, maintenance, and repair facility in Oryol City, Oryol Oblast.

Russian authorities continue to establish a legal basis to remove the Taliban and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) from the Russian governments official list of banned terrorist organisations.

Russian forces recently advanced near Kreminna, Siversk, Toretsk, and Kurakhove.

The Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced on 28 December that the Russian military completed its autumn 2024 conscription cycle.

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Russian forces launched multiple attacks across Ukraine, killing two civilians and injuring 14, regional authorities reported on Dec. 29.

Overnight, Russia launched 10 drones from Crimea and six S-300/S-400 missiles from Russia's Belgorod Oblast, targeting the Kursk and Sumy oblasts, Ukraines Air Force reported.

Ukrainian defenses shot down nine drones over Mykolaiv Oblast using anti-aircraft systems, electronic warfare, and mobile fire units.

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Kharkiv Oblast: There were no reported attacks on the Kharkiv city during the day. One civilian was killed by a drone munition drop in the village of Dvorichna, according to Governor Oleh Syniehubov.

Donetsk Oblast: Russian forces attacked the region six times. As a result of the attacks, one person was killed in the village of Kotlyne, Governor Vadym Filashkin reported.

Kherson Oblast: Russian artillery struck Bilozerka, injuring 13 people, including two children, according to Governor Oleksandr Prokudin.

Mykolaiv Oblast: Debris from downed drones caused fires in three outbuildings and a vacation home in a recreational area. The Chornomorsk community also came under attack, with debris setting fire to an administrative building at an energy facility. Rescuers quickly extinguished the blaze, and a 49-year-old worker was injured, Governor Vitalii Kim reported.

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Zaporizhzhia Oblast: Russian forces launched 331 attacks on nine localities, damaging residential buildings and infrastructure. No civilian casualties were reported, according to Governor Ivan Fedorov.

Sumy Oblast: Russia attacked border areas three times, recording four explosions. A first-person-view (FPV) drone strike on the Seredyna-Buda community damaged a car, local authorities said.

Read also: General Staff: Russia has lost 785,930 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022

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A Russian man arrested for allegedly running a travel agency for gay customers was found dead in custody in Moscow, rights group OVD-Info reported Sunday, amid a crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights in Russia.

According to OVD-Info, which tracks political arrests, Andrei Kotov  director of the Men Travel agency  faced charges of organizing extremist activity and participating in it.

OVD-Info said an investigator told Kotovs lawyer that her client had died by suicide early Sunday while in pretrial detention and was found dead in his cell.

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Prior to Kotovs death, independent media outlet Mediazona reported earlier this month that Kotov had rejected the charges and said in court that law enforcement officers beat him and administered electric shocks during the arrest, even though he didnt resist.

Just over a year ago, Russias Supreme Court effectively outlawed any LGBTQ+ activism in a ruling that designated the international LGBT movement as extremist. The move exposed anyone in the community or connected to it to criminal prosecution and prison, ushering in an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.

The LGBTQ+ community in Russia has been under legal and public pressure for over a decade but especially since the Kremlin sent troops to Ukraine in 2022. Russian leader Vladimir Putin has argued that the war is a proxy battle with the West, which he says aims to destroy Russia and its traditional family values by pushing for LGBTQ+ rights.
Four facilities housing telecommunication equipment for the illegal operator Phoenix, used by Russian forces, were destroyed in the occupied part of Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) said on Dec. 29.

Without explicitly claiming responsibility, the agency said that "disruptions to the Russian military's logistics and communications are an important continuous process."

The Phoenix is a telecommunications operator active in the Russian-occupied part of Donetsk Oblast since 2015.

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HUR further reported fires that melted cellular equipment in Russia's Leningrad Oblast and destroyed three railway relay cabinets in Yaroslavl Oblast.

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The Kyiv Independent could not verify these claims.

Sabotage operations targeting Russian railways and other parts of infrastructure have been reported throughout the full-scale war.

The Atesh partisan group reported burning down a relay cabinet near the village of Chekhov in Moscow Oblast in early December, disrupting Russian supply lines

These coordinated attacks highlight Ukraines strategy to weaken Russian operational and logistical capabilities as the war continues.

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Read also: Russia claims Ukrainian pilot surrendered in Kursk Oblast, Ukraine denies

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Russians continue to prevent the population from using the Internet on the occupied territory of Luhansk Oblast.

Source: Artem Lysohor, Head of Luhansk Oblast Military Administration

Details: According to Lysohor, the Russians have disconnected the Internet in Sievierodonetsk some time ago. The residents were forced to look for alternatives, travelling to settlements along the way to Luhansk such as Smolianynove, Novookhtyrka, and Novoaidar. People were sold Wi-Fi passwords in shops and other public areas, allowing them to communicate with their families for a brief period of time.

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However, the situation worsened rapidly. Russian security authorities began to apply pressure on the owners of such establishments.

Quote: "Recently, representatives of Russian law enforcement agencies have begun issuing warnings to the owners of such establishments, and the next stage is disconnection from the Internet."

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(FOX40.COM)  The Sacramento Fire Department responded to a fatal fire that left one person dead Sunday morning.

Around 7:19 a.m., firefighters responded to the 6200 block of Greenhaven Drive. When they arrived they were met with heavy fire from a 2nd floor apartment and reports of someone inside.

Car engulfs into flames in three-vehicle Sacramento crash

Crews said they extinguished the flames and found the victim. The person was pronounced dead.

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The cause of the fire is under investigation.

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(FOX40.COM)  The Sacramento Police Department responded to shots being fired on Saturday afternoon.

Police said the incident happened just before 4 p.m. on the 3000 block of Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard in South Sacramento.

Stay safe this New Years Eve: Sacramentos Nighttime Economy Office shares tips

According to officials, one male did transport himself to a local hospital and is in critical but stable condition.

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As of 6:25 p.m., all roads are open and ready for traffic, police said.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his happiness after meeting Aravind Srinivas, the Chief Executive Officer of Perplexity AI and stated that both discussed artificial intelligence (AI), its uses and its evolution. In a social media post on X, the prime minister added, "It was great to meet you and discuss AI, its uses and its evolution. Good to see you doing great work with @perplexity_ai. Wish you all the best for your future endeavours." Earlier, after holding a meeting with Prime Minister Modi, Perplexity CEO Srinivas, in a post on X, stated, "Had the honour to meet Prime Minister @narendramodi ji. We had a great conversation about the potential for AI adoption in India and across the world. Really inspired by Modi Ji's dedication to staying updated on the topic and his remarkable vision for the future." San Francisco-based Perplexity is an artificial intelligence conversational AI search engine that uses large language models (LLM) to provide the response for the queries. As per the publicly available information, the company was founded in 2022 with Srinivas, Johnny Ho, Denis Yarats, and Andy Konwinski as the founders of the company. The company, as per the information provided by Srinivas on his LinkedIn profile, is backed by major names of the world such as Jeff Bezos, Elad Gil, Nat Friedman, Tobi Lutke, Jeff Dean, Susan Wojcicki, Yann LeCun, Naval Ravikant, Paul Buchheit, Andrej Karpathy, and several others. He adds that Perplexity AI has built the world's first generally available conversational answer engine that directly answers questions about any topic, adding that the company is on a mission to build the world's most knowledge-centric company. India, has approved an allocation of over Rs 10,300 crore for the IndiaAI Mission, marking a significant step towards bolstering India's AI ecosystem. The IndiaAI Mission aims to build a comprehensive ecosystem that fosters AI innovation by democratising computing access, enhancing data quality, developing indigenous AI capabilities, attracting top AI talent, enabling industry collaboration, providing startup risk capital, ensuring socially impactful AI projects, and promoting ethical AI. This substantial financial infusion, slated over the next five years, is poised to catalyse various components of the IndiaAI Mission, including pivotal initiatives like the IndiaAI Compute Capacity, IndiaAI Innovation Centre (IAIC), IndiaAI Datasets Platform, IndiaAI Application Development Initiative, IndiaAI FutureSkills, IndiaAI Startup Financing, and Safe & Trusted AI. The aim of the financial outlay is to ensure a structured implementation of the IndiaAI Mission through a public-private partnership model aimed at nurturing India's AI innovation ecosystem. This financial outlay, under the AI Mission, will fortify the IndiaAI Startup Financing mechanism, facilitating streamlined access to funding for budding AI startups and catalysing their journey from product development to commercialisation. The proposal also includes funding provisions for industry-led AI projects aimed at fostering social impact, propelling innovation and entrepreneurship.(ANI)
Dec. 28Santa Fe police arrested a man early Saturday morning who was wanted in a shooting Oct. 7.

Juan Uribe-Torres, 29, of Santa Fe had an outstanding warrant charging him with attempted murder and three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in connection with the shooting, which police said took place in the 2400 block of Calle Pacifica.

Around 5 a.m., a Santa Fe police officer reportedly saw Uribe-Torres' vehicle at the Maverik gas station at 2650 Sawmill Road, according to a news release police sent out late Saturday morning. The officer recognized the vehicle and its driver from a bulletin issued by the department.

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When Uribe-Torres noticed the police officer, the release states, he left the gas station and headed toward the intersection of S. Saint Francis Drive and West Zia Road.

The officer followed, waited for backup and conducted a "high-risk" stop on the vehicle, the release states. Uribe-Torres was arrested without incident, interviewed by a Santa Fe police detective and booked into Santa Fe County jail, police said.

Police wrote in an affidavit in October that Uribe-Torres had shot a man in the abdomen with a handgun before pointing it at others.

Uribe-Torres previously lived in the house where the shooting occurred, police wrote, but he was kicked out about two months prior because of "disrespectful behavior" toward other residents.

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A couple told police they let Uribe-Torres into their bedroom through an open window in the early morning Oct. 7, and the three sat and talked. When another man and woman walked into the room, Uribe-Torres stood up, pulled a handgun from his waistband and shot the man, the two women told officers, according to the affidavit. They both said Uribe-Torres then pointed the gun at the man's girlfriend, said, "I am sorry  I love you" and then left the room and ran off.

Police said Uribe-Torres' criminal history includes arrests for breaking and entering, criminal damage, driving while intoxicated, distribution and possession of a controlled substance as well as warrants for failure to appear in court.

The case is still under investigation, police said.
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  Are you ready to leave 2024 behind and welcome the New Year? Shreveport and Bossier City have numerous events ranging from painting and fine dining to bars and clubs preparing to dance into 2025.

Here is a list of the local restaurants, bars, and parties celebrating New Years Eve:

Activities and ambiance

The Painted Edge invites couples to paint and decorate champagne glasses for their New Years toast and perfect keepsake while enjoying a gourmet charcuterie board with cheeses, fruits, meats, and sweet treats to elevate your evening. According to the poster it begins at 10 p.m. and goes on until 1 a.m. Tickets are $125 and include two champagne glasses, painting supplies, a bottle of champagne, and a charcuterie board for each couple. (815 Benton Road, Bossier City).

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Lowe-McFarlane Post No. 14 pajama party, free champagne and a huge fireworks show at midnight. The nonprofit organization says they are going to roast a whole hog, come early and cheer on the LSU Tigers. They encourage individuals to bring a plate of food to share with the POST 14 Family. (Located at 5315 S. Lakeshore Drive, Shreveport).

Bars with live music

Bears is celebrating NYE and Shreveport resident Mallorys 40th birthday with early 2000s cover by local musicians HAG & Friends, Good Spirits, Tim Powell and crew, and some surprise guests. The cover charge is $15, the doors open at 8 p.m., and the Bands are scheduled to perform at 9 p.m.

The Hanger Taphouse & Kitchen New Years Bash serves craft beer and Louisiana Cajun dishes. Their New Years Eve party begins at 8:30 p.m. and continues until 2am, featuring The TAYYLORMADE BAND set to take the stage at 10 p.m.

According to their ticketing website, free admission (early bird special ends on December 30th); however, if you want a VIP table at the front stage, tickets begin at $50.

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Central Station jumps into disco glam and countdown to midnight in style with their Studio 54 New Years Bash hosted by the fabulous Sarina Styles. Doors open at 8 p.m. until 11:30 p.m.

Shreveports one-stop shop for sustainable essentials, gifts and more

Lake Street Bar: All Black Everything features John Dave and the Aura, Violinist Q Major, Dj Trey, and more. According to the poster, there is free champagne. The Shreveport bar details there will be food vendors will be on-site and party-goers to dress in all black. Doors open at 1 p.m. with a $20 entry fee.

Strange Brew: dress to impress and sing your heart out begins at 10 p.m. (21 and over)

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Sweet Carolines Dueling Piano Bar: From 7 p.m. until 2 a.m. Dance the night away to the electrifying beats of DJ Trancelot and the captivating melodies of our dueling piano players: Stephen Dakin, Gavin Rohrer, and Pamela Hopkins. Tickets are $50.

Sweet Caroline writes: Special VIP Section Available for six guests: $500  Includes admission, Lounge seating, two items from our Fleetwood Snacks Menu, and an exclusive bottle of Le Chemin Du Roi Champagne Luminous ($650 total value. They note tickets are limited.

Church

Demonstration Church is hosting a All White New Years Eve service at 10:30 p.m. located at 1600 Peabody Street, Shreveport.

Restaurants celebrating NYE:

Bella Frescas is hosting an NYE 3-course meal featuring duck confit spring rolls, Red Snapper, Scallops, Beef Wellington ($15 extra), and a choice of four desserts. They encourage bookings and note the dinner is $85 per person.

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Fat Tuesday Sandwich Shop & Bakery, Cajun-themed sandwiches, soups, salads, cheesecakes, bread pudding, homemade brownies & cookies Open from 10:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. at 1201 Shady Grove Dr, Suite B, Bossier City.

Flames Mediterranean Restaurants NYE party features musical guest JAZZIANA performing from 10:30-12:30 p.m. According to the post dinner will be served until 9:30 p.m. and the $10 cover charge includes a glass of champagne.

The Noble Savage Shreveport: serving free champagne toast at midnight; the option between a Tomahawk Steak for Two and a Grilled Tuna Steak; photo booth with NYE swag and live music by On The Horizon. According to their socials, doors open at 8 p.m. until 1 a.m. Noble Savage recommends reserving your spot now at 318-828-2619.

Zuzul Coastal Cuisine invites the community for a special evening of delicious food, handcrafted cocktails, and great company as we say goodbye to 2024 and welcome a brand-new year. Reservations are highly recommended.

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If your local business has an New Years Eve event, contact us at digital@Ktalnews.com and Isabella may update the list.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com.
A hiker at Paris Mountain State Park near Greenville. (Provided by SC Parks, Recreation and Tourism)

COLUMBIA  For a head start on any New Years resolutions involving exercise or spending more time outdoors, South Carolinas state parks will offer First Day Hikes on New Years Day.

South Carolina will have events at 39 of its state parks and historic sites Jan. 1. That includes hikes along 41 trails, two runs, a horseback ride for those able to bring their own horses and two polar plunges.

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Some events require registration or fees to attend, all of which are available on the state parks departments website.

Rangers will lead the hikes, which include nature walks and historical tours. People wanting a more self-guided experience can still visit any of the states trails for their own First Day Hike, agency Director Duane Parrish said in an online letter.

Begin the year immersed in South Carolinas breathtaking landscapes, from serene coastal views to lush mountain forests, Parrish wrote. Fresh air, exercise, and the calming beauty of nature set the tone for a positive year ahead.

Participants will receive commemorative stickers and car decals, as long as supplies last, according to the parks department.

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Runners can register for races at Rose Hill Plantation Historic Site and Devils Fork State Park.

The annual Devils Fork 5K costs $35. The $10 Rose Hill Plantation event includes a history lesson as participants run 1.6 miles to recognize the endurance of the people once enslaved on the Union property, according to the events website.

To start the new year off with a chill, Paris Mountain and Hunting Island state parks will offer plunges into Lake Placid and the Atlantic Ocean, respectively.

Funds raised from the Paris Mountain plunge, which costs $20 per adult and $10 per child, will go to cleaning up damage to the park caused by Tropical Storm Helene. The Hunting Island Pelican Plunge includes a costume parade and prizes, with tickets priced at $10 per adult and $5 per child.

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First Day Hikes, which are offered across the country, first began in 1992 in Massachusetts. The idea grew in popularity in 2012, when South Carolina started offering its designated hikes. Every state now offers some form of First Day Hikes, according to Americas State Parks, which represents parks across the country.

Following the success of the New Years Day events, some parks expanded the program to offer hikes on the first of every month this year, according to the state parks department.
Dec. 29GRAND FORKS  The union representing Grand Forks' public school teachers is closely watching the coming legislative session, with specialized education issues on the line and contract negotiations set for later in the spring.

Grand Forks Education Association leadership says it will closely monitor how much funding the Legislature elects to disburse to school districts.

"Obviously, the big one is the funding," said Melissa Buchhop, GFEA government relations chair. "We're watching that public education gets funded at a decent amount so that people can get cost-of-living raises (and) funding for special ed and multi-language education."

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The number of multilingual students in Grand Forks schools has increased dramatically over the last year, while special educators in the district have

reported being short-staffed and overworked.

Legislative outcomes are expected to play heavily into teacher contract negotiations, said Buchhop, which overlap with the tail end of the Legislature's 80-day session; pay raises usually come up last in negotiations because of this overlap.

Special education is also expected to be a focal point of those negotiations, with GFEA members and administrators currently working as part of a joint committee to address limited services and widespread burnout across the district.

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Grand Forks Public Schools established its own committee to lobby the Legislature earlier this year; it has produced an expansive set of policy goals.

The GFEA's goals largely mirror the district's, including increased state funding and more support for special ed and multilingual programs.

Speaking Friday, Buchhop said she hadn't thoroughly reviewed the district's policy goals, but "more than likely we're on the same page."

"I know their first priority group, a lot of it has to do with funding and the money coming into schools, which obviously we're very much for," Buchhop said.

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Buchhop also said the union would support no-cost school meals for all students and oppose any legislation that directs public funding toward private school tuition.

Grand Forks Public Schools holds similar stances on both issues, though Superintendent Terry Brenner has acknowledged the likelihood of a school choice bill passing during the coming session and asked local legislators that public schools be given a "seat at the table" if school choice is implemented in the state.

GFEA is also closely monitoring any action on property tax reform, since much of the school district's budget comes from local property taxes.

GFEA members met with several local legislators in a meeting held at Red River High School earlier this month.

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Some GFEA members also raised concerns about the broad swath of anti-LGBTQ bills introduced by the Legislature in 2023, many of which focused on school-aged children.

Measures including a ban on gender-affirming care for minors, a ban on allowing transgender women and girls in K-12 and college women's sports, and a "bathroom bill" prohibiting students from using the restroom of their choosing were all passed into law.

Some GFEA members pressed legislators to resist further restrictions on LGBTQ+ rights and other "culture war" issues.

Bucchop, however, said the teacher's union wouldn't necessarily take a stance if those issues arose again.

"We try to stick to the things that are directly going to impact our work day and our school system," said Buchhop. "I know we have members that very much will follow those things."
The outgoing chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee said on ABC's "This Week" that President-elect Donald Trump's threats to seize the Panama Canal could drive allies of the United States toward Russia and China.

In an interview Sunday with "This Week" co-anchor Jonathan Karl, Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Maryland, said Trump's recent statements about taking over the Panama Canal, buying Greenland and making Canada the 51st U.S. state, are affecting "America's credibility globally."

"Our allies don't know whether we are reliable partners or not," said Cardin, who is retiring from the Senate at the end of this term.

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MORE: Amid GOP infighting, Rep. Lawler says Johnson should remain as speaker

Cardin's comments came after Trump recently criticized as "ridiculous" and "highly unfair" the fees Panama charges American shipping companies to use the vital link between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. He said the shipping fees were a "complete ripoff of our country" and vowed to put an end to them once he takes office, or he will demand that Panama cede control of the canal to the United States.

PHOTO: Sen. Ben Cardin appears on 'This Week,' Dec. 29, 2024. (ABC )

"If the principles, both moral and legal, of this magnanimous gesture of giving are not followed, then we will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to the United States of America, in full, quickly and without question," Trump said during his Dec. 22 speech to supporters at Turning Point USA's AmericaFest in Arizona. "The United States has a big invested interest in the secure, efficient and reliable operation of the Panama Canal."

Panama President Jose Raul Mulino, who was elected in May, called Trump's statements an affront to his country's sovereignty and said the fees for ships crossing the canal are set by experts who take into account operational costs, and supply and demand factors.

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"The tariffs are not set on a whim," Mulino said.

MORE: Video Escalating threats to take back Panama Canal

Cardin noted on "This Week" that the obligations of the U.S. and Panama were established by the Panama Canal and Neutrality Treaty of 1977 and ratified by Congress.

"I don't know what the president-elect is saying in regards to how sincere he is, but I can tell you, it does raise questions globally as to whether we're a reliable partner," Cardin said. "And it really feeds into Russia and China appeal to other countries as to whether they need to make alliances with -- with Russia and China, whether America will be there for them globally."

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Pressed by Karl on other statements Trump has recently made, including buying Greenland from the Danish government and making Canada the 51st U.S. state -- even mocking Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as "Governor" -- Cardin said such talk is not helpful.

MORE: Trump picks ambassador to Panama, suggests US should control Panama Canal

"Globally, we saw the same type of statements made during his previous administration, when he threatened to pull out of NATO," Cardin said of Trump. "These are treaty obligations which our allies rely upon, and it raises serious concerns about whether America will be there for them."

Asked by Karl about Ukraine's future during a second Trump administration, Cardin said that while there continues to be bipartisan support in Congress, he described Trump's comments on Ukraine as "very disturbing."

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Trump recently suggested that he may reverse President Joe Biden's decision to allow Ukrainian forces to use American long-range weapons to strike deeper into Russian territory, calling the decision "stupid."

Cardin said Ukraine is the "front line of defense for democracy."

"We know that Russia will not stop with Ukraine. We know many other countries feel at risk if Ukraine is not able to defend its sovereignty... I know some of the president-elect's comments are very disturbing. I've talked to the Ukrainians. I've talked to the Europeans several times, I think they question whether America's resolve will be there," he said. "I can tell you we have bipartisan support in the United States Congress to stand with Ukraine because we recognize the importance to our national security."

Sen. Cardin says Trump's tough talk on Panama Canal could push allies to China, Russia originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
The Navi Mumbai airport took a monumental step toward becoming operational with its first commercial flight validation test, in the presence of regulators from the domestic aviation sector. The runway 08/26 at the under-construction Navi Mumbai International Airport came alive as an A320 aircraft from Indigo Airlines successfully touched down, marking a historic milestone in the international airport's journey toward becoming fully operational, Navi Mumbai International Airport Private Limited said in a statement Sunday. The aircraft was welcomed with the traditional water salute by fire tenders. This pivotal moment was witnessed by senior officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Airports Authority of India (AAI), Customs, Immigration, CISF, CIDCO, IMD, BCAS, as well as Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL) among other key stakeholders. "This is a momentous day for Navi Mumbai International Airport. The successful completion of the validation flight is a major milestone, and we are now one step closer to operationalising the airport, prioritising safety at every step...NMIA will not only offer world-class aviation facilities, it will also enable the overall development of the region," said Arun Bansal, Chief Executive Officer, Adani Airport Holdings Limited. The first commercial flight validation test exercise includes technical assessment, and landing and take-off manoeuvres, paving the way for the DGCA to validate the data collected from the flight and for the airport to receive the aerodrome license, which is essential to operate the airport. Post the successful landing, the airport's established flight procedures will be published in the Electronic Aeronautical Information Publication (eAIP) for international promulgation. Prior to the landing of the validation flight, NMIA successfully conducted the flight calibration of the Instrument Landing System (ILS) and Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI), subsequently drafting instrument approach procedures to prepare itself for the arrival of the validation flight. City And Industrial Development Corporation Of Maharashtra Ltd (CIDCO) MD Vijay Singhal, speaking to reporters, said, "Two months ago we landed the defence plane C-133 here. It is clear that our runway is complete and about 80 per cent of the terminal building is also constructed... Apart from this, a proposal for a metro line between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and Navi Mumbai International Airport has been submitted to the government... It will improve connectivity for people in South and Western Mumbai, NMR region, Pune and other nearby areas... We have 4 terminals and two runways so the airport's has a capacity of 90 million passengers per year... Initially, we will start one terminal with a capacity of 20 million passengers per annum and 0.8 million metric tonnes... We hope to start 180 flights in the beginning, which includes 90 arrivals and 90 departures." On October 11, 2024, the inaugural landing of an Indian Air Force C-295, a large multi-role tactical airlifter, took place, representing a significant milestone in the development of the greenfield international airport, which is scheduled to be operational in early 2025. The Navi Mumbai airport project is proposed to be developed in multiple phases; once complete the airport will have the capacity to manage over 90 million passengers per annum (MPPA). In the initial phase, it is implementing a passenger capacity of 20 MPPA and 800,000 tons per annum of cargo handling capacity. The Navi Mumbai airport will feature a 3,700-meter runway capable of handling large commercial aircraft, modern passenger terminals, and advanced air traffic control systems. According to Adani Group website, the conglomerate "forayed into civil aviation with a vision to leverage its rich experience of building stellar infrastructure in transforming Indian airports." Adani Airport Holdings Limited was incorporated in 2019 as a 100 per cent subsidiary of Adani Enterprises Ltd, the flagship company of the Adani Group. The Adani Group had made its maiden venture into the airports sector by emerging as the highest bidder for the operation, management, and development of six airports: Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Mangaluru, Jaipur, Guwahati, and Thiruvananthapuram, and signing concession agreements with the Airport Authority of India for all six airports. (ANI)
Montgomery County (FOX 44)  Severe storms moved through Montgomery County leaving behind a trail of destruction.

Trees are scattered throughout roads, trapping families in their homes and prohibiting first responders from accessing their destinations with their vehicles.

Juan Alvarez and his family were in their car when they were struck suddenly with a large tree. Seven people were in the car with the youngest being a one-year-old. Firefighters were able to free the family from the car with no serious injuries.

Montgomery County Judge, Mark Keough, was able to assess the damages from the storm and gave us insight into the severity of the damages.

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A lot of warehouses, mobile homes  we got fifteen entrapments that we know of so far, but we got everybody out. We had a couple of people that got zapped by electricity but theyre fine and we didnt have to take them to the hospital. Its great to see everyone out here, we also have emergency management out here todayat this point there are no fatalities. only minor injuries, said Judge Keough.

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UPDATE: The tornado watch has been dropped; however, a severe thunderstorm watch remains active for Georgetown and Williamsburg counties.

Rain and some wind will continue into the afternoon.



CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)  A tornado watch is active for a large portion of South Carolina on Sunday, including much of the Lowcountry region.

A strong line of storms associated with a cold front will sweep across the state, bringing a risk for severe thunderstorms, gusty winds, and a chance for isolated tornadoes.

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The greatest impacts would likely be felt between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

We are tracking a line of strong to severe thunderstorms moving quickly through Georgia, which will be moving into SC this AM. Our timeline for storms has now moved up to late morning into the early afternoon. Severe Thunderstorms are possible, with an isolated tornado, especially closer to Interstate 95, said Storm Team 2 Chief Meteorologist Rob Fowler.

Much of the area should plan for damaging wind gusts in excess of 60 mph, and isolated tornadoes, especially inland from coastal counties.

We are hoping the storms continue moving quickly, which could limit severe potential. Be alert for rapidly changing conditions later this morning away from the coast, and early to midafternoon along the coast, Fowler added.

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The tornado watch is active for Collecton, Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester Counties until 1 p.m.

The National Weather Service also issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Georgetown and Williamsburg Counties until 5 p.m.

Count on 2 for updates and download the News 2 apps for weather alerts and updates.

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The Monroe County Sheriffs Department is seeking the the publics help in finding a juvenile runaway.

The missing teen, Hannah Hesterberg, 15, lives in Columbia.

Sgt. Justin Biggs posted a notice about her disappearance at 8:07 p.m. Friday on the departments Facebook page. Hesterberg is described as 5-foot-3, weighing 130 pounds with blond hair and green eyes.

The post included this reminder: Providing assistance to a runaway juvenile with knowledge of their status and not notifying parents/guardian is a violation of Illinois law. Individuals found to be harboring a runaway may face charges.

Anyone with information on the teens whereabouts is asked to call the sheriffs department at 618-939-8651.
PHILADELPHIA, Tenn. (WATE)  A Monroe County deputy was taken to a hospital after being shot on Sunday.

Deputies responded to the 2300 block of Reed Springs Road in Philadelphia after a report of a tree blocking the roadway. According to a statement from Monroe County Sheriff Tommy Jones, the tree was located in front of a residence where the subject of an active felony warrant was known to reside.

Cocke County EMA: Heavy equipment, debris swept away in Pigeon River flooding

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A Tennessee Bureau of Investigation spokesperson said that the subject had an active warrant for felony vandalism in Loudon County. According to a TBI release, the man barricaded himself inside the home after deputies attempted to make contact with him. Jones told media members that the subject made violent statements while speaking to the deputy through the door.

A Monroe County deputy was shot when deputies entered the home. He was transported to the University of Tennessee Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries, Jones added. No deputies fired shots during this incident.

A perimeter was set up and additional assistance was requested from the Madisonville and Sweetwater Police Departments. During negotiations, the subject surrendered and was taken into custody by the Monroe County Sheriffs Office.

6 News Archives: Jimmy Carters visit to Knoxville in 1999

This is a developing story. Download the WATE 6 News app or sign up for our email alerts for updates.

TBI special agents will investigate the circumstances of the shooting.

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 Oct. 1, 1924: James Earl Carter Jr. is born in Plains, Georgia, son of James Sr. and Lillian Gordy Carter.

 June 1946: Carter graduates from the U.S. Naval Academy.

 July 1946: Carter marries Rosalynn Smith, in Plains. They have four children, John William (Jack), born 1947; James Earl 3rd (Chip), 1950; Donnel Jeffrey (Jeff), 1952; and Amy Lynn, 1967.

 1946-1953: Carter serves in a Navy nuclear submarine program, attaining rank of lieutenant commander.

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 Summer 1953: Carter resigns from the Navy, returns to Plains after fathers death.

 1953-1971: Carter helps run the family peanut farm and warehouse business.

 1963-1966: Carter serves in the Georgia state Senate.

 1966: Carter tries unsuccessfully for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination.

 November 1970: Carter is elected governor of Georgia. Serves 1971-75.

 Dec. 12, 1974: Carter announces a presidential bid. Atlanta newspaper answers with headline: Jimmy Who?

 January 1976: Carter leads the Democratic field in Iowa, a huge campaign boost that also helps to establish Iowas first-in-the-nation caucus.

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 July 1976: Carter accepts the Democratic nomination and announces Sen. Walter Mondale of Minnesota as running mate.

 November 1976: Carter defeats President Gerald R. Ford, winning 51% of the vote and 297 electoral votes to Fords 240.

 January 1977: Carter is sworn in as the 39th president of the United States. On his first full day in office, he pardons most Vietnam-era draft evaders.

September 1977: U.S. and Panama sign treaties to return the Panama Canal back to Panama in 1999. Senate narrowly ratifies them in 1978.

 September 1978: Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin and Carter sign Camp David accords, which lead to a peace deal between Egypt and Israel the following year.

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 June 15-18, 1979: Carter attends a summit with Soviet President Leonid Brezhnev in Vienna that leads to the signing of the SALT II treaty.

 November 1979: Iranian militants storm the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, taking 52 hostages. All survive and are freed minutes after Carter leaves office in January 1981.

 April 1980: The Mariel boatlift begins, sending tens of thousands of Cubans to the U.S. Many are criminals and psychiatric patients set free by Cuban leader Fidel Castro, creating a major foreign policy crisis.

 April 1980: An attempt by the U.S. to free hostages fails when a helicopter crashes into a transport plane in Iran, killing eight servicemen.

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 Nov. 4, 1980: Carter is denied a second term by Ronald Reagan, who wins 51.6% of the popular vote to 41.7% for Carter and 6.7% to independent John Anderson.

 1982: Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter co-found The Carter Center in Atlanta, whose mission is to resolve conflicts, protect human rights and prevent disease around the world.

 September 1984: The Carters spend a week building Habitat for Humanity houses, launching what becomes the annual Carter Work Project.

 October 1986: A dedication is held for The Carter Presidential Center in Atlanta. The center includes the Carter Presidential Library and Museum and Carter Center offices.

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 1989: Carter leads the Carter Centers first election monitoring mission, declaring Panamanian Gen. Manuel Noriegas election fraudulent.

 May 1992: Carter meets with Mikhail and Raisa Gorbachev at the Carter Center to discuss forming the Gorbachev Foundation.

 June 1994: Carter plays a key role in North Korea nuclear disarmament talks.

 September 1994: Carter leads a delegation to Haiti, arranging terms to avoid a U.S. invasion and return President Jean-Bertrand Aristide to power.

 December 1994: Carter negotiates tentative cease-fire in Bosnia.

 March 1995: Carter mediates cease-fire in Sudans war with southern rebels.

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 September 1995: Carter travels to Africa to advance the peace process in more troubled areas.

 December 1998: Carter receives U.N. Human Rights Prize on 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

 August 1999: President Bill Clinton awards Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

 September 2001: Carter joins former Presidents Ford, Bush and Clinton at a prayer service at the National Cathedral in Washington after Sept. 11 attacks.

 April 2002: Carters book An Hour Before Daylight: Memories of a Rural Boyhood chosen as finalist for Pulitzer Prize in biography.

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 May 2002: Carter visits Cuba and addresses the communist nation on television. He is the highest-ranking American to visit in decades.

 Dec. 10, 2002: Carter is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development.

 July 2007: Carter joins The Elders, a group of international leaders brought together by Nelson Mandela to focus on global issues.

 Spring 2008: Carter remains officially neutral as Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton battle each other for the Democratic presidential nomination.

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 April 2008: Carter stirs controversy by meeting with the Islamic militant group Hamas.

 August 2010: Carter travels to North Korea as the Carter Center negotiates the release of an imprisoned American teacher.

 August 2013: Carter joins President Barack Obama and former President Bill Clinton at the 50th anniversary of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.s I Have A Dream speech and the March on Washington.

 Oct. 1, 2014: Carter celebrates his 90th birthday.

 December 2014: Carter is nominated for a Grammy in the best spoken word album category, for his book A Call To Action.

 May 2015: Carter returns early from an election observation visit in Guyana  the Carter Centers 100th  after feeling unwell.

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 August 2015: Carter has a small cancerous mass removed from his liver. He plans to receive treatment at Emory Healthcare in Atlanta.

 August 2015: Carter announces that his grandson Jason Carter will chair the Carter Center governing board.

 March 6, 2016: Carter says an experimental drug has eliminated any sign of his cancer, and that he needs no further treatment.

 May 25, 2016: Carter steps back from a front-line role with The Elders to become an emeritus member.

 July 2016: Carter is treated for dehydration during a Habitat for Humanity build in Canada.

 Spring 2018: Carter publishes Faith: A Journey for All, the last of 32 books.

 March 22, 2019: Carter becomes the longest-lived U.S. president, surpassing President George H.W. Bush, who died in 2018.

 September 18, 2019: Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter deliver their final in-person annual report at the Carter Center.

 October 2019: At 95, still recovering from a fall, Carter joins the Work Project with Habitat for Humanity in Nashville, Tennessee. Its the last time he works personally on the annual project.

 Fall 2019-early 2020: Democratic presidential hopefuls visit, publicly embracing Carter as a party elder, a first for his post-presidency.

 November 2020:The Carter Center monitors an audit of presidential election results in the state of Georgia, marking a new era of democracy advocacy within the U.S.

 Jan. 20, 2021: The Carters miss President Joe Bidens swearing-in, the first presidential inauguration they dont attend since Carters own ceremony in 1977. The Bidens later visit the Carters in Plains on April 29.

 Feb. 19, 2023: Carter enters home hospice care after a series of short hospital stays.

 July 7, 2023: The Carters celebrate their 77th and final wedding anniversary.

 Nov. 19, 2023: Rosalynn Carter dies at home, two days after the family announced that she had joined the former president in receiving hospice care.

 Oct. 1, 2024  Carter becomes the first former U.S. president to reach 100 years of age, celebrating at home with extended family and close friends.

 Oct. 16, 2024  Carter casts a Georgia mail ballot for Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, having told his family he wanted to live long enough to vote for her. It marks his 21st presidential election as a voter.

 Dec. 29, 2024: Carter dies at home.
Phoenix police said there was "no update" on the shooting and stabbing at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport that left four people injured Christmas Day.

Police said investigators continue to piece together evidence related to a "family dispute" that turned violent Wednesday night in Terminal 4 outside of the airport's security checkpoints. Three people were shot, and one person was stabbed.

"Detectives allow the evidence that is available (to) tell a story," said police spokesperson Sgt. Rob Scherer in an email Saturday. "And if that results in probable cause being established to justify a criminal charge then that is what will happen."

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Police detained two people that night and, in the past few days, have interviewed nearly all those involved. No names have been released.

A Phoenix police officer carries two firearms, including a pistol in an evidence bag, after two separate incidents involving weapons at Sky Harbor International Airport on Dec. 25, 2024.

In a news release Thursday, police said no arrests were made after speaking with officials from the Maricopa County Attorney's Office.

"After consultation with the Maricopa County Attorney's Office, no arrests have been made as the investigation remains active," police said. "A charging decision will be made once the investigation is complete."

No formal consultation happened, said Jeanine L'Ecuyer, a spokesperson for the County Attorney's Office, on Saturday. An informal call could have taken place between police and prosecutors, she said.

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Scherer said consultation with the County Attorney's Office is common in large-scale investigations and is not a formal process. He did not say who investigators spoke with at the County Attorney's Office, what specifically the consultation was about or if it was through an informal call.

The decision to make an arrest or refer a charge to the County Attorney's Office, Scherer said, is up to police investigators. He said there is no timeline for this or any investigation.

"Detectives do not rush elements of an investigation as that is how mistakes and overlooking all elements can occur," he said.

Man started firing gun during 'family dispute' that escalated

The shooting and stabbing sent four people to the hospital: one woman with life-threatening injuries and two men and one teenage boy in stable condition, police said. A teenage girl was part of the group but was not harmed.

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The five people involved were familiar with each other, police spokesperson Sgt. Mayra Reeson said.

I do believe that this was a family dispute that escalated, Reeson said during a news briefing early Thursday.

The shooting and stabbing happened around 9:40 p.m. Wednesday, near a restaurant in the terminal's third-level shopping and dining area.

One of the men pulled a gun out during the fight and fired multiple times, hitting the woman and teenage boy, police said in a news release Thursday. The boy, who had a knife, then cut the man who fired the gun, police said. Another man was also injured.

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Police said they found the teenage girl and man with the gun and stab wound in the parking garage and detained them.

The woman who was shot was in critical condition as of Thursday afternoon. The other three sent to the hospital were treated, released and interviewed by detectives.

Police did not respond to an inquiry Saturday about the hospitalized woman's condition.

Hours after the incident, a man showed up at the airport with guns after learning about the shooting, police said. He aggressively asked a police officer to take him into custody and kill him, according to court documents. He was arrested and charged with aggravated assault after he kicked and spat on a Phoenix police officer who tried detaining him.

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Firearms are only allowed at the airport before the security checkpoint.

Reach the reporter at elena.santacruz@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix Sky Harbor shooting: Police have 'No update'
Rick Gilliland and Cody Wood never thought they'd become homebuilders. But with housing prices soaring and essential workers struggling, they decided to tackle the problem in a way no one else in Livingston, Montana, was doing  by building compact, sustainable homes, as reported by KBZK.

"I would say our biggest inspiration is, frankly, our kids," Cody said in the interview. "And the reality is our kids aren't really going to be able to stay in this community as they get ready to launch," Cody added.

Rick and Cody started Woodland Ridge Tiny Home Crafters in 2020 to help families stay in their communities. Their tiny homes, priced between $90,000 and $150,000, meet the needs of downsizers and businesses needing workforce housing.

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Allison Smith, a Red Lodge resident, was one of their first clients. Facing a local housing crisis, she purchased a duplex tiny home to support workers like teachers and restaurant staff.

"Maintaining our ranchland and farmland is ideal for a rural community, but also to make the community walkable," she told KBZK. Her investment has already helped stabilize the economy while preserving the town's character.

But for Rick and Cody, this is about more than housing  it's about creating whole neighborhoods that preserve Montana's ranches and farmlands while connecting residents to each other.

"By communities, I don't just mean a site," Rick said. "But a full community where you can feel like you're a part of what's going on around you."

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From helping single mothers afford a home, to providing much-needed workforce housing, Rick and Cody's work has transformed lives.

A testimonial from their website highlights, "Working with Cody, Rick, and Jeremy to build my custom-made tiny home was quite literally a dream come true. Not only are they the only certified builders in the state of Montana but their expert craftsmanship is next to none."

Do you think America is in a housing crisis?

Click your choice to see results and speak your mind

Their journey shows how small, thoughtful solutions can create lasting change for both people and the planet. Their homes are designed with sustainability in mind, using eco-friendly materials and layouts that reduce energy consumption.

Woodland Ridge follows a similar approach to Habitat for Humanity's all-electric community in Minnesota, addressing housing needs with sustainable and affordable solutions.

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More and more businesses are coming up with creative solutions for housing and sustainability, and supporting eco-friendly initiatives is a simple way to make a difference.

Looking ahead, Rick and Cody hope to inspire other communities to rethink housing solutions. Park Local Development Corporation said in an Instagram post about Woodland Ridge's mission, "Growing up or growing old doesn't have to mean losing a support system to housing costs."

Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.




(Bloomberg) -- Investigators probing the cause of the worst civil aviation accident ever in South Korea will focus on a bird strike and the unusual landing-gear failure in the final moments of the fateful flight that left all but two of the 181 occupants of the Boeing Co. 737 jet dead.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The 737-800 aircraft operated by Jeju Air Co. crashed at Muan International Airport on Sunday morning, skidding along the runway on its belly before smashing into a wall, where it exploded into a ball of fire. Only a pair of flight attendants survived.

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While the aircraft was almost entirely destroyed, investigators will have valuable data to work with as they reconstruct the event. One vital key will be a readout of the two flight recorders, which were already pulled from the wreckage, though one device is damaged and may need longer to analyze.

Then theres footage showing the aircraft during approach with one engine apparently flaming out, alongside videos of the plane coming in to the airport and sliding along the runway at high speed, appearing largely intact, before the impact with the embankment.

The accident poses several unusual mysteries, and investigators have said its too soon to speculate what may have caused the crash. Mid-air bird strikes are rare but not entirely uncommon and seldom deadly because aircraft can operate on one engine for some time. Why the landing gear didnt deploy also remains unclear, or indeed if theres a link between that malfunction and the bird strike that was discussed between cockpit and control tower just before the landing.

The pilot, considered an experienced captain with close to 7,000 hours of active duty, issued a mayday emergency call minutes after the control tower warned of a bird strike. He aborted his first landing, started a go-around and switched direction on the runway in his second attempt. The control tower granted clearance to land in the opposite direction, and officials said its unlikely that the runway length caused the crash.

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The Boeing 737 involved in the crash is a predecessor to the latest Max variant. Its considered a reliable workhorse that passed routine maintenance checks, in a country with deep expertise for aircraft servicing. Around the world, there are more than 4,000 planes of its type in service.

Even if one of the black boxes was damaged in the crash, the data storage units can often be reconstructed to aid the investigation. The fortified devices contain vital statistics and performance metrics of a flight, as well as taped conversations and sounds from the cockpit.

Muans control tower warned of the risk of a bird strike at 8:57 a.m. local time, about two minutes before the pilot declared an emergency, officials said. The airport had four staffers working to prevent bird strikes at the time of the crash, including one outside the tower.

Birds are an aviation hazard because they can be ingested into the turbine or damage other parts of the plane and cause engine failure. In 2009, an Airbus A320 landed in the Hudson River in New York after a bird strike damaged both engines, in what has become known as the Miracle on the Hudson because everyone on board survived.

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Jeju Airs 15-year-old plane, registered HL8088, entered service with the carrier in 2017. It was initially delivered in 2009 to Irish discount airline Ryanair Holdings Plc, according to the Planespotters.net database. The jet was configured to seat as many as 189 passengers. Founded in 2005, Jeju Air operates 42 aircraft, according to its website.

There was no sign of malfunction during regular maintenance checks, Kim E-Bae, chief executive officer of Jeju Air, said at a news briefing. The jet was returning from Bangkok overnight in a 4 1/2 hour flight. The plane, which YTN said had been chartered by a local travel agency for a Christmas holiday trip, previously left Muan for the Thai capital on Saturday evening.

Muan is a small regional airport located in the countrys south that opened in 2007. It was built to help connect cities including Gwangju and Mokpo and increased its regular service of international flights this year, including those of Jeju Air.

The two surviving flight attendants were taken to hospital, and one of the two survivors is in intensive care unit with a thoracic spine fracture, the doctor at the hospital said in a press briefing.

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Boeing said its in contact with Jeju Air and ready to offer support. Aircraft manufacturers typically send specialists to crash sites to aid an investigation. Recovery of the victims, some of whom were ejected from the aircraft after the impact, has been completed and salvage crews are now searching the wreckage for passengers belongings, Yonhap said.

More than 1,500 people including police, military, coast guard and local government personnel are assisting at the crash site, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said. The airports runway will remain closed in coming days.

The accident is the deadliest passenger airline disaster in South Korea to date, surpassing the fatality toll from an Air China plane crash near Busan in 2002 that killed 129 people, according to the Aviation Safety Network. The crash is also among the worst globally this decade.

South Korea is currently experiencing a deepening political crisis after its president provoked public outrage by briefly imposing martial law earlier this month. Acting President Choi Sang-mok declared a week of mourning.

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The crash is the second major air disaster in less than a week. An incident in Russian airspace led to the crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines passenger aircraft on Dec. 25, killing dozens.

After a year of not a single fatal accident among the 37 million commercial aircraft movements in 2023, this year has seen a rising number of cases. Early in January, an approaching Japan Airlines Co. Airbus A350 crashed into a small plane on a runway in Tokyo, killing five occupants in the stationary aircraft.

A few days later, a door plug blew out of an airborne Boeing 737 Max 9 flying in the US. Though nobody was killed in that accident, the episode threw the US planemaker into deep crisis because it exposed sloppy workmanship at the company.

In August, a smaller ATR turboprop plane operated by Brazils VoePass crashed near Sao Paulos Guarulhos International Airport, killing 58 passengers and four crew members.

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--With assistance from Aradhana Aravindan.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
A passenger plane crashed while landing at an airport in South Korea on Sunday, killing all but two of the 181 people on board.

The Boeing 737-800 jet, operated by Jeju Air, skidded down the runway before slamming into a barrier and bursting into flames outside Muan International Airport in the south of the country.

The number of bodies found at the crash site reached 179 as night fell in South Korea.

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Two survivors  who were both flight attendants  were rescued from the tail of the plane and taken to hospital, where doctors said they were conscious and not in a life-threatening condition.

The 15-year-old plane, which had arrived from Bangkok, was left almost completely destroyed, fire officials said. Passenger seats and luggage were strewn across the field next to the runway, while only the tail of the plane remained recognisable amid the wreckage.

Credit: Lee Geun-young

Officials said the crash happened at 9.03am as the plane tried to land and that a bird strike was probably the cause.

They said the control tower had issued a warning of a bird strike, and soon after the pilot called mayday.

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It took approximately three minutes from the control towers mention of a bird strike warning to the aircrafts attempt to land on the runway again, an official said.

Footage showed the plane skidding across the airstrip at high speed, apparently without its landing gear being deployed, before overrunning the runway and colliding with a barrier, which triggered an explosion.

A fire official said passengers had been ejected from the aircraft.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with some aviation experts calling into question the bird strike theory and the apparent absence of landing gear.

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Fire agency officials told families waiting for news at the airport that 88 of the victims had been identified. Officials named 22 of the victims earlier in the day and added that DNA retrieval had begun.

All of the passengers were Korean apart from two Thais. The youngest victim was a three-year-old boy, while the oldest was 78, authorities said.

Yonhap News Agency

I had a son on board that plane, an elderly man waiting in the airport terminal, who asked not to be named, told news agency AFP.

My younger sister went to heaven today, said a 65-year-old woman, who only gave her surname Jo.

The BBC spoke to Maeng Gi-su, 78, who said his nephew and his nephews two sons had been on the flight. I cant believe the entire family has just disappeared. My heart aches so much, he said.

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One of the two survivors, a 33-year-old known as Lee, reportedly said: When I woke up, I had already been rescued.

Hospital director Ju Woong said Lee was fully able to communicate and there was no indication of memory loss. He is being treated for multiple fractures and risk of paralysis.

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Credit: South Korea MBC TV

Jeju Air, which is the countrys largest low-cost carrier, said it sincerely apologised and vowed to do all it could to help the investigation. Leading officials from the company bowed deeply at a press conference in Seoul.

The head of Jeju Airs management team later said the crash had not been caused by maintenance issues, while an official from the ministry of land dismissed speculation that the length of the runway had been a factor.

Boeing said in a statement that it was in touch with Jeju Air and stood ready to support them.

Two black boxes have been recovered from the crash site. However, one sustained partial damage, which will likely delay analysis, officials said. They added that decoding the flight record could take a month.

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South Koreas aviation industry has a solid track record for safety, experts said. The last time the country suffered such a large-scale aviation tragedy was in August 1997, when 228 people were killed in the Korean Airlines Flight 801 crash at Guam.

Choi Sang-mok, South Koreas acting president who took office on Friday, convened an emergency cabinet meeting and then visited the crash site.

He said: The entire government is working closely together to manage the aftermath of the accident ... making every effort to ensure thorough support for the bereaved families.

The country declared a seven-day national mourning period effective from Sunday, with memorial altars to be set up nationwide.

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David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, paid his heartfelt condolences to the people of South Korea and Thailand, while the King said that he and the Queen were profoundly saddened to learn of the crash.

As the people of the Republic of Korea mourn this disaster, the families and loved ones of all the victims are in our prayers, the King said.

04:42 PM GMT

Jeju Air executives bow in apology

Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae (3rd-R) and other executive members bow in apology ahead of a briefing in Seoul - YONHAP/AFP via Getty Images

04:36 PM GMT

US investigators help South Korea in probe after crash

The National Transportation Safety Board is leading a team of US investigators to help South Koreas aviation authority in its investigation of the Jeju Air crash in Muan, the agency said on Sunday.

Planemaker Boeing and the Federal Aviation Administration are participating, NTSB said.

04:08 PM GMT

Starmer sends deepest condolences to victims

Sir Keir Starmer has sent his deepest condolences to the victims of the crash.

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I send my deepest condolences to the victims and families of those who lost their lives in the tragic plane crash in Muan, the Prime Minister said.

I pay tribute to the work of the emergency responders and my thoughts are with the people of the Republic of Korea and Thailand at this terrible time.

03:47 PM GMT

King Charles pays tribute to victims

The King has paid tribute to the victims of a plane crash in South Korea which claimed the lives of 179 people.

My wife and I were profoundly saddened to learn of the horrific air accident at Muan, which resulted in such grievous loss of life, the King said in a statement.

As the people of the Republic of Korea mourn this disaster, the families and loved ones of all the victims are in our prayers.

03:39 PM GMT

One of two survivors responsive in hospital

One of the two survivors has told doctors he had already been rescued when he woke in hospital.

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The 33-year-old survivor, known as Lee, was working as a flight attendant on the Jeju Air plane.

Emergency services initially took Lee to a hospital in the nearby city of Mokpo, south of Seoul, but later transferred him to Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital in the capital city.

When I woke up, I had already been rescued, he told doctors at the hospital, according to its director Ju Woong.

Hes fully able to communicate, Ju said. Theres no indication yet of memory loss or such.

Lee is currently in intensive care after doctors diagnosed him with multiple fractures and risk of paralysis.

03:28 PM GMT

Ambassadors share condolence messages

Philip Goldberg, the US ambassador to South Korea, said on social media: I was heartbroken to hear about the tragedy at Muan airport this morning.

The UK ambassador, Colin Crooks, wrote: Deepest condolences to the families of those who perished in this mornings dreadful air accident at Muan.

03:03 PM GMT

Video allegedly showing the moment of bird strike

Credit: South Korea MBC TV

02:55 PM GMT

88 victims identified

Among the 177 bodies so far found, officials have so far identified 88 of them, the fire agency said.

02:26 PM GMT

Pictured: Officials visit airport

Emergency workers walk past portable tents for family and relatives of victims - SeongJoon Cho/Bloomberg

South Koreas acting president and Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok (C), listens to a firefighter during a visit to the plane crash site - South Korea's Finance Ministry via YONHAP/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party, right, speaks to relatives of the victims - SeongJoon Cho/Bloomberg

02:13 PM GMT

Map of South Korea flight before crash

01:53 PM GMT

One black box sustained partial damage

One of the two black boxes has sustained partial damage, which will likely delay analysis to identify the cause of the accident, land ministry officials have said.

Decoding the FDR alone could take about a month, the official added.

If we have difficulty decoding it here, then we may have to send it to the NTSB, the second official said. They have cases from all over the world to analyse, so it could take quite a bit of time.

The Yonhap news agency reported that the voice recorder appears to be intact.

01:40 PM GMT

Survivor being treated for fractures

Ju Woong, director of the Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital, where one of the survivors was hospitalised, said the man was being treated in an intensive care unit for fractures to his ribs, shoulder blade and upper spine. The director said the man, whose name wasnt released, told doctors he woke up to find (himself) rescued.

12:59 PM GMT

Thai passengers confirmed among fatalities

The two Thai passengers on board the plane were among the fatalities, according to Thailands foreign ministry.

12:45 PM GMT

Experts question bird strike as cause of deadly South Korean plane crash

Uncertainties surround the deadliest crash on South Korean soil, experts said on Sunday, questioning initial suggestions that a bird strike might have brought down the Jeju Air flight.

The apparent absence of landing gear, the timing of the twin-engine Boeing 737-800s belly-landing at Muan airport and the reports of a possible bird strike all raised questions that could not yet be answered.

Geoffrey Thomas, the Geoffrey Thomas, said: Why didnt fire tenders lay foam on the runway? Why werent they in attendance when the plane touched down? And why did the aircraft touch down so far down the runway? And why was there a brick wall at the end of the runway?

A bird strike is not unusual, problems with an undercarriage are not unusual. Bird strikes happen far more often, but typically they dont cause the loss of an airplane by themselves.

Geoffrey Dell, an Australian airline safety expert, said: Ive never seen a bird strike prevent the landing gear from being extended.

Trevor Jensen, an Australian aviation consultant, said fire and emergency services would normally be ready for a belly-landing, so this appears to be unplanned.

A bird strike could have impacted the CFM International engines if a flock had been sucked into them, but that would not have shut them down straight away, giving the pilots some time to deal with the situation, Mr Dell said.

Under global aviation rules, South Korea will lead a civil investigation into the crash and automatically involve the National Transportation Safety Board in the United States where the plane was designed and built.

Experts cautioned that air accidents are usually caused by a cocktail of factors and it can take months to piece together the sequence of events in and outside the plane.

12:17 PM GMT

All bodies and victims found, with death toll reaching 179

A total of 179 people were killed in Sundays Jeju Air plane crash in South Korea, the countrys fire agency said as it announced a final toll from the disaster.

The plane was carrying 181 people, and two people were earlier rescued and taken to hospital.

Of the 179 dead, 65 have been identified, the fire agency said of the crash at Muan airport, which two members of the crew survived.

11:48 AM GMT

Pope prays for South Korea plane crash victims

Pope Francis sent his prayers on December 29 to the victims of the plane crash - Tiziana FABI / AFP

Pope Francis sent his prayers on Sunday to the victims of a plane crash in South Korea, which is believed to have killed nearly 180 people.

He said after the Angelus prayer: My thoughts are with the many families in South Korea who are mourning today following the dramatic plane crash. I join in prayer for the survivors and the dead.

11:29 AM GMT

South Korea to observe week of mourning

Choi Sang-mok, South Koreas acting president, said at a news conference that the country would observe a one week mourning period.

11:22 AM GMT

Lammy pays condolences

David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, has paid his heartfelt condolences to the people of South Korea and Thailand after a plane crash killed at least 177.

Mr Lammy posted on social media on Sunday morning: Deeply saddened by news of the plane crash overnight in South Korea.

My heartfelt condolences go out to the people of South Korea and Thailand, and all those that have lost loved ones.

11:12 AM GMT

Jeju Air pledges to fully support victims and families

Beatrice Siviero reports from Laos:

Jeju Air has pledged to fully support the victims and their families following the deadly crash in Muan, South Jeolla, which is presumed to have killed 179 people.

The airline confirmed that the crashed plane is covered by an insurance policy that can provide up to $1 billion in compensation.

Jeju Airs management team, led by Song Kyung-hoon, assured the public that all necessary aid would be given to the victims families, with 260 employees dispatched to Muan airport to provide assistance.

The airline said it has also arranged accommodation in South Jeolla to assist the families.

11:07 AM GMT

What is a bird strike?

Investigations have been launched, but officials suspect that the accident could have been caused, at least in part, by a bird strike.

A bird strike is a collision between a bird and an aircraft in flight.

It can be hazardous to aircraft safety and jets are especially vulnerable to a loss of power if birds are sucked into the air intakes, according to the UN agency International Civil Aviation Organisation. A number of fatal accidents have occurred globally because of bird strikes.

In 2009, a US Airways Airbus A320 was ditched in New Yorks Hudson River after a bird strike on both of its engines, in an incident widely known as the Miracle on the Hudson because there was no loss of life.

10:50 AM GMT

Youngest passenger was three-year-old boy

According to authorities, the youngest passenger was a three-year-old boy and the oldest was 78.

Five of the dead were children under the age of 10, authorities said.

10:48 AM GMT

Family members wait for news inside airport

Relatives of passengers watch the news inside the airport - AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon

News agency AFP is reporting from inside the airport terminal, where family members are gathered to wait for news.

The boards typically used for arrival and departure information were instead displaying the names, dates of birth and nationalities of the victims.

I had a son on board that plane... He has yet to be identified, one elderly man waiting in the airport lounge, who asked not to be named, told AFP.

Wailing and screaming echoed through the two-storey airport. One woman was carried away on a stretcher, apparently having passed out from shock.

Many of the passengers, who were all Korean nationals except for two Thais, had been returning home after their winter holidays.

My younger sister went to heaven today, said one 65-year-old woman, who gave only her surname Jo.

10:26 AM GMT

Authorities secure black boxes

The black boxes have been recovered, said Ju Jong-wan, the director of aviation policy at the ministry of land.

Authorities are currently examining them to determine the cause of the disaster as part of the ongoing investigation.

10:24 AM GMT

Pictured: Rescue operations continue as night falls

Darkness is closing in on the crash site where rescue teams are still searching for the missing.

Two people remained missing about nine hours after the incident.

Among the 177 bodies found, officials have so far identified 57 of them, the fire agency said. The passengers were predominantly South Korean, as well as two Thai nationals. Two people survived the crash and have been taken to hospital.

The wreckage of Flight 2216 at Muan International Airport - Seong Joon Cho/Bloomberg

The Boeing 737-800 aircraft operated by Jeju Air crashed and caught fire on an airport runway in South Korea - Seong Joon Cho/Bloomberg

Firefighters and rescue personnel carry the body of a victim - JUNG YEON-JE/AFP

10:12 AM GMT

Death toll rises to 177

The death toll has increased to 177.

There were 181 people on the plane. Two survivors have been taken to hospital.

10:10 AM GMT

Official says runway length unlikely the cause

An official from the ministry of land has said the length of the runway was likely not a factor for the crash.

The comment was in response to being asked if the accident happened because of the runway being too short.

They said: The runway is 2,800 metres long, and similar-sized aircraft have been operating on it without issues.

It is unlikely that the accident was caused by the length of the runway.

Two minutes before the crash, the pilot had issued a Mayday call. The transport department said that the head pilot had been in this role since 2019 and had more than 9,800 hours of flight experience.

09:53 AM GMT

Over 1,500 emergency personnel deployed for recovery effort

More than 1,500 emergency personnel have been deployed for the recovery effort, including 490 fire employees and 455 police officers, according to the BBC. The fire agency also deployed 32 fire trucks and several helicopters to contain the fire.

Emergency rescue workers are trying to locate remains of those who remain unaccounted for and searching nearby areas for bodies possibly thrown from the plane, Muan fire chief Lee Jung-hyun told journalists.

The bodies of those recovered so far are being housed in a temporary mortuary close to the crash site, the Korea JoongAng Daily newspaper is reporting.

09:49 AM GMT

Watch: Emergency workers at the scene of South Korean plane crash

Yonhap News Agency

09:46 AM GMT

All flights arriving at Muan airport cancelled

All flights arriving at South Koreas Muan international airport have been cancelled on Sunday, the Korea Airports Corporation said this morning.

09:42 AM GMT

Germanys Scholz sends condolences to victims of South Korea plane crash

Olaf Scholz, the German chancellor, has sent condolences to the families of those killed in a deadly plane crash in South Korea.

He wrote in a post on social media: We have received terrible news of a plane crash in South Korea with many fatalities. Our condolences go out to the families of those killed in the crash and we wish the injured a speedy recovery.

09:40 AM GMT

South Koreas Yonhap News Agency airs shots of burnt plane wreckage

Yonhap News Agency

09:38 AM GMT

Death toll rises to 176

Officials have said the death toll has risen to 176. The plane was carrying 181 people, including 175 passengers and six crew members.

Two people, both crew members, were rescued from the wreckage and taken to hospital. So far, authorities have identified 22 victims, news agency Yonhap reports.

09:36 AM GMT

Airport control tower warned of bird strike six minutes before crash

In a briefing, the land ministry said that the airport control tower had issued a warning about a bird strike just six minutes before the Jeju Air plane crashed.

One minute after the warning, the planes pilot declared Mayday, signalling a critical emergency.

09:33 AM GMT

At least a dozen civil servants on plane

Beatrice Siviero reports from Laos:

Among the victims were at least a dozen civil servants from Gwangju and South Jeolla, the Korea JoongAng Daily has reported.

Authorities confirmed that 13 civil servants, both current and retired, were on board the flight.

They included two employees from the South Jeolla provincial government, three current civil servants, and five retired officials from Hwasun County. Five administrative officers from the South Jeolla provincial office of education were onboard.

Two sisters, both civil servants from Mokpo, and one civil servant from Damyang County were also counted amongst the victims.

Authorities are working to identify the remaining passengers, as many of the bodies were severely burned in the fire following the crash. Families have been told that it is unlikely any further survivors will be found.

09:22 AM GMT

South Koreas acting president arrives at crash site two days after assuming role

Choi Sang-mok (third) is pictured on his way to the site of the crash - Xinhua/Shutterstock

Choi Sang-mok, South Koreas acting president, has arrived at the scene of the deadly crash and declared it a special disaster zone.

He said: The government would like to offer its sincere condolences to the bereaved families and will do its best to recover from this accident and prevent a recurrence.

He has been on the job for less than 48 hours, after becoming acting leader on Friday night following the impeachment of Han Duck-soo, who became acting president when Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached and suspended from power on Dec 14.

Behind the scenes, Reuters reported that government offices were still figuring out the chain of command and how press statements would be released.

09:17 AM GMT

Death toll rises to 174

The death toll from the plane crash has risen to 174, fire officials said.

09:16 AM GMT

Massive plumes of smoke rises from crash site of plane in South Korea

09:13 AM GMT

Flight recorder recovered from crash site

The flight recorder from the plane has been recovered, according to an official from South Koreas ministry of land, infrastructure and transportation.

09:12 AM GMT

What we know so far

If youre just joining us, here is a brief overview of what we know about the Jeju Air crash in Muan, South Korea.

At least 174 people have been killed in the crash of Jeju Air flight 7C2216, marking the deadliest ever on South Korean soil and the worst involving a South Korean airline since a 1997 crash in Guam that killed more than 200.

The plane was carrying 181 passengers and crashed as it was landing just after 09:00 local time.

Two people  both flight crew  are reported to have been rescued from the wreckage and are undergoing treatment in hospital.

Jeju Air  which is the countrys biggest budget airline  has apologised to families and plane manufacturer Boeing has offered condolences to those affected.

08:51 AM GMT

Watch: Moment plane erupts into fireball

Credit: Lee Geun-young

08:45 AM GMT

Pictured: Rescue teams work at crash site

South Korean rescue team members near the wreckage - Chung Sung-Jun/Getty

Firefighters carry the body of a passenger from the wreckage - Kim Hong-Ji/REUTERS

Firefighters carry out rescue operations at Muan airport - YONHAP/Shutterstock

A seat from the aircraft lies on the ground - Kim Hong-Ji/REUTERS

08:38 AM GMT

Death toll rises to 167

The death toll from the plane crash has risen to 167, fire officials said shortly after 8:45am GMT.

A view from the scene after a Jeju Air plane crashed in Muan - Ahn Young-joon/AP

08:06 AM GMT

Bereaved families gather at airport

Hours after the crash, family members gathered in the airports arrival area, some crying and hugging as Red Cross volunteers handed out blankets.

Papers were circulated for families to write down their contact details.

One relative stood at a microphone to ask for more information from authorities. My older brother died and I dont know whats going on, he said.

Another asked journalists not to film. We are not monkeys in a zoo, he said. We are the bereaved families.

Mortuary vehicles lined up outside to take bodies away, and authorities said a temporary morgue had been established.

07:22 AM GMT

Another four bodies found

The death toll is now at 124.

The victims include 57 women, 54 men and 13 others whose genders could not be confirmed.

07:20 AM GMT

Thai PM sends condolences

Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the Thai prime minister, sent condolences to the families of the dead and injured in a post on social media.

Two of the passengers on board the plane from Bangkok were Thai.

They have been identified as two women, aged 22 and 45.

07:10 AM GMT

Boeing responds

Boeing issued the following statement:

We are in contact with Jeju Air regarding flight 2216 and stand ready to support them. We extend our deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones, and our thoughts remain with the passengers and crew.

07:08 AM GMT

Should I say my last words?

A passenger had texted a relative to say a bird was stuck in the wing, local media reported.

The persons final message was reportedly Should I say my last words?

07:01 AM GMT

Jeju Air president feels full responsibility

Kim E-bae, Jeju Airs president, has appeared on a televised news conference.

He bowed alongside other senior company officials as he apologised to bereaved families.

He said he feels full responsibility for the crash.

Mr Kim said the company had not identified any mechanical problems in the 15-year-old Boeing jet following regular maintenance checks.

06:10 AM GMT

Death toll reaches 120

The fire department has now said 120 people are confirmed dead.

The victims include 57 women, 54 men and nine others whose genders were not immediately identifiable.

Only two people  one male and one female, both airline crew members  have been found alive since the plane burst into flames at Muan airport just after 9am local time.

It is now after 3pm there.

05:54 AM GMT

Little chance of survival

Rescuers continue to look for survivors but are losing hope.

They have turned their attention to grassland near the crash site, believing that passengers could have been ejected from the plane as it crashed into the fence.

Passengers were ejected from the aircraft after it collided with the barrier, leaving little chance of survival, a local fire department said.

05:40 AM GMT

Death toll rises to 96

The citys fire department has confirmed more bodies have been found at the crash site.

So far, two people rescued  both are flight attendants  96 dead, the most recent update reads.

05:18 AM GMT

Two crew members rescued

The two people who were found alive in the burning plane were Jeju Air crew members.

The pair, a man and a woman, were located in the tail section of the plane.

They are being treated at a hospital with medium to severe injuries, according to the head of the local public health centre.

05:09 AM GMT

Another landing gear crash

Now to some concerning aviation news out of Canada where another plane crash this morning has also been linked to a faulty landing gear.

Video shared to social media shows panic on board an Air Canada Express flight before it landed at Halifax Stanfield International Airport.

Peter Fitzpatrick, a spokesman for Air Canada, said the plane experienced a suspected landing gear issue after arrival around 9:30pm Saturday (1:30am GMT).

The plane stopped short of the terminal. All 73 passengers on board were evacuated safety, with some suffering minor injuries.

 JUST IN: Air Canada flight lands in Halifax with a broken landing gear, resulting in the wing scraping the runway causing a fire



The airport is currently CLOSED.



This comes just hours after a Boeing 737 attempted a landing without warning extending its gear in South Korea, pic.twitter.com/Givga3hDEn  Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) December 29, 2024

04:59 AM GMT

One of the countrys deadliest crashes

This will go down in history books as one of South Koreas deadliest aviation disasters.

The worst plane disaster in the country was in Guam on Aug 6 1997.

That day, 228 of the 254 people on board Korean Airlines Flight 801 were killed in a crash at Nimitz Hill.

Remarkably, 23 passengers and three flight attendants survived even though the plane, a Boeing 747-300, was completely destroyed by the impact and subsequent fire.

Here is a photo from the scene of the crash at Guam in 1997:

Officials look at the tail section of Korean Air Lines (KAL) flight 801

04:33 AM GMT

Weather and bird strike could have caused the crash, says fire chief

Lee Jeong-hyun, the chief of Muans fire station, has provided a brief update.

He said: The cause of the accident is presumed to be a bird strike combined with adverse weather conditions.

However, the exact cause will be announced following a joint investigation.

04:20 AM GMT

Death toll reaches 85

The national fire agency has said: So far, two rescued and 85 dead.

The rescue operation continues, the agency confirmed.

04:17 AM GMT

More pictures from the scene

Firefighters carry out rescue operations - YONHAP/Getty

Firefighters carry out extinguishing operations on an aircraft which drove off runaway at Muan International Airport in Muan, South Jeolla Province, South Korea

04:00 AM GMT

Airline deeply apologetic

Jeju Air has said it will spare no effort to respond to the accident.

We are currently working to determine the exact cause and details of the situation, a company official told Yanhap news agency, adding that the aircraft had been in operation for 15 years with no history of accidents.

A public apology notice on the airlines website read: We deeply apologise to all those affected by the incident at Muan Airport.

We will make every effort to resolve the situation. We sincerely regret the distress caused.

03:56 AM GMT

Acting president heads to crash site

Choi Sang-mok, who was named interim leader of the country on Friday after the previous acting president was impeached amid an ongoing political crisis, has ordered more rescue crews to attend the airport.

Mr Choi will travel to the crash site, and his his chief-of-staff is convening an emergency meeting.

03:54 AM GMT

More on the victims

We are now hearing that of the 62 people found dead, there were 37 women and 25 men.

The victims suffered burns when the plane burst into flames.

03:52 AM GMT

Two people rescued

Emergency crews have pulled two people from the wreckage.

This photo shows one of the severely injured people being wheeled away for treatment at a hospital in nearby Mokpo:

A passenger who was rescued from an aircraft which drove off runway at Muan International Airport is carried to a hospital in Mokpo

03:47 AM GMT

Why did the plane crash?

Initial reports have suggested that the pilot had struggled to keep the aircraft on course because of a malfunctioning landing gear, possibly caused by a bird striking the plane before coming in to land shortly after 9am.

A passenger had texted a loved one saying that a bird got caught on the wing and we couldnt land, South Korean media reported.

03:47 AM GMT

Who was on board?

In total, 181 people were on the flight, which was due to land at Muan International Airport in South Korea shortly after 9am.

The majority of the passengers were South Korean citizens, except for two Thai nationals.

They were accompanied by six airline staff.

03:44 AM GMT

Pictured: The crash site

Firefighters carry out extinguishing operations on an aircraft which drove off runaway at Muan International Airport in Muan, South Jeolla Province, South Korea

Fire engines work to extinguish a fire at the Muan International Airport in Muan, South Korea

Firefighters carry out extinguishing operations on an aircraft which drove off runway at Muan International Airport in Muan, South Jeolla Province, South Korea

03:36 AM GMT

What we know so far

A plane has crashed in Muan, in southwest South Korea.

Initial reports suggested 29 people were dead.

Death toll rose to 62 at midday, local time.

Two people rescued.

Grave fears for everyone else on board.

03:33 AM GMT

Good morning

As we reported earlier, there are grave fears for passengers and crew on board the Jeju Air plane that crashed in South Korea on Sunday morning.

The number of casualties has been upgraded to 62.

Given this is a fast-moving story and the likelihood the death toll will rise, we have decided to live blog this event. Check back here for updates.

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Reliance's Jamnagar refinery, which happens to be the conglomerate's first, turned 25 years old this week. Twenty-five years ago, on December 28, 1999, Reliance launched its first refinery at Jamnagar. Jamnagar has become the world's refining hub - an engineering marvel that is India's pride. At that time, many experts had said that it would be impossible for an Indian company to set up the world's largest refinery in three years. But Reliance managed to achieve that in a record time of just 33 months, notwithstanding the lack of infrastructure and a severe cyclone that had hit Jamnagar then. When Reliance Industries' Founder Chairman Dhirubhai Ambani wanted to pursue his long-cherished dream of setting up a refinery, he was offered land in the barren and desolate region off Jamnagar, near a sleepy village called Motikhavdi. Leading world-class project consultants advised Dhirubhai against investing in the desert-like region that did not have roads, electricity, or even sufficient drinking water. They had warned that mobilising manpower, materials, technical experts and every other input in such wilderness would require extraordinary efforts. Dhirubhai defied all the naysayers and went ahead with his dream. He wanted to create not just an industrial plant but a Nandanwan. Between 1996 and 1999, he and his highly motivated team went on to create an engineering marvel at Jamnagar. The first private-sector refinery of India single-handedly added 25 per cent to India's total refining capacity. This one project completely transformed the barren region into a bustling industrial hub. Moreover, Reliance's focused efforts created a green zone in the arid land, resulting in the lowering of temperature and improved rainfall in the region. The Jamnagar refining complex now boasts of Asia's largest mango orchard, with over 1.5 lakh mango trees. The huge mangrove belt there has become a haven for migratory birds, and the surrounding dense forest houses the Vantara - the one-of-its-kind rehabilitation home for rescued wild species. Reliance spent over USD 3.4 billion in capital costs to create the world's largest refinery with 27 million tonne capacity. The industrial city of Jamnagar is set to become the cradle of Reliance's New Energy business, with the Dhirubhai Ambani New Energy Giga Complex commissioning soon. In FY99, India's total imports of gasoline and diesel stood at over 10 million tonnes, which dropped to zero once the Jamnagar refinery started operations. Today, with 1.4 million barrels per day - nearly 1.5 per cent of entire world's refining capacity - Jamnagar is the world's largest integrated, single-site refinery complex. What started as a state-of-the-art refinery with a petrochemical complex at Jamnagar in 1999, has today emerged world's largest single-location manufacturing complex spread across 25,000 acres. Jamnagar underwent three phases of expansion in the last three decades. The first was India's largest and world's seventh largest refinery that was commissioned in July 1999. The refinery was accompanied by a few petrochemical units, an all-weather port, storage tankages, captive power plant, and state-of-the-art evacuation infrastructure. At Rs 25,000 crore, it represented the largest industrial investment ever made by an Indian group at any one location. In 2006, Reliance embarked upon an even greater journey to set up a second refinery at Jamnagar with even greater complexity. On December 28, 2008, on founder Chairman Dhirubhai Ambani's 76th Birth Anniversary, the second refinery was commissioned. The third phase which lasted from 2014-2018 added more downstream processing units, making Jamnagar a real 'supersite' - the largest in the world, and one of the most unique globally in the energy industry. Today, the Jamnagar refinery complex houses some of the world's largest units such as the Fluidised Catalytic Cracker (FCC), Coker, Alkylation, Paraxylene, Polypropylene, Refinery Off-Gas Cracker (ROGC), and Petcoke gasification plants. (ANI)
South Korea's suspended president, Yoon Suk Yeol, has for the third time in a row failed to heed a summons to appear before the country's law enforcement authorities, the Yonhap news agency reported on Sunday.

The Corruption Investigation Office said that Yoon had failed to appear at their offices south of Seoul when summonsed, Yonhap reported. Yoon had ignored previous summonses on December 18 and 25.

The likelihood was rising that office would issue an arrest warrant against Yoon, Yonhap said.

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The corruption office is investigating Yoon for unexpectedly imposing martial law on December 3, before lifting the declaration hours later.

South Korea has been in political crisis ever since. The National Assembly voted to impeach Yoon on December 14, and the Constitutional Court has launched the relevant proceedings to take a final decision on whether the assembly's vote is constitutional or not.

Yoon recently defended his controversial decision to impose martial law by saying he was acting to protect the nation. The opposition accuses him of violating the constitution.
TALIHINA  A power plant set to be built in southeastern Oklahoma and that would draw water from the Kiamichi River is generating opposition from residents in the area, tribal leaders, state officials, lawmakers and members of Oklahomas congressional delegation.

The plant, a $3.1 billion project, is being pushed by the Southeast Oklahoma Power Corp., a company incorporated in Nevada and based in Dallas. The project would require construction of three reservoirs  a upper lake created by impounding Long Creek, a lower lake created by an earthen dam, and a 40-acre reservoir.

According to documents filed with federal regulators, the hydropower plant would generate electricity through a 100-mile-long power line extending through Pushmataha and western McCurtain counties in Oklahoma and through Lamar and Red River counties in Texas. The facility would be located on private land about five miles south of the small town of Talihina.

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Power generated from the plant would most likely go to Texas. Officials with the company could not be reached for comment. However, in its 367-page filing with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the company said the project was necessary.

"This project would provide a stable source of cost-effective renewable energy, carbon-free peaking capacity, dispatchable load to balance renewable energy sources and ancillary services for grid operators, while also conserving the water resources of the Kiamichi River," an introduction in the company's filing noted.

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond, pictured here in October, sent a letter to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, asking the commission to deny Southeast Oklahoma Power Corp.s application to build a power plant.

The proposal has created a firestorm of opposition, including a terse letter from Attorney General Gentner Drummond. That letter, sent to the FERC, asked the commission to deny Southeast Oklahoma Power Corp.s application to build the power plant.

Drummond said the company provided only limited information to the commission and noted that the corporation has not requested the proper state licenses or permits for the project.

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As the chief law officer of the State of Oklahoma, I will not tolerate violation of Oklahoma law or flagrant disregard for the sovereignty of federal law, protected rights of a tribal nation and similarly situated property owners, Drummond wrote in his letter to the FERC.

Drummond said the project appears to be inconsistent with several areas of a federal settlement between the state and the Choctaw and Chickasaw nations. That agreement, which was negotiated as part of an ongoing legal battle over Sardis Lake, gives tribal nations input on water usage and is intended to preserve the flow of the Kiamichi River and protect the region.

SEOPC has indicated it intends to rely on powers of condemnation to acquire private property from Oklahomans to build the power plant, Drummond said in a news release announcing his opposition to the project.

Most of the proud Oklahomans who call the Kiamichi region home have lived there for generations, Drummond wrote. I intend, as Oklahomas Attorney General, to ensure that their private property rights are safeguarded to the full extent of the law.

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Drummond said the company has not considered the implications of its project under federal law, including the Endangered Species Act, the National Historic Preservation Act and the Clean Water Act.

Drummond isnt the only state official opposed to the project.

Earlier this year, state Rep. J.J. Humphrey, a Republican from Lane, and Rep. Eddy Dempsey, R-Valliant, held an interim hearing about the project. Both lawmakers said they were concerned about the way land would be obtained for the project.

The pair said a study was conducted to examine issues raised by residents over the use of eminent domain.

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"Southeast Oklahoma Power Corporation is alleged to have threatened over 500 landowners with eminent domain and plans to remove these landowners to complete their project," Humphrey said. "The study reviewed potential effects of this project on the river, wildlife and landowners and revealed why there is such incredible opposition to this project."

Humphrey told The Oklahoman that eminent domain component of the project wasn't acceptable. "I don't like it when companies try to take people's land," he said.

Dempsey said the plant is being proposed on one of the state's most beautiful rivers and would not even benefit Oklahoma, but instead would benefit only Texas. He said current drought conditions make the project even more unfeasible.

"Southeast Oklahoma is my love and my passion," Dempsey said. "I was born and raised here. My family came over on the Trail of Tears. The mountains, woods and waters there mean the world to me, and I will do everything I can to protect them."

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In July, the Choctaw Nation's tribal council passed a resolution opposing the hydropower project. In addition, the tribe sent a formal letter about the issue to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission which outlined the Choctaw's concerns about potential harm from the project and the importance of tribal participation in the approval process.

One of our tribes top priorities is defending our sovereignty, which includes protecting our culture and community. These efforts include being good stewards of our land and natural resources, Choctaw Chief Gary Batton said. Fortunately, FERC has recognized it must not issue preliminary permits for projects on tribal land if a project is opposed by a tribe, and we call on the agency to adhere to that policy.

Batton said the project would impact endangered species, including a particular mussel, and numerous historical sites. "It also runs counter to the historic Water Settlement Agreement between (the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma), other tribes, Oklahoma City and the state of Oklahoma, which is enforceable as a matter of federal law," Batton said.

Just months after the tribes announced their opposition, U.S. Rep. Josh Brecheen, a Republican, sent a letter to the FERC opposing the project.

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Brecheen, who represents Oklahoma's 2nd Congressional District, listed three reasons for his opposition, including: the use of eminent domain to capture 35,000 acres of private land; using water from the Kiamichi River that is regulated by a federal court agreement between tribal leaders, the state of Oklahoma and the city of Oklahoma City and the fact, he said, that the Southeast Oklahoma Power Corporation is "run by an individual with ties to the Chinese Communist Party."

"This project would, without due process, deprive Oklahomans of the constitutional right to private property and jeopardize American national security," Brecheen wrote.

Like the Choctaws, the Chickasaw Nation also announced its opposition to the project and sent a letter to the FERC outlining the tribe's concerns.

So far, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has not announced a decision in the project.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: SE Oklahoma hydropower plan opposed by state, tribal leaders
BEAUFORT, S.C. (WSAV)  A fire caused by a space heater has left one person injured, according to the City of Beaufort/Town of Port Royal Fire Department.

Officials say just after 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, the department was dispatched to a residential structure fire off Ritter Circle in Port Royal.

The first arriving engine arrived on scene to find smoke and flames showing from a one-story residential structure.

(City of Beaufort/Town of Port Royal Fire Department)

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Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the fire, then stayed on at the scene for over 3 hours extinguishing hot spots and performing salvage and overhaul.

According to officials, one occupant of the home was transported to the hospital with burn injuries.

(City of Beaufort/Town of Port Royal Fire Department)

The City of Beaufort/Town of Port Royal Fire Department, the Burton Fire District, Parris Island Fire & Emergency Services, Beaufort County EMS, Port Royal Police Department, and Dominion all responded to the incident.

3 juveniles charged after shots fired reported in Grays Hill

The City of Beaufort/Town of Port Royal Fire Department says if using space heaters, always remember to keep combustibles at least 3 feet away.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV.
Dec. 29 (UPI) -- SpaceX completed back-to-back missions of two Falcon 9 rockets over the weekend, delivering 22 Starlink satellites and Astranis's One to Many Mission into orbit, the 132nd and 133rd missions of the year.

"We're now targeting 134 launches -- two shy of our last goal -- to finish 2024 strong," Kiko Dontchev, SpaceX's vice president of launch wrote on social media. "Here's to an awesome last couple of days in 2024 and an even better 2025!"

The first of the two missions lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California at 5:48 p.m. PST and deployed the communications satellites into low-Earth orbit about 65 minutes later.

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The first stage booster fuel module returned to Earth, landing on the droneship "Of Course I Still Love You" in the Pacific Ocean about eight minutes after liftoff, as has become nearly routine.

It was the 16th mission for this particular booster, a dozen of which have been to launch Starlink satellites into orbit, adding to the SpaceX constellation of broadband internet hardware. It was SpaceX's 88th Starlink mission this year, one of which failed because of an upper-stage oxygen leak.

Timed exposure of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket as it launches 21 Starlink satellites on Mission 12-2 at 12:35 AM from Launch Complex 39 at the Kennedy Space Center, Florida on Monday. Photo by Joe Marino/UPI

The Starlink satellite constellation consists of nearly 6,700 active modules, according to satellite tracker and astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell.

"Ultimately, there is only one number that truly matters. ZERO failures. Our priority is - and will remain - safety and reliability above all else," Dontchev continued.

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The second launch, which occurred at 12 a.m. EST Sunday, sent a miniature fleet of 4 "MicroGEO" satellites into orbit for the company Astranis from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. SpaceX made the launch on its second try after the first attempt was aborted seconds before the scheduled liftoff a week earlier. SpaceX said it changed some engine components to make the second attempt successful.

The Astranis mission was the second of three planned SpaceX launches this weekend.

The MicroGEO satellites launched Sunday were built to provide various satellite communications services, including in-flight connectivity on airplanes, ships, or other modes of transportation. Another satellite will be dedicated to broadband service in the Philippines.

"These are our most advanced satellites yet, with a number of improvements that will generate increased capacity and affordability," Astranis CEO John Gedmark said in a statement before launch.

SpaceX plans to launch 21 more Starlink satellites from Florida on Monday.
Native Detroiter Patrice Neal believes that some anniversaries take an entire year to celebrate. That is why, during the final days of December, Neal was still gleefully talking about the United Negro College Fund, which has celebrated its 80th anniversary throughout 2024.

This 80th anniversary celebration of UNCF has been about our legacy, our history and our future, Neal, the area development director for UNCF Michigan, said. The anniversary also represents our sustainability. Since 1944, when the United Negro College Fund was founded by Dr. Frederick Douglass Patterson and Mary McLeod Bethune, we have been solid in everything we have done. And there is still much work to do because everyone should have access to higher education.

Detroit's longtime connection to UNCF is illustrated by a photo from the 1990s where Detroit's own Aretha Franklin was joined by Emmy Award-winning journalist Huel Perkins and former WJBK-TV news anchor Michah Materre, far right, during a local segment of the nationally televised UNCF telethon, "The Lou Rawls Parade of Stars," which used to bring celebrities together with WJBK on-air personalities and community people to support UNCF in a major way. "People would come by, say a few words and leave a few dollars for UNCF," recalls Perkins, who remains a strong supporter of UNCF today.

Twenty-five years ago, Neal says her knowledge about the UNCF began and ended with the nonprofits world famous slogan: A mind is a terrible thing to waste, which she had heard and seen across many media platforms going back to her childhood days. But Neal, a "true" Detroit east sider and proud product of Guyton Elementary School, Remus Robinson Middle School (sixth grade), Columbus Middle School and Denby High School (Class of 1992), says her understanding and appreciation for the UNCF expanded immediately when a temp agency placed her in a former downtown Detroit UNCF office in the Penobscot Building as a temporary administrative secretary.

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I knew during the first year that UNCF is where I wanted to be long term because when I went home, I didnt leave what I had done at work. I would continue to think about and discuss what I learned and discovered each day, Neal explained about her now 25-year continuous employment with an organization that nationally has helped more than 500,000 students by awarding scholarships; by providing financial support to 37 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and by advocating for the importance of minority education and community engagement across the country. I have held every field development role in our Michigan office, but the work is not common. Its not a job that you can write a description for. But in every position that I have held with UNCF, I have been able to help students that look like me.

"It's not a job that you can write a description for, but in every position that I have held with UNCF I have been able to help students that look like me," says native Detroiter Patrice Neal, area development director for UNCF Michigan. Neal's 25th employment anniversary with UNCF has coincided with UNCF's 80th anniversary, which the nonprofit has celebrated nationally throughout 2024.

And just as the UNCF added to its mission nearly a decade ago with the slogan: A mind is a terrible thing to waste but a wonderful thing to invest in," Neal also has come to redefine her work in her own terms.

I think of what I do as a ministry, and I definitely consider myself a public servant, said Neal, who takes particular pride in making metro Detroit students and families more aware of HBCUs and higher education opportunities for all students regardless of a students grade point average.

When I was growing up we watched 'A Different World' (a spinoff of 'The Cosby Show' that originally aired from Sept. 24, 1987, to July 9, 1993, on NBC), which showed what life was like at a Black college. But within our own Detroit schools we were not having conversations about HBCUs. The message students were receiving was about attending Wayne State, or Michigan, or Michigan State. So, today, as early as kindergarten, we try to make our students aware of the opportunities provided by HBCUs as well.

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There also is a misconception out there that if you dont have a perfect grade point average youre considered an average student and that higher education isnt for you. At UNCF, we want to reach the students with the 2.5 GPAs out there because we can identify higher education opportunities that will help those students not only to get into college or other forms of higher education, but to also be successful in life.

Neal says UNCFs plan for impacting even more local students in the future will be covered in an impassioned way during the 33rd Annual UNCF Detroit MLK I Have A Dream Brunch on Saturday, Jan. 18, at the Motor City Casino Hotel. Without giving away too much of the program, Neal said the message that will be delivered by keynote speaker Dr. Cynthia Bond Hopson, past president of Philander Smith College, is one that must be heard.

UNCF's 80-year history includes historic moments when Detroit and national leaders came together to support the nonprofit's educational mission, which is illustrated by a photo retrieved from the UNCF files by Patrice Neal. In the photo, former Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer is joined by the late civil rights icon and Detroit native Judge Damon Keith and William Gray, center, who served as the national president of the United Negro College Fund from 1991 to 2004.

In addition to being a major local fundraiser for UNCF, the I Have A Dream Brunch also is a reminder of the important role that Detroit has played historically in helping UNCF fulfill its mission of building a robust and nationally-recognized pipeline of under-represented students that become highly-qualified college graduates and future leaders. That history includes what used to be a very popular Saturday evening during the holiday season. On that special night, metro Detroit viewers of the nationally aired UNCF telethon, "The Lou Rawls Parade of Stars," which raised more than $200 million for UNCF from 1980 through 2006, were treated to local live segments broadcast by WJBK-TV Fox 2. During those spots, local and even national celebrities came together with popular WJBK-TV on-air personalities and community people to support UNCF in a major way.

It was a time for the community to uplift those who needed a hand, and it was wonderful, recalls retired Fox 2 anchor Huel Perkins, who, along with Aretha Franklin and former Fox 2 anchor Micah Materre, is pictured in a photo taken during the 1990s that Neal retrieved from her UNCF files. People would come, say a few words, and leave a few dollars for UNCF. It was a wonderful example of what can be done when we come together.

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More: 12 Michigan leaders share wishes for 2025: Yes, a Lions' Super Bowl win is among them

More: Saying goodbye to Detroit TV news greats who died in 2024

On the evening of Dec. 23, after praising his former WJBK-TV colleague Materre for the outstanding work she has now done at WGN-TV in Chicago for the past 25 years, and after joking that his hair today is just a little bit grayer than it was during those UNCF telethon nights that WJBK-TV broadcast, Perkins shifted to a more serious, but still very cheerful and upbeat tone to describe why he still is passionate about the UNCF today.

UNCF is not only an organization that can change lives, it can change generations, proclaimed the three-time Emmy Award-winning journalist and humanitarian, who hosted the UNCF Detroit Fundraising Gala this past May at the Townsend Hotel in Birmingham. In terms of the numbers of leaders that have been produced because of UNCF, were talking tens, if not hundreds of thousands of leaders during UNCFs history. So, the need is still there for UNCF, which has opened the door to education for so many.

Growing up on Detroit's east side, Patrice Neal, right, was inspired by the TV show "A Different World" because of its positive depiction of life at a Historically Black College. Today, as the area development director for UNCF Michigan, promoting the value of Historically Black Colleges and Universities is an important part of Neal's work, which has included sharing a stage with Dawnn Lewis, who starred in "A Different World."

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Scott Talley is a native Detroiter, a proud product of Detroit Public Schools and a lifelong lover of Detroit culture in its diverse forms. In his second tour with the Free Press, which he grew up reading as a child, he is excited and humbled to cover the citys neighborhoods and the many interesting people who define its various communities. Contact him at stalley@freepress.com or follow him on Twitter @STalleyfreep. Read more of Scott's stories at www.freep.com/mosaic/detroit-is/. Please help us grow great community-focused journalism by becoming a subscriber.

Advocating a belief that 'A mind is a terrible thing to waste'

Who: UNCF Detroit

Key staff: Patrice Neal, area development director

Brief history: During its 80-year national history, UNCF has helped more than 500,000 students by awarding scholarships; by providing financial support to 37 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs); and by advocating for the importance of minority education and community engagement across the country. Annual local UNCF events include the UNCF Detroit MLK I Have A Dream Brunch; UNCF Detroit Fundraising Gala; and the UNCF Detroit Walk For Education.

Upcoming local fundraising event: The 33rd Annual UNCF Detroit MLK I Have A Dream Brunch on Saturday, Jan. 18 at the Motor City Casino Hotel (2901 Grand River Ave., Detroit).

Learn more: To learn more about UNCF Detroit, including how to register for the 33rd Annual UNCF Detroit MLK I Have A Dream Brunch, go to uncf.org/local-offices/detroit

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Promoting education is permanent UNCF 'ministry' for Detroiter
During his successful 2021 campaign for mayor, Eric Adams famously declared himself the future of the Democratic Party.

But heading into 2025, that future is in doubt.

It will be a make-or-break year both politically and personally for the indicted Adams, who faces bombshell federal corruption charges and a tough re-election bid.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams is facing a make-or-break year both politically and professionally in 2025, with federal corruption charges and a tough re-election bid among his toughest obstacles. Michael Nagle

Adams approval ratings sunk to a staggering 26% last month with 69% of New Yorkers saying he should resign  and 80% of fellow Democrats thinking he shouldnt run for a second term in 2025, according a Marist Poll.

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But some arent counting out the former cop just yet.

New Yorkers really care about strengthening our economy, lowering crime and having a more livable city, and Mayor Adams has delivered major wins on all those fronts, said Brooklyn Democratic Party Boss Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn.

Heres a look at some of the challenges Hizzoner faces in 2025:

Federal Corruption Trial

Adams in September became the first sitting mayor in NYCs history to be charged with federal crimes, indicted for allegedly taking bribes and illegal campaign contributions from foreign sources.

Mayor Adams arriving in Manhattan federal court in November where he is facing public corruption charges. Paul Martinka

He pled not guilty, vowed to remain in office, and is scheduled to stand trial in April.

Crowded Dem field

The centrist mayor faces a tough primary in June with a number of prominent leftist Dems, including Comptroller Brad Lander, former Comptroller Scott Stringer, Queens Sen. Jessica Ramos and Brooklyn Sen. Zellnor Myrie.

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His biggest challenge could come from former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a fellow centrist who resigned in 2021 in the wake of a sexual misconduct scandal but has denied wrongdoing and is mounting a political comeback.

Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is seriously considering running for mayor in 2025. AP

NYCs migrant crisis

The Adams administration has been stretched thin by more than 226,900 illegal immigrants and other border crossers arriving in the Big Apple since April 2022, with a vast majority of them seeking immediate shelter.

As of mid-December, the citys migrant-crisis tab reached $6.5 billion as workloads  including overtime costs  soared at various city agencies.

Adams has tried to ease some of the burden by enforcing 60- and 30-day shelter-stay limits for families and adults, causing the number of migrants staying in taxpayer-funded city shelters to drop from over 65,000 a year ago to 53,800 as of Dec. 15.

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However, the issue remains a daunting one for him heading into 2025, even with President-elect Donald Trump expected to crack down on criminal migrants  including over 58,000 living in NYC.

The once-glamorous Roosevelt Hotel in Manhattan in 2023 was converted into a modern-day version of Ellis Island, where migrants can get hot meals, help with asylum paperwork, medical care and health screenings. Leonardo Munoz

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NYCs homeless crisis

There were over 112,700 people living in taxpayer-funded shelters as of Dec. 15, spurred by the ongoing influx of migrants.

This doesnt include the more than 4,100 homeless people living unsheltered in the streets and crime-ridden subways  the citys highest number of unsheltered homeless people in nearly two decades.

The City Council earlier this month passed Adams controversial and ambitious City of Yes plan to help address the affordability crisis by building 80,000 new housing units over the next 15 years.

However, theres no immediate relief in sight. The city is currently contracted with over 150 hotels that have been converted to homeless shelters serving migrants instead of serving tourism.

City Council conflicts

Adams and the Councils far-left majority have been at odds since he took office and members snubbed his pick for Council speaker.

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Since then, its been a tug-of-war for political power involving vetoes, overrides and dueling bids to put changes to the City Charter.

Meanwhile, Adams and the Council will be duking it out in court in 2025.

The Council earlier this month slapped Adams with a lawsuit alleging the mayor abused his powers by issuing an executive order flouting a controversial solitary confinement ban in city jails.

President Trump

The foundation is set for a good working relationship between Trump and Adams, even though Adams will continue to be pressured by Dems and lefty media outlets to shun the Republican.

Adams in recent weeks has taken a tougher stance on the citys sanctuary status, in line with Trumps goals of deporting criminal migrants.

President-elect Donald Trump has said hed consider pardoning Adams if the mayor is convicted in his pending corruption case. Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

And Hizzoner  who has not ruled switching back to the Republican Party  might need Trumps help if hes convicted on the pending corruption charges. Earlier this month, Trump said he would consider pardoning Adams, if necessary, because he was treated pretty unfairly.

Gov. Hochul

Hochul has the power under a seldom-used state law to remove any mayor in the state from office.

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The governor has so far declined to oust the embattled Adams  in part because it would alienate prominent black leaders whove rallied behind him and because Cuomo, her political rival and former boss, is ready to jump into the mayors race.

But that hasnt stopped Hochul from pressuring Adams from behind the scenes to clean house if he wants to keep his job. Several City Hall officials touched by churning federal investigations have either resigned or been forced out since Adams indictment  an exodus driven by Hochul, sources told The Post in October.

Cleaning up the NYPD

Overall crime has dropped under Adams, but the Police Departments reputation has been gutted by a series of scandals.

Just last week, NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey, a close friend of Adams, abruptly resigned after The Post uncovered explosive allegations that he demanded sexual favors from a subordinate in exchange for massive amounts of overtime.

Rikers Island

The Rikers Island jail complex must close by August 2027 and be replaced by four smaller lockups under a 2019 law backed by then-Mayor de Blasio, however  Adams is far behind in implementing the plan.

The citys violence-plagued jail system on Rikers Island is in serious jeopardy of being put under a federal courts control  despite objections from the Adams administration.

Adams remains far behind in implementing a mandated plan he inherited to shutter Rikers by August 2027 and replace it with four smaller, more humane lockups in each borough but Staten Island.
Two environmental consulting firms are under fire for falsifying hundreds of soil and water reports from gas and oil companies. Colorado regulators filed claims against Eagle Environmental Consulting and Tasman Geosciences, accusing the companies of submitting falsified data, per Colorado Public Radio.

What's happening?

Regulators accused the companies of filing falsified data for 350 oil-field operations between 2021 and summer 2024 in Weld County.

According to a news release, the Energy and Carbon Management Commission revealed that the two consultants submitted falsified tests from spill sites and closed drilling locations. The tests were for three major oil and gas companies: Chevron, Civitas, and Occidental Petroleum.

Do you worry about having toxic forever chemicals in your home?

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While regulators did not indicate that the spill sites pose a direct threat to public health, they are working to identify which sites need cleanup and remediation.

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Upon further examination of the falsified tests, agency regulators found that the companies manipulated test results for contaminants, including barium, sodium, arsenic, and benzene. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, benzene is a known carcinogen linked to cancers such as leukemia. They also found that the companies submitted forms with false dates.

Why are the claims against Eagle Environmental Consulting and Tasman Geosciences important?

When consulting firms falsify reports, harmful chemicals can end up polluting the environment, threatening public health. In this case, noxious carcinogens, such as benzene, were dumped into the spill sites.

To prevent companies from engaging in planet-harming business practices, it's crucial for environmental consulting firms to properly audit spill sites and file accurate reports.

What's being done about the falsified data?

While regulators are considering fining the companies, more action may be taken to hold the firms accountable.

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ECMC Director Julie Murphy told CPR News she thinks the alleged fraud warrants a criminal investigation. If that is what happens, then the attorney general's office would take up the case.

Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Steven Knight, the creator and screenwriter of Peaky Blinders, has shared that the upcoming spin-off film will not mark the end of the franchise, suggesting that it could continue with more seasons. He also confirmed that production for the spin-off film has concluded. The release date of the film has not been announced yet. Peaky Blinders is a British period crime drama series which stars Cillian Murphy in the lead role and is created by Steven Knight. Wondering about the end of the 'Peaky Blinders' franchise, Steven Knight has confirmed that the series will continue after the spin-off film. "Well, it's interesting you should ask that question because the film is coming out and that won't be the end. It won't be the end, let me put it that way. I'm not saying none of it." said Steven Knight as quoted by Deadline. While BBC's wildly popular six-season crime period drama came to a close in April 2022, the series finale did not mark the end of Tommy Shelby's (Cillian Murphy) story. Photos from the set began pouring online following the commencement of principal photography in the U.K. beginning in late September. As the Oscar-winning Murphy returns to his iconic role as the leader of the Birmingham gang family, he will be joined by additional stars Rebecca Ferguson (Mission: Impossible, Dune), Barry Keoghan (The Banshees of Inisherin, Saltburn) and Tim Roth (Pulp Fiction, Reservoir Dogs). Stephen Graham, who played Hayden Stagg in the last season of the BBC series, will star in the film as well. Knight also delved into the plot of the Peaky Blinders spinoff film. The movie would explore World War II England. Peaky itself follows the crime family into the 1920s, getting its series' title from the gang's modus operandi of sewing razor blades into its caps. (ANI)
AUSTIN (Nexstar)  As the next legislative session approaches, Gov. Greg Abbotts priority of Education Savings Accounts appears closer to becoming reality.

Abbott calls ESAs school choice, but opponents often describe the plan as school vouchers. Names aside, the debate is about letting parents use public funds to help pay for private education.

The idea of using state money to subsidize part of families private school expenses has been a political lightning rod in Texas for years, but the legislature is friendlier to it than ever before. After a year of legislative impasses, Abbott utilized his pulpit and campaign war chest to wage electoral war on skeptical Republicans, successfully replacing many longtime rural lawmakers with newcomers sympathetic to his school choice goals.

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The Texas legislature now has enough votes to pass School Choice, Abbott touted on X after the May primary runoffs. Congratulations to all of tonights winners. Together, we will ensure the best future for our children.

The Chair of the Senate Education Committee told Nexstar he is aiming for a universal plan  any family who wants to take advantage of an education savings account to help pay for their childs private or home-schooling would be able to do so.

We plan on coming back with a very strong bill, even stronger than last time around, and I think well have the support, State Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, said. Were on our way. We have many new friends to work with in the house after this election cycle.

Last year, Creighton championed a bill that would spend half a billion dollars to give $8,000 ESAs to at least 40,000 families. Ninety percent of that money was reserved for low-income families and educationally disadvantaged students. Families of all kinds, even those with children already in private school, could have taken advantage of the remaining 10%.

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Lawmakers may no longer feel the need to temper their next bill and intend to make it more widely available.

Creighton did not specify how expensive the next ESA plan will be, but he said the legislature will start with a definite appropriation of money to come in tandem with the bills passage.

Creighton promised the legislature would pass public school budget increases and teacher pay raises alongside an education savings accounts program. Last year, public school money fell victim to the impasse over ESAs because the Senate and the Governor insisted on passing both. They ended up passing neither.

Next session, both efforts will get to the governors desk, Creighton said.

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I dont really separate them out in my mind, because it is what will set our Texas students up to be the most successful in the future.

Creighton said student outcomes should outweigh concern about the impact ESAs could have on public schools.

Those worries should be more focused on what all Texas students need to be successful, instead of protecting money, power, control and institutions, Creighton said.

Democrat vows to fight bad public policy of ESA plan

Meanwhile, Democrats are hoping to cobble together another bipartisan coalition to oppose any form of school choice  though the math will be harder for them this time.

What I focus on is where the members of the House are on this issue, and right now, the members are all over the place, State Rep. James Talarico, D-Austin told Nexstar.

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Youve got a sizable bipartisan coalition that are opposed to private school voucher scams. Thats the same coalition that stood together Republicans and Democrats to protect funding for our neighborhood public schools across the state, and then youve got some newer members who may be open to some kind of voucher, but they cant agree on what that voucher looks like, Talarico added. So I really dont see the governor having the votes for a universal, large scale voucher.

WATCH  Full interview with Rep. Talarico:

Public school districts and Democratic lawmakers argue that public money is best invested into the public school system, and because district funding is based on student attendance, any form of private school stipend would reduce their resources.

Private school voucher scams are bad public policy, Talarico said. Texans want us to fully fund our public schools and lower property taxes. Those are the two things I hear the most, and the fact is that a private school voucher scam would decrease funding for our local schools and increase property taxes.

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We still believe in public education, we believe in accountability for taxpayers, and we believe in being good stewards of our public funds. Vouchers dont do any of that, Talarico said. They allow for wealthy special interests to siphon off billions of dollars from our neighborhood schools and make money off of our kids.

Rural Republican raises philosophical issue with ESA proposal

Rural Republicans like State Rep. Gary VanDeaver, R-New Boston came out against the Governors plan after raising concerns about how it could affect education in their districts.

I serve over 30 school districts, and they are pretty much all small, rural districts, and in those districts, the school is the center of the community. If those communities lose their schools, they lose their communities in many, in many cases, VanDeaver said.

After VanDeaver voted against the ESA bill in 2023, Gov. Abbott backed a candidate challenging the incumbent Representative in the 2024 Republican primary election. The election went to a runoff, which VanDeaver won with 54% of the vote.

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VanDeaver said the political pressure has not changed his position on ESAs.

Im always open to discussion. Thats how we get things done in the legislature, VanDeaver said. But you know, given my background and just my experience with public education, I just have a philosophical issue with many of the ideas behind a school voucher program.

Before being elected to the Texas House in 2014, VanDeaver served as a vocational agriculture teacher, a school principal and the superintendent of the New Boston Independent School District.

WATCH: Full interview with Rep. VanDeaver:

VanDeaver believes that private schools that take ESA money should be required to accept all students and that the ESA should cover the full cost of tuition.

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I believe we need to do everything we can to create a level playing field with whoever is getting state funding, VanDeaver explained. To me, a schools ability to hand select students who they choose to educate creates a very unlevel playing field. I certainly want to do everything we can to eliminate any kind of, you know, unlevel playing field or system that creates winners and losers.

Despite his opposition, VanDeaver emphasizes that hes open to discussion.

I know this is a subject, an issue that is that is highly important to the Governor and certainly I want to work with the Governor on this and every other issue, VanDeaver said. But, you know, Texas is a big state, and I have to believe theres room in this state for at least two different opinions on an issue like school vouchers.

I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House, with colleagues and, you know, in the Senate and certainly the Governors office, to craft a bill which, by the way, we have not seen at this point, but to craft a bill that is good for the state of Texas and certainly good for the school children of Texas, VanDeaver added.

Lawmakers expand incredibly popular Arizona program

Texas could soon become one of a growing number of states to fund a program to help parents pay for private education. Arizona has had a program in place for several years. The program is popular, but concerns about cost and accountability remain.

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In 2022, Arizona lawmakers voted to expand the Empowerment Scholarship Account, an existing school choice program, into a universal voucher plan, open to any school-age child.

At the time, there were about 12,000 kids in the program. Today, the current enrollment is 83,032 kids. So its been incredibly popular, explained Mary Jo Pitzl, politics reporter with the Arizona Republic.

As more students opt into the program, Pitzl noted concerns about the impact on public schools.

We have school districts, especially on the elementary level, that are seeing a drop in enrollment, Pitzl said. She cited recent decisions by school districts in the Phoenix area to close campuses, in part due to declining enrollment.

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There are other factors as well, changing demographics, where people live, etc, but the voucher program is seen as a big reason for that, Pitzl said. So that hurts public schools, because they lose a kid here, a kid there, and over time, you just cant sustain keeping all of your schools open because of that enrollment loss.

WATCH  Full interview with Mary Jo Pitzl:

The intent of expanding the program was to give options to children enrolled in underperforming schools. Pitzl said that results have been mixed.

Its not clear that thats the kids that are being served by this program. We have a lot of pretty well-to-do families and, you know, median-income families in the program, as best we can tell, Pitzl said.

Pitzl reiterated that, so far, the program is popular with the public in Arizona.

We havent seen much support for efforts to roll this back. There was a petition drive, a citizen initiative drive two years ago that aimed to do just that. They couldnt get enough signatures, Pitzl said.

So if you use that as a barometer of, you know, public sentiment about this, I guess people are okay with it.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
President-elect Donald Trumps former chief strategist Steve Bannon spent the latest episode of his War Room podcast alternately praising and blasting billionaire Elon Musk.

Addressing Musks support of H-1B visas, Bannon called them a scam and refuted the idea that Americans cant fill top tech roles because they are not well-educated.

I always give full respect to Elon. Elon was absolutely central. Elon understood that this was about getting out low-propensity, low-information voters, said Bannon. He did write the check, and that gets him a seat at the tableIve said that from the beginningalthough I fundamentally disagree with him on major issues.

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Bannon called Musk a toddler after his nuclear response to a social media user criticizing H-1B visas.

On his podcast, Bannon added, Let me just restate something, as a fact. The H1B visa program is a total and complete scam from its top to the bottom, he said.

Amid H-1B criticism, Musk declared on X, The reason Im in America along with so many critical people who built SpaceX, Tesla and hundreds of other companies that made America strong is because of H1B.

Bannon: Full respect to Elon Muskhe played a key role in mobilizing low-prop voters and funding GOTV efforts. That earns him a seat at the table. Let me just restate something: as a fact, the H1B visa program is a total and complete scam from its top to the bottom. pic.twitter.com/d2MkvKqhoX  Bannons WarRoom (@Bannons_WarRoom) December 28, 2024



On his show, Bannon demanded Musk show proof that the visas indeed were effective by giving him a list of his employees who used them.

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Discussing the growing influence of tech bros and oligarchs on federal affairs, far-right figurehead Laura Loomer joined the conversation to urge the GOP to protect Trump from Musk and his DOGE co-head, Vivek Ramaswamy.

Here is @LauraLoomer on Bannon this afternoon saying she is concerned that Democrats may use the perception to create a narrative that big tech is buying influence & enriching themselves.

 I just want to be able to have an open dialogue pic.twitter.com/yek07HxTrs  Johnny St.Pete (@JohnMcCloy) December 27, 2024

At what point do we say, Thank you so much for supporting President Trump and donating to his ground gains, but these conflicts are inappropriate and theyre going to cause potential conflicts for President Trump and his nominees in the administration, Loomer said. We need to have an honest conversation about this We need to protect President Trump from these conflicts.
Waking up to another misty morning in portions of South-Central and Eastern Kansas. A Dense Fog Advisory is in effect until 10 AM.

After any fog clears out, we are in for a beautiful day in Kansas with gentle winds, partly cloudy skies, and unusually mild temperatures for late December. Some places will be nearly 20 degrees above average today!

Tonight will be chilly with light winds and partly cloudy skies.

Changes begin to roll in by dawn Monday. A cold front begins pushing into western Kansas, and this will bring strong winds with it.

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A High Wind Watch has been posted for areas along the Colorado line to the west in Northwest Kansas, in effect from 10 AM to 6 PM (9 AM to 5 PM Mountain Time). Wind gusts to 60 miles per hour will be possible, which will likely lead to blowing dust in these areas.

In addition to strong winds, fire danger is expected to be high in Southwest Kansas and the Oklahoma Panhandle on Monday. A Fire Weather Watch will be in effect from 11 AM to 8 PM.

A few showers push in from Nebraska to portions of northern Kansas Monday evening. These will be light and fizzle out as they cross into Kansas, and overall amounts look pitiful. Still, a few flakes may mix in as temperatures drop Monday night.

Highs tomorrow will begin to cool as the front brings in colder air, but most will still make it into the 50s before the drop begins.

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Temperatures stay chilly for the coming week, with highs mainly in the 40s from New Years Eve onward. Even colder air looks likely by the following weekend.

KSN Storm Track 3 Forecast from Meteorologist Jack Maney:

Wichita:

Today: Partly cloudy. Hi: 60 Wind: SW/NW 5-15

Tonight: Partly cloudy. Lo: 37 Wind: NW/SE 5-15

Tomorrow: Partly cloudy, breezy. Hi: 55 Wind: SE/NW 10-20

Tomorrow Night: Partly cloudy, windy. Lo: 32 Wind: NW 10-25

Wichita Weekly

Tue: Hi: 43 Lo: 23 Mostly to partly cloudy, breezy.

Wed: Hi: 44 Lo: 26 Partly cloudy.

Thu: Hi: 48 Lo: 23 Partly cloudy.

Fri: Hi: 40 Lo: 22 Partly cloudy.

Sat: Hi: 39 Lo: 20 Partly cloudy.

Sun: Hi: 38 Lo: 20 Mostly cloudy. 10% chance of rain and snow.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A stranded loggerhead sea turtle was rescued from the rocky shoreline of Short Beach in Tillamook County on Saturday night.

Volunteer firefighters with the Netarts-Oceanside Fire District hiked out to the beach after receiving a request from Oregon State Police to save the endangered turtle.

Portland men search for Sasquatch, die in Washington forest

The rescue took a team of firefighters as the large sea turtles can weigh up to 250 pounds.

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Our incredible team of volunteers used a webbing stretcher developed by our district chief to carry the turtle through the rain, surf and rocks, the Netarts-Oceanside Fire District said. Incredible rescue tonight.

Rescuers carry a stranded loggerhead sea turtle to safety. (Photos courtesy of the Netarts-Oceanside Fire District)

Loggerhead sea turtles are found in many parts of the world and generally live in temperate subtropical and tropical regions of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.

University of Washington doctor shares New Years Day polar plunge tips

The North Pacific population of loggerhead sea turtles was listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act in 2011.

Rescuers named the sea turtle Shorty. Oregon State Police handed Shorty off to a team of experts in Newport who will try to nurse the turtle back to health.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  A pair of Michigan scientists have developed a new way to monitor for toxic environmental exposure  follow the robins.

Dorothy Zahor and Ken Glynn were graduate students at Eastern Michigan University when they worked on the study. (They have both since moved onto PhD programs at Oregon State University.)

3 West Michigan cities receive grants to address lead exposure

Originally, they were interested in learning more about how pollution impacted urban birds. Then, they realized that the birds also served as the canary in the coal mine when it comes to human exposures, as well.

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We spent a lot of time thinking about how society and wildlife have these interactions, Zahor told News 8. What are we all exposed to? What are we experiencing in the same space that we share? Or what do wildlife have to deal with because they share that space with us?

Initially, the research group focused on other bird species before homing in on robins. Because, unlike other birds that primarily eat seeds above the soil, robins prefer earthworms, which means more environmental exposure.

MSU researcher: New concrete formula could be key to fixing the damn roads

The study focused on Flint: a city known for widespread lead pollution thanks to the 2014 disaster that allowed lead from old pipes to leach into the water supply.

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Zahor, Glynn and their team captured and tested approximately 100 robins during the spring and summer breeding seasons from 2018 through 2020. Some of the birds were captured from lands known to be irrigated with Flint city water. Their blood levels were compared to those of other birds, either caught in Flint on non-irrigated lands or from other cities (Ypsilanti and Lapeer), which have no known history of lead pollution.

In the study, published earlier this year in the academic journal Urban Ecosystems, the team found that lead levels in the blood of robins captured from irrigated sites in Flint were much higher than the others.

Michigan to receive $62 million from EPA to replace lead pipes

They also discovered that the lead levels in the blood correlated with their soil samples, inferring that robins could serve as a bioindicator for potential lead exposure. Zahor explained that, while their specific skill set catered to the study, it could still be cheaper to monitor robins instead of the soil.

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When we took our soil samples, we sort of sampled many places around lawns. Where a robin is doing that for us, she said. They stay pretty local during their breeding season.  They have their nest and they kind of just forage locally because they want to be efficient in feeding their young. They are going to be sampling all the lawn of a whole park. When we take their blood sample, its almost an accumulation of all of those.

(Getty Images)

Theoretically, robins could be used as a bioindicator for many potential environmental toxins, but they can be particularly effective when tracking lead.

Lead has a long residency time in the environment in general, but especially in soil, Glynn told News 8. There is still residual lead from leaded vehicles, from leaded gasoline left in big, urban spaces.

MillerKnoll to go PFAS-free in North America next year, globally by 2027

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While water produced by a public utility is closely monitored, other environmental exposures could slip through.

(Lead) will reside in soils, especially the top layers of soil. Thats where wildlife can be exposed by interacting with it, Zahor explained. But also, humans. If youre having a picnic at the park, or your have a child thats playing in the dirt or your dog is digging in the soil, it can be exposed easily.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, high levels of lead exposure can cause several health problems, including development issues in young children. Studies have shown increased lead exposure can lead to potential damage to the brain and nervous system, stunted growth and development, and problems with hearing and speech.

Lead exposure in children is often difficult to see. Most children have no obvious immediate symptoms, the CDC states. If parents believe their children have been exposed to lead, they should talk to their childs healthcare provider.

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TEHRAN, Iran (AP)  A suicide bomber killed a local police officer and wounded another in a southern Iranian port city, home to a large Sunni Muslim community, local media said Sunday.

The hard-line Javan Daily, a newspaper close to the country's powerful Revolutionary Guard, said the attacker stopped Capt. Mojtaba Shahids car Saturday evening in Bandar Lengeh in the province of Hormozgan before detonating his vest.

Shahids deputy, who was also in the car, has been hospitalized in critical condition, the paper reported, describing the attack as an act of terrorism.

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The city, some 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) south of the capital Tehran, has no recent history of militancy.

No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, but some local news outlets claimed Ansar al-Furqan, an Al-Qaeda-linked Sunni militant group, was behind it.
Dec. 28BY JIM BISSETT JBissett @DominionPost.com Morgantown is home to an internationally known research university and a medical hub recognized for the same  meaning the city is a pocket of diversity in a state not necessarily known for it.

To date, 53 native languages are spoken in the classrooms and hallways of Monongalia County Schools, with some 60 countries represented.

Thanks to Charlotte Chung, books printed in those languages are now available to Mon students via an interlibrary loan system.

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Chung, a media specialist at Suncrest Elementary School, is being recognized nationally for that effort by the American Library Association.

She is among 10 librarians from the U.S. receiving the association's "I Love My Librarian Award " for 2025, said Cindy Hohl, ALA president.

"Librarians make positive impacts on their communities every day, " Hohl said.

"The inspiring stories from this year's recipients prove how transformative their efforts can be in the lives of their patrons."

That includes the bookmobile librarian in Hawaii who literally brought the printed word and other informational materials to parents and students displaced by wildfires that ravaged towns up and down the coast of Maui last year.

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And the high school librarian in Texas known for her work with low-income families in Laredo's district.

Chung, meanwhile, got the notice of the ALA when she used grant monies from an earlier recognition to celebrate that diversity in Morgantown and Mon County.

Numbers of students in the district are English learners  and English learners can sometimes make for reluctant readers, she reasoned.

She began purchasing books printed in first languages as a way to bolster their confidence and reading fluency.

"By providing books in first languages, we as school librarians can help support the literacy and educational goals of all of our students, " Chung said then.

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She'll receive a $5, 000 cash prize, plus complimentary registration and a travel stipend to attend the upcoming ALA "LibLearnX " event in Phoenix.

The award is sponsored by the Carnegie Corporation of New York, with additional support from the New York Public Library.
GREENWOOD COUNTY, SC (WSPA)  A suspect in a fatal shooting has been detained hundreds of miles away in another state, according to Greenwood Police.

The suspect was identified as 29-year-old Guillermo Hernandez Garcia. Earlier this morning, police say that Garcia and his girlfriend were at a house on Sumter Street, and an argument ensued before Garcia pulled a gun and fatally shot his girlfriend. Garcia then reportedly fled the area.

Greenwood Police shared that Garcia was recently arrested in the state of Mississippi and is currently in custody. Garcia has a warrant for murder and procession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime.

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Coroners have identified the victim as 23-year-old Nayeli Guerrero. Her death is currently being investigated by Police as a homicide, and an autopsy has been scheduled.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
As per Cantonment Police, Dileep, who is known for his roles in popular serials like Amma Ariyathe, Sundari, and Panchagni, had checked into the hotel four days ago to work on a serial project. His co-stars had called the actor on the phone but could not reach him. Following this, hotel staff and his colleagues entered his room, where they found him dead.

Forensic experts have examined the scene, and the exact cause of death will be determined following a post-mortem examination.

Also, according to the police's initial evaluation, there are no unnatural factors involved in the actor's death.

After the news broke out, fans and several members of the film industry expressed shock on social media. (ANI)
It could take as long as four years to hold elections in Syria, the countrys de facto leader said in the first official comments on an election timetable.

In a recorded interview with Saudi state-owned TV, due to be broadcast on Sunday evening, Ahmed al-Sharaa said that drafting a new constitution could take up to three years and that Syrians would start to see improvements to the country within a year.

Amid protests across Syria over womens and minority rights, Sharaa  also known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Jolani  told Al Arabiya that every citizen has the right to express their opinion peacefully, as long as public institutions remain unharmed.

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Sharaa also rejected the idea of factional power-sharing, saying it could interfere with the transitional process.

The current appointments were essential for the period and not intended to exclude anyone, he told Al Arabiya.

A toppled statue in Damascus of Syrias late president Hafez al-Assad, father of ousted president Bashar al-Assad - OMAR HAJ KADOUR/GETTY

The comments come amid criticism over the composition of Syrias new transitional government, which is led by figures from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).

HTS, headed by Sharaa, led a lighting offensive that toppled former president Bashar al-Assad on Dec 8.

It brought an end to 13 years of civil war, but HTS is now faced with the monumental task of building a new Syria  a multi-religious, multi-ethnic country previously held together by decades of authoritarian rule.

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The new government is seeking to reassure Syrians and the international community that it has moved away from its roots in Islamist militancy.

HTS was previously affiliated with al-Qaeda, but has renounced the terrorist group and sought to reposition itself as a force for moderation.

Portraits of missing people in Damascus whose families say they were taken by the Assad regime - Mosa'ab Elshamy/AP

The UK, US and other Western powers have welcomed the end of 54-years of brutal Assad family rule, but it remains unclear whether the group will impose strict Islamic rule or move towards democracy.

Sharaa said previously that HTSs armed wing, as well as other rebel factions, will be dissolved and integrated into the state forces.

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A third of Syria is controlled by the Syrian Democratic forces (SDF), a multi-ethnic coalition led by Kurds, who have not agreed to the proposal.

Farhad Shami, an SDF spokesman, said in a statement that they were not opposed to joining the Syrian military, but that the matter needed to be negotiated with Damascus.

The SDF has been fighting a separate offensive waged against them by Turkish-backed rebels in the north.

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JOBAR, Syria (AP)  In this Damascus suburb, the handful of remaining Jews in Syria can again make pilgrimages to one of the worlds oldest synagogues where people from throughout the region once came to pray.

Syrias 13-year civil war left the synagogue partially destroyed. Walls and roofs have collapsed. Some artifacts are missing. A marble sign in Arabic at the gate says it was first built 720 years before Christ.

Since insurgents overthrew President Bashar Assad in early December, people have been able to safely visit the widely destroyed Jobar suburb that was pounded for years by government forces while in the hands of opposition fighters.

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Syria was once home to one of the world's largest Jewish communities. Those numbers have shrunk dramatically, especially after the state of Israel was created in 1948.

Today, only nine Jews live in Syria, according to the head of the community, almost all older men and women. The community believes that no Syrian Jews will remain in the country in a few years.

One of the people visiting the Jobar Synagogue, also known as Eliyahu Hanavi synagogue, on Thursday was gray-haired Bakhour Chamntoub, the head of the community in Syria.

This synagogue means a lot to us, the 74-year-old told The Associated Press during his first visit in 15 years.

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Chamntoub had heard the synagogue was damaged, but he did not expect to see that part of it had been reduced to a pile of debris.

I am frankly disturbed, he said.

Chamntoub said Jewish people from around the world have been calling him to say they are ready to help rebuild.

He had refused to leave Syria during the war, while all 12 of his siblings left. He said he was happy in Syria and surrounded by people who respect him.

Chamntoub said he had been one of the few Jews who openly spoke about his faith, adding that he never faced discrimination. He said other Jews preferred not to speak openly for safety reasons amid the animosity in Syria toward archenemy Israel and fears of being labeled spies or collaborators.

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The Jewish community in Syria dates back to the prophet Elijahs Damascus sojourn nearly 3,000 years ago. After 1099, when Christian armies conquered Jerusalem in the First Crusade and massacred the citys Muslim and Jewish inhabitants, some 50,000 Jews reportedly fled to Damascus, making up nearly a third of residents. Another wave of Jews later arrived from Europe, fleeing the Spanish Inquisition that began in 1492.

The community in Syria numbered about 100,000 at the start of the 20th century. In the years surrounding Israel's creation, Syrian Jews faced increased tensions and restrictions. Many emigrated to Israel, the United States and other countries.

Under the Assad family's 54-year dynasty, Jews in Syria enjoyed freedom in performing religious duties, but community members were prevented from traveling outside the country to prevent them from going to Israel until the early 1990s. Once travel restrictions were lifted after Arab-Israeli peace talks started, many more left.

Before Syrias conflict began in 2011, Chamntoub and other remaining community members came on Saturdays to Jobar for prayers. He recalled Torahs written on gazelle leather, chandeliers, tapestries and carpets. All are gone, likely stolen by looters.

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Barakat Hazroumi, a Muslim born and raised near the synagogue, recounted how worshipers on Saturdays asked him to turn on the lights or light a candle since Jews are not allowed to do physical labor on the Sabbath.

It was a beautiful religious place, Hazroumi said of the synagogue, which at some point during the war was protected by rebels. It and the whole destroyed suburb needs to be reconstructed from scratch.

Assads forces recaptured Jobar from rebels in 2018 but imposed tight security, preventing many people from reaching the area.

The new rulers of Syria, led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, have said they will allow members of all religions to perform their religious duties freely. There have been some sectarian attacks but mostly against members of Assad's minority Alawite sect.

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After visiting the synagogue, Chamntoub returned to his home in old Damascus, close to the private Jewish school known as Maimonides that was founded in 1944 but has been closed for decades. Posters in Hebrew remain on the walls.

The area is known as the Jewish quarter. Many old homes have doors and windows closed with pieces of metal and a sign in Arabic saying: The real estate is closed by the state's Higher Committee for the Affairs of Jews.

As the Jewish community has shrunk, it has also struggled to find kosher food. Chamntoub receives packages of meat from siblings in the U.S. at least once a year via people traveling to Syria. In the past, he went to the chicken market with a Jewish friend who would slaughter them, but the man now can hardly walk.

Chamntoub mostly eats vegetarian dishes. Almost every morning, he cooks for himself and a Jewish woman in the area with no remaining relatives in Syria.

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The woman, 88-year-old Firdos Mallakh, sat on a couch Thursday under two blankets. When asked to greet an AP journalist with Shabbat Shalom, she replied it was not yet time. Today is Thursday and tomorrow is Friday, she said.

Chamntoub, who makes a living as a landlord, asked Mallakh why she had not turned on the gas heater. Mallakh said she did not want to waste gas.

Chamntoub hopes that with the fall of Assad, Syrians will enjoy more freedoms, economic and otherwise. In the past, he said, authorities prevented him from giving interviews without permission from the security agencies.

I am a Jew and I am proud of it, he said.

But with so few remaining in Damascus, the city's synagogues see no services. Chamntoub is marking the eight-day Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, which began on Wednesday, alone at home.
By Hatem Maher and Menna AlaaElDin

CAIRO (Reuters) - Holding elections in Syria could take up to four years, Syria's de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa said in remarks broadcast on Sunday, the first time he has commented on a possible electoral timetable since Bashar al-Assad was ousted this month.

Drafting a new constitution could take up to three years, Sharaa said in an interview with the Saudi state-owned broadcaster Al Arabiya. He also said it would take about a year for Syrians to see drastic changes.

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The comment from Sharaa, who leads the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group that ousted Assad on Dec. 8, comes as the new government in Damascus has been seeking to reassure its neighbours that it has moved away from its roots in Islamist militancy.

The group's lightning campaign ended a 13-year civil war but has left a host of questions about the future of a multi-ethnic country where foreign states including Turkey and Russia have strong and potentially competing interests.

While Western powers largely welcomed the end of the Assad family rule in Syria, it remains unclear whether the group will impose strict Islamic rule or show flexibility and move towards democracy.

Sharaa said HTS, formerly known as the Nusra Front, would be dissolved at a national dialogue conference.

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When asked about dissolving the group, Sharaa said: "Of course. A country cannot be run by the mentality of groups and militias."

The group was once affiliated with Islamic State and al-Qaeda but has since renounced both and sought to reposition itself as a force for moderation.

It has repeatedly vowed to protect minority groups, who fear the new rulers could seek to impose an Islamist government and has warned of attempts to incite sectarian strife.

According to Sharaa, the national dialogue conference would include wide participation by Syrian society with votes on issues such as dissolving the parliament and the constitution.

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On the situation in north eastern Syria, Sharaa said there are talks with all parties to resolve remaining disputes including with the U.S.-allied Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

"We reject Syria becoming a platform for the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) to launch attacks against Turkey," he said.

He said arms should only be under the control of the state, adding that the ministry of defence would welcome those capable of joining the army.

In the interview, Sharaa said Syria shared strategic interests with Russia, a close Assad ally during the long civil war which has military bases in the country, reiterating conciliatory signals his government has made previously.

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Sharaa said this month that Syria's relations with Russia should serve common interests.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the status of Russia's military bases would be the subject of negotiations with the new leadership in Damascus.

"It is a question not only of maintaining our bases or strongholds, but also of the conditions of their operation, maintenance and provision, and interaction with the local side," he said in an interview with Russian news agency RIA published on Sunday.

Sharaa also said he hoped the administration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump would lift sanctions imposed on Syria. Senior U.S. diplomats who visited Damascus this month said Sharaa came across as pragmatic and that Washington has decided to remove a $10 million bounty on the HTS leader's head.

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In response to a question about neighbouring states' concerns over Islamist groups, he said: "We will not work on exporting the revolution. We want to manage the phase with the mentality of the state and not revolution," he said, reiterating that they are keen on establishing strategic relations with all regional states.

(Reporting by Hatem Maher and Menna Alaa, additional reporting by Anton Kolodyazhnyy in Moscow and Jaidaa Taha in Cairo; editing by Alison Williams, Frances Kerry, William Maclean and Jason Neely)
Syria's de facto ruler Ahmed al-Sharaa, who commanded an Islamist-led rebel alliance that toppled long-time dictator Bashar al-Assad, has said that drafting a new constitution for the war-shattered country could take around three years, Al Arabiya television reported on Sunday.

Rebel leader al-Sharaa, previously known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Joulani, added in an interview with the Saudi-owned broadcaster that organizing elections in Syria may take four years.

"Any meaningful elections will require conducting a comprehensive population census," he said, to specify the numbers of eligible voters in the country.

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Syria has been deeply divided since protests broke out in 2011 against al-Assad's rule and a civil war with international involvement ensued.

Al-Sharaa had led the al-Nusra Front, an offshoot of the terrorist al-Qaeda network.

He later broke away and founded the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group (HTS) that led the insurgent coalition, which overthrew al-Assad earlier this month after a lightning sweep.

HTS had ruled authoritatively in Idlib in Syria's north west.

Al-Arabiya Sunday quoted al-Sharaa as saying that the HTS disbanding would be announced at a planning conference for national dialogue in Syria.

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Since al-Assad's ouster, al-Sharaa has been at pains to project a moderate image and reach out to the outside world.

"Syria will not be a source of disturbance to anyone," he told Al Arabiya.

He hoped that the administration of US President Donald Trump, who will take office next month, will lift the sanctions imposed on al-Assad's Syria.

Russia was a key supporter of al-Assad and has military bases in Syria.

"We don't Russia to leave in a way that doesn't befit its relations with Syria," he said, according to al-Arabiya.

"Syria has strategic interests with Russia," he added without elaborating.

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Al-Assad, who ruled Syria for more than two decades, fled to Russia as rebels advanced on the capital Damascus.

The interim government, installed by Syria's new rulers, has since struggled to re-establish security and pursued a crackdown on al-Assad's loyalists suspected of atrocities during his region.

Newly-appointed intelligence chief Anas Khattab has said all security agencies will be disbanded and rebuilt.

"The security establishment will be reconstituted after dissolving all security branches and restructuring them in a way befitting our people, sacrifices and their long history," Syria's state news agency SANA quoted him as saying late Saturday.

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Khattab accused al-Assad's regime of exploiting the security apparatus to oppress Syrians.

"Our valiant people, with all their different sects and categories, have suffered a lot of injustice and oppression of the former regime through its various security services," he said.

The transitional government's security forces have rounded up around 300 suspects in less than a week through ongoing operations in several parts of Syria, a monitoring group reported on Sunday.

The arrests included former officers, security personnel, and informants involved in detaining many Syrians, as well as other suspects in committing abuses under the protection of al-Assad's regime, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights added.

According to the UK-based observatory, Lebanon on Saturday handed over to Syrian authorities around 70 Syrians, including ex-officers, at a border crossing between the two countries.
Syria's transitional government has vowed to dissolve and restructure all security agencies of the toppled dictator Bashar al-Assad's regime accused of mass killings and abuses.

Al-Assad, who ruled Syria for more than two decades, fled the country earlier this month as Islamist-led rebels advanced on the capital Damascus during a lighting sweep.

The interim government, installed by Syria's new rulers, has since struggled to re-establish security and pursued a crackdown on al-Assad's loyalists suspected of atrocities during his region.

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Newly appointed intelligence chief Anas Khattab said all security agencies will be disbanded and rebuilt.

"The security establishment will be reconstituted after dissolving all security branches and restructuring them in a way befitting our people, sacrifices and their long history," Syria's state news agency SANA quoted him as saying late Saturday.

Khattab accused al-Assad's regime of exploiting the security apparatus to oppress Syrians.

"Our valiant people, with all their different sects and categories, have suffered a lot of injustice and oppression of the former regime through its various security services," he said.

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The transitional government's security forces have rounded up around 300 suspects in less than a week through ongoing operations in several parts of Syria, a monitoring group reported on Sunday.

The arrests included former officers, security personnel, and informants involved in detaining many Syrians, as well as other suspects in committing abuses under the protection of al-Assad's regime, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights added.

According to the UK-based observatory, Lebanon Saturday handed over to Syrian authorities around 70 Syrians, including ex-officers, at a border crossing between the two countries.
The News

Syrias de-facto leader said it could be years before the country holds new elections, as uncertainty remains over the countrys future governance following the toppling of Bashar Al-Assads regime.

Speaking to Saudi broadcasters, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham chief Ahmed al-Sharaa said drafting a new constitution and holding national elections could take up to four years. Syrian citizens, meanwhile, will likely not see significant changes or improvements to public services for at least a year, Sharaa said.

While Western governments have welcomed Assads fall, the longer than expected transition could worry officials concerned over the rights of Syrias many ethnic and religious minorities and women, the Financial Times wrote. Washington and other Western capitals are weighing removing sanctions imposed on the Assad regime, as well as terrorist designations on HTS, which led Assads ouster.
The Afghan Ministry of Economy on Sunday reiterated its call for all non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the country to cease employing women.

In a statement, the ministry warned that any NGO that does not comply will have its activities suspended and its license revoked.

In December 2022, the Taliban authorities - who are not internationally recognized - issued a similar order, directing all NGOs to suspend the employment of female Afghan employees until further notice.

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Since returning to power, the Taliban government has not allowed Afghan girls and women to study beyond primary school. The Taliban authorities originally said the ban was a "temporary suspension" that will be resolved after the establishment of a safe environment for girls to attend school, but no changes have been made so far.

The Taliban defends their actions as necessary to uphold the country's law, social norms and public safety.

The group denies that it has imposed complete bans on womens activities and highlighted that nearly 9,000 work permits have been issued to women since the Talibans takeover and that many women are employed in the Afghan workforce.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  There have been many top political stories over the year, from the presidential re-election of Donald Trump to the Republicans in Arkansas poised to have the majority in both the Senate and House.

Talk Business & Politics host Roby Brock met with former Democratic State Senator Keith Ingram and GOP strategist Bill Vickery with Capitol Advisors Group to discuss the impact of 2024 on Arkansas politics.

Roby and guests also discuss the upcoming legislative session and whats on the agenda.

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Talk Business & Politics airs Sunday at 9:30 a.m. on FOX 16. For more coverage, head to TalkBusiness.net.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLRT - FOX16.com.
A teen girl died after being shot late Saturday at an apartment complex in the Marlborough East neighborhood of Kansas City, a police spokesperson said.

Police identified the victim as 18-year-old Zamauria Jones, said Officer Alayna Gonzalez with the Kansas City Police Department.

Officers responded shortly after 10 p.m. to reports of shots being fired at the East Hills Village Apartments in the 7600 block of Monroe Avenue, Gonzalez said.

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While the officers were en route, a driver flagged them down, saying she was taking a shooting victim to the hospital and needed help, Gonzalez said.

Officers removed the Jones, who had been shot and was unresponsive, from the vehicle, Gonzalez said.

Officers began providing medical aid until emergency medical crews arrived. Jones was taken to a hospital where she died from her injuries, Gonzalez said.

The killing is being investigated as a homicide. Detectives and crime scene investigators responded to the scene to gather evidence and speak with witnesses.

Police did not have any preliminary information on what led up to the shooting, nor any suspect information, Gonzalez said. No one was in custody.

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The killing is Kansas Citys 147th homicide of the year, according to data tracked by The Star, which includes fatal police shootings. By this time in 2023, which was Kansas Citys deadliest year, there were 183 killings. Last year, the city ended the year with a total of 185 homicides.

Detectives ask that anyone with any information about the homicide call the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS (8744). Information submitted anonymously to the hotline can earn a reward of up to $25,000. Witnesses can also contact homicide detectives at 816-234-5043.
Michelin-star chef Vikas Khanna is one of the top torchbearers of Indian cuisine. With his "haath ka hunar" and grandmother's recipes, he has successfully managed to spread the irresistible aroma of Indian spices across the US streets. Donning a chef hat, Vikas started his culinary journey in Amritsar where he ran a catering business at the age of 17. Mishaps and setbacks were a constant theme during his initial years in professional journey but the Amritsari lad did not quit and kept chasing his goals. Voted as "New York's hottest chef", Vikas has so far hosted four US Presidents, cooked for the White House and famed dignitaries around the world. In March 2024, he unveiled his restaurant 'Bungalow' in New York City, which became one of the most popular Indian eateries in US in a short span of time, courtesy of Vikas' cooking skills. From Hollywood star Anne Hathaway to Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, 'Bungalow' has attracted the presence of celebrities across the world. With 'Bungalow', Vikas left a footprint of Indian cuisine in the heart of US, especially after his restaurant was crowned the Michelin 2024 Bib Gourmand Award. "I feel it was high time Indian food took to the mainstream on this scale. It's also very important that Indian cuisine shines through this. It's very important. Of course, we have a lot of naysayers, especially in our community. But I feel that there's nothing stopping Indian food from being one of the most influential impressions in America," Vikas told ANI. Vikas has launched various restaurants in Dubai and US. However, he is yet to open one in his homeland. In 2000, the local banquet owned by Vikas was reportedly destroyed by the local authorities due to certain construction issues. Since then his fans from India have wondered when he would re-introduce his homeland to the taste of Indian cuisine, that he has refined, developed and nurtured over the years. Asked if there's any plan in his mind to open a restaurant in India, Vikas shared, "Bungalow is my last restaurant where I'm cooking 16-18 hours a day. I'm in the restaurant all the time. It's my last tribute... I've been cooking for over 40 years. And by the time I finish this project, I'll be 50. I will use my I'll use my energy to create something even more different, more... This was my sister's dream, this was not even my dream. So, the answer is no. I was asked this question many times when you open in India. I say the energy you get in a restaurant is when you stand on your own. And it's very important that in a foreign land, the most competitive market on the planet Earth you are holding the Indian Flag there..." He added, "Nobody can deny the power of New York City. And that is something which has more longevity. I feel that it uplifts the cuisine and currency and turns it into not just your economy, it increases the currency of the cuisine. At this stage, I've learned the difference." Vikas' consistent efforts driven by emotional and an undying desire to put Indian cuisine on the world map have finally turned into reality. His hard work aimed at giving Indian cuisine its due recognition continues to be a fruitful affair. Meanwhile, on Sunday, Vikas surprised Delhi-NCR residents by preparing several dishes at the WaysToLays Food Truck event in Gurugram. With a menu and recipes inspired by local tastes and global trends, the food truck serves a delightful array of dishes that incorporate Lay's chips in imaginative ways. (ANI)
A number of major Russian news outlets had their Telegram channels blocked across several European Union countries on Dec. 28. Users attempting to access these channels now see a notice saying that the content has been restricted and is no longer available.

Restrictions apply to several Russian state-run or controlled media outlets, including RIA Novosti, Izvestia, Rossiya 1, Channel One, NTV, and Rossiyskaya Gazeta.

Russia has waged a systematic international campaign of media manipulation and disinformation to justify its aggression against Ukraine and destabilize neighboring countries and the EU. These efforts target Ukraine and its citizens, as well as European political parties, civil society, and democratic institutions, with a focus on election interference and vulnerable groups.

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While it is not yet confirmed if the measures are enforced across the entire EU, the channels have reportedly been blocked in Poland, Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Greece, Italy, and Czechia.

The European Union has previously imposed measures targeting Russian media amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. In May, outlets like Rossiyskaya Gazeta, Izvestia, and RIA Novosti were banned from broadcasting within the bloc. At the time, the EU Council said that these outlets played a crucial role in the war.

"These media outlets are under the permanent direct or indirect control of the leadership of the Russian Federation," read the statement. "(They) have been essential and instrumental in bringing forward and supporting Russias war of aggression against Ukraine and for the destabilization of its neighboring countries."

Neither Telegram nor EU officials have issued statements about the latest restrictions.

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Read also: EU to impose first sanctions on Russian intelligence over disinformation campaigns, Bloomberg reports

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CEDAR PARK, Texas (KXAN)  As millions of people get ready to ring in the new year in a matter of days, some like to celebrate by setting off fireworks. However, while fun and pretty to look at, there are a lot of rules to follow on what is and isnt allowed.

The cones and fountains sell out pretty quick, said Tyler Perkins, who operates an American Fireworks stand in Cedar Park. Weve sold out before on New Years Eve. Its just been surprisingly slow so far this year.

Only 1 state in the US completely bans consumer fireworks

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While sales may not be popping off just yet, many people like to create their own personal celebrations. Thats where you can run into problems with the law.

Across Texas, its illegal to set off fireworks within 600 feet of places like a church, hospital, licensed child care center or school. Its also illegal to use skyrockets or bottle rockets. Most cities will issue a misdemeanor for using them, sometimes with a fine of $2,000.

Its only legal to use fireworks with a maximum 1.4G. That includes things like sparklers, smoke devices, roman candles, parachutes and firecrackers.

This time of year, its also nice to be respectful of neighbors.

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Youre at home and [fireworks] are going off all around you and you dont see them. Theres just a sudden burst  and thats what triggers some of our veterans, said retired U.S. Navy Commander Scott Anderson.

10-year-old Oklahoma boy injured after firework explodes on him

To report illegal fireworks, call 3-1-1 in most areas. State laws indicate all sales must happen by Jan. 1.

For a full list of professional displays and other New Years Eve events across the area, check out this list. You can read the full list of whats allowed and whats not on the states website here.

Can I set off fireworks right now?

As a rule of thumb, Texans might consider a few questions when evaluating whether or not they can legally use fireworks in their area, such as:

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Are you within city limits? If the answer is yes  Maybe. Likely not without at least a few restrictions, so you should check your city website.

Are you in an unincorporated area of a county? If the answer is yes  Probably, if you are either on your property or have the permission of a property owner, but you should double-check the county website. This might also change if you are within 5,000 feet of a city limit.

What kind of fireworks are you using? If youre using class C or 1.4G fireworks and not putting on a larger display, its probably OK. If youre putting on a larger display or using class B or 1.3G fireworks, youll need a licensed pyrotechnic operator and the approval of the local fire prevention officer.

Are you near any of the restricted areas listed above? If the answer is yes  No, unless you have the written permission of the organization youre near that is considered a restricted area.



Man dies after placing lit firework on his head during Fourth of July party

Altogether, the state of Texas remains a vast collection of counties and communities with different needs and regulations when it comes to many things, including fireworks. However, Texans can still come together in the most festive times of the year and not only check in with their specific local rules, but also adopt safe habits with fireworks and fire safety.

What fireworks are allowed in Texas?

Most fireworks listed here, formerly known as class C explosives and now as Fireworks 1.4G, are allowed in Texas. These include fireworks such as:

Caps for toy pistols;

Common small fireworks that have audible or visual effects, but dont expel shrapnel;

Roman candles not exceeding 10 balls in the tube, not exceeding either 20 grams per ball in weight with a tube no bigger than 3/8 of an inch in diameter;

Helicopter rockets with an inside tube no more than 1/2 an inch in diameter and no more than 20 grams each in weight;

Cylindrical or cone fountains;

Wheels that do not weigh more than 240 grams each;

Sparklers and dipped sticks;

Firecrackers that are no bigger than 1.5 inches long or 1/4 inch in diameter; and

Toy smoke devices or toy propellant devices that do not produce an outside flame.

Fireworks that are not allowed in Texas include:

Sky rockets or bottle rockets with; A total propellant charge of less than 4 grams; A casing size of less than 5/8 of an inch in outside diameter and less than 3.5 inches long; and An overall length, including stick, of less than 15 inches; and

Other fireworks not considered acceptable according to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
This story originally aired on Jan. 13, 2024

When Travis County Sheriff's detectives Paul Salo and James Moore arrived to investigate a shooting at Ted and Corey Shaughnessy's Austin, Texas, home early on March 2, 2018, they first thought it might be a robbery gone wrong.

Det. Paul Salo: It looked as though there was a home invasion  and a homeowner was  killed.

Inside the sprawling, suburban home it looked like a battlefield. Ted Shaughnessy, 55, lay dead in a pool of blood near the kitchen table.

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Det. James Moore: He was shot in the head, the back, the thigh, and the buttocks

One of the family's two pet Rottweilers, Bart, had been shot to death, as well. There was broken window glass everywhere, bullets lodged in the walls and casings all over the floor. Authorities noticed they were not all the same type.

Det. Paul Salo: We had .40 caliber and .380  so that told us that we had two shooters 

Corey would tell police she and Ted kept about 20 guns in the home, and said she'd used her .357 revolver to shoot back at the attackers.

Det. James Moore: It was a hail of gunfire.

Investigators had noticed a single, wide-open ground floor window around the side of the house and wondered if the intruders had used it to get in.

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Det. Paul Salo: Somebody took the screen off and set it next to the window outside.

That open window led into an unoccupied bedroom where, inside a drawer, police found what seemed like an unlikely coincidence.

Det. Paul Salo: There's a .40 caliber gun box in that drawer.

Det. James Moore: It's missing out of the box.

Jim Axelrod: Well, hang on, .40 caliber is one of the calibers that you were just describing.

Det. Paul Salo: Yes.

It meant the Shaughnessy's empty gun box could have held a pistol that one of the intruders used and had ejected bullet casings near the victim.

Det. James Moore: That information gets passed to me while I'm outside.

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Outside, near Moore, first responders were looking after Corey Shaughnessy.

Det. James Moore: Corey's hysterical.

Ted and Corey Shaughnessy / Credit: Corey Shaughnessy

Corey would tell police she had not seen the attackers' faces. But she did have a hunch about why they'd come.

Corey Shaughnessy: Being a jeweler  you might someday be a target.

Jim Axelrod: When you hear they own a jewelry store, what does that prompt in your minds?

Det. James Moore: Automatically a motive.

Jim Axelrod: Someone  figuring there was some safe with a bunch of jewelry.

Det. James Moore: Absolutely. That's right.

Corey broke the news by phone to the Shaughnessys' son Nick, then 19, who lived two hours away with his girlfriend Jackie in College Station, Texas. They immediately drove to Austin, arriving about 8 a.m.

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Det. Paul Salo: Nick comes over and he's  he's emotional  he asks me what happened.

Nick, Jackie and Corey all agreed to help the investigation in any way possible. Corey allowed police to search her phone and, though Nick said he hadn't been in Austin for about a month, he and Jackie did the same. All three also agreed to answer questions at the station.

NICK SHAUGHNESSY (police interview): I'm trying to think of anything that could be helpful.

Det. Paul Salo: Our goal was to just try to get as much information as possible.

COREY SHAUGHNESSY (police interview): I  I didn't hear anything until the dog started barking.

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But Corey says the more police questioned her in the coming days  the more a traumatic situation went from bad to worse.

COREY SHAUGHNESSY (police interview): I'm trying to do anything I can to  to help.

She says they were not treating her like a victim.

Corey Shaughnessy: I was extremely angry at the sheriff's department.

Investigators still weren't sure if the murder was part of a random attack, a jewel heist gone bad, or whether it was a targeted assassination. They weren't finding any relevant unidentified prints at the scene, so they had to wonder if their sole surviving victim, Corey Shaughnessy, was actually a suspect.

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Det. James Moore: She's the only person in the house. And we have her husband who has been shot to death  we know that she owns firearms.  So it's obviously an option for us.

They called her in for a series of interviews. For the last one, she brought a lawyer.

DET. SALO (police interview): You know, I didn't know Ted. It's not right that somebody killed him.

COREY SHAUGHNESSY: No it's not.

DET. SALO: And I want to find him.

COREY SHAUGHNESSY: Me too.

Jim Axelrod: You got a distraught wife. You got a dead husband. You have to ask about the marriage, don't you?

Det. James Moore: Yes.

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COREY SHAUGHNESSY (police interview): Ted was the people person. He was the front part of the store.

Investigators learned Corey and Ted had met in the early 80s at a video arcade in Phoenix. They'd quickly discovered they had a lot in common, including a love of jewelry and, eventually, of each other. They married and opened Gallerie Jewelers.

Corey Shaughnessy: Everything seemed to be just about perfect.

As the jewelry business grew, Ted and Corey had decided to grow their family too. In 2000, they adopted Nick at 16 months old from an orphanage in Ukraine.

Corey Shaughnessy: It was just instant love.

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Jim Axelrod: It was?

Corey Shaughnessy: Yeah. Instant.

Corey says they all bonded even before bringing him home.

Corey Shaughnessy: There were animal crackers involved.

Jim Axelrod: Skillful distribution of animal crackers?

Corey Shaughnessy (laughs) Yes, yes  and by the time we left, we were a family.

She says Ted had a knack for helping people express their love with a sparkle.

Det. James Moore: Everybody loved Ted. Didn't have any enemies.

By the time of the murder, the Shaughnessy's were worth millions. But maybe even more valuable to them, they counted some of their customers as close friends.

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Corey Shaughnessy: We were very happy.

Nick and Corey Shaughnessy / Credit: Corey Shaughnessy

For Corey, being a parent was worth its weight in gold.

Jim Axelrod: Nicholas had  everything a kid could want.

Corey Shaughnessy: Yes.

Jim Axelrod: What was he into?

Corey Shaughnessy: He liked animals, and he loved cars.

Especially, fast ones. His father drove race cars for fun and often took him to the track.

Corey Shaughnessy: He loved putting on Ted's helmet and his racing gloves and  and all of those things.

In high school, she says her son found another love  her name was Jackie Edison. After her parents divorced, she had moved from New Jersey to Austin to live with her father. Nick brought her to meet his parents in 2016.

Corey Shaughnessy: It was an awkward dinner.

But Corey says Jackie eventually won them over, and before long, she was spending so much time in the Shaughnessys' house, they actually let her move in.

Jim Axelrod: Did you ... settle into a  OK, a serious girlfriend seems to be part of Nick's life and she's OK?

Corey Shaughnessy: I did. She was alright.

Nick Shaughnessy and Jackie Edison. / Credit: Corey Shaughnessy

In August 2017, Nick and Jackie moved out to start a new life in College Station  she in school, he as a day trader, with his parents' financial backing. Ted and Corey would have less than a year to enjoy their empty nest before that horrible night in March. Police stayed on the scene for hours trying to process all the evidence.

Amy Meredith: I was actually on call  when the murder occurred.

Amy Meredith was an assistant district attorney and says police asked her to come help them process and preserve the scene...an unusual request. She arrived around 11 amand after looking around, began to believe as they did... that Ted Shaughnessy probably knew whoever had attacked him.

Amy Meredith: This was not a stranger. This was not a stranger killing.

Meredith was sure the home was just too big and too dark for a pair of random robbers or jewel thief wannabees to find their way around. Maybe even more importantly.

Amy Meredith: There was nothing stolen.

Nothing from that safe  and no valuables missing from the rest of the house.

Jim Axelrod: So everything for you pointed to inside job?

Amy Meredith: Yes. Without a doubt.

RAISING SUSPICIONS

Corey Shaughnessy's frustration with investigators was growing.

She says she'd known from the start that she was a suspect in her husband's murder. She says she needed money for the business in the following weeks, and it didn't help when she tried to cash in his million-dollar life insurance policy.

Corey Shaughnessy: I was the only beneficiary. That could only mean that they suspected me.

Jim Axelrod: Let me just ask, did you have anything to do with this?

Corey Shaughnessy: Absolutely not.

But Meredith says Corey had started raising red flags immediately after leaving the scene. Within hours of the murder, she reportedly stated there would be no funeral and inquired about having the house cleaned.

Amy Meredith: We had to make sure that she did not have any involvement.

But Corey wasn't the only member of Ted's family who was raising suspicion. The Shaughnessy's son Nick had been more than 100 miles away at the time of the murder. At the scene that morning, he'd been emotional. But what struck detective Salo was one of Nick's first questions.

Det. Paul Salo: I tell him, it looks like somebody came into the home, and shot your dad to death.

Jim Axelrod: And how did he absorb that news?

Det. Paul Salo: He asked me, did he suffer?

Jim Axelrod: Was that an odd question?

Det. Paul Salo: It definitely struck me as odd, yes.

Even more so, police say, because, as the morning wore on, Nick became much less interested in speaking with police than with the reporters who had started showing up.

Det. James Moore: Nick and Jackie continuously tried to talk to the media  we asked him to  to stop and to stay in the scene.

At the scene, Nick Shaughnessy did something investigators thought was odd. The open side window was not visible from the street. Without being told it was open or that investigators thought it might have been the entry point, Nick walked right over to it. / Credit: Travis County Sheriff's Office

And then Nick did something really odd, says Moore. He walked directly over to examine that ground floor, wide open side window. The room it led to had once been his.

Det. James Moore: Him going to that side of the house to look specifically at that window which you can't see from just the front of the house, so for him to know that that was even involved, he did not have that information.

Jim Axelrod: How does he know the entry point unless he was involved in creating the entry point?

Det. James Moore: Sometimes people will get information from crosstalk with detectives or law enforcement and  so I  I didn't automatically get super suspicious, but it was catching my attention.

Something on Nick's phone had caught their attention as well: an app that gave him access over his parents' alarm. Corey told them the family often chose not to arm the system, and that it had been switched off that night. But authorities noticed something in the account history.

Det. James Moore: There was an activation for an open window

Det. Paul Salo: The time of the window being opened  was 4:27 that morning.

Det. James Moore: Following that was glass break activations. We believe that's when the bullets started breaking the glass in the house.

Amy Meredith: That's when Ted died, that's when the shots were being fired.

Jim Axelrod: Was this important to have?

Det. James Moore: Extremely.

Police also saw something that seemed important in Jackie Edison's behavior.

Det. James Moore: We were gonna do a gunshot residue test on their hands  we then separated them and at that time Jackie broke down, hysterically.

Jim Axelrod: And what'd you make of it?

Det. James Moore: That was a major red flag for me.  we knew there was something more to this at that point.

Nick Shaughnessy being questioned by Travis County detectives. / Credit: Travis County DA's Office

DETECTIVE: A woman officer put your mom on the phone and then your mom told you what happened?

NICK SHAUGHNESSY: Yeah.  she is like, "someone came in the house. There was an exchange of gunfire." I believe she fired a shot and then she ran to the closet.

In questioning later that day, Nick and Jackie reminded police they'd been at their home in College Station when the shooting happened.

JACKIE EDISON (police interview): We both moved to College Station, and he just works from home.

A few days later, investigators got a search warrant.

Det. James Moore: Once we get into the apartment we're going through it, we're finding ammunition...

Though common among gun owners, the ammunition was the same brand and caliber that was found at the crime scene. And investigators were about to find proof the couple was keeping secrets.

Det. James Moore: We find a marriage certificate for Nick and Jaclyn.

Jim Axelrod: You discovered that Nick and Jackie were married by searching Nick's apartment?

Det. James Moore: Yep.

Jim Axelrod: In all of the conversation you were having  they never said that they were married?

Det. James Moore: No.

A teenage friend of Nick's named Spencer Patterson, who'd been certified as a minister online, had married them eight months earlier. Police weren't the only ones surprised.

Jim Axelrod: You and Ted never knew?

Corey Shaughnessy: No.

Corey Shaughnessy says Nick and Jackie didn't tell her about their clandestine marriage until after the murder.

Corey Shaughnessy: And I told them, I said  "this is not  you shouldn't have done this. You're too young.

Trying to be a good mom, she says she promised to help them plan a proper wedding.

Corey Shaughnessy: I said  "you need to do it the right way."

Corey had ample opportunity to make sure it happened, because, over the next few days, Nick and Jackie moved back into her house.

Corey Shaughnessy: We were planning the engagement party. We had the guest list. Jackie was picking out invitations.

That's especially chilling, because while police initially had looked at all three for the murder, they now suspected just two  and that Nick and Jackie had also targeted Corey. But it was still only a working theory.

Jim Axelrod: You can't say anything to Corey?

Det. Paul Salo: No.

Det. James Moore: That  that's a hard line to walk.

Jim Axelrod: If you have two people who planned her killing now living with her, are you worried about Corey's safety?

Det. James Moore: Of course, of course.

Corey Shaughnessy / Credit: CBS News

But Corey Shaughnessy says what worried her was the possibility authorities were trying to frame her son, who by now was working in his father's place at the jewelry store.

Corey Shaughnessy: There's a set of circumstances that the police are trying to  to  to make work in  the easiest way that they can.

On March 10, 2018, she hired her son the best defense attorney she could find.

Corey Shaughnessy: You could have told me aliens landed on the front yard, and  I would have believed that before I would've believed that Nicholas and Jackie planned to have us killed.

STARTLING CLUES CONFIRM AND EXPAND INVESTIGATORS' SUSPICIONS

Corey Shaughnessy knew police were suspicious of Nick and Jackie, but she says she had no reason to think they were right. After all, she says they'd been wrong about her.

Corey Shaughnessy: The last thing that I would ever do would be kill my husband  and  I thought, well, if they think I did it  it's not a stretch for them to think Nicolas did it.

But the closer police looked, the more incriminating evidence they seemed to find that Nick and Jackie had planned to have both Shaughnessys killed. While phone records showed Nick had been more than 100 miles away at the time of the murder, they also showed he was lying when he said he hadn't been to Austin for a month.

Det. Paul Salo: We ultimately see  cellphone usage in Austin on February 28th, which is just two days before Ted ends up getting killed.

Investigators wondered if he had been in town making final preparations. There were text messages on Nick and Jackie's phones that police say showed a suspicious conversation.

Jim Axelrod: How important was the text message that he had sent out February 23, 24?  Nick is saying he's "working on it."

Det. Paul Salo: And Jackie's response to the text message was, "do they want 50K or not?" And she says, "we can't afford to pay half before."

In another exchange, Nick asks her to withdraw money from her account: "so if it happens  cash in hand."

Det. Paul Salo: They do make this withdrawal.

Jackie withdrew $1,000 from the bank just days before the murder. Authorities suspected it was no coincidence. Then, in May 2018 , they talked to the man who had officiated Nick and Jackie's wedding  that high school friend, Spencer Patterson.

Det. James Moore: Trying to get ahold of Spencer was kind of difficult.

At first, investigators believed Patterson might be a suspect. But when they finally reached him, he proved to be a critical witness instead. He told them just before the murder, Nick had talked about coming into $8 million with Ted and Corey gone.

Jim Axelrod: Nick had put a dollar sign on the lives of his parents.

Det. Paul Salo: Yes.

Det. James Moore: Yep.

Jim Axelrod: That's chilling.

Det. Paul Salo: It is.

Patterson showed them text messages that were even more chilling.

Det. James Moore: There's also communication between Spencer and Nicolas, where Nicolas was trying to hire him to kill a family.

"Just walk in and shoot a family," writes Nick. "Steal all their s-, no mask needed cuz they'll all be dead."

Det. James Moore: Spencer didn't want to go along with it. But Nick still pitched the idea.

Police would come to believe Nick Shaughnessy and Jackie Edison had masterminded the attack and on May 29, 2018, authorities arrested them for criminal solicitation in the murder of Ted Shaughnessy.

Police cleared Patterson, and on May 29, 2018, they arrested Nick Shaughnessy and Jackie Edison for criminal solicitation. Corey couldn't believe it.

Corey Shaughnessy: I'm still under the assumption that  he's being wrongly accused.

For months, Corey had stood by Nick. But she told us that when she read the arrest affidavits and saw the evidence, her rock-solid belief in his innocence began to crumble.

Corey Shaughnessy: I got to where I understood that yes, they were involved in some way.

But as a mother, she says she still couldn't convince herself they'd deliberately tried to kill anyone.

Corey Shaughnessy: I was then hoping that they had maybe gotten caught up in something in College Station where maybe Nicolas owed someone money or maybe there was some sort of a strange drug thing or maybe he told the wrong person that we were jewelers.

Confident Nick and Jackie were behind the attack, police hoped some time in jail might make them come clean about who had actually pulled the trigger. For the moment though, neither one was talking.

Amy Meredith: The next step was  who were the actual shooters and how do we figure this out?

The evidence trail had essentially run cold.

Det. James Moore: So we kinda hit a stall point.

In early July, four months after the murder, Moore decided to review some security video from Nick and Jackie's porch, recorded just two days before the attack.

Det. James Moore: I see two individuals show up to his front door.

Security footage from Nick and Jackie's front porch proved to be a major turn in the case. Recorded just two days before the attack, it shows Nick Shaughnessy, left, greeting two men at the front door. / Credit: Travis County Sheriff's Office

Moore says he noticed something about one of the men that made him freeze the video  something he was wearing.

Det. James Moore: A green  Andersen T-shirt.

Jim Axelrod: Window company.

Det. James Moore: A window company.

Jim Axelrod: This feels like a break, and it only happens because you isolated a frame of the video from the security camera?

Det. James Moore: Yeah.

Moore and Salo drove to the window company where their hard work ran into more good luck. By sheer coincidence, an employee's daughter said she'd actually met the man in the freeze frame. Apparently, he'd only worked there for a few days  four years earlier.

Det. Paul Salo: And this woman still remembered his name.

Jim Axelrod: Sergeant, what are the odds of a hit like this on the identity?

Det. James Moore: It was  crazy that we got that break.

His name was Cameron Vosmek and he wasn't home that day. But his wife answered the door  and quickly got their attention.

Det. Paul Salo: "I know why you're here."

Det. Paul Salo: "That, kid who  hired somebody to  to kill his jewelry store parents."

Jim Axelrod: Hang on. She doesn't know who you guys are. You identify yourselves as detectives and she says, "I know why you're here?"

Det. Paul Salo: Yes.

She said a few months earlier, a man named Johnny Leon had asked her husband to commit murder for money. But he turned him down. Police ruled out Vosmek as a suspect. But Leon turned out to be the other person in the security video from Nick and Jackie's porch. When they brought him in for questioning, he told them he was no murderer. But he admitted Nick had tried to hire him.

JOHNNY LEON: (police interview) I'm not gonna lie to you, when someone offers you 100K, you're gonna think about it ...

DET. MOORE: He's luring you into this to commit murder.

JOHNNY LEON Yeah ...

But police were convinced that Leon had taken the bait.

DET. MOORE (police interview): I'm just telling you; we know you're involved in this. We know what happened 

JOHNNY LEON: You know I'm involved?

DET. MOORE: Absolutely. There is no doubt.

Leon was arrested for capital murder, and on his phone, police found evidence he may not have acted alone. There was a flurry of contacts around the time of the killing with a Fort Worth man named Arieon Smith. They also discovered both men had arrest records. In fact, the two had been arrested together for drugs a year earlier.

Det. Paul Salo: Detective Moore and I interviewed him. he did admit that he had met Nick.

Det. Paul Salo: He gave us a lot of good information.

Smith opened up about the details of that night and broke down in the process.

DET. MOORE (police interview): You're the only person that's showing regret.

ARIEON SMITH: I don't understand how, how could you kill somebody and not have any emotion about it? And you actually killed them. I was just in the situation.  I'm  I'm  I'm devastated. I cannot sleep at night.

Prosecutors were closer than ever to having everything they needed to make their case.

Amy Meredith: We've got enough.  Now, let's go to trial.

That's something Nick Shaughnessy told "48 Hours" he'd wanted to avoid.

A BELOVED SON'S BETRAYAL

After police arrested the last of their four suspects, Arieon Smith, Det. Salo says Smith told them he wasn't just there for Ted's murder.

ARIEON SMITH (police interview): Yes, I was there.

Smith acknowledged firing the fatal shot, and then made a stunning request 

ARIEON SMITH (police interview): I request the death penalty.

 the death penalty.

ARIEON SMITH (police interview): I killed somebody, I deserve to die. Simple as that.

He also told police where to find the murder weapon. It was the .40 caliber pistol missing from that box they'd found in Nick's old bedroom.

Jim Axelrod: The .40 caliber gun that killed Ted was Ted's.

Corey Shaughnessy: Yes.

For a mother who'd struggled for months to keep faith in her son, it felt like the last straw.

Corey Shaughnessy: Too much had happened  that pointed to Nicolas and Jackie having involvement.

And Corey was horrified to realize she'd spent months sheltering the very people who'd planned to have Ted and her murdered that night.

Jim Axelrod: What a chilling thought  two people who tried to have you killed and they're living in your home.

Corey Shaughnessy: Very. It's  very chilling.

Corey Shaughnessy: I bought all the groceries. I paid all the bills. I bought her clothing.

Jim Axelrod: This is diabolical.

Corey Shaughnessy: Absolutely  they thought they had gotten away with it.

Jaclyn Edison bring questioned by detectives. / Credit: Travis County DA's Office

DETECTIVE (police interview): Do you prefer Jackie or Jaclyn?

JACKIE EDISON: Jackie.

After their arrest, it took just a couple of weeks for Jackie to blame Nick.

DETECTIVE: Did Nicolas hire somebody... to kill his parents?

JACKIE EDISON: Yeah.

And Jackie seemed to know why he'd done it. She says Nick was in desperate financial straits, with a failing day trading business and thousands in overdue loans including at least one from Corey.

JACKIE EDISON (police interview): I think his mom gave him $30,000  and she expected money in return, but he wasn't paying her.

After her cooperation, authorities released Jackie on a reduced bond. And prosecutor Amy Meredith resolved to go after Nick for the maximum.

Amy Meredith: We're going to try Nick Shaughnessy for capital murder.

Jim Axelrod: At this point, were you prepared to testify against Nick?

Corey Shaughnessy: Yes.

From left, Johnny Leon, Nicolas Shaughnessy and Aerion Smith were charged with capital murder. / Credit: Travis County DA's Office

Nick Shaughnessy and the two alleged hit men were charged with capital murder. But by the spring of 2021, Amy Meredith had left her job as assistant district attorney. And there was a new DA, Jose Garza, whose office made the men an offer: avoid a possible death sentence by pleading guilty to a reduced charge of murder and serve 35 years with the possibility of parole. Leon and Smith agreed, and Corey wrote to Nick to suggest he do the same.

Corey Shaughnessy: If I could speak to Ted, I think that would have been his choice.

Nick Shaughnessy accepted the deal. He could be released when he is 36. In the summer of 2023, "48 Hours" visited him in prison near Houston.

Jim Axelrod: Did you hire people to go kill your parents?

Nick Shaughnessy: Yes, Jackie and I participated in multiple aspects to kill my 

Jim Axelrod: Never mind participated in multiple aspects. Did you pay these two men to go kill your parents?

Nick Shaughnessy: Yes.

Nick told us he's sorry for all of it.

Nick Shaughnessy: I know  that I'm here because of those actions.

Jim Axelrod: Nick at the end of the day, are you sorry for what you did or are you sorry that you got caught?

Nick Shaughnessy: I'm most truly, passionately sorry, for what I did.

And Nick told us he never would have done it  if not for Jackie.

Jim Axelrod: It was a very toxic relationship.

Although he stood to inherit his parents' money eventually, he told us he wasn't prepared to wait.

Jim Axelrod: Were you at all thinking  "what am I doing?:

Nick Shaughnessy: Of course.  it was always in the back of my head. like red flags  like stop, don't go.

Jim Axelrod: The back of your head. Why not the front of your head?

Nick Shaughnessy: I guess the validation or approval from Jackie.

It is hard to know how much Jackie Edison should be blamed or what punishment she deserves. And jurors won't get to decide. She too got a deal from the office of the new DA. For pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit capital murder by terror threat or other felony  a jail sentence of 120 days and 10 years' probation.

Corey Shaughnessy: It's astounding. It's absolutely astounding.

She began serving her time in June 2023.

Corey Shaughnessy: It is an outright dismissal of everything that I went through as a victim. And it's a dismissal of Ted's life.

Jim Axelrod: Three are doing 35 years, one is doing 120 days. Corey says that's outrageous.  What are your thoughts?

Amy Meredith: I  had no involvement once I left the district attorney's office on Jackie's case.

Amy Meredith was working elsewhere before prosecutors offered the plea deals. Corey's feelings aren't lost on her.

Jim Axelrod: Do you understand her rage?

Amy Meredith: I  absolutely understand that she is upset.

Corey is so upset that when the new prosecutors asked her to appear at Jackie's 2023 plea hearing, she refused  instead, recording a video at home to be played in court:

COREY SHAUGHNESSY (video court statement: I'm alive because your plan to have me murdered  didn't succeed.

COREY SHAUGHNESSY (video court statement): You are a monster. You are evil and everyone needs to know it.

COREY SHAUGHNESSY (video court statement): You knew what was about to happen, and yet you sat home and did nothing because you wanted it to happen 

We wanted to ask Jackie Edison about that and other things, but she declined our request for an interview. On the day she was released from jail, our producer Jenna Jackson approached her.

JACKIE EDISON SPEAKS TO 48 HOURS

Corey and Nick Shaughnessy haven't spoken directly since his 2018 arrest.

Jim Axelrod: When you look in the mirror, do you see evil?

Nick Shaughnessy: My mom stated that. Me being evil.  I don't see evil in me.

These days, it's safe to say they don't see eye to eye. In fact, there may be only one thing they do agree on.

Corey Shaughnessy: Jackie is not a victim.

Jim Axelrod: This is a fifty-fifty thing?

Nick Shaughnessy: Most definitely

Jim Axelrod: Did Jaclyn Edison get away with murder?

Corey Shaughnessy: Absolutely.

On Oct. 17, 2023, Jackie Edison walked out of an Austin-area jail after serving her four-month sentence.

Jenna Jackson: Hey, Jaclyn.

We'd been asking for an interview for months.

Jackie Edison: I don't wanna do any interviews.

But "48 Hours" producer Jenna Jackson had some questions for her anyway.

Jenna Jackson: Nick got 35 years, the hit men got the same. You got 120 days.  Are you getting away with murder?

Jackie Edison: No. I think that  I think that it's fair. I think it accurately reflects the level of involvement.

Jenna Jackson: Corey and Nick have both told us is that  you are a partner in this murder plot.

Jackie Edison Yeah  I think Nick is  is saying whatever he has to say to kind of clear his name. Um, and Corey is very much in denial about what really happened.

Jenna Jackson: You weren't in on this plot?

Jackie Edison: I was not in on it. No.

Jenna Jackson :Didn't get money out to pay the hit men?

Jackie Edison: No. No ma'am.

Det. James Moore: Is she innocent? Absolutely not.

Amy Meredith: No  She knew. She knew what he was trying to do.

Det. James Moore: She could have stopped this at any time.

JACKIE EDISON (police interview: I tried to stop him.

But investigators say there is no evidence Jackie ever tried to stop the murder.

Det. James Moore: She's no princess in this.

And according to what Nick told authorities, Jackie had been making plans for spending the Shaughnessys' money.

Corey Shaughnessy: I found out that Jackie  already picked out the car she was going to buy her mother with the money that they made.

Jim Axelrod: Off of the murder of you and Ted?

Corey Shaughnessy: Yes.

Det. James Moore: I'm not defending her by any degree.

Though she did eventually help them make their case against the person they identified as the key culprit.

Det. James Moore: They're both to blame. Who took more action?  it's Nick.

Det. Paul Salo: You take Nick out of this you don't have the incident.

Jim Axelrod: You take Jackie out?

Det. James Moore: It still happens.

Jim Axelrod: Do you understand Corey's frustration?

Det. James Moore: I do.

Det. Paul Salo: Absolutely.

Det. James Moore: We empathize with her.

But Moore and Salo say Jackie's plea deal wasn't their call.

Det. James Moore: Our job ended at the arrest and there's not a single step further that we can take it.

We wanted to ask DA Jose Garza exactly why Edison got 120 days, after the other three got 35 years, but he wouldn't agree to an interview. A spokesperson for the district attorney sent "48 Hours" a statement saying, "Our office takes acts of violence seriously and is committed to holding people who commit violent crimes accountable." The statement also said Edison is on 10 years' probation and if she violates the terms, she could face 20 years in prison.

Corey Shaughnessy says a full explanation from authorities would have helped her make sense of something that has always struck her as impossibly wrong.

Jim Axelrod: So no one's ever explained to you why this enormous disparity  in sentence?

Corey Shaughnessy: No, absolutely not.

Nick Shaughnessy: It's a  slap in the face to my mother.

Jim Axelrod: Now you're concerned about your mother?

Nick Shaughnessy: Most definitely.

True or not, Nick Shaughnessy told us he hopes someday Corey will agree to speak with him.

Jim Axelrod: What would you say to her?

Nick Shaughnessy: I wish I could tell my mom how truly sorry I am, that this is not something I'm proud of and I failed her as a son.

Corey Shaughnessy (watching video of Nick's apology): It means nothing to me.

Jim Axelrod: Do you think he believes it? What he's saying?

Corey Shaughnessy: I don't know that person. I have no idea who Nicolas Shaughnessy is.

And Corey says there is no point responding to an apology she was never meant to hear.

Corey Shaughnessy: In my mind, I am supposed to be dead. And so, I'm a ghost and ghosts can't speak.

But even after a betrayal no mother should ever have to seeCorey still can't bring herself to condemn her son altogether.

Nick, Corey and Terd Shaughnessy / Credit: Corey Shaughnessy

Jim Axelrod: Do you still love your son?

Corey Shaughnessy: I love the person I knew to be my son before this happened.

Jim Axelrod: You love that 8-year-old boy racing cars with his dad.

Corey Shaughnessy: Yes.

She knows that boy is gone forever and so is the life she and Ted tried to build around him.

Corey Shaughnessy: Nicolas and Jackie destroyed my entire world.  They took my husband ... They took memories, they took my business  they took everything I had that I cared about.

But, now living out of state under a different name, Corey is determined to make the most of every day.

Corey Shaughnessy: It'll always be there. It'll always be a part of who I am. But I've been given life. And I need to do something with it.

As a parole requirement, for the next 10 years, on the anniversary of Ted Shaughnessy's murder, Jaclyn Edison must spend the night in jail.

"48 Hours" Post Mortem Podcast

Listen as host Anne-Marie Green, contributor Jim Axelrod and producer Jenna Jackson discuss Corey's emotional journey to realizing her own son had hired hit men to kill her and her husband for money.

Produced by Josh Yager. Jenna Jackson and Ryan N. Smith are the development producers. Shaheen Tokhi is the associate producer. Anthony Venditti is the content research manager. Atticus Brady and Diana Modica are the editors. Patti Aronofsky is the senior producer. Nancy Kramer is the executive story editor. Judy Tygard is the executive producer.

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LANTANA  A third Old Key Lime House employee has died of injuries sustained in a Dec. 10 shooting at a Lake Worth Beach pub, police said Sunday.

Reginald Gordon, 49, died Saturday, the Palm Beach County Sheriffs Office said Sunday. He had been in intensive care at St. Marys Medical Center, and had been left paralyzed from the waist down.

The appropriate charges are forthcoming, the sheriffs office said in an update.

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Investigators believe a confrontation between two other men led to the shooting, which erupted around 1 a.m. Dec. 10. The gunfire killed Stephen Stratis, 24, and Christopher Allen, 33, and injured Gordon and Daquan Sigler, 30.

Sigler was treated at a local hospital and released.

Police say Michael B. Vititoe, 29, of Boynton Beach, punched at least one man, while another man, Morey S. Pinard III, 23, of Delray Beach pulled a firearm and began shooting during the fight, which took place at The Rock Irish Pub in the 600 block of Lake Avenue.

Sheriff's investigators arrested Pinard on Dec. 11 on two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted second-degree murder, while Vititoe was taken into custody on charges of simple battery and being an accessory after the fact.

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Vititoe posted bond and walked out of the Palm Beach County Jail on Dec. 12.

The Lantana restaurant held a fundraiser last Sunday for families of the shooting victims.

The trauma, murders and injuries have shaken this place, restaurant owner Ryan Cordero said then. But the community has really come out from everywhere to support us.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Third restaurant employee wounded in LWB shooting dies
CRANE COUNTY, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)  Three suspects were arrested on Friday after Crane County deputies located multiple stolen items that were reported stolen out of Odessa.

According to a post by the Crane County Sheriffs Office, on Friday, December 20, deputies received a report of stolen property located at 430 Dottie Lane.

Through further investigation, deputies recovered a stolen Ram 2500 pickup truck with a trailer and skid steer, a U-Haul trailer, as well as a pressure water trailer. All items were reported stolen out of the Odessa area.

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The investigation also led to the arrest of three individuals who were transported to the Crane County Law Enforcement Center:

Carlos Hernandez was charged with Theft of Property between $150,000 and $300,000, Possession of a Controlled Substance mainly Methamphetamine, Animal Cruelty, and Intentional or Knowing Unauthorized Discharge mainly sewage.

Cynthia Barragan was also charged with Theft of Property between $150,000 and $300,000, Possession of a Controlled Substance mainly Methamphetamine, Animal Cruelty, and Intentional or Knowing Unauthorized Discharge mainly sewage.

Juan Ibarra was charged with Theft of Property between $2,500 and $30,000, a state jail felony.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Yourbasin.
AULANDER, N.C. (WNCT)  Three people were arrested after a high-speed chase in Aulander in Bertie County Friday night, Dec. 27, 2024.

A deputy attempted to stop a vehicle on Highway 11 near Aulander at around 9:17 p.m. after finding the owner of the vehicle had outstanding warrants from Wake County.

The driver sped away, reaching speeds up to 127 miles per hour. The chase ended on Millennium Road at the intersection of Hollowell Road in Hertford County.

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After the driver drove the vehicle into a field. two people ran from it and one stayed inside. All three were taken into custody.

Eric Reid, 20, of Durham, was charged with:

Felony fleeing to elude arrest

Reckless driving

Failure to heed to lights and siren

Resisting a public officer

Reid was jailed in the Bertie/Martin Regional Jail without bond.

Wesley Lyons, 19, of Raleigh, was charged with resisting a public officer and was jailed in the Bertie/Martin Regional Jail without bond.

Raquan Spruill, 19, of Murfreesboro, was served the warrant out of Wake County for fleeing to elude arrest. He was also jailed in the Bertie/Martin Regional Jail under a $7,500 secured bond.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT.
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  Investigators are searching for the cause of a fire that swept through six row houses along 9th Street Northwest near P Street Saturday afternoon.

The fire, according to DC Fire and EMS, started in one of two empty buildings owned by Shiloh Baptist Church before extending to nearby homes. Another fire started in them back in July.

(X / @dcfireems) (X / @dcfireems) (Dave Leval/DC News Now)

I believe six buildings in total were impacted by the fire, said Assistant Chief Gary Steen, as flames and smoke spread to four other buildings.

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No extension, no injury, no breakfast: Early-morning fire at Montgomery County apartments

In an update posted just before 4:20 p.m., officials said that crews were working to stop any further spread.

Any time we have fire, the public is always at risk. Were always concerned about that, Steen said.

Around 20 units and 100 personnel responded to the fire.

Three injured firefighters were transported in stable condition.

The latest fire has neighbors upset.

Very frustrating, said Ken Rogers, has lived across the street for the last 27 years.

Hes not happy with his neighbors.

Its just taking care of the properties and being a good neighbor, Rogers said.

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DC News Now was unable to get in contact with Shiloh Baptist Church to comment on the neighbors concerns.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  The Puerto Rican Festival hosted Three Kings Day in downtown Rochester at Martin Luther King Jr. Park during Roc Holiday Village on Sunday.

The celebration included live music and handcrafted creations for all who attended. The event was held in the Simcona Gingerbread House and those in the community were able to attend for free.

It means the world to celebrate this tradition and not only for me to keep it alive but also to pass it on to my children. It is something we celebrate as a family, and it is so great to keep that culture alive  being of Puerto Rican descent here living in the United States, said Wilmarie Velez, secretary of the Puerto Rican Festival.

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Sunday marked the last day of Roc Holiday Village at MLK Park.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst.
The late former Prime Minister was cremated with full state honours.

Earlier, the Chief Minister paid floral tributes to the late former Prime Minister at the AICC headquarters, where his mortal remains were kept for Congress leaders to pay their respects.

Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri and several Cabinet Ministers of Himachal Pradesh also paid tribute to Manmohan Singh at his residence on Friday evening.

Manmohan Singh was accorded a state funeral with military honours at Nigambodh Ghat, a public cremation ground in north Delhi, on Saturday.

Manmohan Singh passed away at AIIMS, Delhi, on Thursday night at the age of 92 due to age-related medical conditions. He had a sudden loss of consciousness at home, after which he was rushed to the hospital. (ANI)
PARIS (Reuters) - At least three migrants died in the Channel off northern France on Sunday as a group of around 50 people tried to set off in a small boat heading for Britain, authorities said.

The incident occurred at Sangatte at around 6 a.m. (0500 GMT) during a series of attempted crossings by migrants aiming for the southern coast of England, the French maritime prefecture for the Channel said in a statement.

Three migrants were confirmed dead after being found unconscious, while another 45 people were rescued and treated mostly for hypothermia, the authority said.

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A search operation continued for other possible victims, it added.

Several dozen migrants have died this year attempting to cross the Channel, one of the world's busiest shipping lanes, in crowded makeshift vessels to reach Britain.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, whose Labour Party swept to office after an election in July, has prioritised cracking down on illegal migration by tackling the gangs who smuggle people across the Channel.

"This morning, lives have been lost at sea because ruthless criminals running the small boat trade are overloading people into unseaworthy vessels," Angela Eagle, British minister for border security and asylum, said in a statement on Sunday.

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The British government is supporting the French authorities who are leading on the response to the incident, which took place in French waters, she added.

Nearly 30,000 people arrived in Britain by small boats in the year ending September, 2024, government data showed in November. Close to 1,500 people have arrived in the four days since Christmas.

(Reporting by Gus Trompiz; Additional reporting by Muvija M; Editing by Alison Williams and Gareth Jones)
ST. LOUIS  Just days away from the new calendar year, Missouri and Illinois are preparing for several new laws to take effect.

For the two states of the St. Louis metropolitan area, here are three key laws worth knowing

Missouri

While new Missouri laws generally take effect in August of each calendar year, there are some new laws, updates to laws, and new provisions taking effect when 2025 begins. Heres a closer look at three.

NEW PROVISION IN HANDS-FREE LAW

Starting on New Years Day, drivers caught violating Missouris hands-free phone law could face fines as opposed to only warnings.

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The states Siddens Bening Hands Free Law itself took effect in August 2023 to prohibit drivers from distractions like holding a phone to text, call, or perform other tasks while behind the wheel.

For the first time in 16 months with the hands-free law, violations could result in citations. A first-time offense will result in a $150 fine, while penalties range from $250 to $500 for subsequent violations over two years, according to state statutes.

However, violating the hands-free law still remains a secondary violation, similar to the seat belt law. This means law enforcement can only write a citation for violating Missouris hands-free law after pulling the driver over for a primary violation, like speeding or weaving lane lines.

MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE AND SICK LEAVE

Starting on New Years Day, the states minimum wage is set to increase to $13.75 per hour for workers of all private and non-exempt businesses, according to the Missouri Department of Labor.

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Missouri voters approved Proposition A in the November General Election to set the stage for minimum wage increases over the next two years.

When Proposition A takes effect, it will also require businesses with 15 or more employees to provide one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked.

CHANGES TO EXPUNGEMENT LAWS

Starting on New Years Day, Missouri will revise its law on criminal expungements, allowing individuals with criminal records to apply for more expungements.

An expungement allows for criminal convictions to be removed from public record. The change aims to help individuals who have completed their sentences clear their records and move forward.

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The revised state statute increases limits on expungements to three misdemeanors and two felonies. Previously, the state only allowed for expungements of two misdemeanors and one felony conviction.

Illinois

Nearly 300 new Illinois laws will take effect at the start of the 2025 calendar year. Heres a closer look at three.

PAY TRANSPARENCY IN JOB LISTINGS

Starting on New Years Day, most employers in Illinois will have to disclose their pay scale and benefits in job postings.

The new law will require all Illinois employers with 15 or more employees to include information about their pay scale and benefits, both for internal and external job postings. This will also apply to remote work positions with operations based in Illinois.

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Companies have two weeks from the start of the year to add salary and benefit information to job postings or could be fined up to $500 for violations.

The law comes in a broader effort for the state to address pay inequality and promote stronger transparency in hiring practices.

MEDICAL INSURANCE REFORMS

Starting on New Years Day, the Illinois Health Care Protection Act takes effect, which includes health insurance reforms that aim to improve accessibility and eliminate barriers to healthcare.

The new law will ban step therapy, a process that previously required patients to try and fail with lower-cost drug treatments before accessing more expensive care. The law also prohibits insurers from denying claims or persuading patients to choose cheaper alternatives that may not meet minimum standards established by the Affordable Care Act.

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The law will also address ghost networks by providing by requiring insurers to maintain accurate, up-to-date directories of in-network providers.

HOTEL BANS FOR SINGLE-USE SHAMPOO BOTTLES

Starting on July 1, 2025, Illinois hotels will be banned from offering single-use plastic bottles of shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and other personal care products in guest rooms and public restrooms.

The upcoming law aims to reduce plastic waste by eliminating small plastic bottles, which are often used only once before being discarded. It will first apply to hotels with 50 or more guest rooms next year, then will apply to all hotels by 2026.

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Hotels will still be allowed to offer some plastic bottles to guests upon request, though they could face up to $500 for violations if they fail to comply with the laws general restrictions.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
Governor Roy Cooper and President Joe Biden hold a briefing on Helene's impacts at the State Emergency Operations Center following an aerial tour of areas damaged by Hurricane Helene. During the briefing, President Biden announced the approval of 100% FEMA Reimbursement for six months, a significant funding commitment from the federal government. (Pool photo/Paul Barker-Governor's Office)

The states chief executive was considered as a running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris. A catastrophic storm left survivors wondering if FEMA had enough money. And, despite Donald Trump winning the state for the third consecutive time, Democrats walked away with electoral victories.

North Carolina made national headlines repeatedly in 2024, and no doubt, will continue to do so in the future. Here are three from the past year that stood out.

Democrats consider Gov. Roy Cooper as VP pick

When President Joe Biden dropped his bid for reelection and Vice President Kamala Harris entered the race, the next question became who would be her running mate.

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Names in the conversation included Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear, and North Carolinas own Gov. Roy Cooper.

Each potential candidate brought political pros and cons to the table. Some thought the selection of Cooper could help Harris claim victory in North Carolina and perhaps neighboring Georgia, the southeastern swing states with 16 electoral votes each.

But there was also a potential hiccup: a dated North Carolina law seemed to indicate that when the governor is absent from the state  something Cooper would have needed to be constantly had he secured the nomination  the lieutenant governor (archconservative GOP gubernatorial nominee Mark Robinson) would be in a position to act as governor.

Ultimately, this was among the factors that seemed to motivate Cooper to remove his name from consideration and choose to remain in North Carolina and rally supporters for the Harris-Walz ticket, as well as guide the state through the aftermath of a catastrophic natural disaster.

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In the end, neither North Carolina nor Georgia supported the ticket of Harris and Walz.

Helene leads to questions about FEMA funding

Hurricane Helene tore through western North Carolina and portions of other states in late September.

In the aftermath, droves of support poured in from other states and the federal government. Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Deanne Criswell was scheduled to remain on the ground until the work was completed. President Joe Biden did an aerial tour of storm damage and visited Raleigh to meet with emergency operations.

But as it does in times of uncertainty, misinformation took hold in numerous places.

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Survivors who had their homes and livelihoods ripped away from them wondered if the federal government had enough funding to help. Former President Donald Trump claimed that FEMA didnt, because it was instead funding migrants  a claim that was quickly debunked.

Criswell clarified that the agency had enough funding to support recovery efforts from both Helene and Hurricane Milton in Florida, at least for the time being. However, FEMA would need additional supplemental funding from Congress.

Thats a topic thats still ongoing. Congressional leaders took up a spending plan leading up to the holidays that could allocate nearly $9 billion to disaster relief in North Carolina.

Trump wins state, but Democrats have noteworthy victories

President-elect Donald Trump won the Tar Heel State for the third consecutive time in 2024, quashing the it feels like Obama 2008 atmosphere that gave Democrats hope through much of the fall in North Carolina.

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But election night wasnt a complete bust for Democrats.

Democrat Josh Stein handily defeated Robinson in the gubernatorial race.

Although Republicans turned the state auditors office red, Democrats flipped two positions in the council of state: lieutenant governor and superintendent of public instruction.

The party lost three U.S. House seats due to gerrymandering, but U.S. Rep. Don Davis held on in the first district, the states most competitive congressional race.

Notably, Democrats prevented a veto-proof supermajority in the North Carolina House. Thats crucial as the Republican-controlled state legislature frequently bashed heads with Cooper during his two terms in office.

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Republicans in the lame duck session passed a 131-page bill marketed as hurricane relief that made a myriad of changes to state law, shifting power away from Stein and other Democrats. Despite protests from hundreds who called the bill a power grab, both chambers overrode Coopers veto.

The upcoming months will certainly feature more partisan conflict between the legislative and executive branches.
Dec. 28Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers is leaving Congress at the end of 2024 after 20 years representing Eastern Washington in the U.S. House of Representatives and a political career that has spanned three decades. After working as an aide to state Rep. Bob Morton, she took over his seat at age 24 and rose to become House Republican leader in Olympia before winning a seat in Congress in 2004.

At the U.S. Capitol, she became one of the most influential GOP lawmakers in the House, first as a member of Republican leadership and then as chair of the Energy and Commerce Committee. Here are some highlights from her career.

1991: Soon after graduating from Pensacola Christian College, Cathy McMorris is hired to run the campaign of Bob Morton, a family friend in Kettle Falls. After he is elected to the state House, McMorris becomes his legislative aide.

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* 1994: When Morton is appointed to fill a vacant state Senate seat, McMorris is appointed to his House seat, then wins a special election to stay in the state Legislature at age 25.

* 2002: McMorris is elected by her fellow Republicans as House minority leader in Olympia, replacing a lawmaker nearly twice her age.

* 2003: When Rep. George Nethercutt of Spokane decides to leave the House and challenge Sen. Patty Murray, McMorris jumps into the race to succeed Nethercutt.

* 2004: McMorris wins the race to represent Washington's 5th Congressional District, becoming just the 200th woman elected to the House of Representatives out of some 11,000 members in its history.

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* 2006: McMorris marries Brian Rodgers, a retired Navy commander and son of former Spokane Mayor David Rodgers, and changes her name to Cathy McMorris Rodgers.

* 2007: McMorris Rodgers gives birth to her son Cole, who is born with Down syndrome and inspires her to advocate for people with disabilities.

* 2008: Elected vice chair of the House Republican Conference, becoming the highest-ranking woman in House GOP leadership and started a contest to encourage more Republicans to use social media to reach their constituents.

* 2010: Gives birth to her daughter Grace, becoming the first member of Congress to give birth to two children while in office.

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* 2012: Elected by her fellow Republicans as chair of the House GOP Conference, the No. 4 position in party leadership.

* 2013: Gives birth to her daughter Brynn.

* 2014: Delivers the traditional Republican response to President Barack Obama's State of the Union address, raising her national profile. At the end of the year, Congress passes the ABLE Act, one of her signature legislative achievements.

* 2015: After being officially nominated by McMorris Rodgers, Paul Ryan of Wisconsin is elected as speaker of the House, replacing fellow Republican John Boehner of Ohio.

* 2016: McMorris Rodgers endorses Donald Trump for president in May, then criticizes him after a recording comes to light in which he bragged about groping women, but later says she still plans to vote for him. After Trump is elected president, he considers nominating her to head the Interior Department, but tells her he opted against appointing her during a meeting at Trump Tower in New York City.

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* 2018: Facing a challenge from freshman Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming, McMorris Rodgers opts not to run for re-election as conference chair and to focus on the Energy and Commerce Committee.

* 2019: After a six-year investigation, the House Ethics Committee concludes that McMorris Rodgers' office violated House rules by mixing campaign funds and taxpayer dollars, ordering her to pay back about $7,500 in misspent money. She takes responsibility for the mismanagement, although the report noted that she wasn't directly involved in it.

* 2021: Following a riot at the Capitol by Trump supporters, McMorris Rodgers reverses her earlier decision and votes to certify the results of an election Trump lost, one of just two House Republicans to make that change.

* 2023: Becomes the first woman to chair the House Energy and Commerce Committee, whose vast jurisdiction makes it one of the most sought-after panels on Congress.

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* 2024: Announces that she will retire from Congress at the end of the year, despite being eligible to serve another two-year term as Energy and Commerce Committee chair.

Orion Donovan Smith's work is funded in part by members of the Spokane community via the Community Journalism and Civic Engagement Fund. This story can be republished by other organizations for free under a Creative Commons license. For more information on this, please contact our newspaper's managing editor.
In our weekly list of business people on the move, we highlight Palm Beach County professionals who are making a difference. These are people from across the spectrum of public and private endeavors, those working in charities, court houses, private practices and beyond. They are moving up within their industry, advancing their careers and standing out for their services within our community.

Here are this week's professional standouts:

Boca Raton Regional Hospital adds experienced chief medical officer

Boca Raton Regional Hospital, part of Baptist Health, has announced the appointment of William Holubek, M.D., as its new chief medical officer. Holubek will oversee the medical and clinical aspects of the hospital, collaborating with leaders throughout Baptist Health to shape policies and procedures. Holubek has over 10 years of experience as a chief medical officer, most recently serving as CMO at University Hospital in Newark, N.J. Baptist Health is the largest healthcare organization in the region, with 12 hospitals and 200 outpatient centers, urgent care facilities, and physician practices spanning across Miami-Dade, Monroe, Broward, and Palm Beach counties.

William Holubek

Citi Private Bank bolsters Florida team with addition

Citi Private Bank business recently added to their South Florida ranks with the addition of Chris Hurley. Hurley, head of investments for the South, Northeast and Midwest regions, will be transitioning into a senior private banker role to serve the growing client base in the Palm Beach area.

Chris Hurley

Local conservation group wins award at Kravis Center event

The ANGARI Foundation recently received its first-ever Hats Off Nonprofit Award for Small Nonprofit of the Year. Nonprofits First presented the award to ANGARI at the 8th Annual Hats Off Nonprofit Awards reception and ceremony, held on Oct. 30 at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach. The annual Hats Off Nonprofit Awards celebrates dedicated nonprofit organizations, staff, and volunteers in Palm Beach County who are committed to making a positive impact in the community. This recognition by Nonprofits First is a testament to our dedication to advancing marine science education through our diverse and immersive programs and research initiatives, said Angela Rosenberg, president of ANGARI Foundation. Since its founding in 2016, ANGARI Foundation has advanced STEM education and ocean conservation across South Florida, reaching more than 55,000 people through community events, conferences, and films.

Angela Rosenberg

Ballet Palm Beach names longtime supporter to board

Palm Beach cultural patron and longtime supporter of Ballet Palm Beach Anka K. Palitz was recently appointed to the professional ballet companys board of directors. Palitz has been a tireless supporter of ballet and ballet dancers for decades, both during and after their dance careers. After a successful life in the fashion and cosmetics industry, where she held executive positions at Revlon and was later CEO and owner of Decart Designs, Palitz has dedicated her life to helping dance companies and professional dancers.

Anka K. Palitz

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Delray firm specializing in mediation wins multiple awards

MediationWorks, a leading provider of alternative dispute resolution services in Florida, recently received two prestigious recognitions from the Daily Business Review. The firm has been named a Best Alternative Dispute Resolution Firm for 2024, while mediator Andrew Winston has been honored as a Best Of winner in the Best Mediator category. Headquartered in Delray Beach, MediationWorks specializes in insurance claims/hurricane claims, personal injury, wrongful death, premises liability, medical malpractice, product liability, employment and labor law, workers compensation, business/contract disputes, business torts, and appellate mediation.

Andrew Winston

Property management firm earns accreditation

Home Watch by Popz recently earned accreditation from the National Home Watch Association. The NHWA was formed in 2009 in order to establish and maintain the highest industry standards for Home Watch and absentee homeowner services throughout the United States and Canada. Before getting into property management, owner Charles Monchik was a chief financial officer for a large wholesale toy distributor. Home Watch by Popz serves Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, and Wellington.

Charles Monchik

K12 Print in Rivera Beach names vice president of sales

Todd Weiss was recently named the new vice president of sales for K12 Print in Riviera Beach. He brings a wealth of entrepreneurial experience and leadership to K12 Printing. Weiss is passionate about contributing to a community that fosters personal and professional growth while making a positive impact. K12 Print provides custom apparel, promotional products and more.

Todd Weiss

If you are looking for more insight into the movers and shakers operating in the Palm Beaches, subscribe to our real estate newsletter, The Dirt, keep an eye out for stories and perspective from veteran reporters Kimberly Miller and Alexandra Clough. If you have an announcement for Business People on the Move, please send it to Pbbusiness@pbpost.com.

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Eddie Ritz is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at eritz@pbpost.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Best businesses, professionals, business people in Palm Beach County
From the Dispatch Faith on The Dispatch

Happy Sunday, and an early happy New Year! For those who celebrated Christmas (or still are if you observe the 12 days of Christmas), I hope its been merry.

As Ive been trying to make merry myself, I decided to skip the More Sunday Reads and A Good Word segments this week. Also, there will be no newsletter next week. Well see you in the new year on January 12 with our regular newsletter format.

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As were still in the middle of Hanukkah, its a natural time for this weeks Dispatch Faith essay on a movement whose growing footprint has been at the center of headlines a couple of times in the last year: Chabad, which grew out of the Hassidic movement within Judaism in the 18th century. Daniel Kane has a deep dive on Chabads history, the charismatic rabbi who helped grow its influence in the 20th century, and what Chabad had to do with an Israeli-born Orthodox rabbi being in the United Arab Emirates, where he was murdered last month.

Daniel Kane: The Tragedy of Zvi Kogan and the Triumph of Chabad

(Illustration by Matthew Baek)

Late last month, news of the abduction and murder of 28-year-old Rabbi Zvi Kogan in the United Arab Emirates sent shock waves through the Jewish world. After he was found dead, Kogans body was brought home to Israel for his funeral on November 25. Thousands turned out in the rain to celebrate Kogans life and leadership in Dubaiand together mourned yet another tragic death at the hands of antisemitic terrorists.

The funeral procession concluded on the Mount of Olives, just outside Jerusalems Old City, where Kogan was laid to rest. But many of those who saw video of the proceedings were likely equally struck by the puzzling location in which the ceremony began: in a small Israeli town in front of a building that, quite unmistakably, more closely resembled a Brooklyn brownstone than anything typically designed or built in Israel.

As those who followed the story came to learn, this funerary evocation of New York was no accident. For Kogan was not merely a rabbi but a shliach (Hebrew for emissary) of Chabad, a Jewish religious movement centeredoperationally and spirituallyin Brooklyn. The building that hosted Kogans funeral did not simply resemble a classic brownstone; it is an exact, brick-to-brick replica of Chabads longtime headquarters in Crown Heights.

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To many outside the Jewish world, almost everything about this headline-grabbing tragedy was confusing. How did an Israeli-born Orthodox rabbi come to find himself living in the Emirates? What was he doing in a country with almost no historic Jewish presence, particularly at such a fraught time? And what was the connection between Kogan and the Brooklyn-based movement that claimed him as one of their own?

Finding answers to these questions requires taking a dive into the history of one of the most interesting, dynamic, and mysterious religious movements to emerge in America over the last century.

An American renewal of Hasidic Judaism.

The story of Chabad in America really begins in the Russian Empire during the 18th century. There, Chabad was part of the larger Hasidic movement, (coming from the Hebrew Hasid, meaning pious one) a spiritual revivalist movement that sought to reenergize Eastern European Jewish life. Combining a mystical approach to Judaism with an intensely egalitarian spirit, the early leaders of Hasidism emphasized the accessibility of religious experience to Jews of all backgrounds and levels of erudition. To too great an extent, in their view, medieval Judaism had become the exclusive purview of the learned rabbinic elite. It was time, they argued, to return their ancient religious tradition to its rightful inheritors: the Jewish masses.

Chabad emerged as a distinct Hasidic group toward the end of the 18th century. Its early leaders retained much of the early populist spirit of Hasidism, but they also sought to impose a degree of order, discipline, and hierarchy on the still nascent and often unruly movement. Like most other Hasidic groups, Chabad was organized dynastically, with leadership and authority centralized in the hands of one leader, the groups rebbe, and passed down within his family. What distinguished Chabad was its intellectualism and its emphasis on traditional Jewish scholarship. Indeed, the groups name is an acronym of the Hebrew words chochma (wisdom), bina (understanding), and daat (knowledge).

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During the 19th century, Chabad flourished in Eastern Europe as Hasidism became more established and, in the eyes of Jewish religious authorities, more legitimate. This process of legitimization accelerated in reaction to the Haskalah (the Jewish Enlightenment), when Chabad and most other Hasidic groups drifted away from their radical origins and adopted a much more conservative approach to community life. The ecstatic worship and experiential mysticism for which Hasidism first became famous were gradually deemphasized in place of more traditional modes of Jewish pietyespecially the rigorous study of religious texts and a strict adherence to religious law. Like the other ultra-Orthodox groups it began to associate with, Chabad entered a period of relative insularity. Its leaders exhorted their Hasidim (plural of Hasid) to turn their efforts inward, toward strengthening their personal and communal devotion, rather than attempting to engage the rapidly secularizing outside world.

This insularity largely remained in place even after 1940, when the leadership of Chabad fled war-torn Europe and found refuge in New York. Chabad Hasidim in America continued to speak Yiddish almost exclusively among themselves, maintained their Eastern European style of dress, and generally worked hard to separate themselves from their neighbors. Even in the New World, Chabads initial posture toward outsiders remained one of deep distrust, if not outright hostility.

The monumental transformation that occurred within Chabad in the decades after the war can ultimately be traced to the vision of one man: Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the seventh and final rebbe of the Chabad movement. Though raised in the world of shtetl piety and renowned for his mastery of religious texts, Schneerson was an unusual Hasidic leader. Before coming to America in 1941, he studied philosophy, mathematics, and physics at the University of Berlin and the Sorbonne, and his approach to leadership always reflected his active interest inand concern forthose living outside the ultra-Orthodox world.

Schneerson inherited the title of rebbe from his father-in-law in 1951 and made it clear he intended to push the movement in a different direction. In his first speech to his followers, the Rebbe spoke of the urgency of their moment. In the wake of the destruction wrought by World War II and the Holocaust, in an age of confusion and despair, the responsibility to rebuild had fallen squarely on their shoulders. Everything now depends on us, he told them.

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One the one hand, the Rebbe was simply expressing a traditional understanding of the Jewish peoples role in the world. Just as the prophet Isaiah had described the Jews as a spiritual light unto the nations, the Rebbe told his followers that they must finish the mission of [Abraham], to urge the entire world to proclaim the name of God. But as the Rebbe got more specific, the radicalism of his vision became clear: One must go to a place where nothing is known of Godliness  and while there, put ones own self aside and ensure that the other calls out to God!

Its hard to understand how different Shneersons message was. After generations of insularity and defensiveness, the Rebbe was calling on his followers to leave the safety of their spiritual ghetto and mount an ambitious religious offensive. It was no longer enough to remain pious in spite of the modern world, he proclaimed.

From that day onward, the Rebbe began the seemingly impossible work of mobilizationof turning a few thousand Yiddish-speaking, mostly foreign-born Hasidim into a well-organized army of Jewish advocacy and faith. The Rebbe encouraged his followers to build relationships with secular American Jews who often lacked any knowledge of their religious heritage. To that end, they set up street-side information booths and, famously, deployed Mitzvah Tanks around New York to encourage traditional Jewish observance (mitzvah meaning commandment in Hebrew, a reference to the 613 commandments given to the Jews in the Hebrew Bible).

Most significantly, the Rebbe encouraged his followers to serve as his representatives, his shluchim (plural of shliach), by setting up Chabad Houses wherever there were Jews. These Chabad outposts were often established in locales without any preexisting institutional Jewish presence, where they functioned as a combination of synagogue, school, and Jewish community center. As in New York, the goal of the shluchim was to connect with as many Jews as possible and, ultimately, reinvigorate traditional Jewish religious life.

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The Chabad House model proved to be a massive and surprising success. Though few American Jews fully embraced the orthodoxy of the shluchim, Chabads unique fusion of unabashed traditionalism with a warm and welcoming Hasidic egalitarianism proved appealing to huge numbers of spiritually hungry American Jews. Engagement boomed, and Chabad centers were soon established in major cities, small towns, and college campuses in nearly every state.

Chabads primary focus was always on Jewish life, but the Rebbe never wavered in his belief that the goal of spreading godliness was a mission of universal significance. Particularly in America, a country he praised for its rich religious heritage and culture of religious tolerance, the Rebbe regularly spoke out on issues not specifically tied to Jewish interests. In 1962, for example, the Rebbe made headlines for his passionate opposition to the Supreme Courts banning of nondenominational prayer in Americas public schools. Explaining his position in 1964, the Rebbe wrote of the alarming rise of juvenile crime and drug use, which he saw as essentially tied to the waning power of religious institutions in America. Children must be raised with an awareness of a Supreme Authority, who is not only to be feared but also loved, he argued. Under existing conditions in this country, a daily prayer in the public schools is for the vast number of boys and girls the only opportunity of cultivating such an awareness.

As Chabad grew, the Rebbe found more opportunities to express his concerns to influential American policymakers and cultural figures. The long list of visitors the Rebbe received in Crown Heights includes Robert Kennedy, Bob Dylan, Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Herman Wouk, and then-aspiring New York City Mayor Rudy Guiliani. The Rebbe even exchanged letters with Presidents Carter and Reagan. In all these encounters, the Rebbe urged his interlocutors to use their influence to promote an awareness of God and the sanctity of human life.

When the Rebbe died in 1994, he left no children or any designated heir to replace him. Many contemporary observers suggested that without a rebbewithout the Rebbethe Chabad movement would slowly begin to fade. It was the immense force of Schneersons personality, they argued, that alone held the group together and propelled it forward.

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While these pundits may have been right about the centrality of the Rebbe within Chabad, they were wrong to think that his death would mark the end or even decline of the movement he led. Even after their rebbes passing, Chabad Hasidim remained unwavering in their commitment to the task he had assigned them. The predictions were completely off, Adam Ferziger, a professor of modern and contemporary Judaism at Bar-Ilan University told the Jewish Telegraph Agency in 2014,.The movement did not just not fall apart, but it grew in leaps and bounds. Indeed, over the last 30 years, the number of Chabad emissaries has risen from around 1,200 in 1994 to nearly 5,000 today.

Since the Rebbes death, the movement has grown not only in terms of its size but also its reach. Chabad Houses now operate in Africa, India, and East Asia (where they serve large communities of Jewish expats and tourists). The movement has greatly expanded its presence in Europe and has invested enormously in building a vast network of synagogues, community centers, schools, and summer camps in the former Soviet-bloc nations. As in the Rebbes time, the goal of these Chabad centers is primarily to support Jewish life, but the shluchim also follow the Rebbes lead in building relationships with non-Jewish leaders and using that influence to spread their religious message (see, for example, the relationship between Chabad and the Catholic president of Argentina, Javier Milei). While the Jewish state might be adequately represented abroad by Israels Foreign Ministry, its hardly an exaggeration to say that Chabad now serves as the self-appointed State Department of the Jewish religion.

Chabads most recent major opportunity for expansion emerged as a result of the signing of the Abraham Accords during the last Trump administration. After Israel normalized diplomatic relations with several Arab and Muslim nations, Chabad ramped up its presence in those countries, especially the United Arab Emirates. With a new trade deal in place with Israel, Chabad rightly predicted a dramatic uptick in the number of Jews traveling and living there, and it quickly began laying the groundwork for growing a Jewish community.

One of the shluchim who was sent to the Emirates as part of that effort was Rabbi Zvi Kogan, a member of the Chabad community in Israel. After he arrived in the country in 2020, Kogan worked closely with a team of other Chabad shluchim to provide for the local Jewish population. He was responsible for ensuring the availability of kosher food, for example, and helped establish the countrys first Jewish education center. He also played an important role in explaining Judaism to a population that was still warming to the idea of having Jews in their country. In 2021, he met with local leaders and helped organize the Emirates first Holocaust Remembrance Day memorial. In short, Kogan was doing in the Emirates what every shliach always strives to do: strengthening Jewish religious life and building bridges to non-Jewish communities.

A light in the dark.

Once a year, Chabad headquarters in Crown Heights hosts a conference of shluchim from around the world. It is typically an occasion for Chabad leaders to gather, celebrate their achievements, and plan for new growth. The mood at this years convention, which was held just days after Rabbi Kogans funeral in Israel, was unusually somber and resolute.

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After a year of tremendous challenges, this conference unites the leaders who stand on the frontlines of the global Jewish community, declared Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, the director of the conference, during his welcome address. From the war zones of Ukraine and Israel [and in the face of] rising antisemitism worldwide, shluchim bring unwavering support and hope to every individual, ensuring no one is left behind.

The Rebbe was famous for reminding others that a little light expels a great deal of darkness. It was a line he often used when those in despair came to him for advice. It is perhaps fitting, then, that the shluchim from this years Chabad conference will be returning to their communities in time for Hanukkaha holiday dedicated to the commemoration of Jewish resilience and the miracle of an enduring light.

One of the shluchim who will be lighting the Hanukkah candles with his community this year is Rabbi Levi Duchman, the director of Chabad of the Emirates. Silence may be our first response, Duchman told the crowd of mourners at Rabbi Kogans funeral, but action must be our answer. After announcing plans to build a new Chabad center in the UAE in Rabbi Kogans honor, Duchman encouraged the crowd to renew their own efforts to live up to the Rebbes vision. Our job has never been clearer, he told them:

To remind every Jew who they are and why they are here. The world needs to hear our voices. Do more, stand prouder, fight harder, reach further. This isnt about him; its about us and our people. We are not just here to survive. We are here to transform the world.

The Dispatch Faith Podcast

Daniel Kane joined me for this weeks Dispatch Faith podcast to talk more about Chabads history, the allure and influence of Rebbe Schneerson, and Chabad today. It and previous Dispatch Faith podcasts are available on our members-only podcast feed, The Skiff.

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.
President Joe Biden paid tribute to former President Jimmy Carter on Sunday, calling him a statesman and humanitarian who lived life measured not by his words but by his deeds.

Some look at Jimmy Carter and see a man of a bygone era, when honesty and character and faith and humility  it mattered. But I don't believe it as a bygone era. I see a man not only of our times, but for all times, Biden said, speaking at a podium in St. Croix. Someone who embodied the most fundamental human values we can never let slip away. Although sometimes it seems like it is. We may never see his like again. Wed all do well to try and be a little more like Jimmy Carter.

The president addressed Carters death while on holiday vacation in St. Croix, an act that speaks to their decades long friendship and political allyship, connected by their deep-rooted respect for one another. Biden has long expressed an admiration for Carter, a sentiment that was palpable in the presidents statement Sunday evening.

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Biden spoke for roughly 10 minutes, lingering to take questions about his memories of the late president, including when he became the first senator to endorse his 1976 campaign and the support the Carters gave him when he lost his son Beau to cancer. And when he was asked what incoming President Donald Trump could take away from Carter, Biden said its decency.



Everybody deserves a shot. Everybody. Can you imagine Jimmy Carter walking by someone who needed something and just keep walking? Can you imagine Jimmy Carter referring to someone by the way they look or the way they talk? I cant, Biden said.

One of the reasons why were looked to by the rest of the world for the bulk of our nationhood, we've laid out what our values are, he continued. The rest of the world looks to us. And he was worth looking to.

The former presidents death on Sunday prompted an outpouring of tributes from fellow presidents and political leaders all over the world.

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Carter entered the White House in 1977 as a new kind of president, a peanut farmer who capitalized on being an outsider. He aimed to reform the political culture. But the 39th president gained widespread acclaim for the charitable endeavors he took on after leaving the White House. He wrote more than two dozen books, built homes for Habitat for Humanity and monitored elections, among other acts.

President-elect Donald Trump, who frequently and derisively compared Carters presidency to that of Biden while on the campaign trail, said Carter did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans.

Those of us who have been fortunate to have served as President understand this is a very exclusive club, and only we can relate to the enormous responsibility of leading the Greatest Nation in History, Trump said on Truth Social.

Trumps former vice president, Mike Pence, also released a statement honoring Carter.

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From his service in the @USNavy, as Governor of Georgia and as the 39th President of the United States, Jimmy Carter lived out his Christian faith and values with integrity and devotion, Pence said on X.

Former President Bill Clinton recalled presenting Carter and his wife Rosslaynn with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1999.



From his commitment to civil rights as a state senator and governor of Georgia; to his efforts as President to protect our natural resources in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, make energy conservation a national priority, return the Panama Canal to Panama, and secure peace between Egypt and Israel at Camp David; to his post-presidential efforts at the Carter Center supporting honest elections, advancing peace, combating disease, and promoting democracy; to his and Rosalynns devotion and hard work at Habitat for Humanityhe worked tirelessly for a better, fairer world, Clinton said in a statement with and former first lady and secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries called Carter a great man, a great role model and a great humanitarian in a post on X.

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Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer honored Carters vision and generosity.

My thoughts are with the Carter family and all those mourning this incredible man. May his memory be a blessing and an enduring reminder of what it means to truly serve, Schumer said on X.

World leaders also paid homage to Carter's legacy. "Whether supporting elections around the world and spreading healthcare solutions through the Carter Center or still building homes with Habitat for Humanity into his nineties, Jimmy Carter lives his values in the service of others to the very end," said Keir Starmer, U.K. prime minister.

"France sends its heartfelt thoughts to his family and to the American people," said French President Emmanuel Macron.

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Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wrote on X, "My deepest condolences to the Carter family, his many loves ones, and the American people who are mourning a former President and a lifelong humanitarian."

Carters death was particularly felt in his home state of Georgia, where he served as governor and lived after the end of his presidency.

Among his lifetime of service and countless accomplishments, President Carter will be remembered for his commitment to democracy and human rights, his enduring faith, his philanthropic leadership, and his deep love of family, said Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) on X.

Two-time Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams said that Carter was a giant who never saw anyone as smaller than himself.

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Jimmy Carter built homes, saved lives and tended to souls. God bless President Carter, may the family he and Mrs. Carter raised know only comfort in these days of grief, Abrams wrote on X.

Flags are expected to be flown at half-staff at Trump's inauguration in January in honor of Carter's death.
Jharkhand Governor Santosh Gangwar, lauded the Uttar Pradesh government's comprehensive arrangements for the Maha Kumbh 2025 next year. Emphasising the unique significance of the upcoming spiritual festival, he said that it holds immense importance for devotees of the Hindu faith and those who can, must attend Maha Kumbh. Speaking to ANI, Jharkhand Governor Santosh Gangwar said, "This Maha Kumbh has its own speciality. All the arrangements will be very good... Kumbh bath has special importance, so those who can go must go." He added, "In this way, Kumbh is being held after 144 years and there is a special concern in the UP government and within the country; wherever the loving people, who have faith in the Hindu community, are invited. Kumbh is being held after 144 years; it has its separate significance. It is the symbol of the faith of the Hindu community." Uttar Pradesh Tourism is set to mesmerise attendees at Mahakumbh 2025 with a spectacular drone show, showcasing mythological tales linked to the Mahakumbh and Prayagraj. The show will feature 2,000 drones and light up the skies over Sangam Nose, marking the grand opening and conclusion of the world-famous religious gathering, an official release stated. The Mahakumbh, will take place from January 13 to February 26, 2025. Preparations are in their final stages, with the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department working to provide new and exciting experiences for visitors under the guidance of CM Yogi Adityanath. The main bathing rituals, known as the Shahi Snan (royal baths), will take place on January 14 (Makar Sankranti), January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), and February 3 (Basant Panchami). Earlier, UP Minister Jaiveer Singh said that Mahakumbh 2025 will be historic, adding that strict arrangements are in place. "The Maha Kumbh will be historic, amazing, grand, and divine. A new record will be set in the world. Strict arrangements have been made, and no one will face any problems," Singh told ANI. District Tourism Officer Aparajita Singh stated that the drone show will be held at the Sangam Nose during the opening and closing of the event. "A fleet of around 2,000 illuminated drones will bring to life the legendary tales of the "Prayag Mahatmyam" and the Mahakumbh. The spectacular show will depict iconic events like the mythical Samudra Manthan (ocean churning) and the emergence of the Amrit Kalash (Nectar Pot), creating a magical visual narrative in the evening skies," she added. (ANI)
PITTSFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  The Pittsfield Fire Department arrived at Pontoosuc Lake Saturday afternoon after being sent to reports of a motor vehicle falling through the ice.

Deputy Chief Daniel Garner said that at around 4:17 p.m., firefighters were sent to a call regarding the incident at the area of 239 Narragansett Avenue. The report at the time did not indicate whether there was anyone that needed rescue.

Springfield fire department extinguishes Stuart St. fire

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Four civilians were found at the shore who had evacuated and had no injuries. They said they were ice fishing about 40-60 feet off the shoreline in the rear of 261 Narragansett on the Pittsfield and Lanesboro line. One of the civilians had brought their pickup truck, a 2023 Chevy Sierra 2500, which had been left offshore and wound up falling through the ice.

EMS Automotive, a towing company based in Pittsfield, was called to recover the truck from the ice. Recovery efforts began at around 5:00 p.m. Saturday night. Company owner Evan Skubel said that due to conditions on the ice, efforts were paused until 7:30 a.m. Sunday morning and the truck was safely returned to land by approximately 11:00 a.m.

(Courtesy of EMS Automotive)

The Environmental Police and Environmental Protection Agency were notified as a result of the incident. The Pittsfield Fire Department recommends that civilians stay off the ice, on foot or in a vehicle, on all bodies of water, as freezing temperatures in the area have not been sustained long enough to maintain thick ice.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
President-elect Donald Trump has asked the Supreme Court to delay a ban on TikTok so he can find a way to save the social media app that he once tried to bar from the U.S.

TikTok faces a ban if its parent company, ByteDance, does not follow a new federal law that requires it to be sold to a non-Chinese company by Jan. 19, the day before Trump is inaugurated. The law received bipartisan support from members of Congress, who said because the app can track and collect data on its 170 million American users, it poses a national security risk.

Trump took the same position in his first term as president, but successfully courted younger voters on TikTok this year and said after his reelection he has "a warm spot in my heart" for the app, where he has 14.7 million followers.

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The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear TikTok's First Amendment challenge to the law on Jan. 10. A brief filed with the court on Friday said Trump "takes no position on the underlying merits of this dispute." It warned about setting "a dangerous global precedent" on government censorship "by exercising the extraordinary power to shut down an entire social-media platform based, in large part, on concerns about disfavored speech on that platform."

The brief says Trump "alone possesses the consummate dealmaking expertise, the electoral mandate, and the political will to negotiate a resolution to save the platform while addressing the national security concerns expressed by the Government," ABC News reported.

Trump's turnaround comes four years after he tried to ban TikTok through an executive order that directed ByteDance to divest its U.S. interests or face broad sanctions, The New York Times reported. The order, issued after Trump criticized China's handling of the coronavirus pandemic, said the app "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," per The New York Times. A federal judge blocked the ban, saying Trump had overstepped his authority.

Earlier this year, Trump told CNBC he still considered TikTok a national security threat but that young people "will go crazy without it" and that banning it would empower Facebook, which he said he considers "an enemy of the people."

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Media outlets report that his change of mind came around the same time he met with Jeff Yass, a major Republican donor with financial ties to TikTok's parent company. Trump said they didn't discuss the company, per The New York Times, but critics said the connection underscores concerns that donors wield significant influence over policymaking.

Trump met last week with TikTok CEO Shou Chew, The Associated Press reported. TikTok executives also have reached out to Elon Musk, who owns their competitor, X, and who has found success in guiding Trump on other issues, The Wall Street Journal reported.
President-elect Donald Trump told the New York Post on Saturday that he supports H-1B immigration visas amid a heated clash between his supporters and Elon Musk, who defended the use of the visa program.

President-elect Donald Trump weighed in on the debate raging among his supporters over the use of H-1B immigration visas for highly skilled workers.

Ive always liked the visas, I have always been in favor of the visas. Thats why we have them, he told the New York Post on Saturday. I have many H-1B visas on my properties. Ive been a believer in H-1B. I have used it many times. Its a great program.

Thats after some MAGA hard-liners who want to limit immigration have blasted the H-1B program, saying it doesnt reflect America first policies.

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Elon Musk, who was born in South Africa and is now cohead of the Department of Government Efficiency, joined the debate over the past week and expressed his support for H-1Bs, after railing against illegal immigration while stumping for Trump on the campaign trail. In fact, he was once on an H-1B visa himself and said the tech sector needs foreign workers.

There is a permanent shortage of excellent engineering talent, he said in a post on his social media platform X on Wednesday. It is the fundamental limiting factor in Silicon Valley.

But by Friday, Musk had turned more combative. In a reply to a post taunting him about H-1Bs, the CEO of SpaceX and Tesla hit back sharply.

The reason Im in America along with so many critical people who built SpaceX, Tesla, and hundreds of other companies that made America strong is because of H1B, he wrote. Take a big step back and F--K YOURSELF in the face. I will go to war on this issue the likes of which you cannot possibly comprehend.

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For his part, candidate Trump in 2016 called the H-1B visa program very bad and unfair for U.S. workers, even as his businesses have hired foreign workers, including waiters and cooks at his Mar-a-Lago club.

Trump Media & Technology Group, parent company of his Truth Social app, has used the H-1B program to employ workers.

During his first term as president, Trump signed a Buy American and Hire American executive order in 2017 to look into changes to the H-1B program that would ensure the visas didnt harm American workers.

And while he made cracking down on immigration a centerpiece of his 2024 campaign, he also told the All-In podcast in June that he wants to give foreign students who graduate from U.S. colleges a path to work here legally.

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I think you should get automatically, as part of your diploma, a green card to be able to stay in this country, he said.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
President-elect Donald Trump finally spoke out on the civil war driving a wedge between growing factions in the MAGA movementand hes thrown his weight behind his new pal Elon Musk.

With Trumps inauguration still more than 20 days away, his second stint in the White House had looked to be in crisis already after Republican hardliners reacted in dismay to his gaggle of tech bros (Musk et al) coming out in support of H-1B visas. Right-wing commentator Laura Loomer and former Trump adviser Stephen K. Bannon led the coup, claiming that the system lets companies exploit cheap foreign labor at the expense of American talent.

Trump's backing looks like another win for Musk / Theo Wargo / WireImage

But after days of infighting, the incoming president has finally spoken out on the side of the Silicon Valley faction, declaring that he has always liked the H-B1.

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I have always been in favor of the visas, Trump told the New York Post via a phone call. I have many H-1B visas on my properties. Ive been a believer in H-1B. I have used it many times. Its a great program.

Dozens of patriotic conservative blue check accounts rushed to criticize the incoming White House chief over his ever-changing view on the matterand accused him of betraying those most faithful to the MAGA movement.

Is MAGA DOA (dead on arrival? asked podcaster Michael Savage on X. He added: Trump Supports H-1B visas for foreign workers!

Conservative lawyer Jenna Ellis added, Why is Trump going against his own policy on immigration? with a link to his campaign platform on the matter.

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Others also accused him of a flip flop in his stance. One X user shared Trumps coming out against the program on March 3, 2016 and added: Trump is f---ing up big time with his flip flop on H-B1 visas. The internet never forgets. However, Trump has flipped and flopped between pro and anti H-B1 stances many times. On March 21, 2016, the Washington Post said Trump was speaking out of both sides of his mouth concerning the visas.

Far-right activist Laura Loomer. / The Washington Post / The Washington Post via Getty Im

Conservative X influencer Collin Rugg pointed out that Trump loves legal immigration, noting that the 78-year-old has a Slovenian wife, and used to have a Czech one, too.

A lot of people are going to be upset by this statement but this has always been Trumps stance, Rugg said. He loves legal immigration, especially for highly skilled individuals.



He continued: Two of his three wives were/are immigrants. 4 of his 5 kids are children of an immigrant.

Even still, the frenzied reaction didnt quell after Trumps comments to The Post.

Were starting to see the clear dividing line in MAGA, podcaster Matt Kim wrote Saturday.

Musk, though incessantly active on X in recent days, has not yet commented on Trump backing him.
President-elect Donald Trump issued a statement of condolence to former President Jimmy Carters family. Melania and I are thinking warmly of the Carter Family and their loved ones during this difficult time, Trump said.
Following Florida State Representative Hillary Cassels announcement that she was leaving the Democratic Party and registering as a Republican, Donald Trump has spoken out in support of her decision.

Congratulations to Hillary Cassel for becoming the second State Representative from the Great State of Florida to switch her Party affiliation from Democrat to Republican, once more expanding the GOP Supermajority in the State House! the president-elect wrote in a Truth Social post on Saturday.

I would further like to invite other Disillusioned Democrats to switch Parties, and join us on this noble quest to Save our Country and, Make America Great Again  GREATER THAN EVER BEFORE, he said. THANK YOU HILLARY! he added.

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In her X statement announcing her departure, Cassel, who is Jewish, attributed the decision to the Democratic Partys failure to unequivocally support Israel and its willingness to tolerate extreme progressive voices that justify or condone acts of terrorism.

Cassel added that she is constantly troubled by the inability of the current Democratic Party to relate to everyday Floridians. I can no longer remain in a party that doesnt represent my values.

Despite Trumps enthusiasm, reactions to her defection have been mixed, with many voicing their dismay on social media.

This should be illegal. Another election should be held. When will politicians be held accountable for being liars? an X user asked.

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After reading this statement, I find your move fraudulent, deceitful, and it should be illegal. You ran on Democrat principles. Your constituents elected you as a Democrat. You were funded as a Democrat. This decision should result in losing a term, another added.

Earlier this month, Susan Valdes, a Tampa Rep., switched from Democrat to Republican.

Im tired of being the party of protesting when I got into politics to be part of the party of progress. I know that I wont agree with my fellow Republican House members on every issue, but I know that in their caucus, I will be welcomed and treated with respect, Valdes wrote on X at the time.
Former Trump national security advisor Robert OBrien explained on FNCs Sunday Morning Futures why Donald Trump wants to buy Greenland and control the Panama Canal.

Both Trump targets have given strong pushback regarding any potential takeovers, raising red flags about whether the talk of takeovers was typical Trump bluster. But OBrien indicated his reasoning on both, saying the points he raised were serious.

We love the Panamanians. Theyre good people. Theyre friends of America, OBrien said. But they gave the ports on both ends of the canal to the Chinese. Such actions, OBrien said, could lead to China shutting down the Canal without military efforts.

OBriens segment starts at 20:08 above.

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We built it, we paid for it, and we operated it for many years. And then, in a tremendous act of generosity, which was probably foolish, Jimmy Carter gave the canal back to the Panamanians. But it wasnt just a free gift. There are conditions, that the canal remain neutral, he added.

The fact that American shippers are being charged high prices is also a sticking point, OBrien said. And theyre ripping us off.

About Greenland: Denmarks a wonderful place. Copenhagens a wonderful city. But they have got to do their part. They cant have this vast empire and then not defend it and leave it to the U.S. to do it. So were going to either buy it, theyre going to defend it, or they can pay us to defend it, he said. He also floated the idea of Greenland becoming part of Alaska.

The sticking point with Greenland is its strategic location, which will grow as climate change opens up new shipping possibilities in the Arctic. But were not going to defend it for free and not develop Greenland and not extract the minerals and oil and resources of Greenland, OBrien said.

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Its no more free riding, even for people we love like the Danes, he concluded.

The post Trump Serious About Buying Greenland, Taking Control of the Panama Canal, Says Former Natl Security Advisor | Video appeared first on TheWrap.
President-elect Trump backed nonimmigrant visas for highly skilled workers as the program has been in the spotlight after Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy faced backlash within the Republican leaders base for signaling their support for the H-1B work visa, which has been criticized as too complicated and susceptible to abuse.

Ive always liked the visas, I have always been in favor of the visas. Thats why we have them, Trump said in a phone interview with the New York Post published Saturday.

I have many H-1B visas on my properties. Ive been a believer in H-1B. I have used it many times. Its a great program, he added, as reported by the Post.

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Trumps support for the program comes as two of his key allies set to run the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Musk and Ramaswamy, have faced heightened scrutiny on Musks social platform X from some in the GOP, including far-right activist Laura Loomer and other hard-line anti-immigration Republicans.

The dispute further escalated late Friday night after Musk pledged to go to war over the issue in a post on X.

The reason Im in America along with so many critical people who built SpaceX, Tesla and hundreds of other companies that made America strong is because of H1B, he wrote in the post.

I will go to war on this issue the likes of which you cannot possibly comprehend, he added.

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The debate appeared to originate from a suggestion last month from Sriram Krishnan, Trumps pick for White House policy adviser on artificial intelligence, that Musk examine removing caps on green cards for skilled immigrants. Krishnans comments resurfaced in recent days after he was appointed by Trump to serve in his incoming administration.

The dispute also comes as the Biden administration announced a rule earlier this month clarifying who can apply for the visas, which followed years of lobbying for a more streamlined H-1B process. Some Democratic lawmakers previously called on the Biden administration to address gaps in the immigration system to prepare for the incoming Trump administrations expected crackdown on immigration.

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Since winning re-election in November, Donald Trump's rhetoric has become more imperialistic. He has proclaimed that he wants to buy Greenland, annex Canada as the 51st state and reclaim the Panama Canal zone. Sam Stein, guest host for "The Saturday Show" asks Barbara F. Walter how seriously we should take Trump's comments.
ISTANBUL (AP)  Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned leader of Turkey's banned Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK, has said that he is willing to contribute to peace between Turks and Kurds, in a statement issued by the pro-Kurdish DEM party Sunday.

I possess the necessary competence and determination to contribute positively to the new paradigm supported by Mr. Bahceli and Mr. Erdogan, the statement read, referring to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his nationalist ally, Devlet Bahceli, leader of the Nationalist Movement Party, or MHP.

Ocalan has been serving a life term in prison on the Imrali island off Istanbul since 1999, after being convicted of treason. The PKK has been fighting for an autonomous state in Turkeys southeast since 1984, and the violence has claimed tens of thousands of lives. The group is considered a terrorist organization by Turkey and its Western allies.

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Devlet Bahceli, who has traditionally maintained a hardline stance against the PKK, had surprised everyone in October when he suggested in parliament that Ocalan could be granted parole if he renounced violence and disbanded the PKK. Erdogan offered tacit support for his ally a week later. At the time Ocalan himself had said he was ready to work for peace in a message conveyed by his nephew.

Two senior members of DEM, or the Peoples Equality and Democracy Party, Pervin Buldan and Sirri Sureyya Onder met with Ocalan at his prison island on Saturday. The meeting was closed to the press, and no details were released until the following day. Sundays one-page statement offers bullet points of what was discussed in the meeting, namely a call for all parties to work together for peace.

This is an era of peace, democracy, and fraternity for Turkey and the region, reads the statements last line.
Both suspects, linked to over 80 criminal cases, including seven armed robberies, are undergoing treatment at a hospital, according to the officials.

The robbers, identified as Ravi and Rinku, opened fire at the police when their path was blocked.

Delhi police said," Their bullets struck the BP jackets of officers; no police personnel were injured. In self-defence, the police returned fire, hitting both suspects in the legs."

The injured suspects were immediately taken to a hospital, where they are currently undergoing treatment.

The officials revealed that the injured are identified as Rohit Kapoor (BC of Dwarka district) and Rinkuu (BC of PS Khyala, West District), are wanted in at least seven cases of armed robbery across Delhi and Madhya Pradesh.

Together, they have around 80 previous involvements in criminal activities.

Further details will be shared shortly. (ANI)
ANKARA (Reuters) - The jailed leader of Turkey's outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), Abdullah Ocalan, has been quoted as indicating he may be prepared to call for militants to lay down arms, after a key ally of President Tayyip Erdogan urged him to end the group's decades-old insurgency.

Two parliamentarians from the pro-Kurdish DEM Party met Ocalan for talks on his island prison on Saturday, in the first such visit nearly in a decade. DEM requested the visit after a key Erdogan ally expanded on a proposal to end the 40-year-old conflict between the state and Ocalan's PKK.

"I am ready to take (the) necessary positive step and make the call," Ocalan was quoted as saying, according to a statement by the MPs on Sunday.

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Ocalan did not specify what the call would be but his comments came after the leader of the Nationalist Movement Party, Devlet Bahceli, said Ocalan should make a call for the militants to lay down arms.

DEM requested the visit soon after Bahceli expanded on a proposal to end the conflict, suggesting in October that Ocalan should announce an end to the insurgency in exchange for the possibility of his release.

Erdogan described Bahceli's initial proposal as a "historic window of opportunity" but has not spoken of any peace process.

Ocalan has been serving a life sentence in a prison on the island of Imrali, south of Istanbul, since his capture 25 years ago.

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Recent developments in Syria and Gaza showed that the solution for the Kurdish issue has become "undelayable", Ocalan was also quoted as saying, adding that opposition and Parliament should also contribute to the new process, in a veiled reference to possible legal amendments.

One major development in the region has been the ouster of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Syria this month. Turkey has repeatedly said there would be no place for the Kurdish YPG militia, which Ankara sees as an extension of the PKK, in Syria's future.

"I am also qualified and determined to make the necessary positive contribution to the new paradigm that Mr. Bahceli and Mr. Erdogan have empowered," Ocalan said, according to the DEM statement.

Turkey and its Western allies deem the PKK a terrorist group. More than 40,000 people have been killed in the fighting, which in the past was focused in the mainly Kurdish southeast but is now centred on northern Iraq, where the PKK is based.

(Reporting by Huseyin Hayatsever; Editing by Frances Kerry)
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  The Red Cross is assisting twelve people who were left without a home.

Power strip causes electrical fire in Colrain home

A two-alarm fire started shortly before midnight on Friday, flames and smoke were seen coming from the second-story porch.

According to the Springfield Fire Department, the fire happened at an apartment complex on the 400 block of Wilbraham Road.

No one was hurt.

Photo: Springfield Fire Dept. Photo: Springfield Fire Dept. Photo: Springfield Fire Dept. Photo: Springfield Fire Dept. Photo: Springfield Fire Dept. Photo: Springfield Fire Dept.

22News spoke to one person who said he happened to be driving down Wilbraham Road heading to a gas station when he saw the fire and pulled over immediately.

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We ran up to the residence, knocked on the bottom door, tried to get everyone out of the bottom house, said Rashad Cisero of Springfield. It just kind of happened everything happened so quickly.

Rashad and another person were able to escort everyone safely from the back end of the house. The complex has four units with neighbors telling 22News that families and children lived there.

The Springfield Arson and Bomb Squad is investigating the cause of the fire.

This is a developing story and 22News will update it with more information as soon as it becomes available.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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More female officers in disgraced top cop Jeffrey Maddreys orbit pulled down massive overtime and other perks, The Post has learned.

The driver for the former chief of department made an eye-popping $163,414 in OT last year  and resigned days after The Post exposed her bosss alleged sleazy conduct at police headquarters, records show.

Detective Ingrid Sanders was the seventh-highest overtime earner in the department, boosting her total salary last fiscal year to $352,462, records show.

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That put her pay not far behind Lt. Quathisha Epps, the top earner who made $403,515, including $204,453 in OT. Epps filed an explosive Equal Employment Opportunity Commission complaint accusing Maddrey of giving Epps overtime shifts in exchange for sex, The Post revealed in a front-page exclusive Sunday.

Detective Ingrid Sanders (center) made over $350,000 last year. instagram @nypddcer

On the day of the Posts inquiry, Maddrey quit. Sanders was immediately transferred from One Police Plaza to a Queens precinct, and filed for retirement on Dec. 23, The Post found in police documents.

Sanders is a first-grade detective  the top grade  who served in the chief of departments office since December 2022. She followed Maddrey there from the Patrol Services Bureau. She didnt return multiple messages.

Maddrey also sought favors for second detective, Ada Reyes, The Post has learned.

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Epps, Maddreys personnel manager, told The Post that part of her OT was devoted to taking care of Reyes.

The overtime that he would give me he would tell me to buy her things like get her some towels and things from Walmart, a microwave, and stuff like that so she doesnt have to come out of her pocket, Epps said. I make the overtime and then I give things to her.

Detective Ada Reyes made $55,923 in overtime. NYPD Hispanic Society/Facebook

He would have me go apartment hunting with her, Epps said. I would be at work and he would tell me to get up and go with her to look for an apartment.

Eventually, Epps claimed, Maddrey told her to rent an apartment that was in her adult childrens names on the Lower East Side to Reyes and her family because they were having trouble finding housing.

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Two sources confirmed the apartment arrangement to The Post.

Reyes made $42,500 as a new police officer in 2019 but her pay jumped to $154,405 in 2024, including $55,923 in overtime, city records show.

When Reyes came to work at NYPD headquarters in 2023, Maddrey told Epps to put her somewhere other than his 13th-floor office, Epps told The Post.

NYPD top earner, Lieutenant Quathisha Epps, accused Maddrey of taking advantage of her fragile financial situation. Facebook / Quathisha Epps

Ingrid [Sanders] and I worked directly for him, and he was very specific not to put Reyes in the office, Epps said. He didnt want her and Ingrid bumping heads. Reyes was assigned to a domestic violence unit in another part of the building, she said.

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Reyes didnt return multiple phone and text messages seeking comment. Nobody was at the apartment when The Post visited. A neighbor confirmed she and her husband lived there after looking at a photograph of her.

Epps alleged overtime agreement with Maddrey began because she was having financial problems and her home was being foreclosed on, she said.

Maddrey, the highest ranking uniformed cop on the force, demanded unwanted sexual favors in exchange for overtime opportunities from Epps, between June 2023 and Dec. 16, 2024, the EEOC complaint alleges.

Maddrey would send her text messages telling her to close her door and strip for me right now. She would take video and send it to him, she told The Post.

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Epps claimed she had sex with Maddrey between eight and 10 times on the couch in his inner office.

The first time, Maddrey told her he dreamed of having anal sex with her and then violently pulled her pants down and did so despite her repeatedly telling him to stop, she told The Post.

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I think hes a predator, Epps said.

At a Friday press conference, Maddreys lawyer, Lambros Lambrau, called Epps a self-professed swinger who is under investigation for stealing time and putting in for overtime she never worked.

Now Lieutenant Epps got caught with her hands in the cookie jar and is trying to deflect her own wrongdoing by making these allegations against Chief Maddrey, Lambrou said.

However, the truth is Lieutenant Epps had a consensual adult relationship, albeit for a short time with Jeff, he said, adding they have a ton of evidence including X rated and racy videos and photographs from Lieutenant Epps.

Maddrey didnt speak during the press conference and ignored questions yelled at him from the media.
Two Portland men lost their lives while searching for Sasquatch in eastern Skamania County, the Skamania County Sheriffs Office said Saturday.

The men, ages 59 and 37, were found dead in a heavily wooded area of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest after a three-day search.

The pair had been reported missing on December 25 after failing to return home as planned on December 24.

A family member alerted authorities, prompting a search effort.

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Utilizing footage from a Flock safety camera, search teams located the vehicle belonging to the men off Oklahoma Road near Willard, Washington.

More than 60 volunteer search and rescue personnel, along with canine teams, drones, and ground crews, assisted in the operation.

The United States Coast Guard provided air support, using F.L.I.R. technology to scan the area despite challenging weather conditions, including freezing temperatures, heavy rain, and snow.

The men were ultimately found dead, with initial reports indicating exposure to the elements as the likely cause of death.

Officials noted the difficult terrain and weather conditions, combined with the men being ill-prepared, as contributing factors.

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The Skamania County Sheriffs Office expressed gratitude to the search and rescue teams, which included personnel from Skamania County, Klickitat County, Hood River County, Wasco County, and other regional organizations.

They also extended their condolences to the families of the victims.

This tragedy highlights the exceptional efforts of volunteers who sacrificed time during the holidays and worked tirelessly in harsh conditions to bring closure to grieving families, the Sheriffs Office said in a statement.




Two of Bashar al-Assads relatives have been arrested at Beirut airport with forged passports, while his uncle, who is wanted for war crimes, has flown to Dubai.

Syrias embassy in Lebanon suspended consular services until further notice on Saturday after the discovery of fake identification documents belonging to the wife and daughter of one of Assads cousins.

Rasha Khazem, the wife of Duraid Assad, and their daughter Shams, were smuggled illegally into Lebanon and were trying to fly to Egypt when they were arrested, The New Arab reported.

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According to the Associated Press, they had been using passports believed to have been forged at the embassy.

Two of Bashar al-Assads relatives were arrested in Lebanon, trying to reach Egypt - Amanda Mouawad/Getty

Assads uncle, Rifaat Assad, who is Duraids father, is also believed to have flown from Beirut to Dubai in recent days using his real passport.

Rifaat is charged with war crimes and crimes against humanity in Switzerland due to his role leading elite forces that killed more than 10,000 people  and as many as 40,000 by some estimates  in an uprising in Hama in 1982.

The massacre earned Rifaat the nickname the Butcher of Hama and he is the brother of Assads father, former president Hafez al-Assad.

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He is the brother of Assads father, former president Hafez al-Assad.

Lebanese officials told Reuters that many members of the Assad family had travelled to Dubai from Beirut since Assad was toppled, and that they had not received Interpol requests to arrest them.

Top Assad advisor Bouthaina Shaaban is thought to have flown out of Beirut after entering Lebanon legally earlier this month.

It comes amid a drive by Syrias new authorities, led by former al-Qaeda affiliate Hayat Tahir al-Sham, to round up regime officials and bring them to justice.

Security forces launched a large-scale operation on Thursday, with nearly 300 people arrested, including informants, pro-regime fighters and former soldiers, according to Britain-based war monitor the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

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Lebanese authorities also handed over around 70 Syrians who had crossed the border illegally to the new authorities on Saturday, including former soldiers and officers of Assads army.

It is the first cooperation between Lebanese security officials and the new Syrian authorities since rebels, led by HTS, ousted Assad on December 8.

Rifaat al-Assad is known as the Butcher of Hama for overseeing a massacre in the 1980s - Michel Euler/AP

A video shared online shows a line of men walking across what appears to be a border among armed fighters. Lebanese officials said they were found during an inspection of a truck in the countrys north.

On Thursday, former head of the military judiciary, Mohammed Kanjo Hassan, was arrested alongside 20 others after clashes with regime loyalists in Tartus.

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He is the only prominent member of Assads regime to have been arrested so far, and is accused of overseeing thousands of death sentences at Damascuss notorious Sednaya prison.

The clashes killed 14 members of the new security force, and wounded 10 others.

Social media videos showing armed men abusing detainees and even carrying out summary executions have sparked concern in Syria that the drive for justice could degenerate into violence.

The new head of General Intelligence, Anas Khattab, has pledged to overhaul the countrys security apparatus, distancing the new administration from the injustice and tyranny of the former regime, whose agencies sowed corruption and inflicted suffering on the people.

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The UCLA Police Department said investigators are looking into a possible anti-LGBTQ+ hate crime targeting a student near campus on Christmas Eve.

The incident happened at 6 p.m. as the student was walking in the 11000 block of Weyburn Avenue by Westwood Village.

Police said a black Mercedes convertible with four people in it pulled up next to the student. Officials said one person yelled a "homophobic slur" and another threw "wads of paper" at the pedestrian.

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UCLA police did not say what the slur was, and said the investigation was ongoing.

Read more: 'It is unacceptable': L.A. County hate crimes reached an all-time high last year

Hate crimes were up 45% last year in L.A. County, according to a county report released this month. The 1,350 hate crimes in 2023  the highest number since the county started tallying them in 1980  reflect an increase in crimes targeting LGBTQ+, Jewish and Black people.

In 2022, the county identified a total of 930 hate crimes. Before 2023, the highest number  1,031  was in 2001. That was the year of the Sept. 11 attacks, after which hate crimes increased nationally.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A candidate for the new role of Military ombudsman has been chosen and will be revealed in a presidential decree on Dec. 30, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his evening address on Dec. 29.

Ukrainian officials first announced they would appoint a Military Ombudsman in April to ensure soldiers had a mechanism to report violations of their rights.

The ombudsman "will be responsible for considering appeals and complaints of servicemen, providing primary legal assistance, conducting inspections, and investigating violations of the rights of servicemen and their family members," the Defense Ministry said after the announcement of the position in April.

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Calls for a military ombudsman have intensified in recent days following media reports of abuse in Ukraine's 211th Pontoon Bridge Brigade, and have likely pushed authorities to swiftly appoint a military ombudsman.

Senior Lieutenant Vladyslav Pastukh has been accused of abusing authority, beating, and humiliating subordinates, the Prosecutor General's Office reported on Dec. 26. While, his godfather, Colonel Oleh Poberezhniuk was detained on Dec. 29 for failing to address abuse and torture allegations involving his subordinates.

"There was a request from our military, and it is an objective necessity  to create a special institution of a Military Ombudsman," Zelensky said on Dec. 29. "We need a person who can effectively protect the rights of our warriors."

The incidents stemming from the 211th Pontoon Bridge Brigade garnered widespread backlash following reports of abuse. In one of the alleged cases of abuse, Pastukh ordered subordinates to tie a victim to a wooden cross, where the soldier was immobilized for four hours.

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"Together with the new commissioner, the human rights community, and the Ministry of Defense, we will draft a corresponding bill on the Military Ombudsman and establish the institutional framework for its operation," Zelensky said.

Zelensky added that the work of the ombudsman will start shortly, likely in the new year.

While the position of military ombudsman will be new to Ukraine, other militaries in Europe have long had an ombudsman to oversee the rights of military personnel, including Norway, Austria, Czechia, Belgium, and Sweden.

Read also: Ukrainian platoon commander charged with abuse of authority, accused of beating, humiliating subordinates

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Slovak Defence Minister Robert Kalinak has stated that the realities on the ground indicate that Ukraine will have to give up part of its land.

Source: European Pravda, citing TASR, News Agency of the Slovak Republic, and Kalinak's statement during the V politike (In Politics) debate programme on the TA3 TV channel

Details: Kalinak stated that Slovakia's interest lies in the immediate end of the war and the establishment of a ceasefire followed by peace negotiations between the two warring parties.

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The minister believes that the shape of post-war Ukraine is more significant than its future borders.

Quote: "It is entirely probable that Ukraine does not realise it will never find itself between Germany and Switzerland, but will always share its longest border with the Russian Federation.

There is no dispute about who the aggressor is, as Russia has crossed every boundary and rule and violated international law. However, equal attention should also be paid to other conflicts around the world, applying the same standards to all disputes."

Background:

Slovak President Peter Pellegrini previously stated that Moscow and Kyiv need to negotiate and suggested that Ukraine may have to make territorial concessions to achieve peace.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has argued that Ukraine faces a "second Munich"N similar to 1938, predicting it will lose territory and fall victim to the interests of major powers.

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In a post on social media X, the DGP Punjab police said, "In a major breakthrough, @TarnTaranPolice arrests 5 associates of the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria and Amritpal Bath Gangs, with the seizure of 4 weapons, including a Glock 9mm pistol (Made in #USA)."

Punjab police further added that "Preliminary investigation reveals that they had planned targeted killings. Important information has been revealed about the shooter involved in a recent targeted murder by the gang in the Tarn Taran area. This marks a breakthrough in the identification of their network."

"Punjab police are fully committed to eradicating organized crime and maintaining peace and harmony in the state," said on X.

Further investigations are ongoing to trace their backward and forward linkages. More details are awaited.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, Punjab Police said it had busted a narco-terror module with the arrest of two people. The arrested individuals have been identified as Gurjeet Singh and Baljit Singh.

In a post on X, DGP Punjab Police said, "State Special Operation cell (SSOC) Amritsar, has busted a narco-terror module which is being operated by controllers from abroad.

Gurjeet Singh residence of Dande, Amritsar Rural and Baljit Singh residence of Chhapa, Tarn Taran have been arrested.

"According to the police, the arrested persons carried out a grenade attack on a police station on December 17, 2024. Police also recovered 1.4 kg heroin, one hand grenade, and two pistols from the accused. Further investigations are ongoing to uncover the entire network, DGP Punjab Police said.

On December 26, Jalandhar Commissionerate Police apprehended three associates of the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria Gang after a brief encounter.

"In a major breakthrough, Jalandhar Commissionerate Police apprehends three associates of the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria Gang after a brief encounter.

Police party fired back in self-defence, which involved an exchange of 15 rounds, one of the operatives sustained critical injuries and is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital," DGP Punjab Police said on X.

"Recovery of six weapons and a significant cache of ammunition, delivering a severe blow to the gang's criminal network involved in narcotics smuggling, arms trade, and extortion rackets," DGP Punjab Police added in the post. (ANI)
Ukraines accession to NATO remains on the agenda but diplomatic efforts currently focus on obtaining strong security guarantees, Andrii Melnyk, Ukraines newly-appointed envoy to the U.N., told Berliner Morgenpost on Dec. 27.

Ukrainian officials have consistently presented NATO membership as the only way toward a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, though acknowledging that the entry itself is unlikely before a ceasefire.

Melnyk emphasized that Ukraine's current focus is on securing robust guarantees for its defense rather than pursuing NATO membership in the immediate term.

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This comes as an apparent shift in rhetoric after the Foreign Ministry rejected any security guarantees that would substitute full membership in the alliance earlier this month.

"Our partners should carefully write down what military means they will use to defend Ukraine if Russia attacks again," Melnyk said, highlighting the need for guarantees beyond "purely political promises" like the Budapest Memorandum.

Melnyk, who has held ambassadorial posts in Germany and Brazil, said these guarantees could take the form of bilateral or multilateral agreements with the EU and NATO countries and might also become part of a broader peace treaty with Russia.

Ukraine gave up its nuclear weapons from the Soviet era in the Budapest Memorandum in 1994. The U.S. and Russia, among others, promised to recognize Ukraine's borders and ensure its security.

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Melnyk's comments come as Ukraine's NATO aspirations continue to face resistance from several member states, including Germany, Slovakia, and Hungary. Washington is also unlikely to be receptive, as members of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's team have largely spoken out against a quick accession for Kyiv.

Read also: German peacekeeping role in Ukraine hinges on Russias consent, Merz says

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Defence Minister Rustem Umierov has announced that Ukraine has received over 150 million to fund its defence industrial base from Denmark, France and Lithuania.

Source: Umierov on Facebook, as reported by European Pravda

Quote from Umierov: "These funds will primarily support the production of missiles, deep-strike drones and artillery systems."

Details: Umierov clarified that 111 million was provided under agreements within the framework of cooperation between Ukraines Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Strategic Industries, and Denmarks Ministry of Defence, aimed at strengthening the Armed Forces of Ukraine with advanced domestically produced weaponry.

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He added that a grant from the French government to enhance Ukraines security and defence and 10 million is allocated for the development of Ukraines defence industrial base, as outlined in a Memorandum between the Ministry of National Defence of Lithuania, Ukraines Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Strategic Industries.

Umierov expressed gratitude to Ukraine's partners for their vital support in strengthening the countrys defence capabilities.

Background:

Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur previously emphasised that Ukraine needs financial investment in its own military industry rather than foreign troops to sustain its fight against Russia.

Rustem Umierov also recently stated that Norway would fund the production of Ukrainian weaponry and equipment, following the Danish model of military support for Ukraine.

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Key developments on Dec. 28 - 29:

Ukraine prioritizing security guarantees over immediate NATO membership, senior diplomat says

Russia must admit guilt over downing Azerbaijani airliner, pay compensation, Azerbaijan's president says

Ukraine secures over $156 million for defense industry from European allies, defense minister says

Russia rejects Trump team's reported peace deal proposals on Ukraine, FM Lavrov says

Greece to deliver 24 Sea Sparrow missiles to Ukraine, media reports

Ukraines accession to NATO remains on the agenda but diplomatic efforts currently focus on obtaining strong security guarantees, Andrii Melnyk, Ukraines newly-appointed envoy to the U.N., told Berliner Morgenpost on Dec. 27.

Ukrainian officials have consistently presented NATO membership as the only way toward a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, though acknowledging that the entry itself is unlikely before a ceasefire.

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Melnyk emphasized that Ukraine's current focus is on securing robust guarantees for its defense rather than pursuing NATO membership in the immediate term.

This comes as an apparent shift in rhetoric after the Foreign Ministry rejected any security guarantees that would substitute full membership in the alliance earlier this month.

"Our partners should carefully write down what military means they will use to defend Ukraine if Russia attacks again," Melnyk said, highlighting the need for guarantees beyond "purely political promises" like the Budapest Memorandum.

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Melnyk, who has held ambassadorial posts in Germany and Brazil, said these guarantees could take the form of bilateral or multilateral agreements with the EU and NATO countries and might also become part of a broader peace treaty with Russia.

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Ukraine gave up its nuclear weapons from the Soviet era in the Budapest Memorandum in 1994. The U.S. and Russia, among others, promised to recognize Ukraine's borders and ensure its security.

Melnyk's comments come as Ukraine's NATO aspirations continue to face resistance from several member states, including Germany, Slovakia, and Hungary. Washington is also unlikely to be receptive, as members of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's team have largely spoken out against a quick accession for Kyiv.

Russia must admit guilt over downing Azerbaijani airliner, pay compensation, Azerbaijan's president says

Russia must admit responsibility for the crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines plane after it was hit by fire from the ground over Russian territory, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said in a television interview on Dec. 29.

Flight J2-8243 was flying from Azerbaijan's capital of Baku to Grozny in Chechnya before changing course and crashing in Kazakhstan on Dec. 25, killing 38 people. Multiple reports and official statements indicated that Russian air defense fire was responsible for the disaster.

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"We can say with complete clarity that the plane was shot down by Russia... We are not saying that it was done intentionally, but it was done," Aliyev said in the interview with the state-run Azerbaijan Television, accusing Russia of attempting to "hush up" the incident.

"Of course, the final version will be known after the black boxes are opened. But the initial versions are also well-founded and based on facts," the head of state added.

"And the facts are that the Azerbaijani civilian aircraft was damaged from the outside, over Russian territory, near the city of Grozny, and practically lost control.

"We also know that our aircraft was rendered uncontrollable by electronic warfare," the Azerbaijani president said, adding that the tail section was seriously damaged as a result of fire from the ground.

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Aliyev further said that on Dec. 27, Baku delivered its list of demands to Russia, including an apology, an admission of responsibility, holding the perpetrators criminally responsible, and paying compensation to the Azerbaijani state and the affected passengers and crew members.

"These are our conditions. The first of them was already fulfilled yesterday. I hope that our other conditions will be accepted as well," Aliyev said in the interview, according to the Azerbaijan State News Agency.

Putin, who has fostered close economic and political ties with Azerbaijan, called Aliyev on Dec. 28 to apologize "for the fact that the tragic incident occurred in Russian airspace" without commenting on whether the plane was hit by Russian air defenses.

The Kremlin said that the plane made multiple attempts to land at Grozny airport during a Ukrainian drone attack, which was reportedly repelled by Russian air defenses.

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Western countries said the disaster was a result of Russia's "reckless" behavior and called for a transparent investigation.

Putin and Aliyev held another phone call about the plane crash on Dec. 29, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said, without revealing details.

Read also: Azerbaijan Airlines crash highlights Russias failure to close airspace amid war

Ukraine secures over $156 million for defense industry from European allies, defense minister says

Ukraine has received over 150 million euros ($156 million) in funding from Denmark, France, and Lithuania to bolster its defense industry, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said on Dec. 29.

The funds will support the production of long-range drones, missiles, and artillery, which are critical to Ukraines defense strategy.

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These domestically produced weapons provide an alternative to Western arms, which often come with usage restrictions, and help address shortages of artillery ammunition on the battlefield.

Denmark contributed 111 million euros ($116 million) through agreements between Ukraine's Defense Ministry, the Strategic Industries Ministry, and the Danish Defense Ministry to strengthen the Armed Forces with advanced domestically made munitions.

France provided a 29 million euros ($30 million) grant to enhance Ukraines security and defense capabilities.

Lithuania allocated 10 million euros ($10.4 million) under a memorandum involving the Lithuanian and Ukrainian defense ministries and Ukraines Strategic Industries Ministry to support the development of Ukraines defense industry.

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"I thank our partners for their important support and contribution to strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities," Umerov said.

President Volodymyr Zelensky previously announced plans for Ukraine to produce at least 30,000 long-range drones in the coming year as part of the country's resilience plan.

The funding marks a significant step in boosting Ukraines self-reliance in arms production as the war continues.

Read also: Ukrainian drones made up over 96% of UAVs military used in 2024, defense minister says

Russia rejects Trump team's reported peace deal proposals on Ukraine, FM Lavrov says

Russia is dissatisfied with the reported peace deal proposals on Ukraine from U.S. President-elect Donald Trumps team, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Dec. 29, according to state-owned TASS.

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Earlier reports from the Wall Street Journal indicated that Trumps team is considering a plan to delay Ukraines NATO membership by at least 20 years in exchange for continued Western arms supplies and the deployment of European peacekeepers to monitor a ceasefire.

Lavrov said the proposal, as outlined in leaks and Trumps Dec. 12 Time interview, suggests "freezing hostilities along the current line of contact and transferring the responsibility of confronting Russia to Europe."

"We are certainly not satisfied with the proposals sounding on behalf of representatives of the president-elect's team," Lavrov said, specifically rejecting the idea of introducing European peacekeepers in Ukraine.

Reports suggest that Trump discussed these ideas during a Dec. 7 meeting in Paris with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron. Trump reportedly emphasized Europes need to take the lead in deterring Russian aggression.

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Lavrov noted that Moscow has received no official signals from Washington regarding these proposals, adding that policy remains under the Biden administration until Trumps inauguration on Jan. 20.

Lavrov expressed Russias "willingness to engage" with the new U.S. administration, provided Washington takes the "first move" to restore dialogue severed after the start of Russias invasion.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Dec. 26 that Russia aims to "end the conflict" in 2025 while reiterating hopes for a front-line success. Following Putin's comments, Lavrov ridiculed the possibility of a ceasefire, adding that "a ceasefire is a road to nowhere."

Putin expressed openness to dialogue with Trump but maintained Russias firm demands, including no territorial concessions and a rejection of Ukraines NATO membership.

Trumps team has yet to outline officially any concrete steps for ending the war, despite his bold claims of achieving peace "within 24 hours."

Read also: Russia may escalate hybrid warfare near NATO borders, Yermak warns

Greece to deliver 24 Sea Sparrow missiles to Ukraine, media reports

Greece will provide Ukraine with 24 Sea Sparrow anti-aircraft missiles to defend against ongoing Russian aerial attacks, the Greek news outlet Kathimerini reported on Dec. 28.

Sea Sparrows are U.S.-made short-range missiles that can be launched from the sea or ground to intercept cruise missiles or aircraft. Ukraine received its first batch of Sea Sparrows from the U.S. in January 2023.

Greece will send Ukraine Sea Sparrows from its naval and air force stockpiles that have been deemed unnecessary for the country's defense operations, Kathimerini reported. The missiles have reportedly been in use for 40 years.

Athens has previously refused Kyiv's requests for certain air defense systems. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said in April 2024 that he would not send Ukraine either Patriots or S-300 missile systems, due to Greece's own defense needs.

The Sea Sparrow transfer will not decrease Greece's defense capabilities in the Aegean Sea, Kathimerini reported.

Greece has supplied Ukraine with military assistance in the past, including BMP-1 armored vehicles, small arms, and ammunition. Greece has also agreed to train Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets.

Mitsotakis and President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a bilateral security agreement between Greece and Ukraine in October.

















































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Ukrainian air defence units have shot down 9 out of 10 drones launched by Russia on the night of 28-29 December.

Source: Ukraine's Air Force

Details: The Air Force noted that all the UAVs had been launched from occupied Crimea and shot down in Mykolaiv Oblast.

At the same time, Russian forces attacked Russia's Kursk and Ukraine's Sumy oblasts with S-300/S-400 missiles. They have not been shot down.

The aftermath of the strikes is currently unknown.

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Russian propagandists have claimed that a pilot of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has surrendered in Russias Kursk Oblast. Ukraines Air Force immediately denied the claim.

Source: Kremlin-aligned Russian news agency TASS; Air Force of Ukraine

Details: The Russians even named the pilot  Volodymyr Popovych.

Quote from the Air Force: "Russian propaganda media are spreading reports that a Ukrainian pilot has surrendered in Kursk Oblast.

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Unfortunately, cases of servicemen who formerly served in the Air Force being captured do occur. However, the information about the capture of a Ukrainian pilot is fake. All Ukrainian pilots continue to perform tasks in defence of the country."

For reference: Pilots are a very important combat unit in the armed forces. It takes months and years to train them, as well as a huge amount of money.

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Exhausted and demoralised Ukrainian troops risk losing much of the territory in Russia's Kursk Oblast that they captured during the lightning-fast August offensive.

Source: Associated Press, citing seven Ukrainian soldiers and commanders who spoke on condition of anonymity about the situation on the front line

Details: The publication writes that a significant number of Ukrainian units are in a state of exhaustion. The fighting is so intense that some Ukrainian commanders are unable to evacuate the dead. Delays in communication and ill-timed tactics are costing lives, and the troops have little opportunity to counterattack.

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According to the newspaper, Russia has deployed more than 50,000 troops on this front, including troops from North Korea.

Quote: "Precise numbers are hard to obtain, but Moscows counterattack has killed and wounded thousands, and the overstretched Ukrainians have lost more than 40% of the 984 square kilometres (380 square miles) of Kursk they seized in August."

Details: Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed that he hoped control of Kursk would help force Russia to negotiate an end to the war. However, five Ukrainian and Western officials in Kyiv, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AP that they fear Zelenskyy's gamble will weaken the entire 1,000km front line, leading to the loss of precious ground in the east.

Quote: "Some frontline commanders said conditions are tough, morale is low, and troops are questioning command decisions, even the very purpose of occupying Kursk.

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Another commander said that some orders his men have received dont reflect reality because of delays in communication. "They dont understand where our side is, where the enemy is, whats under our control, and what isnt," he said. "They dont understand the operational situation, so we act at our own discretion"," the commander says.

Details: One of the platoon commanders said that he had repeatedly asked the higher command to change his unit's defensive position because they could not hold it, but the command rejected his requests.

Quote: "Those people who stand until the end are ending up MIA [missing in action - ed.]," he said. He also said he knew of at least 20 Ukrainian soldiers whose bodies had been abandoned over the past four months because the fighting was too intense to evacuate them without causing additional casualties.

The Ukrainian military said it was not prepared for Russia's aggressive response in Kursk and could neither counterattack nor retreat.

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"Theres no other option. Well fight here because if we just pull back to our borders, they wont stop; theyll keep advancing," said one of the commanders of a drone unit.

"All the military can think about now is that Donbas has simply been sold," said a platoon commander.

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The 911 call came in at about 4 p.m. on Sept. 18, 2014, to Gilchrist County dispatchers in Florida. On the tape, the 911 operator could hear a man admitting to killing his adult daughter and his six grandchildren, adding he planned to die by suicide once authorities arrived on the scene.

Yes Ma'am I, I um, I just shot my daughter. And shot all my grandkids. And I'll be sitting on my step. And when yous get here I'm going to shoot myself, the man, who identified himself as Don Spirit, told the dispatcher, according to the 911 call transcript cited by WJXT.

After being asked when the shooting happened, Spirit said, I don't want to hear it Ma'am. I'm done with every f------ thing. Just bring the motherf----- out here. That's all. You got all the kids are dead in the house, per the transcript.

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Once law enforcement arrived on scene in Bell, Fla., a small town located about 40 miles west of Gainesville, they briefly spoke with Sprit, 51, who then died after sustaining a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to a press release shared by the Gilchrist County Sheriffs Office at the time.

The victims, all of whom sustained gunshot wounds, were identified as Spirits daughter, Sarah Spirit, 28, and her six children, Kaleb Kuhlmann, 11, Kylie Kuhlmann, 9, Johnathon Kuhlmann, 8, Destiny Stewart, 5, Brandon Stewart, 4, and Alanna Stewart, who was born in June of that year, per the sheriffs office.

AP Photo/The Gainesville Sun/Matt Stamey Mourners look at a display of photos during a memorial service for the victims at Bell High School on Sept. 21, 2014. Mourners look at a display of photos during a memorial service for the victims at Bell High School on Sept. 21, 2014.

All of the childrens bodies were located in various locations inside the residence, while the bodies of the two adults were found outside the residence in separate locations on the property, the sheriffs office said.

At the time, investigators said they could not determine a motive in the murder-suicide, saying in the release that this tragic and devastating event may never be fully explained.

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However, Gilchrist County Sheriff Robert Schultz noted at a press conference at the time that Spirit had a criminal history and that authorities had been called to the family home in the past, USA Today reported.

According to court records obtained by the The New York Times, Spirit was sentenced to three years in prison for illegal possession of a firearm after accidentally shooting and killing his young son Kyle during a hunting trip in 2001. Records also show Spirit had previously been convicted of drug possession, battery and depriving a child of food and shelter," the Times reported.

Florida Department of Corrections/Reuters/Landov Don Spirit

As a convicted felon, Spirit was prohibited from owning a firearm in Florida.

According to First Coast News, a report on the case shared by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement stated that Spirit may have been under the influence of drugs at the time of the incident, with his ex-wife claiming to investigators that she believed he had mental health issues.

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Years prior to her killings, Sarah had called the police on her father, alleging he physically assaulted her, records show, per the Times. I am very scared of him. I know what he is capable of," she wrote in a domestic violence injunction court order in 2008. Spirit later spent about six months behind bars after being charged in a battery case.

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As the years passed, Sarah also had brushes with law enforcement. She was arrested on charges of theft, battery and illegal drug use, and had a boyfriend who also spent time behind bars, the Times reported, citing court records.

Sarah's friend, James Bell, described her as "a beautiful, smart woman," who "moved from Tampa to Bell to help her dad out," per USA Today.

If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.



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North Platte rancher Trey Wasserburger, one of the principals behind the Sustainable Beef processing plant in North Platte, inspects a couple of his breeding bulls. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)

LINCOLN  Beef may not only be whats for dinner, but may help slow the aging of our brains.

Thats what researchers at the Center for Brain, Biology and Behavior at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln seek in whats described as a first-of-its-kind study on whether a link exists between eating beef and brain health.

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Previous research by the centers director, Aron Barbey, involving 100 older adults discovered that eating foods with certain fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamins served to slow the aging process and resulted in higher scores on cognitive tests.

So nutrition mattered, the study concluded. Other factors, such as demographics, fitness levels and body shape and size didnt account for the differences, the report, issued in May, concluded.

The College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources is shown on East Campus at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)

The UNL research team is recruiting 240 undergraduates, in good health, to participate in the 12-week study, which will launch in the spring semester. The students will undergo a battery of cognitive, nutritional and brain health tests during the study, and eat beef.

Understanding which proteins and nutrients most affect brain health is a fundamental question in neuroscience, yet one that remains largely unexplored. Barbey said. As we work to improve public health, its crucial to explore how foods like beef might influence brain function.

The study is being funded by Nebraska Beef Council, Texas Beef Council and National Cattlemens Beef Association, a contractor of the Beef Checkoff. UNLs Department of Animal Science and Loeffel Meat Lab will assist.
The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) has condemned the "mishandling" of the sexual assault case of a 19-year-old engineering student at Tamil Nadu's Anna University. State Secretary Yuvraj D and other student activists were arrested for protesting against the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government. They were arrested from ABVP's Tamil Nadu State office in Purasaiwakkam. The student organisation said that public outrage has intensified after the revelation that the accused was affiliated with the DMK since he participated in the party activities and appeared in photographs with Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin. "As a syndicate member of Anna University, Stalin is directly implicated in the lapses that allowed such a crime to occur on campus," the release read. ABVP has been protesting across Tamil Nadu, demanding accountability for the security failure at Anna University and justice for the victim. Holding the police officials accountable for the delay in arresting the accused, ABVP said that their focus was also on the need to protect the victim's privacy "to prevent further leaks of sensitive information." Virendra Singh Solanki, ABVP's National General Secretary, demanded strict action against accused Gnanasekaran. He said that suppressing dissent cannot hide the "failure" of the DMK government to protect the dignity of students. "ABVP condemns this undemocratic action, emphasising the DMK government's failure to ensure campus safety and uphold democratic rights, demanding immediate and strict action against the accused, Gnanasekaran, with a fast-tracked trial to deliver justice to the victim. Also, to maintain the victim's privacy to prevent further leaks and to hold police officials accountable for the delay in arresting the accused. ABVP will continue its fight for justice for the victim and the safety of students on campuses across Tamil Nadu. The DMK government must realise that suppressing dissent cannot hide its failure to protect students' dignity and safety," Solanki said in the release. Moreover, ABVP demanded the immediate release of Yuvraj D and other activists who were arrested for exercising their democratic right to protest. Meanwhile, the Madras High Court on Saturday constituted an all-women IPS officers' Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate both the sexual assault case and the FIR leak case.Justices SM Subramaniam and V Lakshminarayanan formed the SIT, comprising IPS officers Sneha Priya, Ayman Jamal, and Brinda, to probe the incidents. The court directed the Tamil Nadu government to compensate the victim with Rs 25 lakh for the trauma caused by the FIR leak. Additionally, the court ordered Anna University to provide the victim with free education, along with boarding, lodging, and counseling support, to enable her to continue her studies. The NCW also constituted a two-member fact-finding committee to investigate the alleged sexual assault of a 19-year-old student at Anna University. The Commission took suo motu cognizance of the case and has already issued a notice to the Tamil Nadu Director General of Police (DGP). The committee is expected to visit Chennai on Monday, December 30. According to the Chennai Police, a second-year student was allegedly sexually assaulted on the Anna University campus on December 23. The student's complaint stated that an unidentified man threatened and assaulted her while she was talking to her friend around 8 PM. (ANI)
The U.S. government has officially classified Marc Fogel, an American schoolteacher jailed in Russia on drug charges, as wrongfully detained, the State Department announced on Dec. 27.

Fogel, a history teacher from Pennsylvania, was arrested in August 2021 at a Russian airport for possessing marijuana, which his family and supporters say was prescribed for medical use. He is currently serving a 14-year prison sentence.

Fogel's omission from a major prisoner exchange in August, which secured the release of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and corporate security executive Paul Whelan, led his family to push for stronger U.S. government efforts.

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His advocates urged the Biden administration to classify him as wrongfully detained, a move that typically increases diplomatic efforts to secure a detainees release.

The State Department confirmed that Fogel received the designation, explaining that the decision followed a review of factors, including whether his detention serves to influence U.S. policy or extract concessions from the government.

"The United States has been working to secure Marc Fogels release for some time. We have long called for his humanitarian release and tried to include him in the Aug. 1 deal, but were unable to. The Secretary determined Marc was wrongfully detained in October," the department said, according to the Associated Press. The reason for the State Department's delay in announcing the designation remains unclear.

With the designation, Fogels case will now fall under the Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, which focuses on negotiating the release of Americans wrongfully detained abroad.

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In a statement, Fogels wife, Jane, and his sons, Ethan and Sam, reportedly expressed gratitude for the designation. "The State Department has finally acknowledged what we have known all along  that our husband and father, Marc Fogel, has and continues to be wrongfully detained," they said.

Read also: Who was released from Russian prisons in historic swap?

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Authorities this week said they want to find anyone involved in the installation of climbing bolts at the site of an ancient outdoor engraving in northeastern Utah.

Climbing bolts, also known as anchors, were discovered at the site of the Pregnant Sheep Petroglyph Panel on federal land in the northeastern corner of the state on Nov. 10, the Uintah County Sheriffs Office said.

On Thursday, the sheriffs office and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management asked for the publics help in tracking down anyone involved in the installation of bolts near Highway 40s Musket Shot Springs Overlook, which is about 11 miles from Dinosaur National Monument in neighboring Colorado.

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In a statement on Facebook, the bureau characterized the act as vandalism.

The sheriffs office characterized the installation as having taken place on the petroglyph panel. Sheriffs officials did not immediately respond to a request for more information.

Information on the specific panel was not immediately available.

Elements associated with similar engravings in Wayne County, Utah, in the southern third of the state, have been radiocarbon dated by Colorado State University geomorphologist Joel Pederson to A.D. 1100, according to the Natural History Museum of Utah.

Collaborator Steven Simms, a Utah State University anthropologist, is quoted by the museum as saying some of the states petroglyphs represent persistence, reformulation, and integration of art, iconography, and ideology among peoples.

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Autumn Gillard, the cultural resource manager for the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah, told NBC affiliate KSL of Salt Lake City that installing bolts at the site of a petroglyph is disrespectful to the states Indigenous people because the engravings are sacred to many.

For us, as tribal people, these are our churches, she told the station earlier this month. When folks go in and they vandalize panels, or they vandalize cultural sites, we correlate it to the same thing as if somebody was to go into a temple or a religious space and were to write graffiti all over it or to write their name all over it.

The search for the bolts installer is taking place as climbing advocacy group Access Fund celebrated a December victory for legislation called the Protecting Americas Rock Climbing Act, passed by Congress as part of the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act.

The bill, in part, clarifies that climbing and the placement, use, and maintenance of fixed anchors (including bolts, pins, and slings) are appropriate, and not prohibited, within wilderness areas, the nonprofit group said in a statement on Dec. 19.

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The Access Fund said the National Park Service this month backed off a proposal that would have prohibited fixed anchors on federal land.

On Sunday, Access Fund Executive Director Heather Thorne said the organization supports measures to ensure such vandalism isn't repeated.

"The desecration of cultural resources and sacred sites, and bolting done in close proximity to such sites, is completely antithetical to Access Fund's values," she said by email. "We condemn such actions and fully support the removal of these bolts and mitigation of damage."

While the fund welcomes legislation allowing climbers to use fixed anchors where otherwise legal, Thorne said it has worked to educate climbers to ensure respect for historic, sacred and artistic sites is foundational within the climbing community.

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"Every climber's behavior plays a role in our ability to preserve sustainable climbing access," she said.

On Dec. 2, Utahs Kane County Sheriffs Office said two people wanted for questioning in the alleged defacing of a petroglyph near Wire Pass, known for its photogenic rock formations, were located and contacted.

Bureau of Land Management district manager Harry Barber told KSL a woman was arrested and could face multiple felony counts connected to the incident. Barber said in a video update posted to Facebook that the woman allegedly wrote her name and/or other things on the petroglyph.

It wasnt clear if the woman has a lawyer, and the status of the case was not available. The federal public defenders office for Utah did not immediately respond to a request for comment Saturday night.

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In Uintah County, roughly 500 miles northeast of Wire Pass, sheriffs officials indicated any leads that develop in their search for the bolt installer would be forwarded to federal agents.

BLM law enforcement is asking the public to report any information they may have identifying the person(s) responsible for this incident, the Uintah County Sheriffs Office said in its Thursday statement.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
In the wake of cyberattacks by cyber-intrusion groups, both AT&T and Verizon have confirmed that their systems have now recovered and are operating safely. In separate press notes attributed to Reuters and Bloomberg, both major telecom operators cleared that they worked with law enforcement authorities to mitigate the harm from state-linked threats tied to espionage activities

As per the U.S. government, at least nine telecom labels have come under attacks from Salt Typhoon, a Chinese-linked cyberespionage operation. So far, the true extent of the attack on the two aforementioned carriers has not been made public knowledge, but it seems the threat was targeted.

The FBI and CISA jointly confirmed the attacks on American telecom infrastructure in October. Verizon was reported to have been under attack by BBC, with Donald Trump and Senator JD Vance listed as the potential targets for the bad actors.

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In September, The Wall Street Journal reported that state-linked threat actors tried to break into broadband networks with the intention of gaining covert access to the infrastructure and data. A few weeks later, the outlet reported that federal authorities have started investigating attacks against the likes of Verizon, AT&T, and Lumen, originating from the Salt Typhoon group.

The hackers may have essentially been able to spy on the U.S. governments efforts to surveil Chinese threats, including the FBIs investigations, said the report. In its statement shared with Bloomberg, AT&T confirmed that the threat actors tried to extract information about foreign intelligence.

Marques Thomas / Unsplash

Earlier this month, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) also issued a broad set of mobile communication safety guidelines for senior government officials, politicians, and other high-value targets in the wake of state-linked cyber espionage.

Verizon also told Bloomberg that a small number of high-profile customers in government and politics were in the crosshairs of the cyber attacks. As of today, the carriers assure that their systems are free of the looming threat of state-linked cyberthreat activities.

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Microsoft, which is also working with officials on the latest set of attacks, notes in its dashboard that the Salt Typhoon threat originates in China and also goes by names like GhostEmperor and FamousSparrow.

Notably, the company has previously grappled with another similar operation, Silk Typhoon, which targeted healthcare, law firms, higher education, defense contractors, policy think tanks, and non-governmental organization (NGOs) in the U.S. and elsewhere.

Notably, this wont be the first attack on AT&T in 2024. Earlier this year, AT&T confirmed that stolen data was dumped on the dark web, covering over 7 million active accounts and more than 65 million past subscribers. A few months later, the carrier also confirmed that customer data, including message and call records, was also stolen from a third-party cloud platform.
A 28-year-old Pullman who was fatally shot near Washington State Universitys Greek Row Thursday morning has been identified.

Darcy Taylor Spracklin died as the result of multiple gunshot wounds, according to the Whitman County Officer of the Coroner.

His death was ruled a homicide.

Officers say they were called to Northeast California Street around 3:00 a.m. on Thursday and found the man on the ground, unresponsive.

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The fire department rushed him to Pullman Regional Hospital, where he died from his injuries.

Anyone with information that may help find the person or people responsible for this shooting is asked to call Pullman police.




Trouble is barreling down the California High Speed Rail Authoritys tracks as the incoming Trump administration seems intent on killing the increasingly expensive and long-delayed project.

Only by reassessing this dream of a transportation plan will the nightmare of a wasted boondoggle be avoided.

The CHSRA has announced it will convene in late January a two-day meeting of experts to discuss technical issues. These experts must talk about more than technical issues. They must figure out what can be done if federal funds are withheld from the project and how at least some of the money spent and progress realized can be salvaged.

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Authorized by California voters in 2008, the project was intended to connect major urban areas and reduce travel time.

Phase 1 is a 494-mile run through the Central Valley, connecting San Francisco to Los Angeles  a nonstop trip of 2 hours and 40 minutes. Phase 2 extends the system north to Sacramento and south to San Diego for a total of 776 miles.

The project failed to get sufficient support during Democratic Gov. Jerry Browns first administration in 1979. But in 1996, the Legislature passed and Republican Gov. Pete Wilson signed into law the creation of the High Speed Rail Authority and the beginning of planning for the project.

With the backing of Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Proposition 1A was placed on the 2008 ballot, authorizing $9 billion in bonds to begin planning and construction of Californias high speed rail system.

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So far, the project has received $23 billion in state and federal funds. Phase 1 now is projected to cost between $89 billion to $128 billion.

A lot has happened  and hasnt happened  since voters passed Proposition 1A.

For years, all that Californians saw for their initial investment was the shuffling of paper.

It wasnt until 2015 that any construction began on the project that now has been divided into segments, such as the run between Bakersfield and Merced that is projected to be operational in 2030-2033.

The CHSRA reports that there are more than 30 active construction sites and nearly 50 completed structures along the stretch between Bakersfield and Merced.

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Supporters claim the federal and state funding has yielded $7 billion in labor income and $18 billion in total economic benefits across California from July 2006 through June 2023. It has also created more than 14,200 construction jobs, largely based in the Central Valley, and employed more than 860 small, disadvantaged and disabled veteran businesses.

But critics contend it has been a waste of money  a boondoggle that is laying rail tracks to nowhere. The delays and mounting costs are not supportable. They point to the work now underway between Shafter and Madera as a prime example of a route between two places no one wants to travel.

Recently President-elect Trumps proposed Department of Government Efficiency, which will be headed by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, targeted the project for cutting.

In a post on his X platform, Musk contended the $6.8 billion the project already has received in federal funding and the authoritys request for an additional $8 billion is a squandering of money on a project that is practically nothing.

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California Republican Rep. Kevin Kelly, a member of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, said he was looking forward to killing this project, once and for all.

The political clouds over Californias high speed rail project are dark.

Since its conception, ridership estimates have declined. The delays, lack of progress and escalating costs have eroded public support. Funding alternatives have not been identified.

So now what? Are we to be left with rusting, incomplete bridges and tracks leading to nowhere?

When the CHSRA convenes its meeting of experts next month, they must look for ways to fund some sections of the project that actually go to and from places Californians want to travel.

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Logically that would be from Bakersfield north to Merced  more likely to the Bay Area.

Prove to skeptical Californians that a high speed rail system is worth having and worth paying for.

With renewed support, the system may then be expanded as it was initially conceived in the dream sold to voters in 2008.
A U.S. law that would force the Chinese parent company of social media giant TikTok to either sell the service or face a U.S. ban is constitutional, a panel of federal appeals judges ruled Friday. In this 2020 photo illustration, the TikTok app is displayed on an Apple iPhone. (Photo Illustration by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Following the passage of a federal law earlier this year that calls for the owners of social media app TikTok to either sell it or be subject to a ban on the app in the U.S., Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares filed an amicus brief Friday urging the Supreme Court to uphold the law.

TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance, sued the U.S. government over the law, saying it impeded their First Amendment rights, but a federal appeals court recently upheld the law. The high court will hear oral arguments in the appeal case Jan. 10.

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Allowing TikTok to operate in the United States without severing its ties to the Chinese Communist Party exposes Americans to the undeniable risks of having their data accessed and exploited by the Chinese Communist Party, Miyares, a Republican, said in a statement announcing the amicus brief. The Supreme Court now has the chance to affirm Congresss authority to protect Americans from foreign threats while ensuring that the First Amendment doesnt become a tool to defend foreign adversaries exploitative practices.

When the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act was introduced in March, members of Virginias congressional delegation supported it. Democratic U.S. Reps. Abigail Spanberger and Bobby Scott said the measure would protect Americans against foreign digital threats, while U.S. Sens. Mark Warner, D-Virginia, and Marco Rubio, R-Florida, who co-chair the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, supported the Houses action against TikTok.

In December 2023, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin issued an executive order banning the use of TikiTok on any government-issued devices, including state-issued cell phones, laptops, or other devices capable of connecting to the internet except for public safety purposes.

Miyares co-led the amicus brief alongside Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen. Attorneys General in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Utah also signed on in support.

Virginia Mercury 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.
Ill. (WTVO)  The family of Illinois State Police Trooper Clay Carns has announced visitation and funeral plans after he was hit and killed by a pickup truck on I-55 Monday.

The visitation will be held on Thursday from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Parkview Christian Church, at 11100 Orland Parkway in Orland Park, with a 6 p.m. walkthrough for first responders.

The funeral will be held on Friday at Parkview Christian Church at 10 a.m., followed by a private interment service.

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The family thanked law enforcement and thousands of community members who reached out during the difficult time and expressed love and support.

To the public, Clay became a hero on December 23, 2024, when he was killed in the line of duty. To his family, he has always been a hero.

Our world has been shattered, and we will never be the same. But we take comfort in knowing that he lived his life with such purpose, he loved his family and friends fiercely, and he took great pride in his work.

Around 9:42 p.m., ISP Trooper Clay Carns, 35, saw debris in a lane on southbound I-55, just north of Blodgett Road, near Channahon. The trooper turned on his emergency lights, parked on the shoulder and went to pick up the debris in the roadway.

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A Chevrolet Silverado hit him while he was in the middle of the lane, leaving him in critical condition, police reported.

Carns was transported to St. Joseph Hospital in Joliet around 10:45 p.m., where he succumbed to his injuries.

Carns served 11 years as a trooper with ISP.

Authorities arrested the driver, 69-year-old John Fleet of Wilmington, Illinois. Fleet is charged with violating Scotts Law.

The suspect was not injured during the crash.

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A coroner has warned about the risks from the babywearing trend after a six-week-old boy died while being breastfed hands-free in a sling.

James Alderman, known as Jimmy, was in the baby carrier while his mother moved around their home at the time of his death.

He was in an unsafe position and after five minutes his mother realised he had collapsed, an inquest heard. Resuscitation began straight away, but the baby sadly died in hospital three days later.

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Lydia Brown, Senior Coroner for West London, has warned that there is insufficient information for parents about the safe positioning of young babies in carriers, particularly when it comes to breastfeeding.

Copies of her Prevention of Future Deaths Report were sent to sling manufacturer Beco and Madeleine Boot, a babywearing teacher, as well as the NHS and the Department for Health.

Ms Brown has called for industry standards promoting the safe use of slings and warnings about their risks because there is a danger that young babies could suffocate.

Babywearing is a popular phenomenon, worth more than a billion dollars globally, where a child is strapped into a harness or wrapped in a sling so they can be carried by a parent hands-free.

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Supporters of the technique say it is practical and helps babies bond with their parents through close contact.

However, critics warn of the risk of suffocation because babies cannot lift their own heads if incorrectly positioned. This risk is increased for babies who are premature or have a low birth weight.

An inquest heard that Jimmy died on October 11, 2023 after being accidentally suffocated.

The baby, who was six weeks and six days old when he died, was feeling well other than having a slight cold.

His mother was breastfeeding him within a sling which was worn snugly, not tightly, and although she could see his face when she looked down, he was too far down for this position to be safe.

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The coroner said: Baby Jimmy was being breastfed within a baby carrier worn by his mother.

After five minutes she found that he had collapsed and although immediate resuscitation was commenced he died three days later on 11 October 2023 in St Georges Hospital.

Jimmy died because his airway was occluded as he was not held in a safe position while within the sling.

There is insufficient information available from any source to inform parents of safe positioning of young babies within carriers and in particular in relation to breastfeeding.

A UK consortium of sling retailers and manufacturers have shared an acronym, TICKS, to establish safe positioning for babies in slings.

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The acronym stands for Tight, In view at all times, Close enough to kiss, Keep chin off the chest and Supported back.

Ms Brown noted there was no advice for parents regarding the risk of babies slumping in carriers, and the consequent risk of suffocation, particularly in babies under the age four months.

This is despite a significant increase over recent years in the use of such equipment, she said.

Ms Brown also found that there is no public advice that hands-free breastfeeding young babies is unsafe because of the risk of suffocation and not being able to meet every TICKS requirement.

The coroner added that the available NHS literature provides no guidance or advice.

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Ms Brown said there appeared to be no helpful images of safe versus unsafe sling and carrier postures. She said the only tips available are on the National Childbirth Trust (NCT) website, but these are in fact unhelpful.

They say that you can breastfeed a baby in a sling but that the baby should be supported at all times.

Witnesses at the inquest said information readily available to the public which is not too complex but consistent in its messaging would be welcomed to advise and instruct parents.

Ms Brown said that there is a risk of deaths occurring again in the future if no action is taken.

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She said: There is very little information available to inform parents of safety and positioning advice of young babies in carriers/slings and in particular nothing in relation to breastfeeding in carriers/slings.

This is notwithstanding a significant increase over recent years in the use of such equipment.

The question of whether it is safe to breastfeed hands free is not addressed or referred to in the public domain or manufacturers literature.

The NHS available literature provides no guidance or advice. The only current tips are provided on the National Childbirth Trust (NCT) website but these are in fact unhelpful.

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Young babies are at risk of suffocation.

Consideration should be given to industry standards to promote the safe use of slings/carriers, to warn users of the risks and whether any such standards should be voluntary or mandatory.

Ms Brown concluded that Jimmy suffered an accidental death as a result of hypoxic brain injury, out of hospital cardiac arrest and accidental suffocation.

NHS England, the Department of Health and Social Care, the Office for Product Safety and Standards and the British Standards Institution are required to respond to Ms Browns report by February 21, 2025.

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The 10-year-old boy who has been identified as Sumit was rescued after he fell into a borewell in Madhya Pradesh's Guna district, an official said on Sunday. The boy was rushed to a hospital after being rescued. Guna Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Man Singh Thakur said that the rescue operations began at 6:00 in the evening on Saturday and went on till the boy was rescued in the morning today. The boy remains unconscious and his breathing is slow, he added. "Sumit fell into the borewell yesterday afternoon at around 3:30 pm. The rescue operation to take him out began at around 6 pm. Today morning at around 9:30 am, Sumit was taken out of the borewell. He has been taken to the hospital, his breathing is slow. He is unconscious right now," Thakur told ANI. The official informed that two rescue teams were deployed to help rescue the boy. The incident took place in the Janjali area of Raghogarh on Saturday evening. Collector Satyendra Singh of Guna earlier said, "The oxygen support is being provided to the boy (trapped inside the borewell). All the teams are engaged in the rescue operation." The boy was trapped at a depth of around 39 feet, the official added. A parallel 22-foot-deep pit was dug to rescue the boy. He also mentioned that a team of doctors was providing oxygen support to the boy. (ANI)
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Credit: SpaceX

SpaceX successfully launched a miniature fleet of communications satellites into orbit in the wee overnight hours in a vindication of sorts after a last-second abort delayed the flight.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched four "MicroGEO" satellites for the company Astranis to orbit from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Liftoff occurred on time at 12 a.m. EST (0500 GMT) on Dec. 29.

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The midnight launch marked SpaceX's second attempt to launch the MicroGEO satellites for Astranis after a Dec. 21 launch attempt ended in a last-second abort just as the Falcon 9 rocket's first stage engines ignited. In a post on the social media site X, Astranis vice president Christian Keil said SpaceX swapped out Falcon 9 rocket boosters for the flight.

SpaceX's MicroGEO satellite launch, called "Astranis: From One to Many," was the second of three planned SpaceX launches in three days this weekend. The company successfully launched 22 Starlink internet satellites from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on Saturday (Dec. 28), then launch another 21 Starlink satellites from another Florida pad on Monday (Dec. 30).

"Targeting a Falcon 9 launch from all three launch pads in Florida and California over the next three days," SpaceX wrote in an X social media post Friday (Dec. 27).

Astranis engineers pose with four MicroGEO communications satellites.

The MicroGEO satellites launched Sunday were built by San Francisco-based Astranis to provide satellite communications services for a variety of customers. Two of the four satellites will serve the Colorado-based firm Anuvu for in-flight connectivity on planes, ships or other transportation, while another  called Agila  will be a dedicated communications satellite for the Philippines. The fourth satellite, known as UtilitySat, will serve multiple customers over its lifetime.

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"These are our most advanced satellites yet, with a number of improvements that will generate increased capacity and affordability," Astranis CEO John Gedmark said in a statement before launch.

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The satellites were successfully deployed about 35 minutes after liftoff and are bound for a final geosynchronous orbit about 22,236 miles (35,786 kilometers) above Earth.

The Falcon 9 launching the MicroGEO mission for Astranis is no SpaceX spring chicken. This flight marked its seventh launch, with past missions including three Starlink flights, a NASA CRS-31 cargo flight and the crewed Crew-8 and Polaris Dawn astronaut flights.

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The first stage of the Falcon 9 rocket returned to Earth just over 8 minutes after liftoff to land on the SpaceX drone ship A Shortfall Of Gravitas in the Atlantic Ocean.

Sunday's launch marked the 133rd space mission in 2024 for SpaceX, which also plans to launch one final Starlink mission early Monday.

Editor's note: This story was updated at 1 a.m. EST to include details on the successful launch.
We all knew this day would come, but the breaking news alert that former President Jimmy Carter died today at 100 still stung. He lived an incredibly full and long life. At his core, Carter was an extremely honest man  the presidency didnt change that. It only made him more decent, caring, and giving after he left office.

In light of this year's election and Americas dark turn to someone who isnt decent, giving and caring, Im afraid that Carter was perhaps the last most human president we'll ever glimpse in our lifetime and perhaps beyond. And, I will forever carry in my memory and my heart my one and only glimpse of Carter that almost got me fired from my job.

In the late 1990s, I worked at a global PR agency in a midtown Manhattan office building on the corner of 50th Street and Madison Avenue. The agency had several of the top floors with breathtaking views of Manhattan. Our department was on the second floor. My office was above the cargo garage. You know that sound a truck makes when it goes backwards? "Beep, beep, beep, beep." I heard that on a loop  daily.

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But had our suite not been on the second floor, above that garage, I would have missed my opportunity to see Carter .

One day during a client meeting, bored to tears, I was looking down on the street and the garage entrance below when suddenly a black Lincoln Town Car pulled up. The back door flung open and out popped Carter. He looked up as he got out, and there I was, eyes wide open, and then he flashed that grin.

Holy s**t, Jimmy. Carter!, I blurted out. And without the least bit of self-control, I jumped up and waved at him  and he waved back. After the meeting, for that outburst in front of our client, my supervisor scolded me, but I couldn't have cared less about being reprimanded or my bawdy behavior in front of our stodgy client. Because on that day, I saw one of my heroes.

And from then on, I thought the second floor had the best views in the building!

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I was 12 years old when Carter ran for president in 1976. As I was a budding, self-anointed presidential historian, it was my first election that I followed closely. I was obsessed with the presidency, thanks to my great-grandmother who indoctrinated me to the Democratic Party and its presidential stalwarts, FDR and JFK , and gave me the scrapbooks she kept on each president.

My great-grandmothers mother, my great-great-grandmother, celebrated her 100th birthday in 1974, when I was 10 years old. She credited her longevity to doing a shot of brandy every morning, along with a piece of chocolate. She received a special congratulatory letter from President Richard Nixon, who resigned not long after her birthday. When we visited her for her birthday party, she gave me the letter. Put this in your scrapbook, she instructed.

I remember Carter as the balm the country needed after the Nixon presidency and President Gerald Fords pardon of Nixon, which at the time seemed criminal. America wanted to move on, and Carter, the little-known governor of Georgia , was in the right place at the right time.

He was a peanut farmer from Plains, Ga. I had an aunt and uncle who lived outside of Atlanta, and I always dreamed of going to see them and then going to visit Carters peanut farm. Moreover, my family wasn't politically connected, but my father went to a politically connected friend of his, who gifted me a Jimmy Carter campaign poster and button. Boy, did I treasure those. And because I had them, I felt like I had a special bond with Carter.

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Besides that, I was the only kid in my neighborhood and at school who had a Carter poster. I thought I was a big deal!

Unfortunately, my dad died four days before Carter was sworn in, so not seeing Carters farm and missing his inauguration were the least of my worries.

At some point, I resumed my admiration for Carter. When my brother and I started collecting beer cans, which was a big thing back in the 1970s, one of our most prized possessions was a Billy Beer can, which was Carters brother's beer. Billy was famous for slugging down brews, unlike his brother, who didnt drink.

After that, I admit to not thinking much about Carter for a long stretch of time. Of course, I saw the amazing work he was doing with Habitat for Humanity as well as his global influence through the Carter Center .

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And at an airport sometime in the early 2000s, I picked up his childhood memoir, An Hour Before Daylight: Memories of a Rural Boyhood, and after reading that eloquent tome, I was hooked, and I became a big fan of Carter  the author and statesman.

So much has changed since Jimmy Carter lost his reelection campaign in 1980. I often wonder how things would be different if he had won; most notably, he would have certainly done more for the AIDS epidemic than Ronald Reagan.

But what I think we lost after Carter lost was a sense of humility as a nation and as an attribute of our leaders. Jimmy Carter, for all his faults, and he had plenty, was a humble and honest person, which is exceedingly rare in this day and age. My father was the same way. A very kind, humble, God-loving, compassionate man, and I think thats one of the reasons Ive admired Jimmy Carter so much.

Ive thought a lot about him over the years, in a way that I never imagined. Any time I would sit through a boring meeting  and trust me, in 30 years in corporate PR there were many  I would gaze out of whatever window I was nearest to and think back on that day when zoning out allowed me to get a meaningful glimpse of Carter.

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And with his death, were likely to never get a glimpse of a president as kind, simple, and honest. Thats why Carters death stings so much today.

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Sunday: Our threat for severe storms ends early Sunday as rain and storms depart to our east. A lingering shower is likely mainly over eastern Alabama around sunrise, but clouds quickly exit as sunshine returns for the late morning and afternoon. Temperatures will be quite mild in the lower to middle 60s, making for a very pleasant day.

Next Week: Sunshine will prevail into our next work week with mild weather lingering into Tuesday as highs hang out in the lower to middle 60s with Monday being the warmer day. Some clouds will push through Monday night and early Tuesday, but no rain is expected.

A cooler air mass will arrive for the start of the new year with temperatures back in the lower 50s for New Years Day as dry weather continues through the end of next week. Overnight lows will return to near-freezing by Thursday, Friday, and Saturday mornings as cooler air continues to filter in from the north.

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Be sure to follow the CBS 42 Storm Team:

Follow Us on Facebook: Chief Meteorologist Dave Nussbaum, Meteorologist Michael Haynes, Meteorologist Alex Puckett, and Meteorologist Jacob Woods.

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One of Utahs indigenous languages  Navajo  has faced a precipitous decline in recent decades.

In 1980, 93% of Navajos spoke their native language. Thirty years later, that number had dipped to 51%. By 2030, the percentage of fluent speakers across the Navajo Nation could be as low as 10%.

On a macro-level, any Navajo language loss marks a cultural and linguistic emergency.

But the loss is also felt on individual levels.

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There remain members of the Navajo Nation who speak only their ancestral tongue  and, with each decade, there are fewer people inside their own community with whom they can communicate.

Its a crisis that Weber State University radiography student Kendra Ellison is witnessing firsthand.

While completing clinical hours at the Northern Navajo Medical Center in Shiprock, New Mexico, Ellison watched when non-English-speaking elders from her tribe arrived at the medical center seeking essential care.

Their faces often betrayed apprehension and fear, even during routine procedures such as X-rays and scans. Simple directions from nurses and technicians such as Can you please lay flat? or Can you hold your breath? often prompted confusion.

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There was a lack of Navajo translators whenever we would try to find someone to explain, in specific terms, something like a fluoroscopy procedure, said Ellison, an Army veteran and Navajo Nation member.

There was clearly a barrier that needed to be overcome.

And the need for Navajo language skills is just as vital outside of the clinics.

Many elderly people live in remote corners of the vast Navajo Nation stretching across Utah, Arizona and New Mexico. During a medical emergency such as a heart attack or stroke, paramedics and EMTs are often the first to engage with patients. Again, medical-specific Navajo language resources can make a critical difference in delivering lifesaving care, said Ellison.

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Such language skills can also improve medical care across the region in disciplines such as physical therapy and home health care.

When Ellison recently attended a gathering for aspiring indigenous female entrepreneurs called Project DreamCatcher, the Navajo elders and their language translation needs was still weighing heavy in her heart and mind.

She soon learned that elderly medical patients from other tribes were facing challenges similar to what she was witnessing in Shiprock.

Blending an impulse to serve her community with her newly acquired business start-up skills, Ellison decided to create an app or some other sort of electronic audio glossary language platform that would allow heath care workers without Navajo language skills to better communicate with their elderly non-English-speaking patients.

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Ellisons ideas and determination to serve others were fueled by supportive Weber State professors who embraced her vision.

I shared what I was doing with my professors and they loved it, she said.

Founding a business takes time, sweat, innovation, validation  and then more time and sweat. Ellisons plans to develop technology to better utilize medical care for Navajo elders is still, she said, in the beginning phases.

Its a daunting task.

Given its unique grammar, syntax and tonal pronunciation, Navajo is a challenging language to learn and speak.

Its especially difficult to translate into English and other languages.

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Many are familiar with the story of the Navajo Code Talkers  a group of U.S. Marines who used their native Navajo language skills to transmit secret messages during World War II. The languages complexities made it impossible for the enemy to decipher.

But as a person of faith, Ellison is confident her efforts to help her people are being guided by divine power. She is determined to succeed. (God) has put these different passions in me  and whenever its the right time to jump, Im going to jump, she said.

Weber State University student Kendra Ellison is working on developing an app or an electronic language glossary to assist fellow health care workers in providing better care to Navajo patients who do not speak English. A member of the Navajo Nation, Ellison witnessed the language struggles facing many Navajo elders when she was performing clinical work in Shiprock, New Mexico. | Benjamin Zack

An ally emerges: Maya Bridge

Jace Norton is the founder of Maya Bridge, a Utah company that specializes in providing language interpretation services for rare Mayan languages. In recent years, Maya Bridge has expanded to provide translation services for other hard-to-find languages  including indigenous languages spoken in the United States.

Norton recently learned of Ellison and her intention to deliver Navajo language interpretation resources to health care workers.

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I called Kendra, we talked  and I could tell she had a good head on her shoulders and that we shared the same thinking about wanting to help and give back to others, he told the Deseret News.

Soon, a burgeoning business partnership was in place, with Ellisons vision leading the projects initiative.

Were going to help Kendra start her own company that we will own a part of as well  and then we can work together to go after different funding opportunities, said Norton.

Were ecstatic to be working directly with Kendra, he added, to create something together that will help with this specific (health care) issue  and that can even grow and help with a lot of other different things.

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For now, Ellison is a woman wearing many hats: student, health care professional, business founder.

She plans to continue her education at Weber State by pursuing a bachelors degree in computed tomography, even while developing her Navajo language project with Maya Bridge.

Besides improving health care to her communitys grandmothers and grandfathers, Ellison appreciates the cross-generational power found in sharing and preserving her ancestral language.

If Ellson and other young people from her tribe can protect and pass along their Navajo language skills, then, she asks, who knows what amazing things can come about?
(NewsNation)  For the second year in a row, the Northeast dominated Zillows list of the most popular housing markets.

Manchester, New Hampshire, topped the real estate websites 2024 rankings, which were based on consumer demand metrics like page-view traffic, home value growth and how quickly homes sold.

Typical home values are up 7.4% in Manchester over the past year, climbing to $415,000. The city has gained particular attention from buyers outside the area, suggesting a strong interest in relocating there, Zillow said.

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The top 10 housing hot spots for 2025

Four cities in Connecticut made the top ten: Stamford, Bridgeport, New Haven and Waterbury.

Other Northeastern cities  like Allentown, Pennsylvania, and Columbia, Maryland  were also among the most popular.

The majority of the cities on this years list were exurbs  smaller towns beyond the suburbs but still within commuting distance of a major metro area.

Silver tsunami wont solve affordable housing crisis: Zillow

With the rise of hybrid work models, more people are discovering hidden-gem cities they might have previously overlooked when daily commutes were the norm, Zillow Chief Economist Skylar Olsen said in a statement.

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Olsen added: Buyers are seeking out locations that offer the right mix of affordable living and lifestyle amenities.

Only three cities outside the Northeast cracked the top ten: two in Illinois  Rockford and Peoria  and Sunnyvale, California.

Zillows top 10 most popular markets of 2024:

Manchester, New Hampshire Rockford, Illinois Stamford, Connecticut Columbia, Maryland Bridgeport, Connecticut Allentown, Pennsylvania Peoria, Illinois New Haven, Connecticut Waterbury, Connecticut Sunnyvale, California

Other popular housing markets in 2024

Zillow also determined the hottest markets across various categories.

Most popular large city: Toledo, Ohio

The typical home in Toledo is worth $121,000, making it an attractive option for buyers seeking affordability, Zillow noted.

Most popular small town: Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania

With a population of 12,000, Elizabethtown features picturesque streets, local shops and parks, all of which are attracting the interest of Zillow shoppers, the report said.

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Most popular coastal city: Milford, Connecticut

Zillow wrote: With 17 miles of coastline along Long Island Sound, the area has plenty of seaside attractions, including beaches, parks, boating and more.

Most popular vacation town: Portland, Maine

Renowned for its art scene, architecture and seafood, Portland draws visitors in search of a coastal getaway, according to Zillow.

Most popular retirement city: Pahrump, Nevada

Zillow: With a warm climate and more than one-third of its population ages 65 and older, Pahrump is an ideal community for retirees.

Most popular college town: Normal, Illinois

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Home to the Illinois State University Redbirds, Normal is now Zillows most popular college town.

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Jimmy Carter grew up as the oldest of four children with one brother, Billy, and two sisters, Gloria and Ruth.

The former president was born on Oct. 1, 1924, and lived to be 100. He died on Dec. 29 at his Plains, Ga., home, Jimmy's son James confirmed  nearly two years after he entered hospice care in February 2023.

Jimmy's sister, Gloria, was born two years after Jimmy in 1926. In 1929, Jimmys parents welcomed his second sister, Ruth, and in 1937, Jimmys brother, Billy, was born.



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Throughout his life, Jimmy was close to his younger siblings, all of whom died between 1983 and 1990. He even had his sister Ruth to thank for helping him get close to his late wife, Rosalynn Carter, who died on Nov. 19, 2023, at 96 years old.



Related: Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter's Relationship Timeline: Inside Their 77-Year Marriage

While none of his siblings followed suit in his political career, the Carter children all had paths of their own from running the family business to working as a faith healer.

From their childhoods to their careers, heres everything to know about Jimmy Carters siblings.

The Carter siblings grew up on a peanut farm

CORBIS/Corbis/Getty A portrait of President Jimmy Carter as a young boy with his sister Gloria circa 1928. A portrait of President Jimmy Carter as a young boy with his sister Gloria circa 1928.

Jimmy and his younger siblings were raised on the familys peanut farm in Georgia. Jimmys father, Earl, became the owner in 1928 when Jimmy was 4 years old and Gloria was 2. His two youngest siblings never knew life before the farm.

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The property came to be known as The Boyhood Farm, and Earl cultivated crops like corn, cotton and sugar cane in addition to peanuts. The Carter family also ran the Carter Warehouse, which was a peanut warehousing business in Jimmys hometown of Plains, Ga.

In the years before Jimmy was elected as president in 1976, Billy took over running the warehouse.

Gloria was passionate about motorcycle racing

UPI/Bettmann Archive/Getty Gloria Spann in New York, August 17th 1977. Gloria Spann in New York, August 17th 1977.

Gloria was an avid motorcycle enthusiast and was notably one of the first women inducted into Harley Davidsons 100,000 Mile Club. She was also named Most Outstanding Female Motorcyclist in 1978.

Gloria not only enjoyed riding, but she also was an activist for motorcyclist rights. In December 1976, she told the Muscatine Journal that as a member of the Georgia Motorcycle Rights organization, she planned to use her connections in the White House to advocate for motorcycle safety.

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I intend to advance the goals [of the organization] by contacting local legislators, speaking freely with members of the Carter administration and with my brother, especially on the rights of riders, she told the outlet.

After she died, a team of motorcyclists led the funeral procession in her honor, per The San Bernardino County Sun.

Ruth was a faith healer

Mikki Ansin/Getty Jimmy Carter and his sister Ruth Carter Stapleton campaigning in Boston, Massachusetts in 1976. Jimmy Carter and his sister Ruth Carter Stapleton campaigning in Boston, Massachusetts in 1976.

Jimmys second youngest sister turned to religion when it came to her career, and she published six books ranging in topics from her own personal life experiences to her views on inner healing. Per The New York Times, Ruth even built a retreat center, Hovita, for faith healing and to train others in her teachings.

She referred to herself as a spiritual healer and her technique involved focusing on ones childhood and imagining Jesus was with them in a trying situation. She also preached forgiving those close to a person in order to promote their own healing.

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''To me, it is communicating love to the negative repressed aspects in a human being, she said, per The New York Times, of her inner healing process.

When she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, she refused treatment and said she would rely on her faith in God to help her heal using prayer and meditation.

Billy and Jimmy had a turbulent relationship

Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group/Getty Jimmy Carter with brother Billy Carter in Plains, Georgia in 1977. Jimmy Carter with brother Billy Carter in Plains, Georgia in 1977.

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Billy took over the familys peanut warehouse when Jimmy ran for president, but he got into some trouble when the IRS inquired into a $220,000 loan Billy allegedly acquired from the Libyan government during Jimmys tenure.

Though the Senate found that Billy had not impacted any American policy between Libya and the U.S., the situation boded poorly for Jimmy ahead of the 1980 elections.

''I do not deny I brought most of my notoriety on myself, nor do I apologize for it,'' Billy told the Senate investigators of the situation, per The New York Times. ''I refused to conform to an image that a lot of people thought a President's brother should adopt. I considered myself to be a private individual who had not been elected to public office and resented the attention of different Government agencies that I began to hear from almost as soon as Jimmy was sworn in.''

Billy continued to make headlines while Jimmy was in the public eye, between his well-known love for beer, tax issues and derogatory comments made about Jewish people. When asked if he was embarrassed by Billy, Jimmy replied, I love him.

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Despite being advised by the White House to publicly distance himself from Billy, Jimmy refused to do so, with Stuart E. Eizenstat, a senior adviser to the President, telling The New York Times that they had an intense loyalty to each other.

Ruth was close to Rosalynn Carter

Bettmann Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter. Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter.

While Jimmy knew Rosalynn since the day she was born, since Rosalynn was closer in age to his sister Ruth, the two bonded immediately.

After Jimmy came back home for the summer before his final year at the U.S. Naval Academy, Ruth and Rosalynn were scheming a way to get them together. Ruth and I had been trying to get me together with him, she wrote in First Lady from Plains, her memoir. The rest was history.

All three of Jimmys siblings died of pancreatic cancer

Bettmann Jimmy Carter with his family in 1953. Jimmy Carter with his family in 1953.

Jimmys siblings all died of pancreatic cancer within a seven-year span of each other, following their dads death from the same illness thirty years earlier. Ruth first got sick with the disease in 1983 and she died just months after diagnosis on Sept. 26, 1983, refusing treatment. She was 54 years old. The Carters mother died of breast cancer  which also spread to her pancreas  only a month later on Oct. 30, 1983.

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Five years later, Billy was also diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and was told it was inoperable. He died quietly and peacefully in his sleep, per his obituary, on Sept. 25, 1988. He was 51 years old.

Less than two years later, Gloria died from pancreatic cancer on March 5, 1990, at 63 years old.

Read the original article on People
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was making headlines long before President-elect Donald Trump officially tapped him to oversee the Department of Health and Human Services. The outspoken anti-vaccine activist and nephew of late President John F. Kennedy is expected to impart sweeping changes at the century-old Food and Drug Administrationwhich is under the HHS umbrellaif he has his way. RFK Jr. and Trump have recited the tagline make America healthy again a number of times.

Here's how RFK Jr.a member of the famed Democratic familygot into Trumps circle and where his wealth comes from.

How RFK Jr. got his start, from Harvard to his first job in the Manhattan district attorney's office

After attending Tony private schools in his native Washington, D.C., RFK Jr. enrolled at Harvard University, where he graduated in 1976 with degrees in American history and literature. In 1982, he graduated from University of Virginia School of Law. RFK Jr.'s first job was as an assistant district attorney in the Manhattan DA's office. He spent one year there before resigning.

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RFK Jr. has spent most of his career in environmental activism, most famously with the Waterkeeper Alliance, as well in law, founding the Environmental Litigation Clinic at Pace University and opening a law firm called Kennedy & Madonna, LLP, where he represented everyone from states to individuals, nonprofits and Indian tribes against polluters.

Trump has multiple billionaire backers, such as the worlds richest man Elon Musk. Kennedy appeared to raise money for the so-called make America healthy again movement, but is he a billionaire like others in the Trump 2.0 realm? We dont think so. RFK Jr. did not immediately respond to Fortunes request for comment.

What is RFK Jr.'s net worth and where did his money come from?

Forbes last year estimated that RFK Jr.s net worth is about $15 million; that includes his partner actress Cheryl Hiness assets. Apparently, per Forbes, he doesnt have more money because of where he resides in the family tree.

He is a nephew to President John F. Kennedy and son to JFKs brother Robert F. Kennedy. RFK Jr. has four brothers and six sisters, meaning he splits family money with more siblings, whereas cousin Caroline Kennedy is the only living child of JFK.

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From his family money, he holds shares in the Kennedy trust. He inherited $4 million in assets, according to Forbes, including a $1.75 million to $6.5 million stake in Wolf Point, which appears to be a pretty big development in downtown Chicago that houses two luxury apartment towers and skyscrapers for office space. The land was originally purchased by his grandfather, Joseph P. Kennedy, who Fortune profiled in 1962.

Kennedy reportedly has $500,000 worth of investments managed by his familys Park Financial Holdings, plus a stake in Arctic Royalty (which leases land for oil and gas extraction) worth between $31,000 and $115,000. Earlier this year, Politico reported the connection that Kennedy, an environment lawyer, made money off an oil and gas company.

For his own fortune, he made more than $5 million through his law firm (where he holds a stake valued between $1 million and $5 million), in the year leading up to the race. He works at other law firms, too. Kennedy earned almost $1.6 million during the same period from Wisner Baum and about $315,000 from JW Howard Attorneys. He also received about $516,000 in salary and bonuses from the nonprofit Childrens Health Defense, $150,000 from Marwood Group, $125,000 from Skyhorse Publishing, and some other smaller amounts, sometimes from speaking engagements, according to a 2023 financial disclosure filing published by Politico.

Together, he and his wife (who has her own money, too, of course) apparently have between $100,000 and $250,000 of Bitcoin. And after selling a $5.9 million property in 2021, they purchased a $7 million 5,900-square-foot home in Los Angeles, and theyd previously bought a home on the East Coast worth about $3 million, per Forbes. Although who knows how long theyll share real estate; Hines is supposedly considering filing for divorce because of her husbands alleged affair with a reporter, according to People.

How RFK Jr. got involved in politics and the Trump administration

The heir to an American political dynasty, it was only a matter of time before RFK Jr. ran for office.

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He officially announced he was running for president in 2023, first as a challenge to Joe Biden to be the Democratic nominee, then as an independent candidate. But he dropped out and endorsed Trump. Rumors quickly spread that Kennedy might join Trump in the White House. On Election Day, Kennedy posted: If you want to see me in Washington, DC, VOTE FOR PRESIDENT TRUMP. A week after Trump's win, he announced his intention to tap RFK Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services.

More reading on RFK Jr. from Fortune:

A version of this story originally published on Fortune.com on November 8, 2024.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
(NewsNation)  Bidding farewell to your favorite navigation app could help reduce the risk of Alzheimers disease.

Thats according to a new study, which found taxi and ambulance drivers in the United States recorded the lowest percentage of deaths attributed to Alzheimers across more than 400 jobs.

Roughly 1% of taxi drivers and 0.91% of ambulance drivers died from the disease, while other occupations recorded nearly 3.9% of deaths.

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Researchers link these findings to the demands of a driving-based job, which they describe as occupations that demand frequent spatial and navigational processing.

Being a Disney princess is risky to health: Study

Theyre making decisions literally every few seconds about where to go, where to turn, senior study author Dr. Anupam Jena told The Wall Street Journal. The way that your brain is used over the course of your career or the course of your life might impact the likelihood that someone develops dementia.

Navigating road closures and sudden traffic situations could be pivotal to preventing hippocampal atrophy, an early characteristic of Alzheimers disease, in turn keeping drivers sharper, the researchers posit.

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Its probably unlikely that being a taxi driver prevented people from getting Alzheimers disease pathology in the brain, but it allowed them to mask some of the symptoms for longer, Dr. David Wolk, director of the University of Pennsylvania Alzheimers Disease Research Center, told the Journal.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
Why is my life considered more important than a Ukrainian life? Why am I considered more important than the people I meet in Ukraine, who  even in the darkest times  still often extend such kindness and hospitality that you can't help but fall in love with this country? This isnt just an opinion; its a fact beyond these borders, simply because I am not Ukrainian.

Nights ago, I met with a friend. As we sat in a cafe on Kyivs Khreshchatyk Street, the air raid sirens went off. It was hard not to think back to a conversation we had the week before: If we were killed by the same missile, my death would be news, but yours would only be a statistic.

British man killed in Russian missile strike.

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British man killed in Kyiv named.

Read also: Russia terrorizes Ukraine with mass missile, drone attack against energy grid on Christmas morning

Under both headlines, those around me, killed alongside me, would be nothing but a number in a footnote, if mentioned at all.

In late-November, when the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine issued a warning about a possible major Russian aerial attack, it made sure to encourage U.S. citizens to remain vigilant. No mention of the millions of Ukrainians who wouldnt think twice about helping someone else, no matter the circumstances.

Indeed, last week when I was arriving in Zaporizhzhia  just as the country was being attacked by over 200 missiles and drones  it was a Ukrainian friend, hiding in a shelter in Kyiv, who told me to call them immediately if I needed help.

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When I speak to people back in the U.K., they tell me theyve seen the news over the past couple of weeks and urge me to leave. They seem shocked when I say that, no matter what happens, I wont just run away but will stay by those I care about here.

Often, they cant understand why I would care about the friends I have in Ukraine, or why Id be friends with them at all. Or theres a sense that they believe I should value my Ukrainian friends less than those from elsewhere. It becomes hard to explain that, in many cases, the opposite is true.

It would be easy to dismiss this perception as merely a result of war and death being part of everyday life in Ukraine  though that justification is morally wrong. But its more than that.

While the past three years have made a difference, its undeniable that many in the West still have an unconscious ignorance toward Ukraine, especially its history. Few know that Kyiv thrived long before Moscow was even a muddy village, and fewer still agree that the war began long before Feb. 24, 2022. Perhaps this is what has led to the current situation, where the safety of the West and the lives of those living there are seen as more important than those of Ukrainians.

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As I write this, air alerts across Ukraine continue. Hours ago, I heard a loud explosion not far from where I am, and reports indicate further explosions in Kyiv and across the country. Millions are starting the day without power or heat in below-freezing temperatures. Major cities cannot operate their transport infrastructure, and houses, schools, hospitals, and more have been damaged, with countless lives torn apart. Children are traumatized once again.

Join our community Support independent journalism in Ukraine. Join us in this fight. Support us

Meanwhile, less than 80 kilometers (50 miles) over the border in Poland, NATO forces in Rzeszow stand ready to protect Polish skies if any missile crosses the border. They have all the military equipment and resources to prevent further strikes in a country where NATO leaders have pledged to stand by and support, no matter what. But rather than acting, we see cowardice and an ongoing fear of provoking the provokers, agitating the agitators, and escalating a conflict against an aggressor who considers no price too high to achieve its imperialistic and genocidal ambitions.

And why? Because in the West, Ukrainian lives are not as important as our own.

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If they were, political anger would not be raging over the decision to allow Ukraine to strike back with Western missiles, and that decision wouldnt have taken nearly 1,000 days to make.

If they were, there would be no question about future support, and the gains made by Ukrainian forces two years ago would not have been lost.

Its easy to dismiss this as a war between Russia and Ukraine, rather than a war between Russia and freedom, even in the face of mounting evidence of Russian attacks and interference in the West. But it takes either arrogance or blind ignorance to deny that it is the Ukrainian people who are doing and sacrificing the most  not just for their own lives and freedoms, but also to protect those in the West who still live with the luxury of choosing to look the other way.

When I speak to people in the West about Ukraine and the people I know here, they often ask, I support the Ukrainian people, but what should we actually do? The answer is simple: everything we can, but let's start by giving their lives the same value as our own.

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Editors Note: The opinions expressed in the op-ed section are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Kyiv Independent.

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Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Former President Jimmy Carter, who made several significant visits to Wisconsin during his political career and humanitarian work, died Sunday in Georgia at age 100.

Wisconsin's political world reacted to the news Sunday afternoon, celebrating Carter's public service during  and beyond  his presidency.

Here are some of the bipartisan tributes Wisconsin politicians posted on social media or released through statements. This story may be updated as more Wisconsin figures react.

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers

Democratic Gov. Tony Evers called Carter "a committed and dedicated advocate for peace, human rights, and treating others with dignity, decency, and respect  qualities that earned him respect and admiration from many across our country and around the world."

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"He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of humanitarian and public health achievements not only during and throughout his presidency but beyond it, as well," Evers said in a statement.

Evers said he and first lady Kathy Evers extend their sympathies to Carter's family and loved ones.

Evers said he will soon order U.S. and state flags to fly at half-staff in Wisconsin in accordance with federal law, which requires the U.S. flag to fly at half-staff for 30 days following the death of a former president.

U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin

Baldwin, a Democrat representing Wisconsin in the U.S. Senate, said Carter "was a leader who dedicated his life to fighting for others."

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"While he will be sorely missed, his legacy of compassion, humility, and service will long be remembered and honored. My heart is with the Carter family and American people mourning this loss," Baldwin said.

U.S. Rep. Scott Fitzgerald

Fitzgerald, a Republican who represents the Milwaukee suburbs in Congress, said he was "sad to hear of the passing of former President Jimmy Carter."

"He gave decades of dedicated service to our country  as a naval officer, a state senator, Governor of Georgia, and as President. I pray for the Carter family to find peace during this difficult time," Fitzgerald said.

U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden

Van Orden, who represents the western part of Wisconsin, said Carter "served our nation as a Navy man, president, and humanitarian."

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"May God grant him gentle repose and his family, peace," Van Orden said.

U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan

Pocan, a Democrat who represents the Madison area, called Carter a "great American."

"From his groundbreaking work for peace in the Middle East to his decades of work with Habitat for Humanity, he was a beacon of service. A champion for human rights, including LGBTQI+, he was a role model for many. He will be missed," Pocan said.

U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore

"Today as we mourn the loss of President Jimmy Carter, we must remember and honor his remarkable life," said Moore, a Democrat who represents the Milwaukee area.

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"A true public servant, he dedicated his life to peace, compassion, and service. His legacy of humility and humanity will inspire generations to come."

U.S. Rep. Tony Wied

"RIP to former President Jimmy Carter. My prayers are with his family at this time and I am thankful for his service to our country," said Wied, a newly elected Republican representing northeastern Wisconsin.

State Rep. Barbara Dittrich

"My thanks for President Carter's service to our great nation. God bless his loved ones as they grieve his passing," said Dittrich, a Republican state representative from Oconomowoc.

Democratic Party of Wisconsin chair Ben Wikler

Wikler, who is running to lead the Democratic National Committee, called Carter "a visionary leader and a singularly good person."

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"His remarkable lifetime of service  from Plains, Georgia to the White House and beyond  exemplified the best of what America could be," Wikler said in a statement. "His loss is felt in all corners of our country, and the Democratic Party of Wisconsin offers our deepest condolences to President Carters family and loved ones."

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Jimmy Carter dies at 100, Wisconsin politicians send tributes
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday mourned the demise of Patna Mahavir Mandir Trust Secretary and former IPS officer Kishore Kunal, saying that his demise is an "irreparable loss" in the administrative and social sector. CM Kumar said that Kishore Kunal was an efficient administrator and sensitive officer and his demise is a "sad" event. In a social media post on X, CM Nitish Kumar said, "The demise of Acharya Kishore Kunal ji, former IPS officer, former president of Bihar State Religious Trust Board and founder secretary of Mahavir Mandir Trust Committee is sad. He was an efficient administrator and sensitive officer. His demise has caused irreparable loss in the administrative and social sector. I pray to God for eternal peace of the departed soul." https://x.com/NitishKumar/status/1873240800718700976 Kishore Kunal, a retired IPS officer and the Secretary of the Mahavir Mandir Trust of Patna passed away on Sunday morning from cardiac arrest. Kunal suffered a cardiac arrest early Sunday morning after which he was rushed to the hospital. But, he was declared dead at 8 am in the morning. His last rites will be performed on Monday at Konarah Ghat in Bihar's Hajipur district at around 2 pm. Kishore Kunal was a retired Indian Police Service (IPS) officer who had a significant impact in administrative, social and religious fields. He served as the President of the Bihar State Religious Trust Board and as the Secretary of the Mahavir Mandir Trust in Patna. Earlier today, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary expressed condolences on his demise and prayed for the peace of the departed soul. Choudhary said that the state of Bihar has suffered a great loss due to his demise. "The news of the death of former IPS officer Acharya Kishor Kunal ji, President of Patna Mahavir Mandir Trust, due to heart attack is extremely sad. Kishor Kunal ji has played an important role in the religious and social field. Bihar has suffered a great loss due to his departure. May God grant peace to the departed soul. Om Shanti," Choudhary posted on X. (ANI)
It was Feb. 7, 1975, when a little-known 50-year-old former southern governor came to Wisconsin for the first time in his improbable quest to become President of the United States.

During a two-day dash, the candidate met with Milwaukee Mayor Henry Maier, spent time with editors and reporters from The Milwaukee Journal and spoke with young Democrats in Eau Claire and the Jaycees in Madison.

But it was a brief moment on an airplane that set the tone of the early campaign.

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"I'm Jimmy Carter from Georgia," the candidate said as he shook hands with a man sitting next to him on a jet leaving Milwaukee.

"THE Jimmy Carter?" the passenger responded.

In 1976, Carter would be elected president.

Carter died Sunday afternoon in Plains, Georgia, at age 100. As the country remembers Carter, here are five significant connections between the 39th president and Wisconsin.

A young Joe Biden came to Madison to endorse Carter

Two men who would become president found common ground in Wisconsin during the 1976 presidential primary.

The first elected official outside Georgia to endorse Carter for the presidency that year was Joe Biden, then a 33-year-old U.S. senator from Delaware.

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I think Carter is the guy who can win, Biden said at a campaign stop in Madison. He called Carter a good old boy who understands whats happening in the industrial states.

In a 2021 video tribute for the documentary called "Carterland," Biden said he would never forget the day he traveled to Wisconsin, March 25, 1976, to make the endorsement.

"Some of my colleagues in the Senate thought it was youthful exuberance on my part," Biden recalled. "Well, I was exuberant."

Biden added: "But as I said then, 'Jimmy's not just a bright smile, he can win and appeal to more segments of the population than any other person.' "

Carter's path to the White House went through Wisconsin

During the state's 1976 Democratic primary, Carter battled Arizona Congressman Morris (Mo) Udall. The early returns went Udall's way and an early edition of the April 7, 1976, Milwaukee Sentinel famously declared: "Carter Upset by Udall."

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But it turned out the race flipped Carter's way late as he edged Udall in Wisconsin. The morning after, Carter gleefully held up the Sentinel front page.

The general election between Carter and then-President Gerald Ford was another epic battle in Wisconsin. Polls in the state showed a tight contest. At a Serb Hall breakfast in early September, Carter told 1,000 people, "We need someone who can lead for a change ... We need someone who can manage the government."

He added: "I know what it means to be proud of my government but sometimes in the last few years we haven't been so proud."

Ford made a late appearance in Milwaukee in a bid to flip the state. But Carter won Wisconsin and its then 11 electoral votes by about 36,000 votes.

Complex relationship with Patrick Lucey

During the 1976 presidential race, Wisconsin Gov. Patrick Lucey enthusiastically campaigned for Carter in the Upper Midwest. Carter named Lucey as U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, a post he would hold for two years and four months.

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But when he returned to Wisconsin, Lucey broke with Carter, who was facing political woes and an eventual tough three-way battle for the White House in 1980 against Republican Ronald Reagan and independent John B. Anderson.

First, Lucey, a longtime friend of the Kennedy family, signed up as a co-chair of Ted Kennedy's insurgent campaign for the 1980 Democratic nomination. When that went belly-up, Lucey gave up his spot as a convention delegate and drove home to Wisconsin.

Then came the final break: Lucey took the vice presidential slot with Anderson, a Republican congressman from Illinois.

Lucey was unsparing in his criticism of Carter. "I have not abandoned the Democratic Party. It is Jimmy Carter who has abandoned the Democratic Party."

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The Anderson-Lucey ticket received 7% of the popular vote in Wisconsin, and 6.6% of the popular vote nationally.

Carter campaigns in Reagan country

Carter faced long odds in 1980.

Democrats were split (the Carter-Kennedy race went to the convention), Iran held American hostages and the economy was sputtering.

It was the year of the Reagan Democrat as the former California governor cut into a key part of the Democratic base, working-class voters in states like Wisconsin.

A red flag went up for the Democrats during the Wisconsin primary. For the first time since 1956, Republicans outdrew Democrats. Reagan also campaigned on what was then Democratic turf, drawing a large crowd at Serb Hall.

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In early October, Carter flew into Mitchell Airport as his press secretary, Jody Powell, conceded the president was behind in Wisconsin but could still pull it out. Carter appeared at the Milwaukee Area Technical College's West Campus in West Allis, touring classrooms as he sought to connect to voters. He lit into Reagan's proposal to cut taxes, charging: "It glitters. It promises quick results, easy answers, but it ends up being worthless."

In November, Wisconsin was among the 44 states to go to Reagan.

Building Habitat for Humanity homes in Milwaukee

In June 1989, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter came to Milwaukee to spearhead a weeklong Habitat for Humanity build project at North 23rd Street and West Walnut Street.

They were there to help build six new homes and rehab eight others.

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Dressed in jeans and wielding hammers and saws, the Carters were like any of the other 1,000 volunteers, only they had quite a megaphone.

When wet weather threatened the project, Carter took to the local airwaves to plea for roofers. The next morning, a team of roofers showed up.

Habitat has been kind of a new lifes experience  a new adventure, inspirational, unpredictable and very gratifying," Carter said. "For us, its a lot more interesting, a lot more exciting, a lot more pleasurable to spend a week working with our friends on a Habitat project than it would be to go to the Virgin Islands."

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Jimmy Carter's 5 most significant connections to Wisconsin
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Kansas City homicide detectives are looking for clues that will lead them to make an arrest in a deadly shooting where a woman was killed on Saturday night.

Kansas City police say the shooting happened in 7600 block of Monroe, which is slightly east of 71 Highway and 75th Street, just after 10 p.m.

Three new Missouri laws to know for 2025

As officers were headed to the scene, someone who was driving the victim to a hospital flagged them down and asked for help. Officers gave first aid before emergency responders took the victim to a hospital, but she died from her injuries.

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KCPD identified her as 18-year-old Zamauria Jones.

Investigators havent said what led up to the shooting and havent arrested anyone yet. If you know something that will help with this investigation, call detectives directly at (816) 234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline at (816) 474-TIPS.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
Weve been through a lot over the past 12 months  a tumultuous election, scandals both foreign and domestic, crazy weather, pain at the gas pump and the grocery aisle and, as fitting coda, a freakout over drones. And yet, there were plenty of bright spots along the way.

Heres a month-by-month look back at some of San Luis Obispo Countys highlights  but to balance things out, we included some lowlights as well.

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Happy New Year and, as always, thanks for reading!

January

Best: Tuti and Nour, together again

Nour Makhoul, a young Syrian refugee who relocated to San Luis Obispo County, was reunited with Tuti, a fluffy Bichon Frise she had to leave behind when she fled Syria. With the help of some good-hearted SLO folks who helped raise funds to transport Tuti to the United States, Nour had a joyous January reunion with her pooch.

I will remember this moment to the end of my life, Nour said.

Worst: Grover Beach water war

Grover H2O, a group of South County residents led by former Mayor Debbie Peterson, issued its first official news release in January.

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Sure, members had every right to protest water and sewer rate increases. But they went overboard when they launched a vindictive effort to recall three council members  including the mayor  for supporting the rate increases.

February

Best: What a leap!

At least nine babies were born at hospitals in SLO County and Santa Maria (where many SLO County moms give birth) on Feb. 29. Their next official birthday will be on Feb. 29, 2028.

Worst: Hand in the till

An information technology supervisor who worked for SLO County was arrested on suspicion of embezzling what was later calculated to be $500,000 over a six-year period.

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Norman Hibble used a county credit card to buy items for himself, including a crossbow, DJ equipment, a telescope, camera gear and an electric scooter. He eventually pleaded no contest to seven felony counts and was sentenced to six years in prison. He also lost his job.

March

Best: Whew! St. Frattys Day did not descend into a riot

Heres how reporter Chloe Jones set the scene: St. Frattys Day brought thousands of college-aged partiers to the streets of San Luis Obispo on March 16  the majority packed into one neighborhood near Cal Poly on Hathway Avenue. What it didnt bring was lines of police officers in riot gear and armed for a fight. ...

Police Chief Rick Scott was credited for his leadership, which basically came down to this: When it comes to policing large crowds, sometimes less can be more.

Worst: But partiers did do some serious damage

Vandalism and thefts were reported at some on-campus buildings. Damage was especially bad at the Muir Hall dorm, where 300 students had to be evacuated while fire suppression and alarm systems were restored.

April

Best: SLO County supervisors approve Dana Reserve

It will take down more than 3,000 oak trees, increase South County traffic and anger some neighbors, but the Dana Reserve development will add 1,470 homes, including some in the low= and mid-range price categories, and thats not nothing.

Worst: 3 local cities join million-dollar club

In news that highlighted the unaffordability of SLO County housing  and the need for more residential development  a Zillow analysis found that median home prices in SLO, Arroyo Grande and Cambria had passed the $1 million mark.

May

Best: SLO County ranch the size of S.F. is preserved forever

The 32,000-acre Camatta Ranch east of Santa Margarita was declared off-limits to future development thanks to an agreement between The Land Conservancy and the Morrison family, which owns and manages the ranch.

Runner-up: Woo hoo! SLO drops parking rates. Paso returns to free parking.

Following a public outcry in two cities, officials buckled. The SLO City Council reduced rates  and apologized to citizens  and the Paso Robles Council canceled fees altogether. Power to the people!

Worst (with a caveat) Necklace is in trouble!

A elephant seal with plastic strap wrapped around her neck  hence the name Necklace  was facing death by strangulation. But then the Marine Mammal Center and Friends of the Elephant Seal teamed up on an operation to remove the plastic strap. Not a happy situation for Necklace, but good Samaritans managed to turn a worst into a best.

June

Best: Welcome aboard

Cal State announced a plan to bring the financially struggling Cal Maritime Academy based in Vallejo under Cal Polys umbrella. The program will remain in Vallejo, but Poly will take on administrative and marketing duties and provide fundraising assistance, while expanding its learn by doing brand.

Worst: Atascadero Zoombombing

Hecklers spewed homophobic hate during a discussion of a Pride Month resolution. Not only that, the City Council decided to stick with its no proclamations policy and declined to formally recognize Pride Month. This was one of those times when the spirit of the law should have won out over the letter

July

Best: Christmas is saved!

The Board of Supervisors upheld a 15-year permit for the popular Cambria Christmas market when it unanimously denied an appeal filed by a neighbor. We dont doubt that its annoying to live next to the market, which recently ranked as the 14th most overcrowded Christmas markets in the U.S., but its great for the local economy. Besides, Christmas only comes once a year.

Worst: Porn at the Board of Supervisors

In a deluded effort to persuade the Board of Supervisors to oppose passage of a Pride resolution, a group of public commenters showed a video taken at a San Francisco street festival that included full frontal male nudity and oral sex  a warning of what could happen in SLO County. The resolution passed anyway, on a 3-1 vote with one abstention.

August

Best: SLO County goes independent

Elected politicians  in this case, the Board of Supervisors  will no longer be in charge of redistricting, which should put an end to gerrymandering. A bill sponsored by local State Sen. John Laird easily passed in both houses, putting the power in the hands of an 11-member commission of private citizens who, incidentally, will not be chosen by the Board of Supervisors.

Worst: Bob Jones Trail in jeopardy

A years-long effort to complete the Bob Jones city-to-sea bicycle trail appeared doomed when the Board of Supervisors voted against using eminent domain to secure property from an unwilling owner once described by a former neighbor as the most difficult man in the county, if not the state of California.

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Four votes were needed to move forward with eminent domain. Supervisor Debbie Arnold voted no, and Supervisor John Peschong abstained because he had accepted campaign contributions from the aforementioned difficult man.

September

Best: The SLO County District Attorneys Office prosecutes voter fraud

DA Dan Dow sent a message to anyone contemplating a run for public office. (See below)

Worst: A candidate fudges (AKA lies) about where she lives

A write-in candidate who challenged county Supervisor Dawn-Ortiz Legg in the March primary was charged with voter fraud, perjury and filing false papers to run for office. Michelle Marie Morrow, 55, of Grover Beach claimed to live in District 3 when she actually lived in District 4.

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Morrow would go on to plead no contest to filing a false declaration of candidacy and fraudulent attempts to vote; she is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 6.

October

Best: Its alive!

The Board of Supervisors voted 3-1 to reroute the Bob Jones Trail extension to bypass property owned by the difficult man who refused to sell. But its not a done deal yet  the new route must be approved by the California Transportation Committee if the county is to keep its $18.5 million grant for the project.



Worst: Bye-Bye Morro Bay!



After extolling the virtues of working with the city of Morro Bay, Vistra Corp. switched gears and announced it would ask the state for a permit for the battery storage plant it wants to build at the old power plant site. But it promises to keep in touch.



Together, we will ensure that the plan to deploy zero-carbon energy technologies at the former fossil-fuel site will be done in a manner that is good for the environment, it wrote in a letter to the city.





November

Best: SLO County voters open their wallets

All eight local tax and bond measures passed: sales tax measures were approved in Atascadero, Arroyo Grande, Paso Robles, Pismo Beach and bond measures passed n the Atascadero, Lucia Mar and Templeton school districts and the Cambria healthcare district.

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Runners up: There were several notable wins, but we were especially pleased that Grover Beach voters picked Kassi Dee over Debbie Peterson, and San Luis Coastal voters overwhelmingly chose Erica Flores Baltodano.

Worst: Conspiracy theories live on

They got what they wanted: TFG (the former guy) is back in power and even California went conservative on some issues (Proposition 36, for example). Yet some members of the far-right are still spreading conspiracy theories, including our own Darcia Stebbens. She went on talk radio and among other wild allegations, accused County Clerk-Recorder Elaina Cano of deliberately delaying the tabulation of ballots cast in person so that liberal candidates would take an early lead.

Runners-up: There were some disappointing results in local races, but two stand out: Grover Beach voters recalled Councilmember Dan Rushing (see January) and Atascadero school board Trustee Matt Pennon, one of the most well-qualified school board candidates weve ever met, was defeated by two candidates with zero experience.

December

Best: Its finally official!

After decades of discussion, the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary became a reality. The sanctuary protects more than 4,500 square miles of the Pacific Ocean off the coasts of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties from oil drilling and other sea floor disturbances.

Runner-up: Its finally, finally official!

The Los Osos building moratorium was lifted after 35 years. Enough said.

Worst: Paso Robles mess gets messier

City Manager Ty Lewis filed a police report alleging that Cal Coast News reporter Karen Velie and her associate, Glenn OHagan, tried to extort him. And Cal Coast News published a series called Eye on Ty that is heavy on accusations but light on proof.

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The scandal has been brewing for months, ever since it was revealed that Lewis had taken an extended leave of absence due to stress associated with run-ins with Councilmember Chris Bausch, a notorious bully who, as weve said in an editorial, is unfit for office.

Its been further alleged that Bausch has colluded with Cal Coast News to force Ty out of office.

This isnt over. Stay tuned in 2025.
(Bloomberg) -- A senior Republican lawmaker urged President-elect Donald Trumps intervention to avoid a House leadership battle, saying he should reach out to GOP members who havent committed to reelecting Mike Johnson as speaker.

Most Read from Bloomberg

With the speakership vote scheduled for Jan. 3 and Trump about to take office, the tiny Republican majority in the House is raising the specter of a factional fight among Republicans like the one that led to Kevin McCarthys removal as speaker last year.

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We have five Republicans that wont commit to voting for Mike Johnson  and he can only lose one or two votes, House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer said on Fox News Sunday Morning Futures. Its a terrible challenge.

Johnson has faced ire from some ultraconservative lawmakers after backing a temporary spending deal that didnt include Trumps initial demand for lifting the US debt ceiling. While Trump hasnt taken a public stand on the speakers future, no declared challenger to Johnson has emerged.

I strongly encourage Donald Trump to get on the phone with those five or six members who wont commit to voting for Mike Johnson, because all this is going to do is delay us, including on the certification of Trumps election victory and his early agenda as president, Comer said.

New York Representative Mike Lawler warned ultraconservative Republicans against moving to topple Johnson.

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The fact is that these folks are playing with fire, Lawler said on ABCs This Week. And if they think theyre somehow going to get a more conservative speaker, theyre kidding themselves.

Republicans can count on 219 House seats, Lawler said, and need 218 votes to elect a speaker without Democratic support. GOP congressman Thomas Massie of Kentucky has said he wont support Johnson.

Lawler called the infighting that led to the October 2023 House vote to oust McCarthy as speaker the single stupidest thing Ive ever seen in politics.

With that said, removing Mike Johnson would equally be as stupid, he said.

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Trumps decisive election victory in November and his sway over House Republicans means he could wield his power to try to install someone else as speaker, though he hasnt taken a public stand on Johnsons future.

We cant get anything done unless we have a speaker, including certifying President Trumps election on Jan. 6, Lawler said. So to waste time over a nonsensical intramural food fight is a joke.

(Updates with Comer comments starting in first paragraph.)

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One Georgia high school has gone all-in on artificial intelligence.

Students at Seckinger High School learn math, science, English, and history through an AI lens.

Teachers say students are more engaged and better prepared for the jobs of the future.

Prior to joining the faculty at Seckinger High School, art teacher Megan Fowler's only experience with anything even resembling artificial intelligence was a single graphic design class in college.

But as her teaching career progressed, "I just felt like what I was teaching was not necessarily applicable to students' future careers," she told Business Insider.

Now, Fowler, who is in her 13th year of teaching, uses AI every day. Whether she's teaching students how to use large language models like ChatGPT as an artistic thought partner, introducing kids to the ethical considerations of generative art, or spearheading AI-centered professional development content for fellow teachers, Fowler has fully submitted to the power of machine learning.

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Seckinger High School, located in Gwinnett County, Georgia, opened its doors in August 2022, right as AI went big. The public school, with an enrollment of about 2,000 students, operates like any other public school in Georgia's largest school district, with one critical distinction: Students at Seckinger learn all the standard fare  math, science, English, and social studies  via an AI-embedded educational experience.

With outside help from tech partners and community collaborators, including Google and Microsoft, as well as higher ed experts and school district leaders, Gwinnett County Public Schools created an "AI-ready" framework for Seckinger students, replete with six components ranging from technical proficiency to ethics, said Sallie Holloway, director of artificial intelligence and computer science at the district.

"Our students are making connections to their future that is not as common in other schools," Holloway said.

Teachers and administrators at the school see it as their responsibility to prepare students for the jobs of the future, many of which will require advanced knowledge of AI, four Seckinger educators told BI.

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And it's an approach that is likely to pay off, according to education experts.

Bree Dusseault, managing director at the Center for Reinventing Education, cited an Institute for the Future statistic that approximately 85% of the jobs that will be available in 2030 don't yet exist.

"So, how do we build a school system that is helping prepare our students for this new future?"

Students at Seckinger have the option to dive into the AI pathway. Courtesy of Gwinnett County Public Schools

How it works

Seckinger staff members explain the school's AI approach using a water-based metaphor. Students can choose to swim, snorkel, or scuba dive in the oceans of AI.

"We like to say that all of our kids are swimming in AI," said teacher Jason Hurd, who heads the AI career and technical education pathway at Seckinger. "They are exposed to it, have access to it, see it integrated into their lessons across all content areas at school."

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Next are the snorkelers, students who want to dive a bit deeper into the tech. They might take an AI elective class or join the robotics team.

Scuba divers, meanwhile, are the students who opt to enroll in the school's AI pathway, which immerses students to the nuanced mechanics of AI via three advanced courses. These students finish high school prepared to go into a specific field involving AI, Hurd said.

AI integration at Seckinger looks very different depending on the class, subject, and teacher.

For example, Scott Gaffney, a social studies teacher, uses AI to teach students historical problem-solving. In one instance, Gaffney presented students with an outbreak of cholera in 1854 London and asked them to use AI to map the spread via dot distribution. The students then used AI to analyze the data and pinpoint the nexus of the outbreak to a specific street, he told BI.

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"Gen Z processes information way faster than previous generations," Gaffney said. "It's fun to present them with a challenge and task them to use AI to get the solution."

Hurd's AI pathway course covers everything from programming to applied reasoning to ethics.

"I tell students that some days it will feel like a math class, some days it will like a philosophy class, some days it will feel like a history class," Hurd said.

Teachers at Seckinger say students seem more engaged. Courtesy of Gwinnett County Public Schools

How it's working so far

The school, which is currently in its third year of operations, is still in pilot mode as the district waits to see what aspects of Seckinger's AI approach are ready to scale and share across the rest of the 142-school system, Holloway said.

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But the anecdotal results thus far have been overwhelmingly positive, educators said.

"Kids aren't skipping class as much and there's a genuine interest in how teachers are teaching this content," Holloway said. "It's not a magic bullet, but they really are seeing an increase in engagement."

It helps that students at Seckinger generally feel like they know why they're learning something and how it might help them down the line, teachers said.

While there was some early community skepticism around Seckinger's AI concept, educators said that parent attitudes have done a 180 in the last three years.

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"Parents want their kids to go here, and kids want to be here," Fowler said.

Still in its infancy, the school has yet to graduate a cohort that spent a full four years at Seckinger. Hurd, who runs the AI pathway, said he's gotten great feedback from former students who have gone on to enroll at Georgia Tech. Similarly, Fowler said she's seen some students go on to study digital art or user experience after graduating from Seckinger.

Looking to the future

Part of the fun  and challenge  for Seckinger teachers is staying up-to-date with the rapidly evolving technology. When the district first began discussing the idea behind Seckinger in 2019, ChatGPT had yet to be released. Today, it has over 180 million users.

"Algebra has always been algebra and will be forever," Hurd said. "But the field of AI is constantly changing.

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While some schools and districts are taking a hard-line approach to dealing with AI in education  banning tools like ChatGPT or Gemini from school servers  Seckinger staff are excited to see how their students can use AI to one day change the world.

"There were once things called Google and Wikipedia that people thought would ruin education," Gaffney said. "They haven't. They've actually sharpened our future leaders."

Read the original article on Business Insider
President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed condolences on Dec. 29 to the families of victims and the people of South Korea following a tragic Jeju Air plane crash that killed at least 176 people, marking the worst air disaster involving a South Korean airline in decades.

The Jeju Air jetliner, carrying 175 passengers and six crew members, crash-landed at Muan International Airport in Muan County.

Two crew members survived, while three individuals remain unaccounted for, according to local fire and rescue officials.

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"Tragic news of a devastating Jeju Air accident at Muan International Airport in Muan County, Republic of Korea, claiming so many lives. Each life lost is an immeasurable tragedy," Zelensky said.

Ukraines president expressed deep condolences to the families and the Korean people, as well as Acting South Korean President Choi Sang-mok.

"We share your sorrow and stand with the Korean people in this time of grief," Zelensky said.

Read also: Russia may escalate hybrid warfare near NATO borders, Yermak warns

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced that he has chosen a "strong candidate" for the position of military ombudsman, with the corresponding decree set to be published on Monday, 30 December.

Source: Presidents evening address

Quote: "Now, the first decision has been prepared  a decree on appointing the Presidents Commissioner for the Protection of the Rights of Military Personnel and their Families  to initiate the process and prepare for the launch of the ombudsmans institution.

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I have selected a candidate  a strong candidate. The decree will be published tomorrow. Together with the new commissioner, the human rights community and the Ministry of Defene, we will draft a corresponding bill on the Military Ombudsman and establish the institutional framework for its operation  powers, finances and everything else. I urge the Verkhovna Rada [Ukraines parliament  ed.] of Ukraine and the government to promptly support the innovations that will be proposed. We must launch the Military Ombudsmans work shortly."

Details: Zelenskyy noted that the creation of the military ombudsman institution was a request from the military and an objective necessity.

Quote: "We need a person who can effectively protect the rights of our warriors and such a systemic capacity so that the ombudsman, together with the Ministry of Defene and all the others who are needed, can really influence the situation and really help warriors and the families of our warriors.

We discussed the creation of this institution with the Minister of Defene of Ukraine, the military command and representatives of civil society. Many perspectives were considered."

Background:

On 18 November, Defence Minister Rustem Umierov announced that Ukraine would have a military ombudsman to protect the rights of servicemen. He also said that the appointment would be announced shortly.

On 19 November, Zelenskyy said that he had instructed the Ministry of Defence and the military command to select and appoint a military ombudsman in the near future.

Since 2022, soldiers have sent the Ukrainian Parliamentary Commissioner for Human Rights 1,964 complaints about military units.

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President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and the people of Korea over the Jeju Air plane crash that claimed the lives of more than 100 people.

Source: Zelenskyy on X (Twitter)

Quote from Zelenskyy: "Tragic news of a devastating Jeju Air accident at Muan International Airport in Muan County, Republic of Korea, claiming so many lives. Each life lost is an immeasurable tragedy.

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On behalf of the Ukrainian people and myself, I extend heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the people of Korea and Acting President Choi Sang-mok.

We share your sorrow and stand with the Korean people in this time of grief."

Background: A Jeju Air passenger plane crashed in western South Korea. The aircraft went off the runway and crashed into a fence before exploding. The death toll was reported to be 120.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged the people to resolve to eliminate the feelings of division and hatred in society as they participate in the Mahakumbh Mela in 2025. The Mahakumbh held once every 12 years, is scheduled to begin on January 13 and conclude on February 26, 2025, in Prayagraj. Addressing the 117th episode and final episode of 2024, PM Modi said, "The Mahakumbh is going to be held in Prayagraj from January 13. At this time, mammoth preparations are going on at the Sangam banks there. When we participate in the Kumbh, let us make a resolve to annihilate the feeling of division and hatred in society." PM Modi said that the Kumbh is the Mahakumbh of unity as there is no discrimination here and everyone is equal. "For the first time, an AI chatbot will be used in the Kumbh event. All kinds of information related to Kumbh will be available in 11 Indian languages through the AI chatbot. There is no discrimination anywhere, no one is big, no one is small. Therefore, our Kumbh is also the Maha Kumbh of Unity. Devotees will be provided information about government-approved tour packages, accommodation and homestay on their mobile phones," he said. He also said that in the 2025 Mahakumbh digital navigation will be available to aid devotees reach different ghats and temples with ease. "With the help of digital navigation, you will be able to reach different ghats, temples, and akharas of sadhus in Mahakumbh 2025 The same navigation system will also help you reach parking spaces. The entire Fair area is being covered with AI-powered cameras. If someone gets separated from one's kith and kin during the Kumbh, these cameras will help in finding them. Devotees will also get the facility of a digital lost & found centre," he added. The main bathing festival, known as the "Shahi Snan" (royal baths), will take place on January 14 (Makar Sankranti), January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), and February 3 (Basant Panchami) when the attendee's number is likely to be highest. Over 45 crore people are expected to attend the Mahakumbh which is held once every 12 years. Mann Ki Baat is Prime Minister Modi's monthly radio programme, where he discusses important national issues with the citizens of India. The programme is broadcast on the last Sunday of every month. Launched on October 3, 2014, Mann Ki Baat aims to connect with various segments of Indian society, encompassing women, the elderly, and the youth. Apart from 22 Indian languages and 29 dialects, 'Mann Ki Baat' is broadcast in 11 foreign languages, including French, Chinese, Indonesian, Tibetan, Burmese, Baluchi, Arabic, Pashtu, Persian, Dari, and Swahili. Mann Ki Baat is broadcast by more than 500 centers of All India Radio. (ANI)
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has proposed to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that Canada increase funding for the production of Ukrainian weapons and consider the possibility of localising the production of certain types of armaments.

Source: Zelenskyy on X (Twitter)

Details: Zelenskyy stated that he had spoken with Trudeau ahead of Canadas upcoming presidency of the G7.

The discussion focused on key priorities, including strengthening sanctions against Russia, particularly targeting its propaganda networks and shadow fleet.

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Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to Trudeau and the Canadian people for their unwavering support, including vital defence assistance like NASAMS.

Quote: "I also proposed increasing funding for Ukrainian weapons production and exploring opportunities for localised manufacturing of certain types of arms.

Strong coordination with allies is crucial to ensuring Ukraines strong stance and advancing lasting peace and security for all."

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New Delhi: State-owned telecom giant Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is planning for a workforce reduction. It is planning to trim its staff by 35 per cent. To facilitate this, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is seeking approval from the Finance Ministry for a second Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS). BSNL has requested Rs 15,000 crore from the ministry to help cover the expenses of rolling out the VRS, as per a report by The Economic Times.

An official in the know revealed to the publication, "BSNL's board has sent a proposal to DoT to reduce the telco's employee base by 18,000-to-19,000 via a VRS to make its balance sheet healthy." BSNL currently spends around Rs 7,500 which is nearly 38 per cent of its total revenue, on employee salaries. The company plans to reduce this expense to Rs 5,000 crore annually to improve efficiency and streamline its operations.

The communications ministry plans to seek Cabinet approval once it secures clearance from the finance ministry. On Monday, BSNL's board approved the Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) to reduce its wage costs, especially since the company has yet to roll out 4G services nationwide. However, a senior official mentioned that the VRS plan is still under discussion, and no final decision has been made yet, according to the report.

BSNL reported a revenue of Rs 21,302 crore in the 2023-24 fiscal year (FY24). This reflected a modest improvement compared to the previous year. Back in 2019, a revival package worth Rs 69,000 crore was approved to support BSNL and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL).
New Delhi: Tata Group is planning to create over five lakh new manufacturing jobs over the next five years from its projects, stated Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran in his New Year message to the Group's employees.

"Our Group plans to create 500,000 manufacturing jobs over the next half decade." Chandrasekaran said these jobs will come from Group's investments in factories and projects to produce new age products like batteries, semiconductors, electric vehicles, solar equipment and other critical hardware," N Chandrasekaran said.

These will come in part from the aforementioned investments in facilities across India-factories and projects that will produce batteries, semiconductors, electric vehicles, solar equipment, and other critical hardware destined to play a central role in the economy of tomorrow," Tata Sons Chairman added in his letter.

In addition to these manufacturing jobs, the group will also create jobs in services across its retail, tech services, airlines and hospitality industry among others.Chandrasekaran highlighted the Group's initiatives in the artificial intelligence sector.

Construction has begun at over seven new manufacturing plants, including India's first semiconductor fab in Dholera, Gujarat, and a brand-new semiconductor OSAT plant in Assam.

There is the electronics assembly plant in Narasapura, Karnataka, an automotive plant in Panapakkam, Tamil Nadu, and new MRO facilities in Bengaluru, Karnataka. He stated that the Tata Group will also have a new battery cell manufacturing factory in Sanand, Gujarat, and in Somerset, UK.

The Group has inaugurated the C295 final assembly line (FAL) in Vadodara, Gujarat, and began solar module production in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu.Tata Sons Chairman expressed his enthusiasm over the upcoming opportunities in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the manufacturing sector.

"Such moves are exciting for our Group and for India, but more importantly, they give hope to the one million young people who enter our workforce each month. Thankfully, manufacturing has powerful multiplier effects; indirect employment opportunities from sectors such as semiconductor manufacturing are substantial," he said.

"AI and manufacturing are two fields that are combining "economic opportunity and social progress converge," he added.N Chandrasekaran highlighted that the global supply chains are shifting their base to India's favour as the world's largest businesses strike a new balance between resilience and efficiency.

"Amid relentless geopolitical instability, the equation has tilted firmly toward resilience-and India, with our vast talent pool and growing manufacturing capacity, is poised to benefit," he added and said that the Group's retail companies will continue to scale up.
Bhopal: A 10-year-old boy, who fell into a 140-feet borewell in Madhya Pradesh's Guna district, was brought out on Sunday after a 16-hour rescue operation and rushed to hospital, officials said.

The boy, Sumit Meena, slipped into the open shaft of the borewell at around 5 pm on Saturday in Pipliya village under Raghogarh assembly segment, located 50 km from the Guna district headquarters.

He was brought out at around 9.30 am on Sunday, the officials said.

The boy was rushed to a hospital in Raghogarh on life support system, Guna Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Sinha told PTI.

Asked whether the child was responsive, the official said doctors would be able to provide information about it.

Rescuers worked through the night and dug a parallel pit to reach the boy via a passage between the pit and borewell, Raghogarh Congress MLA Jaivardhan Singh told PTI over phone from the spot.

The boy was trapped at a depth of 39 feet in the borewell, which is around 140-feet deep, Guna Collector Satendra Singh said on Saturday.

The borewell did not strike water, and hence no casing had been put on it, he said.

The NDRF team reached there from Bhopal late Saturday evening and helped in the operation.

The family members of the boy panicked on Saturday evening when they did not see him for a long time.

A search was carried out and then they realised he had fallen into the borewell, a local person said.
Delhi Election 2025: With election dates approaching fast, the spate of allegations and counter-allegation has gained momentum with the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) making new claims with each passing day. While AAP has accused the BJP of getting voters' name deleted from the electoral rolls and adding fake voters who support the saffron party into the list, the BJP has alleged that the ruling dispensation got illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya infiltrators on the voting list.

AAP's Manipulation Allegation

AAP's national convenor and former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal accused the BJP of attempting to manipulate voter lists in the run-up to the Delhi Assembly polls. In a press conference, Kejriwal alleged that the BJP is resorting to unethical practices to win.

Highlighting alleged irregularities in his New Delhi constituency, Kejriwal said, Operation Lotus started here on December 15. In just 15 days, they submitted applications to delete 5,000 voters and add 7,500 new ones. My constituency has 1,06,000 voters, and they are trying to manipulate 12 per cent of the votes. If this is allowed, what's the point of elections? This is outright tampering under the guise of democracy.

BJP Refutes AAP Claims

BJP spokesperson Manjinder Singh Sirsa refuted Kejriwal's charges while accusing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of enabling illegal voting practices by Bangladeshi and Rohingya infiltrators.

"Kejriwal, you are holding a press conference, questioning why the votes of Bangladeshis and Rohingyas are being removed. We openly state that you have added 8,000 to 10,000 illegal votes per constituency. In houses where five people live, you've registered up to 50 fake votes. We will remove every single one of these illegal votes," he asserted.

The BJP leader further accused AAP of harbouring and supporting infiltrators for political gain. "You've settled infiltrators here, given them Rs 10,000 per month, free ration, and even shelter in tents. Meanwhile, the people of Delhi are suffering the consequences of your policies. Now, when their votes are being removed, you are in distress. Let me make it clear, no Rohingya or Bangladeshi infiltrator will be allowed to vote in Delhi," he said.

The 70 assembly seats of Delhi will go to the polls in February next year while the Election Commission is expected to announce the dates in January. (With agency inputs)
The Delhi High Court has acquitted a man who was convicted under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO). The court ruled that the phrase "physical relations," as used by the minor survivor, cannot be presumed to signify sexual assault without substantial evidence.

Court's Ruling on 'Physical Relations'

The High Court, in its judgment delivered on December 23, acknowledged the ambiguity in the use of the term "physical relations." It emphasized that the mere use of this phrase by the survivor did not automatically imply sexual assault or penetrative sexual assault. The bench, comprising Justices Pratibha M. Singh and Amit Sharma, pointed out that there was insufficient clarity about what the survivor meant by "physical relations," noting that it could refer to various actions that do not necessarily equate to sexual assault.

Lack of Evidence and Reasoning in Lower Court's Judgment

The High Court further observed that the trial court's decision lacked adequate reasoning, particularly in establishing a connection between the survivor's use of "physical relations" and an act of sexual assault.

The bench questioned the trial court's conclusion that the survivor's voluntary association with the accused pointed to an assault, emphasizing that such a leap in logic requires clear and convincing evidence.

According to a report by PTI, the court said, "The mere fact that the survivor is below 18 years cannot lead to a conclusion that there was penetrative sexual assault. The survivor, in fact, used the phrase 'physical relations', but there is no clarity as to what she meant by using the said phrase."

Benefit of Doubt to the Accused

The bench also reiterated that when there is doubt about the charges, the benefit must be given to the accused. Given the lack of clear evidence and reasoning in the trial court's verdict, the High Court ruled in favor of the accused, acquitting him of the charges.
Ahead of the Republic Day 2025, defence personnel participated in the full-dress rehearsal of the 76th Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path on Sunday. The full-dress rehearsals are being held ahead of the Republic Day celebrations of January 25, 2025. Meanwhile, Delhi Police has also beefed up security, increased patrolling and set up security in markets and other areas to ensure the safety of people as the festive season is approaching, including New Year's Eve and Republic Day. Speaking to ANI, DCP South, Ankit Chauhan said, "During the festive season, we have increased patrolling in markets and other areas having heavy footfall. Senior Officers set out every evening with enhanced strength. They check people and also the security setup in marketplaces so that people get a sense of security." He also said that the police have also increased the tenant-servant verification as 26 January is approaching. "We are also increasing the tenant servant verification now that 26 January is approaching. We have a social media monitoring cell in the South District where we keep a close eye on fake news being disseminated on social media," DCP South Chauhan said. Republic Day, observed on January 26, marks the adoption of India's constitution and the country's transition to a republic in 1950. Each year, states, union territories, and Union government ministries showcase their tableaux along the Kartavya Path as part of the Republic Day celebrations. For Republic Day 2025, the theme for the tableaux has been decided as "Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas." This year, 15 states and union territories have been selected to showcase their tableaux on Kartavya Path for the Republic Day celebration in 2025. These include Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chandigarh, Dadra Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. (ANI)
Ahead of the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has ordered investigations into Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit's allegations of snooping and large sums of cash being brought into the city from Punjab.

A Congress leader raised concerns in a letter about the alleged presence of intelligence personnel from the "Punjab Government" stationed outside his residence in Delhi.

He claimed that "official vehicles" linked to these personnel had frequently been spotted outside his home which indicating the surveillance and intimidation.

Responding to the allegations, AAP said, "They (BJP and Congress) have no vision or plan for Delhi, and all their allegations and cases have always been proven false."

Responding to the development, Delhi Congress chief Devender Yadav said, "The Lt. Governor has taken cognisance of Sandeep Dikshit's complaint, as the charges levelled by Dikshit are grave, and it is imperative that prospective candidates for the Delhi Assembly elections are not intimidated and discouraged from participating in the democratic process."

The Delhi Congress chief further stated that after the AAP government's departments exposed Kejriwal's false promise of providing Rs 2100 to women and free treatment to the elderly, he was completely shaken and resorted to dubious methods to stay in power.

(With PTI Inputs)
NEW DELHI: The Delhi Police has deported eight Bangladeshi nationals who were residing in the Rangpuri area of the national capital, an official said on Sunday. Those deported are Jahangir, his wife and their six children, hailing from Kekerhat village in Madaripur district of Bangladesh, he said.

According to police, Jahangir admitted to entering India through unofficial routes and subsequently, bringing his family over. They had destroyed their Bangladeshi identification documents and were living in Delhi while concealing their original identities. "A team from the Vasant Kunj South police station was tasked to identify illegal immigrants. As part of the intensified efforts to address concerns about unauthorised migrants, police conducted door-to-door verifications of 400 families in Rangpuri," Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southwest) Surendra Choudhary said.

He added that verification forms were sent to the addresses of suspected individuals in West Bengal and a special team was dispatched to manually verify their documents. During the verification drive, the team identified Jahangir and his family, who confessed to their Bangladeshi origins during questioning, the DCP said, adding that the deportation process was carried out in coordination with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO).

On Friday, the Delhi Police deported an illegal Bangladeshi migrant who unlawfully stayed in different areas for the last six years. The 28-year-old woman stayed in Delhi and Mumbai in violation of the Foreigners Act, police had said.

The city police launched a drive to identify illegal Bangladeshi immigrants residing in the capital, after the LG Secretariat ordered a crackdown on such people this month. Teams from various police stations are visiting slums and the Kalindi Kunj, Shaheen Bagh, Hazrat Nizamuddin and Jamia Nagar areas to check voter IDs and Aadhaar cards for identifying suspected Bangladeshi immigrants.

The LG Secretariat directed the Delhi chief secretary and police chief to launch a two-month special drive to identify and take strict action against illegal Bangladeshi immigrants residing in the city.
GUWAHATI: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday accused the Congress of attempting to stir a controversy over the cremation of former prime minister Manmohan Singh, despite the Centre announcing a fitting memorial to honour his legacy. Sarma said it was not the first time that the Congress has "shown such disregard  be it towards the legacy of Narasimha Rao or Pranab Mukherjee, the party has, unfortunately, treated its own with indifference.

The CM's remarks came after the Congress accused the Centre of insulting Singh, the country's first Sikh prime minister, by performing his last rites at Nigambodh Ghat instead of a designated spot that could be turned into his memorial. Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi had said the BJP-led Centre had "totally insulted" Singh by performing his last rites at Nigambodh Ghat.

The BJP maintained that the government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi had allocated space for Singh's memorial and also informed his family about it, and accused the Congress of indulging in "cheap politics" over the former PM's cremation. "Dr Manmohan Singh, a statesman of unparalleled dignity and intellect, deserved much better, both in life and in death. It is deeply disheartening to witness the Congress Party attempting to stir controversy around his final journey, diminishing the solemnity it truly deserved," Sarma said in a post on X.

The BJP leader said the people of India have bid Singh, who was a Rajya Sabha MP from Assam for over two decades, including during his tenure as PM, a respectful and heartfelt farewell, recognising his invaluable contributions to the nation. "Prime Minister @narendramodi Ji has already announced a fitting memorial to honour his legacy, reflecting the nation's gratitude. Yet, the actions of some, who seek to turn this moment of mourning into an opportunity for political gain, are deeply painful," Sarma said.

"The public still remembers the indignities inflicted upon Dr Singh during his tenure, including Rahul Gandhi's infamous gestures that undermined his stature. Such actions remain etched in the nation's memory," he said. Sarma, who was with the Congress before joining the saffron party, asserted that after his death, Singh's legacy should not be sullied by political opportunism.

"Let us honour his memory with the dignity and respect he so richly deserves, free from any discord or manipulation by the leadership of the congress party," the CM added.
Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has asked the police's Crime Investigation Department (CID) to confiscate properties of the accused in the murder case of Massajog sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh.

A Home department official on Saturday also said Fadnavis has asked the authorities to cancel the arms licenses of people whose pictures or videos showing them firing in the air or flaunting guns in public have circulated on social media.

Fadnavis, who took over as CM on December 5 following the BJP-led coalition's election victory and who holds the Home portfolio, is facing heat from the opposition over the brutal murder of the sarpanch in Beed district earlier this month.

The Maharashtra police's CID has taken over the probe into the murder case.

"Chief Minister Fadnavis has asked the CID to confiscate properties of the accused in the murder case," the official said.

Meanwhile, participants of a huge protest rally in Beed on Saturday, attended by MLAs and local leaders of opposition and ruling parties in Beed, demanded that NCP minister Dhananjay Munde, who hails from the district, be removed.

The role of Walmik Karad, an associate of Munde, has come under the scanner after the sarpanch's murder.

According to police, Deshmukh was apparently killed after he opposed an extortion bid targeting an energy firm which is installing windmills in Beed district.

Local NCP leader Vishnu Chate had allegedly demanded Rs 2 crore from the company. Deshmukh tried to intervene, leading to his abduction, torture and death on December 9. Chate is among the four arrested accused.
Kerala Lottery Results Sunday 29-12-2024 LIVE: The Kerala Lottery Department, on behalf of the Keralan government, announces the "AKSHAYA AK-683" Lucky Draw Result today Akshaya AK-683, December 29, 2024. The draw will be held at Gorky Bhavan near Bakery Junction in Thiruvananthapuram. The Kerala Lottery Result 2024 for "Akshaya AK-683" will feature 12 series, with changes in series possible each week. A total of 108 lakh tickets are available for purchase weekly. The ticket prices may vary. Check the Akshaya AK-683 results right here to see if youre the first-place winner of 70 Lakhs. Stay tuned to this website for the live update of Kerala Lottery Akshaya AK-683 results today.

Kerala Lottery Result 29-12-2024 December: FULL LIST OF WINNING NUMBERS FOR AKSHAYA AK-683 Draw

LUCKY NUMBER FOR 1ST PRIZE OF RS 70 LAKHS IS: AE 173765

LUCKY NUMBER FOR 2ND PRIZE OF RS 5 LAKHS IS: AG 878829

LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 3RD PRIZE OF RS 1 Lakh ARE: AA 190746 AB 322826 AC 897137 AD 806812 AE 747514 AF 774720 AG 255842 AH 895211 AJ 377318 AK 530299 AL 905442 AM 769328

LUCKY NUMBERS FOR CONSOLATION PRIZE OF RS 8,000 ARE: AA 173765 AB 173765 AC 173765 AD 173765 AF 173765 AG 173765 AH 173765 AJ 173765 AK 173765 AL 173765 AM 173765

(For The Tickets Ending with The Following Numbers below)

LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 4TH PRIZE OF RS 5,000 ARE: 0883 1958 1988 2066 3197 4316 4339 4963 6559 6599 7670 7688 7701 7890 8490 8675 9120 9900

LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 5TH PRIZE OF RS 2,000 ARE: 0785 0840 2869 3313 3410 3432 8296

LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 6TH PRIZE OF RS 1,000 ARE: 0069 0830 1192 1490 1614 2219 2682 3253 3635 4070 4101 4719 4815 5251 5386 5534 5610 5729 6245 6325 6504 7293 7646 7875 8333 8352

LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 7TH PRIZE OF RS 500 ARE: 0113 0162 0459 0727 0944 1193 1439 1465 1845 1867 2301 2339 2469 2483 2525 2574 2782 3167 3722 3735 3808 3887 4109 4490 4624 4653 4695 4899 4951 5017 5136 5245 5280 5481 5554 5664 5728 5831 6003 6061 6074 6362 6848 6985 7019 7027 7059 7074 7104 7216 7298 7451 7722 7943 8055 8250 8434 8481 8514 8979 9046 9068 9223 9262 9450 9503 9583 9697 9712 9799 9896 9994

LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 8TH PRIZE OF RS 100 ARE: 0036 0135 0391 0393 0416 0423 0456 0490 0503 0538 0585 0629 0687 0768 0904 0934 0977 1213 1292 1310 1407 1413 1416 1446 1480 1608 1778 1806 1942 2068 2099 2317 2327 2331 2466 2484 2703 2784 2984 3011 3090 3118 3163 3463 3473 3510 3528 3556 3654 3723 3867 4059 4255 4295 4315 4323 4476 4505 4508 4589 4782 4826 4930 5010 5013 5039 5092 5101 5103 5107 5117 5290 5388 5494 5574 5708 5726 5808 5852 5947 6099 6190 6305 6344 6447 6522 6607 6613 6742 6784 6834 7028 7061 7077 7262 7425 7684 7882 7921 8105 8176 8313 8357 8383 8453 8473 8495 8534 8563 8655 8772 8918 8927 8932 8940 9010 9043 9077 9289 9432 9496 9579 9706

KERALA LOTTERY RESULT 29-12-2024 December TODAY: AKSHAYA AK-683 LOTTERY PRIZE DETAILS

1st Prize: Rs 70 Lakhs

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3rd Prize: Rs. 1 Lakh

4th Prize: Rs. 5,000

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6th Prize: Rs. 1,000

7th Prize: Rs. 500

8th Prize: Rs. 100

Consolation Prize: Rs. 8,000

(NOTE: Lottery can be addictive and should be played responsibly. The data provided on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as advice or encouragement. Zee News does not promote lottery in anyway.)
The Delhi Police has formed multiple teams to identify camps which are allegedly gathering personal details of women in the name of Mahila Samman Yojana, a senior official said on Sunday. The move comes after Delhi Lt Governor V K Saxena ordered an inquiry against private persons allegedly collecting personal details of women in the name of enrolling them for the proposed scheme of the ruling AAP in Delhi. "There are 15 police districts in Delhi. We have ordered senior officers to form teams and investigate the entire matter properly. Teams will coordinate and work under the close supervision of DCPs," the senior police officer said.

Saxena ordered the inquiry based on a complaint by Congress leader and party's New Delhi Assembly seat candidate Sandeep Dikshit, who recently met Saxena. In a letter addressed to the chief secretary and police commissioner, LG's principal secretary had said, "Hon'ble Lieutenant Governor has desired the Chief Secretary to get an inquiry conducted through Divisional Commissioner in the matter of collection of personal details and forms by non-government people."

It said the police commissioner may direct the field officers to take action as per law against any person found breaching the privacy of citizens by collecting their personal details in the name of enrolling them for "benefits". AAP volunteers are allegedly registering women under the scheme.

On December 25, Congress leader Dikshit met the LG and expressed his apprehensions about the Mahila Samman Yojana, under which the AAP has promised to give every eligible woman aged above 18 Rs 1,000 per month.
New Delhi: AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday alleged BJP's attempt to manipulate voter lists ahead of the Delhi Assembly polls. At a press conference with Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha and Delhi CM Atishi, Kejriwal accused BJP of resorting to unfair means due to a lack of strong candidates or issues. Kejriwal termed the covert plan 'Operation Lotus,' claiming it has been underway since December 15.

"BJP has already lost the elections. They don't have a chief ministerial face or even proper candidates. They only aim to win through manipulation, but we won't let them succeed, PTI quoted Kejriwal as saying.

Former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal accused the BJP of filing 11,000 voter deletion applications in a single constituency. He further added that the move was halted after the Chief Election Commissioner intervened. "We exposed this, and thankfully, it was stopped," Kejriwal stated.

Kejriwals Allegations On BJP

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal alleged a large-scale voter list operation in his New Delhi constituency. He stated that since December 15, 5,000 voter deletion applications and 7,500 additional requests were filed.

Kejriwal claimed this could impact 12% of the constituency's votes.

The constituency has 106,873 voters, according to the October 29 voter list following a summary revision held between August 20 and October 20.

Kejriwal alleged the changes could affect 12% of the constituency's votes. The voter list, updated on October 29 after a summary revision conducted from August 20 to October 20, lists 106,873 voters in the constituency.

Delhi Assembly elections are likely to take place in early 2025. In the 2020 polls, AAP claimed 62 out of 70 seats, while the BJP won eight.

(With PTI inputs)
With Jagjit Singh Dallewal's indefinite hunger strike entering its 34th day on Sunday, farmer leaders at Khanauri said they have been following the Gandhian way to continue their protest and it is up to the government to decide whether it wants to use force to evict their senior leader.

Their statement comes amid the Supreme Courts strong criticism of the Punjab government for not shifting Dallewal to a hospital.

The farmers have been protesting at the Punjab-Haryana border to press the Centre for several demands, including a legal guarantee for a minimum support price (MSP) for crops.

Speaking to reporters at the Khanauri border protest site, farmer leader Abhimanyu Kohar said, "We want to make it clear that the Centre, right from day one, has been trying to defame and suppress our agitation."

He said a narrative is being built that farmers are stubborn. "Whereas it is the Centre that is adopting such an attitude, not listening to us and not paying any attention to farmers' demands."

"We are continuing our agitation by adopting Gandhian principles. Our agitations have proven that, despite enduring so much due to the government's oppression, we have continued to protest in a Gandhian manner," he said.

"We are following these principles. Now, it is up to the government and constitutional bodies to decide whether they want to use force to evict Dallewal ji," Kohar added.

He further said the farmers wanted to make it clear that whatever situation arises, the responsibility will lie with the Centre and constitutional bodies.

"We also want to appeal to the people of the country that the agitation seeking a guarantee for MSP has reached a decisive stage. We are on the threshold of victory We must take a strong stand. Dallewal has put his life at stake," he said.

Kohar said it was up to the people of the country to decide whether to stay at home or be present in large numbers at the Khanauri Morcha in support of Dallewal.

SKM (Non-political) leader Kaka Singh Kotra said the government can try to evict Dallewal from the current protest site and their unions are appealing to Punjabis to reach Khanauri in maximum numbers.

He also said Dallewal has made it clear that he is ready to sacrifice his life for the sake of farmers in this country.

Meanwhile, farmers, on a warpath against the Centre, called for a "kisan mahapanchayat" at the Khanauri protest site on January 4.

Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have also called for a Punjab bandh on Monday and claimed their strike call has received strong support from transporters, employees, traders, and other sections of society.

Thought there will be a complete bandh on Monday, emergency services will remain operational, farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said.

On Saturday, while admonishing the Punjab government, the Supreme Court also suggested the possibility that Dallewal may not have been allowed to be taken to a hospital by other farmer leaders.

In response, Dallewal, in a video message on the same day , said, "I am sitting on a fast. Who gave this report to the Supreme Court, and who spread this misconception that I have been kept hostage? Where did such a thing come from?"

"Seven lakh farmers in this country have committed suicide due to debt. Saving farmers is necessary, therefore, I am sitting here. I am not under anyone's pressure," he added.

Dallewal had earlier said he would not break his fast until the government agreed to the farmers' demands. The Supreme Court gave the Punjab government time until December 31 to persuade Dallewal to shift to a hospital, granting the state the liberty to seek logistical support from the Centre, if necessary.

In response the Punjab government said in the court that it is facing significant resistance from the protesting farmers, who have encircled Dallewal and are preventing him from being taken to a hospital.

The apex court also termed the conduct of some farmer leaders accompanying Dallewal as surprising and questionable.

Dallewal has so far refused medical treatment, and the state government has formed a team of doctors to monitor his health round-the-clock.

Farmers, under the banner of SKM (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, have been camping at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13, after their march to Delhi was stopped by security forces.

A "jatha" (group) of 101 farmers attempted to march to Delhi on foot three times between December 6 and 14 but were stopped by security personnel from Haryana.

In addition to a legal guarantee for MSP, the farmers are demanding a debt waiver, pensions for farmers and farm labourers, no hike in electricity tariffs, the withdrawal of police cases, and "justice" for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence.
Atul Subhash Case: Bengaluru AI engineer Atul Subhash died by suicide earlier this month, leaving behind a 24-page note accusing his estranged wife, Nikita Singhania, and her family of extortion and harassment. Weeks after Subhash's death, tweets shared by the Save Indian Family Foundation (SIFF) on X (formerly Twitter) revealed that a fellow techie had sent a suicidal message in the tech group on WhatsApp, of which he was a part, and then left the group around 12:39 AM before taking drastic action.

Role Of Save Indian Family Foundation

A member of that tech group shared the message with the Save Indian Family Foundation (SIFF). Despite many SIFF volunteers being awake, one member from the SIFF noticed the message at around 3:15 AM and took some time to process it before reaching out to others. Meanwhile, one of the members from the SIFF had already alerted the police.

On early hours of 9th December was the saddest day for members of SIFF



Many volunteers were awake. Anil Murty noticed the message from Atul Subhash at about 3:15am. He took sometime to process. Then he messaged others. pic.twitter.com/0XdtPI67IF  Save Indian Family Foundation (@realsiff) December 29, 2024

Could Bengaluru Police Had Saved His Life?

The SIFF members also shared Atul Subhash's address to ensure clarity among the volunteers, and the police arrived at his apartment. One member suggested breaking down the door at 3:47 AM. This raises the question: Could the Bengaluru police have saved Atul Subhash's life after reaching his address? Unfortunately, the police require a valid reason to break down the door, and messages to multiple individuals could have provided that justification.

One of the coordinators of Bangalore had already informed police.



One member forwards the messages of Atul Subhash. pic.twitter.com/BqgTktLfvS December 29, 2024

Despite the efforts of the SIFF coordinators to convince the police to break down the door, they were unsuccessful. The coordination took place over the phone, and many people were reluctant to believe the worst, especially since Atuls car was not at the building. They assumed, Maybe Atul is upset about something; lets track his car. As a result, the police delayed breaking down the door.

Anil Murty posts address of Atul Subhash to create clarity among the volunteers.



Police reached the house. pic.twitter.com/MuW6Vh2V95  Save Indian Family Foundation (@realsiff) December 29, 2024

Parents Seek Atul's Child Custody

Parents Seek Custody of Atuls Child: Atuls father, Pawan Modi, has filed an FIR at the Vaini police station in Samastipur, Bihar, requesting the recovery and custody of his two-year-old grandson. According to Nikita, the child is currently staying at a relative's home in Faridabad.

Note: The Zee News is not verifying its sources or taking responsibility for the tweets shared by SIFF.

(Discussions on suicides can be triggering for some. But suicides are preventable. If you are looking for help, some suicide prevention helpline numbers in India are 011-40769002 from Sanjivini (Delhi-based, 10 am - 5.30 pm) and 044-24640050 from Sneha Foundation (Chennai-based, 8 am - 10 pm), +91 9999666555 from Vandrevala Foundation (Mumbai-based, 24x7).
Azerbaijan's president Ilham Aliyev on Sunday said that the crashed Azerbaijani jet was shot down by Russia, albeit not intentionally, according to Associated Press. This comes a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday offered his apologies to his Azerbaijani counterpart that the incident with the AZAL airliner occurred in Russias airspace and conveyed his condolences to the families of the plane crash victims.

According to Kremlin sources, Putin has reportedly called Azerbaijan's president, Ilham Aliyev, to apologise, after the fatal plane crash on Wednesday, adding that he also expressed his deep and sincere condolences to the families of the victims." During a phone call with President Aliyev, it was noted that the plane had repeatedly attempted to land at the airport in Grozny, the capital of Chechnya, as per Euro News.

Further, Putin claimed that at the time, Grozny, as well as the cities of Mozdok and Vladikavkaz "were attacked by Ukrainian combat unmanned aerial vehicles, and Russian air defence systems repelled these attacks." Meanwhile, the death toll has risen to 38 after an Azerbaijan Airlines passenger plane crashed near Kazakhstan's Aktau city on Wednesday, Al Jazeera reported.

The plane, which had 62 passengers and five crew members on board, crashed after being forced to make an emergency landing about three kilometres from Aktau. "The situation is not very good, 38 dead," Kazakhstan's Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev said as quoted by Russia's Interfax news agency, Al Jazeera reported.

The Embraer 190 aircraft was en route from Azerbaijan's capital Baku to Grozny, a Russian city in the North Caucasus. Azerbaijan's prosecutor general's office earlier said that 32 out of the 67 people on board survived the crash. "We cannot disclose any investigation results at this time. All possible scenarios are being examined, and the necessary expert analyses are underway," it said in a statement, as reported by Al Jazeera.

Azerbaijan Airlines announced it would suspend all flights from Baku to Russia's Chechnya region until the investigation is concluded, Al Jazeera reported, quoting Russian state news agency TASS. Russia's aviation watchdog said in a statement that preliminary information suggested the pilots decided to make an emergency landing after a bird strike. Aktau is located on the opposite shore of the Caspian Sea from Azerbaijan and Russia.

Preliminary reports show that the plane requested to land at an alternative airport before the accident due to heavy fog in Grozny. Passengers included citizens from Azerbaijan, Russia, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, Al Jazeera reported.
Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Yadav on Sunday issued a statement and expressed deepest condolences on the demise of Kishore Kunal, Secretary of Mahavir Mandir trust, saying that his demise is an irreparable loss for the state. Former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi, Bihar Leader of Opposition (LoP) Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, MP Misa Bharti and other leaders of the party also condoled the demise of Kishore Kunal, who was also a former India Police Service (IPS) officer. "RJD family leaders expressed deep condolences on the death of Acharya Kishore Kunal, Secretary of Mahavir Nyas Parishad, and said that the state has suffered an irreparable loss due to his death. The work he did in the social fields during his lifetime is unforgettable. Apart from being a good administrative officer, the contribution he has made in the interest of the society through Mahavir Hospital and other hospitals cannot be forgotten by the people of Bihar," reads a press statement from Ejaz Ahmed, RJD state spokesperson. Bihar LoP Tejashwi Yadav took to X and expressed condolences on Kishore Kunal's demise and prayed for the peace of the departed soul. Yadav recalled Kunal's contributions towards welfare of society, saying that he played an important role in the educational, religious and social fields. "The news of the untimely demise of Patna's Mahavir Mandir Trust President and former IPS Acharya Kishore Kunal ji is sad. Acharya ji played an important role in the educational, religious and social fields. I pray to God to grant the departed soul a place in his lotus feet and give the bereaved family the strength to bear the loss. Om Shanti Om!" Tejashwi Yadav posted on X. Kishore Kunal, a retired IPS officer and the Secretary of the Mahavir Mandir Trust of Patna passed away on Sunday morning from cardiac arrest. Kunal suffered cardiac arrest on early Sunday morning after which he was rushed to the hospital. But, he was declared dead at 8 am in the morning. His last rites will be performed on Monday at Konarah Ghat in Bihar's Hajipur district at around 2 pm. Earlier today, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary expressed condolences on his demise and prayed for the peace of the departed soul. Choudhary said that the state of Bihar has suffered a great loss due to his demise. "The news of the death of former IPS officer Acharya Kishor Kunal ji, President of Patna Mahavir Mandir Trust, due to heart attack is extremely sad. Kishor Kunal ji has played an important role in the religious and social field. Bihar has suffered a great loss due to his departure. May God grant peace to the departed soul. Om Shanti," Choudhary posted on X. (ANI)
India has expressed profound sorrow following the devastating plane crash in Muan city, South Korea, which claimed the lives of at least 176 people. The crash occurred on Sunday, and India extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims while offering its full support to the South Korean government during this difficult time.

Indian Ambassador's Statement

Amit Kumar, Indias Ambassador to Seoul, took to social media to share his condolences and solidarity with the people of South Korea. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote, Deeply saddened to learn of the tragic plane crash at Muan airport today.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to bereaved family members. The Indian Embassy stands in solidarity with the people & government of RoK in this difficult hour. The crash has shocked both countries, and the tragedy has deeply resonated with people around the world.

Details of the Crash

The ill-fated flight involved a 15-year-old Boeing 737-800 jet, which was returning to South Korea from Bangkok. According to reports, the plane encountered difficulties during landing when its landing gear failed to deploy, causing the aircraft to lose control. As a result, the plane skidded off the runway, crashed into a concrete fence, and erupted into flames.

Footage from the crash site showed the landing gear of the plane still retracted as it attempted to land, highlighting the severity of the failure. The collision with the wall caused an explosion, which quickly engulfed the aircraft in flames, making rescue efforts more challenging.

Casualties and Rescue Efforts

The South Korean fire agency reported that at least 176 people died in the crash, including 83 women, 82 men, and 11 individuals whose gender could not be immediately identified.

Authorities have been working tirelessly to manage the aftermath, coordinating with emergency services and offering support to the bereaved families.

In response to the tragedy, South Korea's acting president, Choi Sang-mok, convened an emergency meeting with cabinet members to discuss the ongoing rescue operations.

Choi emphasized that the entire government was mobilizing resources to assist in managing the crisis. The entire government is working closely together to manage the aftermath of the accident, dedicating all available resources, while making every effort to ensure thorough support for the bereaved families, he stated.

This devastating crash occurred at a time of political turmoil in South Korea, triggered by the recent impeachment of President Yoon over his imposition of martial law.
Seoul: Following the crash of a passenger jet carrying 181 people, which burst into flames after skidding off the runway and striking a wall at an airport in South Korea's Muan County on Sunday, Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae issued a statement expressing regret and offered heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, according to Yonhap News Agency.

"Regardless of the cause, I take full responsibility as the CEO," Kim said.

Meanwhile, the Jeju Air Company, assured of sparing no effort to cope with the crash. In a statement, the company said, "Jeju Air will spare no effort to respond to the accident."

"We are currently working to determine the exact cause and details of the situation," a company official said. "The aircraft has been in operation for 15 years with no history of accidents," Yonhap reported.

The authorities believe all but two onboard are feared to have been killed.

The incident occurred at 9:07 am (local time) when a Jeju Air flight veered off the runway during landing and struck a fence at Musan International Airport in Muan County, about 288 kilometres southwest of Seoul

The plane, carrying 175 passengers and six crew members, was returning from Bangkok. The majority of passengers were South Korean nationals, with two Thai nationals also on board.

The authorities confirmed 94 deaths from the accident so far.

"After the plane collided with the wall, passengers were thrown out of the aircraft. The chances of survival are extremely low. The aircraft has almost completely been destroyed, and it is difficult to identify the deceased. We are in the process of recovering the remains, which will take time," a firefighting official said, Yonhap reported.

In response to the tragedy, South Jeolla officials increased emergency alerts to the highest level and dispatched all available rescue and police teams to the crash site.

Acting President Choi Sang-mok arrived at the crash site around noon, instructing officials to make all-out efforts for search operations. Choi also expressed deep condolences to the bereaved family members and promised to offer them all possible government assistance, Yonhap reported.

Preliminary investigations suggested that a possible landing gear failure, potentially caused by a bird strike, may have led to the crash. Authorities have launched an on-site investigation to determine the exact cause.

The presidential office announced an emergency meeting of senior officials, led by Presidential Chief of Staff Chung Jin-suk, at 11:30 am (local time) to discuss the government's response.

Acting National Police Agency Commissioner-General Lee Ho-young also ordered officials to mobilize all available resources and work with firefighting and other related agencies to help with the rescue efforts, as per Yonhap.
Jeju Air Plane Crash: A plane carrying 181 people crashed at South Korea's Muan Airport after veering off the runway during landing, as per Reuters report. The death toll is expected to rise to 179 as only two people have been rescued so far. The crash occurred in South Jeolla province as Jeju Air flight 2216 was returning from Thailand. A total of 120 passengers have been declared dead do far, reported AP.

As per Reuters the rescuers are trying to evacuate passengers from the Boeing 737-800's rear section.

Of the total 181 on board, 175 were passengers and six were crew members. The incident happened at 9:07 am after the aircraft collided with a fence during a failed belly landing and burst into flames. The aircraft was attmpting to land at Musan International Airport in Muan County, 288 kilometers southwest of Seoul.

The initial reports mention contact with birds, resulting in malfunctioning of landing gear as the cause of the tragedy.

Several footages of the accident have surfaces in media showing thick black smoke rising from the crash site.

WATCH Video Here:

BREAKING New video captures the moment a Boeing 737-800 carrying 181 passengers crashes at Muan International Airport in South Korea. pic.twitter.com/hpv9g8tv7l  Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) December 29, 2024

Local reports confirmed that most passengers on board were Korean, with two Thai nationals among them. Rescue operations are still underway.

Emergency workers rescued two individuals, one passenger and one crew member, from the crash site. Authorities deployed 32 fire trucks and several helicopters to control the blaze.

Footage aired by YTN television showed the Jeju Air plane skidding across the airstrip with its landing gear seemingly retracted, before crashing into a concrete wall at the edge of the airport.
SEOUL: The United States and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) will face a "decisive response," including military-technical countermeasures, should they make new missile threats against Russia, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Sunday. "We are prepared for any scenario. If new missile threats are established, our adversaries will face a decisive response in the form of military-technical countermeasures. At the same time, hypothetical steps to create acceptable conditions for equitable dialogue will be considered," Lavrov said in an interview with RIA Novosti.

Lavrov underscored that Russia is primarily interested in a comprehensive approach to reducing conflict potential, focusing on addressing the root causes of fundamental security disagreements, reports Xinhua news agency, quoting the interview. "NATO's years-long eastward expansion remains a significant driver of the Ukrainian crisis and continues to pose a threat to Russia's security. Arms control issues could hypothetically be discussed, but only as part of a broader agenda," Lavrov added.

In the interview, Lavrov said that Russia would have to abandon its unilateral moratorium on the deployment of ground-based intermediate- and shorter-range missiles as it has become nearly untenable despite officially remaining in effect. Lavrov highlighted the recent test of Russia's latest medium-range hypersonic system, Oreshnik, under combat conditions.

"This convincingly demonstrated our capabilities and our determination to implement compensatory measures," Lavrov said. He also mentioned that Russia is open to negotiations to resolve the Ukraine conflict, but such talks must address its "root causes" and reflect realities on the ground.

"We are ready for negotiations, but they must aim to address the root causes of the Ukrainian crisis and take into account the real situation on the ground," Lavrov said. Lavrov noted the need to ensure Ukraine's "non-aligned, neutral and non-nuclear status" to "eliminate long-term threats to Russia's security posed by the West, including NATO expansion."

"Kyiv must take on specific obligations to ensure the rights, freedoms and interests of Russian-speaking citizens," he added. Previously, Ukraine's Head of the Presidential Office, Andriy Yermak, said that Ukraine was not prepared to enter negotiations with Russia as it lacks sufficient Western support to engage from a position of strength, in an interview with Suspilne on December 12, reported local media Kyiv Independent.
Damascus: Military forces of Syria's interim administration have begun deploying attack helicopters against what it described as "remnants of the former regime" in the country's coastal regions, media reported.

The helicopters are taking off from Istamo Airfield in rural Latakia, targeting armed elements still active in the coastal countryside, media channels cited a statement by the administration, which did not elaborate on the number of helicopters in use or the scope of the operation.

The deployment came as part of a series of security initiatives nationwide, aimed at consolidating the new leadership's authority, Xinhua news agency reported.

On Saturday, Syria's newly-appointed intelligence chief Anas Khattab pledged in an official statement to restructure the country's security apparatus "in a manner befitting our people's sacrifices and long heritage".

All existing security branches in Syria will be dissolved and reorganised, Khattab said, without outlining a timeline or providing specific details for the overhaul.

Khattab's announcement came as Syria navigates a sensitive political transition following the downfall of the previous government on December 8.

A military coalition led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham waged a major military operation from northern Syria on November 27. It swept southwards, captured the capital Damascus, and overthrew former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government within 12 days.

The Syrian Information Ministry declared a ban on what it described as "the circulation or publication of any media content or news with a sectarian tone aimed at spreading division" among Syrians.

The Syrian civil war took on sectarian dimensions as Assad drew on Shia militias from across the Middle East, mobilised by his ally Iran, to battle the insurgency dominated by members of the Sunni Muslim majority, many of them Islamist.

Dissent has also surfaced in the city of Homs, 150 km (90 miles) north of Damascus.

State media reported that police imposed an overnight curfew on Wednesday night, following unrest linked to demonstrations that residents said were led by members of the Alawite and Shia religious communities.

Footage posted on social media on Wednesday from Homs showed a crowd of people scattering, and some of them running, as gunfire was heard.

Assad's long-time Shia regional ally, Iran, has criticised the course of events in Syria in recent days.

On Sunday, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called on Syrian youth to "stand with firm determination against those who have orchestrated and brought about this insecurity".

Khamenei forecast "that a strong and honourable group will also emerge in Syria because today Syrian youth have nothing to lose", calling the country unsafe.

Syria's newly appointed Foreign Minister, Asaad Hassan al-Shibani, said in a social media post on Tuesday that Iran must respect the will of the Syrian people and Syria's sovereignty and security.

"We warn them against spreading chaos in Syria and we hold them accountable for the repercussions of the latest remarks," he said.

Lebanon said on Thursday it was looking forward to having the best neighbourly relations with Syria, in its first official message to the new administration in Damascus.

Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah played a major role in propping up Assad during the civil war, before bringing its fighters back to Lebanon over the last year to fight in a bruising war with Israel -- a redeployment that weakened Syrian government lines.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday hailed the Constitution, saying that it has stood the test of time and serves as a guiding light. Addressing the 117th episode and last 'Mann Ki Baat' episode of 2024, PM Modi said, "On January 26, 2025, our Constitution will complete 75 years of its implementation. It is a matter of great pride for all of us. The Constitution handed over to us by our Constitution makers has stood the test of time. The Constitution is a guiding light for us, our guide. To connect the citizens of the country with the legacy of the Constitution, a special website named http://constitution75.com has been created. Here you can upload your video reading the Preamble of the Constitution. You can read the Constitution in different languages and also ask questions about the Constitution." India marked a milestone on November 26, 2024, commemorating the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of India. On this day in 1949, the Indian Constituent Assembly adopted the Constitution, which came into force on January 26, 1950, establishing India as a democratic republic. In 2015, the Government of India designated November 26 as Constitution Day (Samvidhan Divas) to honor the adoption of the Constitution. Since then, the nation has celebrated this occasion annually. PM Modi also praised the farmers of Odisha's Kalahandi district in transforming it into a vegetable hub. "I want to tell you about an effort in Kalahandi, Odisha - The 'Vegetable Revolution' where once farmers were forced to migrate; today, Golamunda block of Kalahandi has become a vegetable hub. It started with a small group of just 10 farmers. This group together established an FPO - 'Kisan Utpad Sangh', started using modern technology in farming, and today their FPO is doing business worth crores. Today more than 200 farmers are associated with this FPO, including 45 women farmers. This success of Kalahandi teaches us what all can be done with determination and collective effort," he said. Mann Ki Baat is Prime Minister Modi's monthly radio programme, where he discusses important national issues with the citizens of India. The programme is broadcast on the last Sunday of every month. Launched on October 3, 2014, Mann Ki Baat aims to connect with various segments of Indian society, encompassing women, the elderly, and the youth. Apart from 22 Indian languages and 29 dialects, 'Mann Ki Baat' is broadcast in 11 foreign languages, including French, Chinese, Indonesian, Tibetan, Burmese, Baluchi, Arabic, Pashtu, Persian, Dari, and Swahili. Mann Ki Baat is broadcast by more than 500 centers of All India Radio. (ANI)
BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla on Sunday hit out at Congress for indulging in "low-level petty politics" over the demise of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. He said that those who are raising the issue of "insult" to the former Prime Minister over his last rites are forgetting about the treatment given to Dr Singh when he was alive. "There must be dignity in death, that is what BJP always believes in. Unfortunately Congress party even on the issue of the final rites of Dr Manmohan Singh wants to indulge in low-level petty politics and those who are raising this issue today have conveniently forgotten about their own past and their own treatment towards Dr Manmohan Singh while he was alive," Poonawalla told ANI. The BJP national spokesperson further criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for not participating in the farewell meeting of Dr Manmohan Singh. He accused Congress leader Sonia Gandhi of "undermining" Dr Singh when he was the Prime Minister by forming the National Advisory Council (NAC). "What about the ordinance that was torn by Rahul Gandhi when Dr Manmohan Singh was on foreign soil? Was he undermined by this or was he being strengthened by this? What about the NAC that was created by Sonia Gandhi as a super cabinet above the cabinet of Dr Singh? What about the parallel government arrangements that were made which have been described in Sanjay Baru's book? What about the fact that even in the farewell meeting of Dr Manmohan Singh, Rahul Gandhi did not participate?" Poonawalla said. A war of words has broken out between BJP and Congress leaders over the cremation of Manmohan Singh at Delhi's Nigambodh Ghat. Earlier, Congress MP Manickam Tagore slammed the Centre, alleging that the final journey of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was held at a common and even congested location. "It's a very sad thing that the govt has stooped to this level. When the former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee passed away, this govt provided a place for cremation, that same place was made a memorial for the PM... All the prime ministers have received similar honour. It is deeply painful to see that the final journey of Manmohan Singh was taken to a very common and even congested place. There was no place for the foreign dignitaries and Dr Singh's family...," the Congress MP told ANI. The ashes of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh were immersed at the Yamuna Ghat near the Gurdwara Majnu Ka Tila Sahib in Delhi, a day after he was cremated with full state honours at Nigambodh Ghat. His ashes were brought to the Gurdwara Majnu Ka Tila Sahib earlier today. The family of the late Dr Manmohan Singh performed rituals at the Gurudwara including Shabad Kirtan (musical recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib), Paath (recitation of Gurbani) and Ardas. After Friday's Cabinet meeting, Union Home Minister Amit Shah communicated to Congress President Kharge and the late Manmohan Singh's family that the government will allocate space for the memorial. In the meantime, cremation and other formalities can proceed, as a trust needs to be formed and space allocated. Manmohan Singh was accorded a state funeral with military honours at the Nigambodh Ghat, a public cremation ground in north Delhi, on Saturday. Manmohan Singh passed away at AIIMS, Delhi, on Thursday night at the age of 92 due to age-related medical conditions. He had a sudden loss of consciousness at home after which he was rushed to the hospital. (ANI)
Two criminals have been arrested in the Punjabi Bagh area, according to Delhi Police DCP West Vichitra Veer on Sunday. They have committed 80 crimes in the past, most of which were armed robberies. Speaking to ANI, Veer said, "This morning the operations team received information that two criminals accused in several cases would be in the Punjabi Bagh area... We formed several teams including officials from ATS, Special Staff and Anti-Narcotic Specialist Teams and tried to cover all the exit routes of the said area." Veer further stated, "Around 4-4:30 am, we noticed the movement of a scooty. They tried to escape but their scooty fell and then they opened fire on the police. In the retaliatory fire, both of them got shot in their knees... One has been identified as Rinku and the other as Rohit Kapoor... They have previously committed 80 crimes, most of which were armed robbery." The injured suspects were immediately taken to a hospital, where they are currently undergoing treatment. The officials revealed that the injured are identified as Rohit Kapoor (BC of Dwarka district) and Rinkuu (BC of PS Khyala, West District), are wanted in at least seven cases of armed robbery across Delhi and Madhya Pradesh.(ANI)
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari on Sunday slammed the Congress for indulging in politics over the demise of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. He said that the nation has not forgotten about the disrespect Dr Singh faced from Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi. He said that Sonia Gandhi insulted Manmohan Singh by forming the National Advisory Council and acting as a pseudo-Prime Minister of India. "It is extremely unfortunate that Nehru-Gandhi-Vadra parivar is focused on doing politics on the death of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. The nation has not forgotten how Rahul Gandhi had disrespected Dr Manmohan Singh by tearing the ordinance when he was the Prime Minister. The nation has not forgotten how Sonia Gandhi insulted Manmohan Singh by being the chair of a super NAC (National Advisory Council) and acting as a pseudo-Prime Minister of India," Bhandari told ANI. He further said that former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao was also insulted by Congress since his memorial was not built by them. Rahul Gandhi's only focus is to get votes since he can walk 4,000 kilometres for it, but cannot walk for four kilometres during the last rites of Manmohan Singh. "The nation remembers how former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao was insulted by Sonia Gandhi when his body was not allowed inside the Congress premises and the nation has also not forgotten how PV Narasimha Rao's memorial was not built by the Congress Party. PM Modi built his memorial. The focus of Rahul Gandhi who travelled 4000 km for votes could not travel four km during the last rites procession of Dr Manmohan Singh is only on getting votes and not extending respect," the BJP spokesperson said. A war of words has broken out between BJP and Congress leaders over the cremation of Manmohan Singh at Delhi's Nigambodh Ghat. Earlier, Congress MP Manickam Tagore slammed the Centre, alleging that the final journey of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was held at a common and even congested location. "It's a very sad thing that the govt has stooped to this level. When the former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee passed away, this govt provided a place for cremation, that same place was made a memorial for the PM... All the prime ministers have received similar honour. It is deeply painful to see that the final journey of Manmohan Singh was taken to a very common and even congested place. There was no place for the foreign dignitaries and Dr Singh's family...," the Congress MP told ANI. The ashes of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh have been immersed at the Yamuna Ghat near the Gurdwara Majnu Ka Tila Sahib in Delhi, a day after he was cremated with full state honours at Nigambodh Ghat. His ashes were brought to the Gurdwara Majnu Ka Tila Sahib earlier today. The family of the late Dr Manmohan Singh performed rituals at the Gurudwara including Shabad Kirtan (musical recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib), Paath (recitation of Gurbani) and Ardas. After Friday's Cabinet meeting, Union Home Minister Amit Shah communicated to Congress President Kharge and the late Manmohan Singh's family that the government will allocate space for the memorial. In the meantime, cremation and other formalities can proceed, as a trust needs to be formed and space allocated. Manmohan Singh was accorded a state funeral with military honours at the Nigambodh Ghat, a public cremation ground in north Delhi, on Saturday. Manmohan Singh passed away at AIIMS, Delhi, on Thursday night at the age of 92 due to age-related medical conditions. He had a sudden loss of consciousness at home after which he was rushed to the hospital. (ANI)
Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh lashed out at the Bharatiya Janata Party alleging that the ruling party is working to "stop" all schemes of the Delhi government. Citing various examples, Singh alleged that the BJP's aim is to oppose every work that is done by AAP and party supremo Arvind Kejriwal. He alleged that BJP halted the Mohalla clinic scheme, and the scheme of making electricity, water and bus travel for women free. Attacking the BJP further, the Rajya Sabha MP affirmed that AAP would not let the BJP "succeed" in their plans. Speaking to ANI, Sanjay Singh said, "BJP's aim is to stop all schemes in Delhi. When Arvind Kejriwal was making bus travel free for women, they opposed that too. They also opposed making electricity and water free. BJP's aim is to oppose every work. Schools, hospitals and mohalla clinics could not be built here, but Kejriwal ji fought and got all the work done. We will not let the BJP succeed in their plans. BJP is losing the elections badly." Earlier today, AAP spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar criticized the BJP for its stance on Delhi's welfare programs. Kakkar also questioned the BJP for not acting against Parvesh Verma who she alleged was openly distributing money. Speaking to ANI, AAP spokesperson, Priyanka Kakkar said, "BJP will end free bus rides for women, free electricity, and free water in Delhi if elected to power, whereas Arvind Kejriwal has provided all these services before and he will do this again. He will also give Rs 2100 to women every month. Why is the BJP not against Parvesh Verma openly distributing money?" On Saturday, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena initiated an inquiry into the allegation that "non-government" people are collecting personal details of residents of Delhi in the name of registration for AAP's proposed welfare scheme 'Mahila Samman Yojana'. The letter further stated that the Commissioner of Police may direct the field officers to take action as per law against the person who is breaching the privacy of citizens by collecting their personal data in the name of registration for AAP's poll promise of giving Rs 2,100 to women. The directive was issued by the Delhi LG after receiving complaints from the Congress' New Delhi assembly constituency candidate Sandeep Dikshit, following the Delhi Women and Child Development (WCD) department public notice that Mahila Samman Yojana had not been notified by the government and "no such scheme is in existence." The Mahila Samman Yojana is aimed at providing women residing in Delhi with Rs 2,100 per month. Assembly polls in Delhi are expected to be held in early 2025. In the 2020 elections, AAP won 62 of the 70 seats, while the BJP secured eight. (ANI)
Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh on Sunday slammed the BJP, saying that those who are in power should see former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's personality. "Those who are in power today, who have been singing Dr Manmohan's praises and remembering his contributions for the last two days, should see Dr Manmohan Singh's personality," Ramesh told ANI. "His 4-minute speech on demonetization shook the government. He did not say much when he was in opposition but when he spoke, everyone listened. It is said about Lala Bahadur Shastri that he was a man without enemies, I can say the same about Dr Manmohan Singh," he added. He said that Manmohan Singh improved the country and gave the people new hope. "The BJP criticises Dr Manmohan Singh till date. When he was the Finance Minister, he made an immense contribution to the country. India's strong position at an international level is because of him... He was the epitome of humility, peace, ability and gentleness. He improved the country and gave us all new hope," he said. Manmohan Singh was accorded a state funeral with military honours at the Nigambodh Ghat, a public cremation ground in north Delhi, on Saturday. Manmohan Singh passed away at AIIMS, Delhi, on Thursday night at the age of 92 due to age-related medical conditions. He had a sudden loss of consciousness at home after which he was rushed to the hospital. Meanwhile, BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla on Sunday hit out at Congress for indulging in "low-level petty politics" over the demise of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. He said that those who are raising the issue of "insult" to the former Prime Minister over his last rites are forgetting about the treatment given to Dr Singh when he was alive. Earlier, Congress MP Jairam Ramesh also told ANI that his party will start 'Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhaan' campaign to demand the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah over his alleged disparaging remarks against Babasaheb Ambedkar. The campaign was announced after the Congress Working Committee (CWC) on December 26. "The campaign that was announced in Belagavi has been put on hold till 3rd January to observe a 7-day mourning for Dr Manmohan Singh... After the 3rd, we will hold rallies for the 'Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhaan' campaign," Ramesh told ANI. "On 26 January, there will be a big rally at the birthplace of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar... From January 25, 2025, to January 25, 2026, we will take out the 'Samvidhaan Bachao Rashtriya Padyatra' across the country... Our only demand is that the Home Minister apologise and resign," he added. Union Home Minister Amit Shah had said in the Rajya Sabha, "If they (the Opposition) had taken the name of God as many times as they take Ambedkar's name, they would have secured heaven for seven lives." (ANI)
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Sunday accused the Congress party of "creating" a controversy over the demise of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and building a memorial for him. He highlighted that former PM narsimha Rao's body wasn't even brought to the AICC headquarters. Speaking to ANI, Puri said, "There is no controversy but it is being created. Congress party is isolated in the INDI alliance and even in the country. Congress which didn't allow PV Narasimha Rao's mortal remains to come to party headquarters and his final cremation was done in Hyderabad." "Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge wrote a letter that we (Congress) would like something - the home ministry released a communication and said that we agreed to their request," he added. Puri assured that a memorial will be built to honour the memory of former PM Manmohan Singh. "The Sikh community came and prayed for him (Manmohan Singh). We have always admired his work and drawn inspiration from him. Even today, when his ashes were immersed, our people were there and not the people from Congress. In the days to come, a memorial will be built for sure. I don't think that we should give a free run to those who are creating controversy," he told ANI. Notably, a war of words has broken out between BJP and Congress leaders over the cremation of Manmohan Singh at Delhi's Nigambodh Ghat. On Saturday, Congress MP Manickam Tagore slammed the Centre, alleging that the final journey of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was held at a common and congested location. "It's a very sad thing that the govt has stooped to this level. When the former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee passed away, this govt provided a place for cremation, that same place was made a memorial for the PM... All the prime ministers have received similar honour. It is deeply painful to see that the final journey of Manmohan Singh was taken to a very common and even congested place. There was no place for the foreign dignitaries and Dr Singh's family...," the Congress MP told ANI. Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also lashed out at BJP-led central government, alleging that "adequate place" wasn't provided for the cremation of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. On Saturday, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in a social media post on X, wrote, "By not providing an adequate place for the cremation of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, the Government has not done justice to the dignity of the post of former Prime Minister, the personality of Manmohan Singh, his legacy and the self-respecting Sikh community." The UPA government had rejected requests for separate memorials in the national capital citing lack of space. (ANI)
Two people were arrested in connection with the narcotics bust on Sunday after police in the Cachar district of Assam confiscated 50,000 Yaba tablets valued at Rs 15 crore. Speaking to ANI, Numal Mahatta, Superintendent of Police of Cachar district, said, Based on credible intelligence, Cachar police conducted a special operation against the illegal transportation of narcotic substances near Ghoongur Bypass under the jurisdiction of Silchar police station and intercepted one Maruti Gipsy vehicle bearing registration number MN-06LA-8743 coming from Aizawl and apprehended two people." The officials identified the apprehended persons as Vanlallien and Sonpao Fanai; they both were hailing from Churachandpur in Manipur. "During the careful search of the vehicle, the police team recovered 5 packets containing 50,000 Yaba tablets kept concealed in the spare tyre. The price of the narcotic substance in the black market is about Rs 15 crore," Mahatta said. "In connection with this, the vehicles used in the illegal transportation have also been seized. The consignment of the narcotic substance is suspected to be illegally transported from Churachandpur, Manipur," Mahatta added. Further investigation is underway. Earlier on December 24, a drug peddler was arrested and 1.5 lakh YABA tablets with an estimated market value of Rs 45 crore were seized from his possession in Assam's Karimganj district. In a post on X, CM Sarma wrote, "Drugs worth Rs. 45 crores were recovered in a source-backed anti-narcotics operation carried out by Sribhumi Police in the Hathikhira area. A truck coming from a neighbouring state was intercepted, leading to the recovery of 1.5 lakhs of YABA tablets weighing over 16 kgs. One person has been arrested in this regard and further investigation is ongoing," he added. Earlier, the Special Task Force (STF) of Assam Police, in collaboration with the Cachar district police, seized 60,000 Yaba tablets and 125 grams of heroin in a late-night operation on in Silchar. (ANI)
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders, during a party meeting on Sunday, observed a moment of silence to express grief over the demise of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and prayed for peace of the departed soul during the organizational meeting of the party. The BJP held an organisational election review meeting at the party's headquarters extension office in the national capital on Sunday. Union Minister and BJP National President JP Nadda, Organization General Secretary BL Santosh, National General Secretaries, all the state presidents, state organization general secretaries and organization election in-charge co-in-charge were present in the meeting. Manmohan Singh passed away on Thursday night at AIIMS Delhi at the age of 92. Earlier today, the ashes of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh were immersed at the Yamuna Ghat near the Gurdwara Majnu Ka Tila Sahib in Delhi, a day after he was cremated with full state honours at Nigambodh Ghat. His ashes were brought to the Gurdwara Majnu Ka Tila Sahib earlier today. The family of the late former PM Manmohan Singh performed rituals at the Gurudwara including Shabad Kirtan (musical recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib), Paath (recitation of Gurbani) and Ardas. On Saturday, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was cremated with full state honours at Nigambodh Ghat in Delhi's Kashmere Gate in the presence of his family, friends, colleagues and government dignitaries. President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh paid their last respects to the former PM by placing a wreath near his mortal remains earlier today. The last rites were carried out at the VIP Ghat as per the Sikh rituals. Singh's mortal remains were placed on a pyre of sandalwood sticks. Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge along with Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi were also present for the cremation ceremony after they paid tribute to the former Prime Minister. The mortal remains of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh were brought to the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters in Delhi from his residence on early Saturday morning for party workers to pay their respects. Several people also gathered outside the residence of the former Prime Minister in Delhi to pay their tributes. Singh's political career spanned several decades, with notable positions including Finance Minister from 1991 to 1996, during which he spearheaded economic reforms that transformed India's economy. He served as the 13th Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014, succeeding Atal Bihari Vajpayee. His tenure is particularly remembered for his steady leadership during economic crises and his contributions to modernising India's economy. After his second term, Singh retired from public life, having led India through a period of unprecedented growth and international recognition. He was succeeded by Narendra Modi in 2014 after the Congress-led UPA lost the general elections. (ANI)
The Transport Department of the Delhi Government dismissed the allegations levelled by Aam Aadmi Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal that an inquiry is being 'contemplated' against the Delhi Chief Minister Atishi in a matter pertaining to free bus ride for women This comes after Kejriwal alleged that a "conspiracy was being hatched" to get Chief Minister Atishi arrested in a 'false' case to distract the party from its campaign for the Delhi Assembly polls. The Transport Department termed the allegations "absolutely misplaced and misleading." Dismissing the allegations, the Principal Secretary in the Department of Transport of the Delhi government wrote a letter to CM Atishi, saying that no such inquiry has even been contemplated by the Transport Department and no communication has either been received from the Vigilance Department of the Delhi government in this regard. "My attention is drawn to news reports on Television and Social Media, wherein Former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is seen alleging that an inquiry is being contemplated in the Transport Department implicating your goodself in a matter pertaining free bus ride for women," the letter read. "I would like to place on record that no such inquiry has even been contemplated by the Transport Department. Also, no communication has either been received from the Vigilance Department, GNCTD in this regard. The aforesaid claim is absolutely misplaced and misleading," it added. On December 25, the former Delhi Chief Minister, Kejriwal during a press conference alleged, "As per sources, recently there was a meeting between the CBI, ED and Income Tax. They have been instructed from above to arrest CM Atishi by fabricating any false case against the CM." Ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections 2025, the battle between the AAP, BJP and Congress has become intense, with all three parties levelling allegations on each other. The Delhi Assembly polls 2025 are due in February 2025. (ANI)
Jan Suraj chief Prashant Kishore joined the students protesting against the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) examination, and slammed the treatment of students by the Bihar government. Accusing the Bihar government of turning democracy into "lathi-tantra," he emphasized the right to protest of the students in public spaces. Meanwhile, BPSC aspirants continue their protest in Patna's Gandhi Maidan. Gaurav Kumar, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), also reached Gandhi Maidan, where BPSC aspirants are protesting and demanding a re-examination to be held for the 70th BPSC prelims. Speaking to the media persons, Kishore said, "We are not going for a protest. Students are sitting there, we are going to meet them. Gandhi Maidan is a public place, people go there every day. If the students do not have any place, they will go to a public place. I don't know why the government has made it a question of its prestige, somewhere they are harming themselves." Kishore further added, "Bihar is the mother of democracy and if the students here do not have the right to speak their minds, then this is becoming a 'lathi-tantra'... that's why we are with the students." Earlier, on Saturday, Delhi Police detained members of the Students' Federation of India (SFI) protesting outside Bihar Bhawan against the lathi charge on BPSC aspirants in Patna. The protesting students in Patna are demanding the cancellation of the Integrated Combined (Preliminary) Competitive Examination (CCE) 2024 conducted by the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) on December 13. (ANI)
Bharat Rashtra Samithi MLC K Kavitha received a welcome as she returned to her constituency, Nizamabad, after a gap of 10 months. Speaking to the ANI, she launched a scathing attack on the Congress and BJP for neglecting the region's development. "There is absolutely no talk of development and fulfilment of promises by the Congress government in Nizamabad," Kavitha remarked, adding that both major national parties had failed the people of Telangana. She pointed out the lack of action from the BJP MP from Nizamabad, saying, " The BJP MP here has never asked about Telangana in Parliament, nor has he done any new development in Telangana or Nizamabad." She also slammed the Congress government in the state, accusing it of turning a blind eye to the region's needs. "People are fed up with both Congress and BJP," Kavitha said. The BRS leader's return was met with fervent enthusiasm from her supporters, with party workers thronging the streets to greet her. Kavitha, who is the daughter of Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao, has been an active voice for her party in the region. Earlier this week, BRS MLC Kalvakuntla Kavitha accused the Congress government in Telangana of functioning under the BJP's influence, alleging collusion between the two parties to target regional forces and suppress opposition voices. Addressing the media at Telangana Bhavan, on Monday, Kavitha highlighted a pattern of political conspiracy. She claimed that recent cases against BRS Working President K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) were politically motivated and part of a vendetta campaign orchestrated after Chief Minister Revanth Reddy met with BJP leaders in Delhi. She noted that the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) case against KTR was swiftly followed by Enforcement Directorate (ED) action, all occurring immediately after CM Revanth Reddy's Delhi visit. "This sequence of events exposes the Congress-BJP nexus aimed at eliminating regional leaders like KCR, who continue to fight for the people," she asserted. The daughter of BRS Supremo, Kavitha accused CM Revanth Reddy of unleashing "vendetta politics" and prioritising opposition crackdowns over governance. She alleged that "controversy surrounding actor Allu Arjun was deliberately stirred to distract the public from the government's failures". (ANI)
A team from the Municipal Corporation was attacked by some people in Lucknow during an anti-encroachment drive, according to a senior police official on Sunday. Amit Verma, the Joint Commissioner of Police of Lucknow said that the Municipal Corporation team was carrying out a campaign when some people attacked their team. He added that the Municipal Corporation has registered a complaint, and based on it, the police have registered a First Information Report (FIR). Speaking to reporters, Amit Verma said, "The Municipal Corporation team was carrying out a campaign during which some people attacked their team. An FIR has been registered by the Municipal Corporation. The police will take action in this matter as soon as possible and strict action will be taken against those who are guilty in this..." The police are currently investigating the incident, and strict action will be taken against the individuals responsible. Further details are awaited. (ANI)
Amid tensions in Bangladesh, the cross-border infiltration seems to have increased. To counter the same, the West Bengal police have told other investigative agencies about the shortcomings in the passport system, an official said on Sunday. Director General of Police (DGP) Rajeev Kumar said that West Bengal has fought with left and right-wing extremism and they will do it again to combat the illegal infiltration from Bangladesh. "We want to assure all the people of West Bengal that we, the West Bengal Police are a very professional police force. In the past as well we have seen that we fought with left and right-wing extremism very well. We will do it again. We are keeping an eye on Bangladesh. We have told other agencies about the shortcomings in the passport system and we are changing our own things," West Bengal DGP Kumar told ANI. To address rising concerns over the unauthorized stay of migrants including Bangladeshi nationals in the capital, the Delhi Police has intensified efforts to identify, detain and repatriate individuals residing without valid Indian documents. The police said that as part of the drive eight illegal migrants from Bangladesh were detected and deported to their country through the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). The Bangladeshi nationals were identified as Jahangir, his wife Parina Begam and their six children. All were residing at Rangpuri. Six Bangladeshi women were detained at Tripura's Agartala railway station for illegal entry into India, officials said on Friday. Acting on confidential information, a joint operation by Agartala GRPS, RPF, BSF, and intelligence agencies led to the detention of six individuals, including four Bangladeshi nationals (three women and one man) and two Indian agents (one man and one woman), at Agartala Railway Station on Friday morning. The detained individuals allegedly entered India illegally from Bangladesh and were preparing to board a train to travel to other states. During initial interrogation, the detainees revealed plans to travel to Kolkata. (ANI)
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh paid floral tribute to BR Ambedkar in Indore, Madhya Pradesh on Sunday. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Singh praised Ambedkar's immense contributions saying that his role in the creation of the institutions of independent India has been incomparable. "I had the good fortune of visiting the birthplace of Baba Saheb Bhim Rao Ambedkar ji in Mhow. Along with contributing to the creation of the Constitution, Baba Saheb's role in the creation of the institutions of independent India has been incomparable. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi, the government has done a great job of developing the places associated with Baba Saheb as 'Panch Teerth'. The future generations of India will remember the contribution of Baba Saheb. Jai Bhim!" the Union Minister posted on X. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, in his address during the 117th episode of 'Mann Ki Baat', hailed the Constitution, saying that it has stood the test of time and serves as a guiding light. Addressing the 117th episode and last 'Mann Ki Baat' episode of 2024, PM Modi said, "On January 26, 2025, our Constitution will complete 75 years of its implementation. It is a matter of great pride for all of us. The Constitution handed over to us by our Constitution makers has stood the test of time. The Constitution is a guiding light for us, our guide. To connect the citizens of the country with the legacy of the Constitution, a special website named http://constitution75.com has been created. Here you can upload your video reading the Preamble of the Constitution. You can read the Constitution in different languages and also ask questions about the Constitution." India marked a milestone on November 26, 2024, commemorating the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of India. On this day in 1949, the Indian Constituent Assembly adopted the Constitution, which came into force on January 26, 1950, establishing India as a democratic republic. In 2015, the Government of India designated November 26 as Constitution Day (Samvidhan Divas) to honour the adoption of the Constitution. Since then, the nation has celebrated this occasion annually. (ANI)
Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday took a dig at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Uttar Pradesh for extending invitations to the top leaders of the country for the Mahakumbh 2025, stating that millions of people attend the Kumbh Mela not due to invitations, but out of faith. "Invitations are not given for Kumbh. People come to Kumbh on their own out of faith. I do not want to say anything about anyone," Akhilesh Yadav told reporters here. He added, "We have learnt and read that people come on their own to such events. Are the crores of people who will come for the Kumbh Mela, invited? This government is different." On Saturday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath met Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in the national capital to extend an invitation for the Mahakumbh 2025. The Mahakumbh, held every twelve years, will commence on January 13 and conclude on February 26, 2025. Preparations are in their final stages, with the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department working to provide new and exciting experiences for visitors under the guidance of CM Yogi Adityanath. Ahead of the event, UP CM Yogi also extended invitations to former President Ram Nath Kovind and newly appointed Governor of Mizoram, General VK Singh (retd), and BJP National President Jagat Prakash Nadda. According to a press release, the Tourism department is set to mesmerise the attendees at Mahakumbh 2025 with a spectacular drone show, showcasing mythological tales linked to the Mahakumbh and Prayagraj. The show will feature 2,000 drones and light up the skies over Sangam Nose, marking the grand opening and conclusion of the world-famous religious gathering. District Tourism Officer, Aparajita Singh stated that the drone show will be held at the Sangam during the opening and closing of the event. (ANI)
West Bengal Police has announced plans to strengthen the passport verification process to prevent Indian passports from falling into the wrong hands. This move comes amid reports of fake passport rackets operating in the state, allegedly issuing counterfeit passports to Bangladeshi nationals. West Bengal ADG Jawed Shamim on Sunday said that the police are taking extra security measures to ensure that the Indian passport does not reach the "wrong person." "Passport is a process where a lot of agencies are involved. So Kolkata Police is already doing a detailed investigation regarding passports. The government of West Bengal is also writing for the change in some orders," Shamim told ANI. He also said that West Bengal Police and Central Agencies are making efforts to maintain communal harmony. "We are already implementing that process where additional layers of security will be increased so that the verification of every individual is done properly. All the arrangements are being implemented so that the Indian passport does not reach the wrong person...West Bengal Police, Kolkata Police and Central Agencies are making efforts so that the issue of communal harmony or any other security issue, is not compromised," he said. The Kolkata Police have arrested seven persons so far who allegedly ran a fake passport racket, selling forged passports for Rs 2 to Rs 5 lakh each. Meanwhile, after recent arrests of Tehreek-ul-Mujahideen (TuM) and Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT) terrorists from West Bengal, Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar on Saturday slammed Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and alleged that TMC is helping the terrorists to convert West Bengal into a Muslim-majority state. "Whichever terrorist is caught is related to someone from TMC. For the last 5 years, Mamata Banerjee has given them total freedom to commit acts against India... West Bengal has not given any land for fencing (against infiltrators). The terrorists want to convert West Bengal into a Muslim-majority state. TMC is helping them, that is why they (BJP leaders) are on their hitlist and TMC leaders are not. We have to save the country from radical Islamist powers," Majumdar told reporters in Kolkata. (ANI)
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Daljit Singh Cheema on Sunday slammed the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab, demanding an unconditional apology to Scheduled Caste (SC) students. The controversy revolves around the state government's release of only 37.5 per cent of the Post Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC students in 2024-25. According to Cheema, the AAP government has admitted to releasing only Rs 92 crore out of the total Rs 245 crore allocated for the scheme. This, despite a lapse of nine months, is a dismal performance. In a post on X Daljit Singh Cheema said, "The AAP-led Punjab Govt has admitted in its full-page advertisements issued in different newspapers today that so far in the year 2024-25 it has released only 37.5 per cent of the Post Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC students. It is very clear from the figures published in the advertisements that out of the total Rs 245 Cr allocated for 2024-25, only Rs 92 Cr has been released." He questioned the government's priorities, wondering why they were spending money on full-page advertisements instead of releasing the full amount earmarked for the scheme. "With this dismal performance, the state government should have tendered an unconditional apology to SC students that even after a lapse of nine months it could release only 37.5 per cent. But instead, it is issuing full-page advertisements !!! If you have so much money for advertising, it would be better to release 100 per cent of the money earmarked for the year. In addition, there is no clear mention of the dates of release of the amount pending from 2016-2020," he further said. Earlier Punjab Minister of Social Justice, empowerment and Minorities Baljit Kaur said that AAP Government allocated Rs 92 crore to 250 colleges from the 2024-25 budget under the Post Matric Scholarship for Scheduled Caste Students scheme. Addressing the media, Kaur announced the difficulties being faced by the scheme and said that with the AAP government's rule in the state, a total of Rs 92 crore were released to 250 colleges. "Rs 1.563 crore were pending since 2023, and since 2023 we have allocated a total of Rs 92 crores to 250 colleges which were affected due to the Congress government in rule here," said Kaur. Further, Kaur accused the previous Congress govt of stopping the release of the funds. "The Post Metric Scholarship scheme, sponsored by the central government, is for the poor students and for those who face difficulties while completing their education. Changes were made in the scheme when Congress was ruling in such a manner that no money was given for the scheme," she said. Kaur appealed to the Central government to release the 60 per cent shares in the scheme. "The Central Government should also release its 60 percent share in this scheme soon because the Punjab Government has already released its entire share," she added. The Minister also promised that the children would not be deprived of their education and appeals were being made to the government to release the funds."Children of the poor will not be deprived of education and we are appealing to the government to release the funds for the scheme," the Minister said. The Post Matric scholarship scheme aims to focus on children from poor households and provide them with financial assistance at the post-matriculation or post-secondary stage to help them complete their education. (ANI)
Jan Suraj chief Prashant Kishore joined the aspirants of the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) in their protest in Gandhi Maidan on Sunday. The BPSC aspirants continue their protest demanding a re-exam to be held for the 70th BPSC prelims. Meanwhile, accusing the Bihar government of turning democracy into "lathi-tantra," Kishore emphasised the right to protest of the students in public spaces. Speaking to the media, Kishore said, "We are not going for a protest. Students are sitting there, we are going to meet them. Gandhi Maidan is a public place, people go there every day. If the students do not have any place, they will go to a public place. I don't know why the government has made it a question of its prestige, somewhere they are harming themselves." Kishore further added, "Bihar is the mother of democracy and if the students here do not have the right to speak their minds, then this is becoming a 'lathi-tantra'... that's why we are with the students." Gaurav Kumar, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), also reached Gandhi Maidan, where the BPSC aspirants are protesting and demanding a re-examination to be held for the 70th BPSC prelims. On Saturday, Delhi Police detained members of the Students' Federation of India (SFI) who were protesting outside Bihar Bhawan in Delhi against the police lathi charge on BPSC aspirants in Patna. The protesting students in Patna are demanding the cancellation of the Integrated Combined (Preliminary) Competitive Examination (CCE) 2024 conducted by the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) on December 13. (ANI)
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Sunday dismissed the Aam Aadmi Party's allegations of operating "Operation Lotus" in Delhi for voter manipulation and challenged the notion that Rohingyas, whom AAP has accused the party of settling in Delhi for votes, would ever support the BJP. In a sharp rebuttal to AAP's accusations of voter manipulation, Hardeep Puri questioned the credibility of the claims. "Do you think that the Rohingyas, in any condition, will vote for the BJP? There is no chance that they will vote for us," Hardeep Puri asserted, turning the tables on the accusations. When asked about, AAP's charges that 'Operation Lotus' is being operated in Delhi from December 15 wherein BJP has cut out 5000 voters and added 7000 voters. Replying to the allegations, Hardeep Puri said, "This is the same Arvind Kejriwal and the same Aam Aadmi Party that were claiming that the BJP has brought Rohingyas to Delhi. We (BJP) have clarified everything in connection with this. Do you think that the Rohingyas in any condition will vote for the BJP? There is no chance that they will vote for us." "This has all been done by the AAP. These 'illegal infiltrators' have been brought and settled by them for votes. If you cut these votes, I say it will be very good for our democratic process. Arvind Kejriwal says one thing and the very next moment changes his stance on that," said Puri. The BJP leader's response underscores the idea that the party believes allegations of settling Rohingyas in Delhi for electoral gain are baseless. They contend that any suggestion that the Rohingyas--whom AAP has painted as a vote bank for BJP--would vote for the party is far-fetched. Puri on Sunday also attacked AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal over the party's welfare schemes and accused the former Delhi Chief Minister of 'deceiving' the people. The Union Minister said, "Aisa koi saga nahi jise Kejriwal ne thaga nahi" (there is no one whom Kejriwal has not deceived). Puri claimed that the Mahila 'Samman Yojana' and 'Sanjeevani' schemes lack proper budgetary provisions and cabinet approval. The Mahila Samman Yojana is aimed at providing women residing in Delhi with Rs 2,100 per month. The minister questioned the sincerity of the schemes, stating that announcing such plans without clear financial backing or a robust implementation process is a betrayal to the people. He accused Arvind Kejriwal of losing his 'mental equilibrium' after Kejriwal alleged the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of running "Operation Lotus" in his constituency. This comes after Earlier today, former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of running "Operation Lotus" in the New Delhi constituency since December 15 to delete voters from the voter list. Addressing a press conference, Kejriwal said, "In my New Delhi assembly constituency - their (BJP) 'operation Lotus' has been going on since December 15. In these 15 days, they have applied for the deletion of 5,000 votes and the addition of 7,500 votes. Why there is a need to conduct elections if you are manipulating approximately 12 per cent of total voters in the assembly? A kind of 'game' is being going on in the name of election." Puri expressed confidence in his party's victory in the upcoming Delhi assembly elections, which are expected to be held in early 2025, saying, "The electoral results of Delhi will be the same as those of Haryana and Maharashtra." (ANI)
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Sunday paid tributes to the late senior Communist Party of India (CPI) leader R Nallakannu and said the veteran leader was an "example for all of us in public life." Taking to his social media handle on X, MK Stalin posted, "Let us honor and praise the life of Comrade Nallakannu Ayya, who was a leader - a guide - and an example for all of us in public life!" "Let us cultivate the Dravidian-communist ideology for the people as a prosperous crop under the guidance of the virtuous Nallakannun Ayya, who shed tears for the well-being of the people and for their prosperity!" posted Stalin. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Stalin also participated in the R Nallakannu centenary year program and said, "I feel proud to participate in the freedom fighter and CPI senior leader R Nallakannu centenary year program. We have come here to get the blessings of R Nallakannu. Former DMK chief, the late Karunanidhi used to say CPI leader Nallakannu is younger than me but he is more experienced than me." R Nallakannu was the former State Secretary of the Communist Party of India of Tamil Nadu. (ANI)
Abhijit Mukherjee, the son of former President Pranab Mukherjee, on Sunday expressed deep sorrow over the demise of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and said that the passing away of the late leader is a great loss to the country and the Congress party. "I couldn't attend his funeral but tomorrow or the day after I will go and pay tribute if they allow us. It is a great loss to the country and Congress. The last rites are the rights of families, so as per the sikh ritual, it has been done," said Abhijit Mukherjee while speaking to ANI. Sharing his mind over the controversy surrounding Manmohan Singh's cremation, Mukherjee said, "I don't think there should be a controversy. We want a memorial (for him). I appeal to the government and fully endorse Congress President Mallikarjun's appeal to the govt, they should think about it." Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders, during a party meeting on Sunday, observed a moment of silence to express grief over the demise of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and prayed for peace of the departed soul during the organisational meeting of the party. Manmohan Singh passed away on Thursday night at the age of 92 at AIIMS Delhi. Earlier today, the ashes of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh have immersed at the Yamuna Ghat near the Gurdwara Majnu Ka Tila Sahib in Delhi, a day after he was cremated with full state honours at Nigambodh Ghat. His ashes were brought to the Gurdwara Majnu Ka Tila Sahib earlier today. The family of the late former PM Manmohan Singh performed rituals at the Gurudwara including Shabad Kirtan (musical recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib), Paath (recitation of Gurbani) and Ardas.On Saturday, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was cremated with full state honours at Nigambodh Ghat in Delhi's Kashmere Gate in the presence of his family, friends, colleagues and government dignitaries. President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh paid their last respects to the former PM by placing a wreath near his mortal remains earlier today. The last rites were carried out at the VIP Ghat as per the Sikh rituals. Singh's mortal remains were placed on a pyre of sandalwood sticks. Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge along with Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi were also present for the cremation ceremony after they paid tribute to the former Prime Minister. The mortal remains of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh were brought to the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters in Delhi from his residence on early Saturday morning for party workers to pay their respects. Several people also gathered outside the residence of the former Prime Minister in Delhi to pay their tributes. Singh's political career spanned several decades, with notable positions including Finance Minister from 1991 to 1996, during which he spearheaded economic reforms that transformed India's economy. He served as the 13th Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014, succeeding Atal Bihari Vajpayee. His tenure is particularly remembered for his steady leadership during economic crises and his contributions to modernising India's economy. After his second term, Singh retired from public life, having led India through a period of unprecedented growth and international recognition. He was succeeded by Narendra Modi in 2014 after the Congress-led UPA lost the general elections. (ANI)
To address rising concerns over the unauthorized stay of migrants including Bangladeshi nationals in the capital, the Delhi Police has intensified efforts to identify, detain and repatriate individuals residing without valid Indian documents. DCP South Delhi Ankit Chauhan said that as part of the drive by South District Delhi Police seven illegal migrants from Bangladesh were detected, which included 5 women and 2 men. They were carrying Bangladesh IDs with them. Some are working at the construction sites while some are planning to enrol themselves in beauty parlours. After further verification, they were deported through the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). "South District Delhi Police has started a campaign to nab illegal Bangladeshi immigrants throughout Delhi. We nabbed 5 Bangladeshi illegal migrants last week and 7 today, which includes 5 women and 2 men... We found Bangladesh IDs on them. Some were working on construction sites and others were planning to work in beauty parlours. After further verification, we deported them through FRO...," said DCP South Delhi Ankit Chauhan. As part of the drive, the Delhi Police have carried out a series of targeted operations and joint inspections across the South West District. Special teams comprising officers from local police stations, and special units have been deployed to conduct thorough searches and gather intelligence to locate undocumented immigrants. During the verification drive, door-to-door verifications were conducted and almost 400 families were checked and their documents were collected. Verification forms (Parcha-12) were sent to their respective addresses in West Bengal for verification. A special team was also constituted and sent to West Bengal for manual verification of suspects, said the police. (ANI)
Buggana Rajendranath Reddy, former finance minister of Andhra Pradesh, criticised the TDP-led coalition government, accusing it of driving the state into a financial crisis through reckless borrowing and unfulfilled promises, according to a press statement issued on Sunday. Addressing the media at Hyderabad Press Club, Buggana revealed alarming statistics and alleged that the state has borrowed an unprecedented Rs 1,12,750 crore in just six months, setting a record in Andhra Pradesh's history. He warned that this debt-driven governance threatens the state's financial stability and burdens future generations. Buggana highlighted the stark contrast between the current administration and the previous YSRCP government, which maintained fiscal discipline and focused on welfare-oriented governance. He pointed out that during the YSRCP's tenure from 2019 to 2024, the state's debt grew at an average rate of 15.61 per cent, significantly lower than the 19.54% during the previous TDP regime from 2014 to 2019. He criticised the TDP's financial mismanagement and questioned its commitment to sustainable development. The former minister also criticised Chandrababu Naidu's penchant for grandiose "vision documents," such as the recently unveiled Vision-2047. Drawing parallels with earlier promises like Vision-2020 and Sunrise Andhra Pradesh, Buggana labelled this as empty rhetoric designed to mislead the public. He argued that Naidu's so-called visionary leadership has consistently failed to deliver tangible outcomes, and the current administration's track record appears no different. Buggana also pointed out the lack of implementation of the TDP's much-publicised "Super Six" promises, including unemployment allowances and free gas cylinders. He criticised the coalition government for failing to allocate sufficient budgetary resources for these initiatives, leaving them as mere election slogans. He further exposed the alarming rise in off-budget borrowings, including Rs 31,000 crore for Amaravati development, warning that these hidden debts will further strain the state's finances. The former finance minister questioned the media's silence on these issues, accusing certain outlets of being biased and failing to hold the coalition accountable for its financial recklessness. He contrasted this with the YSRCP's governance, emphasising that his party treated its manifesto as a sacred document and fulfilled key welfare promises. Schemes like Amma Vodi, Rythu Bharosa, and Aasara directly transferred over Rs 4.2 lakh crore to the people, ensuring that public resources reached those in need. In conclusion, Buggana Rajendranath Reddy called on the public to scrutinise the TDP-led coalition's governance and hold it accountable for its extravagant borrowing and lack of transparency. He reiterated that the YSRCP remains committed to the welfare of the people and sustainable governance, urging the media and citizens to rise above propaganda and focus on facts. (ANI)
The Pune Rural Police on Sunday formally announced their comprehensive preparations for the upcoming 207th Bhima-Koregaon Anniversary celebrations, set to take place on January 1, 2024. Speaking to ANI, Pune Rural SP Pankaj Deshmukh shared details about the police arrangements, highlighting the adequate parking facilities available for visitors. He welcomed all visitors, appealing to them to maintain peace during the celebrations. "For the upcoming Bhima-Koregaon Anniversary celebrations, the Pune Rural Police is completely geared up. At the same time, the district administration is ready. We have been provided with a large number of parking places where the visitors can come and park their vehicles... I welcome all the visitors for this celebration and would appeal to them to conduct these celebrations peacefully..," he said. Every year, Koregaon Bhima village becomes a significant pilgrimage site as thousands of visitors gather to commemorate the anniversary of the historic battle that occurred on January 1, 1818. This battle was a pivotal conflict between the British East India Company and the Peshwa faction of the Maratha Confederacy. The event marked a critical moment in Indian history, symbolizing resistance against colonial rule. People from various backgrounds come to offer their tributes and honour the valour displayed by the soldiers who fought in this battle. However, the 200th anniversary celebrations on January 1, 2018, were marred by violence, which resulted in one fatality and several injuries. In response, the police took proactive measures by filing 58 cases against 162 individuals. Violence erupted after some people, reportedly with saffron flags, pelted stones at cars heading towards the Perne village on the Pune-Ahmednagar Road for the commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the Bhima-Koregaon war. (ANI)
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday made history by becoming the first Defence Minister to visit Mhow in 24 years, where he lauded the Indian Army's training institutes for their outstanding contributions. Singh's visit was a significant milestone, as he acknowledged the crucial role these institutes play in shaping the military strategies and warfare skills of Indian Army personnel. He was on a visit to the three Premier Training Institutes of the Indian Army - Army War College (AWC), Infantry School and Military College of Telecommunication and Engineering (MCTE) - in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, accompanied by the Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi and other senior officers of the Indian Army. Singh was briefed by the Officiating Commandant on the establishment of the Advanced Incubation and Research Centre and the various MoUs towards enabling the absorption and transformation of technologies. He visited the Army Marksmanship Unit to witness their contribution towards national sports. Singh also visited the Infantry Museum, where he was briefed on the history of the Infantry as well as the induction of modernised equipment into the Infantry. Addressing the troops, he commended the courage and vigilance of the Indian Army personnel in safeguarding the borders and ensuring national security. "Your dedication and devotion to duty are an inspiration to all of us. It is due to your hard work and commitment that our country and its borders are becoming increasingly secure and strong," he said. Singh called upon the Armed Forces to continue keeping a vigilant eye on the current geopolitical scenario, and always remain alert and ready to deal with any kind of threats. During his address at Mhow Military Station, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, " Our jawans are not ordinary but very special. Whenever you want to do something you don't calculate but instead you think that no matter what we need to do it. This dedication of yours inspires the entire citizens of this country...as the Defence Minister, I want to say that we will have to keep ourselves alert always..." He emphasised that there are times when India faces challenges on the borders as well as on the internal front, which makes it imperative for the soldiers to keep a close eye on the activities of the adversaries and take timely and effective steps against them. Singh asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Government's aim is to make India a developed and self-reliant nation by 2047, and the Armed Forces will play a crucial role in achieving this goal. "You are the protectors of our borders and the forerunners in nation-building. I am sure that you will continue securing our borders with courage and dedication, and contribute to realising the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047," he said. Earlier, the Defence Minister visited the Bhim Janm Bhoomi, a memorial dedicated to Dr BR Ambedkar in Mhow, and paid homage to the Bharat Ratna and the architect of the Indian constitution at his birthplace. He described Dr BR Ambedkar as an epitome of selfless service, who dedicated his life to social equality and empowerment. (ANI)
According to the Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) in Mandi, Sagar Chand, who confirmed the details of the tragic event, the incident resulted in the death of a woman, identified as Priya, while her husband and the driver sustained injuries.

Priya died at the scene due to the impact of the falling rocks, while her husband and the driver were injured.

Both were rushed to a nearby hospital for immediate medical attention. The driver has been referred to PGI Chandigarh for further treatment.

In October, five people, including a 16-year-old, died after a car fell into a ravine in the Chauhar valley of Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh, police confirmed on Sunday.

The incident reportedly took place on Saturday night, when the group was returning from a wedding ceremony.

One of the deceased was identified to be a 16-year-old, whereas the other four people were reportedly between 20-25 years old, according to Mandi Superintendent of Police, Sakshi Verma. (ANI)
Assam has taken a significant step towards mitigating human-wildlife conflict by forming anti-depredation squads in various districts in the fringe areas of Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Assam's Morigaon district. These squads aim to ensure the safety of both humans and animals, particularly during conflicts arising from the encroachment of wildlife into human habitats. On Sunday, the Forest Department, in collaboration with the conservation organization Aranyak, established 13 Anti-Depredation Squads, each comprising residents from different villages. Pranjal Baruah, Forest Range Officer of Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary said that the initiative has been taken by involving locals of nearby villages especially the farmers who are engaged directly in the protection of their farmland from wild animals of Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary. "During the meeting at Interpretation Hall at Pobitora Wildlife Range, training was also given to the participants for the development of skills and techniques for self-defence from different animals like Buffalo, Rhino, Wild board and Jackals found nearby the areas. Awareness was also given about the behaviour and characteristics of different kinds of Animals which will eventually help the department in driving the stray animals safely back to the forest area without any harm," Pranjal Baruah said. The meeting was held in the presence of Pranjal Baruah, Range Officer Pobitora, Mitul Das, Fr-1 with Frontline staff of Pobitora WLS, Arif Hussain, Rhino Conservation Division of Aranyak with Colleagues and around 57 numbers of people joined as member of these ADSs. Winter jackets, raincoats, and charging torches have been provided to locals with the help of Aranyak, allowing them to assist the department in emergencies during this winter. (ANI)
"On the basis of intelligence, officers of AIU, Trichy Airport seized 2,447 live turtles brought by a PAX in his checked-in luggage. The passenger arrived from Kuala Lumpur on December 29," Trichy Customs officials said.

Earlier, the Customs Department and the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) thwarted an attempt to smuggle two different species of turtles and arrested multiple individuals involved, Chennai Customs officials said.

According to Chennai customs, the AIU seized 4,967 red-eared slider turtles and 19 albino red-eared slider turtles from two passengers who were arriving from Kuala Lumpur in the month of October.

In a post in X, the customs department said, "On 27.09.2024, Air Intelligence Unit, Chennai seized 4967 Nos. of Red Eared Slider Turtle and 19 Nos. of Albino Red Eared Slider Turtle from two pax. who arrived from Kuala Lumpur. Both passengers and receivers were arrested under the Customs Act, 1962."

The endangered wildlife were attempted to be smuggled into India in contravention of the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

The customs department continues to combat the illegal wildlife trade, particularly involving endangered species. (ANI)
Bihar police used mild-lathi charge and water cannon to disperse the protesting BPSC aspirants in Gandhi Maidan, Patna, on Sunday, demanding a re-examination to be held for the 70th BPSC prelims. SP City Sweety Sahrawat said that the students pushed the police after which they used water cannon on them. "We requested the students protesting to vacate the place but they didn't listen to us...We also said that they can put forward their demands, and we are ready to listen to them...They also pushed us after which we used water cannon on them," she said. The BPSC aspirants, who were joined by Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor, were demanding a re-exam for the 70th prelims exam. One of the aspirants said that they won't to be the victim of politics and an attempt is being made to divert the issue. "We don't want to be the victim of their (political leaders) politics...We have only one demand, we want re-examination...An attempt is being made to divert the issue...We don't want politics in this issue, we only want re-exam," he said. "We are against all political parties," the other aspirant said. Meanwhile, Jan Suraaj Chief Prashant Kishor said that if any injustice is done to the students, then they will stand with them with full strength. "The government officials present here have assured us that the government has agreed to discuss the demands of the students and the five-member students' committee will go and talk to the Chief Secretary right now so that some decision can be taken on the problems and demands of the students... If after talking to the Secretary, the students or the student organization of BPSC candidates are not satisfied, then tomorrow morning a decision will be made on the further protest...I would request the students not to do anything right now that is not legal... If the decision is not in favour of the students, if any injustice is done to the students, then we will stand with them with full strength...I am with the students," he said. On Saturday, Delhi Police detained members of the Students' Federation of India (SFI) who were protesting outside Bihar Bhawan in Delhi against the police lathi charge on BPSC aspirants in Patna. The protesting students in Patna are demanding the cancellation of the Integrated Combined (Preliminary) Competitive Examination (CCE) 2024 conducted by the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) on December 13. (ANI)
BJP leader and Delhi Assembly LoP Vijender Gupta slammed AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal over his claims that "BJP is manipulating voters' list", saying that he is trying to create confusion in the minds of people. Gupta said that Arvind Kejriwal is scared and he has realised that he is losing the Delhi Assembly elections. "Arvind Kejriwal is scared..for the first time, he has realised that he is losing the Delhi Assembly elections...therefore he is making various statements and trying to create confusion in the minds of people...if AAP Supremo is occupied with his own Assembly constituency so much and he can't get out of it, how will he lead the entire Delhi Assembly election," the BJP leader said. Meanwhile, the Chief Electoral Officer of Delhi dismissed Kejriwal's claim and clarified that all objections and claims regarding the draft electoral roll were addressed by December 24. The final roll will be published on January 6, 2025. In a post on X, the Delhi CEO also said all Booth Level Officers (BLOs) had conducted house-to-house verification to identify unenrolled eligible citizens, prospective electors, permanently shifted voters and dead electors, during the pre-revision period from August 20 to October 18. The Delhi Assembly polls 2025 are due in February 2025. "The Special Summary Revision w.r.t qualifying date 01.01.2025 is being done as per ECI letter dated 07.08.2024. During the pre-revision period i.e 20 August, 2024 to 18 October, 2024, the BLOs conducted the house-to-house verification to identify the unenrolled eligible citizens," the CEO posted on X. "The draft electoral roll was published on 29.10.2024 calling the claims and objections on draft roll from 29.10.2024 to 28.11.2024. All the claims and objections received during the period i.e 29.10.2024 to 28.11.2024 have been disposed by 24.12.2024 and final electoral roll w.r.t qualifying date 01.01.2025 will be published on 06.01.2025. However, the process of continuous updation w.r.t addition, deletion and modification is a continuous activity and same is undergoing now," the post added. This comes after Kejriwal wrote a letter to the District Electoral Officer of New Delhi alleging an "unusual spike" in voter addition and deletion applications in the New Delhi Assembly Constituency in recent days. "I am writing to bring to your immediate attention a significant rise in the number of voter addition and deletion applications received in the New Delhi Assembly Constituency over the past few days," the letter dated December 28 reads. The former Delhi Chief Minister also held a press conference today, accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party of running an "Operation Lotus" since December 15 in his constituency, by filing applications for the deletion of 5,000 votes and the addition of 7,500 votes. AAP convenor said, "In my New Delhi assembly constituency - their (BJP) 'operation Lotus' has been going on since December 15. In these 15 days, they have filed application for the deletion of 5,000 votes and the addition of 7,500 votes... Why there is a need to conduct elections if you are manipulating approximately 12 per cent of total voters in the assembly? A kind of 'game' is being going on in the name of election." "BJP wants to win the election anyhow, even by dishonesty... But, the people of Delhi will not let this happen. The said tactics they used in Haryana and Maharashtra assembly elections - we will not let them win here by using that tactic," he added. Ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections 2025, the battle between the AAP, BJP and Congress has become intense, with all three parties levelling allegations on each other. (ANI)
Rehearsals for the Indian Navy's grand 'Operational Demonstration' are currently underway at Rama Krishna Beach (RK Beach) in Visakhapatnam. The event, which is scheduled for January 4, 2025, will showcase the Navy's operational capabilities in a live demonstration. https://x.com/ANI/status/1873354467594359210 The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N Chandrababu Naidu, will be the chief guest for the event, marking an important occasion for both the Indian Navy and the state Meanwhile, the bilateral Naval exercise between India and Sri Lanka, SLINEX 24 (Sri Lanka - India Exercise 2024) was conducted from December 17 to December 20 at Visakhapatnam under the aegis of the Eastern Naval Command, the Ministry of Defence said in a release on Thursday. The ministry said that the exercise was conducted in two phases. The harbour phase was held from December 17 to December 18 while the sea phase was held from December 19 to December 20. INS Sumitra of the Eastern Fleet, along with the Special Forces team participated from Indian side, whereas, SLNS Sayura, an Offshore Patrol Vessel, along with the Special Forces team participated from the side of the Sri Lankan Navy. As per the Ministry of Defence, the inaugural ceremony of the exercise was held on December 17, followed by the Harbour Phase, during which, the participants engaged in professional and social exchanges. The Sea Phase commenced on December 19, which included joint exercises by Special Forces of both navies, gun firings, communication procedures, seamanship as well as navigation evolutions and helicopter operations. The details of the exercise were also shared on X by the Spokesperson of the Indian Navy."#SLINEX2024 The sea phase of #SLINEX2024 served as a platform for the #IndianNavy & @srilanka_navy to engage in complex exercises demonstrating their expertise and cooperation in all aspects of #maritimesecurity. The exercise comprising a wide range of scenarios and tactical maneuvers was a testimony to enhancing #interoperability between the two navies thereby fostering #MaritimeCooperation & #MaritimePartnership in the IOR, aligned with Gol's focus on #SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region)." (ANI)
A day after the National Commission for Women (NCW) dispatched a two-member fact-finding committee to Chennai to investigate the alleged sexual assault of a 19-year-old student at Anna University. The committee, formed on Saturday, arrived in the city on Sunday evening to probe the incident. The two-member committee consists of Mamta Kumari, a Member of the NCW, and Praveen Dixit, IPS (Retd.), former Director General of Police (DGP) of Maharashtra and Special Rapporteur for Maharashtra and Goa in the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). Praveen Dixit arrived in Chennai via an Indigo flight from Pune while Mamta Kumari arrived via an Indigo flight from Kolkata. The committee will investigate the case, examine the circumstances leading to the incident, and assess the actions taken by the authorities, as per the release. The committee will also interact with concerned officials, the victim, her family, friends, and various NGOs to ascertain the facts and propose measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents. The Commission has taken a suo moto cognizance of an alleged sexual assault of a student at Anna University. It has already issued a notice to the Tamil Nadu Director General of Police (DGP) regarding the incident. On Saturday, the Madras High Court ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising three IPS officers to investigate the Anna University alleged sexual assault case. A second-year student of Anna University was allegedly sexually assaulted on the Anna University campus on Monday night, Chennai Police said. One person has been arrested in connection with the case. In her December 23 complaint to police, the student alleged that an unidentified man had threatened and sexually assaulted her when she was talking to her friend on campus on Monday around 8 pm. Based on the complaint, a case has been registered at the Kotturpuram AWPS and an investigation is underway. (ANI)
Kerala Minister P Rajeev informed that Congress MLA Uma Thomas is under treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after she sustained injuries after reportedly falling from a VIP gallery at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kochi. The Kerala Minister said that experts from different departments would come and consult with the doctors here and decide on the next course of action. Speaking to ANI, Kerala Minister P Rajeev said, "She is under treatment in the ICU. I have discussed this with the CM and the health minister and they will send the medical team. Experts from different departments will come and thereafter they will consult with the doctors here and decide what should be done." The Congress MLA fell from the VIP Gallery of JN Stadium in Kochi while she was attending the Mridanga Naadam, Bharatanatyam Programme. (ANI)
In response to Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav's remarks on the Kumbh Mela arrangements, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP, Dinesh Sharma, has criticised Yadav for not inviting people to the event during his tenure as Chief Minister. "He (Akhilesh Yadav) did not invite people, it was his dereliction of duty. He should have done so, but he did not do so because his previous governments did not want people to come," Sharma remarked. Sharma emphasised that the Kumbh Mela is a historical event that has attracted millions for thousands of years "Kumbh is thousands of years old, and people used to come. Now the whole world is surprised to see the new arrangements being made in Kumbh," he added, highlighting the scale and the improvements made under the current government. The BJP leader praised the government's efforts in organizing the Kumbh, pointing out the extensive arrangements and the record-breaking turnout. "The government has made such a big arrangement, so many records have been broken. I would say the government deserves praise," Sharma added. Earlier, Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday took a dig at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Uttar Pradesh for extending invitations to the top leaders of the country for the Mahakumbh 2025, stating that millions of people attend the Kumbh Mela not due to invitations, but out of faith. "Invitations are not given for Kumbh. People come to Kumbh on their own out of faith. I do not want to say anything about anyone," Akhilesh Yadav told reporters here. He added, "We have learnt and read that people come on their own to such events. Are the crores of people who will come for the Kumbh Mela, invited? This government is different." Akhilesh had also questioned the preparedness of the BJP-led state government ahead of the Mahakumbh-2025 in Prayagraj and said that his party workers are ready to help. "Kumbh should end with fervour. And if the Government wants any help, our party members are ready to help. But with the arrangements we have seen, we have noticed that some work is pending. How are they going to complete all that in just 13 days?" he questioned. (ANI)
The Samyukta Kisan Morcha organized a protest rally in Agartala on Friday, highlighting the ongoing struggles of farmers across India, particularly those in Delhi, Haryana, and Greater Noida. The rally began at Paradise Chowmuhani and culminated in a meeting where protestors reiterated their demands for justice and urgent intervention by the central government. The protest primarily focused on the demand for a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops, a critical issue raised by Haryana farmers. Additionally, farmers from Greater Noida, facing severe land-related disputes, had attempted to march to Delhi but were stopped at the borders by a joint police effort from Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi. Reports indicate that around 125 farmers from Greater Noida were detained and subjected to violence, including tear gas, water cannons, and other forms of oppression. The indefinite hunger strike and dire conditions were further threatened as the situation grew increasingly tense. One farmer leader joined the hunger strike in solidarity with the protests, which has now entered its second month, with participants in critical health conditions. Protestors in Agartala expressed deep concern for their safety, urging the government to address their demands without delay. During the rally, farmers put forward several demands, including the immediate release of the 125 imprisoned farmers and the withdrawal of FIRs filed against them. Protestors also demanded the repeal of newly introduced agricultural marketing laws, which they see as oppressive and corporate-driven. Pabitra Kar, AIKS, State- President speaking to ANI said, "Today in Agartala, a protest rally was organized by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha. The protest mainly focused on the demands of farmers in Delhi, particularly Haryana farmers who are raising the issue of MSP (Minimum Support Price). Farmers from Greater Noida, who are facing land-related issues, also wanted to come to Delhi. However, both at the Haryana border and the Greater Noida border, police from Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi jointly detained them." "About 125 farmers from Greater Noida were imprisoned, and they were subjected to severe oppression, including tear gas, water cannons, and other forms of violence. Despite these adversities, the farmers have stood firm. Another leader of ours has joined the farmers in their indefinite hunger strike, which has been ongoing for a month now. Their condition is dire," he added. Farmers also requested a meeting between the Haryana Governor and farmer representatives to resolve their grievances, an end to the 'violence' against farmers, and the assurance of peaceful protest rights without the use of force by authorities. The issues raised by the farmers have sparked protests across the country, with Agartala joining the movement on Friday. Protestors emphasized the historic struggle of farmers, who previously succeeded in forcing the withdrawal of three anti-farmer bills. However, they expressed frustration that similar laws are being reintroduced, which they believe threaten their livelihood and autonomy. During the meeting after the rally, the protestors made a direct appeal to the central government, urging immediate action to resolve the crisis. They demanded that the government address the hunger strike participants' critical condition, engage with farmers' representatives, and ensure justice for all affected. The protest in Agartala was a powerful expression of solidarity with farmers across India, as the Samyukta Kisan Morcha vowed to continue its fight for farmers' rights and justice. (ANI)
The operation, launched on Friday, targeted terrorist infrastructure and operatives, with several suspects attempting to pose as patients or escape using ambulances. In a post on X, the IDF noted, "More than 240 Hamas, Islamic Jihad terrorists, and other operatives suspected of terrorist activities were apprehended, some of whom attempted to pose as patients or flee using ambulances."

The operation also led to the arrest of approximately 15 terrorists who infiltrated Israel during the October 7 attacks, along with Hamas engineering and anti-tank missile operatives, who were taken in for questioning.

In a significant development, the IDF reported that the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, "suspected of being a Hamas terrorist operative," was also taken in for questioning.

The IDF stated that its special forces conducted precise activities inside the hospital, locating and confiscating weapons, including grenades, guns, munitions, and military equipment.

https://x.com/IDF/status/1873046464840032469

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a military operation around the Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza on Friday after receiving intelligence about terrorist infrastructure and operatives conducting terrorist activities in the area.

The IDF said that its troops are carrying out targeted operations in the area while mitigating harm to uninvolved civilians, patients, and medical personnel.

The military operations come after the Israeli Air Force conducted strikes on military targets belonging to Houthis on the western coast and inland Yemen on Thursday.

The attacks were carried upon the Houthi military infrastructure used for its military activities. The sites targeted included the Sana'a International Airport and the Hezyaz and Ras Kanatib power stations in addition to Al-Hudaydah, Salif and Ras Kanatib ports on the western coast.

World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus narrowly escaped an aerial bombardment at Sanaa International Airport in Yemen. (ANI)
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed on Sunday that the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza is being questioned for his suspected involvement in terrorist activities, following a raid that led to the arrest of over 240 alleged Hamas and Islamic Jihad operatives. The IDF's operation, aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure, also resulted in the seizure of weapons and military equipment from the hospital, which is believed to have been used as a Hamas command centre. The IDF's international spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani, confirmed the development in a response to a user on social media platform X. He stated, "At this time, we can confirm that the director of the hospital is a suspect and is currently being questioned regarding his potential involvement in terrorist activity." https://x.com/LTC_Shoshani/status/1873088251889893438 This announcement follows reports by Al Jazeera, which cited the Gaza Health Ministry, stating that detainees from the IDF's raid on Kamal Adwan Hospital had been released, but the whereabouts of the hospital's director, Hussam Abu Safia, remained unknown. In a previous post, Lt. Col Shoshani shared the details on X of what happened before and during IDF's operation in the "Hamas command center embedded in the Kamal Adwan Hospital". Before the operation began, the IDF evacuated 350 patients, medical staff, and caregivers from the hospital to other facilities in coordination with COGAT, Israel's Unit for the Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories. The IDF also provided humanitarian assistance, including fuel, food, and medical supplies. COGAT is responsible for coordination and liaison with the Palestinian Authority and serves as a major source of information for the Palestinian sector as per the official website of the Government of Israel. Lt Col Shoshani also mentioned that fuel, food and medical supplies were delivered to the hospital. "These are just some of the humanitarian efforts led by the IDF during this complex operation in which over 240 Hamas and Islamic Jihad terrorists were apprehended and munitions including grenades, guns, and military equipment were found inside the hospital", the post mentioned. https://x.com/LTC_Shoshani/status/1873070598722932762 The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a military operation around the Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza on Friday after receiving intelligence about terrorist infrastructure and operatives conducting terrorist activities in the area. (ANI)
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND) on Sunday reported the presence of five Chinese military aircraft and five naval vessels operating near the island. In a post shared on X, the MND stated, "Five PLA aircraft and five PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. Three of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly." https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/1873172079903731713 Military activity was also reported on Saturday when seven Chinese military aircraft and five naval vessels were around its territory. "7 PLA aircraft and 5 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 1 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly," the MND said in a post on X. Earlier, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence took to X to share the opening of New Barracks of the ROC Armed FoArmy Airborne Training Center. It noted that with next generation training methods and gear, the base would equip the army paratroopers and special warfare warriors to enhance their combat capabilities. https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/1870683263670571028 Recently, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also criticised China's stance towards Taiwan and said that "China is bullying Taiwan, and pursuing access to critical infrastructure in ways that could cripple societies. "He said, "We need to be clear-eyed about China's ambitions. China is substantially building up its forces, including its nuclear weapons - with no transparency and no limitations. From 200 warheads in 2020, China is expected to have more than 1,000 nuclear weapons by 2030. Its space-launch investments are skyrocketing. China is bullying Taiwan, and pursuing access to our critical infrastructure in ways that could cripple our societies. "The Taiwan Strait remains a focal point of heightened tensions, with Taiwanese officials repeatedly condemning the increase in Chinese military operations as a direct threat to the island's sovereignty and regional peace. However, China, which considers Taiwan part of its territory, insists on eventual reunification, by force if necessary. (ANI)
In a major shift from his earlier stance, US-President elect Donald Trump has expressed his support for the H-1B visa programme and acknowledged frequently using it for his own properties, calling it a "great programme," according to a report by New York Post. Calling it a "great programme," the President-elect said he has "always" been in its favour. "I've always liked the visas, I have always been in favour of the visas. That's why we have them," Trump said in a telephonic interview with the New York Post. He added, "I have many H-1B visas on my properties. I've been a believer in H-1B. I have used it many times. It's a great programme." Notably, during Trump's first term, the administration imposed restrictions on H-1B visas, citing concerns over "abuse" and "economic strain." In 2016, Trump condemned the program, describing it as a means for companies to replace American workers with lower-paid foreign employees. Restrictions tightened further in 2020 in response to economic challenges caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Trump's latest remarks comes after a major divide emerged within his MAGA team in the United States, as Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy who advocated for the expansion of the visa program for 'highly skilled workers' faced heavy backlash from within President-elect's base. Musk and Ramaswamy -- both foreign origin leaders heading Trump's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) -- reignited the debate on H-1B visas, while reflecting a divide over immigration policy as Trump prepares to assume office. The debate over H1B visas and immigration policy has intensified following Trump's announcement of Sriram Krishnan as the White House policy adviser on artificial intelligence. Krishnan has previously supported removing per-country caps for green cards, a stance that has sparked mixed reactions. While some Trump supporters back this approach, citing its potential to fill critical gaps in the tech workforce, others see it as conflicting with the administration's broader immigration goals. The H1B visa debate has exposed deeper divides in US immigration policy, particularly regarding the balance between skilled immigration and domestic workforce development. With Indian workers comprising 72 per cent of H1B recipients in fiscal year 2023, this issue also has implications for US-India relations. (ANI)
China has escalated trade tensions with the United States by extending tariffs on a key chemical solvent, imposing sanctions on seven US companies citing 'security reasons', and has threatened to halt purchases of American semiconductors, according to a report by Asia Times. On Friday, China's Ministry of Commerce (MoC) announced that anti-dumping duties on n-butanol imports from the US, Taiwan, and Malaysia will remain in place for another five years, effective from today. The decision follows a sunset review initiated in December 2023 at the request of China's domestic n-butanol producers. The review assessed whether ending the duties would result in renewed dumping practices and harm to the domestic industry. According to the ministry's findings, removing the anti-dumping duties would likely lead to a resumption or continuation of dumping practices and subsequent harm to China's domestic n-butanol industry. The extended duties will maintain the same rates as those imposed in 2018, Xinhua reported. Earlier in 2018, in accordance with the Anti-dumping Regulations of China, the country's Ministry of Commerce had decided to initiate an anti-dumping investigation on imports of n-butanol originating in Taiwan, Malaysia and the United States. The Ministry of Commerce had said, "The Investigation Authority investigated whether there was dumping and the extent of dumping of the products under investigation, whether the products under investigation caused damage to the industries in mainland China and the extent of the damage, and the causal relationship between dumping and damage." It added, "Based on the investigation results and Article 24 of the Anti-dumping Regulations, on September 3, 2018, the Investigation Authority issued a preliminary ruling announcement, preliminarily determining that there was dumping of imported n-butanol originating from Taiwan, Malaysia and the United States, that the n-butanol industry in mainland China was substantially damaged, and that there was a causal relationship between dumping and substantial damage. The Investigation Authority decided to implement temporary anti-dumping measures in the form of a deposit from September 4, 2018." Notably, n-Butanol is an important organic chemical raw material, mainly used to produce downstream products such as butyl acrylate, butyl acetate, dibutyl phthalate, butylamine, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, etc., and widely used in coatings, adhesives, textile auxiliaries, plasticizers and other fields. n-Butanol is also an extractant for oils, biochemical drugs and spices, an additive for alkyd resin coatings, and is also used to manufacture surfactants. At the same time, n-Butanol is also an excellent organic solvent. (ANI)
After a passenger jet with 181 people on board burst into flames after veering off the runway and colliding with a wall at an airport in South Korea's Muan County on Sunday, authorities believe all but two onboard are feared to have been killed, Yonhap News Agency reported. The incident occurred at 9:07 am (local time) when a Jeju Air flight veered off the runway during landing and struck a fence at Musan International Airport in Muan County, about 288 kilometres southwest of Seoul. The plane, carrying 175 passengers and six crew members, was returning from Bangkok. The majority of passengers were South Korean nationals, with two Thai nationals also on board. Videos aired by local TV stations show the plane attempting to land without its landing gear deployed. The plane skidded along the ground, crashing into a concrete wall before exploding and being engulfed in flames, Yonhap reported. Firefighting officials reported that, apart from two survivors, all those unaccounted for are presumed dead. Efforts have now shifted to a recovery operation to retrieve bodies. So far, authorities have confirmed 85 fatalities. Two survivors, both female, a passenger and a crew member, were rescued shortly after the crash and are receiving treatment at a hospital in Mokpo. In response to the tragedy, South Jeolla officials increased emergency alerts to the highest level and dispatched all available rescue and police teams to the crash site. Acting President Choi Sang-mok arrived at the crash site around noon, instructing officials to make all-out efforts for search operations. Choi also expressed deep condolences to the bereaved family members and promised to offer them all possible government assistance, Yonhap reported. Preliminary investigations suggested that a possible landing gear failure, potentially caused by a bird strike, may have led to the crash. Authorities have launched an on-site investigation to determine the exact cause. The presidential office announced an emergency meeting of senior officials, led by Presidential Chief of Staff Chung Jin-suk, at 11:30 am (local time) to discuss the government's response. Acting National Police Agency Commissioner-General Lee Ho-young also ordered officials to mobilize all available resources and work with firefighting and other related agencies to help with the rescue efforts, as per Yonhap. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed pride in Tamil being the oldest language in the world. He noted the increasing global interest in learning Tamil, citing the recent launch of a Tamil Teaching Programme in Fiji with the support of the Indian government. PM Modi further praised the Indian Embassy in Paraguay for promoting Ayurveda, with local residents seeking traditional health consultations. The remarks by PM Modi came while addressing the 117th episode of Mann Ki Baat. He said, "It is a matter of great pride for us that Tamil is the oldest language in the world and every Indian is proud of it. The number of people learning it is constantly rising in countries around the world. At the end of last month, a Tamil Teaching Programme was started in Fiji with the support of the Government of India. This is the first time in the last 80 years that trained Tamil teachers are teaching the language in Fiji." PM Modi added, "There is a country in South America called Paraguay. The number of Indians living there would not be more than one thousand. A wonderful effort is being done in Paraguay. At the Indian Embassy in Paraguay, Erica Huber offers Ayurveda Consultation. A large number of local people are reaching out to her to get Ayurved-based advice." PM Modi also lauded the participation of 23,000 Egyptian students in a painting competition showcasing Indian culture and historical ties. "The radiance of Indian culture is spreading to every nook & corner of the world. Today I will tell you about such efforts from three continents, which are witness to the global reach of our cultural heritage. Just a few weeks ago, around 23,000 students from Egypt participated in a painting competition that depicted Indian culture and the historical relations between the two countries," PM Modi said. Mann Ki Baat is Prime Minister Modi's monthly radio programme, where he discusses important national issues with the citizens of India. The programme is broadcast on the last Sunday of every month. Launched on October 3, 2014, Mann Ki Baat aims to connect with various segments of Indian society, encompassing women, the elderly, and the youth. Apart from 22 Indian languages and 29 dialects, 'Mann Ki Baat' is broadcast in 11 foreign languages, including French, Chinese, Indonesian, Tibetan, Burmese, Baluchi, Arabic, Pashtu, Persian, Dari, and Swahili. Mann Ki Baat is broadcast by more than 500 centers of All India Radio. (ANI)
The Tibetan Parliament-in-exile passed a resolution expressing unwavering solidarity with Tibetans enduring severe repression under Chinese rule. The official statement reaffirmed the Tibetan people's ongoing struggle for their fundamental human rights, religious freedom, and cultural preservation in the face of the Chinese Communist Party's occupation of Tibet. The resolution began with a solemn tribute to the Tibetans who had sacrificed their lives and well-being for Tibet's freedom and culture. It emphasised the profound courage shown by Tibetans in Tibet who continued to resist the Chinese government's systematic oppression despite facing extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, and forced disappearances. The resolution also extended condolences to the families of those who had been martyred in the cause of Tibet. Central to the resolution was the condemnation of China's "sinicization" policies, particularly the expansion of state-run boarding schools designed to forcibly assimilate Tibetan children. These colonial-style schools, the resolution stressed, separated children from their families, communities, and cultural heritage, deepening the cultural genocide. It specifically condemned the recent closure of the Ragya Gangjong Norbu Lobling School in Golog, which had long been a beacon of Tibetan education and culture. The resolution demanded an immediate halt to these policies and called for the freedom of Tibetans to practice their religion, language, and culture without coercion. Another critical point of the resolution was the demand for the release of the 11th Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, who had been detained by the Chinese government since 1995. The resolution also called for the release of all Tibetan political prisoners and demanded accountability for their treatment. Reaffirming Tibet's historical sovereignty, the resolution challenged China's claim over Tibet, asserting that Tibet had never been a part of China. The Tibetan Parliament-in-exile stood firm in its commitment to the Middle Way Policy, advocating for dialogue to resolve the Sino-Tibetan conflict. However, it stressed that any failure by the Chinese government to engage in meaningful dialogue would hold China responsible for the future consequences. The resolution also expressed profound gratitude to the government and people of India, and to global supporters, especially the United States, for their unwavering solidarity. Finally, it called on Tibetans in exile to continue advocating for Tibet's rights and cultural preservation in their respective countries. This resolution marked a powerful reaffirmation of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile's commitment to the just cause of Tibet. (ANI)
Claiming that military ties among South Korea, the US, and Japan have evolved into a "nuclear military bloc for aggression," North Korea announced its "toughest" counter strategy against the United States, Yonhap News Agency reported, citing North Korea's state media KCNA. According to a report by KCNA on Sunday, this policy direction was outlined during the year-end plenary session of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, which took place from Monday to Friday under the leadership of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. During the meeting, the North Korean leader accused the military cooperation among Seoul, Washington and Tokyo of expanding into "a nuclear military bloc for aggression," and added that South Korea has turned into "an out-and-out anti-communist outpost of the US." Kim also ordered to boost the country's military "capabilities for fighting a war." The order was made to meet the demands of modern warfare and the "ever-changing" war scenario and execution mode of enemies. "Kim Jong Un clarified the strategic and tactical policies for more reliably guaranteeing the bolstering of war deterrence for self-defence through accelerated progress of defence science and technology and radical development of the defence industry to cope with the ever-increasing military provocations of the US and its vassal force," Yonhap cited the KCNA report. In December 2023, the North Korean leader had instructed the military, including its nuclear programme, to 'accelerate' war preparations in response to what he described as unprecedented hostile steps by the US. KCNA at the time had reported, "The North Korean leader set forth the tasks for the People's Army and the munitions industry, nuclear weapons, and civil defence sectors to further accelerate war preparations at a meeting of the country's ruling Workers' Party." Kim also stated that the 'military situation' on the Korean peninsula had become 'extreme' as a result of 'unprecedented' confrontations between North Korea and the US. (ANI)
Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) has been ramping up its efforts to counter the growing pressure from China since the inauguration of President Lai Ching-te in May 2024, Focus Taiwan (CNA) reported. Despite continued military drills and Beijing's increasingly aggressive "united front" tactics, the MAC has responded with firm countermeasures designed to protect Taiwan's sovereignty and democratic values. In an exclusive interview with CNA, MAC head Chiu Chui-cheng outlined the council's strategies in dealing with Beijing's ongoing pressure. Since President Lai's swearing-in, Taiwan has seen no reduction in China's pressure tactics, which had been escalating during the presidency of Tsai Ing-wen. Much of this pressure has come in the form of military drills in the Taiwan Strait, but it has also involved "united front" activities aimed at influencing Taiwanese public opinion. Chiu remarked, "China's influence is growing stronger, and many countries are eager to understand how we interact with China." The MAC's response is two-pronged: shielding Taiwan from direct military threats and countering political influence campaigns that seek to undermine Taiwan's democratic system. A turning point came on June 21, when China introduced a set of legal guidelines targeting advocates for Taiwan's independence. The guidelines, which Chiu described as "extremely broad and overly expansive," threatened severe penalties, including the death penalty, for anyone opposing China's unification policies. In response, the MAC raised its travel advisory to the second-highest "orange" level for China, Hong Kong, and Macao, urging Taiwanese citizens to avoid these regions due to personal safety risks. The MAC also lodged a formal protest with Chinese authorities, rejecting visits from senior Chinese officials, such as Jin Mei, director of the Shanghai Municipal Taiwan Affairs Office. "Entry would only be granted if the officials would agree to meet with the MAC in a way where we could lodge a protest regarding this matter," Chiu said. Beyond direct actions, the MAC has worked to strengthen Taiwan's ties with other democratic nations, fostering international support in the face of China's growing influence. Chiu explained that the MAC provides Taiwan's overseas offices with detailed weekly reports on cross-strait relations, offering in-depth analyses of the political situation. "To build ties with like-minded democratic nations and help them manage their relations with China," he noted, highlighting Taiwan's role in supporting global efforts to navigate China's rise. These reports are shared with Taiwan's diplomatic missions and key allies to further strengthen collaboration. Tourism is another area where Taiwan faces significant challenges due to China's ongoing travel restrictions. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinese tourists made up about a quarter of Taiwan's foreign visitors, but China has imposed a travel ban for over four years. Despite Chinese officials expressing willingness to ease restrictions, conditions have remained politically motivated. Chiu explained, "If China's lifting of the ban touches on political issues or if tourism is used as a form of economic leverage against Taiwan, it would raise significant concerns for the MAC." The MAC remains cautious, wary that easing restrictions could come with unacceptable political strings attached. Chiu also discussed China's use of "united front" tactics, which aim to exploit internal divisions within Taiwanese society. These efforts involve social infiltration to sway public opinion and create rifts. Chiu noted that some Taiwanese entertainers had echoed Beijing's military threats, with the MAC accusing them of being "pawns in the CCP's united front tactics to intimidate Taiwan." When asked about comparisons to McCarthyism, Chiu rejected the notion, stating that the MAC's actions are in Taiwan's best interests. "The steps taken by the MAC are in the best interests of Taiwan and would not hurt its people," he affirmed. To combat these tactics, the MAC has advocated for legislation such as the Anti-Infiltration Act, which aims to defend Taiwan's democracy while educating the public on recognising "united front" strategies, reported CNA. Chiu emphasised that while banning such activities outright would be the simplest solution, it would undermine Taiwan's democratic values. "It would undermine the principles of freedom and democracy, and disrupt the normal functioning of a constitutional democracy," he explained. Through these combined efforts, Taiwan continues to defend its sovereignty while navigating the pressures imposed by China. The MAC's approach balances direct diplomatic engagement and the protection of Taiwan's democratic system, ensuring that Taiwan's autonomy remains intact despite external challenges. (ANI)
Robert Tsao, founder of Taiwan's United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC), criticised China's United Front tactics, accusing them of undermining Taiwan's sovereignty, Taiwan News reported. Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Tsao explained that China's approach to cross-strait relations was not about genuine exchange, but rather aimed at undermining Taiwan's independence through coercive political strategies. Tsao explained that there is no such thing as a genuine cross-strait exchange under China's United Front operations. According to him, these efforts are a form of political manoeuvring that ignores Taiwan's sovereignty, calling out China for attempting to use its United Front tactics to control and influence Taiwan. "True exchanges require the CCP to acknowledge Taiwan's sovereignty," Tsao said, emphasising that without this respect, interactions are merely attempts to weaken Taiwan's autonomy. He warned that these tactics are designed to attack Taiwan's sovereignty by disguising them as friendly exchanges. He further elaborated on China's broader United Front strategy, describing it as a tactic where secondary enemies are used to weaken primary targets. Once the primary target is neutralised, the secondary targets become the next focus of attack, reported Taiwan News. "Once the primary target is taken down, the secondary targets become the next focus, perpetuating a cycle of conflict," Tsao said. This strategy, Tsao argued, perpetuates instability, as it moves from one target to the next, with Taiwan always in the crosshairs. Tsao also pointed to China's unilateral amendments to its constitution, which claims Taiwan as part of China. He expressed concern that some Taiwanese are swayed by rhetoric about "the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation," which diminishes the recognition of Taiwan's sovereignty. He likened this to a virus attacking the body's immune system, warning that if allowed to spread, it could weaken and ultimately destroy Taiwan's self-governance. A vocal critic of China's policies, Tsao called for a "No contact, no negotiations, no compromise" stance when dealing with Beijing. His outspoken position has put him at odds with the Chinese government, which imposed sanctions on him in October 2024 for his ties to Kuma Academy. The CCP accused him of attempting to incite separatism and destabilise cross-strait relations, Taiwan News reported. Tsao had previously pledged substantial financial donations, including NTD 600 million (USD 18.27 million) to train civilians in combat and first aid, as well as NTD 400 million to train 300,000 snipers as a deterrent against a potential Chinese invasion. (ANI)
The Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) on Sunday issued a warning to Taiwanese travellers visiting China to exercise caution while taking photos, adding that specific postures and positions could lead to their arrest by Chinese authorities, Taipei Times reported. The Straits Exchange Foundation is a semiofficial organization set up by the Taiwanese Government to handle civil and business matters. According to SEF Secretary-General Luo Wen-chia, starting in July, public security or national security officials can inspect or confiscate anyone's phones or electronic devices. Taiwan nationals travelling to China must be careful that their photos do not contravene regulations as dictated by the Chinese Ministry of State Security, as per Taipei Times. The Chinese Ministry of State Security has outlined three types of information that could lead to detention, which include if their photos include geographical information, were taken near sensitive areas, or facilities of critical infrastructure or scientific research, or exposed certain documents, indexes or design blueprints. A recent incident involving a Taiwanese youth has highlighted the importance of being cautious when travelling to China. According to Luo, the youth was arrested and detained for three days after taking a photo at Tiananmen Square. The Taiwanese made a "V" sign that covered some Chinese characters on the entrance to the Forbidden City, making it appear to say "Long Live the Republic of China" rather than "Long Live the People's Republic of China," Luo said. Luo cited this incident as a warning to Taiwanese travellers to be mindful of their actions and behaviour when visiting China. In a separate matter, Luo also warned about the dangers of counterfeit goods being sold in China. Specifically, he mentioned fake down jackets being sold in China, which use recycled feathers from badminton shuttlecocks, Luo said, adding that the jackets not only fail to keep the wearer warm but might also poison or cause an allergic reaction. According to the Taipei Times, some feminine products sold in China also had high residual amounts of formaldehyde, and some even contained insect eggs, he cited media reports as saying. Luo urged Taiwanese to pay attention to the original production area of down jackets and feminine products, and to refrain from purchasing such items online. (ANI)
Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Saturday assured the senior leadership of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) of their commitment to resolving issues surrounding the Madrassa Bill at the earliest, The Express Tribune reported. The assurance came during a meeting between a JUI-F delegation, led by Sindh Secretary General Allama Rashid Mahmood Soomro, and the PPP leadership at Naudero House. The delegation, which included Soomro and other JUI-F leaders, held an in-depth discussion with Zardari and Bilawal on several key topics, including the controversial Madrassa Bill, the deteriorating law and order situation in Sindh, and the broader political landscape. During the talks, Zardari and Bilawal emphasised that they would take immediate steps to address the concerns raised by JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman over the Madrassa Bill. "The issues around the proposed legislation would be resolved as soon as possible," they assured the delegation. In addition to discussing the bill, the meeting also focused on the deteriorating security situation in Sindh. Allama Soomro expressed concerns over the growing lawlessness in the province, prompting Bilawal to instruct the Sindh government and local police authorities to take swift and decisive action to restore peace and order, reported The Express Tribune. The PPP chairman's call for increased security measures comes amidst rising tensions over political instability and security lapses in the region. The meeting also saw President Zardari praise the legal action taken against the killers of Allama Soomro's father, Khalid Mahmood Soomro. The PPP leader expressed his admiration for the patience shown by Soomro and his family during this difficult time. Soomro, for his part, thanked the Sindh government and police for their cooperation, which had led to the apprehension of the killers. Also present at the meeting were a number of prominent PPP members, including Faryal Talpur, Bilawal's mother and the PPP Women Wing President, and several Sindh Assembly members. JUI-F leaders, including Maulana Tahir Mahmood Soomro and Maulana Tariq Mahmood Soomro, were also in attendance, The Express Tribune reported. Nasir Mahmood Soomro, a member of the JUI-F delegation, took the opportunity to invite Zardari, Bilawal, and Faryal Talpur to attend his younger brother's wedding reception. (ANI)
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in a recent study stated that an estimated 473 million children, more than one in six, are living in conflict zones worldwide. In a study released on Saturday, UNICEF highlighted the ongoing conflicts in regions like Palestine, Myanmar, Haiti, and Sudan and stated that the world is experiencing the highest number of conflicts since the Second World War. In their report, the UN organisation stated that 19 per cent of the world's children live in conflict zones, with 47.2 million having been displaced by conflict and violence. The UN further verified that there were more child casualties during the first nine months of 2024 than during all of 2023, as thousands of children were killed and injured in conflicts in Gaza and in Ukraine. Notably, according to many reports, the conflict between Israel and Palestine has led to the deaths of at least 17,492 children over the past 15 months in Gaza. Meanwhile, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell stated that 2024 has been one of the worst years on record for children in conflict, both in terms of the number affected and the severity of the impact on their lives. She stated that children in conflict zones are far more likely to experience disruptions such as being out of school, facing malnutrition, or being displaced compared to those in peaceful areas. Russell emphasised that this cannot become the "new normal" and stressed the need to prevent a generation of children from becoming victims of ongoing global conflicts. "By almost every measure, 2024 has been one of the worst years on record for children in conflict in UNICEF's history--both in terms of the number of children affected and the level of impact on their lives," Russell said. "A child growing up in a conflict zone is far more likely to be out of school, malnourished, or forced from their home--too often repeatedly--compared to a child living in places of peace. This must not be the new normal. We cannot allow a generation of children to become collateral damage to the world's unchecked wars," the UNICEF Executive Director added. (ANI)
Balochistan, Pakistan's most marginalized province, continues to reel under systemic oppression, with mounting protests exposing the state's brutal policies. Baloch activist Mahrang Baloch recently took to the social media platform 'X' to condemn Pakistan's treatment of the region, describing it as a "colony where oppression and barbarity are enforced instead of constitution and law." Her remarks highlight the intensifying policy of Baloch "genocide" which has left the region in turmoil. Across Balochistan, families and communities are staging sit-ins to demand justice for victims of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. https://x.com/MahrangBaloch_/status/1873265782999982257?t=WY2cX89u3sdKmMXIqNf2YA&s=08 In Turbat, protesters have gathered at Fida Chowk to decry the extrajudicial killing of Zarif Baloch, an incident emblematic of the state's unchecked brutality. Similarly, in Kalat, the family of Akhtar Shah, a victim of enforced disappearance, has braved freezing temperatures of minus 10 degrees to stage a 48-hour sit-in on the main highway, demanding his safe return, she said in the post. Adding to the region's anguish, Zubair Baloch, a university student, was reportedly abducted on Saturday night by Pakistan's state forces and intelligence agencies in Hub Chowki. His family, desperate for answers, has launched a protest in Hoshab, calling for accountability and justice. The wave of protests across Balochistan reflects the people's demand for their basic right to live freely on their own land. Despite decades of systemic neglect, enforced disappearances, and state-sponsored violence, the Pakistani government has shown little willingness to address the grievances of the Baloch people. Activists and human rights organizations have long accused Pakistan of perpetrating a silent genocide in Balochistan. The region's rich natural resources have been exploited for decades, while its people are subjected to extreme poverty, displacement, and suppression. The international community must take note of the dire situation in Balochistan, where human rights violations are a daily reality. As protests intensify, Pakistan faces growing scrutiny for its actions in the province, which starkly contrast with its claims of upholding democracy and the rule of law. Balochistan's struggle for justice and autonomy remains a glaring indictment of Pakistan's oppressive policies and a rallying cry for global intervention. (ANI)
A disturbing human trafficking ring involving the sale of newborn babies has been uncovered. The infants, often treated like commodities, are sold for large sums of money, ARY News reported. The illegal trade of newborns has become so widespread and organized in the country that controlling it has become a major challenge for authorities. In many cases, impoverished families are left with no choice but to sell their babies to survive, a reflection of the country's governance failures. An investigation exposed a group involved in this racket in Lahore. The buyers of these babies typically fall into two categories: childless couples looking to adopt, and criminals seeking young girls for exploitation, as per ARY News. During the operation, the team uncovered a deal where a three-day-old baby boy and a 26-day-old baby girl were being sold for a total of Pakistan currency (PKR) 2.3 million. The boy was priced at PKR 1.4 million, while the girl was being sold for PKR 900,000. According to ARY News, the most shocking discovery in the investigation was that the newborns were being sold by their biological parents through a criminal network. The gang had already sold nearly 25 children before this incident was exposed. The operation was launched after the ARY News team, using the internet and connections on the dark web, identified and infiltrated the group. The main suspect, Mishal, openly admitted to her involvement, boasting that she had sold 25 children. She even brought her own baby to the meeting. The sale of the children was finalised, and arrangements were made for them to be delivered to a designated location Following a strategic operation, the police and child protection team arrested the traffickers before they could complete the transaction, rescuing the children from a life of exploitation. (ANI)
Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu signed the condolence book at the Indian High Commission in the Maldives on Sunday, following the death of former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on December 26. In his message, President Muizzu praised Manmohan Singh as a great statesman and also reflected on Singh's historic visit to the Maldives in November 2011. "In his message, the President stated that Manmohan Singh was a great statesman and reminisced about the historic visit of Singh to the Maldives in November 2011, which marked a momentous milestone that further cemented the bonds of friendship between India and Maldives," according to Maldives President's office statement. "The message also conveyed sympathies to Singh's family and the government and people of India, on behalf of the Government and people of the Maldives, during this time of profound loss," it added. https://x.com/hcimaldives/status/1873334969168482735?s=46 Further, High Commission of India in Maldives shared a post on X appreciating or being the first dignitary to sign the condolence book. "We appreciate the thoughtful gesture of HEP @MMuizzu for being the first dignitary to sign the condolence book @HCIMaldives on sad demise of Hon'ble former PM Dr Manmohan Singh. His words of support is truly valued & comforting," High Commission of India in Maldives said on X. Manmohan Singh passed away on Thursday night at the age of 92 at AIIMS Delhi. Notably, the former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, paid a bilateral visit to Maldives on 11 12 November 2011 at the invitation of then-President Mohamed Nasheed He was accompanied by Smt. Gursharan Kaur and an official delegation, according to Ministry of External Affairs. Both leaders emphasised the urgent need to improve connectivity between the two countries through the establishment of enabling infrastructure that would promote the exchange of goods and services, information, ideas, culture and people. Earlier today, the ashes of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh have immersed at the Yamuna Ghat near the Gurdwara Majnu Ka Tila Sahib in Delhi, a day after he was cremated with full state honours at Nigambodh Ghat. His ashes were brought to the Gurdwara Majnu Ka Tila Sahib earlier today. The family of the late former PM Manmohan Singh performed rituals at the Gurudwara including Shabad Kirtan (musical recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib), Paath (recitation of Gurbani) and Ardas.On Saturday, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was cremated with full state honours at Nigambodh Ghat in Delhi's Kashmere Gate in the presence of his family, friends, colleagues and government dignitaries. President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh paid their last respects to the former PM by placing a wreath near his mortal remains earlier today. The last rites were carried out at the VIP Ghat as per the Sikh rituals. Singh's mortal remains were placed on a pyre of sandalwood sticks. Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge along with Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi were also present for the cremation ceremony after they paid tribute to the former Prime Minister. The mortal remains of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh were brought to the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters in Delhi from his residence on early Saturday morning for party workers to pay their respects. Several people also gathered outside the residence of the former Prime Minister in Delhi to pay their tributes. (ANI)
The Trader Joes sign. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Fans of Trader Joes might soon be able to secure their Two-Buck Chuck wine and upscale frozen dinners in Cedar Park, an Austin suburb.

The national grocery chain has proposed building a 13,500-squarefoot store to anchor Cedar Parks new eight-acre mixed-use development, according to the Cedar Park City Councils agenda from a Dec. 12 meeting. Trader Joes has 21 grocery stores in Texas, including three locations in the Austin metro area and a fourth on the way in Bee Cave.

The Round Rock-based engineering company Waeltz & Prete submitted a letter in support of the proposed land use change for the mixed-use development at the southwest corner of East Whitestone Boulevard and Arrow Point Drive.

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The proposed project will significantly contribute to the Citys long-term economic well-being by providing commercial development that enhances the tax base and creates job opportunities, the letter states. The introduction of a national grocery store and additional retail and office spaces will attract new businesses to the area, fostering economic growth and diversification. This development will generate substantial tax revenue for the City, which can be reinvested into public services and infrastructure improvements, benefiting the entire community.

According to the Austin Business Journal, the deal is still in the preliminary stages. A Trader Joes representative could not be reached for comment prior to publication.

Cedar Park residents have been longing for the California-based grocery retailer to make its way to the town of 78,000, just 20 miles north of Austin. One fan started a Facebook group and website to rally fellow shoppers in 2015, and it looks like their efforts might finally be paying off.
Abu Dhabi [UAE], December 29 (ANI/WAM): The UAE has significantly advanced its infrastructure sector during 2024 by launching a series of vital projects designed to meet the nation's economic growth objectives and promoting development across various industries. Key achievements include the historic start of commercial operations for Unit 4 at the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, marking its full delivery. The Barakah Plant is now generating 40TWh of electricity per year, providing up to 25 percent of the UAE's electricity, clean and carbon-free. The Executive Committee of the Initiatives of the President of the UAE has approved a major infrastructure package, which includes the construction of nine new dams, the expansion of two existing ones, and the development of various embankment barriers. These measures will enhance infrastructure resilience to cope with climate change and increase water reserves by collecting rainwater and floodwaters with a storage capacity of up to 8 million cubic metres. The projects will be completed within 19 months and will also include the construction of nine water canals, totalling approximately 9 kilometres. In Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre announced the Executive Council's approval of 144 projects across the emirate with a total budget of around AED66 billion. These projects will span various sectors, including housing and quality of life, education and human capital, tourism, and natural resources. Among the key projects, the Integrated Transport Centre unveiled the 25-km median islands project, designed to accommodate 8,000-10,000 vehicles per hour in each direction. Other projects include traffic enhancements on Musaffah Road (E30), Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street (E20), and the construction of new bridges on Abu Dhabi-Al Ain Road (E22) and 79th Street in Mohamed bin Zayed City. In Dubai, major projects were announced. The new passenger terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport is set to become the world's largest airport upon completion, with a cost of AED128 billion and a capacity to handle 260 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo annually. The airport will accommodate 400 aircraft gates and feature five parallel runways alongside the introduction of new aviation technologies. The second project, "Tasreef" initiative, aims to develop Dubai's rainwater drainage network at a cost of AED30 billion, increasing capacity by 700%. The third project involves expanding the Dubai Exhibition Centre to double the number of major events hosted annually from 300 to over 600 by 2033. Additionally, Dubai opened a key two-lane bridge spanning 1,000 metres, connecting Hessa Street to Al Khail Street, reducing travel time from 15 minutes to 3 minutes. Sharjah also advanced its green initiatives by launching two irrigation projects for landscaping, including upgrading the Al Al Qarain pumping station and building a new pump station in Al-Budaiya area. The Roads and Transport Authority also completed infrastructure works in the Al Sajaah Industrial Area, with a network of main roads spanning 9.5 km. In Ajman, Etihad Water and Electricity (EtihadWE) opened two energy distribution stations--Hamidiya Station (AED137 million) and Mohammed bin Zayed Substation (AED61 million). The municipality also completed 10 kilometres of internal roads in Al Mowaihat and Al Rawda, In Umm Al Qaiwain, the "NAQA'A" Seawater Reverse Osmosis desalination plant--one of the world's largest reverse osmosis facilities--was inaugurated, with a daily capacity of 150 million gallons of desalinated water. The emirate also launched the Logistics City and Umm Al Qaiwain Cargo Airport. In Ras Al Khaimah, the Al Ghail Pumping Station was built for AED122 million, enhancing water distribution in the central region. In Fujairah, the Al-Nujaymat Main Station was updated with the latest technology and equipment for AED122 million. (ANI/WAM)
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is set to go on a three-day official visit to the State of Qatar from December 30, the Ministry of External Affairs stated on Sunday. In an official statement, the MEA stated that during his visit, EAM would meet with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani. The visit also aims to review various aspects of bilateral relations between India and Qatar with discussion on key areas, which include political, trade, investment, energy, security, cultural, and people-to-people relations. " EAM's visit will enable both sides to review various aspects of bilateral relations, including political, trade, investment, energy, security, cultural, and people-to-people, as well as the regional and international issues of mutual interest," the MEA stated. Jaishankar will depart from Qatar on January 1. India and Qatar share warm and friendly relations, marked by regular high-level interactions to further strengthen their partnership. Their most recent interaction occurred during Jaishankar's official tour to Qatar and Bahrain from December 6 to 9. During the visit, he met Qatar's Minister of Commerce and Industry, Faisal bin Thani Al Thani, and Minister of State, Ahmed Al Sayed, on the sidelines of the Doha Forum. In late October, the two countries held the fifth round of Foreign Office Consultations. Both sides comprehensively reviewed the entire spectrum of India-Qatar bilateral relations, including high-level exchanges, trade, investment, energy, education, culture, and people-to-people ties. Discussions also explored avenues to deepen the relationship in areas such as renewable energy, fintech, start-ups, and technology. They exchanged perspectives on important regional and global issues of mutual interest, as noted by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a press release. Earlier, on September 9, Jaishankar met Qatar's Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Saudi Arabia to discuss advancing bilateral ties. According to the MEA, cooperation between India and Qatar has been steadily growing within an excellent framework provided by their historically close ties and regular, substantive engagement at the highest levels of government. The large, diverse, and accomplished Indian community in Qatar significantly contributes to the country's progress while nurturing the bonds of deep-rooted friendship and multifaceted cooperation between the two nations. (ANI)
The Acting Chairman of Bangladesh Nationalist Party Tarique Rahman on Sunday expressed his condolences on the passing of former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and stated that this "marks the end of an era defined by political integrity, wisdom, and liberalism." https://x.com/trahmanbnp/status/1873351206606868669?s=46 Sharing a picture of his mother and Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Khaleda Zia with Manmohan Singh, he wrote "Dr Manmohan Singh's passing marks the end of an era defined by political integrity, wisdom, and liberalism. His passion for economic reforms and vision for regional cooperation will remain a legacy of excellence. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the people of India." Manmohan Singh passed away on Thursday night at the age of 92 at AIIMS Delhi. Earlier today, the ashes of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh have immersed at the Yamuna Ghat near the Gurdwara Majnu Ka Tila Sahib in Delhi, a day after he was cremated with full state honours at Nigambodh Ghat. His ashes were brought to the Gurdwara Majnu Ka Tila Sahib earlier today. The family of the late former PM Manmohan Singh performed rituals at the Gurudwara including Shabad Kirtan (musical recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib), Paath (recitation of Gurbani) and Ardas.On Saturday, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was cremated with full state honours at Nigambodh Ghat in Delhi's Kashmere Gate in the presence of his family, friends, colleagues and government dignitaries. President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh paid their last respects to the former PM by placing a wreath near his mortal remains earlier today. The last rites were carried out at the VIP Ghat as per the Sikh rituals. Singh's mortal remains were placed on a pyre of sandalwood sticks. Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge along with Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi were also present for the cremation ceremony after they paid tribute to the former Prime Minister. The mortal remains of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh were brought to the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters in Delhi from his residence on early Saturday morning for party workers to pay their respects. Several people also gathered outside the residence of the former Prime Minister in Delhi to pay their tributes. (ANI)
Jimmy Carter, the longest-serving US President, passed away at the age of 100 on Sunday (US local time) at his home in Plains, Georgia, as reported by the Washington Post, citing his son James E Carter III. Carter's son confirmed his death but did not provide an immediate cause. According to the Carter Center's statement from February 2023, after a series of hospital stays, the former US President decided to stop further medical treatment and spend his remaining time at home under hospice care. In recent years, he had been treated for an aggressive form of melanoma skin cancer, with tumors that spread to his liver and brain. The Washington Post also noted that Carter was last photographed outside his home with family and friends on October 1, as he watched a flyover held to mark his 100th birthday. Throughout his lifetime, Jimmy Carter wore many hats. He was a small-town peanut farmer, a US Navy veteran, and the governor of Georgia from 1971 to 1975. He became the first president from the Deep South since 1837 and the only Democrat elected president between Lyndon B Johnson and Bill Clinton's terms in the White House. As the 39th President of the US, Carter is remembered for achieving the signing of the Camp David Accords, which led to the first significant Israeli withdrawal from territory captured in the Six-Day War of 1967 and a peace treaty between Israel and Egypt that has endured. In recognition of his efforts, Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for "his decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development," according to the Nobel Prize statement. The Washington Post report also highlighted Carter's role in pushing through the Panama Canal treaties, which placed the critical waterway under Panamanian control, improving US relations with Latin American neighbors. Taking advantage of the opening made by US President Richard Nixon, Carter granted full diplomatic recognition to China and made human rights a central theme of American foreign policy, the report added. (ANI)
He emphasised the importance of implementing comprehensive political and structural economic reforms to help the country overcome its ongoing political and economic crisis.

This came during a phone call today between the GCC Secretary-General and Abdallah Bou Habib, Lebanon's Minister of Foreign Affairs.

During the call, the Secretary-General briefed the Lebanese Foreign Minister on the outcomes of the 46th Extraordinary Session of the Ministerial Council Concerning the Developments in Lebanon.

The final statement of the meeting underscored the GCC's ongoing commitment to joint efforts and cooperation aimed at enhancing Lebanon's security and stability while fostering development and prosperity for the Lebanese people.

The Secretary-General highlighted that the statement also stressed the necessity of implementing United Nations Security Council resolutions on Lebanon, particularly Resolution 1701, as well as the Taif Agreement. These measures aim to restore lasting security and stability in Lebanon, ensure respect for its territorial integrity and political independence within its internationally recognised borders, and reaffirm the need for the Lebanese government to extend its authority over all Lebanese territory.

He further emphasised the importance of continuing regional and international coordination and consultations on key issues to enhance security and stability in the region. (ANI/WAM)
Mauritius has rejected Sir Keir Starmers deal to hand the Chagos Islands over to the country, in a humiliating blow for the prime minister.

A day after the countrys deputy prime minister said Britain was quibbling over a small amount of money in last minute talks to save the deal, Mauritian PM Navinchandra Ramgoolam said there were still parts of the deal he did not agree with.

Sir Keir negotiated the deal, which would cede sovereignty over the islands  also known as the British Indian Ocean Territory  but lease back the strategically important UK-US military base on Diego Garcia, with Mr Ramgoolams predecessor.

Britain Chagos Islands

But after taking power, Mr Ramgoolam said he would not finalise the agreement as it would not produce the benefits the nation could expect.

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He said the new Mauritian administration has submitted its own suggestions to the UK, which has now responded with its counter-proposals.

But, in a blow to Sir Keir, who has been accused of attempting to rush the deal through before Donald Trumps return to the White House in January, Mr Ramgoolam joined his deputy in saying Britain is arguing over small amounts of money in the deal.

Speaking to Mauritian MPs after a call with US secretary of state Antony Blinken, Mr Ramgoolam said: I made him understand that we do not agree with certain things contained in the agreement concluded on October 3 by the former Mauritian prime minister and informed him that we have made a counter-proposal which will be transmitted to him.

UK shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel said: While Labour ministers refuse to answer straight-forward questions in parliament about the Chagos surrender, the Mauritian government have let the cat out the bag.

Dame Priti Patel said Starmer and Lammy need to come to their senses and ditch the deal (PA Wire)

Theyve confirmed that Labour wants the deal done before President Trump returns to office, and they want more British taxpayers cash!

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Starmer and Lammy need to come to their senses and ditch the deal.

Sir Keir and foreign secretary David Lammy have insisted their agreement was a good deal which guaranteed the use of the airbase for at least 99 years.

But senior figures in the incoming Trump administration have voiced doubts over the agreement, which is aimed at securing the legal basis for the Diego Garcia facility.

The president-elects pick for secretary of state, Marco Rubio, warned in October that the agreement posed a serious threat to US national security by handing over the islands to a country allied with China.

But Downing Street has insisted the deal was necessary to resolve a long-standing legal dispute over sovereignty.

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Any further delays mean that Mr Trump will be in a much stronger position to block any deal going through.

A UK government spokesperson said: We do not recognise these reports. The Mauritian Prime Minister has repeatedly been clear that he remains willing to conclude a deal and we are working to finalise this agreement, which is in both sides shared interests.

The long-term protection of the base on Diego Garcia has been the shared UK and US objective throughout and this agreement secures its future.
Donald Trump has promised to deport millions of immigrants on Day One, boasting that it will be the largest deportation operation in American history  though there are questions about both the legality of his plan and its potentially steep price tag.

As history shows us, mass deportations are nothing new in this country. In fact, to accomplish his goal, the president-elect is promising to invoke the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, a wartime law that allows the president to deport non-citizens deemed an enemy of the United States. While on the campaign trail, Trump declared that he would use the law to carry out Operation Aurora  arresting and deporting immigrant criminals like the now-infamous Tren de Aragua gang that made headlines in Aurora, Colorado. (Of course, people often forget that immigrants, whether they are undocumented or documented, commit crimes at much lower rates than native-born Americans.)

Trump wouldnt be the first president to round up undocumented immigrants  criminals or otherwise  en masse. He would have to double his deportation numbers from his first presidency to break any kind of record. (More on that later.) But if past removal efforts are any indication, governments dont need to physically deport masses of people to accomplish their goals of sharply curtailing immigrant populations. Over the years, the biggest mass deportations in the U.S. have been, by and large, high-pressure publicity campaigns that stoked such fear among immigrants that they chose to self-deport.

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As history demonstrates, sometimes fear is all thats needed, says Kelly Lytle-Hernandez, a professor of history and African American studies at UCLA. This time around will be no different. Strongly encouraging and frightening people into leaving will be a main strategy, Lytle-Hernandez says.

Heres a look back in time at previous mass deportation efforts.



Irish Expulsion

Back in the 1800s, the United States faced one of its first big immigration crises. The potato famine in Ireland caused widespread poverty, and as Irish immigrants flocked to the U.S. by the millions, nativist fervor grew in states like New York and Massachusetts.

Catholic immigrants quickly began outnumbering native-born Protestants, and many immigrants were seen as encroaching on limited state resources. The new American Party, which came to be known as the Know-Nothing Party, built their platform on embracing nationalism and opposing immigration because of economic concerns. The party quickly ascended to control the Massachusetts legislature.

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What ensued is a little-known episode of state-controlled expulsions that set the foundation for our federal deportation system today, according to Hidetaka Hirota, a historian at UC Berkeley and the author of Expelling the Poor: Atlantic Seaboard States and the Nineteenth-Century Origins of American Immigration Policy.

Thanks to an anti-poverty law in Massachusetts, state authorities in the mid-1800s were giventhe legal basis to deport foreigners who relied on state-funded resources or charity-based almshouses. The rationale began as a financial one, but quickly expanded to include ethnic and religious considerations, Hirota said in an interview, as nativists in the Know-Nothing Party claimed Irish Catholics threatened white Protestant American identity. (Back then, the Irish were not considered white by many Americans.)

At the time, there was no federal apparatus forcing Irish people to leave states like Massachusetts. Instead, state officials would check public records for people of different nationalities and remove them. Some immigrants were shipped out to other states, like New York, via railroad. Some were sent north to Canada, where many Irish immigrants had originally landed before making it to the U.S. And then there are cases of Irish people  like Mary Williams and her U.S.-born child  who were put on a ship and deported back to Ireland.

The exact number of deportees is hard to pin down because there are no official statistics, but Hirota estimates at least 50,000 people were removed from Massachusetts in the mid-1800s. This was the first time that a police power was created to limit immigration, Hirota says, and this police power evolved once it reached the federal level.



The Palmer Raids and the Soviet Ark

By the late 19th century, the federal government had taken a more active role with immigration and began redefining who counted as excludable and deportable, according to Hirota. For example, in 1882, the U.S. shut down all immigration from Asia with the Chinese Exclusion Act. In the spring of 1917, following the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia  and the start of World War I  anti-immigrant anxiety grew. The nation was swept up in a Red Scare, and the U.S. government began monitoring labor union leaders and political dissidents. Congress quickly passed the Sedition Act of 1918  similar to the Alien Enemies Act from 1798  which made it illegal to criticize the U.S. government during World War I.

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Then, in the spring of 1919, Carlo Valdinoci, a young radical anarchist from Italy, set off a bomb in front of the home of Attorney General A. Mitchell Palmer in Washington, D.C. Reprisal was swift: Under Palmers direction, a series of raids and mass arrests were conducted around the country. Palmer made deportations his central focus, declaring that 90 percent of anarchist threats on American soil were traceable to aliens.

Most of the people who were rounded up and deported were alleged leftist radicals from Eastern Europe, Russia or Italy  and some were famous anarchists like the married duo, Alexander Berkman and Emma Goldman, Jewish immigrants from the then-Russian empire. Goldman gained citizenship after marrying Berkman, a naturalized U.S. citizen. But after the couple was arrested in 1917, the federal government stripped both of their citizenship, which made them deportable. In 1919, they were shipped out of the U.S. on the USS Buford bound for Russia, a ship that was nicknamed the Soviet Ark or Red Ark.

By the close of 1920, the raids had been considered largely unsuccessful, and today the Federal Bureau of Investigation says the raids were certainly not a bright spot for the young Bureau.



Mexican Repatriation

During the Great Depression, increased economic pressure and strained resources stoked xenophobia and accusations that immigrants, particularly Mexicans, were taking jobs needed by U.S. citizens. President Herbert Hoover touted plans guaranteeing American jobs for real Americans. The message: Non-white people werent Americans  even if they were born in the U.S. Local agencies started excluding immigrants from getting aid, and officials floated the idea of deporting immigrants who had become a public charge. Informal raids and sweeps were conducted in major cities in border states like California but also in Michigan and Illinois. Its estimated that by the mid-1930s, over a million Mexicans were returned to Mexico.

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However, this era of Mexican repatriation wasnt a full-scale deportation campaign. Ultimately, only about 80,000 Mexicans were formally deported, according to the Immigration and Naturalization Service. Instead, U.S. immigration officers stoked fear through raids in major cities to pressure Mexicans to repatriate.

One of the most famous raids was at La Placita Park in Los Angeles, where immigration officers shoved Mexican immigrants  and Mexican Americans  into vans and deported 400 people, regardless of their immigration status. Local governments helped coordinate these raids and even offered free train tickets into Mexico. Newspapers ran inaccurate and inflated numbers of deportations in the program.

The result: large-scale self-deportation. Many Mexicans, including U.S.-born people of Mexican descent, elected to leave the country. In Los Angeles, by 1935, one-third of its Chicano population had disappeared. Nationwide, its estimated that up to 60 percent of those who left were actually American citizens.



Operation Wetback

Its known as the largest mass deportation in American history, and many view it as a model for Trumps impending immigration plans.

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To understand why this operation was such a big deal, look no further than a guest worker program the U.S. government enacted with Mexico in the early 1940s, known as the Bracero program, named after the Spanish word for manual laborer. It allowed temporary farm workers from Mexico to fill labor shortages during World War II, bringing around 300,000 immigrants each year. But some employers, particularly in Texas, didnt want to play by the rules of the program (or pay Bracero workers a fair wage). Instead, they hired scores of undocumented workers whod crossed the border illegally.

In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower mounted a massive political campaign and deportation operation to combat Mexican immigration, named after a derogatory slur for immigrants who crossed rivers to reach the U.S. It wasnt a long operation, but it was widespread. The INS planned sweeps of factories and farms as if they were war strikes, all to round up undocumented workers and return them to Mexico. Some of them were U.S.-born citizens of Mexican descent.

And undocumented people werent just deported across the border, they were deported deep inside Mexico. This was a tactic to avoid reentry, Lytle-Hernandez says. Often these undocumented immigrants were boarded on buses, planes and even some boats that resembled slave ships, according to historian Mae Ngais book Impossible Subjects.

The INS declared the operation a success, claiming to have deported more than a million people. But those deportation numbers were greatly exaggerated, according to Lytle-Hernandez. The majority of the deportations were actually voluntary departures, where many Mexicans left the country on their own after being apprehended by the INS.

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Similar to the Mexican repatriation of the 30s, the biggest impact of Operation Wetback was the fear it created. It was largely a publicity stunt, and they used terror to try to scare people out of the country through roadblocks and raids that were covered by the press, Lytle-Hernandez says.

It was a deeply-racially targeted campaign grounded in racial profiling of people perceived to be of Mexican descent, according to Lytle-Hernandez, adding, To me, its all racism.



The Deporter-in-Chief

Half a century after Operation Wetback, President Barack Obama became known as the Deporter-in-Chief by pro-immigration groups who criticized his record. But his legacy with immigration is complicated.

Obamas administration deported nearly 3 million people  more people than any other administration in history  but he also enacted programs like DACA, which provided legal protections to immigrants who had lived in the U.S. since they were children.

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Obamas deportations werent a coordinated raid or campaign in the same way as his predecessors on this list. They came as part of an ongoing shift in U.S. policy, as both Democratic and Republican administrations have increased investments in immigration enforcement since the late 20th century.

What Obama does thats different is he shifts the number of people who are being formally deported, says Lytle-Hernandez.

Instead of departing voluntarily, during the Obama administration, more people went through the actual court process of being deported. Under his administration, Immigration and Customs Enforcement also shifted its focus to targeting recent border crossers and people with criminal convictions.

During Trumps first term, more than 1.5 million people were deported, and under his zero tolerance policy, his administration separated thousands of children from their parents whod crossed the border illegally. Meanwhile, President Joe Biden is on track to match Trumps deportation record by the end of his term on Jan. 20.

If he keeps his 2024 campaign promises, Trump will likely deport even more over the next four years.
Russia is deploying human waves of North Korean soldiers, the U.S. said Friday, and at least one soldier captured by Ukraine died of his injuries.

According to White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby, some North Korean soldiers have taken their own lives rather than surrendering to Ukrainian forces.

These suicides, he said, were likely out of fear of reprisal against their families in North Korea in the event that theyre captured.

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South Koreas National Intelligence Service had confirmed on Friday that the North Korean soldier captured the previous day had died.

A still from a video released by the Russian Defense Ministry press service in November shows a Russian serviceman aiming a D-30 howitzer toward Ukrainian positions in Kursk, where many North Korean soldiers have been deployed.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a statement on Telegram Friday that at least 3,000 North Korean soldiers have died or been wounded in Russias Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces mounted a lightning incursion in August.

But Russia has since amassed thousands of troops in a counterattack.

Kirby quoted a lower death toll among North Koreans, saying more than 1,000 soldiers have died just in the past week.

Thats on top of the more than 1,500 Russian soldiers being wounded or killed each day, according to Britains defense ministry, which estimated that there were over 45,000 casualties in November, the highest since the start of the war, adding that the number is likely reflective of the higher tempo of Russian operations and offensives.

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To supplement its counterattack, Moscow turned toward its ally Pyongyang, which, according to estimates by the U.S. and its allies, has deployed an estimated 11,000 soldiers in Ukraine.

Kirby said the North Koreans are conducting massed, dismounted assaults against Ukrainian positions in Kursk. While these human wave tactics were ineffective, he acknowledged that Russias grinding assault on Ukraines energy infrastructure was making it difficult for Ukrainians to weather the winter.

Neither Russia nor North Korea has publicly acknowledged the troop deployment.

The North Korean troops are being treated as expendable and ordered by their leadership on hopeless assaults against Ukrainian defenses, Kirby said.

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These North Korean soldiers appear to be highly indoctrinated, pushing attacks even when it is clear that those attacks are futile, he said.

The exact number of North Korean soldiers who killed themselves to avoid capture is unclear. Zelenskyy said Friday that while several North Korean soldiers were captured, they were seriously wounded and could not be resuscitated, suggesting that some of them may have also been killed by comrades.

These troops were being sent to fight with minimal protection, he said, and were suffering a great deal of losses.

Still, Ukrainians have been unable to capture them as prisoners, he added. Their own people are executing them.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
President-elect Donald Trump has once again sparked a media firestorm with his latest round of off-the-cuff remarks, this time suggesting that the U.S. should recover the Panama Canal, purchase Greenland and, most provocatively, incorporate Canada as the 51st state.

Predictably, critics are in full-throated outrage, decrying these remarks as a revival of 19th-century Manifest Destiny dreams of territorial conquest. Yet such reactions reveal a profound misunderstanding of Trumps political style and the realities of American society. Critics need to stop taking these comments so seriously.

Trumps remarks are not policy proposals; theyre trolling. Ever since his first campaign, Trump has wielded the absurd to provoke and dominate the media cycle. Suggesting he could shoot someone on Fifth Avenue or musing about Greenland infuriates critics, entertains his base and shifts attention away from his vulnerabilities. This latest round of territorial musings is vintage Trump  provocative, headline-grabbing and unserious.

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The outrage triggered by these comments reflects a misreading of todays political landscape. Unlike 19th-century America, there is no cultural, political or social movement supporting territorial conquest. Americas population is aging, not surging. Cultural superiority has given way to pluralistic debates over national identity, and many Americans question even existing global commitments. Trumps presidency has emphasized retrenchment over expansion, with his America First mantra signaling a sharp break from the interventionist consensus of the post-World War II era.

Take Greenland. Trumps 2019 suggestion to buy the Arctic island made headlines, but the strategic rationale behind U.S. interest in Greenland isnt new. The islands location and resources have long made it a geopolitical asset in American eyes, but Denmarks refusal to sell underscored the absurdity of the proposition. Similarly, annexing Canada is so outlandish it borders on satire. Canadians fiercely value their sovereignty, and Americans  Trumps base included  are far more concerned with immigration and border security than annexation.

Whats remarkable is how Trumps critics miss the joke. By framing his remarks as a revival of Manifest Destiny, they misunderstand his intentions and reinforce the dynamics of Trumpian politics. His rhetoric reflects insecurities within the political and media establishment more than any genuine imperial ambition. Trump thrives on this dynamic, turning outrage into fuel for his political brand.

The real threats to American stability  polarization, inequality and eroding democratic norms  receive far less attention than Trumps provocations. This obsession feeds into his hands, creating a cycle of performative outrage that bolsters his political brand while distracting from substantive issues.

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Trump is not James Monroe reincarnate. His remarks about the Panama Canal, Greenland and Canada are theater, not policy. Territorial expansion in the 21st century is absurd, constrained by international law, prohibitive costs and a lack of political will. Even if such ideas were remotely viable, the political and cultural conditions that underpinned Manifest Destiny no longer exist.

In the 19th century, Manifest Destiny was driven by ideological, economic and demographic forces: a growing population, belief in cultural superiority and economic opportunity. These conditions propelled the U.S. to expand westward and acquire territories. None of these drivers are present in modern America, where retrenchment and skepticism of global commitments dominate public sentiment.

Its time to stop treating Trumps comments about Greenland or Canada as serious policy signals. Theyre a joke, and the outrage they provoke is equally ridiculous. If critics want to challenge him, they need to focus on substantive issues and stop playing his game.

The true challenge lies in addressing the real threats facing America  threats that Trumps critics too often overlook in their eagerness to react. Its time for a reality check: Trump is not manifesting destiny. Hes mastering the media, and the only way to counter him is to stop playing his game.

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Andrew Latham is a professor of international relations at Macalester College in Saint Paul, Minn., a senior fellow at the Institute for Peace and Diplomacy, and a non-resident fellow at Defense Priorities in Washington, D.C.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Elizabeth L. T. Moore is a Hearst Fellow in San Antonio. She can be reached at Elizabeth.Moore@hearst.com

Elizabeth did her first fellowship year as a reporter with the New Haven Register in Connecticut. Moore has published bylines with Bloomberg News, The Virginian-Pilot and The Daily Tar Heel, the student newspaper of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Moore placed nationally in the Hearst Collegiate Journalism Program, and she is fluent in Spanish.
Syria's embassy in Lebanon has suspended consular services a day after two relatives of ousted President Bashar al-Assad were arrested at Beirut airport, allegedly with forged passports.

The embassy announced on its Facebook page that consular work was suspended "until further notice" at the order of the Syrian foreign ministry.

The announcement did not give a reason for the suspension.

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But two Lebanese security officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, claimed the suspension was ordered because the passports belonging to Assad's relatives were believed to have been forged in the embassy.

Meanwhile, Lebanese authorities handed over dozens of Syrian nationals, including former officers in the army, to the new administration in Damascus after they were caught illegally entering Lebanon, a war monitor and Lebanese officials said.

Members of the security forces of the newly formed Syrian government stand guard at a security checkpoint on the border with Lebanon, 27 December, 2024 - Mosa'ab Elshamy/Copyright 2024 The AP. All rights reserved

The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that 70 Syrians were handed over by a Lebanese security delegation to the security forces of the new Syrian government, led by the former insurgent group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).

Three Lebanese judicial officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the report.

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Regional countries have been quick to establish ties with Syria's new rulers.

Delegations from Libya and Bahrain arrived in Damascus on Saturday on official visits.

HTS leader Ahmad al-Sharaa has largely succeeded in calming fears within and outside of Syria that his group would unleash collective punishment against communities that supported Assads rule or attempt to impose strict Islamic law on the countrys religious minorities.

However, in recent days, sporadic clashes have broken out between the HTS-led security forces and pro-Assad armed groups.

The country's new security forces have launched a series of raids targeting officials affiliated with al-Assad and have set up checkpoints in areas with significant populations of the Alawite religious minority to which the former president belongs to search for weapons.

Syria's de facto leader Ahmad al-Sharaa in the presidential palace in Damascus, 28 December, 2024 - Mosa'ab Elshamy/Copyright 2024 The AP. All rights reserved

There have also been ongoing tensions and clashes in north-eastern Syria between Kurdish-led forces and armed groups backed by Turkey.

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Many Kurds have viewed the new order in Damascus, which appears to have strengthened Turkey's hand in Syria, with anxiety.

Ankara sees the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, a key US ally in the fight against the so-called Islamic State group, as an affiliate of its sworn enemy, the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which it classifies a terrorist organisation.

The US State Department said on Saturday that Secretary of State Antony Blinken had spoken with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to "discuss the latest developments in Syria."

"Secretary Blinken emphasised the need to support a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process that upholds human rights and prioritizes an inclusive and representative government," the statement said.
Europe is worried that Russia could attack countries beyond Ukraine.

At the same time, Trump has suggested the US would be less involved in helping its NATO allies.

Without US support, Europe lacks a key capability needed in a conflict with Russia, experts told BI.

If President-elect Donald Trump cuts US military cooperation with Europe, its NATO allies there would lose a key capability needed to resist Russian aggression.

Europe relies heavily on the US for the use of aircraft and weaponry to target air defense systems, known as suppression of enemy air defenses, or SEAD.

If a military can't execute this critical mission, its aircraft are hindered and vulnerable, unable to strike or protect, leaving its ground forces much more exposed and less effective.

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"One of the most crucial things that Europe is lacking is SEAD," Tim Robinson, a military aviation specialist at the UK's Royal Aeronautical Society, told BI. He described SEAD as "a crucial role," but one Europe has let "wither the vine."

Reliance on the US

There are few dedicated SEAD platforms on the continent. Germany and Italy's Tornado aircraft carry the AGM-88 HARM munition for targeting radars and are equipped with the needed Emitter Location System, but those are set to be retired next year.

Other NATO partners operate F-16s, which can have a SEAD role, but only US Air Force Fighting Falcons are equipped with the HARM Targeting System for better SEAD.

US allies in Europe are increasingly looking to replace older aircraft with F-35s, but only a few are also acquiring AGM-88 missiles.

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(These missiles are highly capable for SEAD missions and were delivered to the Ukrainian air force for this purpose, but less so for the destruction of enemy air defenses, or DEAD, missions.)

"The F-35 was designed specifically to be able to operate against modern SAM systems in both the penetrating strike and SEAD/DEAD roles," Justin Bronk, an air power expert at the Royal United Services Institute, wrote early last year.

He highlighted the fifth-generation jet's advanced stealth, electronic warfare, and active and passive sensor suite for detecting enemy surface-to-air missile systems.

"Despite these very impressive capabilities, simply fielding the F-35 is not sufficient as an answer to European NATO's SEAD/ DEAD problem in itself," he said.

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This situation has left Europe heavily dependent on the US, less than ideal amid questions about US reliability and as Russia's war in Ukraine has shown how important defeating enemy air-defense batteries is in modern conflict.

In Ukraine, neither side has been able to conduct successful SEAD operations, leaving both air forces hugely hampered and forcing ground units into grinding battles with heavy casualties.

Mattias Eken, a missile defense expert at the RAND Corporation, said an important lesson from the Ukraine war has been that "air forces must be able to find, suppress, and destroy" mobile surface-to-air missiles to achieve air superiority "against even moderately equipped state opponents."

An American-made Patriot air defense system fires a missile. SAM YEH/AFP via Getty Images

Eken added that no other Western air force except the US has significant SEAD capabilities. All other NATO forces "have limited penetrating assets, munitions stocks, and experience in operating large, mixed strike packages."

American SEAD might and a lack of European capability

Retired US Army Maj. Gen. Gordon "Skip" Davis, who served as NATO's deputy assistant secretary-general for its defense-investment division, said "the vast majority of the SEAD aircraft, in the event of aggression, would be provided by the US."

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Davis told BI that the US has the stealth aircraft, including penetrating bombers, needed to locate and destroy Russian air defenses, and US aircraft have intelligence capabilities "that NATO would have great difficulty in replacing."

He warned that without better SEAD capabilities or US support, NATO "would be hard-pressed to be effective in a large Russian aggression."

Warfare experts at the US Center for Strategic and International Studies wrote in April 2023 that "NATO is now wholly dependent on the United States for SEAD capabilities."

A key example was the large-scale NATO air campaign over Libya in 2011, where the US provided almost all of the alliance's SEAD capabilities despite having planned to only play a supporting role in that situation.

A rocket launches from a S-400 missile system at the Ashuluk military base in Southern Russia. Photo by DIMITAR DILKOFF/AFP via Getty Images

Looking ahead, Europe may not be able to count on the US. Trump has been a strong critic of NATO and, in his first term, threatened to withdraw from the military alliance if other nations didn't spend more on their defense.

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European countries have dramatically increased their defense spending since Russia's invasion of Ukraine began, and some now spend more on defense than the US as a percentage of GDP. (Warfare experts say that's a response to Russian aggression, not Trump's pressure.)

But Europe is acutely aware of Trump's threats, and military experts warn that the continent's increased expenditure is not enough to support Ukraine and prepare for Russia's threats alone. It still needs the US.

Thinking about the Russian threat

Russia has repeatedly threatened to attack elsewhere in Europe, and many countries have warned that it could happen in the next few years, especially if Moscow emerges victorious in Ukraine.

It's unclear if the US would or even could withdraw its support, especially for allies who already spend a lot on defense.

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US forces are now so integrated in Europe that, if something happens soon, "they're automatically involved" unless the US makes a major policy shift to return forces to the US, Gordon said.

Europe is nevertheless taking actions to address its deficiencies, like a pan-European defense company now developing a new SPEAR-EW missile.

A Pantsir-S1 and an S-400 at a Russian base in Syria. Russian Defense Ministry Press Service

"I think the penny has dropped," said Robinson, but he added that not enough was happening. "It's taking time, I think, for European capitals and maybe multinational organizations to get the momentum going."

Michael Bohnert, a warfare expert at the RAND Corporation, said that it could take years to reconstitute a supply chain for necessary missiles. That means "there really aren't any good options" to cover a deficit in the short term if the US pulls back, he told BI.

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Robinson said Europe has an advanced industrial base, but "the difficulty is it's all fragmented."

Some cooperation has taken place, including four European nations agreeing to operate their jets as a single fleet.

Jan Kallberg, a senior fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis and a fellow at the Army Cyber Institute at West Point, said "acquisition, cooperation, and collaboration are essential."

He said countries should buy assets together and "operate jointly as a multinational force," especially given how large Europe is and how much land may need to be defended.

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Fixing Europe's SEAD deficits will take time, during which it will be more vulnerable to attacks. But Russia has demonstrated an inability to effectively use its own assets  a flaw that could ultimately aid Europe.

"Europe will lack enough SEAD capabilities for the next 10 to 15 years," said Kallberg, but "the Russian air force and air defenses can't get their intelligence, command, and control to act together, and lack resources for broad modernization."

"If there is a war," he said, "it is not Europe's abilities that save the day. It is the Russian inability."

Read the original article on Business Insider
The new Lynchburg City Schools superintendent will be joining a school division facing budget concerns and declining enrollment, a situation that could prove challenging for school officials in attracting top candidates to apply for the job.

Mark Tinsley, District 2 member of the Lynchburg City School Board and co-chair of the superintendent search committee, said he is confident the board will find a highly qualified replacement for Crystal Edwards, who retired as superintendent in October after six years on the job.

There is a personality type out there that looks for challenges, Tinsley said in an interview with The News & Advance.

Tinsley was selected by School Board Chair Atul Gupta to serve as co-chair of the ad hoc superintendent search committee. Mike Nilles, who was school board chairman at the time Edwards was hired in 2018, is the other co-chair of the search committee.

Were in a tough place right now as a Lynchburg City Schools system, Tinsley said, citing declining enrollment in LCS and the recovery from learning loss during the COVID-19 pandemic. I dont think anybody denies that. But I think theres a personality type that looks for that kind of environment.

Tinsley predicts there will be candidates for superintendent who want to go into a place that has significant challenges so that they can help mitigate or solve those problems.

Im excited to see some of the candidates, because if we choose the right person of that personality type, we could end up with a very strong superintendent for the Lynchburg City Schools system who could also help take us to that next level, he said.

Tinsley, who was appointed as a District 2 school board member effective July 1, serves as associate vice president of arts and sciences at Central Virginia Community College. Tinsley had served the previous two years as an associate instructor of geology prior to his appointment to the new position at CVCC in August.

For the selection of a superintendent search firm, the City of Lynchburg issued a request for proposals.

After interviewing representatives from three firms that responded to the RFP, the school board selected McPherson & Jacobson LLC, headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska. According to its website, McPherson & Jacobson has found more than 750 superintendents to lead school divisions across the country over the past 34 years.

Tinsley said McPherson & Jacobsons leadership is composed of former primary and secondary school educators and administrators, a feature that played a role in the school boards decision to retain the firm.

We wanted to choose a firm that had experience and empathy for what our mission is, he said. We believed McPherson & Jacobson met that bill.

Tinsley and his fellow school board members have emphasized that the search firm will be assisting the search committee in the process of selecting a new superintendent.

We are still going to drive the process as the ad hoc search committee, he said. We are still going to oversee the process. We are not going to release this firm to do their work unaccompanied. We are going to be with them every step of the way.

Six years ago, the school board unanimously voted to appoint Edwards who previously served as superintendent for Lawrence Township Public Schools in New Jersey.

When Edwards was chosen as the new superintendent more than six years ago, Tinsley said there was a perception by some that the search firm kind of ran the show.

We want to make sure that does not happen this time, whether it happened last time or not, he said.

The city is in the process of signing the contract with McPherson & Jacobson to serve as the search firm. Once the contract is signed, the search committee will meet with the company to set up a timeline for holding stakeholder meetings and other steps of the process.

After Edwards retired in October, the board appointed former LCS Deputy Superintendent Ben Copeland as acting superintendent. Copeland is expected to remain in the acting role until the new superintendent starts.

Dr. Copeland has been great to work with, Tinsley said. Were very, very happy with what hes doing.

Based on a state rule, the school board has six months from the time Edwards vacated the superintendents seat on Oct. 18 to name a new superintendent. That means the new superintendent will need to be named by late April.

However, the school board could request an extension from the Virginia Department of Education if more time is needed.

Tinsley guaranteed a new permanent superintendent will be in place before the start of the 2025-26 school year.

After members of the search committee were announced this fall, current LCS teachers expressed concerns their voices would go unheard because one of their own was not chosen to sit on the panel.

Tinsley said the committee will encourage teachers to speak up during the stakeholder meetings that will be held during the search process. He also noted that District 2 school board member Letitia Lowery, who chairs the boards Academic Success Committee, is a retired LCS teacher.

She was a teacher for decades and knows education, he said. Ms. Lowery is a good voice for teachers.

Along with teachers, the families of students and other members of the Lynchburg community will get to participate in the stakeholder meetings during the superintendent selection process.

Tinsley said he was humbled to be picked as co-chair of the search committee after serving on the school board for only three months.

Im so happy to have Dr. Mike Nilles as co-chair, because he spent nine years on the school board and was also part of the last search process, and is just a brilliant guy to boot, he said.
TOKYO, Dec 30 (News On Japan) - Foreign tourists in Japan have exceeded 30 million this year, marking a record high. Among them, many are flocking to drivers license centers across the country.

Early one morning at around 6 a.m., a line of roughly 30 people formed outside the Samezu Drivers License Testing Center in Tokyos Shinagawa Ward. Over 90% of those in line were foreigners. Why are so many queuing so early?

A visitor from Hong Kong said, Im here to convert my license.

An Egyptian national added, I want to switch my Egyptian license to a Japanese one.

These visitors are seeking to convert their foreign drivers licenses to Japanese ones, a process known as gaimen kirikae (foreign license conversion). By passing two testsa written exam and a driving skills testapplicants can obtain a Japanese drivers license.

While the driving test has a pass rate of about 30%, the written exam is relatively straightforward.

A Vietnamese applicant said, The questions are simple, like what to do when you see a stop sign.

A visitor from Hong Kong noted, Its just basic questions about road signs, like what each one means.

Automobile journalist Kumiko Kato explained, The written test for foreign license conversion is simpler compared to the tricky questions often seen in Japans standard licensing exam. Its straightforward and easy.

The test consists of about 10 true-or-false questions, and applicants need to answer at least 7 correctly to pass.

The popularity of Japanese licenses is largely due to their wide utility. According to Kato, Because Japan is a member of the Geneva Convention, a Japanese-issued international drivers license allows holders to drive in nearly 100 countries.

In contrast, countries like China and Vietnam, which are not signatories to the Geneva Convention, only allow international licenses valid in about 10 countries.

The demand for Japanese licenses has fueled the rise of specialized tours, especially among Chinese tourists. On Chinese social media, information spreads about how obtaining a Japanese license is easy and cost-effective. Tours offering assistance with license conversions are being marketed, with services priced at an upfront fee of 4,500 yuan (around 90,000 yen).

As of November, Japan recorded an all-time high of approximately 33 million foreign visitors. With plans to relax visa requirements for Chinese tourists, the number of visitors coming specifically for license conversions is expected to grow.

However, concerns are mounting. A photo of a Japanese license obtained via a foreign conversion showed a hotel address listed in the residence field.

Kato commented, Some people on tourist visas use hotel addresses to meet the residency requirement.

This raises questions about the accuracy of applicants residency information. The National Police Agency issued a statement saying, We will continue to monitor accident trends and review the policies surrounding foreign license conversions as needed.

Accidents involving foreign drivers are on the rise. If the number of foreign license conversions continues to increase, experts warn that accidents may climb further.

Kato urged, I hope applicants study Japans traffic laws, unique road rules, and driving etiquette to ensure safety.

Source: ANN
OSAKA, Dec 30 (News On Japan) - A female teacher at an Osaka Prefectural support school has been dismissed for falsifying applications to obtain leave for personal purposes.

The Osaka Prefectural Board of Education announced the dismissal of the 45-year-old teacher, who had falsely claimed menstrual or caregiving leave on 11 occasions and remote work on 12 occasions between December 2018 and March this year.

During the improperly obtained leave, the teacher reportedly traveled to eight international destinations, including Spain and Australia, and visited four domestic locations such as Okinawa and Ishigaki Island.

The teacher had previously traveled overseas three times while on sick leave, bringing the total number of domestic and international trips during improperly obtained leave to 15.

"I knew it was wrong, but I couldnt resist the urge to travel," the teacher said.

Source: ANN
Roscas are an oval-shaped bread decorated with bright colors that symbolize the gifts brought by the Three Kings to baby Jesus. A small, plastic baby is hidden inside to symbolize baby Jesus. HELEN L. MONTOYA/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS La Panaderia is a Mexican-style bakery on Broadway in San Antonio. Mike Sutter/Staff file photo

San Antonians who will be celebrating Dia de los Reyes  Three Kings Day  can pre-order their traditional roscas from La Panaderia starting on Monday.

Dia de los Reyes is a traditional Mexican holiday that honors the Three Kings who brought gifts to baby Jesus. Many Christians also know it as the Epiphany. Both are celebrated on Jan. 6.

As part of the celebration, all La Panaderia locations will begin pre-order sales of Rosca de Reyes  a traditional sweet bread  on Monday, Dec. 30, with pickup date options between Jan. 3 and Jan. 6, according to a news release.

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The roscas are an oval-shaped bread decorated with bright colors that symbolize the gifts brought by the Three Kings. Hidden inside the rosca is a small, plastic baby, meant to symbolize baby Jesus. There are a variety of traditions attached to the baby, but most say that the person who gets the baby must do something for the rest of the family, such as make tamales or host the next years celebration.

In San Antonio, roscas can be found at most neighborhood bakeries and your local H-E-B,

La Panaderia customers can buy a family-sized version of the sweet bread for $28 or a six-pack mini version for $26. You can pre-order one here.
Several countries across the African continent are rapidly expanding their energy industries thanks to several factors. Firstly, many oil and gas giants are investing heavily in untapped fossil fuel regions across Africa as they strive to diversify their portfolios and produce more low-carbon oil. Secondly, several high-income countries and multinational energy players are now investing in Africas renewable energy market, with multiple hydropower, wind and solar power, and hydrogen projects emerging across the continent. Thirdly, several African countries are seeing economic growth that is supporting greater energy security.

Oil, Gas, and Coal

Several oil and gas discoveries were made in 2024. Portuguese multinational energy corporation Galp, the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (NAMCOR), and the energy company Custos made a light oil discovery at the Mopane-1X well in Namibia in January. In April, Galps appraisal activities showed a potential oil reserve of at least 10 billion barrels. Shell also saw success in Namibia, confirming the presence of oil deposits at the offshore Enigma-1X well in April, the firms fifth oil discovery in Namibias Orange Basin.

Italys Eni confirmed the discovery of light oil, gas, and condensates in Block CI-205 offshore Ivory Coast in March 2024. E&P companies BW Energy and Panoro announced the discovery of oil at the DHBSM-2P pilot well offshore Gabon in May, which holds an estimated 5 to 6 million barrels of recoverable oil. Meanwhile, Chevron made a significant near-field oil discovery in PML 49, in the shallow offshore region of the Western Niger Delta in Nigeria, with an estimated production potential of up to 17,000 bpd.

The African region is gradually moving away from new coal- and gas-fired power plants, with new fossil-fuel capacity additions falling by more than 70 percent over the last half a decade. However, coal and gas continue to contribute around two-thirds of the continents annual power generation, and one-third of Africas fossil-fuel capacity is less than a decade old, with much of it having been built in response to the regions rising electricity demand.

Renewables

In terms of renewable energy, the African Union aims to bring 300 GW of renewables online by the end of the decade, to more than quadruple the estimated 72 GW of installed capacity in 2024. Africa saw a record year for renewable energy investment in 2023, at around $15

billion, which represents 2.3 percent of the global total. This was over double the investment seen in renewables in Africa in 2022. Renewable energy deployments across the continent totaled 7.9 GW in 2023. However, to achieve the African Unions 2030 target, annual deployments must increase to 32.5 GW a year for the rest of the decade.

The renewable energy capacity growth was driven by the development of utility-scale wind, solar, and geothermal projects in Egypt, Morocco, Kenya, and South Africa. Two-thirds of Africas installed wind and solar is currently situated in South Africa, Morocco, and Egypt suggesting the need for greater investment in renewables in other parts of the region. The growth of South Africas solar energy industry has helped the country tackle its energy crisis and regular power outages. The increased investment shows promise for greater funding in the renewable energy sector in the coming years, as well as the creation of a more diversified energy mix in several African countries.

External Funding

In addition to the private funding of projects, several regional funding initiatives were announced in 2024. There has been a rise in the number of Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETPs)  multilateral platforms between developed and emerging economies that are designed to provide climate finance.

In 2023, the Presidential Climate Commission released the JET Investment Plan for South Africa, setting a funding target of $98.7 billion between 2023 and 2027 to support its energy security goals. Financing will contribute primarily to the growth of South Africas electricity, electric vehicle, and green hydrogen industries.

Senegal and the International Partners Group (IPG), comprising France, Germany, the EU, the U.K., and Canada, also announced a JETP in December, agreeing upon funding of $2.7 billion to support Senegals energy transition and develop its low-carbon economy.

At the recent COP29 climate summit in Azerbaijan, member states agreed to triple finance to developing countries, from the previous goal of $100 billion a year to $300 billion a year by 2035. This funding will help countries develop their renewable energy industries, as well as boost climate resilience. Although many developing countries and climate groups criticized the funding decision for being too low.

Outlook

Several African countries are seeing the rapid development of their fossil fuels and renewable energy industries, thanks to increased public and private investment. Although the continent continues to rely heavily on fossil fuels for power, multiple countries are now developing alternative sources to diversify their energy mix and boost energy security. The region has seen immense growth in its energy market in recent years, but some countries are vastly overshadowing others, with significantly more investment required in many countries to ensure greater energy security and support a global green transition.

By Felicity Bradstock for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com
As it's Christmas, and here at Oilprice.com we like to give back to our dear readers, we've decided to give you a little holiday treat. Here is this month's Intelligent Investor - our deep dive comparison service for Global Energy Alert subscribers. If you like what you see, feel free to gift yourself and your loved ones a subscription next year.

In this months edition of our comparison series, we take a look at two upstream powerhouse producers. The first, Occidental Petroleum (NYSE:OXY), is in the process of digesting a large acquisition and carries a lot of debt as a result. Is the share price fully discounting this factor? We will see. The second is EOG Resources, (NYSE:EOG) a company that in recent years has chosen to grow organically, eschewing the M&A craze that has brought a lot of consolidation into the sector.

There is a reasonable comparison between the two even though EOG is priced at about 2.5X OXY. Both have big acreage positions in the Delaware basin that are the cornerstone of their income. Both have international exposure with operations in Middle East-OXY, and in Trinidad-Tobago-EOG. Both have catalysts for growth in the coming year. And, like many comparisons, there isnt necessarily a bad choice. So lets dive in.

But first, lets review the thesis for investing in the stocks of shale drillers

Are we near a bottom in upstream oil and gas stocks? I think we are. It should be understood that oil production is a cyclic business -production rises until prices stabilize - and then it begins to decline as activity tapers off. We've had a step change from technology-driven cost and efficiency improvements that have extended the period of production semi-levitation at current levels that must come to an end. Sometime. Without going through a lot of verbiage and reference citations, it just makes sense that we are nearing a peak in the last reservoir to show significant growth - the Permian.

If you think about it, since 2010 we have stuck a straw in the Permian, and production has risen from about 1 mm BOEPD to over 6.2 mm BOEPD. Today we are extracting 2.23 bn BOE annually from the Permian, and that just can't go on forever. Estimates are that we are well past the midpoint of production from the key reservoirs that deliver this oil and gas to us. G&R put out a newsletter in conjunction with Novi Labs recently that discussed some aspects in detail that largely agrees with this thesis.

Concerns about demand-which has actually stayed fairly robust recently, have offset the plateauing of output in traders' minds, and led to a weakening of prices. Does that reflect reality?

My core macro for upstream oil and gas investing is that North American producers are undervalued due to a lack of understanding about the fragility of current shale production levels. Shale is also called 'short-cycle'-meaning that output is related to activity and can be controlled thereby. Obviously less so now due to technology, but the principle remains valid up to a point. The point is growth may be constrained by lower-tier development not being as productive and other logistics impacts-water injection may put a damper on output.

The incoming administration's plan to increase production by 3 mm BOPD may also be putting a ceiling on crude and upstream E&P's. I view this as a near impossibility in liquids, and highly doubtful in gas-which is increasing all by itself as the reservoirs being drilled are gassier. There simply aren't enough rigs to generate this kind of growth, and no sign the industry is willing to build them up to that level. When the disconnect between what the incoming administration wants to do and what is possible becomes evident, the drag on prices will evaporate. I think there will be extreme winners, and extreme losers when the real impact of declines in the Permian are noticed by the market. In that scenario, I think we are near a bottom for stocks in the upstream sector, particularly ones with the critical mass that OXY and EOG possess.

Occidental Petroleum

Occidental Petroleum, (NYSE:OXY) was one of the big wins for investors coming out of the pandemic. Many recognized the value Anadarko brought and loaded up in the teens. Its been a rough ride since late 2022. The fact those who bought at the 2020 bottom are still in the black after a 35% capital implosion since April of this year, doesn't ease the pain of seeing all that money shifted over into the loss column.

Now with the post-election jitters of "Drill Baby, Drill" roiling the market, if anything the slope has gotten worse. Notably absent from the market since midyear, has been Uncle Warren, who over the last couple years has been busy, amassing, a 29% stake at prices well above $50 in some June-24 buys, above $60. Until the other day we were wondering what was it about OXY that Warren liked in $50s that he didn't in the $40s? That curiosity was resolved last week with news of his buying another $400 million in OXY shares.

Buffett is sitting on a huge pile of cash and holds; warrants that would let him add another 90 mm shares bringing his position to about 40% of the float. If you have any faith in domestic energy at all, it would seem that this is the time to be adding to upstream positions. Buffett may have put a floor on OXY shares with his vote of confidence last week, as the company navigates softer commodity prices.

Energy comprises only a tiny fraction of the SP-500 index now, thanks to multiple compressions over the last couple of years. Does that make sense? I don't think so, but things are what they are, and the decline in the sector weighting certainly has a rationale to it as commodities have underperformed.

OXY has struggled in comparison to a loose peer group over the past year, only slightly outperforming, bottom-hugging Devon. Only a couple, EOG and Diamondback Energy, (NYSE:FANG) have managed to deliver any growth, while other Delaware basin-focused producers, OXY, Devon Energy, (NYSE:DVN), and ConocoPhillips, (NYSE:COP) are down. FANG and EOG top the list with Operating Margins (OMs) of 42% and 35% respectively. DVN comes in right behind EOG at 32%. This article isn't about DVN, but I must say it makes the negative sentiment toward the company all the more odd.

The thesis for OXY

The company is an oil and gas producing juggernaut with total output currently at 1.42 mm BOEPD and guiding to 1.47 mm BOEPD in Q-4. OXYs cornerstone is in the Permians Delaware basin, but through the CrownRock deal has a significant foothold in the Midland basin. It also has production from the U.S. GoM, and internationally in the Middle East. The company also has a chemicals-caustic soda business that operates in the black and actually is symbiotic to their nascent Direct Air Capture-DAC business - in that caustic drives a reaction to liberate the carbon for capture.

The company is successfully integrating the CrownRock purchase into their operations which is receiving an increasing share of D&C capex this year - the goal being to increase the overall oil percentage of total production. It was also noted that legacy CrownRock water infrastructure is contributing about $10 mm in savings this year. OXY is successfully managing LEO costs down through production increases, leveraging infrastructure around new pads, and actively engaging with service providers to minimize the white space-slack time, between TD'ing a well and rigging up to frac.

The Delaware continues to perform with the company increasingly drilling secondary benches and seeing better than anticipated performance. Speaking for OXY, CEO Vicki Hollub feels the Permian can continue to grow for another few years as they wring superior performance out of low-tier benches-Wolfcamp B & C as an example.

These secondary benches that we have second and third and fourth benches that we can develop in the Permian in the Delaware and the Midland Basin, and we're still continuing to get more out of those reservoirs. I expect though in the near-term with weaker prices that what we used to think as a peak in say in three years, moves further out because with weaker prices I think there's going to be less growth in the Permian.

I don't think this is true for all companies (if my prognostication that the Permian peaking in the nearer term is way out of whack), as OXY has some of the best Delaware dirt around, thanks to the Anadarko deal.

All in all, OXY is generating $3.1 in AFFO and netted $1.5 bn in free cash for the quarter. Pretty much every nickel they take in is going toward debt reduction, which is as it should be. OXY's cashflow priorities are shown in the slide below. Once LT debt is less than $15 bn, then the focus shifts to buying back shares and redeeming Warren's 10% yielding Preferred stock.

This puts holders of the common stock at the end of a multiyear list for any significant boost to the dividend. This could be problematic for the stock affecting any chance of a price recovery. I also think that this mindset on the part of management may be contributing the weakness in OXY shares, as investors look for steady cash. A recent WSJ article noted that in turbulent times, investors shift from growth stocks to dividend payers.

Investors typically flock to the dividend payers in down markets or when the economic outlook turns cloudy. Indeed, many companies with big payouts, including utilities and consumer staples, produce stable earnings in any weather.

Ok now lets review EOG.

EOG Resources

The company has a reputation as being one of the best-run shale drillers and has consistently returned capital to shareholders through the cycle. This shows in the value creation claimed by the company in the slide below. If WTI sees the gain projected over the next couple of years the free cash available for distribution could be enormous.

Analysts rate EOG as overweight, but I doubt that rating takes into account the swoon since early November. The Q-4 EPS forecast for the company is $2.57 per share. This is down from the $2.78 per share forecast for Q-3, which they crushed at $2.89. If they beat on Q-4, it will be consistent with their performance over the entire year. Share price forecasts range from $146-$170, with a median of $144, making an entry point sub-$120 a very reasonable short-term prospect. Particularly when the shareholder-friendly plans for capital returns are factored in.

The company has just made a triple-bottom sub-$120, and with a Q-4 beat is unlikely to get much cheaper. I think there will be extreme winners, and extreme losers when the real impact of declines in the Permian are noticed by the market. In that scenario, I think we are near a bottom for stocks in the upstream sector.

The thesis for EOG

The company is banging on the door of the million barrel-a-day equivalent producer club. One of the things that sets it apart from other shale players is its well-distributed legacy positions in key shale plays that date from early shale E&P activity in the 2010's. The company has first class assets which are shown in the company graphic below. Recently its made a big push into the long-neglected Utica shale.

EOG has mostly legacy acreage positions that date back to the Enron days pre-shale revolution when dirt was cheap, and thus have avoided the need for big capital outlays to snag competitors at $50-100K per acre. The last big EOG acquisition was Yates Petroleum in 2016, which they comparatively stole for $5,400 an acre. Deal execution like this shows on the balance sheet with a paltry $3.6 bn of long-term debt presently. On DE basis none of its peer group even comes close.

The Delaware Money Machine

EOG has some of the best dirt in the Delaware, thanks to the Yates deal. Perhaps youve seen the Wolfcamp white paper put out by the EIA. If not heres a link. It shows that some of the best Wolfcamp A, and Bone Spring benches are in southern Eddy and Lea County New Mexico, and in Loving County, Texas. A recent WSJ article discussed the intensity of drilling in these areas.

We're a fan of good dirt around here as it drives cost impacts from logistics and technology. This enables EOG to be pretty selective in the projects they sanction, putting a 30% after-tax rate of return at $40 per barrel. That's a pretty steep hill to climb, but it insulates the company from all but the wildest swings in commodity prices. It also enables price realizations that top the peer group at $77 for Q-3, 2024.

Now down to the nitty gritty

I think most of us get the idea behind stock buybacks and their intrinsically increasing the value of remaining shares. That has to be balanced though with the fact that much of this is fraught with peril at squandering capital. This is done by buying back stock in one quarter and seeing the price continue to decline. That is certainly the scenario extant these days. I am surprised equity analysts don't pursue this in conference calls more.

EOG has been bitten by the share buyback bug-noting that it will be done opportunistically, but shows a much more shareholder-friendly attitude with its robust $3.90 per share annual dividend, than many companies that have totally scrapped special dividends in favor of buybacks.

The Yield on Cost (YOC) is actually pretty decent at 3.28%. Bottom-line management at EOG knows shareholders need to eat while waiting for the stock float shrinkage to drive share prices higher.

A catalyst for EOG

EOG's entry into the Utica shale was done in 2022 with relatively little fanfare. Things seem to be going pretty well from the comments in the slide below. EOG has a huge acreage position, and the Utica is far less developed than the Marcellus. The northeast is gas hungry from the explosive growth in AI data centers and the demand coming from the Cove Point LNG terminal on the Chesapeake Bay. On the horizon, new East Coast plants are under review creating a potential uplift in demand.

Risks

It is fair to say that EOG isn't cheap here. But against a cohort of near-million barrel producers, it's reasonably priced. Things can always get cheaper, so this multiple might shrink. I am betting there is less elasticity in EOG than in others.

Your takeaway

I don't think there is any doubt that OXY is a buy for long-term capital appreciation at current levels. As I have noted, I feel strongly that American oil and gas companies are undervalued in terms of their true impact on society, here at home and globally, and lack only a catalyst to rerate higher. This would totally change the dynamic for owners of these assets, but there is no date certain as to when this will occur.

The question is, can we wait that out while receiving peanuts for our capital? That leaves us looking for income while we wait for growth, and the money coming quarterly from OXY will not buy Porterhouse steak at Kroger. It may not even buy chicken breasts without a coupon. Chicken leg quarters are the immediate future of OXY holders as we wait on capital appreciation in the commodity rerating I expect.

The problem I see is management's dogged determination not to pay a respectable dividend to reward shareholders now. Let's review.

First, they had the debt from Anadarko. Ok, that transformed the company...while almost killing it. They got through that and then rising oil prices worked their magic and we had a 5-bagger in appreciation, with the stock price peaking at $75 in late 2022. Holders of OXY stock will listen to any song management sings with that kind of growth in their portfolio. Then came the CrownRock debt and dilution. As I have noted, the company is rightly knocking down the debt, but their single-minded focus on buying back stock at multiples where no one else, except Warren Buffett, is buying does investors no service.

The YOC is under 2% and there are no special dividends planned to spread a little cash among shareholders. Since reinstituting the regular dividend in 2022 it's been raised twice and I expect it will be raised again when Q-4 earnings are announced. By another 4-5 cents. To continue our chicken metaphor, this is chicken feed.

OXY trades at 5.5-6X EV/EBITDA and $48K per flowing barrel. Not terribly cheap on either metric, so it's probably a toss-up,-pay interest on debt or capitalize on a 30% downdraft in stock prices...since April of this year. Now lets look at EOG.

EOG is trading at a flowing barrel price of $69 per barrel. Again not give away prices. You can buy shale cheaper. EOG has a reputation of being one of the best-run companies in this sector and most of the metrics I've seen substantiate that notion. I've always been willing to pay up for quality, and that's the recommendation here. Buy EOG.

EOG has 4.43 bn bbl of 2P reserves as of the end of 2023. During the year they replaced 202% of production with new discoveries. Both are solid metrics and justify the current prices for the stock. At $40 per bbl, EOG has a net present value (NPV) of $179.00 per share, which comes pretty close to analysts topline estimates for the share price. This doesn't take into account future revenue from the Utica play, so I regard it as conservative.

Also, investors entering EOG before 1-17-25 will receive the previously announced and just raised regular dividend of $0.98 per share on Jan-31st. I regard the timing as auspicious. The yield is admittedly not spectacular-3.08% but I am expecting a special dividend at some point in the coming year that will improve the overall yield on cost.

I think EOG is an outstanding bargain for future growth and immediate shareholder returns. Every serious investor in upstream E&P companies should have a position in the company. Accordingly, I rate EOG as the winner of this months comparison.
Even as she watched him cycle through jails and treatment facilities for nearly a decade, Linda Walter could never be convinced to give up on her grandson, Gage.

Once, she paid his bail in the days before Christmas, saying no one deserves to spend the holiday in a cell. After Gage was kicked out of her home for stealing, she would still sneak him in to cook for him and let him sleep on the couch.

My wife was soft-hearted, Lindas husband of 50 years, Jim Walter, said.

She loved that boy, her son, Scott, said. She loved him more than anybody did.

The Killings: He bludgeoned the woman he loved most



On the afternoon of Aug. 13, 2022, Gage arrived at his grandparents Omaha house with a hammer. Tormented by what he describes as voices in his head, Gage bludgeoned Linda to death before moving into the bedroom of his bedridden 93-year-old great-grandmother, Marceline Teeters, and doing the same.

Jim was away on the day of the slayings. At Lindas urging, he took a trip with his son Scott and a handful of family and friends to South Dakota to go fishing. Before they hit the road, Linda sneaked an extra kiss.

The couple lived together in a small southeast Omaha bungalow for more than 50 years. They met when Jim, then 20 years old, found a lost puppy on Leavenworth Street. He wanted to keep it, but was convinced to put an ad on the radio to see if someone was missing the hound. Linda called.

When Jim went to return the dog, Linda opened the door. He fell in love in an instant. They were married in 1970 and had three kids  Scott, Jamie and Chris  who had kids, who had kids. Linda reveled in being a grandmother and great-grandmother.

Around 2010, they took in Marceline, Linda's mother, who was then beginning a long battle with dementia. By 2022, she was deteriorating fast; she was largely bedridden and would lash out at Jim and Linda, who made the decision to place her in a long-term care facility.

Marceline was to move out of the home on Aug. 15, 2022, the same day Linda was set to start her new job as an elementary school cook. A career cook, Linda was thrilled about the new gig. She spent the weeks prior to her start date preparing for the physical test to prove she could lift the heavy boxes in the school cafeteria. She passed easily; at 70, she seemed strong as ever.

It was not to be. A few hours after Gage fled the scene in Lindas red PT Cruiser, Jamie arrived at the home to help Linda with her phone. She found her mother on the floor in a pool of blood. Her injuries were extensive. It looked as if she had been shot. Jamie ran out of the house screaming.

Jamie was hysterical. On the phone, Scott heard her say: Mom was shot. A neighbor took the phone. What are you saying? Scott asked. What are you talking about? But its all a blur, now, and no one can remember what they knew when. Did they know Linda was dead when they packed into the car to drive back to Omaha? Did they know Marceline had been attacked, too? Two years later, as Scott recounts the grueling drive home, he twists a thick rubber band around his fingers so tightly that it breaks.

Gage's father, Chris, was the first to suspect that his son was responsible.

"I told his attorney that (Gage) is going to hurt someone," Chris told The World-Herald on the evening of the killings. "Then he attacked and killed the two people who loved him the most in this world. I didn't know he was going to hurt them, but I knew it was going to be someone."

The reality set in slower for other members of the family.

"There was just no way in my mind that he would hurt her," Scott said this year.

Gage was not captured until the day after the killings; he fled the scene and led police in Des Moines on a 30-mile, high-speed chase before barricading himself in a church and surrendering after a four-hour standoff. He was interviewed by detectives with Iowa's Criminal Investigations Bureau and the Omaha Police Department's homicide unit, according to Omaha Police Lt. Nicholas Andrews.

During the lengthy interview, Gage admitted to the killings, but there was a mental health aspect that was evident, Andrews said.

Gage fought extradition to Douglas County. The family learned of an additional attack: The night before the killings, Gage attacked a man with a hammer outside of an Omaha supermarket. The man was left with critical injuries, including multiple fractured bones in his face, according to a police report. Gage was charged with attempted first-degree murder.

At his first court appearance, Gage appeared untethered, repeatedly interrupting the judge with comments about the Cold War and body-snatchers and nanobots. Attorneys detailed Gages background: A long history of documented mental health issues. Multiple diagnoses. The subject of multiple Board of Mental Health petitions. A felony record. Three domestic assaults. Drug possession. One failure to appear conviction.

He was held without bail.

Earlier this year, after a series of court-ordered psychiatric evaluations found that Gage was criminally insane when he committed the slayings, he was found not responsible by reason of insanity. He was involuntarily committed to the Lincoln Regional Center, a state-run psychiatric facility, where he will remain until a judge determines that he is no longer a risk to himself and others.

Consistent court involvement, multiple inpatient stays for mental health treatment and a documented pattern of escalating violent behavior over a period of years was not enough to prevent the brutal attack on the person Gage loved most.

"Why didn't anyone do something before this happened?" Shelby, Gage's cousin, said.

"She was my favorite family member," Gage told the Omaha World-Herald during an interview from the Lincoln Regional Center. "I loved her probably the most, and that's what's so sad about all of this."

The Backstory: A pattern of violence and many diagnoses

In Jims home, a few photos of Gage remain on the wall. In one, he is a teenager, smiling broadly at the bottom of a dogpile of cousins, his brown hair swooping into a bowl cut. In another, he is a baby dressed in black-and-white checkered overalls, propped up against his cousin Shelby.

Being as close in age as we were, I always tried to maintain that relationship with him, Shelby said. But he gravitated toward bad people. I think thats a big reason as to why he started using drugs  because its easier to have friendships with people who are in that kind of life.

Gage and the rest of the Walter family tell somewhat conflicting narratives of Gages childhood. Interviewed family members said he was a loner who had little interest in making friends or participating in family events. Gage said he had a difficult relationship with his parents, who would physically restrain him when he had violent outbursts as a child, which caused him distress.

Appearing on a Zoom call from the psychiatric facility where he will spend an undetermined number of the coming years, Gage, now 29, said the first time he remembers being hospitalized was in the third grade when he hit a teacher who grabbed him by the wrists. He spent a few days in Immanuel Hospital, which kickstarted a lifetime of therapy and inpatient stays.

Throughout the years, Gage said, hes had a number of diagnoses: Paranoid schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, Asperger's syndrome (a mild form of Autism Spectrum Disorder), bipolar disorder with psychotic tendencies. At the state psychiatric facility, he is being treated for bipolar disorder and substance use disorder, and he takes an antipsychotic medication used to treat mania and schizophrenia in adults.

Gage began smoking marijuana as a teenager, which he said remained his drug of choice for his adult life. Persistent marijuana use has been shown in a number of recent studies to cause or significantly exacerbate symptoms of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, particularly in young men.

The Walter family suspects that he was also taking harder drugs over the years, and he was twice arrested for possessing methamphetamine, though Gage denies being on drugs at the time of the killings.

At 19 years old, in 2014, Gage made his first appearance in the adult legal system when he was charged with multiple misdemeanors for disturbing the peace and criminal mischief. He was placed on diversion, but was removed from the program after testing positive for THC. Court records show he spent some time in an addiction treatment center. Eventually, he spent a few months in the Sarpy County Jail.

Petitions for protection orders against Gage detail a pattern of violence against those closest to him. His then-wife said in 2017 that Gage busted her lip, stomped on her neck and threatened to choke and stab their young child. His maternal grandmother wrote that Gage was talking about being the Devil and Hitler after assaulting her and holding her hostage in her home for an hour and a half in 2018. In 2020, Jim wrote that Gage hit his father in the head with a hammer, threw a glass bottle at the door and threatened to kill people. In a protection order filed less than six months before the killings, Gages maternal grandmother said Gage jumped into the backseat of her car, grabbed her in a chokehold and threatened to kill multiple family members.

Court records show that the courts were keenly aware of Gage's mental instability in the months and years before the killings. But despite months in jail, hospitalizations and court-ordered drug treatment, the system had limited options to keep him locked away or force him to get help.

Those limits were most evident in Gages 2022 conviction for meth possession. He was ordered to report to an inpatient drug treatment facility, which court records indicate he never did. After a short custodial sanction in late 2021, Gage was released directly to a hospital because of concerning behaviors he exhibited behind bars. When he reported to the probation office after a five-day hospital stay, his probation officer reported concerning mental health-related behaviors.

Mr. Walter verbally expressed his unwillingness to seek further medical care to assist in management of his mental health, the probation officer wrote in a report dated Dec. 3, 2021.

Gage was released from jail after serving a month on the meth possession conviction about three weeks prior to the killings. When he got out, the Walter family said, they wanted to help him succeed. Scott let Gage move into a rental home he owned in Council Bluffs, and lined up a job. They bought him furniture and groceries. They brought him to the family plumbing business and hugged him. We want to be proud of you this time.

"Everything seemed good," Scott said. "He seemed motivated."

A week later, Scott said he went to the home and found it trashed with broken windows. They went searching for Gage at local homeless shelters and tent encampments with no luck. The next  and last  time they saw Gage, he was in an orange jumpsuit at the Douglas County Correctional Center after his arrest for the killings.

The System: With few options, people with severe mental illnesses often end up in jails or homeless

One question haunts everyone involved: What, if anything, could have prevented this from happening?

Gage was repeatedly hospitalized. He, at times, received long-acting injectable antipsychotic medications. He was in and out of jail almost constantly for years. Petitions to commit Gage for involuntary inpatient psychiatric treatment were filed three times with the Douglas County Board of Mental Health in 2018 and 2020, according to his attorney (those records are sealed, and it's unclear if any petitions resulted in an involuntary commitment). When family members tried to admit Gage to the hospital or a residential drug treatment program on two occasions, they said, he was turned away.

Neither Gage nor his family members know of an intervention or a program that could have prevented the killings. Gage still views the voices as an outside force that acts upon him, not as a symptom of mental illness. Maybe, Gage said, if someone had spent "every waking moment" with him, it could have been prevented. Even then, he isn't sure.

Family members don't know what would have helped overcome Gage's unwillingness to seek treatment and his persistent drug use. It would have required an internal shift  a willingness to get better  that they never saw him display.

In the aftermath of deinstitutionalization, which saw a drastic decrease in the number of people treated for psychiatric illness in state institutions across the U.S., community-based mental health services became the preferred treatment option of both mental health advocates and the federal government.

Some critics say the well-intentioned shift away from warehousing the mentally ill in highly-restrictive psychiatric wards had the unintended consequence of increasing the number of people who are homeless or incarcerated while dealing with severe, debilitating mental illness. And as Nebraska struggles to expand access to community-based services, the rates at which people utilize those services remains low.

According to a 2023 report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, or SAMHSA, Nebraska's utilization rate for community-based mental health services is far below the national average. About 9 of every 1,000 Nebraskans utilized community-based mental health services. The national rate is nearly 24 per 1,000.

That number is even smaller for people with serious mental illness: Nebraska's rate is 5 out of 1,000, while the national rate is 17.4 per 1,000.

An investigation conducted by the U.S. Department of Justice this year concluded that Nebraska "severely limits access to community-based services" in favor of segregated settings like assisted living facilities and day programs. The community-based services that do exist are "underdeveloped" and are often used as a precursor to sending patients to an assisted living facility, the report said.

"Almost any need for community-based services triggers referral to an assisted living facility  from challenges taking medications at home to discharging from the Lincoln Regional Center after years of hospitalization," the report found. The report ended with the threat of a lawsuit for violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act if the state does not work to remedy the violations.

But most of those are for voluntary treatment. Those who are treatment-resistant, like Gage, often end up in an endless cycle of incarceration and homelessness.

Officials routinely refer to the Douglas County Correctional Center as the largest mental health institution in the state. Corrections director Mike Myers said 25% to 30% of the jail's population, which fluctuates between 900 and 1,000 people, have a serious mental illness in an average month.

Data collected from the Douglas County Correctional Center and the Sarpy County Jail by Region 6 behavioral health, which administers mental health services in Douglas, Sarpy and surrounding counties, shows that people with serious mental illnesses make up a disproportionate number of jail inmates. They also stay in jail longer and have a much higher likelihood of being back behind bars within 12 months of their arrest.

That pattern of lengthy, recurring stays could offer an opportunity to connect people with serious mental illness to services while they are behind bars. Cindy Boganowski, who leads a team of reentry specialists at the Douglas County Correctional Center, said they prioritize a "warm handoff" with services on the outside.

"We know that just giving people a packet of phone numbers doesn't really help them," Boganowski said. "We focus on having a warm handoff before they are released. Whether that's to a treatment facility, a peer support person, or a general assistance appointment. We do a lot of those screenings and phone calls and contacts before they leave here, so they actually have talked to somebody."

But the barriers to treatment, particularly for people with persistent, severe mental illness, are still significant. Justine Wall, who works in reentry at the jail, said there aren't many facilities in the area to provide the intensive supervision that some people need. And there is little reentry specialists can do when an inmate does not want to access treatment or services.

"There's plenty of people you can focus on who actually want treatment," Wall said. "And the more treatment-resistant people are the ones who are coming back over and over again. So we work on developing a relationship when they come in, and trying to set things up again, hoping eventually it'll catch."

Boganowski, Wall and Myers all said the most crucial thing missing in the community is access to residential treatment centers for those with a serious mental illness without a hard time-limit on how long a person can stay. From 2022 to 2023, according to the SAMHSA survey, only 88 people across the entire state were served in residential treatment centers.

"Some folks are going to need that kind of supported, assisted environment on an ongoing basis," Myers said. "We have to realize that for some people, that's the best that we can hope for."

The End: An unsent letter and an empty home

For the surviving members of the Walter family, the insanity finding felt like a life sentence.

A lifetime of annual review hearings at which they will beg for Gage to stay locked away.

A lifetime without the sense of closure, however faint, that a guilty verdict and a lengthy prison sentence may have brought.

"If anyone lets this man out and he kills again, which he will, they will have blood on their hands," Shelby said.

Though they acknowledge his mental health history, some members of the family are not convinced by the finding of criminal insanity. They think, at the least, the case should have been heard by a jury; they object to the idea that court-appointed psychologists have what often amounts to the final say in determining a defendants sanity.

As they see it, regardless of Gages state of mind when he entered the home with a hammer, a system that allows Gage an annual chance at release is ill-equipped to handle such violent crimes.

He shouldnt get another chance, Scott said.

Gage hasn't spoken to Jim, Scott or Shelby since the killings. Sometimes he wishes he could call Jim to apologize. But he "wouldn't dare" make Jim hear his voice.

Jim tried, once, to send Gage a letter. It never made it to the Lincoln Regional Center, but he kept a copy of the handwritten note scrawled on unlined paper. He wrote it at 3:26 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning in 2022. It was Linda's favorite day of the year; she would wake him up at dawn to start preparing food. On that day, for the first time in 50 years, Jim woke up on the holiday morning in an empty home.

You took my world away, Jim wrote on the unlined piece of paper. You took my hero away from me. My heart aches 24 hours a day. I cry at every thought of her."

The letter's last line: "I hope you live a long life in prison so you can remember what you did."

Correction: A new 38-bed inpatient psychiatric facility at Childrens Nebraska will increase access for juveniles when it opens in early 2026. The name of the hospital was incorrect in an earlier version of this report.


(filephoto)

By Oregon State Senate Republican Leader,



As blue states double down on Trump-proofing their state  there has been a lot of grandstanding on sanctuary state statuses. The fallacy of sanctuary states is what they truly mean  it means that you do not have to tell law enforcement your immigration status (during an arrest) and prohibits law enforcement from partnering with federal agencies in a criminal case.

Real talk. Our law enforcement is not and will not become immigration officers. The fear-mongering fallacy is that officers will now go into schools, workplaces and churches to ask people their immigration status. That is not our local law enforcements role.

Our law enforcements role is to respond to crimes committed, and then work with the district attorney to find a just way to keep the community safe. Period.

So, if you peel back the rhetoric, the only time sanctuary state laws truly kick in is when someone commits a crime  many times, horrendous crimes.

For example, our friendly neighbors in California had an issue with a sanctuary status pedophile being released back to the streets, since there was no legal mechanism to separate him from society. He then fled to another state, putting more children at risk. When presented a bill to remove pedophiles from sanctuary state status, the state rejected it.

These pandering and dangerous policy decisions not only put our residents at risk  they further divide the country on this issue  putting us farther and farther from coming together to find permanent solutions to this problem.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Massive waves are pummeling the coasts of Ecuador and Peru.

Massive waves of up to 13 feet (four meters) are pummeling the coasts of Ecuador and Peru, leaving scores of ports closed and at least one person dead on Saturday, authorities said.

Jetties and public squares were submerged in some parts of Peru, sending residents fleeing to higher ground, according to images on local media.

The waves, according to the Peruvian navy, are being generated off the US coast by winds along the ocean's surface.

Many beaches along the central and northern stretches of the country were closed to prevent risk to human life, authorities said.

Dozens of fishing boats were damaged, while those that were spared were still unable to work in the dangerous conditions.

"None of the fishermen can go out to sea," Juan Ore, 60, told AFP.

Thirty-one fishermen stranded in the swell were rescued Saturday afternoon by the navy, while one told local radio that around 180 more remained at sea.

"There are no more supplies, no water. Our brothers and sisters are practically adrift," the man told radio Exitosa.

In neighboring Ecuador, the National Secretariat for Risk Management said a body was recovered in the coastal city of Manta.

"The Manta Fire Department reported that, at 6:00 am, the body of a missing person was found lifeless in the Barbasquillo sector," the agency announced on social media.

The massive swells have proved deadly and prompted port closures.

Waves were hitting 13 feet in Peru and nearly seven feet in Ecuador.

Huge waves were also seen crashing into the central Chilean coast in Vina del Mar, sparking warnings from authorities.

Most ports closed

Peru closed 91 of its 121 ports until January 1, the National Emergency Operations Center said on its X social media account.

In Lobitos, in the north, video showed a group of people on a pier running toward the shore as huge waves slammed into the structure.

Callao, which sits adjacent to the capital Lima and is home to Peru's largest port, has closed several beaches and barred tourist and fishing boats from venturing out.

"There is a major problem," La Cruz district mayor Roberto Carrillo Zavala told AFP after surveying damage via helicopter with Peru's Minister of Defense Walter Astudillo Chavez.

Huge waves were also seen crashing into the central Chilean coast in Vina del Mar, sparking warnings.

"The most affected have been the fishermen," Zavala said. "We hope nothing more happens, as this would significantly impact the economy."

The waves "are being generated thousands of kilometers away from Peru, off the coast of the United States," navy Captain Enrique Varea told Canal N television.

"They are waves generated by a persistent wind on the surface of the ocean that is approaching our coasts," he said.

The phenomenon began on Christmas and will last until January 1, according to the National Emergency Operations Center.

Ecuador's authorities said a "rough" sea was expected until December 29.

 2024 AFP
The San Antonio skyline as seen from the air in San Antonio, Texas, on Feb. 10, 2022. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News

DALLAS  Texas population surpassed 31 million people within the last year as the state added more residents than any other place in the country, estimates released by the U.S. Census Bureau show.

However, the number of people who moved from other parts of the country slowed.

Texas added 562,941 residents between July 2023 and July 2024, census estimates show  ahead of Florida and California. That growth brought the states total population to 31,290,831.

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The state didnt add residents as quickly as it did the previous year, but the rate of its population growth  1.8%  was still the third-highest in the country behind Florida and the District of Columbia.

A major driver of that growth came from net international migration. Texas added 319,569 new residents from abroad, the most since the COVID-19 pandemic  but behind Florida and California, which saw the largest increases.

The census changed the way it counts refugees and migrants this year. However, it does not distinguish legal status in its estimates.

That growth mirrors gains seen across the nation. The United States added 3.3 million residents within the last year  2.8 million of which came from other countries.

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Meanwhile, Texas saw fewer residents move from other states than it did during the COVID-19 pandemic  when the state attracted residents from places like California and New York in search of more affordable homes among other factors.

Texas still led the country in domestic migration, followed by North Carolina and South Carolina, adding 85,267 people from other states within the last year. California, New York and Illinois saw the largest population losses in the last year, but those states lost fewer residents than they did in previous years.

Why domestic migration to Texas slowed isnt clear, said Lloyd Potter, the state demographer, but its possible that many of the people most likely to move to Texas from other states have simply already done so. With domestic migration appearing to slow, Texas will likely rely on international migration to meet its labor needs as the states economy booms, he said.

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Hippopotamus creutzburgi skull before reconstruction (left) and after (right). Credit: Gerakakis and Makris 2024.

A study by researchers Nikolaos Gerakakis and Prof. Dimitrios Makris has successfully reconstructed the skull of an extinct dwarf hippopotamus that once roamed the island of Crete, using innovative 3D digital imaging techniques.

The research, which has been published in Digital Applications in Archaeology and Cultural Heritage, provides the first complete skull reconstruction of Hippopotamus creutzburgi, offering new insights into this unique island species.

During the Pleistocene, the genus Hippopotamus spread to many islands, including Cyprus, Madagascar, Malta, Sicily, and Crete. One such hippopotamus species was H. creutzburgi.

Gerakakis says, "Hippopotamus creutzburgi lived on Crete during the Early-to-early Middle Pleistocene. During cold phases of the Pleistocene, sea levels were significantly lower, and the geography of the Aegean, influenced by tectonics, was narrower than today.

"It is hypothesized that a herd of H. antiquus, the ancestor of H. creutzburgi, traveled from the Peloponnesewhere fossil remains of H. antiquus have been foundto Crete.

"Hippos do not float in freshwater; during locomotion, they maintain contact with the ground, typically with only one foot at a time, and experience prolonged unsupported intervals. This behavior suggests their specific weight is slightly higher than that of freshwater. However, in salt water, they might have been buoyant.

"Juveniles, which make up a significant portion of a hippopotamus herd, likely had higher survival rates than adults if swept into the sea, potentially allowing them to establish a viable population on Crete."

Once on the island, the ancestors of H. creutzburgi grew smaller, following the "island rule" hypothesized by biologist Van Valen, in which large animals become smaller and small animals may become bigger under certain circumstances upon arriving on an island.

H. creutzburgi remained on the island until their extinction, the exact reasoning for which is not certain.

"As for their extinction, several hypotheses exist, including physical catastrophes, another cold event, illness, food scarcity, or competition with deer that arrived on Crete in the late Middle to Late Pleistocene. Ongoing research aims to determine the exact causes," says Gerakakis.

Despite going extinct, many of their remains became fossilized on the Katharo plateau, which is known for being rich in fossil remains. However, many of them are poorly preserved, fragmented, worn, and flattened, making reconstruction of the vertebrate animals they represent difficult.

Not only are the fossils of H. creutzburgi badly preserved, but they are also highly fragmentary, as no complete skull has ever been recovered of the species. Thus, the size, shape, and form of the species' skull are a matter of speculation.

Using four fossil remains excavated between 1998 and 2002, Gerakakis and Prof. Makris set out to digitally reconstruct the skull of this extinct dwarf hippo species using a photogrammetry approach.

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Gerakakis elaborates on the methodology used, "For the flattened cranium; we employed a virtual approach in Blender (a computer graphics software) that would have been destructive if applied to the actual specimen. The cranium was segmented into several pieces, which were repositioned anatomically.

"For guidance, we adapted the retrodeformation methodology of De Vries et al. (2022), which utilizes Blender's armature system. However, the complexity and extensive deformation of the mandible required us to innovate further. We designed a 'spider-like' exoskeleton with 23 armatures, enabling precise retrodeformation. Standard, undistorted specimens served as references throughout the process."

Using these techniques, the researchers could digitally reconstruct the entire skull of H. creutzburgi, filling in the blanks using a modern model of a hippopotamus skull.

They found that H. creutzburgi's morphology was similar to that of African Hippopotami, H. antiquus, and dwarf Malagasy hippopotami. With its size likely coming close to dwarf Malagasy hippopotami or a juvenile male African Hippopotamus.

The research team says this digital reconstruction can be printed and used for museum exhibitions, such as a planned future exhibition at the Katharo plateau.

Additionally, steps have been taken to publish a reconstruction of the entire H. creutzburgi skeleton says Gerakakis, "Most skeletal elements of H. creutzburgi have been discovered, although vertebrae and ribs are relatively scarce.

"A digital reconstruction of the entire skeleton has already been completed. A physical reconstruction of the entire skeleton, based on the digital model, was created by the Laboratory of Vertebrate Paleontology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens with the assistance of two conservators (Prof. George Lyras, Nikolaos Gerakakis, Maria Tsanidou, and Konstantina Kouveli). The corresponding scientific paper is currently in preparation."

More information: Nikolaos Gerakakis et al, Digital reconstruction of flattened skulls: The case of Hippopotamus creutzburgi, Digital Applications in Archaeology and Cultural Heritage (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.daach.2024.e00379

 2024 Science X Network
This image of a funnel cloud in Waller County was posted by meteorologist Jeff Lindner of the Harris County Flood Control District. Jeff Lindner

At least four tornado sightings across Southeast Texas can be confirmed as tornadoes based on radar and public reporting on Saturday, the National Weather Service said, only days after an earlier twister outbreak on Thursday had damaged several Houston-area homes.

The weather service cited tornado activity in Waller County that later moved into Porter Heights in Montgomery County and possibly Liberty County. The weather service also had received reports of other tornado activity from Brazoria into Galveston counties, between Liverpool and Alvin, and a small area of damage near Baycliff.

Alyssa Duncin, 26, walks with her daughter Kingsley Duncin, 3, through the family home just after it was destroyed by a tornado that hit nearby on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, in Alvin, Texas. (Raquel Natalicchio/Houston Chronicle via AP) Raquel Natalicchio/AP The roof of a residential home is seen just after it was destroyed by a tornado that hit nearby on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, in Alvin, Texas. (Raquel Natalicchio/Houston Chronicle via AP) Raquel Natalicchio/AP Debris sticks onto trees following a tornado that went through Katy, Texas, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. (Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle via AP) Elizabeth Conley/AP J.C. Betanzos, 11, looks for items from his sister's business and things his deceased mother gave them that blew away during a tornado, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, in Katy, Texas. (Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle via AP) Elizabeth Conley/AP A broken window of a residential home is photographed just after a Tornado hit nearby on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024 in Alvin. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer The roof fell through the bedroom of a residential home just after a Tornado hit nearby on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024 in Alvin. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer Debris in a residential home is photographed just after a Tornado hit nearby on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024 in Alvin. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer The roof of a residential home is photographed just after it was destroyed by a Tornado that hit nearby on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024 in Alvin. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer Debris in the backyard of a residential home is photographed just after a Tornado hit nearby on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024 in Alvin. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer Debris in the backyard of a residential home is photographed just after a Tornado hit nearby on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024 in Alvin. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer The roof of a residential home is photographed just after it was destroyed by a Tornado that hit nearby on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024 in Alvin. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer Alyssa Duncin, 26, stands with her daughter Kingsley Duncin, 3, and other family members as they look at the fallen roof of the family home just after it was destroyed by a Tornado that hit nearby on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024 in Alvin. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer Debris from a recent Tornado on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024 in Alvin. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer The roof of a residential home is photographed just after it was destroyed by a Tornado that hit nearby on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024 in Alvin. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer The Duncin family members walk around their family home just after it was destroyed by a Tornado that hit nearby on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024 in Alvin. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer

A storm survey team from the weather service will comb these areas in the coming days to determine the path, duration and strength of these tornadoes, the agency said.

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SATURDAY TORNADOES: 1 reported dead from tornado activity in Brazoria County, damage reported across Southeast Texas

Two tornado sightings were confirmed earlier in the day by public reports to the weather service. At 11:03 a.m., public reports had confirmed a tornado over Cypress, or 10 miles northwest of Jersey Village, moving northeast at 30 mph. It touched down near U.S. 290 and Spring Cypress Road around 10:55 a.m. Quarter-size hail also was reported.

Then, at 12:23 p.m., the weather service said a confirmed tornado was spotted near Splendora, or near Cleveland. Moving northeast at 35 mph, the tornado was sighted near FM 2090 near Spendora High school at 12:18 p.m. A weather spotter said the tornado touched the ground and lifted back up.

Meanwhile, large parts of Southeast Texas have been under tornado watches for much of Saturday:

Houston, Polk and Trinity counties were placed under a tornado watch until 3 p.m. Saturday. Communities affected include: Corrigan, Crockett, Groveton, Livingston and Trinity.

Brazos, Burleson, Grimes, Liberty, Madison, Montgomery, San Jacinto, Walker and Washington counties were under a tornado watch until 5 p.m. Saturday. Communities affected include Brenham, Bryan, Caldwell, Cleveland, Coldspring, College Station, Conroe, Dayton, Huntsville, Liberty, Madisonville, Navasota, Shepherd, Somerville and The Woodlands.

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Tornado sightings Saturday morning

A tornado warning was briefly issued shortly after 10:30 a.m. by the weather service for southeastern Waller County and west-central Harris County. At 10:33 a.m., Doppler radar imagery indicated rotation in a severe thunderstorm near Pattison or near Brookshire, moving northeast at 30 mph.

Then, around 10:40 a.m., a funnel cloud was spotted about 5 miles north of Katy, where a severe thunderstorm also was spotted moving northeast at 25 mph, the weather service reported.

LIVE STORM TRACKER: Interact with the map map for a look at real-time rain hitting Texas.

Another tornado warning was issued for northwestern Harris County after Doppler radar indicated rotation at 10:59 a.m. in a severe thunderstorm near Cypress, or 11 miles north of Katy, moving northeast at 30 mph.

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Soon after that sighting, rotation was detected by Doppler radar at 11:14 a.m. in a severe thunderstorm over Cypress, or 7 miles southwest of Tomball, moving northeast at 25 mph.

At 11:28 a.m., a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located near Hooks Airport, or near Tomball, moving northeast at 25 mph, the weather service reported.

Then, at 11:41 a.m., a funnel cloud was spotted with a severe thunderstorm near Hurricane Harbor Splashtown, or near The Woodlands, moving northeast at 30 mph.

Tornado warnings were issued for south-central Montgomery and northern Harris counties after a rotation was detected at 11:55 a.m. in a severe thunderstorm near Porter Heights, or near Spring, moving northeast at 30 mph, forecasters said.

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Thursdays tornado outbreak

Only two days ago, Southeast Texas experienced a tornado outbreak as a line of strong to severe storms moved through the region. According to preliminary reporting by National Weather Service storm survey teams, as many as five tornadoes were produced Thursday afternoon: two EF1s and three EF-0s on the Enhanced Fujita wind scale. EF1 tornadoes spin at 86 to 110 mph, while the weakest tornadoes at EF0 still spin at 65 to 85 mph.

The most definitive and documented tornado sighting on Thursday was a twister spotted in Wharton County, southwest of Houston, around 2:25 p.m. Thursday. Courtesy of Aj Marroquin

El Campo tornado

The EF1 tornado, which had an estimated peak wind speed of 95 mph, began at 2:15 p.m. Thursday, lasted five minutes, traveled about half a mile and cut a path about 50 yards wide 3 miles east-northeast of El Campo in Wharton County. Survey teams "found total destruction of a well constructed outbuilding (barn) that resulted with the EF1 rating," the weather service said.

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Southwest Harris tornado

The EF1 tornado, which had estimated maximum winds of 90 mph, began at 3:30 p.m., lasted about a minute, traveled only 0.05 mile and cut a path 25 yards wide about a mile north-northwest of Meadows Place in Harris County. Survey teams "found a very brief tornado that resulted in damage to

a couple of residential homes that resulted in the EF-1 rating," the weather service said.

Northern Liberty tornado

The EF0 tornado, which had a peak wind speed of 76 mph, began at 3:42 p.m., lasted about 13 minutes and traveled 6.87 miles about 9 to 10 miles northwest of Dayton Lakes in Liberty County. Survey teams "found tree damage and damage to manufactured homes correlating to EF-0 damage."

Lake Houston/Huffman tornado

The EF0 tornado, which had maximum winds of 60 mph, began at 3:51 p.m., lasted three minutes and traveled 2.11 miles about 4 to 6 miles east-southeast of Kingswood in Harris County. Survey teams "could not find any damage associated with this tornado," the weather service said. "However, information from social media imagery and spotter reports helped determine location and timing.'

Dayton tornado
Chetumal judge agrees to trail in abduction of local resident

Chetumal, Q.R.  The State Attorney General says two men responsible for the abduction of a local man have been charged. Both men are facing charges for the forced disappearance of a victim earlier this month.

The whereabouts of the man they abducted remains unknown.

On Saturday, a Chetumal judge agreed to move proceedings forward in the abduction case involving Roque Enrique N and Jose Andres N. According to authorities, the pair are facing charges for their probable participation in events possibly constituting the crime of disappearance committed by individuals to the detriment of a victim.

The events for which they were prosecuted occurred on December 3, 2024, when the victim left a food business then boarded a motorcycle heading to his home. The now accused, along with four accomplices, followed the victim in two vans.

At the intersection of Cozumel and Ignacio Zaragoza Streets, the trucks blocked the victims way. Roque Enrique N and Jose Andres N got out of one vehicle, both of whom had long firearms, ordering their accomplices to put the victim in a vehicle to take him to an unknown location. There is currently no information on his whereabouts, authorities reported.

Police have not provided a motive behind the December 3 abduction.
Cozumel Navy carries out medical evacuation of cruise ship passenger

Cozumel, Q.R.  The Secretariat of the Navy (Semar) carried out the medical evacuation of a cruise ship passenger Saturday. The evacuation took place off the island of Cozumel via the Cozumel Naval Sector Saturday evening.

The Secretaria de Marina (Semar), through the Mexican Navy acting as Coast Guard, repored that naval personnel carried out the medical evacuation of a 45-year-old foreign woman diagnosed with possible intestinal perforation. The woman was a passenger on a cruise passing the island.

Navy personnel met the ship 11 nautical miles (approximately 20 kilometers) off the east coast of Cozumel Saturday.

This action was carried out after receiving a call from the captain of the cruise ship requesting support for the medical evacuation of a passenger. The immediate departure of a Defender-type vessel from the Naval Station for Search, Rescue and Maritime Surveillance (ENSAR) Cozumel was ordered with specialized rescue and Naval Health personnel on board.

Upon arriving at the point of the emergency, personnel carried out the examination and medical evacuation of said person. The patient was transferred to the coast where she was handed over to a private ambulance to be transported to a local hospital in order to receive specialized medical attention.
Quintana Roo records third highest number of daily flights between its four international airports

Riviera Maya, Q.R.  Quintana Roo has added to its own recent record for the most flights in one day at its four international airports. On Saturday, more than 750 flights were recorded between Cancun International, Cozumel International, Tulum International and Chetumal International Airports.

765 flights were recorded around Quintana Roo Saturday. Photos: CGC December 28, 2024.

State Governor Mara Lezama reported a total of 765 flights across the state on Saturday. Of those flights, 665 were at the Cancun International Airport making it the third highest number of flights recorded in 2024.

According to Lezama, the Tulum International Airport repeated its new daily high since its inauguration a year ago with 56 flights. The airport also recorded the high figure of 56 flights on December 21.

Governor Lezama said the new records have been set thanks to joint efforts that have sustained growth in air connectivity which allows the state to continue attracting tourists from around the world.

Riviera Maya has become one of the most sought after destinations in the state. Photo: Govt Mexico 2024.

Bernardo Cueto, the State Secretary of Tourism said this historic figure reflects the growing demand and the positioning of Quintana Roo as one of the most important destinations worldwide.

Notably, Tulum International Airport reached 56 flights Saturday for the second time this month. This is a testament to the rapid growth and expansion of tourism in the state, especially in Riviera Maya, one of the most visited destinations in the world, Cueto commented.

In 2024, Cancun International Airport recorded 691 flights on January 6, 676 flights on March 23 and 665 on December 28. Last weekend, on December 21, the Cancun International Airport recorded 662 flights.

The Ministry of Tourism says it continues to work hand-in-hand with airlines to consolidate strategic relationships and continue to expand the range of routes and frequencies at the airports of Cancun, Cozumel, Chetumal and Tulum.

This effort aims to ensure that the flow of tourists continues to grow steadily, benefiting both visitors and residents of Quintana Roo.
After a sprawling hacking campaign exposed the communications of an unknown number of Americans, U.S. cybersecurity officials are advising people to use encryption in their communications.

To safeguard against the risks highlighted by the campaign, which originated in China, federal cybersecurity authorities released an extensive list of security recommendations for U.S. telecom companies  such as Verizon and AT&T  that were targeted. The advice includes one tip we can all put into practice with our phones: Ensure that traffic is end-to-end encrypted to the maximum extent possible.

End-to-end encryption, also known as E2EE, means that messages are scrambled so that only the sender and recipient can see them. If anyone else intercepts the message, all they will see is garble that can't be unscrambled without the key.

Law enforcement officials had until now resisted this type of encryption because it means the technology companies themselves won't be able to look at the messages, nor respond to law enforcement requests to turn the data over.

Here's a look at various ways ordinary consumers can use end-to-end encryption:

Texting

Officials said the hackers targeted the metadata of a large number of customers, including information on the dates, times and recipients of calls and texts. They also managed to see the content from texts from a much smaller number of victims.

If you're an iPhone user, information in text messages that you send to someone else who also has an iPhone will be encrypted end-to-end. Just look for the blue text bubbles, which indicate that they are encrypted iMessages.

The same goes for Android users sending texts through Google Messages. There will be a lock next to the timestamp on each message to indicate the encryption is on.

But there's a weakness. When iPhone and Android users text each other, the messages are encrypted only using Rich Communication Services, an industry standard for instant messaging that replaces the older SMS and MMS standards.

Apple has noted that RCS messages arent end-to-end encrypted, which means theyre not protected from a third party reading them while theyre sent between devices.

Samsung, which sells Android smartphones, has also hinted at the issue in a footnote at the bottom of a press release last month on RCS, saying, Encryption only available for Android to Android communication.

Chat apps

To avoid getting caught out when trading texts, experts recommend using encrypted messaging apps.

Privacy advocates are big fans of Signal, which applies end-to-end encryption to all messages and voice calls. The independent nonprofit group behind the app promises never to sell, rent or lease customer data and has made its source code publicly available so that it can be audited by anyone to examine it for security and correctness.

Signal's encryption protocol is so reputable that it has been integrated into rival WhatsApp, so users will enjoy the same level of security protection as Signal, which has a much smaller user base. End-to-end encryption is also the default mode for Facebook Messenger, which like WhatsApp is owned by Meta Platforms.

What about Telegram?

Telegram is an app that can be used for one-on-one conversations, group chats and broadcast channels" but contrary to popular perception, it doesn't turn on end-to-end encryption by default. Users have to switch on the option. And it doesnt work with group chats.

Cybersecurity experts have warned people against using Telegram for private communications and pointed out that only its opt-in secret chat feature is encrypted from end-to-end. The app also has a reputation for being a haven for scammers and criminal activity, highlighted by founder and CEO Pavel Durov's arrest in France.

Making calls

Instead of using your phone to make calls through a wireless cellular network, you can make voice calls with Signal and WhatsApp. Both apps encrypt calls with the same technology that they use to encrypt messages.

There are other options. If you have an iPhone you can use Facetime for calls, while Android owners can use the Google Fi service, which are both end-to-end encrypted.

The only catch with all these options is that, as with using the chat services to send messages, the person on the other end will also have to have the app installed.

WhatsApp and Signal users can customize their privacy preferences in the settings, including hiding an IP address during calls to prevent your general location from being guessed.
Women watch as debris is removed from a property after strong thunderstorms pass through the Greater Houston region, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, in Porter Heights. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer

A 48-year-old woman was reported dead Saturday due to tornado activity in the northern side of Brazoria County, according to the Brazoria County Sheriff's Office. Four others in the county were reported to have suffered nonfatal injuries, authorities said.

Communities across southeast Texas mobilized resources in response to widespread damage from a series of tornadoes that struck the region. The damage reported included destroyed homes, flipped cars, peeled roofs and debris in multiple counties.

Men work to wrap a mobile home after damage from strong thunderstorms pass through the Greater Houston region, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, in Porter Heights. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Debris block a portion of Porter Lane after strong thunderstorms pass through the Greater Houston region, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, in Porter Heights. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Power lines lean toward Porter Lane after strong thunderstorms pass through the Greater Houston region, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, in Porter Heights. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Men work to remove debris and cover a damaged roof after strong thunderstorms pass through the Greater Houston region, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, in Porter Heights. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Men work to cover a damaged roof after strong thunderstorms pass through the Greater Houston region, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, in Porter Heights. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Metal roofing is seen in trees after strong thunderstorms pass through the Greater Houston region, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, in Porter Heights. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Men work to remove debris and cover a damaged roof after strong thunderstorms pass through the Greater Houston region, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, in Porter Heights. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Debris is removed from a property after strong thunderstorms pass through the Greater Houston region, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, in Porter Heights. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Ominous skies over the Windward subdivision as most homes lost power following a tornado Recover from a tornado that went through on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024 in Katy. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Debris sticks onto trees following a tornado that went through on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024 in Katy. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Debris clings to power lines following a tornado that went through on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024 in Katy. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer J.C. Betanzos, 11, looks for items from his sisters business and things his deceased mother gave them, that were blown away during a tornado on Noel Lane on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024 in Katy. The family wasnt home when the tornado hit, their home wasnt damaged, but his sisters nail business, which was in a different structure, was totally gone. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Installation and branches cling to a gate outside a home on Noel Lane following a tornado on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024 in Katy. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer A Consumers Energy employee inspects part of a pole after it was damaged following a tornado on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024 in Katy. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer A brick and wood gate lays on the ground following a tornado on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024 in Katy. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer A tornado-damaged mobile home on Noel Lane, according to the owner, no one was living there at the time on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024 in Katy. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Debris clings to power lines following a tornado that went through on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024 in Katy. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Saul Rodriguez uses a chain saw to remove debris atop a car from a womans home after strong thunderstorms pass through the Greater Houston region, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, in Porter Heights. Rodriguezs own home was damaged, but said he felt he needed to aid his widowed neighbor first. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Aircraft wait as storms move through the area Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston. Repeated lightning strikes led to ground stops, according to airline staff. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer People remove debris from a street after strong thunderstorms pass through the Greater Houston region, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, in Porter Heights. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Sheet metal from a nearby home is seen after strong thunderstorms pass through the Greater Houston region, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, in Porter Heights. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Ricardo Rodriguez uses a chain saw to remove debris from a womans home after strong thunderstorms pass through the Greater Houston region, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, in Porter Heights. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Neighbors move debris from a womans home after strong thunderstorms pass through the Greater Houston region, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, in Porter Heights. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Saul Rodriguez repositions himself as he uses a chain saw to remove debris atop a car from a womans home after strong thunderstorms pass through the Greater Houston region, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, in Porter Heights. Rodriguezs own home was damaged, but said he felt he needed to aid his widowed neighbor first. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer

Brazoria County

A 48-year-old woman was reported dead as a result of tornado activity in Brazoria County, with four others having suffered nonfatal injuries, according to Madison Polston, a spokesperson for the Brazoria Sheriff's Office.

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The deceased was found approximately 100 feet away from her residence near Liverpool, Polston said.

The cause of the 48-year-old womans death had not yet been confirmed, but the sheriffs office said initial reports indicate her death was the result of the storm.

Over a dozen homes, several businesses and an elementary school were damaged as a result of the storm as well, according to the sheriff's office.

I can tell you firsthand that local businesses, churches, neighbors, and our entire community is already pulling together to get building materials and supplies for those affected, Polston said.

Manvel Mayor Dan Davis said he received confirmation of the fatality, which he later said was not in Manvel, Saturday afternoon and asked the public to join him in praying for the affected residents.

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Close to 1 p.m. the weather service reported multiple homes had been destroyed between Alvin and Liverpool, with significant debris on parts of State Highway 35.

Late Saturday afternoon, the Alvin Volunteer Fire Department said multiple homes and schools near Mustang Rd. were severely damaged, and that Mustang Rd. will be shut down for several hours.

"We encourage the public to stay home and not move throughout the city due to the large amounts of traffic being diverted throughout the town," the department said.

Montgomery County

Saul Rodriguez guides a large crane to life a downed tree from his home after strong thunderstorms pass through the Greater Houston region, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, in Porter Heights. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer

There were reports of damage to structures in Montgomery County from a possible tornado in the Porter area, according to the Montgomery County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

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A little after noon on Saturday, the National Weather Service reported several mobile homes were damaged or destroyed and a brick home had the roof completely removed in the Porter Heights area.

The weather service also reported the East Montgomery Fire Department station was hit, with the bay doors blown in and the metal roof peeled back. Debris was also scattered across the area, according to forecasters.

An official with Station 154 of the East Montgomery Fire Department said it "sustained extensive damage" due to the tornado, but no injuries to the firehouse team had been suffered. The department said a camper was provided to house active firefighters, "ensuring no interruptions in service."

"Despite the challenges, we remain fully operational and committed to serving our community," the department said in a Facebook post. "Our crews are actively surveying the affected areas to ensure everyone is safe, especially those who may not have been able to call 911."

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A tornado was also spotted near FM 2090 and the Splendora High School area, with a lot of debris, the weather service reported at 12:18 p.m.

County Judge Mark Keough said he activated the countys emergency operation center and was en route to the areas command center to assess damage.

I will be reaching out for state assets as soon as I have the ability to survey damage, Keough said in a in a Facebook post.

Waller County

Workers remove tree limbs from the top of a truck following a a tornado on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024 in Katy. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer

Around 10:40 a.m., a mobile home park near Noel Lane sustained tornado damage and multiple cars had flipped over, forecasters said.

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Chambers County

A car was thrown near Smith Point in Chambers County around 2:30 p.m, forecasters said.

Galveston County

The Galveston County Office of Emergency Management said in a statement Saturday the tornado caused straight-line wind damage across several areas in central and southern parts of the county, including Sante Fe, Bacliff and Port Bolivar, which caused localized power outages, downed power lines, downed trees and debris. Parts of State Highway 124 are impassable due to downed transmission lines, the office said.

The office encouraged residents to exercise caution around downed power lines as the office monitors and coordinates recovery efforts.

Harris County

Precinct 4 Constable Mark Hermann shared a video a resident originally posted of a funnel cell in the Katy area.
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After five years of marriage, Sarah, 27, and her husband decided that they were finally in a place to start trying to conceive a child. My husband got a good job offer in Minnesota, so we moved and bought a house. It felt like the right timewe both had stable jobs, we had a home, we loved our new city. There was no more We need to do this before we have a child.  Then Donald Trump won the 2024 U.S. presidential election.

Everything is on hold now. Im terrified of a national abortion ban. What if I have complications? Im not ready to die trying to bring a baby into this world, and my husband doesnt want to risk my life, said Sarah, who, like other women quoted in this piece, preferred to use only her first name.

In the days following the U.S. election, many young women took to social media to share similar fears about what a second Trump presidency could mean for their own reproductive futures in the wake of the Supreme Courts Dobbs decision overturning Roe v. Wade: We wanted to have another baby soon. And now it feels wildly unsafe to even think about it, wrote one Threads user. Posts predicting a postelection baby bust racked up tens of thousands of likes and hundreds of comments. A week ago my partner and I were set on having children in the next 3 years. Today we discussed the possibility of never having children, another replied.

People say a lot of things online after election results they perceive as disastrous. To those of us who agree with these types of sentiments, it feels obvious, on the level of received wisdom: Liberal-leaning women will be less likely to have babies (on purpose, at least) between 2024 and 2028. On the other hand, millions of women enthusiastically voted for the former president and happily celebrated his victory. So will a Trump 2.0 baby bust actually materialize? And when, if it does, will we know?

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The first thing we can do is look at whats happened in the past. In their paper Partisan Fertility and Presidential Elections, published in American Economic Review: Insights in 2022, economist Gordon Dahl, a professor at the University of California San Diego, and his co-authors found that changes in political leadership can have measurable, albeit uneven, effects on fertility. Following the 2016 election of Donald Trump, for example, they found that Republican-leaning counties experienced a sharp and persistent increase in fertility relative to Democratic counties. Similarly, the analysis found evidence of falling fertility in Democratic counties relative to Republican counties after George W. Bush won the 2000 election. There is a partisan divergence on policy priorities and worries about the future. So when their party does not win the presidency, they respond to changes in actual or expected policy they think is important to them when considering whether to have kids, says Dahl.

Given his past findings and the 2024 election results, Dahl predicts, Republican fertility will rise relative to Democrats, with an increase in the number of babies in Republican families showing up roughly 912 months from now. But given the gender divide among younger voters, with younger women disproportionately supporting Vice President Kamala Harris, Dahl predicts that Trumps election will ultimately lower U.S. fertility somewhat overall.

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After all, exit polls show that women under the age of 45, those most likely to be making reproductive choices, were the least likely (among agegender cohorts) to have cast their votes for the president-elect. And early indicators suggest that their disappointment in the election outcome may have already transcended the limits of social media rhetoric. According to Planned Parenthood, appointments for birth control implants increased by 350 percent and appointments for IUDs (a form of long-acting contraception) increased by over 760 percent on Nov. 6, the day after the election. Aid Access, a nonprofit providing access to abortion medication by mail, also reported a 16-fold increase in requests that day. And similar spikes were reported for other forms of birth control and emergency contraception.

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This all comes amid a year of hand-wringing over Americas falling fertility rates, which have been trending downward for the better part of two decades and hit a new low in 2023, with just 54.51 births per 1,000 women aged 15 to 44, relative to 69.3 in 2007. Notably, 2023 was also the first year to reflect the fertility effects of the Supreme Courts Dobbs decision, after which, a 2024 research letter published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found, vasectomies and tubal ligation (a procedure that involves cutting or blocking the fallopian tubes to prevent future pregnancy) had risen abruptly among 18-to-30-year-olds. A recent review of insurance claims confirms these findings, with tubal sterilization rising in every one of the 36 states analyzed, plus Washington D.C., in the latter half of 2022.

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Post Dobbs, the public seems to have adjusted its fertility behavior, in recognition of the transformed scene, concludes a 2024 analysis of Centers for Disease Control data from the Institute for Research on Women, Gender & Sexuality. Those adjustments range from greater vigilance around birth control and travel across state lines to access abortion care to increases in more permanent contraception procedures, like tubal ligation. All of which may help explain why, despite near-total abortion bans in 14 states and restrictions on abortion access in many more, fertility still fell across all 50 U.S. states in 2023. Getting a tubal ligation feels like a necessary act of preservation, said Meg Wheeler, a Massachusetts-based small-business owner and mother of a 7-year-old, in the days after the election. This recent dip suggests that curtailing reproductive rights, or signaling the possibility of further restrictions, like through Trumps reelection, might lead to longer-term drops in U.S. fertilityeven in states that have preserved abortion access.

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But even with postelection fears driving up demand for long-term birth control, sterilization, emergency contraception, and medication abortion, it is very hard to make projections when predicting future fertility, says director of the Carolina Population Center and professor of sociology Karen Guzzo,

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While in 2023, fertility rates continued to fall in states with near-total abortion bans, policies that limit access to medication abortions or restrictions that would require women to self-manage or leave the country to access abortion care may have a different effect. In Minnesota, where Sarah and her husband live, the law still protects abortion, but Im afraid that state laws wont matter once he gets into office, Sarah said, referring to Trumps next term.

The 2024 election did include several wins for reproductive rights, as seven states passed ballot measures protecting abortion, but the Dobbs decision leaves that access to abortion care contingent. And while President-elect Trump has claimed he would veto a federal abortion ban and has criticized some of the most extreme state abortion restrictions, he has also celebrated his part in appointing the Supreme Court justices who overturned Roe v. Wade, making such restrictions possible. Those restrictions include Texas near-total ban on abortion care, after which, according to an analysis of CDC data by the Gender Equity Policy Institute, the rate of maternal mortality cases rose by 56 percenta number thats even more dramatic when compared to the 11 percent increase in maternal mortality cases nationwide in the same time period. Women in states with severe abortion restrictions are now more than twice as likely to die in pregnancy, childbirth, or postpartum than in states with greater abortion access, according to a 2022 analysis from the Commonwealth Fund, an independent health research foundation.

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My son needs a mom more than he needs a sibling, said Lindsay, an account manager based in West Virginia. Lindsay was seven weeks pregnant when the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, and a West Virginia law from the 1800s that makes obtaining or performing an abortion a felony resurfaced. Her state Legislature then voted to ban the procedure almost entirely. Four weeks later, Lindsay started having pregnancy complications. By 16 weeks, her doctor had labeled her pregnancy high-risk. What should have been the happiest time of my life quickly turned out to be the most terrifying and uncertain. I remember grabbing the mask over my mouth and sobbing, said Lindsay.

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While today, the son she was carrying then is a happy and healthy almost-2-year-old, the experience of that high-risk pregnancy paired with her states abortion ban was decisive. We never thought we would have to plan our family based on state and federal laws. Now that Trump is [going to be back] in office, there is a real threat to the ACA [Affordable Care Act], and even potentially restricting access to birth control or sterilization. I have decided to seek a tubal ligation, said Lindsay.

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In Lindsays home state of West Virginia, deaths from any cause among women of reproductive age are nearly three times higher than in Hawaii (a state with more protections on abortion access) post-Dobbs, according to the Commonwealth Funds analysis. Restricting abortion access and criminalizing abortion care have led to an exodus of health care providers in states with such legislation. The resulting health care deserts have left the health and lives of all women of reproductive age at greater risk, whether or not they are pregnant.

The Commonwealth Funds analysis also confirms the disproportionate impact of abortion restrictions on women of color, worsening existing racial inequities across the health care system, including higher rates of maternal mortality and infant death. As a fat Black woman, I automatically face a lot of discrimination at hospitals and medical facilities everywhere, but specifically in those spaces, where my pain is ignored or they deduce it to mean, Oh, well, maybe its because of your size. So I already worry. But now with this [the reelection of Donald Trump], I dont know what is going to happen, said Cassandra Kelly, a 39-year-old mother of two who is reconsidering whether she can have another child given her upcoming move to Kentucky to become a caregiver for her grandparents.

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After having her first two children, Cassandra experienced two ectopic pregnancies. I had no clue I was pregnant at all. I was actually on birth control, and I got really sick and I was in so much pain that my doctor was like, You have to go to the ER. I sat there for hours until the doctors believed me that I was in pain. When Cassandra was finally admitted for exploratory surgery, the surgeon discovered her ectopic pregnancy. He ended up taking my left fallopian tube because the baby was eight weeks and three days and had started to rupture my tube. The experience led her to become a traveling postpartum doula, and to become an activist with the Southern Birth Justice Network. I feel like a lot of the people that Im closest to, even the ones that havent been considering pregnancy, are scared, said Cassandra.

You might say, I had such a horrible pregnancy experience, I dont want to risk not being a mom to my current kid for this idea of a future kid,  says Guzzo, the director at the Carolina Population Center, noting that the majority of women seeking abortion care in the United States are already mothers. In fact, in low-fertility countries, women with one child are much more likely than men to be opposed to having another child. And that gender gap increases with the existing number of children, according to a 2019 paper by economists Matthias Doepke and Fabian Kindermann that was published in the American Economic Review. Theres a cost of having children that is borne primarily by the mothers, says Doepke, citing factors like the unequal distribution of child care responsibilities and the motherhood penalty, where womens earnings fall after the birth of their first child in a way that mens typically do not. We argue thats kind of a big obstacle to fertility being higher, he says.

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As reproductive rights are chipped away, putting more womens lives and futures at risk, the realized costs of both pregnancy and motherhood are risingboth relative to the cost of fatherhood and in absolute terms. New research by sociologists Bethany G. Everett and Catherine J. Taylor, published in American Sociological Review, suggests that abortion restrictions in the U.S. are related to lower educational attainment and economic stability for women living under such restrictions, whereas women in locations with greater access to abortion have higher rates of college graduation, higher incomes, and lower levels of economic instability in the long term. All of which suggest that the cost of motherhood is even higher when it isnt actively chosen.

If a society makes it easier to combine working and having families, then you will get more of both. You have to make those things more compatible, says Doepkefor women as much as men. But the data suggests that restricting reproductive rights does the opposite, making it even harder for women to combine their personal and professional aspirations while driving up the cost of motherhood relative to fatherhood, another gender gap that has been repeatedly tied to falling fertility.

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The views that have gotten more support after the election are the ones trying to push us back in a more conservative direction, and I just dont think thats going to work. If anything, its going to make birth rates even lower, says Doepke. You will maybe have some children born because abortion is not accessible, but overall, those conditions are not very amenable to having a high fertility rate.

When Biden won in 2020, I had a lot of hope that we could kind of turn things around for my sons generation. And thats not really the case anymore, said Emily, a California-based mother of a 7-year-old, after seeing the 2024 election returns. Like so many women I heard from while reporting this piece, she fears the incoming administrations federal policies could render her states robust reproductive protections mootespecially after she faced complications throughout her first pregnancy and childbirth.

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After her son was born, Emily was diagnosed with lupus. To reduce the risk of similar complications in future pregnancies, she was advised to wait until her lupus had been in remission for at least a year before trying to conceive again. Thats when she came across the story of Candi Miller in ProPublica. Miller, a Georgia mother who was also diagnosed with lupus, along with diabetes and hypertension, died after being unable to access legal abortion care in her state. I just cant fathom my child losing his mother for a pregnancy, said Emily. I had always thought of myself as having at least two children, she said, but I dont feel comfortable having more kids. Both for the sake of my kid and my own personal safety. Given the circumstances, the best for the family that I do have is to keep it smaller and to keep us tighter knit and able to look out for each other, spend our resources wisely, and just [put] ourselves in the best possible situation with whatevers coming next.

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Far from the stereotypes of career-obsessed #girlbosses or self-indulgent childless cat ladies so often imagined as the cause of Americas falling fertility rates, stories like Emilys and Cassandras and Lindsays, emerging in the aftermath of the 2024 election, point to how many women across the U.S. are downshifting their reproductive plans, not because they want to, but because of their actual experiences of pregnancy, childbirth, and motherhood in an increasingly hostile landscape for all three.

At the individual level, this falling fertility emerges far from any cold calculation of opportunity cost but rather through a painful reckoning with the shifting landscape of motherhood in Americaone that for many young women, especially in the aftermath of the 2024 election, is increasingly characterized by fear, disillusionment, and grief.

I still have hope that maybe after these four years are over, we can still right the ship and move forward, said Sarah. Our hearts still want a child, but our heads know its not the right time now. And were both dealing with that in different ways, because its hard to accept. I think were both dealing with the grief of what could have been.
Jimmy Carter died on Sunday. In 2019, Mark Joseph Stern analyzed his greatest accomplishment as president: diversifying the federal judiciary. That article is reprinted below with minor updates.

In December 1976, one month before beginning his single term as president, Jimmy Carter hosted some of the most preeminent civil rights figures and black leaders in the country at the stately governors mansion in Atlanta. Rep. Andrew Young, the Atlanta congressman and former executive director of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, was there to accept a position as ambassador to the United Nations. Judge Frank M. Johnson, a white federal judge whose landmark rulings helped end public segregation throughout the South, met with Carter to discuss a top role in the Department of Justice. Coretta Scott King, the widow of Martin Luther King Jr., also paid the president-elect a visit.

Then there was Democratic Sen. James Eastland of Mississippi. Eastland, whose name has returned to the news in 2019 following controversial comments by Joe Biden, had little in common with the civil rights leaders who visited Carter that week. Unapologetic about his white supremacist views, Eastland had once called school integration a program designed to mongrelize the Anglo-Saxon race. Carter, for his part, had been hoping to establish a level of diversity in his administration never before achieved by an American president. He also intended to diversify the federal judiciary. But Eastland was the powerful chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and by the traditions of that time, individual senatorsbacked by Eastlands gaveldirectly controlled who was nominated to the federal bench. Carter hadnt invited Eastland to Atlanta for a job: He was asking him to relinquish this enormous power, and to do it for the sake of integrating the nations judgeships.

Eastland proved surprisingly receptive. (Its possible the senator may not have recognized how serious Carters commitment to diversity was; in a bit of political maneuvering, Carter had campaigned against school busing but would enforce it while in office, creating the Department of Education in 1979 in part to focus on civil rights.) Eastland said he was proud to see a southerner in the White House and intended to do whatever he could to make Carters presidency a success. If that included allowing the new president to put some nontraditional judges on the bench, so be it.

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The linchpin of Carters plan to revolutionize and diversify the judiciary depended on the creation of a brand-new federal commission to pick appeals court judges, wresting the power to make judicial nominations away from individual senators. Eastland told Carter he would endorse the commission and its power to select nominees at the appeals level. His one caveat: He couldnt force his fellow senators to surrender their authority to select district court judges, a jealously guarded patronage system.

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But Eastland kept his promise and then some: Over the next four years, a nominating commission was allowed to propose the most diverse array of appeals court judges up to that point in American history. Their nominees were frequently selected by the president, approved by the Judiciary Committee, and consented to by the Senate. Whats more, many senators further ended up deferring to a commission on district court judges, too: Carter would send Democrats handwritten pleas, while Republicans knew that without the White House they would not be the ones selecting nominees anyway.

Eastland kept his promise and then some.

The outcome transformed the judiciary for decadesand set a new precedent for the elevation of diverse nominees. When Carter took office, just eight women had ever been appointed to one of the 500 federal judgeships in the country. (For the purposes of this article, Im referring to the district courts, appellate courts, and the Supreme Court.) Carter appointed 40 women, including eight women of color. Similarly, before Carter, just 31 people of color had been confirmed to federal courts, often over Eastlands strenuous disapproval. The peanut farmer from Plains appointed 57 minorities to the judiciary. (He also had more robes to fill: A 1978 bill expanded the federal judiciary by 33 percent, or 152 seats.)

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Today, Carters presidency is often deemed a failure. But if, as has become axiomatic, one of a presidents most important duties is in filling the judiciary, then any fair accounting of Carters legacy must include how profoundly he transformed that branch of government. Jimmy Carters imprint is all over the law today, over four decades later. His appointees pushed the law in a progressive direction, helping to implement his civil rights objectives by better enforcing constitutional guarantees of equality. Carter was the first president to alter the face of the federal judiciary to look much more like the country it served. His reshaping of who gets to interpret the Constitutionand howis one of the greatest, longest-lasting, and most unheralded achievements in presidential history.

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Even though no president who followed Carter deployed nominating commissions, each put more women and minorities on the bench than Carters predecessors. Judicial diversity became a priority particularly for Carters Democratic successors: Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama both surpassed his record, and Clintons two Supreme Court appointees, Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Stephen Breyer, were initially elevated to the judiciary by Carter. After Carter, things never went back to old ways, Ginsburg said at a 2015 public talk. The first time I ever thought of being a judge was when Jimmy Carter announced to the world that he wanted to change the complexion of the U.S. judiciary, which he did.

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Decades later, during the first Trump administration, this generation of diverse judges was ending its service, and being replaced by a markedly non-diverse cohort of judges. We must understand what was lost in this changing of the guardand what was accomplished.

Its hard to overstate just how uniform the federal judiciary was as Carter took office. Less than 2 percent of Gerald Fords nominees had been women and less than 10 percent nonwhite. Before that, less than 1 percent of Richard Nixons nominees had been women and 4 percent nonwhite. For Carter, ensuring that 15 percent of his nominees were women and 22 percent nonwhite was not just a dramatic changehe had to overcome institutional obstacles, racism, and sexism to make it happen.

For one, the pool of lawyers from which a new judge could be recommended was nowhere near the demographic makeup of the country at large. In 1980, the year Ronald Reagan would oust Carter from the presidency, there were about 44,185 female lawyers, making up just 8.1 percent of the profession. There were a mere 27,110 minority lawyers that year, or 5 percent of the profession. Ingrained bigotries, both unspoken and explicit, help account for these meager numbers. As recently as the early 1970s, for instance, courts were still allowing law firms to explicitly warn job applicants that they did not hire women.

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But how did Carters commission make such a difference? The answer, straightforward enough that it is easily underestimated, is that its intention was to change the definition of who counted as qualified. The U.S. Circuit Judge Nominating Commission established by Carters executive order was divided into separate nominating panels for each court of appeals. The panels submitted five candidates for each judgeship, from which Carter would select one nominee. He requested that these candidates be chosen on merit and the perceived need of the court. This oblique language was meant to signal a desire for diversity. Carter issued another executive order asking senators to set up similar commissions to choose district court nominees from their home states using the same guidelines. (By the time he left office, 30 states were using these commissions to choose district court nominees that Carter would then push for.)

But not every panel fully grasped what Carter was going for, perhaps in part because he was tight-lipped about his aims, at least in public. (Affirmative action was relatively new and controversial, and he may have wished to avoid backlash.) Three of Carters 12 court of appeals nominees in 1977 and 1978 were minorities, but zero were women, a reflection of the panels slow progress in identifying nontraditional candidates. So Carter issued a second executive order in May 1978 making his goal of affirmative action explicit by urging the commission to make special efforts to seek out and identify well qualified women and members of minority groups as potential nominees. Five months later, the Justice Department reminded the commissions members to note the Presidents desire to consider qualified minority and female lawyers for appointment as Circuit Judges. There was now no mistaking Carters mission.

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Still, even after the panels began putting forth diverse nominees, the Carter administration ran into another roadblock: the American Bar Associations Standing Committee. In its evaluations, which the Senate used in the confirmation process, candidates were appraised by the years they had practiced and the (subjective) prestige of their work, a standard that favored prosecutors and lawyers at large firms over academics, defense attorneys, and legal aid workers. This standard further disadvantaged the many women and minorities who had been locked out of the law until recently. Women and Hispanics were especially harmed by the ABAs preference for prosecutors.

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Following complaints from feminist advocates, the White House counsels office asked the ABA Standing Committee to place more value on less traditional legal backgrounds. In 1980, Brooksley Landau became the first female chairman of the committee, enacting reforms that placed less emphasis on length of service in recognition of the fact that opportunities for advancement in the profession [for women and minorities] may have been limited up until recent years. Landau would write the recommendation for Sandra Day OConnors pathbreaking Supreme Court nomination by Reagan in 1981.

As detailed in American University law professor Mary L. Clarks thorough 2011 study of the nominating commission, the selection of women and minorities increased steadily for the remainder of Carters presidency. Regional womens and civil rights groups, like the National Womens Political Caucus Legal Support Caucus, provided substantial input to the panels, further expanding the ranks of those who counted as gatekeepers.

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By the time Carter left office, there were about 80 minorities in the federal judiciary and 46 women. (A precise count for minorities is difficult to pinpoint due to a few ambiguities in self-identification.) As Ginsburg later recalled, Carter saw his initiative as an effort to help historically marginalized groups gain representation on the bench because he wanted judges to be drawn from all of the people, not just some of them. That stated mission did not include anything about how Carter intended for the law to changehis commission was instructed to avoid political considerations and selected many nominees with no outward commitment to progressive jurisprudence. But it should not come as a shock that Carters judges tended to move the law leftward long after he left office. In the American judiciary, with limited exceptions, diversity and progressivism went hand in hand.

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Because Carter did not have the opportunity to nominate anyone to the Supreme Court during his lone term, the legal impact of his judicial appointments has been less easy to recognize. Yet several of Carters diverse appointees authored decisions that encouraged or anticipated some of the Supreme Courts most significant leftward moves, bolstering constitutional protections for marginalized groups. Take the problem of peremptory challenges, the ability of prosecutors to exclude black jurors without providing a reason. In 1880, the Supreme Court had declared that states may not formally bar black citizens from jury duty, but prosecutors evaded this rule by using supposedly neutral peremptory challenges to establish all-white juries. In 1965s Swain v. Alabama, SCOTUS tried to develop a rule that would limit the use of race-based peremptory challenges; its efforts failed because its standardforcing defendants to prove a pattern of systematic and purposeful prosecutorial bias in jury selection over an extended period of timewas virtually impossible to meet.

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It was Judge Amalya Lyle Kearse, a black Wall Street attorney whom Carter had appointed to the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, who provided the solution with her 1984 decision in McCray v. Abrams. The basic premise of Swain, Kearse wrote, was that prosecutors could strike black jurors because they assumed that blacks would indiscriminately vote to acquit a black defendant. But this fallacious stereotype served only to limit artificially the opportunity of blacks for participation in our system of justice, and to perpetuate an invidious proposition of racial inferiority. Moreover, proving prosecutorial bias over an extended period had turned out to be Mission Impossible, a standard of proof that almost no  defendant can meet. Kearse then offered a much more stringent standard limiting the use of race-based peremptory challenges, requiring proof of discrimination simply in the case at hand rather than over some lengthy period, as Swain had demanded.

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Sixteen months later, the Supreme Court overruled Swain and adopted a standard similar to Kearses in Batson v. Kentucky, citing her opinion. It also cited another Carter appointee, Judge Theodore McMillian, who in a searing 1983 opinion that reflected his professorial background decried Swains remarkable lack of success at stamping out the systematic exclusion of blacks from the jury box. The fight against racist peremptory challenges has continued with mixed success ever since. In one of the most prominent cases of the 2018-2019 Supreme Court term, Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote for a 72 majority reversing a capital conviction in which a prosecutor had abused peremptory challenges over the course of six trials for the same crime; in doing so, the court was upholding the principles McMillian and Kearse had helped to make into constitutional law.

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In the American judiciary, diversity and progressivism went hand in hand.

The road to Batson illustrates how lower courts and SCOTUS sometimes engage in a dialogue, even collaboration, to identify the contours of the law. That process also played out over the next few decades in a different arena, as Carters judges helped the legal system define the contours and legality of affirmative action. By the late 1970s, a judicial consensus had been developing that affirmative action was unlawful. The Supreme Courts Bakke and Weber rulings had limited the practice, and it seemed to be dangling by a legal thread. Then, in 1984, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld an affirmative action program that favored female applicants at the Santa Clara County Transportation Agency, even if they had slightly fewer traditional qualifications than their male counterparts. Judge Betty Binns Fletcher, who had been a pioneering law firm partner when Carter placed her on the bench, wrote the majority opinion holding that the initiative marked a lawful effort to eliminate a manifest male-female imbalance. Three years later, SCOTUS affirmed Fletchers decision, forestalling a crush of lawsuits attacking affirmative action by upholding employers ability to take race and sex into account.

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Judges can also influence the law in dissent, persuading (or shaming) their colleagues into changing their minds. In 1994s Aiken v. City of Memphis, for example, the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals tussled over the legality of a Memphis program that encouraged the promotion of blacks in city government. The majority subjected the citys affirmative action plan to strict scrutinya tough legal standard to meet, since it requires proof that a plan is narrowly tailored enough to minimize racial considerations.

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Two black Carter nominees, Judges Nathaniel R. Jones and Damon Keith, authored vehement dissents. Jones, who had led desegregation efforts in the North as an NAACP attorney, lambasted the majority for halting Memphiss laudable attempt at racial healing and eradication of the present day effects of racial discrimination. The majoritys position, he wrote, was clearly antithetical to the Fourteenth Amendment.

Keiths separate dissent accused his colleagues of ignoring Americas tradition of slavery, segregation, bigotry, and injustice, its inferior treatment of an entire race of people based solely on the color of their skin. Keith concluded:

[E]quality is far from won. In fact, today we are faced with a new oxymoronthe notion of reverse racial discrimination. This outrageous notion is nothing but inflammatory fodder designed to discourage taking race into account even where such accounting promotes fundamental fairness, equality, and justice.

Keith was effectively accusing his white colleagues of racism. He must have been displeased, then, when Supreme Court agreed with the 6th Circuit a year later. But the squabble over affirmative action wasnt over. Several years later, in 2002, the 6th Circuitinfused with new Clinton appointeesupheld a race-conscious admissions program at the University of Michigan Law School, ruling that it satisfied strict scrutiny using a much less stringent version of the test. This time, Judge Boyce F. Martin Jr., a white Carter nominee, wrote the majority opinion. And the next year, SCOTUS affirmed Martins decision, applying a more relaxed version of strict scrutiny in an opinion that praised the value of diversity. Martin, Jones, and Keith had all laid the groundwork for that ruling, which was affirmed once again in 2016.

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While no judicial cohort can be boiled down to a single perspective, Carters nominees were, as a whole, also strongly supportive of individual liberties and wrote about injustice with unusual prescience. Two of his female nominees, Fletcher and Judge Patricia Wald, wrote that excluding gays from the military violated the Constitution; their reasoning foreshadowed the Supreme Courts eventual invalidation of same-sex marriage bans. Another of his female nominees, Judge Cornelia Groefsema Kennedy, authored a 1997 decision striking down Ohios second-trimester abortion ban as unconstitutionally vague; three years later, SCOTUS invalidated a comparable Nebraska ban using similar reasoning.

The premise that minority and female judges are more likely to advance progressive goals is difficult to quantify. Indeed, the very idea that a judges identity might affect her jurisprudence became a flashpoint during the 2009 Supreme Court confirmation of Sonia Sotomayorbecause of remarks she made in 2001 expressing hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasnt lived that life.

Carters nominees were strongly supportive of individual liberties and wrote about injustice with unusual prescience.

Sotomayor has continued her exploration of identitys impact on jurisprudence, though. In one of her most famous dissents, from a 2016 decision that expanded law enforcements ability to conduct investigatory stops without suspicion of a crime, she pointedly condemned the majority for its ignorance of racism in policing. [D]rawing on my professional experiences, Sotomayor wrote, I would [say] that unlawful stops have severe consequences, particularly for minorities.

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We must not pretend that the countless people who are routinely targeted by police are isolated,  Sotomayor concluded. They are the canaries in the coal mine whose deaths, civil and literal, warn us that no one can breathe in this atmosphere.

As Sotomayors memorable dissent demonstrated, the life experiences of minority judges inform their views on civil liberties. Judge Anna Blackburne-Rigsby of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals echoed this point when she declared in 2016: Diversity of the bench means that there is a collaboration of minds with different voices, different perspectives, different experiences working together to solve problems. Some judges may not even recognize those problems until colleagues point them out.

The data bears out the theory that nontraditional judges vote differently. Black judges, even those appointed by Republican presidents, are more likely to enforce the Voting Rights Act against voter suppression laws. Theyre also more likely to rule in favor of LGBTQ plaintiffs and victims of sex discrimination. Minority and female judges are also more favorable to black individuals accusations of police misconduct, and less likely to impose harsh sentences on black defendants. This progressive judging has played an important role in the establishment of equal rights for all people, no matter their identity or background.

Damon Keith died in 2019 at the age of 96 as a senior judge, having never retired.

He left behind a vast body of progressive jurisprudence and a diverse coterie of devoted clerks who themselves went on to influential positions, such as Jennifer Granholm, the former governor of Michigan; Judge Eric Clay, later appointed to the 6th Circuit; and Lani Guinier, the first woman of color to receive tenure at Harvard Law School.

With Keiths death, there were just 13 Carter nominees on the U.S. Courts of Appeals. Ginsburg and Breyer have since passed away and retired. Carters nominating commission was immediately undone by President Ronald Reagan. In Reagans two terms, more than 90 percent of his nominees were white, and more than 90 percent were male. Donald Trump, meanwhile, filled the courts at a rapid clip, unrestrained by independent panels or senatorial filibuster, nominating fewer minorities than the previous Republican president did nearly two decades ago. For contrast, Barack Obama, drawing from a vastly more diverse bar than Carter was able to, nominated women to 42 percent of the seats he filled and minorities to 36 percent. Just 22 percent of Trumps confirmed nominees as of 2019 were women, and 12 percent were nonwhite.

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For his part, Trump was advised chiefly by Leonard Leo, a white man who primarily recommended other white male members of his Federalist Society, a network of conservative attorneys and law students. Leo wants to return the courts to a preNew Deal era. He opposes expanded rights for women, LGBTQ people, and racial minorities, and especially loathed Roe v. Wade; other targets include progressive economic legislation like the Affordable Care Act.

And while the Senate ended up rejecting one of Trumps more extreme nominees, Thomas Farr, who played an active role in suppressing minority votes in North Carolina, it confirmed Chad Readler, who defended discriminatory policies as part of Trumps Department of Justice, and who earlier as a law partner defended Ohios myriad disenfranchisement effortsincluding strict voter ID requirements, cuts to early voting, and purges of the voter rolls.

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Damon Keith died in 2019 at the age of 96 as a senior judge, having never retired.

Theres another problem with Trumps bias toward white men: As argued by Rutgers law professor Stacy Hawkins, it may undermine judicial legitimacy among the public. Hawkins notes that legal scholars and political scientists have long found citizens of all races and ethnicities are more likely to believe that our justice system is fair and equitable to all when judicial decisionmakers reflect the diversity of the citizenry. Americans, further, seem skeptical that equal justice can be rendered by a judiciary composed overwhelmingly of white men. Trumps whitewashing of the federal judiciary, Hawkins wrote, may compromise public trust in the judiciary and reduce judicial accountability to an increasingly diverse citizenry.

Judge Carlton Reeves, an Obama appointee to a district court in Mississippi, has voiced his own worries that the public will soon have good reason to lose faith in its courts. In a speech in 2019, Reeves condemned the homogeneity of Trumps nominees across the judiciary, demanding a federal bench as diverse as We the People. 

When our Supreme Court captures such a narrow set of perspectives, Reeves asked, what truths will it overlook? What prejudices, misperceptions, and stereotypes will be left unchallenged, and forged into precedent?

Toward the end of his speech, Reeves declared that equal protection of the law is not a political position. It is enshrined in our Constitution. Yet in hearing after hearing, Trump nominees refused to say whether Brown v. Board of Education was correctly decided.

When Ohios voter suppression laws came before the 6th Circuit shortly before the 2016 election, the court upheld them 21. The 94-year-old Keith dissented. In one of his last opinions, he described a gallery of martyrs of the struggle for equalitycivil rights advocates who lost their lives in the quest for equal protection and voting rights. Keith told me at the time that he had wanted to dramatize the racist attitude of the majority of the courthis two white colleagues. His opinion noted:

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With every gain in equality, there is often an equally robust and reactive retrenchment. We must never forget that constant dialectical tension.

On the 6th Circuit, where Keith served for more than four decades, Trump has placed six judges, including Readler. Readler is 46 years old.

Trumps appeals court judges were selected for the bench not by a nominating commission, or even by a home-state senator, but by a few powerful white men choosing names behind closed doors. This is the opposite of Carters accomplishment, which was to equalize opportunity by diminishing the advantages that white male lawyers had enjoyed for centuries on their paths to the court. His committed and farsighted work to open up the judiciary is a principal reason it has held the trust of the public so well up to now. In 2002s Detroit Free Press v. Ashcroft, Keith barred the Bush administration from keeping post9/11 deportation hearings away from the public and the press. The Executive Branch seeks to uproot peoples lives, outside the public eye, and behind a closed door, Keith wrote. Democracies die behind closed doors. He repeated that phrase in his 2016 Ohio voting rights dissent. Its a theory now being put to the test.
Hagner R. Mister passed away at home on December 26, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Hagner was born on December 20, 1934, the oldest of eight children born to Norman and Margaret Horsmon Mister. A life-long Calvert County resident, Hagner enjoyed growing up in the village of Barstow, his home of over 83 years.



After high school graduation, Hagner began work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Soil Conservation Service. He assisted farmers with erosion control and particularly enjoyed designing farm ponds. After retirement from the federal government, Hagner was elected to the Board of County Commissioners for two terms. He was then appointed Deputy Secretary of the Maryland Department of Agriculture in 1998, and he served as Secretary of the Maryland Department of Agriculture from 2001  2003. As a lifelong farmer, Hagner was committed to the agricultural community. Whenever he was asked his occupation, he would always answer, "farmer."



Hagner loved Calvert County and its people, as evidenced by his years of public service. He joined the Maryland National Guard in 1952 and later served in the Army Reserves. He served on the Calvert County Board of Education from 1973 to 1982, the Calvert County Democratic Central Committee from 2006 to 2022, the Prince Frederick Methodist Cemetery Corporation for 52 years, the Calvert County Historical Society, the Calvert County Land Preservation Board, Calvert County Farmland Trust, the Board of Directors of Asbury Solomons retirement community, and the Board of Directors of the Calvert Nursing Center. He was an active, lifelong member of the United Methodist Church, first joining Asbury Methodist Church as a boy and transferring to Trinity United Methodist Church when it opened in 1955.



Hagner is survived by his high school sweetheart and loving wife of 69 years, Helen Ann; his children, Carolyn Hobbs (William), Sherri Kennedy (James, deceased), Mark Mister(Dawn); six grandchildren, Matthew Hobbs (Susan), Katie Wingate (Jeremy), Jason DeLizio, Julie Kennedy, Jordan Mister and Cody Mister; nine great-grandchildren; two brothers, Joseph and Wayne; and many nieces and nephews.





Visitation



Wednesday, January 1, 2025

2:00 PM  4:00 PM



Rausch Funeral Home-Owings



8325 Mt. Harmony Lane

Owings, MD 20736





Services



Funeral Service



Thursday, January 2, 2025

11:00 AM



Trinity United Methodist Church



90 Church Street

Prince Frederick, MD 20678





Interment



Burial



Asbury Cemetery



3660 Hallowing Point Road

Prince Frederick, MD 20678





Contributions



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https://sputnikglobe.com/20241229/bodies-of-all-179-victims-of-south-korea-plane-crash-recovered---reports-1121299507.html

Bodies of All 179 Victims of South Korea Plane Crash Recovered - Reports

Bodies of All 179 Victims of South Korea Plane Crash Recovered - Reports

Sputnik International

The bodies of all 179 passengers and crew killed in what is believed to be South Korea's worst air disaster in decades have been retrieved from the wreckage, South Korean media reported.

2024-12-29T12:55+0000

2024-12-29T12:55+0000

2024-12-29T12:56+0000

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Only two of the 181 people on board survived the deadly crash. They are a male and a female members of the plane crew, who were taken to a hospital with injuries of various degrees of severity, Yonhap news agency reported. Acting South Korean President Choi Sang-mok declared a week of national mourning from December 29 to January 4. Flags on all government and local authorities' offices will be flown at half-mast, and all government officials will be required to wear morning bands on their uniforms, Choi said. Rescuers retrieved two black boxes  flight and voice data recorders  from the crash site, the South Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said. The commission for the investigation of aviation and railway accidents will establish the detailed circumstances of the incident, including its causes and events leading up to it, the ministry added.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20241229/israel-refuses-to-provide-map-for-troop-withdrawal-from-gaza-strip---hamas-official-1121295200.html

Israel Refuses to Provide Map for Troop Withdrawal From Gaza Strip - Hamas Official

Israel Refuses to Provide Map for Troop Withdrawal From Gaza Strip - Hamas Official

Sputnik International

Israel has refused to provide a map for troop withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and commitments to end the conflict, Hamas political office member Basem Naim told Sputnik.

2024-12-29T06:03+0000

2024-12-29T06:03+0000

2024-12-29T06:05+0000

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"This time, the enemy [Israel] refuses to provide clear withdrawal maps from the Gaza Strip, that is, it does not want to enshrine where and when it will pull out. It is unwilling to give clear and final words about ending the war," Naim said. On Wednesday, Hamas said that Israel had put forward "new conditions" related to the withdrawal of troops from the Gaza Strip, ceasefire and the exchange of prisoners.Hamas highly appreciates Putin's condemnation of Israel's actions in Gaza, Hamas politburo member toold Sputnik. Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Israel's goals in the Gaza Strip are unknown, but its actions deserve only condemnation. The issue of weapons belonging to the Palestinian groups has not been raised during the negotiations on ceasefire and the exchange of prisoners in the Gaza Strip, Hamas political office member Basem Naim told RIA Novosti.More than a year has passed since the first hostage deal between Israel and Hamas was implemented, and since then the two sides have been negotiating through intermediaries over the fate of the remaining hostages. In recent weeks, intermediary talks have intensified in Cairo and Doha, with informed sources reporting progress.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20241225/hamas-accuses-israel-of-stonewalling-gaza-ceasefire-with-new-demands-1121268579.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20241228/last-major-medical-facility-shuts-down-in-northern-gaza-after-israeli-attack--who-1121290507.html

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israel has refused to provide a map for troop withdrawal from the gaza strip and commitments to end the conflict, hamas political office member basem naim told sputnik.
South Korea's suspended president Yoon Suk Yeol authorised the military to fire their weapons if needed to enter parliament during his failed bid to impose martial law, according to a prosecutors' report seen by AFP on Saturday.

The 10-page summary from former defence minister Kim Yong-hyun's prosecution indictment report, which was provided to the media, also says Yoon vowed on December 3 to declare martial law three times if necessary.

Yoon, who was stripped of his duties by the National Assembly this month, is under investigation for his short-lived attempt to scrap civilian rule, which plunged the country into political turmoil and led to his impeachment.

Yoon's lawyer Yoon Kab-keun dismissed the prosecutors' report, telling AFP it was "a one-sided account that neither corresponds to objective circumstances nor common sense".

As lawmakers rushed to parliament on December 3 to vote down Yoon's martial law declaration, heavily armed troops stormed the building, scaling fences, smashing windows and landing by helicopter.

According to the prosecution indictment report, Yoon told the chief of the capital defence command, Lee Jin-woo, that military forces could shoot if necessary to enter the National Assembly.

"Have you still not got in? What are you doing? Break down the door and drag them out, even if it means shooting," Yoon told Lee, according to the report.

Yoon also allegedly told the head of the Defense Counterintelligence Command, General Kwak Jong-keun, to "quickly get inside" the National Assembly since the quorum for the martial law declaration to be lifted had not been met.

"So quickly get inside the National Assembly and bring out the people inside the chamber, and break down the doors with an axe if necessary and drag everyone out," the report quotes Yoon as saying at the time.

After lawmakers rushed inside parliament and voted 190-0 to nullify Yoon's declaration in the early hours of December 4, the report says Yoon told Lee, "Even if it's lifted, I can declare martial law a second or third time, so just keep going."

The report also included screenshots of senior defence officials' messages from the day of the martial law declaration.

It said there was evidence that Yoon had been discussing declaring martial law with senior military officials as early as March.

The declaration followed a budget tussle between Yoon's party and the opposition.

Days later, Yoon in a speech apologised for the "anxiety and inconvenience" and promised there would not be a second declaration of martial law.

Ex-defence minister Kim was arrested over his role in the failed martial law bid.

Opposition Democratic Party lawmaker Kang Sun-woo said in a statement on Saturday that "the prosecution has laid bare the undeniable ugly truth about Yoon Suk Yeol, the treasonous ringleader", adding that he must be "arrested immediately".

South Korea's Constitutional Court held its first preliminary hearing on the validity of Yoon's impeachment on Friday.

The court will also decide the fate of Yoon's replacement, Han Duck-soo, who was impeached Friday over his refusal to complete Yoon's impeachment process and bring him to justice.

Tens of thousands of Yoon supporters and opponents held rival mass rallies in central Seoul on Saturday.

"The martial law was legal, and president Yoon did it because of the insurrectionary opposition Democratic Party," said 31-year-old Danny Ko, holding the slogan "Legal martial law, Invalid impeachment!"

"The Democratic Party will impeach (acting president) Choi Sang-mok like Han, and the country will go mad."

An anti-Yoon crowd was gathered nearby holding signs such as: "A new leader for the new year" and "Arrest Yoon Suk Yeol", with many singing along to K-pop songs and John Lennon's "Imagine".

"I felt so relieved when Han was impeached, he was also part of the insurrection" Kwak Min-jeong, 25, told AFP.

Holding a glow stick, Kwak said she would keep protesting until "democracy was achieved".

"We are holding it to show our commitment, and unlike a candle, it will never go off," she said.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20241229/oreshnik-and-russias-nuclear-doctrine-update-why-they-matter-1121242821.html

Oreshnik and Russias Nuclear Doctrine Update: Why They Matter

Oreshnik and Russias Nuclear Doctrine Update: Why They Matter

Sputnik International

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov earlier stressed that Russian President Vladimir Putins decree to update the countrys nuclear doctrine can be considered as a clear signal to the West.

2024-12-29T12:00+0000

2024-12-29T12:00+0000

2024-12-29T12:00+0000

military

russia

belarus

west

ukraine

vladimir putin

russia's new oreshnik ballistic missile

territory

nuclear doctrine

2024: year-end wrap-up

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Russia took two critical steps to bolster its defense capability in 2024, which included the update of its nuclear doctrine and the test-firing of the advanced Oreshnik missile. Why do these steps matter?Russias updated nuclear doctrine aims to "put the West on notice", Larry Johnson, retired CIA intelligence officer and State Department official, told Sputnik.How It Relates to Russia-West TiesWestern countries "are creating a more dangerous situation and creating a direct threat to Russia, which is prepared to respond. That's the message Moscow is trying to send," Johnson said, praising the Kremlins adherence to key agreements."It's always the West that's betraying those agreements," he notes, adding "at some point Russia will wake up and realize that this goes beyond a communication gulf."In November, President Vladimir Putin authorized the updated nuclear doctrine, detailing scenarios where nuclear weapons might be used, such as attacks with conventional weapons against Russia or Belarus that pose "a critical threat" to their sovereignty or territorial integrity.Oreshnik Strike"They dont care. They think their continued allowance of Ukraine to launch Storm Shadow missiles into Russian territory and kill Russian citizens is just another message," Johnson argued.Putin confirmed that Russia successfully test-fired the Oreshnik nuclear-capable ballistic intermediate-range missile on November 21, striking a Ukrainian military facility in Dnepropetrovsk. The strike was a response to Kiev using US- and UK-supplied missiles to hit facilities in Russias Kursk and Bryansk regions.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20241119/russias-new-nuclear-doctrine-what-has-changed--1120927693.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20241205/oreshnik-the-ultimate-weapon-on-everyones-mind--putin-talks-the-truth-you-need-to-hear-1121099927.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20241229/russia-ready-for-ukraine-talks-but-they-must-include-situation-on-ground---lavrov-1121294222.html

Russia Ready for Ukraine Talks, But They Must Include Situation on Ground - Lavrov

Russia Ready for Ukraine Talks, But They Must Include Situation on Ground - Lavrov

Sputnik International

In an interview with Sputnik, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov discussed the Ukraine crisis, Russian military bases in Syria and missile threats from the West.

2024-12-29T04:00+0000

2024-12-29T04:00+0000

2024-12-29T04:30+0000

world

sergey lavrov

vladimir putin

volodymyr zelensky

russia

ukraine

syria

nato

iran

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In an interview with Sputnik, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov discussed the Ukraine crisis, Russian military bases in Syria and missile threats from the West.On UkraineMoscow is ready for negotiations to resolve the situation around Ukraine, but they should be aimed at eliminating the root causes of the crisis and take into account the real situation "on the ground," Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told Sputnik. "We are ready for negotiations, but they should be aimed at eliminating the root causes of the Ukrainian crisis and taking into account the real situation on the ground," Lavrov said.Both the current and the incoming US administrations have all the levers to launch negotiations on the Ukrainian issue, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told Sputnik.Russia's approaches to resolving the conflict over Ukraine were clearly outlined by Russian President Vladimir Putin in his speech at the Russian Foreign Ministry on June 14, as well as during a year-end press conference on December 19, the minister said. "In particular, we are talking about the demilitarization and denazification of Ukraine, ensuring its non-aligned, neutral and nuclear-weapon-free status, and eliminating long-term threats to Russia's security emanating from the West, including the expansion of NATO. Kiev must assume specific obligations to ensure the rights, freedoms and interests of Russian-speaking citizens and, of course, recognize the territorial realities enshrined in the Russian Constitution, Lavrov concluded.Kiev and the West need to discuss the possibility of establishing a ceasefire in Ukraine in order to get a respite to increase the potential of the Ukrainian Armed Forces; this is a dead end, the conflict can only be ended by implementing the proposals of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said.He recalled that Putin had previously outlined Russia's approaches to resolving the conflict around Ukraine, including the need to adopt specific commitments to ensure the rights of Russian-speaking citizens and recognize territorial realities."Implementation of the specific proposals formulated by the head of state will help put an end to the conflict and reach comprehensive, long-term, fair and legally binding agreements. This is the only way to achieve lasting peace," Lavrov emphasized.The transfer of the second batch of F-16 fighters to Kiev by Denmark provokes a further escalation of the conflict around Ukraine, forcing Russia to take relevant measures, including military-technical ones, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stressed.In December, Volodymyr Zelensky reported that Denmark had transferred the second batch of F-16 fighters to Ukraine."We have repeatedly warned that by providing massive military assistance to the Ukrainian Nazis, Denmark, its patrons and allies are provoking an escalation of the conflict, forcing Russia to take relevant measures, including military-technical ones, to ensure the country's security," Lavrov said.According to the minister, "any types of weapons supplied by Western countries to the Kiev regime are a legitimate target and are effectively destroyed by the Russian military."On Russian Military Presence in SyriaWhen asked about the situation around Russian military presence in Syria, Russian Foreign Minister said that Moscow is not aware of the revision by the new Syrian authorities of the agreements on Russian military bases in the country, and there have been no requests from Damascus about this."Syria is a sovereign country that has the right to conclude and terminate contracts with foreign partners... At the same time, we are not aware of the work carried out by its new authorities on the inventory of such acts and their revision. The Russian side has not received any appeals in this regard," Lavrov said, adding that this makes sense since a "transitional period" has been declared in Syria until March 1, 2025.The deployment of Russian bases in Syria is provided for by existing international treaties concluded in accordance with international law, the minister said."Undoubtedly, the change of power that has taken place and the change in the state of affairs on the ground are making certain adjustments regarding the Russian military presence in Syria. It is not only about preserving our bases or strongholds, but also about the conditions of their operation, maintenance and provision, and interaction with the local side. These topics could be the subject of negotiations with the new Syrian leadership," Lavrov said.The situation in Syria does not entail amendments to the strategic partnership agreement between Russia and Iran, and it is ready for signing, Sergey Lavrov noted."The new 'big' agreement, the text of which has long been ready and agreed upon by the parties, is comprehensive, long-term and 'all-weather' in nature and in this sense does not require any adjustments," the minister said, answering about the possibility of amending the agreement due to the situation in Syria, where power in the country has passed into the hands of the opposition, and Bashar Assad, whom Moscow and Tehran supported, has left the post of the president.According to Lavrov, the agreement is intended to legally consolidate the unprecedented progress in bilateral relations achieved in recent years and record their entry into the level of strategic partnership.Russia-NATO RelationsSpeaking of threats, Minister Lavrov emphasized that the United States and NATO will receive a decisive rebuff in the form of military-technical countermeasures from Moscow if they create new missile threats for Russia."We are ready for any scenario. If new missile threats are created, the opponents will receive a decisive rebuff in the form of military-technical countermeasures. In turn, hypothetical steps to create acceptable conditions for an equal dialogue will be taken into account," Lavrov said.Russia can only be interested in "comprehensive work to reduce the conflict potential with an emphasis on eliminating the root causes of fundamental security contradictions," the minister added."These include, first of all, the long-term expansion of NATO to the East. This is what provoked the Ukrainian crisis in many ways and continues to pose a threat to Russia's security. Hypothetically, arms control issues could also be discussed, but only as one of the elements of a broader agenda," Lavrov said.At the same time, today Russia's moratorium on the deployment of ground-based intermediate-range and shorter-range missiles "remains in force," the minister stressed.The recent testing of the Oreshnik system in combat conditions has shown Russia's capabilities, the minister concluded.On Russia-US RelationsRussia is ready to continue to implement a number of measures to maintain an acceptable level of predictability in relations with the United States in the missile and nuclear sphere, Russian Foreign Minister said."The objective reality is that as a result of the destructive policy of the United States, the foundations of strategic stability have been shaken considerably, and in some places destroyed," Lavrov said.He added that due to the "anti-Russian charge" of the current US administration, there are currently no conditions for dialogue on strategic stability and Moscow will not conduct any negotiations with Washington on arms control in principle until the United States abandons its anti-Russian course.As examples of such measures, he cited the fact that Russia continued to adhere to the quantitative restrictions on the relevant weapons provided for by the New START treaty, and that Russia's unilateral moratorium on the deployment of ground-based medium- and shorter-range missiles remained in effect."Some other steps are also being taken," he said.At the same time, Lavrov also emphasized that until the Americans abandon their current anti-Russian course, "we will not conduct any negotiations with them on arms control.""We will not hold any arms control talks with the Americans until they abandon their current anti-Russian course," Lavrov added.On Nuclear StrategyIn the process of rearming its strategic nuclear forces, Russia strictly adheres to the limits set out in the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START), Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said."With regard to the New START, I would like to remind you that, even during the process of suspending the effect of this agreement, we declared our intention to observe its central 'caps' within the life cycle of the treaty and warned the United States against steps that could make these efforts meaningless for us," Lavrov said.Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov urged not to guess what might happen after February 2026, when the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) expires; in his words, "a lot can happen in a year.""We see no reason to guess now what will happen after February 2026, when the New START ceases to exist. A lot can still happen in the coming year. So at this stage it would be premature and unwise to announce our possible moves in this sensitive area," Lavrov said.He recalled that today Russia continued to adhere to the quantitative restrictions under the New START even despite its suspension.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20241225/no-illusions-russia-seeks-legally-binding-solutions-to-ukraine-crisis-1121267290.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20241227/ukraines-forces-hope-for-ceasefire-with-russia-do-not-believe-it-arrives-soon-1121279784.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20241017/why-ukraine-may-not-operate-a-full-f-16-squadron-for-months-to-come-1120581721.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20241228/us-and-uk-seek-to-force-russia-out-of-syria-to-further-destabilize-middle-east--cia-veteran-1121293730.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20241223/iran-russia-may-sign-strategic-partnership-agreement-in-january-2025-1121241861.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20241220/oreshnik-vs-western-missile-defenses-who-would-win-1121225229.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20241229/russia-reserves-right-to-respond-in-kind-to-censuring-russian-media-in-west---zakharova-1121301645.html

Russia Reserves Right to Respond in Kind to Censuring Russian Media in West - Foreign Ministry

Russia Reserves Right to Respond in Kind to Censuring Russian Media in West - Foreign Ministry

Sputnik International

Moscow reserves the right to retaliate to the blocking of Telegram channels of Russian media in Western countries, said Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova.

2024-12-29T19:11+0000

2024-12-29T19:11+0000

2024-12-30T04:11+0000

world

maria zakharova

russia

russian foreign ministry

european union (eu)

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freedom of speech

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Moscow reserves the right to retaliate to the blocking of Telegram channels of Russian media in Western countries, said Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova."The countries of the so-called collective West continue systematically purging their information space from any unwanted information sources. As part of the ongoing repression campaign against the Russian media, nearly all European Union countries have blocked the Telegram channels of Russian media, such as RIA Novosti, Izvestiya, RT, Rossiyskaya Gazeta, Channel One, Rossiya 1, NTV, and the list is growing ... These and similar attacks on our media will not go unanswered. We reserve the right for symmetrical response measures," Zakharova said. Depriving residents of Western countries of the opportunity to independently form their own opinions about the events taking place in the world grossly violates the fundamental human rights to freedom of expression and is an act of censure, the spokeswoman added. Zakharova called on international organizations, such as the United Nations and UNESCO, as well as UNSECO chief Audrey Azoulay and OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Jan Braathu to comment on the blocking of Russian media.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240921/telegrams-cooperation-with-french-authorities-led-to-other-countries-requests---reports-1120232799.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20241229/ukraine-lost-up-to-400-troops-in-russias-kursk-region-in-past-day-1121299193.html

Ukraine Lost Up to 400 Troops in Russia's Kursk Region in Past Day

Ukraine Lost Up to 400 Troops in Russia's Kursk Region in Past Day

Sputnik International

Ukraine has lost up to 400 troops in its offensive against the western Russian region of Kursk in the past day, the Russian Defense ministry said.

2024-12-29T12:46+0000

2024-12-29T12:46+0000

2024-12-29T12:46+0000

russia's special operation in ukraine

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"Over the past 24 hours, the Ukrainian armed forces lost up to 400 troops, three tanks, three infantry fighting vehicles, one armored fighting vehicle, 14 motor vehicles, four artillery systems, one mortar, 13 FPV drone teams and one air defense radar," the ministry said in a daily bulletin. This brings Ukraine's total losses in Kursk region since August up to more than 45,220. Russian troops repelled three counterattacks mounted by Ukrainian forces along the Kursk border in the past day, inflicting losses on enemy manpower and hardware in 11 border settlements as well as in Sumy region.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20241229/russian-troops-liberate-novotroitskoye-in-donetsk-peoples-republic-1121297041.html

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ukraine has lost up to 400 troops in its offensive against the western russian region of kursk in the past day, the russian defense ministry said.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20241229/us-aid-to-ukraine-slowed-down-in-2024-showed-aim-to-build-its-air-defense-1121294634.html

US Aid to Ukraine Slowed Down in 2024, Showed Aim to Build Its Air Defense

US Aid to Ukraine Slowed Down in 2024, Showed Aim to Build Its Air Defense

Sputnik International

By the end of 2024, the US had reduced military aid to Ukraine to around $19.488 billion as part of changing strategies to help build up the country's defense.

2024-12-29T03:35+0000

2024-12-29T03:35+0000

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joe biden

us department of defense (dod)

army tactical missile system (atacms)

nasams

us congress

ukraine

vladimir putin

donald trump

russia

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MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The total value of US military aid to Ukraine decreased on the year to around $19.488 billion by the end of 2024, with Washington adjusting its strategy to build Kievs defense capacities, especially air defense systems, a Sputnik analysis of official figures from the US Department of Defense (DoD) showed. Although the US Congress delayed approving the first military aid package to Ukraine this year, which was announced only on March 12, it did not impact later assistance, as the Biden administration rushed to allocate funds to Kiev before Donald Trump's inauguration as president on January 20. When the Congress finally passed the Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act 2024 on April 23, the new law included about $60 billion worth of security supplemental package for Kiev, a DoD report said at the time. The Biden administration wasted no time by announcing additional military aid packages for Ukraine in the next few days, including $1 billion package through the Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) on April 24 and $6 billion package through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) on April 26. Unlike the PDA, which offers Ukraine existing weapons from the DoDs inventory, the funding through USAI was often used to purchase new weapons for Kiev from major defense contractors. The delivery of new weapons through USAI is usually slower compared to PDA, because it could take the defense contractors months or even years to fulfill the orders. In total, the US has announced 18 tranches of military aid worth around $6.4 billion to Ukraine through PDA since the beginning of 2024. In addition, the Biden administration has provided 5 tranches of military aid worth around $13.088 billion to Ukraine through USAI in 2024. As a result, the total value of US military aid to Ukraine, through both PDA and USAI, reached around $19.488 billion by the end of this year. In comparison, US military aid to Ukraine was about $24.7 billion in 2023, including $12.95 billion through PDA and $11.75 billion through USAI. After the full escalation of the military conflict in Ukraine in February 2022, the US provided about $19.875 billion worth of military assistance to Kiev until the end of that year, including $12.725 billion through PDA and $7.15 billion through USAI. The DoD usually publishes a detailed list of weapons the US provided to Ukraine through a fact sheet, whenever new military aid package for Kiev is announced. The latest DoD fact sheet released on December 12, 2024, has several notable changes compared to the one from last December. Although the value of weapons supplied to Kiev through PDA fell to only $6.4 billion this year, compared to $12.95 billion in 2023 and $12.725 billion in 2022, the total list of supplied military aid hinted at the US adjusting its military aid strategy to help Ukraine build its defense capacities, especially its air defense systems. Most of the new aid packages focused on buying additional ammunition, such as interceptor missiles, for the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) and the Patriot air defense systems. The number of Patriot air defense batteries supplied to Kiev has increased from one to three, the number of Stinger anti-aircraft missiles increased from "more than 2,000" in last December to "more than 3,000" as of December 12, 2024. From providing "more than 2,000,000 155mm artillery rounds," that figure jumped to "more than 3,000,000 155mm artillery rounds" as of December 12, while the number for 152mm artillery rounds jumped from "more than 200,000" to "more than 400,000." The number of Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles rose from 186 by last December to "more than 300" as of December 12, while the number of M113 Armored Personnel Carriers increased to "more than 900" from 300 by last December. In addition to sending greater numbers of the previously provided weapon systems to Ukraine, the United States also armed Kiev with new weapons, including the longer-range ATACMS missiles, this year. The Biden administration controversial decision to allow Ukraine to strike Russian territory with US-supplied weapons, including the ATACMS missiles, in late November raised concerns over further escalation of the ongoing military conflict. In late November, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Ukraine struck facilities in Russia's border regions of Kursk and Bryansk earlier that month using US-supplied ATACMS missiles and UK-supplied Storm Shadow missiles. Putin said that in response, Russia successfully test-fired the nuclear-capable Oreshnik ballistic missile on November 21, hitting a Ukrainian defense industry complex in the city of Dnepropetrovsk, also known as Dnipro. The Oreshnik missile system was tested in combat conditions, in a nuclear-free hypersonic configuration.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20241203/pentagon-declines-to-confirm-intention-to-spend-all-funds-for-ukraine-before-biden-leaves-1121075826.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20241215/russian-forces-destroy-four-us-made-patriot-launchers-in-special-operation-zone-1121176366.html

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urkaine crisis, ukrainian troops, ukrainian losses, russian forces, russian troops, russia wins, ukraine loses, ukrainian crisis, failed counteroffensive, ukrainian counteroffensive, killings of civilians, civilian infrastructure, civilians dead, civilians die, ukraine kills civilians, civilian casualties, civilian deaths, us weapons for ukraine, us aid to ukraine, us funding for ukraine, us funding to ukraine,
Freehold Raceway brought to a close its 171-year history in harness racing, with a large crowd gathered despite the misty rain that persisted throughout the day to say goodbye on Saturday, Dec. 28.

In the day's top purse event, John Calabrese and Grafenberg won the $21,739 American Harness Drivers Club final. The pair prevailed as the odds-on favourite, despite being parked out for much of the way. After getting away third, Grafenberg went first-over, driving through a middle half of 1:01.3. From there, Grafenberg powered away in the lane, scoring by 3-3/4 lengths in 2:01.3 over Awol Hanover (Steven Reisenweaver) and Winneress (Anthony Verusso). Grafenberg is trained by Vincent Stallworth for ower Jaypaul Hoover.

Joseph Lee took the $14,493 AHDC consolation, using a first-over journey to score by a length in 2:01.3 over Limerence (Dawn Anderson) and Masster Blue (Paul Minore).

The AHDC presented a $7,246 donation to the Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame following the fourth race on the 11-race card won by John Urbanski trainee Girl Almighty and Mark Herscherger. AHDC President Anthony Verruso joined a packed winners circle to present the cheque to the Goshen, New York organization that works to preserve and promote the history, as well as the sport, of harness racing.

Its a bittersweet moment, said Verruso. Of course were thrilled to support an institution like the Hall of Fame for all the important work they do to promote our sport, and at least on a day like this last day of racing we had a good crowd come out to see this sport we all know and love. Were happy to do our part in helping this sport, and well miss not just getting to compete here at Freehold, but just racing here in Freehold altogether.

In the Freehold finale, Ts Raider II (pictured above) and driver Johnathan Ahle scored from off the pace to romp in a $12,753 conditioned pace. Ahle got away fourth from post four, while Blue Collar Man (Austin Siegelman) cut the quarter in :27.3. Ts Raider II flushed the cover of Bargain Shopper (Vincent Ginsburg) to the half in :57 before launching three-wide at three-quarters in 1:26.1. From there, the Rachelle Morris trainee powered away by 5-3/4 lengths in 1:55.4 over Bargain Shopper and Passa Grille Beach (Jim Marohn Jr.).

Freehold Raceway would like to thank the fans, horsepeople and employees for their many years of dedication to the Afternoon Delight.

The following is a thank you letter from Howard Bruno, General Manager of Freehold Raceway, which appeared in the Saturday, Dec. 28 Freehold program.

To Our Loyal Customers, Horsemen and Employees,

As the sun begins to set on a remarkable 171-year odyssey, its one final opportunity to thank the people who have made Freehold Raceway so memorable.

To our valued customers, thank you for joining us today and the untold times over the years. As we close the doors on this chapter, we want to extend our deepest gratitude for your unwavering loyalty. It has been our pleasure to get to know so many of you, and we truly valued every minute of it. Thank you for being a part of our journey. We wish you all the best and hope all your future bets finish in the money.

To our horsemen and the decades before you, thank you for your enduring dedication and support of harness racing in New Jersey. Your hard work, passion and spirit are synonymous with the equine community. We know there are no days off in this industry and we admire all that you do.

To our employees, as we come to the end of an era with the closure of the racetrack, we want to express our sincere appreciation for your hard work, perseverance and devotion. Each of you has contributed to making this place special, and we are deeply grateful for your commitment to excellence in every role. While this is a challenging moment, please know that your efforts have made a lasting impact, and there is reason to be proud of everything weve accomplished together.

Additionally, thank you to the New Jersey Racing Commission for their tireless efforts to maintain integrity in our sport. Their dedication to fair competition and upholding ethical standards is appreciated by all involved within the industry.

From our host communities, we would like to extend a special welcome to Freehold Borough Mayor Kevin Kane and Freehold Township Mayor Anthony Ammiano. We thank them for their unwavering support of Freehold Raceway since its inception. Their leadership and dedication continue to make a lasting impact within their respective municipalities.

To everyone who made Freehold Raceway so extraordinary, we wish you all the best in your future endeavors and hope our paths may cross again.

(With files from Freehold Raceway & AHDC)
Following a decision by the Horse Racing Appeal Panel rendered on Dec. 18, the top three finish order of the 2024 Battle Of The Belles has been revised.

In the $175,200 Battle Of The Belles for Ontario-sired two-year-old pacing fillies on Aug. 5 at Grand River Raceway, Wicked N Single finished first over Manhattan Mayhem and Wickedpace. While assessing a possible pylon violation of the winner, judges had ruled that Wicked N Single went inside one pylon and hit the next, resulting in no violation. Wicked N Single survived the inquiry and was deemed the winner. Runner-up finisher Manhattan Mayhem was ruled to have interfered with Wickedpace, so she was set back to third and Wickedpace moved up to second.

Manhattan Mayhem's co-owner Tony Basile filed the appeal  granted on Aug. 22 and heard by the Panel on Nov. 21  with respect to the pylon violation of the winner, Wicked N Single. The Panel ruled that Wicked N Single was clearly inside two consecutive pylons without brushing either pylon and this constitutes a violation of Rule 18.08.02(a). Therefore, the Panel allowed the appeal of Basile and the revised order of finish is Wickedpace (first), Manhattan Mayhem (second) and Wicked N Single (third).

The complete ruling is available below.

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2024 Battle of the Belles Ruling -- Open in new window

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An Israeli military raid targeting Hamas militants has forced a major hospital in northern Gaza out of service and led to the detention of its director, the WHO and health officials said Saturday.

The assault on Kamal Adwan Hospital has rendered the facility "useless", further worsening Gaza's severe health crisis, the Palestinian territory's health officials said.

"This morning's raid on Kamal Adwan Hospital has put this last major health facility in north Gaza out of service. Initial reports indicate that some key departments were severely burnt and destroyed during the raid," the World Health Organization said overnight on X, referring to the Israeli operation that began in the early hours of Friday.

The WHO said 60 health workers and 25 patients in critical condition, including some on ventilators, reportedly remain in the hospital.

Patients in moderate to severe condition were forced to evacuate to the destroyed, non-functioning Indonesian Hospital, the UN health agency said, adding it was "deeply concerned for their safety".

Hamas-run Gaza's health ministry reported that Israeli forces detained Kamal Adwan Hospital's director, Hossam Abu Safiyeh, along with several medical staff members.

Gaza's civil defence agency said Abu Safiyeh was held alongside its north Gaza chief, Ahmed Hassan al-Kahlout.

The Israeli military did not comment on the detentions.

Ammar al-Barsh, a resident of Jabalia where the military has focused its assault in recent weeks, said the raid on Kamal Adwan and its environs had left dozens of homes in the area in ruins.

"The situation is catastrophic, there is no medical service, no ambulances and no civil defence in the north," Barsh, 50, told AFP.

The army "continues to raid the Kamal Adwan Hospital and the surrounding houses, and we hear gunfire from Israeli drones and artillery shelling", he added.

In the days leading up to the raid, Abu Safiyeh had repeatedly warned about the hospital's precarious situation, accusing Israeli forces of targeting the facility.

On Monday, he issued a statement accusing Israel of targeting the hospital "with the intent to kill and forcibly displace the people inside".

On Thursday, Abu Safiyeh said five staff members of the hospital had been killed in an Israeli strike near the facility.

Since October 6, Israel has intensified its land and air offensive in northern Gaza, saying its goal is to prevent Hamas militants from regrouping.

The military said Friday that it was acting on intelligence regarding "terrorist infrastructure and operatives" in the hospital's vicinity.

Before initiating the latest operation near the hospital, the military said its troops had "facilitated the secure evacuation of civilians, patients, and medical personnel".

Hamas has denied claims its operatives were present at the hospital, accusing Israeli forces of storming it on Friday.

"The enemy's lies about the hospital aim to justify the heinous crime committed by the occupation army today, involving the evacuation and burning of all hospital departments as part of a plan for extermination and forced displacement," Hamas said in a statement.

Gaza's health ministry had earlier quoted Abu Safiyeh reporting that the military had "set on fire all surgery departments of the hospital".

Abu Safiyeh said the military had also "evacuated the entire medical staff and displaced people".

"There are a large number of injuries among the medical team."

Iran, which backs Hamas, "strongly condemned the brutal attack", with a foreign ministry statement calling it "the latest example of war crimes, crimes against humanity, (and) gross violations of international law and norms".

The Israeli military has regularly accused Hamas of using hospitals as command and control centres for attacks against its forces throughout the war.

Hamas has denied the accusations.

The WHO reiterated its call for a ceasefire.

"This raid on Kamal Adwan Hospital comes after escalating restrictions on access for WHO and partners, and repeated attacks on or near the facility since early October," the WHO said.

"Such hostilities and the raids are undoing all our efforts and support to keep the facility minimal functional. The systematic dismantling of the health system in Gaza is a death sentence for tens of thousands of Palestinians in need of health care."

Meanwhile, Hamas's media centre reported "massive Israeli air and artillery strikes in Beit Hanoun", in northern Gaza .

The Israeli military says it has killed hundreds of militants since the stepped-up assault in northern Gaza began on October 6, while rescuers in the area say thousands of civilians have died in the sweeping offensive.

Gaza civil defence also reported that in a separate Israeli strike in central Gaza at least nine Palestinians were killed on Saturday.

The Gaza war was triggered by the Hamas-led October 7 attack on Israel last year, which resulted in 1,208 deaths, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures.

Israel's retaliatory military campaign has killed at least 45,436 people in Gaza, a majority of them civilians, according to figures from the Hamas-run territory's health ministry that the UN considers reliable.
Humanitarian and social media personality Dora Moono Nyambe died at the age of 32. A cause of death for Nyambe has not been publicly shared.

"It is with a heavy hearth that we announce the sudden departure of our beloved Dora," a statement shared via Nyambe's Instagram read on Friday. "She will be remembered as a loved mother, heroine, peace philanthropist and an extraordinary woman."

A teacher associated with Nyambe's organization announced her passing in a TikTok video shared earlier this week.

"I am officially announcing the loss of my beloved CEO, director, manager and founder of Footprints of Hope School, who died on Wednesday, 25th of December 2024," she said. "Our sister will be buried here in Mapapa at Footprints of Hope School. ... Thank you so much for everything."

Nyambe's funeral will be held at the Mapapa Village in Mukushi, Zambia, on Monday, Dec. 30.

Who Was Dora Moono Nyambe?

Nyambe dedicated herself to humanitarian work and education in the village, focusing on providing food and shelter for local youth. She shared her efforts on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, amassing a following of over 4 million.

Nyambe relocated to Zambia to establish a boarding school through her nonprofit organization, Footprints of Hope.

"I came to Mapapa Village while waiting for my visa to be approved. I needed to renew my visa to visit. This is [my friend's] village," she said in an October Instagram video. "When I came here I saw that there were a lot of kids getting [sexually assaulted], there were a lot of kids that had babies; just a lot of bad things happening. ... I decided to stay."

Nyambe built four schools to house over 500 children.

"That is why I keep on getting more kids," she added. "I know it's very confusing saying, 'Let me turn this kid away' or 'I can't house you' or 'I can't do this.' It's very difficult for me because there's a lot of kids in the village, but I don't have the resources for that."
This rendering shows the commercial space station that's being developed by Houston's Axiom Space. Axiom Space Arianespace's Ariane 5 rocket launches with NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) from Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, December 25th, 2021. Chris Gunn/NASA/TNS/Chris Gunn/NASA/TNS)

Back in 1979, Houston became home to a program that searched for ways to create less debris in space and track and remove existing debris. More than four decades later, NASA has called the growing amount of space junk a global problem that threatens future space explorations, as well as the safety of people in space and on earth.

And if the amount of junk in space continues to grow, it could lead to a scenario in which it becomes too difficult to use Earths orbit for space missions.

So what is space junk? Where does it come from? And why has it become a problem?

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What is space junk?

Officially known as orbital debris, space junk refers to human-generated objects in space. According to NASA, low Earth orbit, often referred to as LEO, is an orbital space junkyard, in which flecks of paint from space crafts, chunks of rockets and space crafts, defunct satellites and explosions of objects in orbit are racing through space at high speeds up to 18,000 miles an hour.

How did space junk become a problem? How often does it affect space missions?

Just last month, a piece of space junk from a satellite that broke up in 2015 careened toward the International Space Station, causing the ISS to fire thrusters for 5 and a half minutes as an avoidance maneuver.

Two years prior, a similar incident occurred when the ISS had to maneuver to avoid a collision with debris from a Russian satellite.

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NASA has said there are many reasons the threat space junk poses has become magnified to such a severe degree.

As of September 2024, the European Space Agency reported:

40,500 space debris objects greater than 10 cm

1,100,00 space debris objects greater than 1 cm but less than 10 cm

130 million space debris objects greater than 1 mm but less than 1 cm

The purposeful destruction of the Chinese Fengyun-1C spacecraft in 2007 also created approximately 3,000 pieces of debris tracked.

In a report at the time, NASA called the destruction the worst single fragmentation in the history of the space age and the effects of which "will be very long-lived.

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The accidental collision of an American communications satellite, Iridium 33, and a Russian communications satellite, Cosmos 2251 in 2009 also left at least 1,800 pieces of debris in space, which NASA said will remain in orbit through the end of the century.

The collision of Iridium 33 and Cosmos 2251 was the most severe accidental fragmentation on record, NASA said at the time.

Who is responsible for cleaning up space junk?

According to NASA, there are no international space laws to clean up debris in low Earth orbit.

LEO is now viewed as the worlds largest garbage dump, and its expensive to remove space debris from LEO because the problem of space junk is huge  there are close to 6,000 tons of materials in low Earth orbit, according to NASA.

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NASA said cleaning up space junk is every space-faring countrys responsibility.

As space launches continue, the amount of debris in space is anticipated to grow, which poses a threat to future space missions, the agency said.

We are seeing a dramatically increased use of space, but still insufficient technology to prevent the risks that follow, said Holger Krag, head of Space Safety at ESA, in a statement last year.

And if the space debris continues without recourse, the ESA warns of a theoretical scenario where Earths orbit could become untenable for space missions in the future.

What is Kessler Syndrome?

Kessler Syndrome, or the Kessler effect, was coined by NASA space debris expert Don Kessler in 1979, who noted that once space debris hits a critical mass, the total amount of space debris will just keep growing. The continued growth of space debris would lead to more collisions, which would lead to more debris in a chain reaction, the ESA explained.

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Reducing space debris is a task the space agency called urgent, noting that debris levels in the LEO have increased 50% in the last five years.

What is being done about space debris?

Some scientists believe the disaster has already begun, with the end of the space age on our heels.

"The number of objects in space that we have launched in the last four years has increased exponentially. So we are heading towards the situation that we are always dreading," said Vishnu Reddy, a professor of planetary sciences at the University of Arizona in Tucson, in a report by CNN.

The ESA started the Zero Debris Charter last year, which aims to get rid of all space debris by 2030.
Gia vang the gioi sang nay ap sat moc 3.000 USD/ounce  muc ky luc chua tung co trong lich su. Trong nuoc cung khong ngoai le, khi lan luot tang tu 700 en 1 trieu ong/luong. "Vang ang trong thi truong tang gia dai han. Chung toi du bao gia se giao dich trong khoang 3.000-3.200 USD trong nam nay", Alex Ebkarian, giam oc ieu hanh tai Allegiance Gold cho biet.
ICICI Bank has inaugurated its new service centre in Oasis Mall, Juffair, Bahrain, following its relocation from Manai Plaza in the same area.

The service centre provides enhanced accessibility to its customers across Manama, the capital of Bahrain and a financial hub, due to its central location and availability of ample parking space.

Fatima A Rahman, Head of the Retail Banking Supervision Directorate at the Central Bank of Bahrain, inaugurated the centre, alongside Raghavendra Shenoy, Country Head- Bahrain, ICICI Bank.

Shenoy said: "The new service centre of ICICI Bank at Oasis Mall is strategically located offering enhanced accessibility to the customers. The customers can now avail banking services conveniently during their busy schedules, while they visit the mall with their families. We remain dedicated towards ensuring an efficient and supportive interaction with us."

The centre will continue to offer a comprehensive range of banking services, except for cash deposit and withdrawal. It will operate from Monday to Friday, from 10 am to 6 pm, as well as on the first, third and fifth Saturdays of the month. It remains closed on Sundays.  TradeArabia News Service
An exclusive collection of Nordic style ultra-luxury villas and mansions will be launched onto the Dubai real estate market as ready homes next year as part of a AED1 billion ($272 million) development targeting a new wave of affluent overseas investors, said a key Dubai developer.

The elite residences from Nordic by fam Real Estate Development carry unique appeal to ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) as the nearest freehold villas to Downtown Dubai offering ownership to all nationalities.

Their location in the Al Wasl District puts residents within close proximity to iconic Dubai landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Jumeirah, Al Wasl Canal, Sheikh Zayed Road and DIFC, it stated.

Characterised by their Scandinavian-inspired designs, the ten Nordic by fam villas and mansions introduce a fresh concept of minimalist luxury to Dubai's property market, it added.

"As Dubai's real estate sector continues to attract worldwide attention, this exceptional collection of ultra-luxury homes offers an unparalleled blend of design and lifestyle in the heart of the city," said Firas Al Msaddi, CEO of fam Group.

"More than 6,700 millionaires relocated to Dubai in 2024 alone, and projections indicate an annual influx of 6,500 UHNWIs through 2026. This steady arrival of global wealth has bolstered the citys position as a hub for luxury living and investment opportunities," stated Msaddi.

Based on the influx of UNHWIS, the companys luxury division, fam Lux, has set a target of AED10 billion in sales transactions for next year.

"The delivery and release of the ten new properties in Q2 2025 follows the initial launch of the Nordic by fam development earlier this year, with the first two available villas being sold for AED 61.5 million and AED70 million respectively," he noted.

The new high-end community in the Al Wasl District is non-gated, with a security team stationed on site 24/7.

Homeowners have significant flexibility to customise their villas and mansions within the guidelines set by the Dubai Development Authority, without requiring lengthy approvals or paying extra fees to the master developer, Dubai Holdings Meraas.

"These new residences are thoughtfully crafted to appeal to buyers seeking ultra-minimal designs and settled elegance, clean lines, and modern functionality, addressing a growing demand for understated yet sophisticated living spaces," said Al Msaddi.

"The market is witnessing unprecedented price levels. Recent off-plan projects along the Jumeirah coastline are selling at an average of AED 14,000 per sq ft, with villa plots priced at AED 3,000 to AED 8,000 per sq ft, he noted.

"Penthouses have reached record-breaking prices of AED 500 million. This segment is firmly established, as any UHNWIs choosing to exit can only sell to similarly wealthy buyers, preserving exclusivity and value," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
The Kuwaiti Ministry of Electricity on Saturday signed two contracts worth a total of KD238 million ($771 million) for modernisation and maintenance of power and water distillation plants across the country.

These contracts are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen and sustain the country's power system, the ministry said in a statement.

Necessary approvals for the maintenance and modernisation of the utility plants have been obtained from state regulatory bodies, it added.-TradeArabia News Service
Saudi-based Red Sea International Company has announced that one of its key subsidiaries - The Fundamental Installation for Electric Work Company - has signed a contract with Modern Building Leaders Company for the provision of mechanical, electrical and plumbing services for one of its key projects in the kingdom.

As per the SAR319 million ($85 million) deal, the subsidiary's the scope of work includes supply, installation, testing and commissioning of MEP systems for MBL's project.

The entire work will be completed within a 13-month period.

On the financial impact, Red Sea International Company said the revenues and profits will be realised starting from Q4 2024.-TradeArabia News Service
Sharjah-based lowcost carrier Air Arabia has officially launched its first direct flights to Moscow's Domodedovo International Airport from the northern emirate of Ras Al Khaimah.

The airline will operate three times per week on this new route, thus expanding its growing network of destinations.

A special ceremony was held at Ras Al Khaimah International Airport to celebrate the inaugural flight which was attended by representatives from both Air Arabia and Ras Al Khaimah International Airport Authority.

Speaking on the occasion, Air Arabia Group CEO Adel Al Ali said the launch of the Ras Al Khaimah to Moscow route highlights the airline's commitment to offering convenient and affordable travel options.

He also highlighted the importance of supporting tourism and trade between the UAE and Russia.

In addition to Moscow, Air Arabias network offers direct flights from Ras Al Khaimah to several other cities, including Cairo, Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, and Calicut, enhancing global connectivity for passengers, he added.-TradeArabia News Service
Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle ocean travel brand of the MSC Group, has launched its Unique Oceans Offer covering the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Northern Europe, Iceland, Greenland, and the vibrant North American East Coast.

This offer provides value savings of up to 40% and the opportunity to reserve with just a 10% deposit.

Guests will feel as though they are sailing aboard their own private yacht, enjoying ultra-elegant journeys in spacious oceanfront suites, penthouses, and residences. From unforgettable culinary experiences to rejuvenating ocean-inspired wellness programmes, every moment on board is thoughtfully curated to inspire a journey to the Ocean State of Mind.

Travellers who reserve with Explora Journeys by February 28, 2025 will enjoy exceptional savings on select journeys, a reduced 10% deposit, and up to EUR1,000 in prepaid Destination Experiences Credits per suite, per reservation.

This offer can be combined with the Explora Early Booking Benefit, Journey Together, Journey Together Gatherings, Extended Journeys, Back-to-Back, Journeys for Solo Travellers, Additional Guests and Younger Travellers (3rd and 4th guest fares), Explora Referral Programme, Welcome Back Benefit, Consortia Amenities, Event Offer and on board Future Journeys savings. -TradeArabia News Service
Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced the completion of an agreement for affiliates of Hyatt and Grupo Pinero to enter a long-term, asset-light strategic joint venture, headquartered in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, which will manage Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts-branded properties and own the Bahia Principe brand.

The 50/50 joint venture increases Hyatts all-inclusive portfolio giving guests and World of Hyatt members more opportunities to experience all-inclusive travel.

The agreement brings 22 resorts totaling approximately 12,000 rooms, including 21 resorts under the Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts brand located across the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Jamaica, and Spain, as well as the exclusive Cayo Levantado Resort in the Dominican Republic, to Hyatts Inclusive Collection.

Grupo Pinero is the owner of the resorts managed by the joint venture and is committed to driving the continuous improvement of Bahia Principe hotels through renovation projects as part of its ongoing goals and this transaction.

Building on Grupo Pineros all-inclusive expertise and thriving European customer base, Hyatt will further contribute to the companys success and provide expanded opportunities for growth with travelers in the Americas and other key markets.

Bahia Principes Chief Executive Officer Julio Perez assumes leadership of the joint venture, with Grupo Pineros current Global Chief Executive Officer Encarna Pinero serving as Chairman of the Board. Izet Mahalbasic, Vice President Hotel Finance for Hyatt, will join the joint venture as Chief Financial Officer.

This joint venture with Grupo Pinero enhances Hyatts all-inclusive platform across multiple dimensions: more rooms, an expanded portfolio and more offerings on more stay occasions for guests and World of Hyatt members, said Mark Hoplamazian, President and Chief Executive Officer, Hyatt. Grupo Pinero has built an exceptional family legacy over the past 50 years, and together we look forward to driving sustainable growth and innovation within the all-inclusive space.

It is a great honor for Grupo Pinero to embark on this long-term alliance with Hyatta groundbreaking model for both companies that promises significant benefits and advancements for our respective strategies, said Encarna Pinero, Global CEO of Grupo Pinero and Chairman of the Board. We are confident that the combination of our decades of experience as leaders in the all-inclusive sector in the Caribbean and Hyatts extensive global all-inclusive platform and systems will drive success for our joint venture."

I am excited to lead this strategic joint venture with Hyatt as we work to expand the Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts brand, shared Julio Perez, CEO of Bahia Principe. Together, we will leverage our strengths to offer an unparalleled all-inclusive experience that will attract travelers from around the world. This milestone marks an important step for our company, and I am confident that this collaboration will help us to continue raising the quality and service standards of the hospitality industry. -TradeArabia News Service
Mantis has announced the official opening of the Hawar Resort. The resort is the first strategic project implemented under the master plan for Hawar Islands, overseen by the Higher Authority for Hawar Islands Development and developed by Edamah, the real estate arm of Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company (Mumtalakat).

The Hawar Resort, set to receive guests starting from January 2025, features 104 rooms and villas, including overwater and beachfront villas with private pools.

The resort offers a variety of activities, from exploring the islands rich ecosystem to adventure experiences at the Bear Grylls Adventure Zone, along with innovative dining at five restaurants.

The resort is the first of three exciting tourism projects being developed on Hawar Island under the supervision of the Higher Authority for Hawar Islands Development.

On behalf of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Personal Representative of HM the King and President of the Supreme Council for Environment (SCE), and Chairman of the Higher Authority for Hawar Islands Development, attended the official opening of the Hawar Resort, reported BNA.

Shaikh Abdullah was received by Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister, alongside senior officials, dignitaries, and representatives from the Mantis Hotel Group.

Shaikh Abdullah expressed his honour to inaugurate the resort on behalf of His Majesty, highlighting its valuable contribution to Bahrains tourism sector through world class services.

He emphasised that under the leadership of His Majesty the King and the follow up of Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Bahrain continues to achieve milestones in tourism by fostering sustainable tourism practices that showcase its natural beauty, environmental richness, and cultural heritage.

He noted the rapid growth of Bahrains tourism sector driven by high quality plans, initiatives, and projects, underscoring the importance of building on these achievements to further enhance the sectors contributions to the Kingdoms economic and developmental goals.

Shaikh Abdullah toured the resort, reviewing its advanced facilities and learning about the projects phases and offerings. He commended the efforts of those involved in completing the project as planned and wished them continued success.

Shaikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, CEO of Mumtalakat and Chairman of Edamah, expressed appreciation to His Majesty the King for supporting the event and thanked Shaikh Abdullah for attending on His Majestys behalf.

He noted that the resort, managed by Mantis Hotels (a subsidiary of Accor), reflects Bahrains commitment to sustainable development and the promotion of the islands unique attractions. -TradeArabia News Service
Caroline Wilburn is a breaking news reporter for the Houston Chronicle.

A graduate of Texas A&M University, Caroline worked as an election stringer for the Associated Press and as a breaking news fellow at the Texas Tribune. At the Tribune, she got a crash course in interpreting data, distilling complicated policy and following statewide trends on a tight deadline. Shes also a skilled video editor and podcast producer.

She won a first-place award for audio news production at the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association.
At least 122 people have died and two were rescued after a Jeju Air passenger jet carrying 181 people erupted in flames as it went off the runway and hit a wall at an airport in South Korea's southwestern county of Muan on Sunday, authorities said.

All but the two are presumed to have been killed, South Korea's Yonhap news agency said.

The accident happened at 9:07 am, when the Jeju Air flight veered off the runway while landing and collided with a fence wall at Muan International Airport in the Muan county, South Jeolla Province, about 288 km southwest of Seoul.

Except for the two rescued from the accident, everyone aboard is presumed to have been killed, firefighting authorities said, adding that they were switching to search operations to recover bodies.

The authorities had confirmed 122 deaths from the accident as of 2:47 pm.

"After the plane collided with the wall, passengers were thrown out of the aircraft. The chances of survival are extremely low," a firefighting agency official said.

"The aircraft has almost completely been destroyed, and it is difficult to identify the deceased," the official said. "We are in the process of recovering the remains, which will take time."

One passenger and one crew member -- both women -- were rescued shortly after the accident and were being treated at a hospital in Mokpo. Their injuries were not life-threatening.

A total of 181, including six crew members, were aboard the Boeing 737-800 plane that had departed from Bangkok at 1:30 am. It was scheduled to arrive in Muan at around 8:30 am.

Most of the passengers were Koreans, except for two Thai nationals.

A temporary morgue has been set up inside the Muan airport to lay the bodies of the victims.

Videos aired by local TV stations show the plane attempting to land without its landing gear deployed. The plane skidded along the ground, crashing into a concrete wall before exploding and being engulfed in flames.

Officials believe the landing gear failure, possibly due to a bird strike, may have caused the accident. They began an on-site investigation to determine the exact cause.

Acting President Choi Sang-mok declared the Muan county as a special disaster zone as he visited the crash site to instruct officials to make all-out efforts for search operations.

Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae issued an apology and extended condolences to the family members who lost their loved ones, vowing to provide all necessary support to the victims' families.

"Regardless of the cause, I take full responsibility as the CEO," Kim said.

This will be the worst aviation accident to have ever happened on South Korean soil. It also appears to be the only fatal crash that Jeju Air has had in its nearly 20 year history.

Jeju Air is Koreas most popular budget airline, flying to dozens of destinations domestically and across Asia.
Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley says she is prepared to have her United States visa revoked, as she urged Caribbean Community (Caricom) countries to ensure they are able to explain...what the Cubans have been able to do for us as they seek to defend the Cuban health brigade programme.

This matter, with the Cubans and the nurses, should tell us everything that we need to know. Barbados does not currently have Cuban medical staff or Cuban nurses, but I will be the first to go to the line and to tell you that we could not get through the (Covid-19) pandemic without the Cuban nurses and the Cuban doctors, Mottley said in a statement in Parliament.
The Texas State Capitol in Austin on Tuesday, March 30, 2021. Elizabeth Conley/Staff photographer

With a new year comes opportunities, possibilities and a host of developments in the world of Texas regulatory and legal affairs.

Changes to data privacy laws, vehicle inspections and property taxes are among some of the changes most likely to have a direct impact on residents lives. The changes were made through bills approved by the 88th Texas Legislature in 2023, and go into effect Jan. 1, according to the Texas State Law Library.

Vehicle inspections

Rep. Cody Harris of Palestine authored House Bill 3927, which eliminated comprehensive vehicle safety inspections for non-commercial vehicles. In its place, the Texas Legislature has implemented an annual replacement fee of $7.50 for vehicle registration and tag renewal.

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In a statement sent to ABC 13 in May 2023, Harris labeled vehicle safety inspections a ponzi scheme.

"These inspections are a waste of time for Texas citizens and a money-making ponzi scheme used by some shady dealerships to upsell consumers with unnecessary repairs," Harris wrote in the statement.

For residents of Harris County, the change means residents will no longer have their brakes, running lights and other safety features checked as part of their vehicle registration process. Emissions testing, however, will still be required in many major metropolitan areas, including Harris, Brazoria, Montgomery, Fort Bend and Galveston counties.

With emissions and safety testing, the fee paid at an inspection station will come to around $25, according to previous reporting from the Chronicle. Once the safety inspections are eliminated, Harris County drivers will pay $18.50 at the inspection station, solely for the emissions testing. Electric vehicles are exempt from emissions tests.

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Critics of the legislation, however, have voiced concerns about public safety. Greg Cole, chair of the Texas Inspection Association told the Chronicle in 2023 that the change really fails the logic test. According to Cole, balding tires and other maintenance concerns that pose a significant risk, particularly in wet conditions, will no longer be inspected.

Property taxes

Senate Bill 2, known as the Property Tax Relief Act, expanded homestead exemptions from $40,000 to $100,000, protections for senior homeowners and introduced measures aimed at tax relief for small businesses.

Today, I am signing a law that will ensure more than $18 billion in property tax cuts  the largest property tax cut in Texas history," said Gov. Greg Abbott in an August 2023 news release. Texas homestead exemptions will rise to $100,000, senior homeowners will be protected from being priced out of their home, the small business exemption for the Franchise Tax will double and Texas small businesses will be protected from excessive appraisal increases."

Similar to the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act, most of the Property Tax Relief Act has already taken effect, but a new tax circuit breaker will be introduced in January, according to the Texas State Law Library.

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LOCAL DISPARITY: This Houston suburb has some of the highest property taxes in the nation

According to Every Texan, a nonprofit organization dedicated to social equity, tax circuit breakers are intended to prevent increases to a homeowners appraised property value from pricing them out of their home.

The organization said in a brochure published on the Texas legislatures website that tax circuit breakers reduce property taxes beyond a certain percentage of their income.

Texas has no circuit breaker, which means that the property taxes someone owes on a home can rise faster than the homeowners ability to pay them, Every Texan stated in the brochure. A taxpayer who suddenly becomes unemployed may find that their property tax bill is unchanged, even though their ability to pay it is greatly reduced.

According to the bills summary, the circuit breaker will limit tax increases to 20 percent on the annual appraisedvalue increase for nonhomestead property valued at not more than $5 million.

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Data privacy

The Texas Data Privacy And Security Act, passed as House Bill 4 during the 88th Texas Legislature, introduced several consumer protections and data privacy regulations for Texas residents. Most of the provisions took effect in 2024, but one section is slated to become law in January.

The new section authorizes procedures for Texans to designate a registered agent who may make data privacy-related decisions on behalf of another resident.

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Attorney General Ken Paxton announced Dec. 12 that his office was investigating some social media websites, including Discord, Instagram and Reddit, for alleged Texas Data Privacy and Security Act violations.
Of the many political controversies spawned by this past years presidential election, one of the stranger episodes put a new spotlight on the idea of weather modification and conspiracies about human-controlled weather.

Although human-engineered hurricanes are impossible, real weather modification projects like cloud seeding, have been underway for decades in Texas and beyond. However, even the results of these efforts are fairly limited.

What is cloud seeding?

To get rain, you need more than just moisture in the air: The microscopic water droplets in a cloud also need to attach to something else to condense into a raindrop and fall to the ground. Typically in nature, the water attaches to dust or salt particles, called cloud condensation nuclei, that are floating through the atmosphere.

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Cloud seeding helps stimulate rainfall by injecting cumulus clouds  the most capable of generating heavy rainfall  with other materials to enhance precipitation.

The South Texas Weather Modification Association have used cloud-seeding flares attached to aircraft to boost rainfall from cumulus clouds. Robert McLeroy/San Antonio Express-News

Texas primarily uses glaciogenic seeding and hygroscopic seeding, according to Jonathan Jennings, a former project meteorologist for the West Texas Weather Modification Association, who explained it at a 2023 conference.

In glaciogenic seeding, planes equipped with flares release silver iodide into clouds with rain particles that are too small to freeze. By introducing silver iodide, a compound that mimics ice crystals, the cloud is tricked into forming ice-like structures, encouraging precipitation.

Hygroscopic seeding, on the other hand, uses calcium chloride particles to enhance condensation within the cloud. Meteorologists liken this method to slicing open the bottom of a cloud, causing moisture to pour out.

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Weather modification in Texas

As of 2024, six weather modification projects covering 30 million acres were underway in Texas and more across the United States. While neither the federal government nor the state of Texas provide funding for these efforts, many projects are supported by counties and water conservation districts.

Bria DeCarlo, the current project meteorologist for the South Texas Weather Modification Association, said cloud seeding can seem unfamiliar or intimidating because it only surfaces in the news during severe droughts.

Weather modification is a long-term water management strategy that has been proven to be effective for the drought-stricken areas across the United States and Texas, DeCarlo said. The goal is to encourage more precipitation.

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Before any cloud seeding operation, meteorologists issue a local forecast, look at weather balloon data and other measurements to target specific clouds they want to seed.

Im kind of the eyes and navigation for the pilots, and theyre my eyes as well, DeCarlo said. I have to be able to tell them where to go and keep them out of harms way at the same time.

Pilots are not allowed to seed clouds if the National Weather Service issued a flash flood or severe thunderstorm warning, DeCarlo said. They will also suspend operations in an area that has already seen significant rainfall over a long period.

If its been raining for weeks at a time, we will ease back off farmers in our community and suspend operations for a few weeks and pick it back up later so that their crop doesnt get completely washed out, DeCarlo said. We dont go up there and go crazy with the seeding and not listen to what anybody else has to say. Were very involved with what the public has to say and with their needs and wants are, because thats what were here for. Were here to help.

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The South Texas Weather Modification Association has undertaken cloud-seeding flights over Bandera and Medina counties. The burning flare on the right wings trailing edge is releasing a stream of silver iodide. BILLY CALZADA/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

How effective is cloud seeding?

Every year Dr. Arquimedes Ruiz-Columbie, a senior lecturer at Texas Tech University, assesses the effect of cloud-seeding projects in Texas. He had participated in some cloud-seeding efforts in West Texas before becoming a professor full time. Now, Ruiz-Columbie said he is independent in his evaluations and tries to be modest in the projects efforts.

We know we can only increase precipitation by about 10%, Columbie said. But every year its totally different.

Columbie pulled the data from all of the cloud-seeding projects in Texas since 2004 and found that, on average, each project has about 36 operational days each season, from April through October.

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During that time weve seeded about 120 clouds per season, DeCarlo said. So in total, over the past 20 years, weve had about 2,400 clouds seeded.

DeCarlo also said that, on average, their operations increased water production by more than 500,000 acre-feet per year, statewide. Thats about 4 inches of water across the state. According to DeCarlo, the water they helped add to the counties they operate in added about $1.6 million per year in agricultural impact over 20 years.

Each project publishes data on how well their cloud-seeding efforts are performing each year. The meteorologists emphasized that the increase in inches of water per year are part of a longer-term solution to drought.

So for Uvalde County in 2022, the most recent data available from the South Texas Weather Modification Association, a 0.89 increase in rain from cloud seeding may not seem like a lot, but its close to success for DeCarlo.

Some years, we may only produce about half an inch increase or less, DeCarlo said. Hitting that inch increase is the benchmark for success. Its really good. But any precipitation increase is good, especially down here.

Silver iodide concerns

DeCarlo acknowledges the publics concerns about the release of silver iodide into the environment but said that silver iodide is essential for cloud seeding because of its ability to remain solid, which also contributes to its classification as nonharmful to the environment.

Although silver iodide is inorganic, it is not classified as a hazardous air pollutant under the Clean Air Act or as a hazardous substance under the Clean Water Act.

According to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, the typical concentration of silver found in rainwater or snowfall from seeded clouds is less than 0.1 micrograms per liter.

That concentration is well below the acceptable limit of 50 micrograms per liter set by the U.S. Public Health Service, the TDLR website states.

However, some studies continue to raise concerns about the potential effects of large amounts of silver iodide on terrestrial and aquatic life.
The Ministry of Education and Training, in partnership with DOL English, hosted the 2024 National Commendation Ceremony to celebrate Vietnamese students who excelled in international Olympiads and science competitions.

The event, held at the ministrys headquarters in Hanoi on Saturday and Sunday, included a series of activities to honor the students' achievements and foster inspiration.

The two-day program featured key events such as a meeting with the president of Vietnam at the Presidential Office, a campus tour of VinUniversity, and a gala dinner bringing together ministry leaders, teachers, and award-winning students.

The main highlight, the Commendation Ceremony and the presentation of Certificates of Merit by the Minister of Education and Training, took place on Sunday at 9:00 am.

Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Thi Kim Chi spotlighted the important role education plays in navigating a rapidly changing world marked by technological and scientific advancements.

Deputy Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Thi Kim Chi speaks at the 2024 National Commendation Ceremony to celebrate Vietnamese students who excelled in international Olympiads and science competitions in Hanoi, December 29, 2024.

As we prepare to enter a transformative era in 2025, in alignment with General Secretary To Lams vision, the education sector must continue innovating to enhance the quality of teaching, research, and creativity, she said.

Deputy Minister Chi highlighted the ministrys commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive educational environment.

Vietnamese students are increasingly asserting their exceptional capabilities on the global stage. Their medals are not just individual triumphs but also a source of national pride and a testament to the robust growth of Vietnams education system, she added.

She also acknowledged the crucial role of dedicated teachers and a conducive learning environment in nurturing young talent.

DOL English CEO and founder Le Dinh Luc is interviewed on the sidelines of the 2024 National Commendation Ceremony to celebrate Vietnamese students who excelled in international Olympiads and science competitions in Hanoi, December 29, 2024.

This years ceremony was supported by DOL English, the official partner for the event.

Alongside program awards, all honored students received a full scholarship for IELTS and SAT preparation, valued at VND100 million (US$4,100) each, as well as VND10 million ($410) in cash.

The total sponsorship package from DOL English amounted to VND3.4 billion ($139,400).

DOL English CEO and founder Le Dinh Luc, a former math prodigy from the High School for the Gifted under Vietnam National University-Ho Chi Minh City, expressed pride in supporting the event for the second consecutive year.

Reflecting on his journey, Luc insisted on English proficiency for students aiming to secure international scholarships.

While we are an English teaching system, we rely entirely on Vietnamese educators. This approach showcases our belief in Vietnamese talent and ingenuity, creating a product we can proudly claim as homegrown, Luc said.

His English center chain, valued at over $25 million, aims to empower young talents to contribute to Vietnams future.

Students attend the 2024 National Commendation Ceremony to celebrate those who excelled in international Olympiads and science competitions in Hanoi, December 29, 2024.

In 2024, Vietnam fielded seven teams with 38 students participating in various Olympiads, including regional contests in informatics and physics, and international competitions in mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, and informatics.

The students achieved great success, earning 12 gold, 15 silver, and 10 bronze medals, along with one honorable mention.

This marks a significant improvement from 2023, with four additional gold medals and three more silvers.

Notably, several Vietnamese students achieved top scores, particularly in practical exams, showcasing their exceptional skills on the global stage.

The achievements underscore Vietnams growing prominence in international academic competitions and highlight the nations dedication to fostering educational excellence.

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President Vladimir Putin on Saturday apologised to Azerbaijan's leader for what the Kremlin called a "tragic incident" over Russia in which an Azerbaijan Airlines plane crashed after Russian air defences were fired against Ukrainian drones.

The extremely rare publicised apology from Putin was the closest Moscow had come to accepting some blame for Wednesday's disaster, although the Kremlin statement did not say Russia had shot down the plane, only noting that a criminal case had been opened.

Flight J2-8243, en route from Baku to the Chechen capital Grozny, crash-landed on Wednesday near Aktau in Kazakhstan after diverting from southern Russia, where Ukrainian drones were reported to be attacking several cities. At least 38 people were killed.

Four sources with knowledge of the preliminary findings of Azerbaijan's investigation told Reuters on Thursday that Russian air defences had mistakenly shot the airliner down. Passengers said they heard a loud bang outside the plane.

Putin called President Ilham Aliyev and "apologised for the tragic incident that occurred in Russian airspace and once again expressed his deep and sincere condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to the injured," the Kremlin said.

"At that time, Grozny, Mozdok and Vladikavkaz were being attacked by Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles, and Russian air defence systems repelled these attacks."

The Kremlin said civilian and military specialists were being questioned.

Putin also phoned Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, his counterpart in Kazakhstan, to express his condolences over the loss of life in the crash, the Kremlin said.

On Saturday, U.S. President Joe Biden responded to a shouted question about whether Putin should take responsibility for the crash while he was leaving church in St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands, where he is on vacation.

"Apparently he did, but I haven't spoken to him or my team," Biden replied.

The White House said on Friday it had seen early indications suggesting the airliner was possibly brought down by Russian air defense systems and added that Washington had offered assistance to the investigation into the crash.

MSNBC on Friday cited two unidentified U.S. military sources as saying that there was American intelligence that Russia may have mistakenly shot down the airliner after misidentifying it as an incoming drone.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy also said he had called Aliyev to offer condolences, and in his statement on the X platform demanded that Russia provide "clear explanations".

Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs a meeting with members of the Security Council via video link in Moscow, Russia December 28, 2024. Photo: Reuters

Objects smashed through airplane's fuselage

Azerbaijan for its part said Aliyev had noted to Putin that the plane had been "subjected to external physical and technical interference in Russian airspace, resulting in a complete loss of control and redirection to the Kazakh city of Aktau".

Until Saturday, Russia's last working day before a long New Year holiday, the Kremlin had said it was improper to comment on the incident before official investigations were concluded.

The Embraer jet had flown from Azerbaijan's capital Baku to Grozny, in Russia's southern Chechnya region, where the incident occurred, and then travelled, badly damaged, another 280 miles (450 km) across the Caspian Sea.

Footage shot by passengers before the plane crashed showed oxygen masks down and people wearing life jackets. Later videos showed bloodied and bruised passengers climbing out of the wreckage. There were 29 survivors.

Baku cited injuries from objects that had penetrated the aircrafts fuselage from outside and testimonies from survivors as evidence of "external physical and technical interference".

The crash underscored the risks to civil aviation even when aircraft are flying hundreds of miles from a conflict zone, especially when Ukraine has deployed drones en masse to try to hit back at Russia behind the front lines.

Russia uses electronic jamming to confuse the geolocation and communication systems of Ukrainian drones, which it also targets with air defence systems.

In 2020, Iranian Revolutionary Guards mistakenly shot down a Ukrainian airliner, killing all 176 on board.

And in 2014, Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17 was shot down over eastern Ukraine, with the loss of 298 passengers and crew, by what Dutch investigators said was a Russian BUK missile system. Russia denied involvement.
Read what is in the news in Vietnam today:

Society

-- Police said on Saturday that they had busted three rings that smuggled thousands of metric tons of gold from Cambodia and China into Vietnam.

-- Police in central Quang Nam Province reported on Saturday that they had handed over an endangered Indochinese box turtle weighing one kilogram to local rangers. A local woman had spotted the turtle on a local paddy field two days earlier.

-- A man was arrested while carrying six pangolins on his motorbike in Quang Tri Province, north-central Vietnam on Friday, local police reported the next day.

Lifestyle

-- The ongoing 2024 Laos-Vietnam tourism, culture, and trade promotion festival, slated to take place until Tuesday in Ho Chi Minh City, features nearly 100 booths of the two countries enterprises.

-- Despite a heavy rain, many foreign tourists waded through mud to experience first-hand the jobs of Vietnamese farmers during a festival in a ward in Hoi An City, central Quang Nam Province on Saturday.

-- Nguyen Ngoc Kieu Duy from Can Tho City in southern Vietnam was crowned the inaugural Miss National Vietnam during the pageants finale in Ho Chi Minh City on Saturday evening.

World News

-- President Vladimir Putin on Saturday apologised to Azerbaijan's leader for what the Kremlin called a tragic incident over Russia in which an Azerbaijan Airlines plane crashed, Reuters reported.

-- President-elect Donald Trump has urged the U.S. Supreme Court to pause implementation of a law that would ban popular social media app TikTok or force its sale, arguing he should have time after taking office to pursue a political resolution to the issue, according to Reuters.

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The new T3 terminal at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City is in its final stages, with construction being expedited to meet the April 30 deadline next year.

Tan Son Nhat is one of Vietnam's three largest and most important airports, according to the Airports Corporation of Vietnam, which is overseeing the project.

Designed to handle 20 million passengers annually, the T3 terminal aims to alleviate congestion at the overloaded T1 terminal and improve passenger services.

The project is currently about 83 percent complete.

The T3 terminal project includes four main components -- a passenger terminal, a multi-story parking lot with non-aviation services, a viaduct system that leads to the terminal, and an aircraft parking area -- and carries a price tag of VND10.99 trillion (US$431.8 million). Photo: Chau Tuan / Tuoi Tre

Le Khac Hong, head of the project management board, affirmed that the team has maintained progress, ensured quality, and prioritized safety at the construction site.

To inaugurate the terminal on April 30, 2025, the project must be completed a month earlier, leaving just 90 days to finish -- a significant challenge.

Hong said that the board is working to promptly address obstacles, provide optimal support for contractors, and mobilize all necessary resources to complete equipment installation and ensure the terminal's safe operation.

Glass walls of the T3 terminal are 94 percent complete. Photo: Chau Tuan / Tuoi Tre

The construction of Tan Son Nhat International Airport's new T3 terminal, with an investment of VND10.99 trillion ($431.8 million), began in December 2022.

Currently, the airport operates a domestic passenger terminal and an international passenger terminal.

The domestic terminal, designed to handle 15 million passengers annually, now accommodates over 26 million passengers -- 1.7 times its intended capacity.

With an average annual growth rate of 14.5 percent in air passenger traffic, the number of passengers using the domestic terminal was projected to double its capacity by 2024.

Contractors have accelerated many items of the T3 terminal project. Photo: Chau Tuan / Tuoi Tre

The T3 terminal, spanning a total floor area of 112,500 square meters, is designed with a basement and four floors.

It will feature 90 counters, 20 automated baggage drop stations, 42 check-in kiosks, 27 boarding gates, 16 baggage storage systems, and 25 security checkpoints.

The terminal will include eight exclusive security gates and a lounge for VIP, business-class, and priority passengers.

To expedite the T3 terminal project, contractors have divided the construction work into smaller sections, allowing for faster progress. Photo: Chau Tuan / Tuoi Tre

Inside the terminal project are large scaffolds. Photo: Chau Tuan / Tuoi Tre

The 7,500-metric-tons steel roof frame is now complete. Photo: Chau Tuan / Tuoi Tre

Viaducts outside the T3 terminal are also built. Photo: Chau Tuan / Tuoi Tre

The investor of the project -- the Airports Corporation of Vietnam -- has urged contractors to ensure its progress. Photo: Chau Tuan / Tuoi Tre

The T3 terminal, when in place, will be the largest domestic passenger terminal in Vietnam with a capacity of 20 million passengers per year. The capital for the project is sourced from the budget of the Airports Corporation of Vietnam. Photo: Chau Tuan / Tuoi Tre

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Houston Chronicle letter writer got an early Alzheimer's diagnosis and urges others to get themselves checked out. BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty

Not a death sentence

Regarding "How to help aging workforce with dementia," (Dec. 25 print edition, B12): Your article on working people with dementia caught my attention. Its impressive that some companies are knowingly keeping staff employed even though they may be exhibiting signs of dementia. At age 82, I have not been an active participant in the workforce for several years. But I was interested because I was diagnosed with Alzheimers just over four years ago based on a PET scan. Last May I was admitted into a clinical trial for people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) so apparently I still test OK. I am completely independent, drive myself around, interact with others in a normal manner and when I tell an acquaintance of my diagnosis, which I do often, they are generally quite surprised.

I meet with a neurologist at Woodlands Methodist every six months and video chat with the co-director of the Nantz National Alzheimer Center at Methodist in the Houston Medical Center between these in-person sessions. I have changed my lifestyle modestly and am pleased with my ability to function normally.

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I am writing this for the same reason I make a point of telling acquaintances of my condition: to try to help people realize that an Alzheimers diagnosis is not necessarily an automatic death  or even isolation  sentence. But early diagnosis certainly appears to be a key.

I therefore encourage anyone who fears they are losing it to forget any feared stigma and see a neurologist; then press for testing and, if warranted, a PET scan. I would further encourage people of all ages to search on the internet for CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Guptas articles concerning his findings and experience with Alzheimers. They are most informative.

Be proactive!

Kenneth B. Gunn, Spring

Whitmire's efforts

Regarding "Is Whitmire mayor of Houston? Or mayor of his neighborhood? | Opinion," (Dec. 25): I've known John Whitmire since our first day of law school in 1975 and we've certainly had our disagreements over the decades. But each of us had the good fortune to overcome adversities to be able to live near Memorial Park. John lives closer to the park while I am on the opposite side of Westcott Street and must cross it to walk my dogs and enjoy the park.

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So that maligned crosswalk is for folks like me rather than John and his neighbors in the big houses. I will appreciate it when it is operable because the drivers hurtling down Westcott to Memorial Drive or to I-10 blow indifferently through the marked crosswalks. They ignore my big dogs as much as they ignore the young families pushing their baby carriages across the road.

The park itself is about as egalitarian a place as you might find anywhere in Houston and deserving of our protection (yep, that's my opinion). If I think the mayor is out of line, I will tell him. But on this point, I will defend him gladly, especially if he's able to get it working in the near future.

I also hope that other needy places in Houston get the same attention because this is simply about people walking on their own two feet to enjoy a park, not about wealth and favoritism.

Tom Berg, Houston

While I agree with the gist of Gary Rubys letter, I feel obligated to point out to Mr. Ruby that the installation of the light at Blossom and Westcott Streets does little to improve Mayor John Whitmires neighborhood. Instead it was installed to improve the safety of the joggers, bikers and children living in the neighborhood on the other side of Westcott who take their lives in their hands when attempting to cross the street to Eastern Glades and the rest of Memorial Park.

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Lori Londa, Houston

Digital safety

Rgearding "Americans are losing billions to internet scams. Protect your loved ones this holiday season," (Dec. 24): Chris Tomlinson offers good advice in his recent column.

Digital scams have become a large industry indeed. But the implication of his column is that personal vigilance is the only way to address cyber insecurity. Personal vigilance, however, only goes so far. Technology can help reduce the threat of such scams; using spam filters for email and texts does help.

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But we should have higher expectations from our technology. To address the risk of automobile injuries, we established speed limits, traffic lights, crosswalks, seat belts, air bags and the like. The tech industry and tech regulators should similarly innovate to reduce the risk of injury on the information superhighway.
The Ho Chi Minh City Peoples court on Friday sentenced 27 defendants, including drug lord Vu Hoang Oanh, aka Oanh Ha, to death for their involvement in a ring trafficking over 626 kilograms of drugs from Cambodia to Vietnam.

Six other defendants were sentenced to life in prison and two others got a jail term of 20 years each.

Between 2019 and 2022, Oanh Ha organized a narcotics smuggling ring that transported drugs from Cambodia for distribution in Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong City, Nam Dinh Province, Hanoi, and surrounding areas.

She hired Nguyen Van Nam to bring the drugs from Phnom Penh to Vietnam for distribution to her customers.

In Ho Chi Minh City, she employed Nguyen Anh Bao Quoc to receive the drugs from Nguyen Duy Khanh or collect gearboxes containing the narcotics and deliver them to Nam and clients in the city and nearby regions.

Oanh Ha instructed Nam to receive the drugs from Quoc or collect gearboxes containing the narcotics, then transport them to Hai Phong for storage or delivery in the city, Nam Dinh, Hanoi, and other provinces.

Together, they smuggled 129 gearboxes filled with drugs from Cambodia into Vietnam.

To avoid detection, they communicated using the Signal app, along with U.S. and Cambodian mobile phone numbers, and utilized a bank account to receive payments totaling approximately VND1.4 trillion (US$55 million).

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Vietnam is rapidly positioning itself as a renewable energy hub in Southeast Asia, driven by its substantial development potential and ambitious goals for emission reduction and green economy growth, said Kitty Bu, vice-president for Southeast Asia at the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP).

Speaking to Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper, Bu highlighted Vietnam's abundant renewable energy resources, particularly in wind and solar power, coupled with advancements in battery energy storage systems (BESS).

These factors have placed the country at the forefront of Southeast Asias energy transition.

Bu noted Vietnam's ambitious goal of increasing the green economy's contribution to GDP to US$300 billion by 2050 from $6.7 billion in 2020, aligning with global energy transition trends and creating significant business opportunities for multinational energy corporations.

According to the International Renewable Energy Agency, Vietnams installed solar power capacity, which reached 17GW in 2023, is nearly double the combined capacity of all other ASEAN nations, underscoring the country's leadership in renewable energy development.

To fully leverage its renewable energy potential, Vietnam needs substantial investments, estimated at $135 billion by 2030 and up to $511 billion by 2050, Bu said.

These investments are essential for developing sustainable infrastructure, modernizing the national grid, expanding energy storage solutions, and supporting sustainable livelihoods, she emphasized.

She spotlighted Vietnams proactive approach in attracting investors through key initiatives such as the National Green Growth Strategy for 2021-30, Power Plan 8, and its participation in the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) agreement.

These measures demonstrate the countrys readiness to welcome clean energy investment and underscore its commitment to green growth.

Vietnams government policies and international partnerships have become critical in drawing clean energy investors worldwide, Bu added.

GEAPP is actively supporting Vietnams energy transition, including assisting in the implementation of the JETP agreement and initiating a BESS pilot project aligned with Power Plan 8. The project aims to cut carbon emissions while ensuring national energy security.

In an interview with Tuoi Tre, British Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Alexandra Smith underlined the UK's commitment to supporting Vietnam in achieving its net-zero emissions target by 2050.

Through its net-zero commitment, Vietnam has positioned itself as a regional leader in sustainable development and an ideal destination for green investment, Smith stated.

She highlighted the UKs role as a partner of Vietnam in the JETP agreement, alongside the U.S. and the EU.

Together, these partners have pledged to mobilize up to $15.5 billion from international partners and the private sector to fund renewable energy projects, enabling Vietnam to reduce its reliance on coal and meet its emissions target.

Similarly, Dutch Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Daniel Stork reaffirmed the Netherlands and Europes dedication to supporting Vietnams green transition.

The Netherlands has been involved in numerous projects in Vietnam, including a significant wind farm project in [southern] Tra Vinh Province valued at 17 million [($17.7 million], Stork noted.

Both diplomats underlined the importance of international collaboration in advancing Vietnams energy transition and sustainable development goals.

Netherlands investors will continue to engage in similar green projects in Vietnam, including solar energy plants in industrial parks where many Dutch companies are headquartered.

France also has many companies participating in the Vietnamese energy market, including Green Yellow Vietnam, which has been operating in Vietnam since 2020.

The company has installed 1.2 million square meters of photovoltaic panels, providing enough energy for 8,300 homes per year and thereby reducing emissions by 147,000 tonnes of CO2, equivalent to planting 3.3 million of trees.

In May, Myriam Ferran, deputy director general of the European Commission's Directorate General for International Partnerships, visited the Bac Ai pumped storage hydropower project in south-central Ninh Thuan Province, which is funded by the French Development Agency, European Investment Bank, Japan International Cooperation Agency, and German Reconstruction Bank.

Stressing that this is a key project in the EU's Global Gateway strategy, Ferran said that the EU and its member states are committed to providing preferential loans and aid packages to this pumped storage hydropower project, the first of its kind in Vietnam.

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A court in Vietnam on Friday jailed more than a dozen officials for up to 12 years for corruption over repatriation flights and quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last year, 54 officials and businesspeople were found guilty of receiving, offering or acting as go-between for bribes that state media said totalled US$9.5 million.

They included four former senior officials at the ministries of foreign affairs, health and public security, who were handed life sentences.

At the height of the pandemic in early 2020 Vietnam had closed its borders to almost everyone bar returning citizens.

The defendants in the two cases were accused of giving or taking bribes to help people get seats on repatriation flights and receive medical quarantines.

At the time, returnees faced complicated entry procedures, expensive flights and quarantine costs.

The defendants "took advantage of policies by the party, state and their positions.. to agree on bribes and did wrong... in bringing back citizens for medical quarantine," Cong Ly newspaper quoted the Friday verdict as saying.

Tran Tung, a former official for northern Thai Nguyen province, was found guilty of taking around $300,000 in bribes and commission for organising quarantine facilities.

He was given 12 years in jail for receiving bribes and abuse of power.

Sixteen other transport ministry, provincial officials and travel company employees were sentenced to up to three and a half years in jail on charges including bribery and abuse of power.

Last year, a Hanoi mother told AFP how she had spent over $10,000 to get her teenage daughter back to Vietnam from a boarding school in Europe at the peak of the pandemic.

The graft allegations come as part of an anti-corruption drive that has uncovered a number of deals done during Vietnam's pandemic response.

According to the public security ministry, in 2024, police put under their radar 825 cases with 1,676 people on corruption accusations, an increase of more than 16 percent compared to 2023.
Despite a heavy rain, many foreign tourists waded through mud to experience first-hand the jobs of Vietnamese farmers during a festival in a ward in Hoi An City, central Quang Nam Province on Saturday.

The 'Going to the Field' Festival in Cam Chau Ward, Hoi An City attracted hundreds of local farmers and international travelers who were touring Hoi An.

They joined many activities at the festival, including ploughing paddy fields, planting rice seedlings, and bailing out water.

The 'Going to the Field' Festival in Cam Chau Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province features food booths with local typical dishes, such as cao lau (noodle dish served with shrimp, pork, and a little broth), mi Quang (Quang noodles), and banh xeo (sizzling pancakes). Photo: Thanh Nguyen

James, a tourist from New Zealand, said he felt thrilled and excited as this was the first time he had ploughed rice fields with Vietnamese farmers.

The job is not easy at all as I had to walk in the mud and control the buffalo at the same time, but this is a great experience during my trip to Hoi An, James said.

Local farmers enthusiastically helped foreign tourists get used to farming activities.

During the festival, tourists could also enjoy local typical dishes, such as cao lau (noodle dish served with shrimp, pork, and a little broth), mi Quang (Quang noodles), and banh xeo (sizzling pancakes).

The festival contributes to promoting Vietnams traditional rice farming to foreign tourists. Photo: Thanh Nguyen

The festival also included a contest called 'I am a farmer' and other games.

The event fostered a warm and welcoming atmosphere for farmers as they prepared for a new planting season, providing a platform to exchange knowledge and experiences in rice cultivation.

Nguyen The Hung, vice-chairman of the Hoi An administration, highlighted that the festival played a key role in preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Vietnam's rice-farming traditions.

Hung emphasized that this initiative was one of several significant efforts to motivate local farmers to boost production while showcasing the country's traditional rice cultivation practices to visitors, thus advancing the citys commitment to green tourism.

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Pavan Kumar Maurya, TwoCircles.net

Varanasi: The Nawab Tonk Mosque, located in Bhojubeer in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, is currently under police surveillance. The 1298 mosque, within the premises of Uday Pratap College, has been transformed into a police cantonment. Police personnel are stationed at various points of the campus, monitoring the movements of citizens and students. A police armored vehicle is parked a little inside the campus. Both doors of the mosque are locked. This has drawn strong objections from the Muslim community. Local Muslims, who wish to pray in the mosque, have termed this action as an infringement on their religious freedom.

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The main gate of Nawab Tonk Mosque faces south, with two constables on duty, while a smaller gate in the east is also being guarded by a constable. In the name of maintaining peace, no one is allowed near the mosque. As tensions rose in the Bhojubeer area, shops outside the college remained closed for several days. The heavy police presence continues, and the situation remains tense. Peace-loving citizens are hoping for a resolution to this controversy.

A Timeline of the Incident

The controversy began after the 115th foundation day ceremony of Uday Pratap College on November 25, 2024, where UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced that the college would be upgraded to a university. He also declared that investigations would be conducted into past disputes related to the college. The very next day, on November 26, an old notice went viral within the Muslim community, claiming that the land of Uday Pratap College was the property of the Waqf Board.

A few days later, on November 29, local Muslims gathered at the mosque for Friday prayers. It sparked the beginning of the dispute. It happened at a time when legal cases regarding the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor and the Gyanvapi Mosque have been ongoing, involving claims of a temple beneath the mosque.

The Nawab Tonk Mosque is over a century old and still appears in official government records.

Reasons Behind the Dispute

Munawar, a member of the committee managing the mosque, told TwoCircles.net, The controversy arose after CM Yogis announcement to make Uday Pratap College a university and the subsequent mention of investigating alleged past scams. Just a few days later, on November 29, around 350400 local Muslims came to offer prayers, as they have been doing for years. The number of people was not unusual. But following Yogis visit, the college administration spread rumors that Muslims from outside the city were being brought in to pray.

He continued, The Muslim population in Bhojubeer is approximately 600. On Fridays, this number swells to 400500 due to the regular attendees of Friday prayers. This is nothing new.

College Principal Too Rejects Claim

Uday Pratap College Principal Dr D.K. Singh rejected the claim made by the Waqf Board. He said the land on which the mosque is situated belongs to the college, and the mosque was constructed illegally. He asserted that the land is part of a trust and cannot be bought or sold.

Muslims Claim

On the other hand, the Muslim community maintains that the land on which the college stands historically belongs to the Nawab of Tonk. They refer to the presence of the mazar (shrine) of Khajnar Shah and an unused well on the mosques premises as supporting evidence. They also point to the regular use of the mosque for religious activities, citing the installation of facilities like solar panels, ablution areas, bathrooms and toilets. The mosques members also emphasise that the electricity connection and other facilities were arranged with mutual consent, which they believe validates their claims.

Hanuman Chalisa Recital, Rising Tensions

Hindu organisations and students, however, argue that the mosque was built illegally within the college campus and should be removed. They claim that the land belongs to a trust and cannot be used for religious purposes. Hindu organisations have also stated that if prayers are offered in the mosque, they will recite Hanuman Chalisa in protest. After the recital of Hanuman Chalisa and chanting of slogans on December 3, the tension escalated, though police presence has kept the situation in check.

ACP (Cantt) Vidush Saxena said, as of now, the Shivpur police station has arrested four people in connection with the protest  including Mukhtar Ahmad, a key figure in the Gyanvapi dispute, and three brothers  Afroz Khan, Adil Khan and Firoz Khan from the Gilat Bazaar area. The police have warned of strict action against anyone spreading rumors or making irresponsible statements in order to maintain peace.

Historical Background

The Nawab Tonk Mosque, located in the Narayanpur Mauza of Varanasi, is mentioned in a map from 188384. The land of the mosque is recorded in the Khasra-Khatoni (land records) under the name of Khwaja Okas Alwar, dating back to Fasal 1414.

It is believed that Khwaja Okas Alwar owned a princely state before independence. This mosque stands as a witness to the times when freedom fighters built such places as symbols of resistance against the British.

According to a detailed report published by Amar Ujala on December 6, 2009, Nawab Mohammad Ali Khan of the Tonk princely state built this mosque in 1888. He was imprisoned by the British in Gilat Bazaar for ten years and later settled in Varanasi. After his release, he constructed the mosque, which now serves as a symbol of resistance against the British colonialism. On a typical day, 3040 people come to pray at the mosque, with numbers swelling to 300400 on Fridays.

Mosque Management Committees Stand

S.M. Yaseen, joint secretary of the Anjuman Intizamia Masajid Committee, which manages the Gyanvapi Mosque, told TwoCircles.net, The proposal to upgrade Uday Pratap College to a university is welcome, but raising a dispute over religious sites is unwarranted. In 2008, the college administration had formally permitted the laying of stones on the pathway leading to the mosque. This permission was granted to facilitate access to the mosque.

Yaseen emphasised that there had never been any controversy regarding the mosque and that the medias portrayal of the situation was incorrect. He further said that a letter was sent on December 3, 2024, to the Central Sunni Waqf Boards chairman, Zafar Faruqui, requesting clarification on the status of the 2018 notice. The board replied via email, confirming that the notice was canceled on January 18, 2021, and currently has no legal standing, he said.

The Sunni Waqf Board also clarified that there was no dispute over the property of Khwaja Okas in Narayanpur Mauza. Muslims are primarily concerned with the security of their places of worship, and the controversy over Nawab Tonk Mosque violates the 1991 Places of Worship Act, which prohibits changes to the status of religious sites.

Calls for Resolution

Alok Verma, the ADM (City) of Varanasi, said an investigation is underway to determine the ownership of the land on which the mosque is built, and if necessary, a survey will be conducted to settle the matter.

Meanwhile, local resident Mohmmad Azam, who has been visiting the Nawab Tonk Mosque for prayers since childhood, expressed his concern over the rising tensions, especially considering past events where Muslim homes have been bulldozed or subjected to fake FIRs and arrests. This controversy has been artificially created. We have been offering prayers here for decades, and the number of worshippers on Fridays has always been the same, he said.

Another local, Ali Jan, said, We, as peace-loving Muslims, have no complaints against the police or administration. However, the unnecessary locking of the mosque should be addressed promptly. We hope that the situation will return to normal and that peace will prevail once again in Bhojubeer.
HA NOI Viet Nam has imposed anti-dumping measures on some wind turbine towers imported from the Peoples Republic of China, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT).

The measures, outlined in Decision No. 3453/Q-BCT by the MoIT, will last for five years. The ministry said the anti-dumping measures were the appropriate response to dumped imports and parts of Viet Nams efforts to address the harm caused to its domestic industries.

An investigation by the Vietnamese Trade Remedies Authority has concluded that some Chinese exporters had sold wind turbine towers in Viet Nam at unfairly low prices. These imports, classified under HS codes 7308.20.11 and 7308.20.19, or under HS codes 8502.31.10 and 8502.31.20 when imported as components of wind-powered generator systems, were found to be undermining the domestic market.

Wind turbine towers are critical parts of wind-powered generator systems. They connect the tower base to the nacelle housing the turbine, supporting the turbine and blades while bearing operational loads. These towers typically account for 5 to 7 per cent of the total value of a complete system.

The authority stressed the importance of the competitive strength of Viet Nams domestic wind turbine tower industry as a key manufacturer, part of one of the worlds leading production groups, accounts for 15 per cent of global wind power capacity. Vietnamese companies have exported large quantities of products to major markets such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Australia, Japan and South Korea.

Evidence gathered during the investigation has showed Chinese dumped imports severely undermined Vietnamese domestic industries. Indicators such as production output, market share, sales volume, revenue, profits, and industry employment fell to their lowest level during the investigation period.

The measures are to come into effect 15 days after the issuance of the Decision, dated December 24.

In addition, wind turbine towers imported from other countries or regions are not subject to this decision. The Trade Remedies Authority will continue to monitor and review the anti-dumping duties on Chinese-origin wind turbine towers, underscoring the countrys commitment to protecting its domestic industries. VNS
HA NOI/MUAN  State President Luong Cuong on Sunday sent a message of condolences to Acting President of the Republic of Korea (RoK) Choi Sang-mok over the Jeju Air plane crash which caused multiple fatalities and injuries earlier the same day.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son also extended his condolences to RoK's foreign minister Cho Tae-yul.

The tragic plane crash Sunday morning at Muan International Airport has claimed at least 177 lives as of 7pm., with authorities warning the death toll could rise to 179 in what is RoK's worst domestic aviation disaster to date.

Jeju Air flight 7C 2216, a Boeing 737-800 carrying 181 passengers and crew, was attempting to land when it veered off the runway. Five minutes after the pilot signalled mayday, the plane collided with the perimeter fence and burst into flames, according to the RoK's Transport Ministry.

According to the Jeonnam Fire Services Headquarters on Sunday, it was unlikely that search efforts would yield any more survivors besides the two people already rescued, who were reported to be crew members, one male and one female.

Among the 177 bodies recovered, 57 people had been identified. The crashed flight carried passengers of various age groups, including families travelling abroad for year-end holidays, authorities said.

The ill-fated flight had a total of 175 passengers and six crew members. Two of the passengers were Thai nationals, identified as women in their 20s and 40s.

The authorities pledged to recover the remaining bodies and said they would coordinate with bereaved families to facilitate funeral arrangements in accordance with their preferences.

No additional survivors had been found among the passengers, and the condition of the wreckage suggested that hopes for more survivors were slim, fire authorities said in a briefing to the families of those on board.

The aircraft's fuselage was completely destroyed in the crash, making the identification of victims extremely difficult. Rescue teams were continuing their efforts to locate the remains of missing passengers, while temporary mortuaries had been set up to house the bodies recovered.

The Transport Ministry said the runway at Muan International Airport will be closed until January 1, 2025, less than a month since Jeju Air resumed regular international flights from the airport that had been suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic. Flight 7C 2216, the airliner that crashed, travelled between Bangkok and Muan four times a week.

How the crash occurred

The aircraft departed from Bangkok at 1.30am. and was scheduled to land in Muan at 8.30am. However, the control tower at Muan International Airport issued a bird strike warning to the Jeju Air flight moments before the crash, the RoK's transport ministry confirmed in a third briefing on Sunday.

During its first landing attempt on runway No. 1 at roughly 8.54am, the plane failed to land and performed a go-around, a maneouver in which a pilot aborts a landing and returns to the air to try again.

According to the ministry, the airport's control tower alerted the flight crew about potential bird strike risks at 8.57am. Just one minute later, at 8.58am, the pilot of the ill-fated aircraft issued a mayday distress signal.

The plane attempted an emergency landing on runway No 19 at approximately 9am but crashed three minutes later, at 9.03am, while attempting a belly landing without functional landing gear. A belly landing, also known as a gear-up landing, is an emergency maneuver in which an aircraft lands on its underside, or belly, without its landing gear fully extended.

Unable to decelerate fully, the plane struck airport perimeter fences at speed, resulting in its destruction and an instant fire, according to the authorities. The pilot of the crashed plane was reported to have been working for Jeju Air since March 2019, and had over 6,820 hours of flight time. The co-pilot was reported to have flown over 1,650 hours and took the position in February 2023.

Over 1,560 emergency personnel, including 490 firefighters, 450 police officials and 340 military personnel, were deployed to the site. The fire was controlled within 43 minutes, and rescue efforts began from the rear of the aircraft.

Initial investigations pointed to a bird strike as the likely cause of the landing gear malfunction.

Jeju Air Co. President Kim E-bae expressed his sympathy and apologized to the passengers who lost their lives and their bereaved families in the aftermath of the tragic crash, pledging full cooperation with the government to uncover the cause of the accident.

A Jeju Air representative also noted that the crashed aircraft, a 15-year-old Boeing 737-800, had no prior history of accidents.

Special disaster zone

RoK's Acting President Choi Sang-mok has announced a week-long national mourning period until January 4, 2025.

Choi, who also serves as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, designated Muan as a special disaster zone.

The designation of a special disaster zone, as outlined under the Framework Act on Disaster and Safety Management, allows for enhanced administrative, financial and medical support in affected regions. This includes emergency relief, disaster recovery plans, and financial aid for victims and their families.

Under this designation, joint investigation teams comprising disaster management agencies will conduct assessments and draft a recovery plan tailored to the severity of the disaster. These measures aim to expedite both immediate relief and long-term rehabilitation for affected individuals and communities.  VNA/THE KOREA HERALD/ANN
HA NOI  Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Sunday called for a continuation of reviewing and adjusting in the rearrangement of the apparatus to ensure it is streamlined, compact, strong, operates efficiently and effectively, improves the quality of public employees.

Giving instructions at the conference on reviewing the implementation of the 12th Central Committees Resolution No 18-NQ/TW on innovating and reorganising the political system, the PM emphasised that the apparatus re-arrangement must reduce intermediaries, but must not overlap or omit functions, tasks and powers.

He acknowledged the spirit and high responsibility of the Steering Committee members, especially the Ministry of Home Affairs  the Government Steering Committee Standing Agency.

Regarding the merging of a number of ministries, ministerial-level agencies and Government agencies, the PM requested that they continue studying and submitting suitable plans.

In parallel with the structure and personnel re-arrangement, it is necessary to review and address existing problems within these units.

For ministries, ministerial-level agencies and Government agencies with "clear, proven correct, and agreed upon by the majority" arrangement plans, they should complete dossiers to submit to the competent authority for decision.

PM Chinh directed the consideration of transferring some committees to be managed by ministries and implementation of policies for public employees during the process of restructuring the apparatus.

Especially, organisations must have policies to encourage officials to go to the grassroots.

Believing that reorganising the apparatus is difficult, the PM requested the Steering Committee members to promote a sense of responsibility and focus on implementation to ensure progress and quality according to the set requirements.

During the conference, the Steering Committee focused on reviewing its work, discussing tasks of the Government Party Committee and the establishment of the Government Party Committee directly under the Central Party Committee.

They also reviewed the internal criteria for arrangement of ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and agencies under the Government; and the policies for workers in the apparatus re-arrangement.

The representatives discussed the development of decrees regulating functions, tasks, powers and organisational structures of ministries, ministerial-level agencies and Government agencies.

Particularly, ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and Government agencies that will be merged will soon complete these decrees after receiving comments from the Central Steering Committee.

According to the Steering Committee, reorganising the political system's apparatus has been urgently carried out by ministries and agencies, and the work has basically been finished.

Accordingly, it is expected that the Government's apparatus will be streamlined from 30 to 21 focal points, including 13 ministries, four ministerial-level agencies, and four Government-attached agencies.

Ministries and agencies also reorganise their internal apparatus; linking the reorganisation with streamlining their staff and improving staff quality.

It is expected to reduce 12 out of 13 general departments and equivalents; 500 departments and equivalents under ministries and general departments; 177 departments under ministries and agencies; and 190 public service units.

Ministries and agencies have submitted and solicited comments on the draft decrees regulating their functions, tasks, powers, and organisational structure.

Besides, 63 provinces and cities have also arranged their apparatus in line with the Government's arrangement.  VNS
HA NOI  Russia is willing to enhance the practical cooperation with Viet Nam across multiple fields to continue the long-standing relations between the two countries, according to Russian Ambassador to Viet Nam Gennady S. Bezdetko.

A recent review of Viet Nam-Russia cooperation in 2024 showed that their bilateral ties have seen progress at various levels, notably with the state visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to the Southeast Asian nation in June 2024.

A joint statement and 15 cooperation documents were signed during this visit, which created momentum for legislative and executive bodies as well as parties and public organisations, said Bezdetko.

In September of the same year, Vietnamese National Assembly (NA) Chairman Tran Thanh Man paid a visit to Russia for the third meeting of the Inter-Parliamentary Commission for Cooperation between the Russian State Duma and the Vietnamese NA, resulting in an agreement to bolster collaboration between the two legislative bodies.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh also travelled to Russia to attend the expanded BRICS Summit in Kazan in October.

Ambassador Bezdetko noted that the meeting between PM Chinh and President Putin on the sidelines of the summit took place in an atmosphere of warmth and trust, yielding significant directions for enhancing bilateral ties.

Steady growth was also reported in trade and economic cooperation, especially with the effective operation of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, and Technical Cooperation, which celebrated its 25th anniversary of establishment in Moscow in September in the presence of Vietnamese Deputy PM Tran Hong Ha and his Russian counterpart Dmitry N. Chernyshenko.

Viet Nam and Russia are drafting a comprehensive plan for bilateral cooperation to 2030, with a roadmap focusing on trade and investment, industry, energy, transportation, information technology, science and education.

Economic cooperation

The strong bilateral relations and high-level political trust are contributing to the robust development of mutually beneficial business cooperation between the two countries, according to Viacheslav Kharinov, Russian Trade Representative in Viet Nam.

Russian businesses are actively expanding operations and investment in Africa, Latin America and Asia, especially the Southeast Asian markets, said Kharinov as he spoke to the press about Russias export-focused policies.

Despite the complex global situation, Viet Nam and Russia reported positive results in trade turnover in terms of both conventional and emerging products.

We can see growth in business activities, which has attained certain successes, and high potential in a range of joint projects across various sectors, said Kharinov.

The two countries continue to see success in oil and gas cooperation, with the joint venture Vietsovpetro, established in 1981, celebrating the extraction of its 250-millionth tonne of oil in June 2024.

Russian automotive manufacturer GAZ has sold about 2,500 vehicles to the Vietnamese market since it opened a production line in central a Nang City at the end of 2020. Russias leading car manufacturer AvtoVAZ is also looking into entering this Southeast Asian countrys market.

In addition to the automobile industry, the two countries also have great potential to expand cooperation in healthcare, pharmaceuticals as well as IT, said the Russian Trade Representative in Viet Nam.

Data from the General Department of Viet Nam Customs showed that in the first 11 months of 2024, trade turnover between Viet Nam and Russia reached US$4.15 billion, of which Russias exports to Viet Nam were $2.03 billion and imports from Viet Nam were $2.12 billion.

Russias top exports to Viet Nam are coal, fertilisers and seafood products, while Viet Nams key exports to Russia are textiles and garments, machinery and coffee products.

In addition to the Free Trade Agreement between Viet Nam and Eurasian Economic Union (VNEAEU FTA) that took effect in 2016, Viet Nam also takes part in 16 other agreements that aimed at simplifying customs procedures.

Promoting mutually beneficial industrial cooperation will create new momentum for the development of non-resource, non-energy exports from Russia to the markets of other countries in the region, while also introducing new goods and opportunities into Viet Nams trade and economy, said Kharinov.

Last year, at the 24th meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, and Technical Cooperation, the two sides discussed improving the implementation of the VNEAEU FTA as well as feasible measures to increase bilateral trade turnover by 2025.

One of the priorities for bilateral economic and trade cooperation is to ensure transactions between Russian and Vietnamese businesses. In this situation, the Viet Nam-Russia Joint Venture Bank (VRB) has established a payment system using local currencies.

In regard to energy collaboration, in the context of Viet Nams plan to resume the Ninh Thuan Nuclear Power project, ambassador Bezdetko reiterated Russias readiness to assist Viet Nam in nuclear energy development. In the past, about 300 Vietnamese nationals have been sent to Russian universities to pursue nuclear energy studies.

Cultural and educational exchanges

Along with promoting political and economic ties, cultural and educational exchanges between Viet Nam and Russia were also a priority for cooperation.

The majority of these activities were carried out by the Russian Centre of Science and Culture in Ha Noi, which has been active for over two decades, said the centres director Vladimir V. Murashkin.

The centre, commonly known as the 'Russian House', has become a vibrant hub for cultural exchange, offering exhibitions, film screenings, language lessons and contests, discussions as well as various chamber music concerts.

Russia continues to offer 1,000 government scholarships for Vietnamese students every year, said Murashkin.

The year 2025 will mark major celebrations for both countries, notably the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, the 50th anniversary of Viet Nams reunification, the 80th anniversary of Viet Nams Independence Day, and the 80th anniversary of the victory over fascism.

Bezdetko noted that both countries foreign ministries are coordinating to organise various events, including delegation exchanges, press conferences, roundtable discussions, art performances and cultural exhibitions.

The Russian ambassador said: Our achievements clearly reflect the common stance of both sides in promoting a comprehensive strategic partnership, as well as the alignment of our views on current issues in the regional and international agenda, which facilitating the further strengthening of our relations.  VNS
Melissa Solorzano and her daughter, Sofia Solorzano, 4, view the eclipse at Levy Park, 3801 Eastside St., Monday, Aug. 21, 2017, in Houston. The event at the park was sponsored by the Levy Park Conservancy and the Lunar Planetary Institute. Melissa Phillip/Houston Chronicle

Reeling from a divisive and turbulent election season, many of us seek spaces of solace, light, unity and worship as we turn toward the winter holidays. The cosmos and its reflection within us harbor such spaces.

By viewing and embracing scientific insights through the lens of humanity, you form a connection with your place in the universe. And when you do so, a window opens into the sacred space of our profoundly united existence.

Earlier this year, a celestial event cast its splendor along a belt traversing our nation  the total solar eclipse. During totality, day turned to night. The suns corona blazed around its darkened disc. A moment so visceral, unwitting animals could palpably feel it. Transcending age, walks of life, race and politics, the eclipse brought millions together in a communion of cosmic wonder.

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In my family of three generations, some drove from Illinois to Indiana, while others traveled from India in time for the event. Our shared experience formed immediate bonds with hitherto unknown friends.

As a scientist, the eclipse also offered me spectacular links to two modern revolutionary branches of physics that have completely changed our perception of nature: relativity and quantum physics. As my late black-hole-physicist father would delight in sharing, a solar eclipse was needed to demonstrate the bending of light around the sun, sealing predictions of Albert Einsteins relativity in 1919. As for the quantum revolution, its technological marvels are part of our daily lives: lasers, semiconducting circuit elements, MRI machines and more.

A practicing quantum physicist, I rejoice at the unity of our common quest. Scholars come together from across the world to the United States, collaborating, learning, mentoring. Just as my parents did  my mother, a biophysicist  half a century ago. During the eclipse, I felt a heightened awe for the phenomenon that sparked this revolution.

Humans and stars radiate light in the same way. An ever-present miracle on Earth  we are all perfectly glowing beings in our unhindered outpouring!

What is this universal light? Blackbody radiation, as physicists call it, is the common pattern of light that emanates from stars, heated metal, the universe and you and me.

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We are all effulgent blackbodies. Our radiation pattern depends only on the bodys intrinsic temperature. For a star, it peaks in the visible range and depending on its temperature, appears anything from red to blue in the rainbow spectrum. For mammals, reflecting a similar body temperature across species, the radiation peaks in the infrared. Through an infrared camera, we can perceive our glowing warmth.

Our Earth, too, is nearly a blackbody. Save for the atmosphere  a thin veneer trapping heat and balancing a temperature range that sustains life. A delicate balance that we humans can disrupt by pumping this veneer with emissions.

Quantum physics grew from contemplating this universal pattern. Understanding it required re-envisioning light not as a wave, but as a bundle of energy, a photon. This seed gave way to mind-boggling notions and theories that explain so much of the world, starting with our current description of the atom. Today, quantum science thrives splendidly across the globe. Looking ahead, the U.S. National Quantum Initiative passed as an act of Congress with bipartisan support, meaning that throughout 2025, the world will celebrate a United Nations International Year, commemorating a century of quantum science and its wonders.

The seed that gave birth to all this brings alive a luminous sacred space. The universe, the stars, humans  all mirroring one another in radiance. A sacred space of awe and care as you might find in nature  lying in a pine forest, walking by a mountain range, immersing in the oceans infinity. Or in an act of worship  praying together beneath a spire or dome, meditating in a sanctum, dancing in spiritual ecstasy, feeding a child, creating patterns of colored chalk powder to be blown away by the wind. We are here as but one burst in space and time. Contemplating our mortality, do we not hold the sacred all the more precious?

In the afterglow of Christmas, I invite you into this space. An invocation that can bring joy, universal love and gratitude. A contemplation that comes as a prayer. On the veneer of the Earth, just as the celestial sphere is riddled with a billion blazing stars, we form a human galaxy of glowing beings. Nodes of an interconnected complex web. Connecting in the smiles of strangers passing by, in our exchanges, our altercations included, in a shoulder to rest on in moments of deep pain, in a shared meal, in an embrace.

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HA NOI  Viet Nam has rapidly positioned itself in the global veterinary vaccine industry, achieving remarkable milestones in combating critical animal diseases.

Key breakthroughs include the production of the avian influenza vaccine (Navet-Vifluvac) in 2012, the blue-ear disease vaccine in 2015, the foot-and-mouth disease vaccine in 2018, the rabies vaccine in 2019, and most notably, the African swine fever vaccine (NAVET-ASFVAC and AVAC ASF LIVE) in 2022.

Speaking at a workshop on the application of new advances in veterinary vaccines in Viet Nam, held in Ha Noi on Sunday, Nguyen Thi Thanh Thuy, Head of the Department of Science, Technology and Environment under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, highlighted the significance of Viet Nam's achievements. She noted that the successful production and export of the AVAC ASF LIVE vaccine by AVAC Viet Nam Joint Stock Company to five countries marked a globally recognised milestone.

With our accomplishments and growing international reputation, Viet Nam is well-positioned to continue innovating and developing new vaccines to protect animal health and ensure consumer safety. By mobilising social resources and fostering enterprise participation, Viet Nams veterinary and livestock sectors are equipped to adopt advanced technologies and create modern vaccines, Thuy said.

The event, organised by the Department of Animal Health, the Department of Science, Technology and Environment, and Nong Nghiep Viet Nam (Vietnam Agriculture) newspaper, gathered experts and businesses to exchange experiences and discuss cutting-edge scientific research. Key topics included enhancing Viet Nams capacity for safe and effective disease responses, optimising vaccine costs, reducing production expenses for farmers, and improving livestock quality.

Nguyen Van Long, Director of the Department of Animal Health, stressed Viet Nams readiness to collaborate internationally in the research, development, and transfer of next-generation veterinary vaccine technologies. He underscored the prioritisation of importing vaccines for urgent and emerging diseases such as lumpy skin disease and Mycoplasma synoviae arthritis while addressing the specific needs of local farmers and businesses.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Department of Animal Health are actively encouraging domestic vaccine producers to expand exports, aiming to solidify Viet Nams reputation as a trusted partner in the global veterinary sector.

As of now, 5.9 million doses of the African swine fever vaccine have been supplied to the market. Navetco has produced 2.2 million doses, distributing nearly 700,000 domestically and exporting 7,000 doses, with plans to produce an additional 150,000 doses. Meanwhile, AVAC has produced over 3.7 million doses, supplying 2.9 million domestically and exporting more than 460,000 doses.

Le Toan Thang, Head of the Veterinary Medicine Management Division, noted that Viet Nam is home to 92 GMP-WHO-certified veterinary medicine production facilities, including 12 specialising in vaccines. With investments ranging from US$30 to 40 million per factory, major players such as Vaksindo, Hanvet, Navetco, and Dabaco are leading production efforts.

Viet Nam also boasts seven biosafety level-III laboratories and maintains robust international collaborations with organisations such as the FAO and WOAH, enabling the adoption of advanced vaccine technologies.

Currently, 12 domestic enterprises manufacture 218 GMP-WHO-standard veterinary vaccines, supplemented by 340 imported varieties to meet demand. In 2024 alone, Viet Nam produced and imported substantial quantities of essential vaccines, including 739 million doses of avian influenza vaccine and 46 million doses of foot-and-mouth disease vaccine.

Long highlighted the critical role of domestic vaccine production in addressing the increasing prevalence of animal diseases, exacerbated by Viet Nams long borders and growing trade and travel activities.

Global advancements in vaccine technology present Viet Nam with opportunities for learning and collaboration. Our scientific and technological progress has elevated Viet Nams vaccine production capabilities to international standards, Long said.

He called for stronger cooperation among veterinary and livestock departments, enterprises, and researchers to control dangerous infectious diseases.

Vaccination remains a cornerstone for effective disease control, he added.  VNS
TOKYO  Japans defence spending for fiscal 2025 will increase to a record high of 8.7 trillion (US$55 billion), up 9.4 per cent from the previous year, after the government approved a draft defence budget.

The budget, which includes funding for the Digital Agency and US military reorganisation, has risen for the 13th straight year as the country seeks to deter China and North Korea as they continue expanding their military capabilities.

The government aims to use the increase in spending to strengthen the countrys counterattack capabilities through the introduction of long-range missiles and by developing a satellite network.

Japan faces national security circumstances which are the most serious and complicated since the end of World War II, Japanese defence minister Gen Nakatani said during a meeting at the defence ministry on Friday. It is an urgent task to fundamentally strengthen defence capabilities.

The government is pushing forward with its plan to allocate a total of about 43 trillion for defence spending over a five-year period which started in fiscal 2023. The next fiscal year marks the third year of the plan.

The government is looking to acquire counterattack capabilities for self-defence purposes, such as gaining the ability to strike enemy missile bases.

In the proposed budget, 16.8 billion is earmarked for the introduction of a new type of ship-launched missile which is an improved version of the Ground Self-Defence Forces Type 12 surface-to-ship guided missile.

The government will also begin research to develop equipment that can launch long-range missiles vertically from submarines.

The budget also allocates 283.2 billion to build a satellite constellation network  small satellites grouped together  which will work together as eyes of the counterattack capabilities to identify attack targets. The satellites will be launched one by one starting at the end of fiscal 2025 and the constellation is set to begin operating in fiscal 2027.  THE JAPAN NEWS/ANN
MANILA  The number of firecracker-related injuries in the Philippines ahead of New Year celebrations rose to 142, the Filipino Department of Health (DOH) said on Sunday.

According to the DOHs latest report, 17 new injuries were recorded between 6am Saturday, December 28, and 6am Sunday, December 29.

The current total of 142 injuries was recorded from 62 sentinel hospitals monitored by the DOH nationwide since December 22.

One hundred four (73 percent) ng kaso ay dulot ng iligal na paputok, partikular ay boga, 5-star at piccolo, kung saan 85 (60 percent) ng kaso ay aktibong gumamit ng paputok, the DOJ said.

(One hundred four cases or 73 per cent were caused by illegal firecrackers  particularly boga, 5-star, and piccolo  with 85 cases or 60 per cent involving active firecracker users.)

Of the total injuries, the DOH said 115 were aged 19 and below, and 127 were males.

The DOH also noted that the 142 injuries due to firecrackers are 35 per cent higher than the 105 recorded during the same period in 2023.  THE INQUIRER/ANN
Millions in unspent S106 developer contributions held by councils across Wales

This article is old - Published: Sunday, Dec 29th, 2024

Millions of pounds is held by councils across Wales ready to spend for community and infrastructure projects, following contributions from developers.

Back in October we reported how Wrexham Council had received more than 1.8m in developer contributions in the last three years. However, none of the money allocated for new community infrastructure between 2022 and 2024 has been spent, according to figures obtained by Wrexham.com.

Now further data received earlier this year gives a wider context to that sum across Wales. Section 106 money is negotiated between developers and local authorities to benefit communities by providing funding for things like affordable housing, education, public open space and roads.

Key Findings by Council

Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council

37,752 was received in 2022-23 for education, and 60,000 was received in 2023-24 for leisure. Both amounts remain unspent, though the latter has been committed to a future project. No repayments were recorded.

Gwynedd Council

Contributions included 8,911 for playing fields and parks, 12,667 for affordable housing, and 20,000 for highways in 2021-22. None of these sums had been spent as of the response date, with a total of 89,491 appearing unspent or uncommitted across three years.

Ceredigion Council

Funds received included 68,000 for commuted sums in Aberystwyth Holiday Village and 26,750 for land in Ffosyffin. Notably, 6,444 was spent on childrens play equipment in Talybont Fields .

Swansea Council

Swansea received substantial contributions through S106 agreements over the three financial years queried, with payments directed toward education, highways, affordable housing, and public amenities. Key details of major contributions include:

Education Projects: 650,000 for Hendrefoilan Student Village was allocated for primary school provision. This contribution is part of a phased plan to support local education needs, tied to the occupation milestones of the development. 247,500 was contributed for Parc Ceirw Quarry , with funds designated to expand educational facilities and improve access to schools. This is one of two major installments tied to residential milestones, including a second payment of 502,500.

Highways Improvements: 87,264 was allocated for upgrades to junctions near Bryn Hawddgar , focusing on improving traffic flow at Gellionen Road, Vadre Road, and Lone Road. 66,000 for road safety measures near the Former Pines Country Club site, including a pedestrian crossing and traffic calming in the Treboeth area.

Affordable Housing: 93,000 was received for affordable housing linked to the Former Bible College site at Derwen Fawr Road. The funds were designated to offset the lack of on-site affordable housing provision in this high-demand area.

Other Community Projects: 50,000 was allocated for improvements to Key Stage 4 facilities at YG Y Gwyr secondary school, tied to the Glebe Road development in Loughor. 30,000 for Parc Ceirw Quarry was allocated for a school-specific travel plan, including walking bus schemes, cycle proficiency training, and improved cycle parking.



Totals for Swansea:

Total Contributions Received: 4,152,841.67

4,152,841.67 Major Allocations: Education: Over 1.5 million Highways: 400,000+ Affordable Housing: 93,000



Cardiff Council

Cardiff saw several million of S106 allocations (Affordable Housing: 6m+, Education: 2.5 million+, Highways and Transportation: 4 million+, Community Facilities: 1 million+ , Public Open Space: 1 million+).

Affordable Housing: St Edeyrns Village: 3,701,562.40 allocated for affordable housing. This development in northeast Cardiff has been a key contributor to the citys housing goals, with remaining balances reflecting ongoing phased payments. Churchlands, Lisvane: 1,636,918.89 designated for affordable housing. These funds aim to support housing demand in one of Cardiffs largest residential expansions.

Education : Plasdwr, South of Pentrebane Road: 1,018,173.49 received for schools in the area, ensuring facilities keep pace with the population growth from this major development. Eastern High School, Newport Road: 906,952.27 for expanding educational facilities linked to nearby residential growth.

Highways and Transportation: Churchlands, Lisvane: 1,150,339.53 for highway improvements, including new roads and better traffic management for this growing suburb. Goitre Fach Farm: 462,742.17 allocated for local transport infrastructure to accommodate increased development-related traffic.

Community Facilities: BBC Wales, Llantrisant Road: 393,068.54 allocated for community infrastructure to complement the redevelopment of the broadcasting center into residential and mixed-use spaces.

Public Open Space: Land North of Lisvane Road: 153,955.19 for parks and green spaces to ensure the community benefits from recreational areas amid urban development.



Monmouthshire County Council

Monmouthshire received substantial 861k S106 contributions over the three years in question, allocated for a range of projects, but much of the funding remains unspent. Key figures include: Education: 439,286 was received for primary school places at the Sudbrook Paper Mill development. None of this has been spent, but the council has committed the funds to future use. Affordable Housing: 5,000 was received for affordable housing at Holman House, Caldicot. This payment has been received and remains available for future projects. Play Areas and Community Improvements: 100,000 was allocated to improve the Rockfield View play area, with 101,953.10 currently held in the councils accounts. Transport and Connectivity: 200,000 was received for the Magor Rail Station project 87,500 was allocated to develop public transport infrastructure, including improvements to bus services linked to the Rockfield Farm development. Footpaths: 30,000 was earmarked for a footpath linking the Deri Farm site to Hereford Road in Abergavenny.



Neath Port Talbot Council

Open Space and Play Areas: 283k relating to development Land Off Meadow Road Eaglesbush Valley 18,240 was allocated for open space and play improvements linked to planning application P2021/0780 in 2022-23, with the total still unpaid. 27,170 was allocated for open space, play, and Welsh language provisions in 2021-22 under planning application Former Gwaun Cae Gurwen County Primary School.

Affordable Housing: 13,302 was earmarked in 2021-22 for affordable housing and open space under planning application P2020/1071. The full amount is still outstanding. 23,952 was allocated for open space and affordable housing in 2022-23 under planning application P2022/0515, with payment pending.

Highways Improvements: 60,000 was received in 2023-24 for highways-related projects under planning application P2022/1040. These funds have been retained for future use.



Powys County Council

Payments totaling over 711,000 were received, including contributions for sewerage in Ardleen improvements and affordable housing contributions. 388k was marked as spent  and none repaid.

Denbighshire County Council

Denbighshire received significant contributions under S106 agreements over the past three financial years, primarily allocated for community infrastructure projects. Key data include:

Contributions Received: 339,002.38 was received in 2021-22. 222,524.22 was received in 2022-23. 6,186.09 was received in 2023-24.

Spending Details: 123,053.70 was spent in 2021-22, leaving 215,948.68 committed but unspent. 114,498.09 was spent in 2022-23, with 108,026.13 committed but unspent. None of the funds received in 2023-24 have been spent, with 6,186.09 still committed.

Repayments: No amounts have been repaid across the three years.



Pembrokeshire County Council

Pembrokeshire received significant contributions under S106 agreements over the past three financial years, primarily for affordable housing, transportation, education, and public open spaces. Key data include:

Contributions Received: Affordable Housing: 3,528,057.52 Transportation: 242,215.13 Education: 268,598.83 Public Open Space: 174,504.73

Spending Details: Affordable Housing: Only 15,262.50 spent, with 3,512,795.04 unspent and not committed. Transportation: 13,654.53 spent, leaving 228,560.60 unspent and not committed. Education: 6,845 spent, with 261,753.83 unspent and not committed. Public Open Space: 4,382.67 spent, leaving 170,122.06 unspent and not committed.



Some councils referred requests to publicly available data instead of providing direct responses. The Vale of Glamorgan and Conwy councils, for example, directed inquiries to their websites eg. this page on VoG.

Several councils failed to respond to the FOI request, including Carmarthenshire, Flintshire , Caerphilly, Isle of Anglesey, and Rhondda Cynon Taf councils.

Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council said We have not received any S106 funds during the past 3 financial years and Torfaen County Borough Council appeared to have a zero response.

Newport sent PDFs with apparent data embedded in a .doc format that wasnt readable.

In September last year, the Home Builders Federation (HBF) published a report on unspent developer contributions.

The report was based on FOI responses from 171 local authorities in England and Wales, which collectively held a total of 1.4 billion in unspent Section 106 agreements.

A total of 14 Welsh local authorities responded to the FOI request, accounting for a total of 71.4m in unspent contributions  an average of 5.1m per council.

A Welsh Local Government Association paper looking at the reasons for the unspent money states: Councils in Wales remain committed to spending S106 money in an appropriate manner to deliver the requisite infrastructure in accordance with the S106 agreements and have sufficient oversight to ensure this happens.

The figures referenced in the report only relate to financial contributions and do not include in kind obligations (where the developer builds the infrastructure), which make a significant contribution to infrastructure provision, including the delivery of affordable homes, schools, community facilities and open spaces on our strategic housing sites.

Contributions, due to the nature of the projects that they are used to fund, usually take over a year to spend, which is why the amount held can appear high and why S106 agreements typically provide an expenditure period of between five to ten years.

Some of the reasons for this include lead times for large scale projects/strategic infrastructure, securing additional funding and community-based projects.

They added: The report recommends that local authorities should publish an easily digestible summary of their annual reports on their websites, which include details of how money from developers is being spent.

This is something that is currently under consideration by a number of local authorities in Wales.
K tc x vung bin tai x Tam Quang, huyen Tuong Duong (Nghe An). Anh: TTXVN phat Chap cnh nhung uoc mo Tai Nghe An hien c 2 m hnh K tc x vng bin do cc on Bin phng trien khai, o au at tai x Tam Quang (Tuong Duong) v Truong Trung hoc co......[Nhieu Hon...]

2025-02-25
Jimmy Carter never wanted to be a celebrity.

A politician, yes: He wanted to effect change, mostly in compassionate human connection  as governor of Georgia from 1971 to 1975 to end racial discrimination, and as the 39th U.S. president from 1977 to 1981 to bring peace in the Middle East.

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But the former peanut farmer, who died at 100 at home in Plains, Georgia, after publicly announcing on Feb. 18, 2023, according to his son James E. Carter III, he was starting home hospice care, saw himself as a man of the people. Long ago, he made arrangements to be buried in front of his home, after a funeral in Washington, D.C., and visitation at The Carter Center in Atlanta. He will be laid to rest with his wife of 77 years, Rosalynn, who died Nov. 19, 2023, at the age of 96.

He was the oldest living president in U.S. history after George H.W. Bush died in 2018 at 94. And he had beat some long odds.

I have had a wonderful life, he told reporters in August 2015 after being diagnosed with liver and brain cancer at age 90. Im ready for anything, and Im looking forward to new adventure. It is in the hands of God, whom I worship.

Beating the cancer odds

But instead of living only a few weeks, as was his prognosis, Carter soon was back teaching Sunday school at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, which hed done since leaving the White House. In December 2015, after receiving treatment with a combination of the new immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab and radiation therapy, he said that his cancer was gone.

James Earl Carter Jr. was born Oct. 1, 1924, the first U.S. president born in a hospital. He grew up on his parents farm in Plains, which today has a population of a little more than 700 residents.

An industrious child, Carter was an accomplished carpenter and blacksmith by age 12. In his teen years, on an acre of farmland his father had given him, he grew peanuts, which he packaged and sold.

That allowed him to buy a parcel of tenant housing, which he rented to others.

President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter dance at a White House Congressional Ball. Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

While attending the U.S. Naval Academy, he fell in love with Rosalynn Smith, a friend of his sister. The two wed in 1946, after his graduation.

Asking Rosalynn to marry me was the best decision of his life, Carter said, noting after she passed that his wife was an equal partner in everything he accomplished.
A Breakthrough in Endometriosis Diagnosis - new PromarkerEndo blood test results published



Breakthrough Results for Endometriosis Diagnostic Blood Test

Perth, Dec 30, 2024 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Proteomics International Laboratories Ltd ( ASX:PIQ ), a pioneer in precision diagnostics, is pleased to announce the publication of new results in the journal Human Reproduction showing its PromarkerEndo blood test can diagnose all stages of endometriosis with high accuracy.



- Plasma protein biomarker panel identifies all stages of endometriosis with high accuracy



- Refined PromarkerEndo blood test able to distinguish healthy individuals and symptomatic cases from early stages of disease



- A prototype PromarkerEndo model achieved excellent diagnostic performance across earlier disease stages and a near perfect accuracy in distinguishing severe endometriosis from symptomatic controls



- Results from a study of 805 participant samples published in the prestigious medical journal Human Reproduction



- The test has potential application in the context of fertility where there is approximately a three-fold increased incidence of endometriosis in otherwise healthy women undergoing fertility treatments



- Endometriosis affects one in nine women and girls and currently diagnosis typically takes an average of 7 years



Endometriosis, a chronic condition affecting millions of women worldwide, often takes an average of seven years to diagnose due to the reliance on invasive laparoscopy. The new study has identified a breakthrough: a novel panel of 10 plasma protein biomarkers that could revolutionise the diagnosis of this debilitating disease.



Proteomics International scientists, in collaboration with the Royal Women's Hospital and the University of Melbourne, analysed plasma samples from 805 participants across two independent clinical populations, comparing cases of endometriosis, general population controls, and symptomatic controls. Using advanced proteomics and statistical modelling, three diagnostic models were developed. The standout, Model 3, distinguished severe endometriosis from symptomatic controls with near-perfect accuracy (AUC: 0.997). It also showed excellent diagnostic performance across earlier disease stages (AUCs >0.85 for stages I-III).



The new results, published in the peer-reviewed journal Human Reproduction, build upon and extend earlier studies which demonstrated the potential of the test for diagnosing advanced stages of endometriosis in independent patient groups [ASX 24 March 2023, 5 May 2024, 1 February 2024].



Proteomics International's Managing Director Dr Richard Lipscombe said, "the integration of the PromarkerEndo blood test into clinical practice could streamline diagnosis, improve patient outcomes, and deepen the understanding of endometriosis. This advancement marks a significant step toward non-invasive, personalised care for a condition that has long been underserved by current medical approaches."



Professor Peter Rogers, Deputy Director of the Women's Gynaecology Research Centre, Research Director at the Royal Women's Hospital and the Professor of Women's Health Research in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at University of Melbourne said, "this innovation seeks to address a critical need for a non-invasive, accurate diagnostic tool for early stages of endometriosis, that could help reduce delays in diagnosis and the associated health impacts. A blood test also has potential application in the context of fertility where endometriosis is associated with an increased risk of having difficulty becoming pregnant."



Endometriosis is a common and painful disease that affects approximately one in nine women and girls, often starting in teenagers (see also PIQ Annual Report 2024). It occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows in other parts of the body where it does not belong. Endometriosis severity is classified by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine as stage I/minimal, stage II/mild, stage III/moderate and stage IV/severe.



Currently, there is no simple way to test for endometriosis, which can cause pain and infertility, and costs Australia $9.7 billion each year. The current gold standard for detection is an invasive laparoscopy followed by histopathology, a surgical procedure where a camera is inserted into the pelvis through a small cut in the abdominal wall and then a biopsy is taken for analysis.



The novel test uses biomarkers-protein 'fingerprints' in the blood-to screen for the painful condition. The PromarkerEndo diagnostic test targets potential early screening of patients to rule in or rule out the need for invasive surgery.



Next steps



The Company is pursuing multiple avenues to bring its novel blood test for endometriosis to the clinic with a target launch date of Q2 CY25 in Australia, with other jurisdictions to follow thereafter. Test status:



- Analytical methodology is being adapted for use in a clinical environment with target launch date for PromarkerEndo of Q2 CY25 in Australia.



- Diagnostic algorithm is being refined using 'traffic light' system to further improve test performance for clinical use.



- Development of the PromarkerEndo cloud-based software hub for reporting patient results has commenced.



- Clinical validation study on cohort of samples from the University of Oxford [ASX 25 March 2024] is ongoing and subject to completion of the adapted method for clinical use.



- Discussions are advancing in key markets for licensing in women's health and fertility.



- Progressing direct-to-consumer/patient (DTC/P) by leveraging the Company's framework for its predictive test for diabetic kidney disease (PromarkerD) and diagnostic test for esophageal cancer (PromarkerEso), which are planned to launch Q1, CY25 in Australia.



- Continuing to build awareness of the test with clinicians, key opinion leaders (KOL's) and advocacy groups in response to the upsurge in demand for better diagnosis of endometriosis.



- Patents pending in all major jurisdictions.



About PromarkerEndo



Proteomics International's diagnostics development is made possible by the Company's proprietary biomarker discovery platform called PromarkerTM, which searches for protein 'fingerprints' in a sample.



This disruptive technology can identify proteins that distinguish between people who have a disease and people who do not, using only a blood test. It is a powerful alternative to genetic testing.



PromarkerEndo is a diagnostic blood test for endometriosis, which could provide early screening to rule in or out the need for invasive surgery for women and girls presenting with symptoms of endometriosis. Endometriosis is a common and painful condition that affects one in nine women and girls, occurring when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows in other parts of the body where is does not belong. The current way to test for the condition is a surgical laparoscopy, with diagnosis taking an average of 7.5 years.



To view the Summary of Study, please visit:

https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/015F9WN4





About Proteomics International Laboratories Ltd





Proteomics International Laboratories (ASX:PIQ) is a wholly owned subsidiary and trading name of PILL, a medical technology company at the forefront of predictive diagnostics and bioanalytical services. The Company specialises in the area of proteomics - the industrial scale study of the structure and function of proteins. Proteomics International's mission is to improve the quality of lives by the creation and application of innovative tools that enable the improved treatment of disease.

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Alabama was covered with severe weather warnings Saturday night into Sunday morning, and the National Weather Service has collected reports of damage from the Tennessee state line all the way to the Gulf Coast.

At least three tornadoes have been confirmed as of Sunday night, according to the weather service. That number will likely climb with several storm surveys planned or ongoing.

The line of storms exited the state earlier Sunday, and no additional severe weather is anticipated for the next several days, according to forecasts from the Storm Prediction Center.

The National Weather Service offices across Alabama spent Sunday compiling damage reports and making plans for more storm surveys.

The surveyors have confirmed three tornadoes so far, two EF1s and an EF0. The EF1s were in Limestone and Lamar counties, and the EF0 was in Mobile County.

The National Weather Service in Huntsville said the Limestone County tornado tracked right through downtown Athens. It had peak winds of 100 mph but did not cause any injuries. It touched down at 11:15 p.m. Saturday just southwest of the city, and it was on the ground for 3.87 miles. It was 160 yards wide at its peak, according to the weather service.

The tornado damaged numerous structures in downtown Athens and spread debris throughout the square. Numerous buildings had part of their roofs removed.

The weather service said though the Limestone County Courthouse thankfully didnt sustain any damage other than their weathervane on the dome of the roof being bent, the very large oak tree beside the staircase wasnt as fortunate; the 100-year old tree was uprooted.

The tornado also took down an iron fence at Veterans Memorial Park and hurled a helicopter that was anchored to a metal pole about 50 to 60 feet away.

See the preliminary report on the Athens tornado here.

The weather service office in Birmingham said another EF1 tornado has been confirmed in Lamar County. The data is still be reviewed, but we can confirm EF-1 tornado damage near the intersection of CR34 and Lumpkin Road at around 9:37 p.m. last night, the weather service said late Sunday. We hope to have the full results of the survey available tomorrow morning.

Other surveys are planned for Monday in Shelby, Macon, Lowndes, St. Clair and Montgomery counties.

The weather service office in Mobile also confirmed a tornado on Sunday, an EF0 in Mobile County. It touched down just before midnight Sunday and peaked with 80 mph winds. There were no injuries.

In addition, the weather service in Mobile confirmed another tornado from storms on Dec. 27. It was an EF1 with 90 mph winds. It touched down just after 2 p.m. Friday south of Dees in Mobile County. There were no injuries.

See the preliminary report on those two south Alabama tornadoes here. The weather service in Mobile said more storm surveys are planned.

The next system will bring a mostly-dry front through the state on Tuesday. No severe weather is expected.

Colder temperatures will return for the latter half of the work week, and there are signs that January could bring very cold temperatures to the U.S. Its unclear how it could affect Alabama at this point.
A storm that blew through Alabama overnight Saturday into Sunday morning took the roof off the Limestone County Courthouse and caused damage to the Square in downtown Athens. The National Weather Service in Huntsville has determined the damage was caused by an EF-1 tornado with maximum wind speeds of up to 100 mph along a path of up to 160 yards.

The roof has been blown off of the courthouse and this could have been caused by an extremely brief tornado, WAFF TV 48 meteorologist Chelsea Aaron posted on X this morning.

The town square in Athens was littered with storm damage, including downed Christmas decorations, limbs and bricks, the City of Athens reported. The Square around the courthouse remains closed Sunday morning to allow clean-up to begin.

The city estimates about a dozen downtown businesses have damage, some major. Two vehicles were damaged in the storm and trees are down on Jefferson, East and Nuclear Plant streets and other areas. Ten utility poles were also damaged.

Crews continue to clean up debris. Street Drpt. Director Dolph Bradford estimates about a dozen downtown businesses have major to minor damage; two vehicles were damaged; and trees are down on Jefferson, East, Nuclear Plant streets and other areas.

Utilities reported 10 utility poles downtown damaged.

READ MORE: Overnight storms leave damage behind across Alabama

At the height of the storm, some 2,500 homes in the Athens area were without power but that number had been cut to 750 by 8 a.m. Sunday morning, Limestone County EMA reported.

The Downtown Athens area and the Alabama Veterans Museum experienced significant wind damage last night, State Rep. Andy Whitt posted on X. Tree and power line damage were also reported in Madison and Limestone County. Were incredibly thankful there were no injuries reported. A big thank you to our EMS and public works teams for their hard work and quick response. Your dedication means everything! It was a long night for many.

The city said clean-up crews and utility workers were in the area Sunday morning.

@NWSHuntsville Damage on The Square. HVAC units & roofing material, debris, including Christmas decorations, blown into streets. Big tree down at Courthouse; old pecan tree down at Pecan Park. Utility lines/poles down at Veterans Museum; museum & park damaged pic.twitter.com/NT7v9twfO3  City of Athens, AL (@AthensAL) December 29, 2024

@NWSHuntsville brick building with museums mural gone; damage at Fire Station No. 3 and trees reported down at nearby apartments pic.twitter.com/AWRmYMnA7b  City of Athens, AL (@AthensAL) December 29, 2024

The Downtown Athens area and the Alabama Veterans Museum experienced significant wind damage last night. Tree and power line damage were also reported in Madison and Limestone County. Were incredibly thankful there were no injuries reported. A big thank you to our EMS and public pic.twitter.com/sP1gTxq54v  Representative Andy Whitt (@andy_whitt1) December 29, 2024
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Todays guest columnist is Jay Taylor.

Do lower airfares out of Atlanta really save you money?

Recently, al.com published an article about the cost of flying out of Birmingham and Huntsville, citing a study that claims Birmingham is one of the most expensive airports in the nation for travelers.

According to the writer, due to the average cost of airfare out of BHM coming in at $496.08, we should all consider nearby airports instead, i.e. Atlanta.

Wait, what?

Allow me to ask a couple of follow-ups. Why is the price tag higher at BHM? And, why doesnt the airport authority aggressively seek a major expansion here?

But first, I cant let the al.com writers suggestion go unchecked. Sure, it may have been tongue and cheek. And of course, we all seek out the best options when were pricing tickets, but Im typically surprised at the number of people who choose to fly out of Atlanta.

Lets examine the cost of air travel. According to the same source cited by al.com, the average cost of flying out of Atlanta is $403.55. Subtract that from the Shuttlesworth International Airport average and the Hartsfield savings amount to $92.53  on average.

If there are two of you traveling, of course, thats $185.06 in your favor. Not bad.

Is that worth the six hours of your valuable time driving round trip to and from Hartsfield Airport?

Before you answer, lets crunch some numbers.

According to most estimates, when you factor in fuel plus wear and tear, driving your car sets you back about 72 cents per mile. That means traveling 280 miles round trip to the Atlanta airport is gonna bite $201.60 out of your pocketbook. Ouch.

The calculations now put you in the red to the tune of $16.54 for two tickets out of Atlanta. Plus your lost time.

Not to mention, if your flight leaves early or returns late, you might find yourself with a hotel bill.

But your ticket out of BHM will almost always cost more. Why? My pedestrian understanding of supply and demand tells me that the number of flights and flight times available out of BHM arent enough for travelers here, so the prices are higher. Our airports unique selling point is location, location, location. Its close to you. Oh, and the TSA lines are much shorter.

BHMs branding and advertising is really missing the mark, though. For instance, the image carousel on their website prominently displays your ability to fly to Nashville on Southwest nonstop from Birmingham.

Nashville? Are you kidding me? Are there actually people in Birmingham who choose an hour early arrival for baggage check and security, an hour on a commercial airplane, and a rental car in Nashville all for the 1:10 daily flight  just to avoid the three-hour drive?

You can also watch videos of high-level airport officials telling you nothing about how much you can save by choosing BHM today.

While Im at it, why is there a weed-infested junkyard of Southwest planes greeting visitors to our city? Is that the first impression we want to make? (Remember, this is guest columnist Jay Taylor, not David. So sling your arrows in my direction if you want to deny these truths.)

Granted, BAA officials are reportedly growing Shuttlesworth, with new upgrades, airlines and flights being offered. Kudos. But are they thinking small, or thinking big?

Do they know that a local reporter has suggested to her readers that people in Birmingham and Huntsville leave the state for air travel?

My questions to the BAA are: What are you doing right now for a major expansion? What are you doing to secure a hub here?

Ive seen a lot of reports about a declining population in Birmingham. As we all know, throughout history, port cities are the ones that typically grow and thrive.

Early on, those port cities were on waterways. Later, railroads. Now, the ports that serve air transportation drive growth.

Passengers buy meals in hub cities. There are more flight options for people who live in hub cities. Best of all, businesses, and therefore jobs, are attracted to cities with busier airports.

Lets consider United Airlines for a moment. They fly all over the country yet their closest hub in the southeast is Houston.

Could a phone call lead to a United Airlines hub in Birmingham and major airport expansion?

Who knows?

In the meantime, Im going to make the best of what weve got, and fly out of BHM whenever possible.

I might have to wait until my layover to grab a bite to eat, though.

Bummer.

Jay Taylor is a freelance writer based in Birmingham, Alabama. He has more than 30 years of experience working in advertising, journalism, marketing, and business. He renovated Kessler Lofts with his family and cofounded the startup TabX in Birmingham. Taylor previously served as president of the Central City Neighborhood Association. Today, he lives in Homewood with his wife and two children.

David Sher is the founder and publisher of ComebackTown. Hes past Chairman of the Birmingham Regional Chamber of Commerce (BBA), Operation New Birmingham (REV Birmingham), and the City Action Partnership (CAP).

Invite David to speak for free to your group about how we can have a more prosperous metro Birmingham. dsher@comebacktown.com
ABOUT

Ferrante & Teicher were a highly acclaimed and veteran piano duo consisting of Arthur Ferrante (September 7, 1921 - September 19, 2009) and Louis Teicher (August 24, 1924 - August 3, 2008) with a signature ornate, virtuosic style who became famous during the 1960s. They are best known for their easy listening hit renditions of such movie soundtrack classics as "Theme From The Apartment" (1960), "Exodus" (1960), "Love Theme From One Eyed Jacks" (1961), "Tonight" (1961), and "Midnight Cowboy" (1969).

Ferrante and Teicher met as children in 1930 while studying at the Juilliard School of Music in New York. They began performing together while still in school and joined the Juilliard faculty after graduating. They launched a full-time concert career in 1947 playing nightclubs before moving up to perform classical music with orchestral backing. Ferrante and Teicher retired from performing in 1989, occasionally playing together at a local piano store near their respective homes on the west coast of Florida. Over the years, they recorded dozens of albums, many of which made the Billboard 200.

LINKS

All About Jazz remembers Arthur Ferrante.

Westport Now remembers Louis Teicher.

SHOP EXCLUSIVE RECORDINGS FOR FERRANTE AND TEICHER

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SONGS

To listen to a song clip, click any song title that has a speaker icon. This will take you to a list of links to CD and/or MP3 product pages from one or more online merchants that have sound samples.

Ferrante And Teicher
I dont know if youre old enough to remember the musical Brigadoon. It was about a Scottish village that disappears in the mists and only reappears once every hundred years. The District of Columbia and its federal components often remind me of that. On a local level (perhaps a tradition from pre-air conditioning days), the place is somnolent for all practical purposes in the summer and even through much of the spring. Then, just before Thanksgiving, the courts suddenly schedule hearings on cases that have been moldering for months in the clerks offices, and Congress starts to hustle to get a continuing resolution -- to cover what should have been resolved months earlier -- before the Christmas recess. Past the miasma of the damp, hot weather, the city once again is animated.

One hundred years ago, Republican Calvin Coolidge was serving out his first term in office. He was known for being anti-corruption, a proponent of small government and racial equality, and held office during the Roaring Twenties, a period of vast economic growth.

One hundred years later, the nation overwhelmingly elected Donald J. Trump for a second term of office -- broken only by a suspicious election of Joe Biden, who has proved a disaster in every conceivable sense. Bidens running mate sought the presidency upon Bidens decision (was it really his?) not to seek a second term, and she was roundly beaten at the polls.

Like Coolidge, Trump campaigned on a marked reduction of the federal government and fiscal restraint. To aid him in reducing the size of the federal government and rein in unnecessary spending, he has tapped two very successful entrepreneurs -- Vivek Ramaswamy and Elon Musk -- to create DOGE, a panel to examine government operations and recommend changes and needed cuts. This week, the same press that has consistently lied about Trump confected a split between the DOGE team and Trump. The issue is H-1B visas, temporary visas offered to those with needed skills. Those imagining a split say that Vivek and Elons support for the program conflicts with Trumps America First policies. It doesnt. Yes, their contentions rile the fringes -- the nativists who want no immigration and the open borders types who think it is elitist to give preference to skilled immigrants.

Perhaps because we are just emerging from a deep sleep where nonsensical arguments and policies were given wide credence, the debate is sloppy and uninformed. Let me try to clarify and show why, despite abuses of the program, the H-1B visa program is perfectly consistent with Trumps stated policies.

The very best statement of the relevant facts and the opportunities that abound to resolve any questions about the program is by Kaizen D. Asiedu, who graduated with a degree in philosophy from Harvard when that still meant something and has won an Emmy, a man of many talents. He thoughtfully explains all this in a video, captioned for those like me who prefer reading to viewing.

If you havent the patience to watch, here he is in short form:

55% of billion dollar+ tech companies were started by immigrants. Google + Intel + Tesla were all founded or built by immigrants. They employ 400,000+ people collectively. Percentage of workforce allowed to be H-1B is effectively capped at 15% for big tech companies. The other 85%+ is American. At Google only 5% of the workforce was H-1B renewals or petitions in 2023. The U.S. is 12/37 among first-world (OECD) nations in science. 28/37 in math. 400,000 new engineers are needed every year. A third of positions go unfilled. Short-term, we need foreign reinforcements or we will lose. Long-term, we need to improve the home team.

I understand the concern of those who feel this program displaces American workers. I have no reason to question this analysis by Grok, Xs AI search engine:

From the information available, approximately 6% of the new jobs added by S&P 100 companies in the U.S. since 2021 went to white males. This translates to about 20,524 white males out of a total of 323,094 new jobs added during that period.

I suppose this is the result of DEI policies and a reflection of the growth of non-production jobs like advertising DEI programs, public relations, and Human Resources. Still, it lends credence to those who feel that American workers, particularly white males, are being discriminated against. Moreover, theres some anecdotal evidence that cost-cutting and cronyism, more specifically, preference in H-1B program management, plays a role, and investigation and reform in the program, if true, is certainly warranted.

Its also undeniably true that, in recent decades, the quality of education, both K-12 and collegiate, has gone downhill, and the incoming administration will need to address that. But that will take time to ameliorate, and the nation cannot afford to limp along with mediocre innovations until then.

We still have the cultural atmosphere to thrive, even if we are lagging in enough qualified candidates to perform the necessary work. Im struck by this post by Cesar A. Hidalgo, who entered the U.S. from France, was an H-1B visa holder, and is now a citizen who has his own company. He explains why top scientists seek out work in the U.S -- its a culture that encourages innovative thinking:

America is a land[of] opportunity in big part because it has a fantastic work culture that values things such as relevance, communication, and simplicity. In X, international comparisons of work culture often veer into formal things like maternity leave. But as someone that has worked in a few countries, I am convinced that many subtle things, such as knowing how to take turns during a meeting, or responding to an email quickly, can go a long way. In many countries, work is an overregulated bureaucratic nightmare. American culture can be extremely refreshing for foreigners who know what it means to battle unnecessary processes and rules. But there is more. The US work culture is also open and optimistic. Most countries suffer from well intentioned cronyism, where people hire, associate, and promote others based on personal relationships. This certainly happens to some degree in the United States, but less than in other places. That openness, however, is key for providing opportunities for outsiders with more skills than networks. Also, many countries [have] pessimistic work cultures, where people shoot others down as a way to flex their wit. But as Nat Friedman said, Pessimists sound smart. Optimists make money. American can-do attitude is a valuable intangible that is prevalent in the US. Now, to the point of this post, these aspects of American work culture are great complements for skilled foreign workers. Complements that favor America. Americas open work culture, with its emphasis on communication skills and optimism, is amazing for organizing teams. Skilled foreigners perform better in teams with an American work culture than in teams of bureaucratized pessimists that dont know how to take turns during a meeting. When those surviving in those more hostile work environments move to America, they can unleash their technical skills in relevant problems within optimistic organizational cultures that are rare back home. [snip] America benefits from this complement. The fact that every year we get the first pick on the draft is a key competitive advantage. Sure, we do not always know if the first pick of the draft will turn out great, but getting the first pick of the draft is not something we want to lose. We should double down on what makes America exceptional.

In the end, I think these temporary work visas for people with exceptional and needed skills will continue, abuses of the program will be investigated and addressed, and in the long term, greater progress will be made in improving the technical skills of American students. Indeed, on Saturday, Trump reiterated his support of the H-1B program, saying: Ive always liked the visas, I have always been in favor of the visas. Thats why we have them, he said. I have many H-1B visas on my properties. Ive been a believer in H-1B. I have used it many times. Its a great program.

In the meantime, the administrative state keeps botching up. The absurdly onerous Beneficial Ownership Information filing requirement is on again, off again. The reports were due to be filed on December 31 with substantial penalties for late filing; a federal district court enjoined the requirement and stayed the deadline. The IRS said theyd halt enforcement until there was a definitive court ruling, but the Department of Justice appealed the injunction, and the Fifth Circuit agreed to their request for a stay of the injunction; the IRS then reinstated the deadline, moving it to January 13, but the Fifth Circuit lifted the stay so the original injunction is now back in effect. A nightmare for small businesses, their accountants, and lawyers.

For those of us who think the Supreme Courts ruling in Kelo was the worst SCOTUS ruling in our lifetimes, theres a possibility that the Court may overturn or limit its application.

The case involved a New York jurisdiction that took the land from one developer who wished to turn it into a parking lot and handed it to another for the same purpose.

Bowers' petition presents the Supreme Court with two options. It can put some teeth in Kennedy's supposed limitation by ruling that "the Public Use Clause require[s] something more than minimal rational-basis review when the government takes land from one private owner to give it to a specifically identified private owner outside the context of a comprehensive economic redevelopment plan." Or it can overturn Kelo, an outcome that at least four justices -- Thomas, Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Samuel Alito -- seem inclined to favor. "The most natural reading" of the Public Use Clause, Thomas argued in his own Kelo dissent, "is that it allows the government to take property only if the government owns, or the public has the legal right to use, the property, as opposed to taking it for any public purpose or necessity whatsoever." As Bowers' petition notes, "Justice Thomas's careful, heavily cited discussion of the original text and meaning went unanswered by the majority." [snip] The Kelo dissenters were right about the decision's practical consequences as well as its reasoning, the petition argues. "The Kelo rule has proven unworkable because, as illustrated by the perfunctory analysis conducted by the lower court in this case, it is no rule at all," the Institute for Justice says. "Instead, it replaces the enumerated public-use requirement with a standard that allows the government to decide for itself what public use means." The petition notes that 47 states have responded to Kelo with laws that "make private-to-private transfers more difficult." But as George Mason law professor Ilya Somin noted on the 15th anniversary of Kelo, "much of the new legislation was largely ineffective." [snip] Although Bowers' case pits one developer against another with more political influence, eminent domain cases often involve people of modest means who are outmatched by the resources of developers who covet their land. "Redevelopment through eminent domain overwhelmingly targets areas disproportionately populated by poor people and racial minorities," the petition notes. "This Court may not see public-use questions very often, but that is to be expected," the Institute for Justice says. "Litigating about public use can be expensive and risky for property owners, who face great pressure to settle. The Court should not mistake the relative rarity of petitions raising these questions for an absence of eminent-domain abuse. In the lower courts (and at dinner tables where homeowners have to decide whether to litigate or to let private businesses force them off their land), Kelo continues to run rampant."

Reversing Kelo, hamstringing an inconsistent federal bureaucracy while paring it back to essentials, and keeping in place a program that allows us to benefit from the best scientists while protecting Americans from misuse of the valuable H-1B program would be great steps for the coming New Year, a year in which I wish you all health and happiness.
. . . and a time to be vigilant

[cf. Ecclesiastes 3]

The liberation fever that triggered the French and Russian revolutions evolved into an epidemic that turned many churches into centers for the conversion of worshipers into adherents of a world infected with Marxism. This Christ-denying creed invaded even the Rock  the Apostle Peter  chosen by Jesus Christ to be the foundation for his Church. It is now, however, being run by a hierarchy at odds with Christs teachings.



Faithful Christians are wondering why the present occupant of the Seat of Peter is AWOL from his job of proclaiming and promoting the teachings of Jesus Christ, desperately needed in todays morally crumbling world. Was the pope, like many other pastors, lured by Liberation Theology into abandoning his faith? Did he not notice that Christianity and Marxism dont mix because they are incompatible, that making them merge is impossible? Did he fail to see the critical difference in each of the core principles? Was he, like multiple church leaders, duped by the big lie that Marxism and Christianity are equivalent?



Such mindlessness persists at the Vatican, whose hierarchy act -- I must say it -- as though the mission of the church is to liberate Christians from Christianity.



Reduced to essentials, liberation theology teaches that there is no such thing as sin. You are therefore good with God when you follow the State, as if you are following God, and support whatever makes a difference, whatever that means in todays morally mixed-up world. But Christ never said give all to Caesar; he reserved a principal portion for God.



Looking beneath its rhetoric mantle, the updated gospel is a roadmap to a world run by Godless men. Those at the World Economic Forum are a good example. Leaders like that would trash the world, including its inhabitants, to have their way. The projected subhuman, unnatural, God-free world of such men is a product of profound ignorance regarding reality and human life. This coincides with a hatred of God and His Creation. Whatever their better world might be called, its real name should be Hell on Earth.



The arrival of such a world would be good news to the morally and mentally brainwashed, which could indeed make people love such a man-made paradise -- the way the stubbornly defiant Winston Smith (in Orwells 1984) came to love Big Brother after his will was at last broken and his mind thoroughly washed.



How did the maneuvering for such a dystopian world get so far as it has in todays world? Thats too big a question for a small essay. But I can point out that it began with unintended consequences of the Enlightenment. It was unenlightened intellectuals and activists who turned the spirit of the Enlightenment into an instrument for rebellion against all forms of authority, as they stoked a fever of liberation from tyranny, real or imagined, true or false. The result was inevitable: fellow humans turning violently against one another, tragically demonstrated during the French Revolution of 1789 and the Russian Revolution of 1917.



Killing and destruction in the name of enlightenment or in the name of progress smells too strongly of the demonic to be tolerated in civilized society. This mania associated with liberation fever persists, it seems, among todays leftists. A hint of it is the obsession among many of them with a culture of death.



Sadly, many Christians have yielded the high ground to neo-Marxists, whatever their updated label may be, a platform where Christianity and morality are not welcome. The wiles and deceptions of neo-Marxists of whatever brand have effectively drawn people into their ranks. Because the Gospel stands in the way of Godless rule, the tactic for Christians was to offer worshipers a sinless, no-fault, feel-good version of the Gospel that helps purge their minds and hearts of the Word of God and inclines them the Left.



Reduced to its essentials, the message of the new gospel is: There is no way you can offend God. Be rid of guilt and repentance, and forget all that stuff of the Ten Commandments.



But what about that message written on the heart by the Creator? Well, if you must be read, do it with a mind and a will in step with the times. There must be no veering from the path of progress laid out for you by experts.



And so the updated church is no longer the Church founded by Christ upon his Rock, Peter. Its pews, once filled with people seeking strength and communion with God, have been emptying and refilling with people with notions of Christianity that reveal their ignorance. The general idea is that whatever you do is O.K. as long as you believe you are doing good by God, when in fact youre following the rules of the State and managing to make a difference. If that is what it means to be a Christian, what reason is there for going to church? It can all be done at home.



Why such profound ignorance about being a Christian? I wont go into the confusing role in the matter from Pope Francis. Ill simply point out that it is precisely Christianitys freedom of the will that allows manipulators and schemers to skip its mandate of justice to humanity and do anything they please. After all, is it not part of the wonder of Creation to be free to do whatever is possible, even if it means letting the gate of hell open wider?



In their passion to improve the world, religious leaders who see no difference between the Kingdom of God and the Domain of Man are succeeding in making the world worse. For they have been dismantling, whether they know it or not, the spiritual foundation of human life.



Conforming the eternal Word of God to the temporal Word of Man mocks and stalls what Christ calls for in the Lords Prayer: Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, as it is in Heaven.



And that requires conforming oneself to the Truth, the Way, and the Life [John 14:6], the best way there is to liberation.

Image: Jack candlestick, via Wikimedia Commons // CC BY-SA 3.0 Deed


Now we can add to that fictional list of grotesqueries a few not-at-all fictional categories which not long ago would have been regarded as quite simply unthinkable.

After the hell on earth that descended upon innocent Israeli families in their homes and young people attending a music rally on October 7, 2023, and the sickening campus protests in support of the Hamas animals who conducted the slaughter:

Barbarity is heroism.

After the true heroism of Daniel Penny in that subway car in May 2023, which may have saved the lives of several people who could have been assaulted by a drug-addled and mentally disturbed person screaming threats at them, for which he was charged by the radical Manhattan D.A. with a felony carrying a prison sentence of up to 20 years:

Heroism is murder.

And after the stone-cold murder of the CEO of an insurance company executive on the street in New York City  shot in the back, which until only recently was regarded as the most heinous of cowardly acts  the murderer is widely admired as the hot assassin by his many cult followers online because he took out the head of a despised evil health care insurer:

Murder is heroism.

Nineteen Eighty-Four was, of course, fiction  a cautionary tale about the horrors of living in a purely socialist state. As the meme circulating online states, quoting Orwell, I wrote 1984 as a novel, not as an instruction manual.

With these vignettes from the world we live in today in mind, I am prompted to ask: How is American society different from the dystopian world Orwell created in his novel?

Thankfully, the answer to that question lies in the system of government our Founding Fathers bequeathed to us over two centuries ago: a Republic with many freedoms, most important of which is the right to express our choice of leaders through our franchise on Election Day. Thus, unlike Winston Smith in the novel, we are not doomed to a drab life of miserable servitude with no way out. We had the right, and exercised it resoundingly on November 5, to say we would not permit the pseudo-Marxist regime of Obama-Biden-Harris to continue.

Although that result is a glorious event to celebrate, we would be wise to heed the words of one of the truly great presidents in American history, the sorely missed Ronald Reagan, who warned:

Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didnt pass it on to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our childrens children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.

The bizarre saga of Americas new folk hero and what all this strange adulation of a murderer really means was treated recently by Heather Mac Donald in the City Journal in her usual thorough way. Although statistics can often be boring, some of the figures she sets forth in her article are also quite chilling, if not downright frightening:

The only relevant question in the wake of the Thompson murder, however, is: What has gone wrong with Americans moral compass that so many could cheer the extrajudicial killing of an innocent man? That question has not been deemed worthy of exploring. [snip] Over 41 percent of respondents supported the Thompson assassination or were at best ambivalent about it. Nearly 16 percent of respondents were unsure or neutral about whether the killers actions were acceptable or unacceptable. A little over 8 percent of respondents found Mangiones actions completely acceptable. Another 8.4 percent found those actions somewhat acceptable, and 9 percent found them somewhat unacceptable. (It is not clear how somewhat acceptable differs from somewhat unacceptable.) Four of every ten Americans, in other words, will not unequivocally condemn the killing. The younger the voter, the greater the level of support for political killings. Sixty-seven percent of voters aged 18 to 29 were ambivalent about or supportive of Mangiones actions, with only 33 percent finding those actions completely unacceptable. Fifty-seven percent of voters aged 30 to 39 were unwilling to condemn the killing unequivocally, with only 43 percent finding it completely unacceptable. Democrats were nearly twice as likely as Republicans to find it either somewhat or completely acceptable.

These figures paint a bleak picture of where we are morally as a nation. It is impossible for the majority of us to grasp the idea that 8% of those polled found this murder completely acceptable, and an aggregate of 40% of all those polled would not unequivocally condemn this murderer.

As I never claimed to be a statistician, I would not venture even a guess as to what an 8% finding in a poll might equate to in terms of the total population. However, it is safe to say that it means that many millions of our fellow citizens feel that shooting a man in the back was justified because he led a company that might have treated policy-holders unfairly  but not the murderer, as he was not even insured by that company.

Millions of Americans apparently approve of a person acting as prosecutor, judge, jury, and executioner. As Mac Donald observes after relating a litany of unhinged statements from academics at some of the most prestigious universities in the country:

But Thompson broke no law in his management of UnitedHealthcare. (The allegation that he was involved in insider trading has no bearing on the alleged justification for his assassination.) Even if UnitedHealthcare were violating the regulatory superstructure governing insurance, Mangione had no authority to hold [Thompson] accountable for that violation. License private citizens to roam the streets slaying alleged enemies of the people and you guarantee anarchy. These observations should be obvious. And yet Mangiones fans are unencumbered by even a passing acquaintance of due process. This ignorance represents a disastrous educational failure.

Her analysis is heavily populated with quotations from academics, which causes one to shudder at the disdain for the rule of law held by those charged with the education (indoctrination?) of our children.

I urge you to read this essay in its entirety. It will be time well spent, albeit not comforting as to the moral future of our country. Mac Donald concludes with this sobering sentence: Unless our leaders and teachers fight the ignorance on evidence this month, we could be heading toward the abyss.

Does the election of President Trump give us a real reason for hope? Or is it too late?

Image via Pexels.
If incumbents, addicted to their perks and their narratives, are honest and listen to recovering leftists, recognize that they've hit rock bottom, there's a possibility they may still recover. As the Big Book of AA says, they are naturally incapable of grasping and developing a manner of living which demands rigorous honesty...but many of them do recover if they have the capacity to be honest.

If you or someone you know has ever suffered from an addiction, you know that no amount of heart-to-heart talks, advice, or threats will do any good. The sufferer wants one thing and one thing only, and that is to be left alone so that he may continue in the pursuit of his drug or activity of choice.

Occasionally well-meaning friends and family members will stage an intervention, reliving some episodes the addict put them through and maybe offering to assist him in finding treatment. I dont know how many interventions are successful, but I imagine that those that are include the presence of an individual who went through the same addiction and managed to come out the other side. Sometimes the person in recovery will meet privately with the addict and, instead of lecturing him, tell his own story.

Members of Alcoholics Anonymous call this a 12th Step Call. The 12th Step of the AA program reads, Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to other addicts, and to practice these principles in all our affairs. The official text of AA, known as The Big Book, describes what happens: Our stories disclose in a general way what we used to be like, what happened, and what we are like now.

What weve witnessed among Democrats in the past few years, and especially since 11/05/24, is a political party that is approaching rock bottom. I submit that party members and many of their voters have engaged in a shared addiction to lies, projection, logical fallacies, greed, and in some cases criminality bordering on and perhaps crossing over into actual treason. Theres no need to re-litigate the innumerable examples of these.

Conservatives have for years staged informal interventions, pointing out to leftists the horrific consequences of their policies and warning them of future costs. Mired in denial, the left has ignored our warnings and disregarded the ramifications of its words and actions...until recently. Like a recovering addict speaking to someone who still suffers, there are now voices among the left pointing out the need for a directional change.

One such voice belongs to comedian Bill Maher. Hes been criticizing Democrat excesses for a while now, seemingly to no avail. He compiled some of his favorite sayings into a book because he said, I thought that, by looking over all this stuff from the past, I could ascertain whether I had changed or whether the politics had changed. When asked if he thought it was the latter, he replied, Yes, I absolutely do, because they got a lot crazier.

The Democrats assembled focus groups after the cataclysmic drubbing they received last month, and their own constituents are saying that they no longer believe what their party is telling them. A Harris campaign adviser mentioned that she has left the Democrat party because it has the stench of loser. She added that leaving the party is like leaving a cult. She immediately lost tens of thousands of her Twitter (X) followers and was called obscene names.

Sen. Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.) left the Democrat party, saying it is toxic. Manchin was one of the very few Democrats whose criticisms were bipartisan. While he was unsparing in his critiques of Republicans, he was also known to criticize pResident (not a typo) Biden on his energy policies. When Greg Casar (D-Texas) claimed that their party would have won in November if they had been more like Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) instead of a moderate like Manchin, he replied, For someone to say that, theyve got to be completely insane.

Other notable voices from the left are making themselves heard. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. left the Democrat party because he was alarmed by Democrats resort[ing] to censorship, media control, and weaponization of federal agencies. When a U.S. president colludes with, or outright coerces, media companies to censor political speech, its an attack on our most sacred right of free expression. And thats the very right upon which all of our other constitutional rights rest.

Tulsi Gabbard left the party because she said it is under the complete control of an elitist cabal of warmongers driven by cowardly wokeness, who divide us by racializing every issue and stoke anti-white racism, actively work to undermine our God-given freedoms enshrined in our Constitution, are hostile to people of faith and spirituality, demonize the police and protect criminals at the expense of law-abiding Americans, believe in open borders, weaponize the national security state to go after political opponents, and above all, are dragging us ever closer to nuclear war.

Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.) noted that the working class is not buying the ivory-towered nonsense that the far left is selling. Positioning himself as a possible liaison to Republicans, Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) recently said, If youre rooting against the president, you are rooting against the nation. And Im not ever going to be where I want a president to fail. So, country first.

The 2024 presidential election saw the countrys rejection of the Democrat party platform. Their message failed, their messaging failed, and their messengers failed. Even Barack Hussein Obama was unable to shame and cajole black voters into supporting an incompetent, incoherent woman whose record is to the left of avowed socialist Bernie Sanders.

In a 1977 speech Margaret Thatcher said, Britain is no longer in the politics of the pendulum, but of the ratchet. Were seeing that here in the U.S. The movement leftward may be temporarily interrupted, but it is rarely if ever reversed. Any movement toward the center for leftists is a movement to the right, and as long as the party is being controlled by the far left, such a movement is unlikely. Its been said, possibly by Tony Robbins or perhaps by Just B. Jordan, that we dont change until the pain of change is less than the pain of not changing.

Has the left hit rock bottom? Can it recover? Are leftists willing to suffer through the pain of change? The wind may be against them. Far too many on the left are afflicted with Trump Derangement Syndrome and so will not or cannot honestly assess their situation. The media are still covering for them, despite their cratering ratings. And to this day, many in their party will not acknowledge the incompetence, incoherence, and corruption of their candidates.

Image via Pxhere.
Wikipedia. The online, crowd-sourced encyclopedia. It may have begun with noble goals. Who can argue that advancing human knowledge and making it even more widely available than ever before is a bad thing? But who owns Wikipedia?

One wiki owner is the Wikimedia Foundation, which is the parent company of Wikipedia (and many other related wikis). Unlike most high-profile social media operations, it is a tax exempt 501(c)(3) organization. That allows people to contribute cash to the Wikimedia Foundation and get a tax deduction in the process. So, rather than make huge profits like other social media companies, the Wikimedia Foundation operates on whatever monies it receives from its annual fund drives.

Wiki, by the way, is Hawaiian for fast or quick. Various of the other wikis are non-profits or privately owned.

In so far as Wikipedia sticks with reporting facts, its a useful source. However, because anyone can change content, adding or altering essentially whatever they please, Wikipedia has become largely unreliable. During my teaching career I did not allow my students to use Wikipedia as a source. It was important to show them the difference between credible and less credible sources and how to tell the difference. It was also useful to force them to read and cite books. As a result, their research writing was of a higher caliber. That was before AI, of course.

Over the years I also noticed Wikipedia, as is true with so much Internet content, swung increasingly to the left. People interested in factual, credible information at first tried to correct that obvious perversion of Wikipedias original intent, but they apparently, eventually, gave up. Trying to teach a pig to sing wastes ones time and annoys the pig. The same is true of trying to convince the woke to stick with facts and provable, replicable results.

This may not be noticeable to the casual viewer. Depending on the topic one searches on Wikipedia, the information may not be substantially, obviously different that than found in less partisan sources, but anyone spending time there will surely notice the leftward tilt.

Ah, but beauty, as well as political bias, is in the eye of the beholder! Very well. Behold:

Graphic: X Screenshot

At $51.7 million for equity, safety & inclusion, Wikipedia spent 29.2% of its 2023-2024 budget on wokeness. One can only guess what effectiveness might be (being as woke as they can be?) though its not unreasonable to imagine it has to do with wokeness in general, and if so, that addition would comprise 51% of the annual budget.

Why would a non-profit organization purportedly dedicated to the advancement of knowledge want anything to do with partisan, woke, politics? Begin with the fact Wikipedia is based in San Francisco. Apart from the political leanings of its managers and employees, Wikipedia gets considerable money from foundations and other wealthy donors. That money is not going to be given to anyone or any organization with a differing political philosophy. While donors may not make adherence to leftist philosophy an overt requirement for donation, everyone involved understands the underlying beliefs and expectations of those who make such donations. Those beliefs surely include the expectation of friendly entries about their businesses, foundations and favored political causes, if not outright advocacy.

Having an organization focused on DEI to the tune of 29% of a $177 million annual budget also ensures the perpetuation of woke ideology. People whose hiring and continuing employment relies not on merit but on checking woke boxes are not going to suddenly develop an appreciation for the merits of merit.

Why should anyone care about how woke Wikipedia might be? Among the central tenets of wokeness is disdain, even outright hatred, for the non-woke. Such people tend to think any means to their intellectually and morally superior ends not only justified but noble. Yes. Theyll outright lie in disseminating knowledge as they perceive it, and many thinking encyclopedia means honest and accurate information may not understand those motivations or the results they arguably produce.

It's little known 501(c) (3) organizations are prohibited from engaging in anything related to political campaigning. As one might imagine, this is a rather broad category, and during the Harris/Biden years, leftists could be certain their tax-free status was in no danger no matter how they violated that part of IRS code. Beginning January 20, 2025, that may no longer be the case.

For the individual, knowing what proportion of Wikipedias donations go toward identity politics and all they entail might tend to direct those donations to organizations more likely to uphold American values.

Thats true encyclopedic wisdom.

On a different subject, if you are not already a subscriber, you may not know that weve implemented something new: A weekly newsletter with unique content from our editors for subscribers only. These essays alone are worth the cost of the subscription.

Mike McDaniel is a USAF veteran, classically trained musician, Japanese and European fencer, life-long athlete, firearm instructor, retired police officer and high school and college English teacher. He is a published author and blogger. His home blog is Stately McDaniel Manor.
When I was in high school, there were posters all over showing beautiful white baby seals about to be clubbed to death. The message was clear: We must save Nature from human depredations. And back in the day, when lakes were burning, skies were brown, and water was toxic, that wasnt a bad idea. Now, though, environmentalism has transformed from something meant to balance the world for both humans and animals to a purely anti-human belief system. Two news stories nicely show how this works.

Santa Cruz is almost exactly halfway down Californias coastline. Its a nice little town, which is home to UC Santa Cruz (a bat-fecal-matter-crazy leftist UC campus, even by UC standards) and tourist attractions. These attractions range from high-end restaurants and nearby wineries to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Californias answer to Coney Island.

Santa Cruz also has a famous wharf known for fishing, boat tours, viewing sea lions, dining, nightlife, and gift shops. Up until recently, the wharf, which was built in 1914, was the West Coasts longest pier.

But as I said, that was up until recently. Things have changed quite abruptly, too:

[On December 23] A portion of the Santa Cruz Wharf has collapsed and is floating away Monday, according to the National Weather Service. Three construction workers went into the water when the pier section collapsed, according to the Santa Cruz Police Department. Two of them were rescued by lifeguards, and a third person self-rescued. All three were treated and released, according to Santa Cruz Fire Department officials.

You can see pictures of the collapse here, and theyre impressive.

What I found amusing was the probable cause behind the wharfs collapseenvironmentalism:

City officials revealed that environmental orders meant to protect the seaside birds have hindered essential repairs to the 110-year-old structure, according to Mercury News. When a portion of the pier deteriorated and plummeted into the ocean during a major storm on Monday, the structure was still damaged from storms from two years ago. But those repairs were put off because of seagull protections. Mercury News reported that critical aspects of repair work, including fixing the pillars holding up the wharf, were delayed by environmental activism efforts. Due to rules implemented by the Coastal Commission, renovations and repairs can only be done between September and March to avoid seagull nesting season.

The reverence for seagulls is surprising. Notwithstanding the anthropomorphism of Jonathan Livingston Seagull (a book I despised as a child, probably revealing my nascent anti-leftism), Seagulls are giant flying rats.

Theyre beautiful, and they are good at cleaning up garbage, but theyre also aggressive and omnipresent. When I was in junior high at a school less than three miles from the Pacific, the birds patrolled the schoolyard at lunchtime, snatching food from our hands and unloading their gastrointestinal waste on our heads.

But for the California Coastal Commission, which is reflexively hostile to humans, seagulls rule.

Its not just in California, though. In England, badgers rule:

Imagine being told your safety is less important than that of a badgers. That is the reality for Leigh-on-Sea residents who say they were overrun by the striped creatures causing damage to their roads and putting residents multi-million pound seaside properties at risk of slippage. The row cost the council 2m and forced officials into an arduous six-month wait for a licence from Natural England to move them on. It is little wonder that locals are up in arms over the issue. [snip] It all relates to a law dating back to the 1990s which makes it illegal and therefore punishable by prison time to disturb them without a licence. Activists say the nocturnal animals have historically faced unprecedented levels of persecution. Sir Brian May, Queen guitarist-turned-poster-boy for badgers rights, said badgers were as important to me as music. But the scope of the law protecting these tunnelling, weasel-like mammals has not come without its consequences for humans.

In the Bible, God made man a steward of the animal kingdom. That means that man is master over the kingdom, but with that mastery comes responsibility. He must not destroy it.

However, the environmentalists, who are part of the leftist movement to reject all Judeo-Christian beliefs, have no concept of reciprocal obligations. To them, humans, which have clawed their way to the top of the food chain, are no longer a part of nature. They are outside nature and must be destroyedand the environmentalists will stop at nothing to make it happen.

Image: YouTube screen grab (cropped).
The liberals, Democrats, Progressives, whatever they call themselves now cannot pass up the opportunity to block Trump's law-and-order initiatives. We now have the Oregon attorney general putting together a toolkit that helps illegal aliens avoid deportation. Dan Rayfield, Oregons attorney general, must have missed the law school lesson on the Supremacy Clause  you know, all federal laws trump state laws.

Oregon turned bluer in the 2024 election, and Portland voters said they voted to defeat and punish Trump. Portland and Oregon rely on federal money grants that the incoming Trump Republican administration will control. One of the stated goals of this administration is to trim $2 trillion of spending from the federal government. Oregon is already on the shortlist for federal grants. With this Oregon Evasion Toolkit announcement by the Oregon attorney general, does Oregon think it is helping its case for federal money? This is like standing down range and painting high-visibility targets on your back. This action only helps focus the aim of the feds, who we expect will cut funds.

I am convinced that Oregon, with its feel-good tweak to the Trump administrations nose, has sealed its fate in the federal grant area. At this time, it may be good to look at all the programs Oregon wants funded and decide which ones they can live without.

Oregon is like Calvin & Hobbes, when they take the wagon down Mount Vertigo. Once they leave the side of the cliff, things go well while they are in the air, but they are headed for an inevitable crash. Governor Tina Kotek, Attorney General Dan Rayfield, secretary of state Tobias Read, and the state of Oregon also are flying through the air in their little red wagon. So grab your popcorn, because the crash is coming, and from what I can tell, it will be spectacular.

John Woods: Husband, father, veteran, conservative, patriot. Delegate to the Oregon State Republican Party.

Image: Gage Skidmore via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0.
I am one who believes that the events on January 6 were a set-up. Democrats knew that Trump supporters would be flooding D.C., so they withdrew law enforcement, removed physical guardrails, seeded the crowd with provocateurs, trusted the press of people to steer innocents into trouble, and then used a weaponized Justice Department to destroy people who showed up on January 6 and found themselves near the Capitol. Thats why I happen to think the planned $50 billion class action J6 prisoner lawsuit is a good idea to expose the governments role in J6.

We know a lot about January 6 to show that what happened was a planned eventand not one that Trump or his supporters intended. Heres just a short list, off the top of my head:

Thats why its good news that 100 of the J6 prisoners have signed on to a $50 billion class action lawsuit. The lawsuit alleges the abuses theyve suffered at the governments hands, abuses that were meted out not in the name of the rule of law but as a political powerplay:

The lawsuit, set to be filed on January 20, 2025, has already garnered widespread support, with over 100 prisoners signing on. This historic legal action seeks to compensate these individuals for the extensive harm inflicted by what they describe as a weaponized justice system. From the loss of generational family businesses, homes, and careers to the irreparable emotional and psychological damage suffered during years of wrongful incarceration, the plaintiffs are demanding accountability for the Federal Governments actions. Jake Lang, a prominent figure in the January 6 movement, emphasized the importance of this lawsuit, stating, This isnt just about restitution; its about setting a precedent. Weaponized government and lawfare against conservatives can never become the standard in America. According to Federal Watchdog, the plaintiffs were hunted down like animals by the FBI for peacefully protesting at the Capitol on January 6, 2021. Many have faced harsh sentences, inadequate legal representation, and conditions that have worsened their physical and mental health. Critics argue this is a glaring example of a two-tiered justice system, one that has been particularly hostile to supporters of former President Donald Trump.

Its to be hoped that the suit comes before a judge courageous enough to allow the plaintiffs to take discovery. No matter where the suit ends up, the discovery process is what this nation needs. Our government operates in the dark, which allows it to commit myriad abuses and also leaves the people doubting its integrity even when it isnt committing abuses.

Image of Ray Epps urging people to storm the Capitol. X screen grab.
Back in November of 2023, Pope Francis provided a preview of where he would eventually arrive:

Pope Francis has called for a paradigm shift in Catholic theology that takes widespread engagement with contemporary science, culture, and peoples lived experience as an essential starting point. [skip] Pope Francis wrote that Catholic theology must experience a courageous cultural revolution in order to become a fundamentally contextual theology. Guided by Christs incarnation into time and space, this approach to theology must be capable of reading and interpreting the Gospel in the conditions in which men and women live daily, in different geographical, social, and cultural environments, the pope wrote.

Ah. So apparently the Gospels on which the fundamental beliefs of Christianity are based can only be understood in light of ever-changing cultural environments. Gods word is not unchanging and eternal but subject to change based on the ever-evolving cultural whims of His creation. I somehow missed that one in my many visits to the Bible.

Note also the contemporarily woke reference to peoples lived experience. Widespread engagement with contemporary science is also a flashing, red warning. Still, none of that was a surprise by 2023. Francis became Pope in 2013 and his grounding in leftist belief and activism was no surprise then.

Since then, many Catholics who have traditionally looked to the Pope for spiritual leadership have remained faithful to the Church, but shifted their search to their parish priests. If the leader of any faith proclaims the Gospels to be not the inspired word of God, but mere suggestions to be interpreted by contemporary cultural contexts, from where comes that leaders spiritual authority? Majority vote? Perhaps the Pope doesnt recognize that if ones lived experience defines their faith, the Pope might be experienced out of the Vatican.

Popes are expected to uphold the highest standards of morality, to pronounce on what is good and what is evil. Pope Francis seems to be defining those fundamental tenets based entirely on geographical, social, and cultural environments:"

Graphic: X Screenshot

Pope Francis called for a global ceasefire this weekend while again decrying Israels cruelty in dealing with Palestinians in Gaza. Let us pray for a ceasefire on all war fronts, in Ukraine, the Holy Land, in all the Middle East and the entire world, at Christmas, the pontiff said in his weekly Angelus address Sunday. And with sorrow I think of Gaza, of so much cruelty; of the children machine-gunned, the bombing of schools and hospitals So much cruelty!

The Pope is apparently thinking of some other conflict in the Holy Land:

The Jews are not committing genocide against Muslims in Gaza, whose population grew almost 3% last year. Muslims, however, are committing mass murder via jihad against Christians in Africa. Yet the Pope cowers from defending his own flock.

Its incontrovertible that the Israelis go to lengths not required by the laws of war, and unprecedented in history to avoid harming innocents. They are certainly not machine-gunning children. Islamists, on the other hand, torture and murder their co-religionists and use them as human shields, siting their headquarters and weapons storage depots in hospitals and schools, many, if not most, run by the UN. The Pope is sufficiently sophisticated to understand this geographical, cultural reality.

The number of Christians intentionally murdered, let alone tortured, raped, kidnapped and forcibly converted to Islam far exceeds the number of Gazans killed unintentionally as Israel directs its fire at terrorists who hide behind civilians. Indeed, Israel is defending its population from the very same jihadist assaults faced by African Christians.

One would think the Pope would be focusing his moral powers of persuasion on protecting the lives of Christians. One would apparently think wrongly.

"Nigeria is the most violent country in the world for Christians. Every two hours, a Christian is killed in Nigeria," according to Open Doors. Raids by jihadists are a common way to terrorize Christian communities in Nigeria. Christian women and girls are raped, forced into sexual slavery, kidnapped for ransom or murderedThe Pope has not called for an investigation of the jihadists and their sponsors.

The Pope does not lead the only denomination that has chosen to interpret the Gospels in favor of contemporary, leftist politics. Some of those denominations choices have rendered their theology largely indistinguishable from socialist/communist ideology and practice. Church leaders, like anyone else, have the freedom to speak on the moral issues of the day. Still, one should expect moral clarity and accuracy of the leader of any faith. More, they should expect fidelity to the scriptures, to the words of God, which unless they are unchanging, infallible and eternal, are not worthy guides for Christian living, but mere political rhetoric in the service of base, human desires.

By that standard, Christians are justified in wondering why the head of the Catholic Church might be providing political cover for Islamists who would delight in murdering him and every Christian. Thats a fundamentally contextual theology we can live without.

On a different subject, if you are not already a subscriber, you may not know that weve implemented something new: A weekly newsletter with unique content from our editors for subscribers only. These essays alone are worth the cost of the subscription.

Mike McDaniel is a USAF veteran, classically trained musician, Japanese and European fencer, life-long athlete, firearm instructor, retired police officer and high school and college English teacher. He is a published author and blogger. His home blog is Stately McDaniel Manor.
Margaret Hartmann, writing for the Intelligencer, published under the banner of the New York Magazine, writes that she finds it unpleasant that Donald Trumps second inauguration will fall on the annual Martin Luther King holiday. MLK Day is celebrated on the third Monday of each January; thus, it is not always on January 20. However, by amended constitutional edict, January 20 is Inauguration Day every four years.

Hartmann laments that those dates coincide, and she quotes MLKs youngest child, Dr. Bernice King, who finds it unfortunate that Donald Trump, rather than Kamala Harris, will be sworn in on her fathers holiday. Shed hoped Harris would win instead of someone whos spewing hateful rhetoric, whos not been very kind-hearted, and whose policies are not humane in their approach.

Well, forgive me for quoting not Bernice King, but her father, whose most famous quote evokes a time when my four little children will one day live in a nation where the color of their skin will not judge them, but rather the content of their character.

Ms. Hartmann feels it would have been wonderful to be celebrating the swearing-in of the nations first black female president. Perhaps I am misinterpreting the writer, but I believe that in Kamala Harris, we would have been inaugurating an individual trumpeting the color of her skin rather than the content of her character. That is no real surprise, since the content of Harriss character is below the empty mark.

It is no surprise to this writer that Donald Trump has increased the percentage of black voters supporting him along with the support of other minorities. The Democrat party is intent on race-baiting, depicting non-whites as victimized by the man. Describe them as victims, pass legislation addressing that victimhood, and throw booty at them as compensation for their victim-suffering, and you will have their votes forever.

Well, a sizable number of those victims are waking up to the fact that their victimhood is a construct of the Democrat party, designed to keep them in their place. That place is a large underclass kept happy by the largesse of their Democrat masters. Keeping the educational opportunities of blacks as limited as possible ensures their continued subscription to the drivel of Democrat leaders. Can you tell me any other legitimate reason why Democrats are so against school choice? And dont try to tell me about teachers unions. I said legitimate reasons.

Fortunately, an increasing number of blacks are awakening to the reality that these new masters are just as destructive to their societal advancement as were the old masters of the plantation. They are beginning to realize that Republicans such as Donald Trump are interested in the advancement of every citizen regardless of race.

The demagoguery directed at Donald Trump, claiming he is a racist and wants to make only white America great, is being seen by more and more people of color as the real racism in the conversation. They are seeing the dreams of MLK coming to life at the behest of Donald Trump. I believe that the martyred civil rights leader would be more than pleased by the efforts of this real estate mogul turned statesman.

Rest in peace, Dr. King. Donald Trump has heard your dream and is making it come true.

Bill Hansmann is a dentist and dental educator with over fifty years in the profession. He continues to teach and write political blogs and semi-mediocre novels while living with his wife and cats in Georgia.

Image: Gage Skidmore via Flickr (cropped).
Apple has reportedly stopped selling the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, and iPhone SE in several EU countries. The trio of iPhone models has been removed from the European Union (EU) online stores to comply with a law.

In case you are not aware, the EU passed a law in 2022 that mandates all devices with wired charging, which includes iPhones also, must have a USB-C port to be sold in the region. This law aims to reduce electronic waste and allow consumers to use one charger for many different devices so they wont need a new charger every time they buy something new.

iPhone 14 and iPhone SE are no longer available in EU countries

According to a report from MacRumors, Apple has removed the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, and third-generation iPhone SE from its online stores in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and most other EU countries.

The law applies to all phones sold from December 28th onwards, even if the models are older. These iPhones still have the Lightning port, which doesnt comply with the regulation. Notably, this regulation does not affect the UK because it is no longer part of the EU.

Last week, Apple began removing the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, and iPhone SE from its online stores in the EU. As the law takes effect, now the company has removed these models from several EU stores. The company is doing this to adhere to new rules under EU law. Some physical stores may still have a limited stock of such models. Once sold out, Apple will no longer sell those iPhones in EU countries.

Whats next for Apple in the EU?

Apple will reportedly launch a fourth-generation iPhone SE in March 2025. The new iPhone SE will have a USB-C port, which will fall in line with the EU regulation. So, the new iPhone SE will likely be available in Apples online stores in EU countries.

Apple has already equipped its newer models, like the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16, with USB-C ports. So, these models are still available in the EU. Apple has also updated most of its accessories, including popular products such as AirPods and Magic Mouse, replacing their old charging ports with USB-C to meet the new standard.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra arrived in early 2024 with powerful specs, AI features, and a capable camera system. The devices display quality was also great, although there was another related aspect that was not far behind. The phones screen boasted a layer of Corning Gorilla Armor Glass with impressive anti-reflective properties. A new report claims that the Galaxy S25 Ultra will follow this path by using the second generation of Gorilla Armor Glass.

Corning Gorilla Armor not only provides remarkable extra resistance to the display but also includes anti-reflective capabilities that put its rivals to shame. The difference between a device with Gorilla Armor and others is quite noticeable when comparing them directly side by side. A less reflective screen greatly helps visibility under intense sunlight. It also favors image quality by preventing light reflections from affecting contrast, colors, and other parameters.

Samsung to integrate second-gen Gorilla Armor Glass on the Galaxy S25 Ultra, tipster claims

According to Ice Universe, a reliable tipster focused on Samsung products, the Galaxy S25 Ultra will boast a more powerful second-generation Gorilla Armor Glass. The post on X/Twitter doesnt offer more specific details on how the next iteration of the protective glass will be better. However, you can expect a higher level of durability and, perhaps, even more impressive anti-reflective properties for Samsungs next-gen mobile flagship.

User feedback about the Galaxy S24 Ultras display has been generally favorable. However, a few months ago, some cases arose where the oleophobic layer of the glass showed visible wear after a few months of use. Hopefully, Corning will be able to resolve this issue in the second-generation glass, which, while not widespread, did cause disappointment for the few affected.

Regarding the Galaxy S25 Ultras display, recent findings suggest that it will be brighter than its predecessor. An analysis of an in-test unit revealed that it will support up to 3000 nits of peak brightness. Previously, the same tipster also said that the company has resolved the grainy effect issue that some Galaxy S24 Ultra owners were complaining about.

Lastly, below you can see comparisons between the Galaxy S23 Ultra (without Gorilla Armor) and the S24 Ultra (with Gorilla Armor) displays under the sun to give you an idea of what to expect on the upcoming model.
Oppo will reportedly hold bi-annual release events for flagship Find X and Find N phones. This new schedule may make it easier for consumers to catch up with Oppos latest offering.

Oppo plans two events for its Find series every year

Zhou Yibao, the Product Manager for the Oppo Find series, confirmed on Weibo that the company will release its flagship Find series phone twice a year  one in the spring and another in the autumn. However, he didnt mention the exact names of the Find series devices coming in 2025.

So, with two events a year, customers wont have to wait too long for the next big thing. This is a big step for Oppo as it will pressure the company to innovate and produce faster.

Oppo will reportedly release several new Find series phones in the spring of 2025, which could include Find N5, Find X8 Ultra, Find X8 Mini, and Find X8s. In China, people consider March, April, and May as spring.

In the autumn event, Oppo will likely release the next generation of Find X-series phones, which could include Find X9 and Find X9 Pro. These models will likely be released between September and November 2025.

Here are some leaked details about the Find Series devices coming in spring 2025

Oppo Find N5 is one of the most anticipated phones of the spring event. It will reportedly bring several impressive features, such as a periscope lens for better zoom and satellite communication for better connectivity. The device will likely support wireless charging and have an IPX8 rating. Find N5 may arrive as the OnePlus Open 2 outside China.

Find X8 Ultra is another highlight of the spring lineup. The phone will likely feature a 6.82-inch BOE X2 display with 2K resolution and micro-quad-curved design. The camera unit may have a 1-inch sensor and dual periscope lenses like the Find X7 Ultra. It could run on a Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset.

On top of that, the Find X8 Mini and Find X8S are said to launch in spring 2025. Find X8 Mini and X8S may have a 6.3-inch and 6.6-inch display, respectively. Both models could feature the upcoming Dimensity 9400+ chipset.
This year, Samsung has had lower-than-expected financial results in multiple divisions. The strategy to turn things around is to bet more on innovation and get ahead of the trends in the tech industry. In recent months, Samsung has patented technologies related to AI-powered imaging, eye-tracking for smart glasses, and even self-adjusting mechanisms for smart rings.

Samsungs bet on more innovation will lead to AR smart glasses, more powerful Galaxy AI, and other developments in 2025. The companys patents indicate that they have been working on an AI feature for removing subjects from images. Additionally, they also hint at a technology for AR glasses that ensures the user interface always aligns with your gaze. Plus, next-gen Galaxy Rings could have a self-adjusting structure, as reported a few weeks ago.

Samsungs AI-powered imaging tech for improved Object Eraser tool

The company already has an Object Eraser tool in its image editor for Galaxy phones. However, a patent published by the Korea Intellectual Property Rights Information Service (KIPRIS) this week suggests that the company is working on enhancing it. Samsungs filing describes an AI-powered imaging system to easily remove subjects or objects from photos with just a tap. The feature can also extend the background or fill in spaces on the picture.

Eye tracking tech for smart glasses

As for the AR glasses, the patents say that a series of sensors will constantly track the direction of the users gaze. This enables the UI of apps and menus to maintain optimal positioning at all times. According to reports, Samsungs upcoming smart glasses will not have a screen. So, its possible that the technology will be present in future iterations. The document also mentions a virtual compass function for smart glasses.

Samsungs smart glasses are being co-developed with Google and Qualcomm under the codename Project Moohan. They are expected to integrate Googles Gemini assistant for AI-powered features. This would allow you to quickly create reminders, translate languages in real time, ask things, and more.

Possible auto-adjustable Galaxy Ring

We already talked about the possible self-sizing Galaxy Rings a few weeks ago. Samsungs patent described an elastic mechanism that allows the ring to automatically adapt to any finger size. However, well have to wait longer to see such technology implementedif it ever does. Leaks about the Galaxy Ring 2 have revealed that it will come with the traditional solid structure and multiple sizes.

Talking about the Galaxy Ring 2, a recent leak revealed a bit about the improvements that Samsung is preparing. According to the report, the next-gen wearable will offer more accurate measurements thanks to AI implementation and rearranged sensors. It could also be thinner and offer better battery life.
ByteDance, TikToks parent company, has long been trying to prevent the US ban on the app. Courts have rejected all of ByteDances appeals and requests for an emergency pause of the anti-TikTok law. The company still has one last chance when it presents its case to the Supreme Court in January. Now, Donald Trump is asking the Supreme Court to delay the TikTok ban.

The re-elected president of the United States has emerged as a potentially crucial factor in avoiding the US TikTok ban. Trump has expressed his intention to try to keep the worlds most popular short video platform available in the country. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew has also made direct approaches to Trump to address the situation.

Donald Trump asks US Supreme Court to delay TikTok ban

Trumps attorney D. John Sauer filed an amicus brief with the Supreme Court saying that the effective date of the US TikTok ban is unfortunately timed. Joe Biden signed the bill in April, setting January 19, 2025, as the deadline. Meanwhile, Trumps inauguration will take place on January 20, just one day later. So, he would find the law already implemented without the possibility of participating in the decision.

President Trump alone possesses the consummate dealmaking expertise, the electoral mandate, and the political will to negotiate a resolution to save the platform while addressing the national security concerns expressed by the Governmentconcerns which President Trump himself has acknowledged, reads the filing. ByteDance used the same argument previously to try to delay the laws entry into force.

The support that Trump has received on the platform has also played in favor of his change of mind. During his first term, Donald Trump wanted to ban TikTok from the United States. Just like the DOJ does now, he claimed concerns related to national security as the main reason.

However, in March of this year, theat that timepresidential candidate surprised the tech industry by showing himself in favor of TikToks permanence in the country. He claimed that banning the app would make Facebook bigger and I consider Facebook to be an enemy of the people, along with a lot of the media. Its noteworthy that Trump and Zuckerberg have since patched things up. However, his stance on keeping TikTok available in the US remains.

Microsoft is a potential surprise participant in the operation

Trump also suggested that he might be talking to Microsoft about participating in the process. He said that the Redmond giant could work out a deal, an appropriate deal, so the Treasury of the United States gets a lot of money. There are no more specific details on this yet.
Wonder Woman star Gal Gadot has revealed her daughter had to be delivered during emergency surgery earlier this year after a massive blood clot was discovered in her brain.

The actress, 39, said she was diagnosed with the clot during her eighth month of pregnancy after enduring excruciating headaches that confined her to bed.

Gadot, who announced the birth of her fourth baby girl in March, said she wanted to open up about the experience in an Instagram post on Sunday to raise awareness and support others who may face something similar.

Gal Gadot had emergency surgery (Kirsty OConnor/PA

In February, during my eighth month of pregnancy, I was diagnosed with a massive blood clot in my brain, she wrote alongside a photo of her cradling her daughter while in a hospital bed.

For weeks, I had endured excruciating headaches that confined me to bed, until I finally underwent an MRI that revealed the terrifying truth.

In one moment, my family and I were faced with how fragile life can be. It was a stark reminder of how quickly everything can change, and in the midst of a difficult year, all I wanted was to hold on and live.

The Hollywood star said she was rushed to hospital and within hours she underwent emergency surgery.

My daughter, Ori, was born during that moment of uncertainty and fear. Her name, meaning my light, wasnt chosen by chance, she said.

Gadot, who has three more daughters with husband Jaron Varsano, revealed she told him before the surgery that their new daughter would be the light waiting for me at the end of this tunnel.

The actress said she is fully healed and filled with gratitude for her life thanks to the help of the medical team who supported her.

She said the experience had taught her a lot including the importance of listening to our bodies and raising awareness.

Gadot said she had not been aware of the chances of developing cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) for pregnant women in their 30s, which she said was three in 100,000 per year.

Gal Gadot said she wanted to raise awareness (Ian West/PA)

Its so important to identify early because its treatable. While rare, its a possibility, and knowing it exists is the first step to addressing it, she added.

The actress said the past year had been one of profound challenges and deep reflections and she had been unsure if she should share her story but decided to in the hope of helping others.

Sharing this is not meant to frighten anyone but to empower, she added.

If even one person feels compelled to take action for their health because of this story, it will have been worth sharing.

In March, Gadot announced she had welcomed another baby girl with a similar photo of her hugging the baby in a hospital bed.

At the time she said the pregnancy was not easy and they made it through but did not share any more details.

Gadot married property developer Varsano, 49, in 2008.
Longest-lived US president was always happy to speak his mind

Jimmy Carter, the United States longest-lived president, was never afraid of speaking his mind.

Forthright and fearless, the Nobel Prize winner took pot-shots at former prime minister Tony Blair and ex-US president George W Bush among others.

His death came after repeated bouts of illness in which images of the increasingly frail former president failed to erase memories of his fierce spirit.

Democrat James Earl Jimmy Carter Jr swept to power in 1977 with his Trust Me campaign helping to beat Republican president Gerald Ford.

Jimmy Carter with the Queen at a State Dinner at Buckingham Palace in 1977 (PA)

Serving as 39th US president from 1977 to 1981, he sought to make government competent and compassionate but was ousted by the unstoppable Hollywood appeal of a certain Ronald Reagan.

A skilled sportsman, Mr Carter left his home of Plains, Georgia, to join the US Navy, returning later to run his familys peanut business.

A stint in the Georgia senate lit the touchpaper on his political career and he rose to the top of the Democratic movement.

But he will also be remembered for a bizarre encounter with a deeply disgruntled opponent.

The president was enjoying a relaxing fishing trip near his home town in 1979 when his craft was attacked by a furious swamp rabbit which reportedly swam up to the boat hissing wildly.

The press had a field day, with one paper bearing the headline President Attacked By Rabbit.

Away from encounters with belligerent bunnies, Mr Carters willingness to address politically uncomfortable topics did not diminish with age.

He recently said that he would be willing to travel to North Korea for peace talks on behalf of US President Donald Trump.

He also famously mounted a ferocious and personal attack on Tony Blair over the Iraq war, weeks before the prime minister left office in June 2007.

Jimmy Carter founded the Carter Center, a global development NGO, in 1982 (John Stillwell/PA)

Mr Carter, who had already denounced George W Bushs presidency as the worst in history, used an interview on BBC radio to condemn Mr Blair for his tight relations with Mr Bush, particularly concerning the Iraq War.

Asked how he would characterise Mr Blairs relationship with Mr Bush, Mr Carter replied: Abominable. Loyal, blind, apparently subservient.

I think that the almost undeviating support by Great Britain for the ill-advised policies of President Bush in Iraq have been a major tragedy for the world.

Mr Carter was also voluble over the Rhodesia crisis, which was about to end during his presidency.

His support for Robert Mugabe at the time generated widespread criticism.

He was said to have ignored the warnings of many prominent Zimbabweans, black and white, about what sort of leader Mugabe would be.

This was seen by Mr Carters critics as deserving a prominent place among the outrages of the Carter years.

Mr Carter has since said he and his administration had spent more effort and worry on Rhodesia than on the Middle East.

He admitted he had supported two revolutionaries in Mugabe and Joshua Nkomo, and with hindsight said later that Mugabe had been a good leader gone bad, having at first been a very enlightened president.

Sean Edlin, seven, gets a handshake from Jimmy Carter as he leaves a service at Westminster Abbey (PA)

One US commentator wrote: History will not look kindly on those in the West who insisted on bringing the avowed Marxist Mugabe into the government.

In particular, the Jimmy Carter foreign policy bears some responsibility for the fate of a small African country with scant connection to American national interests.

In recent years Mr Carter developed a reputation as an international peace negotiator.

He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his commitment to finding peaceful solutions to international conflicts, his work with human rights and democracy initiatives, and his promotion of economic and social programmes.

Mr Carter was dispatched to North Korea in August 2008 to secure the release of US citizen Aijalon Mahli Gomes, who had been sentenced to eight years of hard labour after being found guilty of illegally entering North Korea. He successfully secured the release of Mr Gomes.

In 2010 he returned to the White House to greet President Barack Obama and discuss international affairs amid rising tensions on the Korean peninsula.

Proving politics runs in the family, in 2013 his grandson Jason, a state senator, announced his bid to become governor in Georgia, where his famous grandfather governed before becoming president. He eventually lost to incumbent Republican Nathan Deal.

Jimmy Carter (left), trout fishing with Western Mail fishing expert Moc Morgan on Clywedog Reservoir, near Llanidloes, in Wales in 1986 (PA)

Fears that Mr Carters health was deteriorating were sparked in 2015 when he cut short an election observation visit in Guyana because he was not feeling well.

It would have been Mr Carters 39th trip to personally observe an international election.

Three months later, on August 12, he revealed he had cancer which had been diagnosed after he underwent surgery to remove a small mass in his liver.

Mr Obama was among the well-wishers hoping for Mr Carters full recovery after it was confirmed the cancer had spread widely.

Melanoma had been found in his brain and liver, and Mr Carter underwent immunotherapy and radiation therapy, before announcing in March the following year that he no longer needed any treatment.

In 2017, Mr Carter was taken to hospital as a precaution, after he became dehydrated at a home-building project in Canada.

He was admitted to hospital on multiple occasions in 2019 having had a series of falls, suffering a brain bleed and a broken pelvis, as well as a stint to be treated for a urinary tract infection.

Mr Carter spent much of the coronavirus pandemic largely at his home in Georgia, and did not attend Joe Bidens presidential inauguration in 2021, but extended his best wishes.

Former first lady Rosalynn Carter, the closest adviser to Mr Carter during his term as US president, died in November 2023.

She had been living with dementia and suffering many months of declining health.

Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished, Mr Carter said in a statement following her death.

She gave me wise guidance and encouragement when I needed it. As long as Rosalynn was in the world, I always knew somebody loved and supported me.
The Irish Government took a dim view of several proposed candidates to lead key negotiations on North-South co-operation, according to newly unsealed documents from the National Archives in Dublin.

A briefing note from the Department of Foreign Affairs described some of the high-profile figures put forward by Unionists and the British Government as ineffective politicians, bad lawyers and, in one case, as having a bitchy temperament.

It came as Irish officials in June 1991 were making considerations of their own candidates, as well as individuals put forward by the UK Government and Unionists, to chair Strand Two talks leading into the Good Friday Agreement.

Strand Two referred to the parts of the agreement which established North-South bodies and encouraged co-operation between the Republic and Northern Ireland.

Among nine names proposed by Unionists, the Irish side determined that George Thomas, Lord Tonypandy, is widely disliked at the House of Commons, where he had previously held the role as Speaker.

The briefing document says: He has a petulant and bitchy temperament and does not forgive slights, alleged or real.

Expanding on what the commentary describes as a large streak of sycophancy towards prime minister Margaret Thatcher, the author of the briefing says that a senior journalist described him as a kind of Welsh Uncle Tom.

Lord Havers (PA)

Lord Michael Havers, another candidate put forward by Unionists, is regarded with affection more than respect in British legal and political circles.

The former lord chancellor and ex-attorney general is noted as having a number of blemishes on his legal reputation.

In particular, the Irish side says that many feel he is a bad lawyer over his leadership of prosecution teams in the Guildford Four and the Maguire Seven cases  individuals wrongly convicted over bombings.

It says that Lord Havers lacks much of the pomposity associated with his profession in this country and adds: He is relaxed, urbane, good-humoured and (after a few drinks) frequently indiscreet.

Former lord chief justice of Northern Ireland, Robert Lowry, is said to have been held in deep suspicion over many years, having been associated, the briefing document alleges, with some of the worst excesses of legal practice including the admission of supergrass evidence.

Former home secretary and Northern Ireland secretary Merlyn Rees is noted as being warm and likeable, as well as having a wife of Irish origin.

However, the commentary on Mr Rees says that he is often muddle-headed and prone to offering usually wide of the mark advice to his successors.

In addition, much is noted on his unmistakable Unionist sympathies.

Sir Frederick Catherwood (PA)

Elsewhere, moderate Unionist Sir Fred Catherwood was noted as being acquainted with SDLP leader John Hume and DUP leader Ian Paisley.

However, notes in the margins say that he doesnt enjoy confidence of Hume.

The briefing document added: He comes across as a well-intentioned but somewhat naive individual whose political judgment and understanding leave much to be desired.

The Lord Colnbrook, former Northern Ireland secretary of state Humphrey Atkins, is noted as a Tory traditionalist in the Whitelaw/Carrington mould  though without the charisma of either.

More positively, the document says that he is regarded as a decent, honourable and self-sacrificing politician.

Lord Colnbrook was appointed as secretary of state having been regarded as a safe pair of hands by Margaret Thatcher, the document adds, but his credibility among nationalists was eroded during the Maze hunger strikes.

After an apparent delay in responding to the initial nine names put forward to the Unionist side, 10 additional nominees were put forward by then UUP leader Jim Molyneaux.

He cautioned that inclusion on the list did not mean the individuals were prepared or able to act.

These included Sir Philip Foreman, the former chairman of Short Brothers, who could not be countenanced by the Department because of a record of discrimination at that company at the time.

David Owen, former British foreign secretary, was seen to be very unlikely to be sympathetic and was further ruled out on personality grounds  the author saying he was widely known as arrogant, impatient and difficult to work with.

Elsewhere Gordon Beveridge, then pro-vice-chancellor of Queens University, is listed as being perceived as part of Unionist clique that has dominated Queens for many years.

While there are at least brief background blurbs for most of the list, the proposal of Conor Cruise OBrien, a former Irish minister known for pro-Unionist views, is noted simply as hardly a serious suggestion.

Dr Conor Cruise OBrien with his wife Maire Mhac an tSaoi (PA)

On a British list of candidates, Lord George Thomson of Monifieth was found to have had a position of moderate Unionism but further believed to be open to envisaging a solution to the Irish problem emerging within the broader European context.

The commentary on Sir Patrick Neill, then warden of All Souls College Oxford, said he was known sometimes to take somewhat quirky positions and to go a little over the top about subjects which he may not be totally familiar.

A source for the document also described him as being one of the great and the good within the constraints of being one of the major figures within the Establishment.

Former home secretary Lord Robert Carr was described by the Irish as a classic Heathman or Tory wet, while his work as a natural conciliator during the 1970 docks strike was also noted favourably.

On the other side of Tory divides, the Irish side noted that Lord Robert Blake, another possible candidate, had given sycophantic loyalty to Margaret Thatcher.

For Irelands part, several candidates were put on its shortlist including former deputy Labour leader Denis Healey (noted as being of Irish descent), and former Australian prime minister Gough Whitlam (noted as having a very benevolent interest in Ireland).

Reverend Ian Paisley (John Stillwell/PA)

The documents also suggest that high commissioner of Canada to the UK Roy McMurtry had been approached informally for the position but was ruled out by Mr Paisley as not acceptable.

This came after Mr McMurtry disclosed that he had said in a speech 15 years earlier that Mr Paisley was not a proper person to visit Canada.

This batch of Strand Two talks was ultimately chaired by former governor-general of Australia Sir Ninian Stephen, who was not among the candidates discussed in the document.

 This article is based on files in 2024/130/2.
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A man is to appear in court charged in connection with a hit-and-run crash in west Dublin in which a husband and wife were killed.

Gardai said a woman has also now been arrested over the incident on Boxing Day.

The victims, named locally as Anthony Hogg, 40, and his wife, Georgina Hogg Moore, 39, were fatally injured in the collision in Blanchardstown Road North at about 5.45pm on Thursday.

Mrs Hogg Moore was pronounced dead at the scene and Mr Hogg died later in hospital.

A man in his 40s was arrested on Thursday evening and gardai said he will appear before the Criminal Courts of Justice district court in Dublin on Monday.

Gardai have also made a renewed appeal for information.

People attend a vigil at the scene in Blanchardstown Road North on Friday night (Evan Treacy/PA)

A spokesman said: A second individual, a female, has also been arrested and is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 at a Garda station in Dublin.

Gardai are continuing to appeal to anyone who may have witnessed this collision to contact them.

Any road users or pedestrians who were in the vicinity of Blanchardstown Road North between 5pm and 6pm on Thursday 26th December 2024 and have camera footage (including dashcam) are asked to make this available to investigating gardai.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Blanchardstown Garda Station at 01 666 7000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

A vigil was held on Friday at the spot where the couple died, when a group of more than 50 people, some holding balloons, gathered at the site.

Floral tributes have also been left at the scene.
Everton striker Neal Maupay has sparked outrage among Toffees fans by taking a swipe at his parent club in a post on social media.

Maupay also had a dig at Everton when he departed on loan to Marseille in the summer and his latest taunt has further angered the Premier League clubs supporters.

The 28-year-old said on X after Sean Dyches side had lost 2-0 to Nottingham Forest at Goodison Park on Sunday: Whenever Im having a bad day I just check the Everton score and smile.

Whenever Im having a bad day I just check the Everton score and smile   Neal Maupay (@nealmaupay_) December 29, 2024

Former boxer Tony Bellew was among the Toffees supporters who responded to Maupay, with the ex-world cruiserweight champion replying on X with: P****!

Maupay endured a miserable spell at Everton, scoring just one league goal in 29 appearances after being signed by the Merseysiders for an undisclosed fee in 2022.

He departed on a season-long loan to his former club Brentford for the 2023-24 season and left Goodison for a second time in August when Marseille signed him on loan with an obligation to make the deal permanent.

After leaving Everton in the summer, Maupay outraged their fans by posting on social media a scene from the film Shawshank Redemption, famous for depicting the main characters long fight for freedom.
Benjamin Netanyahu visited Dublin years before he became Israeli prime minister, in a bid to establish a diplomatic presence in the capital.

The Israeli embassy is now in the process of closing.

In February 1990, Mr Netanyahu was the deputy foreign minister in the Likud government and Ireland held the presidency of what was then the European Community (EC).

Files released by the National Archives in Dublin show that the Department of Foreign Affairs prepared a brief resume of his career, so that officials could familiarise themselves with a man who would become a defining figure in Israeli politics.

His meeting with Irish foreign affairs minister Gerry Collins took place in Dublin on February 21, 1990.

Mr Netanyahu suggested there was a natural feeling of sympathy towards Israel among the Irish people, but relations had not been helped by Irish soldiers who had been killed in Lebanon while serving with Unifil.

Many of these attacks had been blamed on Lebanese militias supported by Israel.

Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu (Gareth Fuller/PA)

Mr Netanyahu told Mr Collins that 95% of the Israeli people were against Palestinian aspirations, and defended Israels refusal to withdraw from the territories it had occupied since 1967.

He was also questioned about settlements in the Occupied Territories and responded by saying only a fraction of a percentage of Jewish immigrants to Israel lived there.

He maintained they were not being incentivised or encouraged to live there.

Mr Collins cited a statement by the Israeli prime minister Yitzhak Shamir in the Knesset in the previous week, in which he said he would strengthen Jewish settlements through Judaea, Samaria, Gaza and the Golan.

Judaea and Samaria are names used by Israel to refer to the West Bank.

The report of the meeting said that when Mr Shamirs statement was put to Mr Netanyahu, he made no reply.

At the time of the meeting, Ireland was one of the few states in Europe which did not have an Israeli embassy, and did not have an embassy in Israel either.

Gerry Collins (Johnny Green/PA)

This was the subject of much correspondence between the Israeli embassy in London, which included Ireland, and the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Mr Netanyahu said Ireland was important to Israel, not just as a result of the EU presidency which it then held.

As Israel would soon have embassies in all the newly formed eastern European states, Mr Netanyahu said he did not want Ireland to lag behind either in the intensity or intimacy of diplomatic contacts with Israel.

The absence of an Israeli embassy in Dublin was a source of concern for Irelands small Jewish population at the time.

In 1992, Mr Collins met the Jewish Representative Council of Ireland.

Joe Briscoe, whose father Robert Briscoe had been involved with smuggling guns into Ireland during the War of Independence, told him that the Jewish community was being seen as a proxy for an official Israel presence in Ireland and it was being blamed for many of the actions of Israel.

An Israeli embassy in Ireland was opened in December 1993, and an Irish embassy in Israel was opened three years later.

However, Israel announced in late 2024 that it would close its embassy in Dublin, and the Israeli foreign minister accused Ireland of antisemitic rhetoric and of crossing every red line in its relations with Israel.

Ireland had earlier that year recognised Palestinian statehood, and announced an intention to intervene in South Africas case against Israel for genocide at the International Court of Justice.

Irish premier Simon Harris has rejected the claims and accused Israel of distracting from the deaths of children in the Gaza conflict.

 This article is based on material in 24/52/118.
Angela Greener was passionate about flower-arranging, and a fan of Latin and ballroom dancing Photograph: none

My mother, Angela Greener, who has died aged 68 after a short illness, worked as a police officer and a secretary while remaining the cornerstone of our family.

Born in Sunderland, to William Barker, a maintenance engineer, and Doreen (nee Lamb), Angela went to Robert Richardson grammar technical school. When she was still a teenager, her mother developed multiple sclerosis, and Angela had to take care of her from a young age. Her fathers sudden death in 1985 added to her responsibilities, but despite this, both Doreen and Angela were cheerful and uncomplaining.

After obtaining an advanced secretarial diploma from Monkwearmouth College of Further Education in 1975, and a London Chamber of Commerce private secretarys certificate, Angela worked as secretary to the managing director of the UK supermarket SavaCentre for a year, before returning to her college as personal secretary to the principal. She also completed the Royal Society of Arts examination for shorthand-typing, honing her skills to an impressive 130 words per minute. Such speed never failed to amaze her children.

Influenced by her fathers stint in the Royal Air Force and stories of his travels to Pakistan and India, Angela sought a new vocation and decided to join Northumbria police. She graduated and began her service in November 1981, swearing her oath of allegiance in front of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.

It was the first time that a police swearing-in ceremony had been attended by royalty as it came directly after the Queen had officially opened a new police headquarters in Ponteland, Northumberland. Angela predominately acted as a burglary visits officer until her retirement in 2011.

Stylish and elegant, Angela was passionate about flower arranging, a fan of Latin and ballroom dancing and the BBC television show Strictly Come Dancing; she was also an avid watcher of EastEnders. In her later years she was besotted by her grandchildren and would often bake cakes for them.

While growing up, Angela would pass by a framed quote hanging in her hallway, which said: I shall pass through this world but once. Any good, therefore, that I can do or any kindness I can show, let me do it now. This influenced her greatly, and became the rule by which she led her life, ensuring those she loved were supported and valued.

Doreen died in 2005. Angela is survived by three children from a marriage that ended in divorce  my sisters, Emma and Eve, and me  and by six grandchildren.
Kim Leadbeaters Private Members Bill would allow terminally ill adults with a prognosis of less than six months to legally end their own lives - Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Europe

Dozens of MPs who supported legalising assisted dying could withdraw their backing after concerns over the role of medical practitioners and the risk of coercion.

The Bill passed through its second reading in the House of Commons by 55 votes in November, when a committee of MPs was established to scrutinise the legislation.

The legislation proposes allowing terminally ill adults with less than six months to live to get medical assistance to end their lives, if two doctors and a High Court judge agree.

But MPs across the political divide who previously voted for the Bill are demanding that it be amended to ban doctors from suggesting assisted dying to terminally ill patients.

The Guardian reported that one MP said they believed that the majority the Bill received in Parliament will be eroded and will pass with probably between 10 and 20 majority because of concerns related to the implementation of the law.

The Bill passed through its second reading by 55 votes in November - Michael Leckie/PA

The current wording of the legislation allows doctors to exercise their professional judgement to decide if, and when, it is appropriate to discuss the matter with a person.

Chris Webb, the Labour MP for Blackpool South, told the Guardian that he felt uncomfortable that doctors are allowed to suggest assisted suicide to patients.

He said: I voted with compassion for them and because I believe everyone has the right to a dignified death. I believe it deserves to progress to the next stage, but I do feel it needs further robust scrutiny and debate and I will consider my position in the ensuing stages while continuing to listen to all perspectives.

Roz Savage, a Liberal Democrat MP, also told the Guardian that she was especially concerned that healthcare professionals must not proactively suggest assisted dying as an option.

Others who have demanded the proposed change to the Bill include Mike Tapp, the Labour MP for Dover and Deal, and Sir David Davis, a former Tory minister.

Mr Davis told the Commons ahead of the vote: I say to both the Bills sponsors that it has a number of areas that they know I think they have to put right  about a dozen, in truth.

Campaigners protest against the assisted dying Bill in Parliament Square - Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Europe

He added: After the do not resuscitate scandal during the Covid crisis, I do not want that at any price  I do not want the state initiating this process. That is critical for me.

But this element of the legislation could cause friction between MPs and the British Medical Association (BMA), who have said that doctors must not be prohibited in law from raising this subject.

The association described stopping medical practitioners from discussing assisted dying for eligible patients as a gag clause.

A BMA spokesman said: Doctors should be trusted to use their professional judgment to decide when and if a discussion about assisted dying would be appropriate, taking their cue from the patient as they do on all other issues.

Kim Leadbeaters Private Members Bill passed through its second reading in the House of Commons by 55 votes in November - House of Commons/PA

The majority of the Cabinet, including Sir Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves, voted in support of assisted dying last month.

But Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, and Shabana Mahmood, the Justice Secretary, who would be crucial to the Bills implementation if it became law, voted against it.
Adam Liaw, the host of The Cook Up on SBS, says his most memorable travel meal was in the poorest country in the world. Photograph: Jiwon Kim

Adam Liaws work has taken him around the globe. He has travelled everywhere from Singapore to Scandinavia to showcase the worlds best dishes on TV, and ventured to Africas Great Lakes region in his role as a Unicef ambassador for nutrition. At home in Sydney he samples cuisines of all kinds on The Cook Up with Adam Liaw, the SBS series he has hosted for more than 700 episodes.

Perhaps unsurprisingly given his profession, Liaws holiday ritual is seeking out a great meal everywhere he goes. Here, the cook and TV presenter tells us about the dishes he goes for in each destination, as well as sharing his thoughts on what makes  or breaks  a travel companion.

Who makes an excellent travel companion?

Someone who makes suggestions and quick decisions, but who can also be flexible. One of my pet peeves when travelling is people who say theyre happy to go with the flow. People say that because it sounds like theyre easy-going but in my experience its the exact opposite.

Related: Away with Nats What I Reckon: Taking lights with you might sound weird but its actually a massive travel hack

Even if its trying to work out where to go for dinner, a decision-maker will suggest ideas and put some thought into how to bring that idea into reality but the go with the flow people are the ones who will expect you to put in all the effort that goes into working out where to go and what to eat, and then tell you they dont really feel like eating that and expect you to come up with another option for them to approve.

After a while that gets maddening.



Whats your earliest childhood holiday memory?

Camping trips to the Flinders Ranges with my family. The smell of the sleeping bag, campfire smoke in our hair and hot oats with butter and brown sugar for breakfast.



Describe your most memorable travel meal  good, bad or just surprising.

I was visiting Burundi for Unicef last year and spent some time with the Mamans Lumieres (Light Mothers) who teach childhood nutrition in the rural areas. Burundi is the poorest country in the world and we were hours away from the capital in some very remote villages teaching young mothers how to prepare a nutritionally balanced version of a traditional Burundian melange  a stew made up of beans, vegetables and dried fish. It was a meal that had a lot of purpose and not one that Ill ever forget.



Whats the most relaxing place youve ever visited?

Perhentian Kecil in Malaysia. Its a small island and I stayed there scuba diving for about a month. These days it is all quite developed but when I was there 25 years ago it was absolutely pristine. It didnt even have regular electricity and we spent our days scuba diving and swapping books to read and then cooked freshly caught seafood every night.



And the most stressful?

Los Angeles. Ive probably been to LA 20 times (admittedly, mostly for work) but its always struck me as a place where everyone is concerned with what everyone else is doing. Not a relaxing place at all.

What is your holiday ritual?

It differs by place and its always food-related. In Kuala Lumpur its eating hokkien mee on the first night we arrive. In Tokyo I always have rokurinsha ramen at the airport before departure. On the bullet train its a katsu sando.

Whats one item you always put in your suitcase?

An Opinel No 8 pocketknife. Its incredibly useful for everything from slicing saucisson from a French weekend market, to fixing a broken bicycle in Laos, to cutting the tags off clothes from a Shibuya shopping spree. Just make sure it isnt still in your hand luggage when you check in for your flight home. Ive lost a few knives that way.



Whats your top tip for enduring long-haul flights?

Noise-cancelling headphones. People underestimate how much the constant noise of planes and people affect your stress levels. Being able to tune that out is a gamechanger.
Following long-established tradition, the officers and senior NCOs of 4th battalion Princess of Wales Royal Regiment serve Christmas dinner to the other ranks. The Army is increasingly overstretched - Paul Grover for the Telegraph

The great historian Edward Gibbon said of the collapse of Athens: In the end, more than freedom, they wanted security. They wanted a comfortable life, and they lost it all  security, comfort, and freedom. When the Athenians finally wanted not to give to society but for society to give to them, when the freedom they wished for most was freedom from responsibility, then Athens ceased to be free and was never free again.

As we enter 2025, the world is a more dangerous place for the population of the United Kingdom than ever in my lifetime. Our governments primary responsibilities towards its people, namely keeping them safe and well, are founded in the UK on our NHS and our military. Both are in complete disarray, and we can no longer afford either in their current form.

The burdens of social security benefits, state handouts and gold-plated public sector pensions have robbed future generations of the certainties I grew up with. This comes at a time when the world enters a savage competition for vital resources, when the rules-based international order is in retreat in the face of prejudice, totalitarian regimes and apathy in the well fed West.

We have seen the greatest movement of populations since the Second World War, propelled to some degree by the conflicts which we see every day in the media. There are also the less fashionable conflicts, which we see very little of, but which are harming many more lives. The civil war in Sudan, the struggle in Yemen and the myriad conflicts across Africa  including the wars in the Sahel and in the Congo  are affecting many times more people than those suffering in Palestine or Lebanon.

Pity in our society, it would seem, is guided primarily by social media trends  often trends manipulated by malign influencers in Russia, Iran and China. They delight in watching the liberal establishment destroy our future by slavish obedience to a distorted (and often factually inaccurate) version of our past. This is readily absorbed and then parroted in the student unions and common rooms across our country, often with little fact checking or pause for thought.

As we wait for the beginning of the second Donald Trump presidency, we should look ahead. The likelihood of a peace deal in Ukraine is high. The expectation of the Ukrainians is that it would be an interbellum that would allow Putins Russia to regroup, re-equip and rearm so as to come again better prepared  not only to conquer Ukraine but potentially all of Europe. Even as any deal is signed, they will be likewise rearming, re-equipping and bracing for the next round.

Meanwhile many in the West will try to wish the danger away with undermanned, poorly equipped and reluctant militaries. Trumps presidency will also see economic pressure on China as never before: but like a shark, China must keep moving forward if it is to survive. This, even as its working population shrinks at an alarming rate thanks to the curse of 4, 2, 1  that is four grandparents, two parents, one child. Even so there is an alarming rate of youth unemployment and far more males than females within that younger population. It may be that war and conquest will seem like the only way forward for China, and with an increasingly efficient and well-equipped military, an option for which it is increasingly ready.

Here at home with the public finances squeezed, our own military is, of course, at the back of the queue. Its increasingly harder to join, for some Byzantine bureaucratic reason, and with the outflow at an alarming rate our military capability is disappearing like snow off a ditch. The overstretched army can always recover if it is given the means to do so. But the warnings of our Army leadership as well as the retired military are being ignored.

The RAF has suffered serious harm from political correctness in the recent past and the Royal Navy is also in peril from underfunding and a recruitment crisis.

Yet even with the dark shadows of world war or an invasion of Europe looming, the talk in the current government is still of more cuts. One ray of light for the UK defence industry is the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) which is a UK led collaboration involving Japan and Italy and with Saudi Arabia exploring involvement. Yet GCAP could well be axed even as China demonstrates what may be the most capable sixth generation fighter in the world at present. To cancel GCAP would, in my opinion, be like Prime Minster Neville Chamberlain cancelling the production of the Spitfire in the late 1930s.

All in all, the outlook is bleak as we enter the new year. For the defence of our way of life we cant just keep relying on a Trump-led USA. The government needs to actually make some hard decisions or, in our national quest to be free from responsibilities, we will face the fate of the Athenians: the loss of all of our freedoms, comforts and security.

Colonel Tim Collins is a former British Army officer. He served in the SAS and as commander of the Royal Irish for the invasion of Iraq, when his before-battle speech to his soldiers made headlines around the world
The UK has pledged over 225 million to Ukraine for items such as new boats and maritime drones - Eddie Mulholland for The Telegraph

Britain has pledged to give nearly 11 million to Ukraine to help bring Russian war criminals to justice for atrocities committed during Vladimir Putins invasion of the country.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced on Sunday that it will give bodies, including the Ukrainian prosecutor generals office, 4.5 million to support Ukrainian documentation, investigation and prosecution of war crimes.

The Government had previously pledged 6.2 million to help prosecute war crimes. Most of the money has been given to the Atrocity Crimes Advisory Group (ACA), a joint initiative between the UK, the US and the European Union.

In 2022, the UN Human Rights Commissioners independent international commission of inquiry on Ukraine concluded that war crimes had been committed during the conflict.

The commission said it had seen evidence of executions, torture and sexual and gender-based violence.

The International Criminal Court also opened an investigation in March 2022, weeks after Russia invaded. The massacre of civilians by the Russian army in Bucha, near Kyiv, in March 2022 is among those under consideration for war crimes.

Healey proud of UK leadership on Ukraine

The funding comes on top of the wider 225 million announced by John Healey, the Defence Secretary, during a visit to Ukraine in mid-December, which included money for new boats and maritime drones, air defence systems and counter-drone technology.

MPs also voted in favour of loaning an extra 2.26 billion to Ukraine, which will be repaid using profits from Russian sovereign assets.

Mr Healey said: Throughout 2024, the fierce courage of the Ukrainian people has continued to inspire the world.

As we enter 2025, the UKs resolve to reinforce support for Ukraine is unwavering.

Im proud of UK leadership on Ukraine. From delivering cutting-edge equipment to training tens of thousands of troops, we have shown the UK stands with the Ukrainian people in the face of Putins brutal, illegal invasion. Because the defence of the UK starts in Ukraine.

This is underpinned by our 3 billion funding promise for Ukraine, next year and every year, for as long as it takes to enable the Ukrainians to defend themselves and restore their sovereignty, security and freedom.

A UN commission concluded that war crimes had been committed during the Russia-Ukraine war

David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, said: While in Kyiv, I saw first hand the inspirational bravery of the Ukrainian people. Im immensely proud of the support this Government is providing them as they resist Russias illegal full-scale invasion.

The atrocities we have witnessed in Ukraine are unspeakable  there can be no lasting peace without accountability, and UK support will help Ukraine as it pursues justice for the victims and survivors of these crimes.

As we look ahead to 2025, our message is clear: we will stand with you in war, we will stand with you in peace, and we will stand with you as you fight for your security and that of all of Europe.
Among birds, the poster child for monogamy is the wandering albatross, which can live up to 50 years and usually mates for life. Photograph: Otto Whitehead

In 2011 a shock celebrity break-up garnered headlines around the world  not the separation of Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore, nor Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony, but the sudden, inexplicable rupture between Bibi and Poldi, two 115-year-old Galapagos tortoises at Happ reptile zoo in Austria.

After nearly a century as a couple, the female, Bibi, had had enough: one day, she bit a chunk off Poldis shell, drawing blood, and continued to attack him until zoo staff moved him to a separate enclosure.

In the wild, Galapagos tortoises are not monogamous, so its no small feat that Bibi and Poldis liaison lasted as long as it did, though their coupling never produced any offspring. Attempts at reconciliation were not successful. We get the feeling they cant stand the sight of each other any more, the zoos director, Helga Happ, lamented at the time.

Why do breakups occur? Among humans its a question that has engendered ballads, provided rich fodder for novelists and continues to intrigue scientists.

Birds tend to have partnerships and mammals dont Prof Simon Griffith

To break up, of course, you have to be together in the first place. In social monogamy, animals live together and form strong ties known as pair bonds  though sexual faithfulness is a separate question. In mammals, humans are among the exceptions: social monogamy has been observed in less than 10% of mammal species.

That low figure comes down to the difference in parental investment between males and females, says Prof Simon Griffith, an evolutionary ecologist at Macquarie University. In most mammal species, parental care comes primarily from the female, who invests hugely in gestating and providing milk for her young.

In many mammals, theres no parental care by the dad, Griffith says. It may be that hell do a bit of guarding, or hell hold the territory, but  he cant really provide that much for the offspring.

In birds, its completely different. The dad can actually care almost as much as the female in terms of delivering food.

Thats why birds tend to have partnerships and mammals dont.

Before methods to establish paternity existed, evidence suggested that birds as a group were mostly sexually monogamous, says Prof Raoul Mulder, an evolutionary ecologist at the University of Melbourne.

If you look at whether or not a particular species pairs, and how long they pair for, and how long they stay together for, and you classify all the known birds, youd arrive at a figure of over 90%, Mulder says.

But after genetic testing techniques were developed, scientists began to realise that birds were not as faithful as previously believed  that social and sexual monogamy dont necessarily go hand in hand. Mulders work on the superb fairywren found that 76% of chicks born in nests were fathered by other males. That astonishing rate of cuckoldry is bested only by the Australian magpie at a rate as high as 82%.

On the whole, however, Australian birds tend to divorce less than European species, Griffith says, as strong partnerships are required to survive fickle environmental conditions. In the northern hemisphere, the timing of breeding seasons is predictable, tied to day length, but in Australia the decision to breed also depends on climatic factors.

Related: Extraordinary size and staying power: the unlikely origin of a mighty Australian avocado

Some years, you literally dont get any rain thats meaningful and nothing grows, and the birds and animals that live there cant breed, Griffith says of Australias arid zone. [Breeding] is a much more complicated decision at an individual level but, if youre in a good partnership, you can together optimise that decision.

Among birds, the poster child for monogamy is the wandering albatross, which can live up to 50 years and usually mates for life. This bird takes such a long time to establish a pair bond, says Dr Ruijiao Sun, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of California, Santa Barbara. If an individual loses their partner, it takes years to bond with a new one to be able to start breeding again.

Wandering albatrosses only have one egg at each breeding season but there always needs to be one parent sitting on the nest to protect their chick and do the incubating but they also need to forage  so they have to take turns.

It really takes two to be able to raise their chicks.

Sun suggests long-lived species such as the wandering albatross benefit more from strong pair bonds. Each time they breed, they fine-tune their behaviours  they coordinate with each other much better, making reproduction effortless [over time].

Short-lived species, in contrast, might be more ready to ditch their partner to maximise breeding opportunities. Even so, Suns research estimates that the divorce rate in wandering albatrosses is about 10%. (Compare this to the king penguin, which, though sexually monogamous while with a partner, divorces at a rate of about 80%.)

Related: Six hours, six weddings and a schnauzer: inside a pop-up love party

Other factors that might drive animals to divorce  what scientists call mate switching  include a high mortality rate and a skewed sex ratio. Both drive up competition for mates, creating temptation for those of the minority sex to shack up with someone more appealing.

Research is also emerging that the climate crisis may also play a role in divorce. In a study of snow petrels, which nest in rock crevices in Antarctica, Sun and her co-authors found that the number of snow days in a breeding season was directly linked to the rate of break-ups. Too much snow fills nests and freezes the eggs, leading to incubation failure.

They may either abandon their previous nest or abandon their partner, Sun says, adding that the stress of constant snow-shovelling might make birds blame their partner more than they normally would do.

The work projected that declining sea ice under climate change would also affect survival rates in future, skewing the sex ratio. We will have a lot of males in a population, and fewer females available to mate with them, Sun says.

Stress and spousal blame probably also play a role in the Falkland Islands, where unusually warm water temperatures have been linked to higher divorce rates in black-browed albatrosses. Environmentally driven divorce, the researchers suggested at the time, may therefore represent an overlooked consequence of global change.
Mr Musk has been an outspoken critic of Sir Keir, accusing him of orchestrating a crackdown on free speech in Britain - Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

Elon Musk has said that very few businesses want to invest in Sir Keir Starmers Britain.

The tech tycoon blamed the current administration for putting off wealth creators in remarks that will come as a blow to the Prime Minister.

He made the comments in response to a letter from Scottish politicians who want Tesla, Mr Musks electric car firm, to open a new giga-factory in the country.

Very few companies will be willing to invest in the UK with the current administration, the tech tycoon replied on social media site X, formerly Twitter, which he owns.

Sir Keir has made attracting more businesses to Britain central to his economic plan as he battles low growth following the Budget tax rises.

Elon Musks post on X is in response to a letter asking him to open a gigafactory in Scotland - Ebrahim Noroozi/AP

In September he said he would welcome cash from Tesla after a row broke out over his failure to invite Mr Musk to the UKs investment summit.

The tech mogul, who is the worlds richest man, was reportedly snubbed by No 10 because of social media posts in which he criticised Labour.

He responded: I dont think anyone should go to the UK when theyre releasing convicted paedophiles in order to imprison people for social media posts.

Mr Musk has been an outspoken critic of Sir Keir, accusing him of restricting free speech in Britain.

During far-Right riots this summer, he branded the Prime Minister two-tier Keir and criticised the punishments handed out to those involved.

Out of curiosity, is this the same #TwoTeirKeir who himself criticized policing protests in 2021?



What a hypocrite! pic.twitter.com/B2fXntqeOp  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 9, 2024

After a man was apparently arrested over comments he had made on Facebook, Mr Musk asked whether the country was Britain or the Soviet Union.

When the police investigated Allison Pearson, a journalist at The Telegraph, over a year-old post on X, he declared that Britain is turning into a police state.

He also used X to suggest that civil war is inevitable in Britain, prompting a rebuke from No 10 which said there was no justification for the comments.

Last month, he waded into the row over Labours inheritance tax raid on farmers, saying it showed that Britain was going full Stalin under Sir Keir.

Britain is turning into a police state https://t.co/TYy3ZR7DJB  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 17, 2024

Mr Musk owns some of the worlds biggest companies including Tesla, SpaceX and social media site X.

Ash Regan, the Holyrood leader of nationalist party Alba, had written to Mr Musk urging him to open a new Tesla giga-factory in Scotland.

Jeremy Hunt, the former Tory chancellor, claimed the billionaire was considering building a new car plant in Britain before Labour won the election.

He told me last year he was planning a new car plant in Europe and had not decided where but the UK was a candidate, Mr Hunt told the BBC.

Ash Regan, the Holyrood leader of nationalist party Alba, has written to Elon Musk urging him to open a new Tesla giga-factory in Scotland - Jane Barlow/PA

Mr Musk has openly backed Reform online and is said to be considering giving a sizeable donation to Nigel Farages Right-wing party.

Sir Keir has repeatedly said that international firms are upbeat about Britain and hailed the 50 billion pledged at Octobers investment summit.

He responded to Mr Musks criticisms of his Government by saying that they were in stark contrast to the attitude of other business leaders.
Farmers protested Labours inheritance tax raid in November and look set to ramp up protests in 2025 - Eddie Mulholland

Farmers are plotting a New Year supermarket blockade to ramp up protests over the governments inheritance tax raid.

Under plans drawn up by radical elements of farmers protest groups, tractors could block supermarket distribution centres across the country, The Telegraph understands.

The coordinated action to block the hubs, a key part of the supermarket supply chain, could take place as soon as mid-January and risks leaving shelves empty.

Campaign sources said the action would increase incrementally but could result in a complete shutdown until the Government negotiates.

It marks a significant escalation in what has been a fierce backlash to plans announced by Rachel Reeves in the Autumn Budget.

The Chancellor placed a 20 per cent inheritance tax on farmers assets worth more than 1 million in her first Budget. Previously, tax breaks designed to allow family farms to pass down the generations were exempt from the divisive 40 per cent duty.

The move resulted in a mass protest in Westminster in November attended by thousands of farmers including Jeremy Clarkson, the former Top Gear presenter.

Since then smaller protests have occurred in the capital, while tractor go-slow protests have taken place in Dover and Suffolk.

Some farming groups are expected to organise a national day of action on Jan 25 alongside the National Farmers Union, with tractor rallies and roadside banners targeting marginal Labour constituencies.

A farmers protest in central London over the changes to inheritance tax - Gareth Fuller/PA

But now some are plotting a more radical course of action as they try to pile pressure on the Government to scrap the policy.

One with knowledge of the blockade, which could happen as soon as mid-January, told The Telegraph: The first time will be for a short period to show it can be done. Then a 12 or 24-hour shutdown, and ultimately if it gets that far, a complete shutdown until the Government come to the table.

It could ultimately shut down the economy, no food means serious chaos. The Government have picked a fight with the wrong sector.

Distribution centres are large facilities that store and process a wide range of products for a supermarket and are a key part of the supply chain.

Over two billion cases are moved through Tescos distribution network each year, with 95 per cent distrusted centrally.

Elsewhere, Asda has 21 distribution centres across the UK that store goods before they are sent to individual stores.

As of 2023, Marks and Spencer had 10 distribution centres and warehouses in locations including Welham Green, Bradford, Stoke, Swindon and Thurrock.

Tractors have blocked Whitehall and now they could be used to block supermarket distribution centres across the country - Dan Kitwood

Cllr Tim Taylor, leader of Pro Farmers United, who besieged the Welsh Labour conference said it was important the campaign does not lose public support but that Labour was now learning the hard way.

He said: We have to keep it in the public eye. Labour wont cave but if that pressure is on and on and we have the public support, then keep your eye on the county council elections in May.

They are not going to do anything regardless of how we step up but now they are learning the hard way, we are not going to be messed about with.

Supermarkets and food suppliers are watching the situation closely and the Government is thought to have drawn up contingency plans to keep supermarket shelves stocked.

In November, when ministers feared farmers would seek to disrupt the supermarket supply chain, Louise Haigh, the then transport secretary, said the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs would ensure food security is treated as the priority it deserves to be.

A government source added: As any responsible government would, we would rightly prepare for a range of scenarios to ensure that consumers are not affected.

Andrew Opie, director of food and sustainability at the British Retail Consortium on Sunday night said retailers were working hard to minimise disruption.

He said: Retailers are closely monitoring the impact of the potential interventions, including strikes, but are adept at dealing with disruption and are working hard to ensure customers arent impacted.

A mock coffin symbolising the death of the farming industry at a protest in London - Leon Neal

The Government has so far refused to reverse the planned changes to agricultural property relief, which would see a 20 per cent inheritance tax on estates worth more than 1 million.

Farming and rural groups say the tax could be devastating for family businesses, and risks creating a mental health crisis among older farmers.

It comes as Sir Keir Starmer has been warned his ratings have suffered a catastrophic fall among countryside voters angered by his family farm tax.

Just one in five voters believe Labour cares about people who live and work in the countryside, polling for The Telegraph has found.

A survey of more than 2,000 adults conducted by Public First, the political consultancy, found only 22 per cent believed Labour cared about those in rural areas.

Ministers are understood to have drawn up contingency plans to minimise disruption and deal with any food shortages.

A government spokesman said: Our commitment to farmers remains steadfast  we have committed 5 billion to the farming budget over two years, including more money than ever for sustainable food production, and we are developing a 25-year farming roadmap, focusing on how to make the sector more profitable in the decades to come

Our reform to Agricultural and Business Property Relief will impact around 500 estates a year. For these estates, inheritance tax will be at half the rate paid by others, with 10 years to pay the liability back interest free. This is a fair and balanced approach which fixes the public services we all rely on.
Fire crews battle bushfires at Halls Gap in the Grampians region of Victoria on 27 December. Photograph: Diego Fedele/AAP

At least three homes and nearly a dozen outbuildings have been destroyed by the fire in Victorias Grampians, as a new fire threatens homes and lives in Western Australia.

The Victorian premier, Jacinta Allan, said on Sunday morning that assessments of the damage were still continuing, and the full impact of the blaze was not yet clear. She thanked those in the path of the fire for listening to warnings and taking action to stay safe.

But she reminded Victorians that it was only the start of a dangerous summer period.

The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, said federal and state disaster recovery payments would be available from 2pm Monday for people directly affected by the fires, providing up to 13 weeks of income support.

Allan gave heartfelt thanks to the firefighters who fought the fire, which had been traced back to a lightening strike, over the Christmas period.

She said it was remarkable that a fire that has so far burned through 76,000 hectares had not resulted in any loss of life.

There have been three properties lost at current estimates and our thoughts also go to those property owners, farmers, primary producers who have lost livestock as well, she said.

Allan said the fire was expected to continue to burn for some time, with firefighters keeping a 384km perimeter around the blaze at any given time, wary of the wind acting as a ignition point.

The fire has claimed a significant number of livestock, with work ongoing to assess the extent of the fires damage.

Conditions have eased in Victoria, with cooler weather bringing some relief to crews battling the fire in the Grampians and the whole state facing moderate fire conditions on Sunday.

James Taylor, from the State Control Centre, said the easing conditions had helped firefighters attempting to contain the blaze.

Some mild weather overnight has assisted firefighting efforts and has given crews the chance to strengthen containment lines. Crews will continue to black out the fire with help from machinery and aircraft today.

Three watch and act alerts have remained active for areas around western Victorias Grampians national park.

Related: Victoria bushfires: blazes threaten Grampians, Bullengarook, the Gurdies and Creswick  in pictures

But emergency warnings were issued for communities in Western Australias midwest, south of Geraldton, where residents were urged to evacuate as a fire approached.

Emergency warnings were in place for parts of Mount Adams, Irwin, Mount Horner and Yardarino. An evacuation centre has been set up at Dongara.

You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive. There is a threat to lives and homes, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services warning said.

The fire was moving in a westerly direction, closing major roads including the Brand Highway.

About 60 Bush Fire Service, Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services and Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service firefighters were battling the fire, with about 1,700 hectare burnt by Sunday morning.

Separate watch and act warnings were issued for fires at Springfield and Bookara.

In New South Wales, high fire danger remained active for the Northern Slopes, North Western, Upper Central West Plains, Greater Hunter and Sydney regions amid ongoing high temperatures.

Towns across central and western NSW face multiple days of maximums over 33C, including Parkes, Dubbo and Forbes.
Friedrich Merz, the CDU leader, is usually seen as a stronger supporter of Ukraine than Olaf Scholz, the chancellor and Merzs rival in the Feb 23 election - Tobias Schwartz/AFP

The favourite to win the upcoming German election has said he would ask Russias permission before sending peacekeepers to Ukraine.

If a peace agreement is reached and Ukraine needs security guarantees, we can only discuss this if there is a clear mandate under international law. I dont see it at the moment.

I would like such a mandate to be given in consensus with Russia, not in conflict, said Friedrich Merz, the conservative Christian Democrat (CDU) leader, on Saturday.

He added that he could not imagine it coming to such a scenario because we are far from such a ceasefire.

Benjamin Tallis, the director of the Berlin-based Democratic Strategy Initiative think tank, said: Merzs statement signals exactly the kind of weakness that Russia feasts on.

Rather than being prudent it will embolden Russia, invite them to coerce Germany and undermine both Ukrainian and European security.

You dont ask permission from dictators to secure yourself and your interests.

It was reported earlier this month that Britain and France are discussing the possibility of sending troops to monitor a ceasefire in the event of a peace deal.

Annalena Baerbock, Germanys Green foreign minister, has also suggested that Germany could be open to sending peacekeepers.

Mr Merz said that he could not imagine sending German peacekeepers because we are far from a ceasefire - Getty Images Europe

Mr Merzs comments were condemned by some as pre-election backsliding, as the 69-year-old is usually seen as a stronger supporter of Ukraine than Olaf Scholz, the chancellor and Merzs rival in the Feb 23 poll.

Ukraine is shaping up to be a divisive issue in the race for the chancellorship.

A pacifist-leaning political arena created by the cultural imprint of the Second World War, economic reliance on Russian gas and more historic ties between the countries mean that Germans are softer on Russia than many other European nations.

According to polling by Ipsos in September, 51 per cent of Germans said they were against sending more weapons to Ukraine.

German defence ministry data from November, however, showed that two thirds of Germans agreed that Russian foreign policy is a threat to Germanys security.

Mr Merz has promised to deliver Germanys long-range Taurus missiles to Kyiv, most recently this month on his second trip to the Ukrainian capital since Russias full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Mr Merz has promised long-range German Taurus missiles to Ukraines president Volodymyr Zelensky - Global Images Ukraine

This contrasts with Mr Scholz, who has ruled out delivering the missiles and who telephoned Vladimir Putin for an hour-long conversation in November.

Some analysts think Mr Scholz is campaigning as a moderate Friedenskanzler or peace chancellor between hawkish conservatives and pro-Russian parties.

The popularity of the Alternative for Germany party, whose co-leader has questioned Germanys Nato membership, and the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance, which is polling ahead of Germanys main liberal party and has opposed sanctions on the Kremlin, shows that backing Ukraine is not a guaranteed vote winner.
Cecilia Sala is the author and presenter of Chora Media's daily podcast that tells stories from around the world. Photograph: Leonardo Cendamo

The arrest of a renowned Italian journalist in Iran is reportedly in retaliation for the detention of a Swiss-Iranian businessman and suspected arms dealer in Italy three days earlier, according to media reports quoting the US state department.

Cecilia Sala, 29, a war correspondent and reporter who works for the Italian newspaper Il Foglio and the podcast company Chora Media, was detained on 19 December while reporting in the Iranian capital, Tehran, and held in solitary confinement for a week.

Related: Menaced by foreign foes, facing mutiny at home: how long before Iran goes nuclear? | Simon Tisdall

She was in the country on a regular journalist visa and had published several reports on the shifting landscape in Iran after the fall of the Assad regime in Syria. Italys government said it was working to try to bring her back to Italy.

The foreign ministry said Sala had been allowed to make two phone calls to her relatives. The Italian ambassador, Paola Amadei, visited Sala in prison on Friday, and Antonio Tajani, Italys foreign minister, said the journalist was in good health condition.

On Sunday, in an interview with la Repubblica, a US state department spokesperson said her detention was allegedly a reprisal for the 16 December arrest at a Milan airport on a US warrant of a Swiss-Iranian businessman and alleged arms trafficker with ties to the Iranian regime.

Unfortunately, the Iranian regime continues to unjustly detain citizens of many other countries, often using them as political leverage, said the US spokesperson. There is no justification for this, and they should be released immediately. Journalists do crucial work in informing the public, often under dangerous conditions, and must be protected.

We are aware of the arrest in Iran of the Italian journalist Cecilia Sala, the US state department added. Her arrest comes after an Iranian citizen was arrested in Italy on 16 December for smuggling drone components. We once again call for the immediate and unconditional release of all arbitrarily detained prisoners in Iran without just cause.

Three days before the arrest of Sala in Tehran, Mohammad Abedini Najafabadi, a 38-year-old Swiss-Iranian businessman, was arrested at Milans Malpensa airport on a US warrant over charges of the illegal sanction-busting export of electronic devices that could be used in drones.

The man is accused of criminal association with the purpose of terrorism and is being detained in a prison in Milan.

Najafabadis lawyer, Alfredo De Francesco, told Italys state agency Ansa that his client rejected all charges against him.



From the analysis of the documents in my possession, although the charges brought are formally serious, in reality the position of my client appears to be much less serious than it may seem, De Francesco said. He rejects the charges and is unable to understand the reasons for the arrest.

Najafabadi, wanted by the US for violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and providing material support to a foreign terrorist organisation, is accused of trafficking drones, some of which were reportedly used during a deadly attack in Jordan.

His arrest has led to a diplomatic spat, with Tehran summoning ambassadors from Switzerland and Italy.

Questioned about Najafabadis arrest, Tajani said: There is a Swiss-Iranian prisoner who was arrested in Malpensa before Cecilia Sala in Tehran because there was an international arrest warrant issued by the US.

The prisoner, since he has not yet been convicted, is being treated with all the rules of guarantee that we must provide, Tajani added. He received a consular visit, his lawyer had the opportunity to learn the charges, but they are charges that come from an international arrest warrant, it is not an Italian choice, Italy is not competent for the criminal proceedings of this Iranian. Then we will see about extradition. For the moment he is being held in prison with all the guarantees that are owed to a non-Italian prisoner.

Sala has nearly half a million followers on Instagram and is a regular guest on Italian talkshows. She has covered among other topics the fall of Kabul and the return of the Taliban in Afghanistan, the crisis in Venezuela, the war in Ukraine and the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Giorgia Meloni, the Italian prime minister, is closely following the case and all efforts are being made to bring Sala home, her office at Palazzo Chigi said.

The European Commissions foreign policy spokesperson, Anouar El Anouni, has confirmed close monitoring of the Italian journalists sensitive situation.

Iran has not acknowledged detaining Sala and her charges remain unknown.
All but two of 181 people onboard a plane that crashed while landing at an airport in South Korea are presumed to have died, in the countrys worst domestic civil aviation disaster.

Officials said they had confirmed that 177 people died in the crash on Sunday at Muan international airport in the countrys south-west, while two crew members  a man and a woman  had been rescued. Two people remained missing nine hours after the incident.

Footage of the crash showed the Boeing 737-800 skid along the runway and veer off across a buffer zone before striking a concrete barrier at high speed and bursting into flames as parts of the fuselage flew into the air.

A local fire official said the crash could have been caused by a bird strike and weather conditions, but the exact cause was not yet known.

Related: South Korea plane crash: all except two are presumed dead on Jeju Air flight carrying 181 people, say authorities  live updates

Transport ministry officials said an early assessment of communication records showed that the airport control tower had issued a bird strike warning to the plane shortly before it intended to land and gave its pilot permission to land in a different area. The pilot sent out a distress signal shortly before the plane went past the runway and skidded across a buffer zone before hitting the wall, the officials said.

The cause of the accident is presumed to be a bird strike combined with adverse weather conditions, Lee Jeong-hyun, the chief of Muan fire station, told a media briefing. However, the exact cause will be announced following a joint investigation.

Joo Jong-wan, a transport ministry official, said workers had retrieved the flight data and cockpit voice recorders of the planes black box. They will be examined by government experts, Joo said, adding that the runway would be closed until 1 January.

There were heartbreaking scenes at the airport as more than 100 family members gathered in a meeting room to receive updates about their loved ones. When Lee told families that most passengers were presumed dead, the room erupted in wails of grief.



Is there absolutely no chance of survival? one family member asked. The fire chief could only bow his head and reply: Im so sorry, but thats what its looking like.

Lee later said the tail section was the only part of the plane to have retained a little bit of its shape. The rest is almost impossible to recognise.



Some families voiced anger at what they saw as a delayed response from authorities and the airline. They had pleaded to be allowed near the crash site since the morning, but were denied access because of the restricted nature of the airport zone.

One relative used a microphone to plead for more information. My older brother died and I dont know whats going on, he said. I dont know.

The accident occurred at about 9am local time, shortly after the plane, Jeju Air flight 7C2216, landed at the airport about 186 miles south-west of Seoul, at the end of a flight from Bangkok.

Thick plumes of smoke could be seen rising into the sky after the crash. Some photos showed fire engulfing parts of the aircraft.

Yoo Jae-yong, 41, who was staying near the airport, told the Yonhap news agency he saw a spark on the planes right wing before the incident. I was telling my family there was a problem with the plane when I heard a loud explosion, Yoo said.

Another witness, Kim Yong-cheol, 70, said the plane failed to land in the first attempt and had circled back for another attempt. Kim said he heard the sound of metallic scraping twice about five minutes before the crash. He saw the plane rising after failing to make a landing, before he heard a loud explosion and saw black smoke billowing into the sky.

The crash was the worst on South Korean soil and one of the deadliest in its aviation history. The last time South Korea suffered a large-scale air disaster was in 1997, when a Korean Air plane crashed in Guam, killing 228 people onboard. In 2013, an Asiana Airlines plane crashlanded in San Francisco, killing three people and injuring 200.

Marco Chan, a senior lecturer in aviation operations at Buckinghamshire New University, speculated that damage from a bird strike involving the right-hand engine could have caused a hydraulic system failure that left the pilot unable to deploy the landing gear.

The Boeing 737-800 is a reliable and widely used aircraft, and this crash appears to result from an unfortunate chain of events rather than a systemic design flaw, Chan said.

Jeju Air, one of South Koreas largest low-cost carriers, switched its website to a minimalist, black background in response to the crash. In a statement, it said: Jeju Air deeply bows in apology to all those affected by the Muan airport accident. Our first priority is to do everything possible to manage this incident. We sincerely apologise for causing concern.

A company official told Yonhap that the aircraft involved in Sundays crash had been in operation for 15 years and had no history of accidents.

The two surviving crew members were rescued from the tail of the aircraft and had suffered mid to severe injuries, authorities said.

Local authorities said they were coordinating with major hospitals in the nearby city of Gwangju to handle the casualties.

Officials said 173 of the passengers were Korean nationals and two were Thai nationals.

The Muan-Bangkok international route was launched three weeks ago, on 8 December, as part of a revamp in which the regional airport would operate routes to 18 international destinations across nine countries this winter season, according to Yonhap News.

The national fire agency said the initial fire in the wreckage of the plane was brought under control at 9.46am, 43 minutes after the first emergency call was received at 9.03am.

South Koreas acting president, Choi Sang-mok, ordered all available equipment and personnel to be mobilised for the rescue operation and was heading to the scene of the crash.

The incident is the first major test for Choi, who assumed office on Friday after South Koreas parliament voted to impeach the previous acting president, Han Duck-soo.

Philip Goldberg, the US ambassador to South Korea, said on social media: I was heartbroken to hear about the tragedy at Muan airport this morning.

The UK ambassador, Colin Crooks, wrote: Deepest condolences to the families of those who perished in this mornings dreadful air accident at Muan.

Experts said South Koreas aviation industry had a solid track record for safety, and this was the first fatal accident that Jeju Air had experienced since it was founded in 2005.

Previous major accidents on Korean soil include the 1993 Asiana Airlines crash in Mokpo that killed 68 people, and a 2002 Air China crash near Gimhae airport in which 129 of 166 passengers died.

On 12 August 2007, a Bombardier Q400 operated by Jeju Air carrying 74 passengers came off the runway as a result of strong winds at the southern Busan-Gimhae airport, causing a dozen injuries.

Sundays crash came almost a year after a Japan Airlines plane struck a coastguard aircraft and burst into flames as it landed at Haneda airport in Tokyo. All 379 passengers and 12 crew managed to exit the aircraft before it was engulfed in flames. Five crew members of the coastguard plane died in the accident.
The King and Princess Anne attend the Sunday morning service at St Mary Magdalene church in Sandringham - Paul Marriott

The King was joined at church at Sandringham on Sunday by his younger sister the Princess Royal  who wore a casual bobble hat for the occasion.

The Princess Royal, who made headlines at the Paris Olympics this summer after making her public debut in a bucket hat, chose a navy blue woollen hat with large bobble for the stroll to church.

The siblings remain at Sandringham after the Royal familys Christmas gathering, during which dozens of the family members met the public on their way to church on Dec 25.

Princess Anne can be seen wearing a blue bobble hat on the way to Sunday morning service in Sandringham - Bav Media

The Queen did not make the journey for Sunday worship, with the Prince and Princess of Wales and their young family opting to stay at nearby Anmer Hall.

There was no sign of the Duke of York, who did not attend the Christmas Day event after being embroiled in a fresh scandal over an alleged Chinese spy.

Dozens of well-wishers gathered on the route to St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham to greet the royal figures.

The King and Princess Royal stopped to speak to Rev Canon Paul Williams outside the church before the service on Sunday morning.

The King carried an umbrella, wearing a thick coat over tailored trousers. The Princess Royal wore a winter jacket and pleated skirt, with a vivid red scarf and dark blue hat covering her usual pinned hairstyle.

The King greets onlookers at the St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham - Bav Media

The King wears a thick coat over tailored trousers to the service in Norfolk - Bav Media

She has previously been photographed in a Barbour beanie hat to watch rugby matches.

Elizabeth II used to prefer staying at Sandringham, in Norfolk, throughout January, making her accession day  also the day her father died  on Feb 6 there.

The King and Queen have altered that tradition to spend much of the month in Scotland, and will travel to Birkhall in the coming days.

The King and Princess Royal have a close relationship, with the latter raising a smile when she called her elder brother old bean on camera as part of a documentary about his coronation.
The new, refreshed curriculum will be compulsory in all schools - David Jones/PA

The national curriculum is set to be made more diverse under Labour plans.

Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary, has begun a review to refresh what is taught in schools, pledging to breathe new life into our outdated curriculum.

The new curriculum will be compulsory in all state schools, including academies that were previously free to opt out.

The Telegraph can reveal that the Department for Educations terms of reference for the overhaul explicitly say that the department (DfE) aims to create a curriculum that reflects the diversities of our society and help produce young people who appreciate the diversity of Britain.

This newspaper has also seen suggestions for changes to the curriculum that have been submitted to the review by unions and other teaching groups, including for how to decolonise subjects which have been branded too mono-cultural.

The moves were criticised by the Conservatives on Sunday night. Laura Trott, the shadow education secretary, said: Instead of spending time fiddling with our academic curriculum, which has led to English children being the best at maths and English in the Western world, the DfE needs to concentrate on getting absence rates down and kids back in the classroom.

Changes would undermine education

Sir John Hayes, the former Conservative education minister, said the changes would undermine the education of young people for ideological reasons.

He added: The truth of the matter is theres a canon of English literature, theres a factual basis to learning, and you cant twist the facts to suit your political agenda.

When you do you risk undermining the education of young people and leaving them ill-equipped for life beyond schooling.

Sir John, who trained as a history teacher, warned that the move would add to the distortion of history for political reasons, adding: The pretence that some things count and others dont  thats just not intellectually rigorous.

The review, announced in July, is being led by Prof Becky Francis, a feminist professor who started a call for evidence in November urging teaching experts to offer proposals on achieving the aims of the curriculum overhaul.

Prof Francis, who criticised the Tony Blair government for an obsession with academic achievement, and the committee leading the review are now considering proposals suggested by teaching unions, school groups, think tanks and Royal Societies.

After a review of the evidence, an interim report is expected to be published in early 2025. A full set of recommendations to curriculum changes will be released later in the year.

Among the proposals submitted by major unions and educational institutions are suggestions of the introduction of more diverse material, particularly in majority white classrooms, and a move away from English literature which is seen as traditional.

The teachers union NASUWT, which has about 280,000 members across the UK, told the review that it must embed anti-racist and decolonised approaches in the curriculum and advised inclusive curricula that reflect diverse authors, cultures and perspectives.

The Association of School and College Leaders warned that history and English curricula are seen as largely mono-cultural, and welcomed plans to diversify the curriculum.

The group, which represents more than 25,000 senior secondary school teachers, warned that in particular, ethnicity and sexual orientation are under-represented in the national curriculum.

The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) told the review that the planned curriculum must reflect the diversity of our society, adding that members saw the benefit of using diverse reading material for subverting racial biases especially when teaching to a majority white classroom.

Bridget Phillipson, pictured visiting Loreto Sixth Form College in Manchester on A-level results day, plans to update the curriculum - Owen Humphreys/PA

NAHT, which has more than 49,000 members, also cited research which claimed that children between the ages of three and five begin to categorise people by race and express bias based on race. It argued that the curriculum should counter this by providing positive images and messages to counter any negative stereotypes they will face.

The National Education Union stated that the curriculum must become broad, diverse, inclusive, adding that it should prepare all students for life in modern, diverse Britain.

English texts overly Western-centric

Examination boards have also had their say. OCR, one of England, Wales and Northern Irelands five main exam boards, stated: The literary canon should better reflect the range of cultures and experiences of all young people.

Similarly, the Haberdashers family of schools, which includes several leading public schools for boys and girls, has voiced concerns that English texts are seen as overly Western-centric and traditional and advised greater diversity.

The proposals are under consideration by the review committee, which includes Funmilola Stewart, who is head of an anti-racism team at the Dixons Academy Trust, a group of 16 academies and one sixth form college in Bradford, Leeds, Liverpool and Manchester.

Her team set out a policy that the school curriculum must give life to our ED&I [equality, diversity and inclusion] thinking, stating that for our curricula to achieve this, ED&I must be pervasive.

The review will also seek to increase the breadth of the curriculum, ensure it makes children ready for life and work, improve assessment systems, and to boost access to music, art, sport and drama, as well as vocational subjects.

Phillipson accused of gaslighting

It comes after Ms Phillipson was accused of gaslighting the country for suggesting that middle-class parents backed Labours private school VAT raid.

She told The Sunday Times that middle-class parents had largely been priced out of private schools and claimed that was why there was such support for our policy.

Dame Priti Patel, the shadow foreign secretary, said the remarks were more gaslighting from this socialist Government that has broken its general election promises.
Manmohan Singh at the EU-India summit in Brussels, Belgium, in 2010. Photograph: Wiktor Dabkowski/Shutterstock

The distinguished economist Manmohan Singh, who has died aged 92, was one of Indias longest serving prime ministers (and the first Sikh to hold the office), yet he never won a direct parliamentary election. After nearly two decades as an economic bureaucrat, Singh was often seen as more of a civil servant than a politician. Unlike Indias more charismatic leaders, he humbly admitted to being a poor public speaker.

Yet, as Indias finance minister (1991-96) this unlikely politician played a crucial role in the economic reforms that led to the rapid growth of Indias GDP. Then, as prime minister from 2004, he forged a new relationship with the US, ended Indias nuclear isolation and passed groundbreaking social legislation. In all this, he was bolstered by his reputation for absolute honesty, a considerable asset in the world of Indian politics.

The son of Amrit Kaur and Murmuk Singh, and one of 10 children, he was born in the village of Gah, in the North West Province of what is now Pakistan. His father dealt in dried fruit imported from Afghanistan. At partition, the family made the perilous journey through the Muslim-dominated West Punjab to the Sikh holy city of Amritsar.

Singh graduated from Punjab University and went on to study in the UK, at St Johns College, Cambridge, where he received a first in economics  the only student to achieve this distinction in his final year. Later he would return to Britain for a DPhil at Nuffield College, Oxford.

At Cambridge, he was influenced by two renowned economists and socialists, Joan Robinson and Nicholas Kaldor. Both held Singh in high regard. Robinson, his supervisor, described him as very quiet and gentle in manner ... [with] a determined resistance to bunkum of all kinds. Kaldor, similarly impressed, recommended Singh to Indias finance minister for a position. Singh had other ideas: becoming first an academic before working for the UN. Eventually he ended up in Indias finance ministry.

During his civil service career, including a tenure as governor of the Reserve Bank of India (1982-85), Singh implemented the Congress partys leftwing economic policies.

While civil servants are expected to remain impartial, Singh agreed with some government decisions, later telling his daughter Daman, a journalist and author, that nationalising Indias banks was a good idea at the time. Yet his own thinking  articulated decades earlier in his Oxford thesis  was essentially liberal, emphasising the importance of foreign trade and greater openness to the world economy for Indias development.

Such an analysis became a virtue in 1991 when the then prime minister, Narasimha Rao, in the midst of an economic crisis, decided to accept IMF conditions for a massive loan in order to prevent India defaulting on its payments. The conditions included the end of Indias infamous web of bureaucratic controls and an across-the-board reduction of import tariffs as well as severe cuts in welfare spending and subsidies.

Rao appointed the apolitical Singh as finance minister, thinking no politician would risk his future by implementing the unpopular IMF conditions. The reforms that followed were one reason for the defeat of the Congress party in 1996.

While Congress was out of power, Singh was leader of the opposition in the upper house of parliament. In the 2004 election Congress, under the leadership of Sonia Gandhi, widow of the assassinated prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, won enough seats to form a coalition government and she, instead of taking the role herself, nominated Singh to be prime minister.

It was clear that ultimate power rested with Gandhi. However, Singh did defy her when he insisted on ratifying an agreement with the US intended to end the international ban on selling civilian nuclear equipment and technology to India. Gandhi feared opposition to the agreement would split the coalition and the government would fall. But Singh pressed ahead, pushing it through parliament by a narrow majority.

His reputation for honesty was a factor in Congresss improved performance in the 2009 general election. However, during his second term, corruption in the preparations for hosting the 2010 Commonwealth Games and in the allocation of licences to run mobile phone networks (the 2G spectrum scam) led to questions about whether Singh was tolerating dishonesty in his government.

Throughout his two terms in office, Singhs position was weakened by his dependence on the support of smaller parties in the coalition. As prime minister he made his disapproval of the plan to allocate the phone network licences clear, but the telecommunications minister was allowed to go ahead because his party threatened to pull out of the coalition.

Pressure from coalition parties delayed economic reforms that Singh favoured, which would have introduced more foreign competition in banking, insurance, retail, and other businesses. He had to go slower than he wanted on privatising nationalised industries.

He also had reservations about Gandhis pro-poor policies, which she insisted were necessary to combat the impression that the economic reforms only benefited the prosperous. In particular, he was concerned about the cost and effectiveness of a scheme guaranteeing employment to the jobless in rural India. But he did not oppose it. His former press adviser wrote of the Gandhi-Singh diarchy that while power was delegated, authority was not.

For 20 years as a bureaucrat and more than 30 years as a politician, Singh played a vital role in Indias economic history. As a bureaucrat he was never an out-and-out socialist; as a politician he did not fall head over heels for the market. His partnership with Gandhi, and it was more of a partnership than was generally realised, kept two fractious coalition governments in power, governments that passed important social and economic legislation.

But Singh did not acquire his own power base and remained a Congress party loyalist. Although he announced he would not remain Indias PM after the 2014 election, in opposition he continued to serve as a member of the upper house of the Indian parliament until April this year.

Indian politics is a rough trade, and Singh was known more as a thinker than a brawler. The last decade, however, was marked by acrimonious exchanges between Singh and his successor Narendra Modi. Modi, a Hindu nationalist strongman, questioned his predecessors honesty in a corrupt government and even claimed that he had colluded with Indias arch-rival Pakistan. Both allegations were met by blistering denials.

In return Singh was critical of his successors economic policies, describing Modis 2016 overnight decision to render worthless 86% of Indian banknotes a case of organised loot, legalised plunder of the common people. He also attacked Modis silence in 2018 when one of his partys elected representatives was accused of raping a teenager.

Singh, who came from a religious minority, was aware of the need for mutual respect in India and was appalled by Modis rhetoric. During this years Indian elections, Singh said of Modi that no [Indian] prime minister in the past has uttered such hateful, unparliamentary and coarse terms, meant to target either a specific section of the society or the opposition.

Singh was a transformative figure in Indian history. Not only was he the architect of Indias economic reforms, but in 2009 he became the first sitting prime minister in almost half a century to have completed a full term and seen his party re-elected with a bigger majority.

He is survived by his wife, Gursharan Kaur, whom he married in 1958, and their daughters, Upinder, Daman and Amrit.

 Manmohan Singh, economist and politician, born 26 September 1932; died 26 December 2024
People wearing Union Jack flags

We are used to national exceptionalism: the idea that a countrys special character makes it different, more likely to succeed and prosper. In Britain this was a widely held assumption more than a century ago, when we were at the peak of our imperial power. For, unsurprisingly, exceptionalism is linked to political might and civilisational confidence. These days it is a common belief in America and, increasingly, China.

But a new form of exceptionalism has taken root in Britain, one based on a completely different set of attitudes and values. This progressive exceptionalism does not hold that our national character means we will succeed, but that we are uniquely sinful. It does not rest upon political might, but on self-doubt and defeatism.

Neither does it rest upon civilisational confidence. Instead, progressive exceptionalism oscillates between a universalism that demands we accept responsibility for the worlds ills, and a relativism that cannot accept that our way of life may be better, or at least preferable, to other cultures. Ironically, the more we insist that other countries should adopt democratic and pluralistic norms, laws and constitutions, the less willing we are to stand up for those things here at home.

Take immigration and the issue of asylum. Attempts to stop the Channel crossings were met with accusations that the Government had succumbed to fascism. The plea from many MPs was to open yet more safe and legal visa routes from all countries affected by war, hardship and suffering.

To put this into context, the United Nations estimates there are 120 million forcibly displaced people around the world, 43.4 million refugees, and 50 million people in modern slavery. Add these numbers to those who could claim they face, as per the Refugee Convention, a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, and there are probably more than 800 million people worldwide with a claim to refugee status in Western countries.

The progressive exceptionalist believes Britain has a moral duty not only to accept the asylum claim of any one of these people should they make it to our shores, but create visa routes to bring them here. And of course the exceptionalist is completely indifferent to what this migration  and indeed all immigration  does to our economy, society and culture. European studies tell us the average asylum migrant costs the taxpayer around 400,000, net, over the course of a lifetime. In Parliament before Christmas I raised the link between asylum and terrorism cases such as the Manchester Arena bombing, and a Labour MP responded: it is not a question of who committed the offence.

Progressive exceptionalism is blind to its contradictions. Exceptionalists shut down debate and refuse to publish statistics about the relationship between nationality and immigration status with crime, welfare and the overall fiscal contribution of migrants. The police often publish descriptions of suspects omitting their ethnicity, and the NHS hires specialist nurses to manage birth defects arising from cousin marriages.

Progressive exceptionalists, determinedly universalist in theory, often end up relativists because they cannot compute the dissonance between their beliefs and reality. This explains the Prime Ministers failure to reject a demand from a Labour MP in Parliament for a blasphemy law, choosing instead to condemn the desecration of religious texts such as the Quran. It explains how those who were appalled when the Taliban imposed the veil on Afghan women said nothing about the coercion behind women in Britain wearing the niqab and burqa, and the pre-pubescent girls forced to wear the hijab.

Some exceptionalists argue that mass immigration is the price Britain must pay because of our history of empire. And this sense of original sin  that we must somehow atone today for the power we enjoyed many decades past  is clear in the logic of other exceptionalist positions. We were, for example, the first country in the world to industrialise, and so, the argument goes, we must be the first to decarbonise  whatever the cost.

Never mind that British industrial development gave the world countless innovations. Never mind that Britain has cut its carbon emissions by shifting industrial production to China, which burns more coal than the rest of the world combined. Never mind that Chinas per capita carbon emissions are much higher than ours. We, the exceptionalists assert, must bear the costs  and pay China to develop its renewable energy industry, manufactured using slave labour and the dirtiest fossil fuels  to cut a globally insignificant percentage of emissions.

Such exceptionalism is clearly self-defeating, and yet it pervades so many aspects of public life. While President Macron responded to the George Floyd protests of 2020 by saying with confidence, the Republic wont erase any name from its history. It will forget none of its artworks, it wont take down statues, the progressive exceptionalism in Britain was unchecked. Street names were changed, statues removed, and great figures from our past  such as Gladstone and Hume  were cancelled. Museums and galleries publish paranoid racial commentaries on entirely unrelated items, and there are constant demands to pay reparations for the slave trade.

This is clearly preposterous. Our country is not uniquely virtuous, nor uniquely sinful. Any reasonable study of our history tells an imperfect story, but Britain  thanks to our institutions, ideas, laws, language, culture, free enquiry, innovation and enterprise  has contributed more than most. If that sounds like patriotic exceptionalism, so be it. Countries need a positive story about themselves, and the confidence to defend and preserve what has made them. Britain has serious challenges and big opportunities ahead  some shared with others, some that are simply our own  and it will take courage, not self-flagellation, to meet them head-on.

CORRECTION: We previously reported that in the last parliament, the Government issued more than 1.3 million humanitarian visas, mostly to Ukrainians, Hong Kongers and Afghans, and saw a further 1.2 million asylum seekers contribute to the record rate of immigration to Britain. The figures stated were incorrect and have been removed from the article. We apologise for this error.
Smoke billows from bushfires in Victorias Grampians on Friday. Fire dangers will increase to high from Monday as temperatures rise, BoM says. Photograph: SUPPLIED/PR IMAGE

Scorching temperatures and elevated fire dangers are forecast for the coming week as Australia rings in the new year  but light winds could protect towns from blazes becoming too severe.

Perth was the first hit by the heatwave, with a high of 34C recorded on Sunday, and maximums above 32C forecast for every day until Friday.

An out of control fire in Western Australias midwest, just south of Geraldton, had burned through about 1,800 hectares by Sunday afternoon.

Sarah Scully, senior meteorologist at the Bureau of Meteorology, said the conditions were expected to stretch out over much of the continents south-east and midwest as the week went on.

The main areas of concern were the midwest regions of Western Australia, where gusty winds along with hot and dry conditions are elevating fire dangers, she said.

As we head into next week, theres generally a high fire danger extending across southern parts of the country, apart from eastern Victoria and Tasmania.

The high fire danger will remain active for much of New South Wales over the next week and into the new year, fuelled by ongoing high temperatures.

The lack of gusty winds means the danger is unlikely to climb into extreme territory, however, Scully said.

Related: Mild weekend weather brings relief to firefighters after homes lost in Grampians bushfire

Sydney is forecast to ring in the new year amid mild conditions, with temperatures remaining below 29C all week.

But further inland temperatures are due to climb to the mid 30s, with Dubbo, Cobar, Griffith and Wagga Wagga all seeing tops of 34C or higher all week.

Much of the state will oscillate between moderate and high fire danger across the week.

The WA fire south of Geraldton had a perimeter of about 32km on Sunday afternoon. Authorities said 136 homes and businesses had lost power as a result.

An evacuation warning remained active for severe areas in WAs midwest, with authorities urging residents to leave immediately.

About 120 fire crews were battling the blaze, with extra crews arriving from Perth to assist.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) Mid West Supt Mark Bowen told the ABC he expected conditions to remain dangerous.

High temperatures and strong winds are forecast for towns in the region over the next few days, with nearby Dongara seeing highs in the low 30s through to Friday.

Much of the southern and central regions of the state face high fire danger through to New Years Day.

In Victoria, conditions were forecast to escalate again in the coming days, after a brief reprieve over the weekend.

The fire dangers will start to increase to high from tomorrow as the temperatures increase, Scully said.

However the winds will remain relatively light so were not expecting any extreme fire ratings over the Grampian district.

The fire at the Grampians remained out of control, with firefighters beginning back-burning operations around the Horse Gap area on Sunday afternoon to strengthen containment lines.

The fire has burned through 76,000 hectares and claimed three properties and livestock in the area.

The Victorian premier, Jacinta Allan, said on Sunday morning that assessments of the damage were still continuing, and the full impact of the blaze was not yet clear. She thanked those in the path of the fire for listening to warnings and taking action to stay safe.

But she reminded Victorians that it was only the start of a dangerous summer period.

The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, said federal and state disaster recovery payments providing up to 13 weeks of income support would be available from 2pm Monday for people directly affected by the fires.

Temperatures in the low 30s are forecast for central and northern regions of Victoria next week, but Melbourne was expected to see milder conditions over the new years holiday, with highs in the 20s across the week.

Temperatures in Brisbane will remain below 30C throughout the week, while Adelaide will see maximums in the late 20s and early 30s as the new year begins.
Army veteran Raymond Fiuren, who struggles with pain from years of heavy labor, works as an aide at Coleman Elementary School in San Rafael. He got much-needed rental assistance from the Chronicle Season of Sharing fund after his housing voucher was delayed. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle Raymond Fiuren directs traffic during the morning drop-off at Coleman Elementary School in San Rafael. He has worked there for the past 18 years while dealing with ongoing medical complications. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle Raymond Fiuren talks with parents after the morning drop-off circle at Coleman Elementary School in San Rafael. He loves his job there so much that his eyes well with emotion when he talks about it. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

Raymond Fiuren is an optimist. He makes friends easily, and their photos cover the walls of his cozy apartment. He loves his job as an aide at a San Rafael elementary school so much that, when talking about it, his eyes well with emotion. He cheerily ticks off a litany of surgeries and medical issues that have left him disabled and in pain but havent broken his spirit.

But the Army veterans natural optimism dwindled last summer when he feared that the housing stability he had finally achieved was about to be upended. Due to a bureaucratic glitch, his veterans assistance housing voucher was delayed, causing Fiuren to miss a rent payment on his San Rafael apartment and start worrying about eviction.

There were times when I thought, God, what do I do? Fiuren said. But I just tried to stay calm.

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Fiuren, 61, needed the voucher to help him bridge the summer months, when he isnt paid for his work as a school aide. After several years of precarious living situations, including a period of homelessness, he had finally found an apartment in fall 2023, just a short bus ride from his job at Coleman School.

It was a landing spot after many years of movement. A native of San Francisco, Fiuren joined the Army when he was 18. He spent almost a decade as a cook, stationed both stateside and in South Korea and Germany. His service was up just before the first Gulf War, and he returned to San Francisco, cooking mostly in tourist restaurants in Fishermans Wharf, before following a friend to Massachusetts for similar work.

Raymond Fiuren sips coffee before starting work as an instructional aide for students at Coleman Elementary School. When Im there, its like Im not disabled, like Im not in pain, he says. Its a blessing. Its a joy. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

The years of 14-hour days on his feet and heavy lifting took their toll when he picked up a full coffee urn and his back went out. He required a 12-hour surgery to repair three disks. A few years after that a hemorrhage caused bleeding in his spinal column.

After all those health problems, Fiuren decided it was time to return to San Francisco, where he still had family. He moved back in with his grandmother in the Sunset District and, through a connection with an old friend whose children went to Coleman, got a job at the school.

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The principal at the time asked me how much I could do, and I said I could do anything, Fiuren said. I help with yard duty, pickup and drop-off, reading with special needs kids.

When Im there, its like Im not disabled, like Im not in pain. Its a blessing. Its a joy.

More about Season of Sharing Since its inception in 1986, the Chronicle Season of Sharing Fund has raised and distributed $206 million to help house, care for and nourish Bay Area residents. All administrative costs are covered by the San Francisco Chronicle and the Evelyn and Walter Haas Jr. Fund, so 100% of donations go directly to help people facing crises. For more information or to donate, visit www.seasonofsharing.org/donate.

Fiuren said he believes he connects with some of the more challenged students because of his own background.

Growing up, I was those kids, he said. My mom had me at 15. We lived with my gram. I had to wear braces on my legs. School was hard. I ended up in a school for kids that didnt fit into the system.

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Pictures of family and friends adorn Raymond Fiurens desk at Coleman Elementary School. He is an optimist and makes friends easily, but his optimism was tested last summer when he almost lost his apartment. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

After his grandmother had a stroke and was moved to a nursing home, relatives sold the family home and Fiuren relocated to the North Bay. He continued to work at Coleman while bouncing from one living situation to another and also dealing with ongoing medical complications: two knee replacements, three surgeries on one arm, vertebrae surgery, a mild stroke and a heart procedure.

One of the biggest challenges was not health-related. Last summer, his help from Swords to Plowshares, the nonprofit providing assistance to veterans, had run out and Fiuren was supposed to get a voucher from HUD-VASH (Housing and Urban Developments Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Program), but it wasnt coming through.

His VA caseworker, Karri Vierra, helped him apply to the Chronicle Season of Sharing Fund, which works year-round to fight homelessness and hunger in the Bay Areas nine counties. Season of Sharing provided Fiuren with two months rent, helping him get through the uncertain weeks before his housing voucher came through and he went back to work.

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It was a bridge, and thats what I pray for, for veterans or families or anyone thats on the street, Fiuren said. A program like that is vital. Its so appreciated.

Raymond Fiuren escorts a student at Coleman Elementary School in San Rafael. The Chronicle Season of Sharing Fund was a bridge, he says. Thats what I pray for, for veterans or families or anyone thats on the street. A program like that is vital. Its so appreciated. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

So many people are grateful for help. They dont expect it, but when it does come you realize there are angels that come to your assistance.

Fiuren has to have another surgery, for three bulging disks. Hes had to take days off because of his pain. But hes always eager to get back to school, where the kids call him Mr. Ray and he does whatever is needed to help out.

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Trump supporters in 2016. The president-elect has made hostile remarks about the news media since his first presidency. Photograph: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters

A Colorado man attacked a TV news reporter while asking if he was a citizen and taunting him that this was life now in the US with Donald Trumps second presidency looming, criminal court documents allege.

The man, Patrick Thomas Egan, was arrested on 18 December in Grand Junction on suspicion of bias-motivated crimes, second-degree assault and harassment.

Egan is supposed to appear in court on 2 January to see if formal charges have been filed.

According to police, Egan, 39, followed the car of the KKCO/KJCT reporter JaRonn Alex, who later told police he believed he was targeted because he is Pacific Islander.

An arrest affidavit in the case said Egan arrived by taxi, pulled up next to Alex  who was on an assignment at the time  at a stoplight and asked: Are you even a US citizen? This is Trumps America now! Im a marine and I took an oath to protect this country from people like you!

The affidavit described Egan as tackling Alex and putting him in a headlock before Egan began to strangle him, causing co-workers to run out and help.

According to the documents, witnesses said Alex looked like he was struggling to breathe during the attack, which was caught on surveillance footage, the Associated Press reported.

While the alleged assault appears isolated, a hostile political environment to news media has seen Trump calling the news media the enemy of the people, a threat to democracy, fake and crooked bastards. He deployed such rhetoric during his first presidency from 2017 to 2021 and as he successfully sought a return to the White House in Novembers election.

The Freedom of the Press Foundation in November said it had recorded 75 assaults on journalists since 1 January this year  a 70% increase over 2023.

A recent survey of journalists undertaking safety training provided by the International Womens Media Foundation found that 36% of respondents reported being threatened or experiencing physical violence  and 28% reported legal threats or action against them.

Yet nearly a quarter (23%) of Americans surveyed did not regard political attacks on journalists or news organizations as a threat to press freedom. Among them, 38% identified as Republicans compared to just 9% as Democrats, the City University of London reported.

Those findings coincide with a separate Associated Press-NORC center for public affairs research poll which found most American adults are tired over the news industrys coverage of politics.
Mike Lawler won a key New York congressional race in November, affording him a significant platform within the party. Photograph: Anna Rose Layden/Reuters

The US House member Mike Lawler attempted on Sunday to tease out two pressing issues facing the new Congress beginning in 2025, telling an American political talkshow that this was not the moment for his fellow Republicans to have a food fight over leadership in Capitol Hill and that the country needs an immigration system that works.

Both issues have dominated political headlines in recent days, as potential policy splits become apparent between far-right congressional Republicans and the executive team being assembled for their party leader Donald Trumps second presidency beginning in January.

Lawler told ABCs This Week that the US House speaker, Mike Johnson, should be re-elected despite Republican infighting over whether he should keep the position after his handling of negotiations over a government funding bill.

Mike Johnson inherited a disaster when Matt Gaetz and several of my colleagues teamed up with 208 Democrats to remove Kevin McCarthy, which will go down as the single stupidest thing Ive ever seen in politics, Lawler said, referring to the spectacle of mutinous Republicans led by Gaetz in the fall of 2023 taking the speakers gavel away from McCarthy.

McCarthy left Congress months after his removal. Gaetz also left Congress in November in an unsuccessful attempt to prevent the House ethics committee from releasing a report which found substantial evidence that he paid for sex with a minor, among other serious violations of congressional rules and laws in his home state of Florida.

Removing Mike Johnson would equally be as stupid, Lawler  a New York representative  remarked. The fact is that these folks are playing with fire, and if they think theyre somehow going to get a more conservative speaker, theyre kidding themselves.

Lawler said: We cant get anything done unless we have a speaker  including certifying Trumps victory in the November election, which is scheduled to take place in early January.

So, to waste time over a nonsensical intramural food fight is a joke. And I think my colleagues, if they didnt learn anything from the [outgoing] Congress, it should be that we absolutely do not need a fight over the speakership, Lawler said.

Lawler won a key New York congressional race in November by a 57% to 41% margin, affording him a significant platform within the party. On Sunday, he also used that platform to weigh in on immigration as the party attempts to reconcile a hardline, anti-immigration faction with the economic need for both high- and low-skilled workers in various industries.

That conflict broke out into the open last week when Trumps most prominent backers from the tech industry  including SpaceX, Tesla and Xs Elon Musk and the AI-crypto czar David Sacks  clashed with the ultra-right Trump supporter Laura Loomer after she made reference to third-world invaders purportedly taking desirable jobs from those born in the US.

On Sunday, Lawler weighed in on the side of the tech leaders like Musk, who himself had dismissed far-right proponents of Trumps Make America Great Again (Maga) faction contemptible fools and unrepentant racists.

We need immigration, Lawler said. Mentioning that his wife is an immigrant, he added: We need an immigration system that works, that is legal, and I fundamentally believe that you need to have a system that is focused on our economic needs as a country and a more merit-based immigration system than anything else.

I have been through this process with her. It is a fundamentally broken system.

The New York Republican also pointed out that H-1B visas, which often go to skilled tech programmers and are being fought over, amount to just 65,000 visas with an additional 20,000 for applicants with masters degrees.

The visas, he said, are critical to our economy, and as President Trump said, its a program hes used over the years for his businesses, and its something that has obviously been beneficial to our economy.

The Democratic congressman Ro Khanna of California, who is seeking common ground with the so-called department of government efficiency that Trump wants Musk to lead, said on Sunday that the debate over H-1B visas for the tech industry was missing the point. If the US did not celebrate the talent and genius and skills of people of diverse backgrounds while also seeking to limit undocumented immigrants, the country would not lead the world in Nobel laureates in physics, medicine and chemistry, Khanna said.

If there was some problem with the culture we wouldnt be the worlds greatest economy of 30 trillion, Khanna told Fox News.

But Khanna also argued that the H-1B system keeps foreign workers in limbo because they are less able to negotiate salary and benefits compared with domestic hires  and they are hurt by unfair labor conditions.

The system, he said, needs major reform  and if you dont see that either you dont understand whats happening or youre not being truthful.

The larger question, Khanna added, was not over H-1Bs and getting into epic fights on social media  but how the US had lost existing industries to foreign competition.

The real challenge in America is, how did we lose steel? How did we lose aluminum? How did we allow for de-industrialization? Khanna said. You want to bring back new jobs, you need to have the investment in reindustrialization of America in places left out. And thats what we should be talking about.

The California governor, Gavin Newsom, Khannas fellow Democrat, also joined the immigration debate on Sunday, saying it was good to see Trump embrace Elons position.

Hardworking immigrants should continue to be part of our great nation, Newsom added. We are better off when we have competition and top talent  from farm workers, construction workers, CEOs and beyond.
Sir Keir Starmer appears before the Liaison Committee - PA

Six Cabinet ministers would lose their seats to Reform UK in a general election, a new survey has revealed.

Prominent Labour figures including Angela Rayner, the Deputy Prime Minister, and Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, would lose to Reform if an election were held today.

The More in Common think tank for the Sunday Times has found that Labour would lose nearly 200 of the seats it won in July, after months of negative polls for Sir Keir Starmer.

Seven Cabinet ministers would lose their seats, six going to Nigel Farages party and one to an independent candidate, according to a survey based on data of more than 11,000 people.

Labour would still win the most seats, but would only have a lead of six over the Tories, who would seize 87 seats from Sir Keir, with Reform taking 67.

The Government would win barely a third of the 650 seats in the House of Commons, of which a party needs to win more than half to be able to form a government alone.

Miliband would lose seat

John Healey, the Defence Secretary, Ed Miliband, the Energy Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary and Jonathan Reynolds, the Business Secretary, would all be defeated by Reform.

Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, is also projected to lose his seat, but to an independent candidate. In July he narrowly beat a pro-Gaza challenger in Ilford North by just under 600 votes.

Pat McFadden, the chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, and Lisa Nandy, the Culture Secretary, would be set for tough races against Reform, winning by less than five percentage points.

The national vote share for a general election held today would see Labour on 25 per cent, one percentage point behind the Tories, and Reform just slightly behind on 21 per cent.

Badenoch in row with Farage

The results come as Kemi Badenoch and Mr Farage have become embroiled in a war of words on social media, in which the Tory leader accused him of faking Reforms membership numbers.

The Mail on Sunday reported that Mrs Badenoch had a meeting with GB News chief executive before Christmas in which she urged them to give Mr Farage less air time.

The Reform leader has a regular show on the channel. Lee Anderson, the partys chief whip, and Dame Andrea Jenkyns, the ex-Tory minister who defected to Reform, are also regular contributors.

The reported meeting in Westminster between Mrs Badenoch and Angelos Frangopoulos saw the Tory leader make it clear that the channel should not be a haven for my critics.

Her allies told the Mail that she raised regulatory implications of the Reform leader holding roles as a politician and a broadcaster.

The meeting between Mrs Badenoch and Mr Frangopoulos was said to be constructive and not acrimonious.

Nigel Farage at a Reform press conference - Future Publishing

Earlier this week, Mr Farage said his party had more members than the Conservatives for the first time.

The announcement sparked a row with Mrs Badenoch, who said figures putting Reform membership at more than 130,000 were fakery.

The news that the party had overtaken the Tories in membership numbers prompted Mrs Badenoch to launch a five-part post on X, accusing Mr Farage and Reform of bombarding the public with endless lies, smoke and mirrors and a counter that was coded to tick up automatically.

Mr Farage demanded that Mrs Badenoch apologise for the intemperate outburst and suggested that he is considering legal action.

The Sunday Times poll also predicts that an election held now would lead to a hung parliament, and 271 seats would be won with less than a third of the vote.

The Scottish National Party would also be a significant beneficiary of Labours sinking popularity, winning 26 seats.
The wreckage of Jeju Air Co. Flight 2216 at Muan International Airport - SeongJoon Cho/Bloomberg

A passenger plane crashed while landing at an airport in South Korea on Sunday, killing all but two of the 181 people on board.

The Boeing 737-800 jet, operated by Jeju Air, skidded down the runway before slamming into a barrier and bursting into flames outside Muan International Airport in the south of the country.

The number of bodies found at the crash site reached 179 as night fell in South Korea.

Two survivors  who were both flight attendants  were rescued from the tail of the plane and taken to hospital, where doctors said they were conscious and not in a life-threatening condition.

The 15-year-old plane, which had arrived from Bangkok, was left almost completely destroyed, fire officials said. Passenger seats and luggage were strewn across the field next to the runway, while only the tail of the plane remained recognisable amid the wreckage.

Credit: Lee Geun-young

Officials said the crash happened at 9.03am as the plane tried to land and that a bird strike was probably the cause.

They said the control tower had issued a warning of a bird strike, and soon after the pilot called mayday.

It took approximately three minutes from the control towers mention of a bird strike warning to the aircrafts attempt to land on the runway again, an official said.

Footage showed the plane skidding across the airstrip at high speed, apparently without its landing gear being deployed, before overrunning the runway and colliding with a barrier, which triggered an explosion.

A fire official said passengers had been ejected from the aircraft.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with some aviation experts calling into question the bird strike theory and the apparent absence of landing gear.

Fire agency officials told families waiting for news at the airport that 88 of the victims had been identified. Officials named 22 of the victims earlier in the day and added that DNA retrieval had begun.

All of the passengers were Korean apart from two Thais. The youngest victim was a three-year-old boy, while the oldest was 78, authorities said.

Yonhap News Agency

I had a son on board that plane, an elderly man waiting in the airport terminal, who asked not to be named, told news agency AFP.

My younger sister went to heaven today, said a 65-year-old woman, who only gave her surname Jo.

The BBC spoke to Maeng Gi-su, 78, who said his nephew and his nephews two sons had been on the flight. I cant believe the entire family has just disappeared. My heart aches so much, he said.

One of the two survivors, a 33-year-old known as Lee, reportedly said: When I woke up, I had already been rescued.

Hospital director Ju Woong said Lee was fully able to communicate and there was no indication of memory loss. He is being treated for multiple fractures and risk of paralysis.

Credit: South Korea MBC TV

Jeju Air, which is the countrys largest low-cost carrier, said it sincerely apologised and vowed to do all it could to help the investigation. Leading officials from the company bowed deeply at a press conference in Seoul.

The head of Jeju Airs management team later said the crash had not been caused by maintenance issues, while an official from the ministry of land dismissed speculation that the length of the runway had been a factor.

Boeing said in a statement that it was in touch with Jeju Air and stood ready to support them.

Two black boxes have been recovered from the crash site. However, one sustained partial damage, which will likely delay analysis, officials said. They added that decoding the flight record could take a month.

South Koreas aviation industry has a solid track record for safety, experts said. The last time the country suffered such a large-scale aviation tragedy was in August 1997, when 228 people were killed in the Korean Airlines Flight 801 crash at Guam.

Choi Sang-mok, South Koreas acting president who took office on Friday, convened an emergency cabinet meeting and then visited the crash site.

He said: The entire government is working closely together to manage the aftermath of the accident ... making every effort to ensure thorough support for the bereaved families.

The country declared a seven-day national mourning period effective from Sunday, with memorial altars to be set up nationwide.

David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, paid his heartfelt condolences to the people of South Korea and Thailand, while the King said that he and the Queen were profoundly saddened to learn of the crash.

As the people of the Republic of Korea mourn this disaster, the families and loved ones of all the victims are in our prayers, the King said.

04:42 PM GMT

Jeju Air executives bow in apology

Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae (3rd-R) and other executive members bow in apology ahead of a briefing in Seoul - YONHAP/AFP via Getty Images

04:36 PM GMT

US investigators help South Korea in probe after crash

The National Transportation Safety Board is leading a team of US investigators to help South Koreas aviation authority in its investigation of the Jeju Air crash in Muan, the agency said on Sunday.

Planemaker Boeing and the Federal Aviation Administration are participating, NTSB said.

04:08 PM GMT

Starmer sends deepest condolences to victims

Sir Keir Starmer has sent his deepest condolences to the victims of the crash.

I send my deepest condolences to the victims and families of those who lost their lives in the tragic plane crash in Muan, the Prime Minister said.

I pay tribute to the work of the emergency responders and my thoughts are with the people of the Republic of Korea and Thailand at this terrible time.

03:47 PM GMT

King Charles pays tribute to victims

The King has paid tribute to the victims of a plane crash in South Korea which claimed the lives of 179 people.

My wife and I were profoundly saddened to learn of the horrific air accident at Muan, which resulted in such grievous loss of life, the King said in a statement.

As the people of the Republic of Korea mourn this disaster, the families and loved ones of all the victims are in our prayers.

03:39 PM GMT

One of two survivors responsive in hospital

One of the two survivors has told doctors he had already been rescued when he woke in hospital.

The 33-year-old survivor, known as Lee, was working as a flight attendant on the Jeju Air plane.

Emergency services initially took Lee to a hospital in the nearby city of Mokpo, south of Seoul, but later transferred him to Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital in the capital city.

When I woke up, I had already been rescued, he told doctors at the hospital, according to its director Ju Woong.

Hes fully able to communicate, Ju said. Theres no indication yet of memory loss or such.

Lee is currently in intensive care after doctors diagnosed him with multiple fractures and risk of paralysis.

03:28 PM GMT

Ambassadors share condolence messages

Philip Goldberg, the US ambassador to South Korea, said on social media: I was heartbroken to hear about the tragedy at Muan airport this morning.

The UK ambassador, Colin Crooks, wrote: Deepest condolences to the families of those who perished in this mornings dreadful air accident at Muan.

03:03 PM GMT

Video allegedly showing the moment of bird strike

Credit: South Korea MBC TV

02:55 PM GMT

88 victims identified

Among the 177 bodies so far found, officials have so far identified 88 of them, the fire agency said.

02:26 PM GMT

Pictured: Officials visit airport

Emergency workers walk past portable tents for family and relatives of victims - SeongJoon Cho/Bloomberg

South Koreas acting president and Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok (C), listens to a firefighter during a visit to the plane crash site - South Korea's Finance Ministry via YONHAP/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party, right, speaks to relatives of the victims - SeongJoon Cho/Bloomberg

02:13 PM GMT

Map of South Korea flight before crash

01:53 PM GMT

One black box sustained partial damage

One of the two black boxes has sustained partial damage, which will likely delay analysis to identify the cause of the accident, land ministry officials have said.

Decoding the FDR alone could take about a month, the official added.

If we have difficulty decoding it here, then we may have to send it to the NTSB, the second official said. They have cases from all over the world to analyse, so it could take quite a bit of time.

The Yonhap news agency reported that the voice recorder appears to be intact.

01:40 PM GMT

Survivor being treated for fractures

Ju Woong, director of the Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital, where one of the survivors was hospitalised, said the man was being treated in an intensive care unit for fractures to his ribs, shoulder blade and upper spine. The director said the man, whose name wasnt released, told doctors he woke up to find (himself) rescued.

12:59 PM GMT

Thai passengers confirmed among fatalities

The two Thai passengers on board the plane were among the fatalities, according to Thailands foreign ministry.

12:45 PM GMT

Experts question bird strike as cause of deadly South Korean plane crash

Uncertainties surround the deadliest crash on South Korean soil, experts said on Sunday, questioning initial suggestions that a bird strike might have brought down the Jeju Air flight.

The apparent absence of landing gear, the timing of the twin-engine Boeing 737-800s belly-landing at Muan airport and the reports of a possible bird strike all raised questions that could not yet be answered.

Geoffrey Thomas, the Geoffrey Thomas, said: Why didnt fire tenders lay foam on the runway? Why werent they in attendance when the plane touched down? And why did the aircraft touch down so far down the runway? And why was there a brick wall at the end of the runway?

A bird strike is not unusual, problems with an undercarriage are not unusual. Bird strikes happen far more often, but typically they dont cause the loss of an airplane by themselves.

Geoffrey Dell, an Australian airline safety expert, said: Ive never seen a bird strike prevent the landing gear from being extended.

Trevor Jensen, an Australian aviation consultant, said fire and emergency services would normally be ready for a belly-landing, so this appears to be unplanned.

A bird strike could have impacted the CFM International engines if a flock had been sucked into them, but that would not have shut them down straight away, giving the pilots some time to deal with the situation, Mr Dell said.

Under global aviation rules, South Korea will lead a civil investigation into the crash and automatically involve the National Transportation Safety Board in the United States where the plane was designed and built.

Experts cautioned that air accidents are usually caused by a cocktail of factors and it can take months to piece together the sequence of events in and outside the plane.

12:17 PM GMT

All bodies and victims found, with death toll reaching 179

A total of 179 people were killed in Sundays Jeju Air plane crash in South Korea, the countrys fire agency said as it announced a final toll from the disaster.

The plane was carrying 181 people, and two people were earlier rescued and taken to hospital.

Of the 179 dead, 65 have been identified, the fire agency said of the crash at Muan airport, which two members of the crew survived.

11:48 AM GMT

Pope prays for South Korea plane crash victims

Pope Francis sent his prayers on December 29 to the victims of the plane crash - Tiziana FABI / AFP

Pope Francis sent his prayers on Sunday to the victims of a plane crash in South Korea, which is believed to have killed nearly 180 people.

He said after the Angelus prayer: My thoughts are with the many families in South Korea who are mourning today following the dramatic plane crash. I join in prayer for the survivors and the dead.

11:29 AM GMT

South Korea to observe week of mourning

Choi Sang-mok, South Koreas acting president, said at a news conference that the country would observe a one week mourning period.

11:22 AM GMT

Lammy pays condolences

David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, has paid his heartfelt condolences to the people of South Korea and Thailand after a plane crash killed at least 177.

Mr Lammy posted on social media on Sunday morning: Deeply saddened by news of the plane crash overnight in South Korea.

My heartfelt condolences go out to the people of South Korea and Thailand, and all those that have lost loved ones.

11:12 AM GMT

Jeju Air pledges to fully support victims and families

Beatrice Siviero reports from Laos:

Jeju Air has pledged to fully support the victims and their families following the deadly crash in Muan, South Jeolla, which is presumed to have killed 179 people.

The airline confirmed that the crashed plane is covered by an insurance policy that can provide up to $1 billion in compensation.

Jeju Airs management team, led by Song Kyung-hoon, assured the public that all necessary aid would be given to the victims families, with 260 employees dispatched to Muan airport to provide assistance.

The airline said it has also arranged accommodation in South Jeolla to assist the families.

11:07 AM GMT

What is a bird strike?

Investigations have been launched, but officials suspect that the accident could have been caused, at least in part, by a bird strike.

A bird strike is a collision between a bird and an aircraft in flight.

It can be hazardous to aircraft safety and jets are especially vulnerable to a loss of power if birds are sucked into the air intakes, according to the UN agency International Civil Aviation Organisation. A number of fatal accidents have occurred globally because of bird strikes.

In 2009, a US Airways Airbus A320 was ditched in New Yorks Hudson River after a bird strike on both of its engines, in an incident widely known as the Miracle on the Hudson because there was no loss of life.

10:50 AM GMT

Youngest passenger was three-year-old boy

According to authorities, the youngest passenger was a three-year-old boy and the oldest was 78.

Five of the dead were children under the age of 10, authorities said.

10:48 AM GMT

Family members wait for news inside airport

Relatives of passengers watch the news inside the airport - AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon

News agency AFP is reporting from inside the airport terminal, where family members are gathered to wait for news.

The boards typically used for arrival and departure information were instead displaying the names, dates of birth and nationalities of the victims.

I had a son on board that plane... He has yet to be identified, one elderly man waiting in the airport lounge, who asked not to be named, told AFP.

Wailing and screaming echoed through the two-storey airport. One woman was carried away on a stretcher, apparently having passed out from shock.

Many of the passengers, who were all Korean nationals except for two Thais, had been returning home after their winter holidays.

My younger sister went to heaven today, said one 65-year-old woman, who gave only her surname Jo.

10:26 AM GMT

Authorities secure black boxes

The black boxes have been recovered, said Ju Jong-wan, the director of aviation policy at the ministry of land.

Authorities are currently examining them to determine the cause of the disaster as part of the ongoing investigation.

10:24 AM GMT

Pictured: Rescue operations continue as night falls

Darkness is closing in on the crash site where rescue teams are still searching for the missing.

Two people remained missing about nine hours after the incident.

Among the 177 bodies found, officials have so far identified 57 of them, the fire agency said. The passengers were predominantly South Korean, as well as two Thai nationals. Two people survived the crash and have been taken to hospital.

The wreckage of Flight 2216 at Muan International Airport - Seong Joon Cho/Bloomberg

The Boeing 737-800 aircraft operated by Jeju Air crashed and caught fire on an airport runway in South Korea - Seong Joon Cho/Bloomberg

Firefighters and rescue personnel carry the body of a victim - JUNG YEON-JE/AFP

10:12 AM GMT

Death toll rises to 177

The death toll has increased to 177.

There were 181 people on the plane. Two survivors have been taken to hospital.

10:10 AM GMT

Official says runway length unlikely the cause

An official from the ministry of land has said the length of the runway was likely not a factor for the crash.

The comment was in response to being asked if the accident happened because of the runway being too short.

They said: The runway is 2,800 metres long, and similar-sized aircraft have been operating on it without issues.

It is unlikely that the accident was caused by the length of the runway.

Two minutes before the crash, the pilot had issued a Mayday call. The transport department said that the head pilot had been in this role since 2019 and had more than 9,800 hours of flight experience.

09:53 AM GMT

Over 1,500 emergency personnel deployed for recovery effort

More than 1,500 emergency personnel have been deployed for the recovery effort, including 490 fire employees and 455 police officers, according to the BBC. The fire agency also deployed 32 fire trucks and several helicopters to contain the fire.

Emergency rescue workers are trying to locate remains of those who remain unaccounted for and searching nearby areas for bodies possibly thrown from the plane, Muan fire chief Lee Jung-hyun told journalists.

The bodies of those recovered so far are being housed in a temporary mortuary close to the crash site, the Korea JoongAng Daily newspaper is reporting.

09:49 AM GMT

Watch: Emergency workers at the scene of South Korean plane crash

Yonhap News Agency

09:46 AM GMT

All flights arriving at Muan airport cancelled

All flights arriving at South Koreas Muan international airport have been cancelled on Sunday, the Korea Airports Corporation said this morning.

09:42 AM GMT

Germanys Scholz sends condolences to victims of South Korea plane crash

Olaf Scholz, the German chancellor, has sent condolences to the families of those killed in a deadly plane crash in South Korea.

He wrote in a post on social media: We have received terrible news of a plane crash in South Korea with many fatalities. Our condolences go out to the families of those killed in the crash and we wish the injured a speedy recovery.

09:40 AM GMT

South Koreas Yonhap News Agency airs shots of burnt plane wreckage

Yonhap News Agency

09:38 AM GMT

Death toll rises to 176

Officials have said the death toll has risen to 176. The plane was carrying 181 people, including 175 passengers and six crew members.

Two people, both crew members, were rescued from the wreckage and taken to hospital. So far, authorities have identified 22 victims, news agency Yonhap reports.

09:36 AM GMT

Airport control tower warned of bird strike six minutes before crash

In a briefing, the land ministry said that the airport control tower had issued a warning about a bird strike just six minutes before the Jeju Air plane crashed.

One minute after the warning, the planes pilot declared Mayday, signalling a critical emergency.

09:33 AM GMT

At least a dozen civil servants on plane

Beatrice Siviero reports from Laos:

Among the victims were at least a dozen civil servants from Gwangju and South Jeolla, the Korea JoongAng Daily has reported.

Authorities confirmed that 13 civil servants, both current and retired, were on board the flight.

They included two employees from the South Jeolla provincial government, three current civil servants, and five retired officials from Hwasun County. Five administrative officers from the South Jeolla provincial office of education were onboard.

Two sisters, both civil servants from Mokpo, and one civil servant from Damyang County were also counted amongst the victims.

Authorities are working to identify the remaining passengers, as many of the bodies were severely burned in the fire following the crash. Families have been told that it is unlikely any further survivors will be found.

09:22 AM GMT

South Koreas acting president arrives at crash site two days after assuming role

Choi Sang-mok (third) is pictured on his way to the site of the crash - Xinhua/Shutterstock

Choi Sang-mok, South Koreas acting president, has arrived at the scene of the deadly crash and declared it a special disaster zone.

He said: The government would like to offer its sincere condolences to the bereaved families and will do its best to recover from this accident and prevent a recurrence.

He has been on the job for less than 48 hours, after becoming acting leader on Friday night following the impeachment of Han Duck-soo, who became acting president when Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached and suspended from power on Dec 14.

Behind the scenes, Reuters reported that government offices were still figuring out the chain of command and how press statements would be released.

09:17 AM GMT

Death toll rises to 174

The death toll from the plane crash has risen to 174, fire officials said.

09:16 AM GMT

Massive plumes of smoke rises from crash site of plane in South Korea

09:13 AM GMT

Flight recorder recovered from crash site

The flight recorder from the plane has been recovered, according to an official from South Koreas ministry of land, infrastructure and transportation.

09:12 AM GMT

What we know so far

If youre just joining us, here is a brief overview of what we know about the Jeju Air crash in Muan, South Korea.

At least 174 people have been killed in the crash of Jeju Air flight 7C2216, marking the deadliest ever on South Korean soil and the worst involving a South Korean airline since a 1997 crash in Guam that killed more than 200.

The plane was carrying 181 passengers and crashed as it was landing just after 09:00 local time.

Two people  both flight crew  are reported to have been rescued from the wreckage and are undergoing treatment in hospital.

Jeju Air  which is the countrys biggest budget airline  has apologised to families and plane manufacturer Boeing has offered condolences to those affected.

08:51 AM GMT

Watch: Moment plane erupts into fireball

Credit: Lee Geun-young

08:45 AM GMT

Pictured: Rescue teams work at crash site

South Korean rescue team members near the wreckage - Chung Sung-Jun/Getty

Firefighters carry the body of a passenger from the wreckage - Kim Hong-Ji/REUTERS

Firefighters carry out rescue operations at Muan airport - YONHAP/Shutterstock

A seat from the aircraft lies on the ground - Kim Hong-Ji/REUTERS

08:38 AM GMT

Death toll rises to 167

The death toll from the plane crash has risen to 167, fire officials said shortly after 8:45am GMT.

A view from the scene after a Jeju Air plane crashed in Muan - Ahn Young-joon/AP

08:06 AM GMT

Bereaved families gather at airport

Hours after the crash, family members gathered in the airports arrival area, some crying and hugging as Red Cross volunteers handed out blankets.

Papers were circulated for families to write down their contact details.

One relative stood at a microphone to ask for more information from authorities. My older brother died and I dont know whats going on, he said.

Another asked journalists not to film. We are not monkeys in a zoo, he said. We are the bereaved families.

Mortuary vehicles lined up outside to take bodies away, and authorities said a temporary morgue had been established.

07:22 AM GMT

Another four bodies found

The death toll is now at 124.

The victims include 57 women, 54 men and 13 others whose genders could not be confirmed.

07:20 AM GMT

Thai PM sends condolences

Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the Thai prime minister, sent condolences to the families of the dead and injured in a post on social media.

Two of the passengers on board the plane from Bangkok were Thai.

They have been identified as two women, aged 22 and 45.

07:10 AM GMT

Boeing responds

Boeing issued the following statement:

We are in contact with Jeju Air regarding flight 2216 and stand ready to support them. We extend our deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones, and our thoughts remain with the passengers and crew.

07:08 AM GMT

Should I say my last words?

A passenger had texted a relative to say a bird was stuck in the wing, local media reported.

The persons final message was reportedly Should I say my last words?

07:01 AM GMT

Jeju Air president feels full responsibility

Kim E-bae, Jeju Airs president, has appeared on a televised news conference.

He bowed alongside other senior company officials as he apologised to bereaved families.

He said he feels full responsibility for the crash.

Mr Kim said the company had not identified any mechanical problems in the 15-year-old Boeing jet following regular maintenance checks.

06:10 AM GMT

Death toll reaches 120

The fire department has now said 120 people are confirmed dead.

The victims include 57 women, 54 men and nine others whose genders were not immediately identifiable.

Only two people  one male and one female, both airline crew members  have been found alive since the plane burst into flames at Muan airport just after 9am local time.

It is now after 3pm there.

05:54 AM GMT

Little chance of survival

Rescuers continue to look for survivors but are losing hope.

They have turned their attention to grassland near the crash site, believing that passengers could have been ejected from the plane as it crashed into the fence.

Passengers were ejected from the aircraft after it collided with the barrier, leaving little chance of survival, a local fire department said.

05:40 AM GMT

Death toll rises to 96

The citys fire department has confirmed more bodies have been found at the crash site.

So far, two people rescued  both are flight attendants  96 dead, the most recent update reads.

05:18 AM GMT

Two crew members rescued

The two people who were found alive in the burning plane were Jeju Air crew members.

The pair, a man and a woman, were located in the tail section of the plane.

They are being treated at a hospital with medium to severe injuries, according to the head of the local public health centre.

05:09 AM GMT

Another landing gear crash

Now to some concerning aviation news out of Canada where another plane crash this morning has also been linked to a faulty landing gear.

Video shared to social media shows panic on board an Air Canada Express flight before it landed at Halifax Stanfield International Airport.

Peter Fitzpatrick, a spokesman for Air Canada, said the plane experienced a suspected landing gear issue after arrival around 9:30pm Saturday (1:30am GMT).

The plane stopped short of the terminal. All 73 passengers on board were evacuated safety, with some suffering minor injuries.

 JUST IN: Air Canada flight lands in Halifax with a broken landing gear, resulting in the wing scraping the runway causing a fire



The airport is currently CLOSED.



This comes just hours after a Boeing 737 attempted a landing without warning extending its gear in South Korea, pic.twitter.com/Givga3hDEn  Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) December 29, 2024

04:59 AM GMT

One of the countrys deadliest crashes

This will go down in history books as one of South Koreas deadliest aviation disasters.

The worst plane disaster in the country was in Guam on Aug 6 1997.

That day, 228 of the 254 people on board Korean Airlines Flight 801 were killed in a crash at Nimitz Hill.

Remarkably, 23 passengers and three flight attendants survived even though the plane, a Boeing 747-300, was completely destroyed by the impact and subsequent fire.

Here is a photo from the scene of the crash at Guam in 1997:

Officials look at the tail section of Korean Air Lines (KAL) flight 801

04:33 AM GMT

Weather and bird strike could have caused the crash, says fire chief

Lee Jeong-hyun, the chief of Muans fire station, has provided a brief update.

He said: The cause of the accident is presumed to be a bird strike combined with adverse weather conditions.

However, the exact cause will be announced following a joint investigation.

04:20 AM GMT

Death toll reaches 85

The national fire agency has said: So far, two rescued and 85 dead.

The rescue operation continues, the agency confirmed.

04:17 AM GMT

More pictures from the scene

Firefighters carry out rescue operations - YONHAP/Getty

Firefighters carry out extinguishing operations on an aircraft which drove off runaway at Muan International Airport in Muan, South Jeolla Province, South Korea

04:00 AM GMT

Airline deeply apologetic

Jeju Air has said it will spare no effort to respond to the accident.

We are currently working to determine the exact cause and details of the situation, a company official told Yanhap news agency, adding that the aircraft had been in operation for 15 years with no history of accidents.

A public apology notice on the airlines website read: We deeply apologise to all those affected by the incident at Muan Airport.

We will make every effort to resolve the situation. We sincerely regret the distress caused.

03:56 AM GMT

Acting president heads to crash site

Choi Sang-mok, who was named interim leader of the country on Friday after the previous acting president was impeached amid an ongoing political crisis, has ordered more rescue crews to attend the airport.

Mr Choi will travel to the crash site, and his his chief-of-staff is convening an emergency meeting.

03:54 AM GMT

More on the victims

We are now hearing that of the 62 people found dead, there were 37 women and 25 men.

The victims suffered burns when the plane burst into flames.

03:52 AM GMT

Two people rescued

Emergency crews have pulled two people from the wreckage.

This photo shows one of the severely injured people being wheeled away for treatment at a hospital in nearby Mokpo:

A passenger who was rescued from an aircraft which drove off runway at Muan International Airport is carried to a hospital in Mokpo

03:47 AM GMT

Why did the plane crash?

Initial reports have suggested that the pilot had struggled to keep the aircraft on course because of a malfunctioning landing gear, possibly caused by a bird striking the plane before coming in to land shortly after 9am.

A passenger had texted a loved one saying that a bird got caught on the wing and we couldnt land, South Korean media reported.

03:47 AM GMT

Who was on board?

In total, 181 people were on the flight, which was due to land at Muan International Airport in South Korea shortly after 9am.

The majority of the passengers were South Korean citizens, except for two Thai nationals.

They were accompanied by six airline staff.

03:44 AM GMT

Pictured: The crash site

Firefighters carry out extinguishing operations on an aircraft which drove off runaway at Muan International Airport in Muan, South Jeolla Province, South Korea

Fire engines work to extinguish a fire at the Muan International Airport in Muan, South Korea

Firefighters carry out extinguishing operations on an aircraft which drove off runway at Muan International Airport in Muan, South Jeolla Province, South Korea

03:36 AM GMT

What we know so far

A plane has crashed in Muan, in southwest South Korea.

Initial reports suggested 29 people were dead.

Death toll rose to 62 at midday, local time.

Two people rescued.

Grave fears for everyone else on board.

03:33 AM GMT

Good morning

As we reported earlier, there are grave fears for passengers and crew on board the Jeju Air plane that crashed in South Korea on Sunday morning.

The number of casualties has been upgraded to 62.

Given this is a fast-moving story and the likelihood the death toll will rise, we have decided to live blog this event. Check back here for updates.
Trump at a Republican faith meeting in North Carolina in October. Photograph: Brian Snyder/Reuters

Merry Christmas, Donald Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform on Christmas Day with a photo of himself and his wife, Melania. So far, so traditional. But the US president-elect was just getting started.

In another post, Trump wished merry Christmas to all including to the wonderful soldiers of China, who are lovingly, but illegally, operating the Panama canal. He poked fun at the Canadian prime minister, Justin Trudeau, and claimed the US could annex Canada as its 51st state. For good measure, he addressed the people of Greenland, which is needed by the United States for National Security purposes and, who want the US to be there, and we will!

It was the type of diatribe that, if delivered by a drunk uncle at the Christmas dinner table, might be laughed off or undercut by Anyone for dessert? But Trump, 78, is less than a month away from accessing the nuclear codes and commanding the strongest military in the world. No one is quite sure whether to take him literally or seriously  or both.

Notoriously mercurial and whimsical, this is the man who, it was once said, does not play three-dimensional chess but more often than not is just eating the pieces. There are also suspicions that Trump is looking for leverage as part of the art of the deal  and that the former reality TV star is grabbing headlines to look strong at home and abroad.

Reed Galen, president of JoinTheUnion.us, a pro-democracy coalition, said: The guys been a troll for nearly 80 years. The problem is now he happens to be a troll who is about to run, again, the most powerful nation that humanity has ever known. He wants to do this because he wants outrage. He wants, to the extent that he thinks he can induce it, fear or panic. Chaos is the coin of his realm and it always will be because things being out of control is the only way hes in control.

The idea of buying Greenland is not a new one for Trump. When he first raised the prospect of purchasing the vast strategic island, a Danish territory, during his first term in 2019, it was widely treated as a joke. But then Trump cancelled a trip to Denmark after its prime minister, Mette Frederiksen, spurned him.

Trump revived his push last weekend when naming his ambassador to Copenhagen, saying the ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity for US national security. But he received the same answer, with Greenlands prime minister, Mute Egede, saying on Monday the resource-rich island is not for sale.

At first glance, it all seems like political theatre of the absurd. But Trump, the disrupter-in-chief, has made a habit of turning the unthinkable into the thinkable into the inevitable.

Galen said: We should take him seriously. If he shows up in Copenhagen with a $1tn check for Greenland, maybe the Danes will take it  I dont know. But remember, too, this is a guy whos never actually paid for anything in his life so whenever he says, I want to buy it, thats not how it works.

Meanwhile, the president-elect has also taken aim at Panama. He condemned what he called unfair fees for US ships passing through and threatened to demand control of the Panama canal be returned to Washington.

Trump said last Sunday if Panama did not agree then we will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to the United States of America  in full, quickly and without question. He also hinted at Chinas growing influence around the canal, which was built by the US in 1914 to link the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. It was returned to Panama under a 1977 deal.

Panamas president, Jose Raul Mulino, dismissed Trumps threats, saying that every square metre of the canal would remain in Panamanian hands. Trump responded on Truth Social: Well see about that!

As if two diplomatic spats were not enough, Trump has repeatedly teased neighbouring Canada that it would be a great idea to become the 51st US state  against a dark backdrop of threatened tariffs. He has also mockingly referred to Trudeau as governor  a title used by the top elected officials in each of the 50 US states.

Canada has sought to turn the other cheek. In an interview with Politicos Playbook Deep Dive podcast, Kirsten Hillman, Canadas ambassador to the US, said: I think that the president-elect is having a bit of fun. Canada can take it. You know, we have a strong sense of who we are and we can dish it out.

Indeed, Trump made plenty of rash statements in his first White House term that came to naught, including nuking hurricanes to stop them hitting the US and suggesting the injection of bleach to cure Covid. The second time around, however, feels different. Dubbed an American Caesar, Trump seems bolder, better organised and more intentional.

He now understands where the levers of power and pressure points are and is surrounded by more pliant loyalists. Whereas his first approach to Greenland was based on the instincts of a property developer, this time he is citing national security concerns  a sales pitch likely to have greater resonance on Capitol Hill.

Few experts expect him to declare war on Canada, Denmark or Panama  but they do perceive a combination of bluffing and bullying designed to throw allies off balance and achieve smaller wins. This harsh treatment stands in stark contrast to Trumps repeated praise for leaders including Russias Vladimir Putin, who invaded Ukraine in 2022 in a land grab of his own.

For some it is horribly reminiscent of the imperialist great game of the 19th century. Brett Bruen, a former global engagement director of the Barack Obama White House, said: Its astonishing in the 21st century that we are still talking about global powers trying to take, whether by force or pressure, territory from other countries. We have the example of Putin trying to retake Ukraine. We have the example of China trying to take large swaths of the South China Sea.

Bruen, president of the public affairs agency Global Situation Room, added: Now we have Trump, who essentially is trying to force both Greenland and Panama to give up territory against their will, and that violates every fundamental principle of both international law and international stability.

It opens a Pandoras box of crises that would likely not be contained, because if Trump can threaten other countries borders then [Recep Tayyip] Erdogan [of Turkey] and Mohammed bin Salman [of Saudi Arabia] and a whole host of other unsavoury leaders are going to do likewise.

Trumps sabre-rattling at Panama, and reported plans for a soft invasion of Mexico, targeting drug cartels through cross-border special forces operations or drone strikes, are likely to stir bad memories of the US among Latin American leaders and could push some into Chinas embrace.

In 1973, for example, the US instigated a coup against Chiles then president, Salvador Allende, a socialist who had been democratically elected. In 1989 the US invaded Panama to overthrow the military dictator Manuel Noriega, who had been indicted in the US on drug-trafficking charges. President George HW Bush told the nation that his objectives were to protect American lives, restore democracy, bring Noriega to justice and ensure the integrity of the Panama canal treaties before Panama took full control of it in 1999.

Trumps sudden expansionism is doubly strange, because he has sharply criticised past US misadventures overseas. He obtained a series of deferments during the Vietnam war, railed against George W Bushs invasion of Iraq and boasted that he did not take the US into any new wars during his presidency. His America first policy preaches isolationism, not foreign entanglements.

But for Larry Jacobs, director of the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance at the University of Minnesota, there are echoes of President Richard Nixons madman theory  embracing irrationality to keep adversaries guessing and on the defensive.

He is making a series of outrageous, impossible threats, Jacobs said. Were going to buy Greenland? Its not for sale, its a sovereign country, its just ridiculous. What hes done with Canada is in a similar land of make-believe. The Panama canal? Thats been settled for decades now. But its all a tactic in his mind for how to disrupt the status quo and improve the bargaining position of his White House.

With Joe Biden rapidly becoming the ghost of Christmas past, Trump is the ghost of Christmas future for the next four years. Jacobs warned: Its an appetiser before the main course with Trump. This is going to be the presidency again. Its about chaos. Its about unpredictability. Its about a kind of madman approach to the most powerful office on planet earth. Its terrifying.
school children

For many parents, it will be the worst possible start to the New Year. From Wednesday, private schools will have to charge 20 per cent VAT on their fees, making the UK one of the few countries in the world to tax education directly.

Even with just one child in private school, the typical parent will face an extra tax bill of 2,000 or more per year, at a time when frozen thresholds mean the state is already taking more of their income than ever.

According to Chancellor Rachel Reeves, the extra levy will raise 1.7 billion annually, allowing more to be spent on state schools, and improving education for the majority of children in the state sector. And yet, Reevess logic and her mathematics are both in error.

No proper account has been made for the parents who will have no choice but to move their children  increasing the burden on the state sector  or for the schools that will inevitably close, with the loss of jobs that will entail.

In reality, the Chancellor has no idea how much money will be raised, and has made no detailed assessment. As with her extra levies on farmers, this may raise nothing at all. The claim that the school system will be improved by imposing a tax on a significant part of it, and one that may not in fact collect any extra money for the Exchequer, is implausible at best.

Worse yet, the policy is still being challenged in the courts. If that legal battle is won, the Government will presumably have to pay compensation for every child whose education has been ruined, and for all the teachers and support staff who have lost their livelihoods.

It is reckless in the extreme to impose the policy without knowing whether it is legal or not, or what its real impact will be on the education system.

In reality, everyone knows that the new tax is simply class warfare, designed to appease Labours political base and to punish the aspirational middle classes.

There are still two days left for the Government at least to postpone the introduction of VAT until the start of the new school year in the autumn of 2025. If it doesnt, it will only have itself to blame for the disruption it is about to inflict on the happiness and education of tens of thousands of children whose parents cannot afford this extra levy.
Jeju Air aircraft

Credit: Lee Geun-young

A video captured the moment a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 crashed while landing at Muan international airport in South Korea on Sunday.

The footage, aired by YTN television, showed the plane skidding down the runway with its landing gear still up. The aircraft veered off course, crashing into a concrete wall at the airports edge before erupting in a massive fire.

Other local stations also aired footage of thick black smoke rising from the fully engulfed wreckage, which crash-landed at around 9am local time.

The flight, arriving from Bangkok, Thailand, was carrying 181 people, including two Thai nationals, when disaster struck on Sunday morning.

As of 11.30am GMT, authorities had confirmed 177 deaths, two survivors, and two missing persons.

Emergency responders believe that no further survivors are expected, placing the crash as one of South Koreas deadliest aviation disasters.

The crash occurred during landing after the plane experienced a malfunction, with early reports suggesting that a bird strike may have caused a landing gear failure.

One passengers final messages, shared with South Korean media, described the situation. Their final message read: Should I leave a will?

The plane touched down without its landing gear deployed and was unable to maintain its course, eventually veering off the runway into the military port section of the airport, where it exploded.

The government has closed the runway at Muan international airport until Jan 1 for investigations. Authorities have recovered the planes black boxes, which are being examined to determine the cause of the disaster.

Jeju Air has expressed condolences and promised full cooperation with the investigation. Thailands prime minister has also offered condolences to the victims families.
Dark feminine influencer Thewizardliz. Photograph: @Thewizardliz/Instagram

The manosphere, the misogynist internet world populated by influencers such as Andrew Tate, is widely recognised as a toxic space where young men are at risk of radicalisation. Now, say researchers, women and girls are being sucked into potentially dangerous online spaces of their own: the femosphere.

It is a term used by Dr Jilly Kay, an expert in feminist media and cultural studies at Loughborough University, in a paper published earlier this year. Kay has been researching a reactionary turn among young women, and how a backlash against mainstream feminism has created new spaces online. In the femosphere, instead of incels  male involuntary celibates  there are femcels, and instead of pickup artists there are female dating strategists and so-called dark feminine influencers who encourage women to find men to support them financially.

Most corners of the femosphere explicitly describe themselves as feminist, so Kay said she was surprised to see that their values seemed conservative, and their philosophy mostly anti-gender equality.

She said: The logic that they adhere to is that men and women are fundamentally different.

In the femosphere, as in the manosphere, theres an overarching belief that life is about survival of the fittest, that men will always hurt women and that will never change, so strategies are needed to conquer the opposite gender.

Kay looked at Female Dating Strategy, which started as a Reddit forum (with more than 250,000 members) and expanded into social media and a podcast. It has a six-point ideology for members to subscribe to, which includes ideas such as: men should always pursue women, women should seek financial contributions from men, and the majority of men have no value.

Mainstream feminism in recent decades has been very consumer-oriented, all about individual empowerment, emphasising things like women being confident, successful, and women having all the things that men can have, said Kay. In other words: girlboss feminism.

But since about 2018, Kay said, there has been a growing rejection of that idea.

Kay saw beliefs discussed and shared in online forums and via social media influencers that echoed the logic of the manosphere  particularly when it came to dating and relationships.

Ideas like men are the gatekeeper of relationships and women are the gatekeepers of sex, she said.

So womens currency in the sexual marketplace resides in her withholding sex from men, and you diminish your value if you have casual sex.

Or the idea that, to counter womens lesser earning power (the gender pay gap in the UK was 14.3% last year), rather than fighting for pay equality, a man should provide for a woman financially, and women must embrace feminine energy to secure a husband. Kay said: Its incredibly conservative, but its trying to reframe it as being this empowering strategy.

Kay also looked at dark feminine influencers such as Kanika Batra and Thewizardliz. In recent years, Batra has criticised liberal feminism. In one post, she explained why she had left feminism behind and said: The manosphere is incredibly loyal to everybody within it.

In another, Batra laments the state of modern dating and the ways it has changed men and womens roles.

I used to be a feminist before I saw the effects of third wave feminism, Batra said. This has forced women into masculine roles where they are pursuing men.

Batra added: This is not natural, and it seems that there are more and more people not starting a family.

Thewizardliz , meanwhile, makes videos with titles such as How to become more beautiful, How to become rich, How to become extremely seductive.

On the Princess Treatment, the influencer advises followers who want to be spoiled to say to their male partner: I would appreciate it if you gave me some money, like an allowance.

There are clear reasons why women and girls might be drawn to this thinking, said feminist theorist Dr Sophie Lewis, whose upcoming book, Enemy Feminisms will explore moments in history when feminists have aligned with unlikely groups such as colonial regimes, and even the Ku Klux Klan.

Of the femospheres ideas, she said: Theres an actual offer, an actual promise that should not be sniffed at. Theres a promise to deliver women from what political economists have called the double shift.

After liberal feminisms vision that women could have it all, now women are saddled with both productive and reproductive labour, she said.

Lewis has studied some areas of the femosphere, particularly tradwife influencers. The so-called trad life is genuinely seductive to women who rightly hate the endless grind, she said. Thats something that liberal feminism needs to recognise it hasnt provided a solution to.

She is discouraged by the lack of hope, and anti-utopian thinking in these spaces, with ideas about new ways of living often disparaged as foolish.

The femosphere promises liberation from the double shift, where liberal feminism has saddled women with both productive and reproductive labour

Kay and Lewis are not the only ones interested in this growing corner of the internet. Prof Emiliano de Cristofaro and Prof Jeremy Blackburn are two of the authors of a data-driven analysis of toxic womens communities online. They had already worked on the manosphere and other dark corners of the internet.

They noted some of the same patterns as Kay, and found sort of analogues of the manosphere. Some communities even mirrored the manosphere in the advice given to members. The narratives with respect to dating strategy are very similar  its a game and you try to outsmart the other gender and win, said de Cristofaro.

Some of the language used is also similar. Being redpilled is often discussed in the manosphere  the idea, based on the plot of the Matrix film, of suddenly being able to see reality  and blackpilled is used by incels to describe the idea that their situation, being, as they believe, undesirable to women, is inescapable. In the femosphere, these have been reframed as the pink pill.

Accusations of toxic language and hate speech have led to some female groups, including femcel groups, being banned from Reddit. Just like manosphere groups before them, they then set up independent platforms of their own.

Usually that community reduces in size, but becomes more radicalised and more toxic, because of a lack of moderation and less exposure to more moderate positions, said de Cristofaro.

The researchers noted that, among some femosphere members, feminism is a key part of their identity, but, as Kay noted, this doesnt necessarily mean they hold progressive views. Some more traditionally feminist groups have aligned with non-feminist groups who share some of the same views  most notably, the union of Christian fundamentalists and far-right figures with some gender-critical feminists.

This is something weve seen throughout the history of feminism, said Lewis.

You might almost call this anti-feminist feminism. Thats what I see in the femosphere a lot, she said. Its important to understand a long lineage of women, especially middle-class white women, making a calculation that they might be able to individually find a foothold within patriarchy by accommodating themselves to a certain set of disciplines in exchange for provisional protection, while throwing other women under the bus.

Accusations of toxic language and hate speech have led to some female groups being banned from Reddit, after which they become more radicalised and toxic

Kay sees parallels with Naomi Kleins recent work on the digital world, where she identified that many of these new communities contain a mix of ideas from both the left and right of the political spectrum.

In this case, certain ideas from left feminism seem to be getting mixed up with reactionary conservative ideas, Kay said. Its part of broader reactionary politics, the role that digital culture is playing in rearranging traditional coordinates of left and right.

Related: Britains Sex Discrimination Act is turning 50, so how much longer until women have equal pay?

This aligns with other research, such as that of Dr Alice Evans, a senior lecturer at Kings College London, who showed earlier this year that Gen Z is extremely progressive on some issues, and extremely conservative on others, with a gulf particularly forming between young men and young women.

Theres no evidence to say that the femosphere is radicalising its members in the same way as the manosphere, which has seen members committing shocking acts of real-world violence and fuelling populist political movements.

But there are reasons to be wary. De Cristofaro said more research was needed, but exposure to toxic content has been shown overall to increase radicalisation.

Kay said: Its important that people understand it and recognise it, partly because at first glance it can seem quite appealing, especially to feminists.

Liberal feminism has been rejected for good reason  it has failed to deliver gender equality, so it makes sense that youd want to find an alternative. But just because something is the enemy of liberal feminism, does not necessarily mean its good for women.


Royal Ballet star Marianela Nunez says she learned English by watching Friends videos rented from Blockbuster after moving to England aged 15.

The 42-year-old left her native Argentina to join the company after being offered a contract while touring in Los Angeles, but was unable to join them because UK employment law stopped her from working until she turned 16, meaning she joined The Royal Ballet School first.

Speaking to Lauren Laverne on BBC Radio 4s Desert Island Discs about learning English after moving to London, she said: I remember it was hard, so a lot of tears, I remember going to a bank, and I had to open a bank account as a student, but I couldnt tell them, so I was like miming.

Marianela Nunez moved to the UK aged 15 (Dominic Lipinski/PA)

It was crazy, so Blockbuster (video rental shop) was quite big at the time, and every weekend I (would) start renting the Friends series.

I could watch them forever, I love them, and thats how I (learned) English watching those videos.

Abbas Dancing Queen, Queens Dont Stop Me Now and Johnny Nashs I Can See Clearly Now were among the tracks Nunez picked on the show, which also saw her discuss her initial shock after moving to the UK.

The Royal Ballet principal ballerina added: Emotionally, I was all over the place, and thats why, at some point, I had to cut the cord (from her family in Argentina).

And this is again where ballet comes to (save) me all the time, like knowing what I wanted to do and focusing on that, and knowing that was part of the process.

Again, looking back, (it was) definitely the best thing that ever happened to me, that I went back to school.

It was the perfect way for me, I was too young to be performing, so I needed to finish my studies. I had a chance to learn the language, I had a chance to understand the Royal Ballet style.

Laverne went on to ask Nunez how she felt about the person she was aged 15.

She replied: I am proud, I know it sounds probably a bit snobby to say that, but for a 15-year-old child to be so brave to leave your family behind and just (be) so focused and so determined, and knowing at all times that I had this family (on) the other side of the world.

I mean, it was hard for them to maintain me and not give up, and just work hard, but always loving what I was doing, so well done little Nela.

Nunez celebrated her 20th anniversary at The Royal Ballet in 2018 following a performance of Giselle, which saw artistic director Kevin OHare declare her as one of the greats of her generation.

The full interview can be heard on Desert Island Discs on BBC Radio 4 at 10am on Sunday December 29, or on BBC Sounds.
Former UUP leader David Trimble was effectively told by Tony Blair to get lost over the timing of a border poll, according to previously confidential reports.

Under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement of 1998, the UK government is obliged to call a referendum in Northern Ireland if there is evidence of a shift in public opinion in favour of Irish unity.

Files released by the Irish Government as part of the annual release of state records show that Mr Trimble was repeatedly engaged in a campaign in 2002 to hold such a vote on the same day as upcoming elections for the Northern Ireland Assembly  which was at that point looking set for May of the next year.

Tony Blair reportedly told David Trimble to get lost over the plan (Haydn West/PA)

The records from the National Archives in Dublin show that the SDLP and the Irish government were heavily against the idea.

In March 2002, the UUP leader publicly supported the idea of holding a border poll, adding that it would call the republican bluff.

The move was seen partly as a bid to drive turnout in the Assembly elections, although questions were raised about whether this would benefit the DUP over the UUP.

Mr Trimble said it would put the issue to bed for another generation  amid an expectation based on demographics that the vote would go in unionists favour.

The call came at the same time that he described the Republic of Ireland as a pathetic, sectarian, mono-ethnic, mono-cultural State.

John Hume and David Trimble were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their work in the Northern Ireland peace process (Brian Thompson/PA)

His campaign for the poll continued publicly and privately for months.

In the files, Irish officials record that the SDLP believed that holding such a vote on the same day as the Assembly elections would be a sectarian blood bath  and that the party would be setting out its total opposition to the proposal.

The records, taken from a call between an Irish diplomat and SDLP leader Mark Durkans main adviser Damien McAteer, show that the party wanted to hold a border poll midway through the term of the next Assembly.

While separate documents show that the Irish officials believed the UK government to be equivocal on the matter, Dublin said the coinciding of the poll with the Assembly elections would be deeply polarising and destabilising.

SDLP leader Mark Durkan was against the proposal (Julien Behal/PA)

Concern was raised that the move would boost votes for the DUP and Sinn Fein, while Mr Durkan is recorded as saying the proposal would create a theme park for flags.

Mr Blairs chief of staff Jonathan Powell spoke with a high-ranking Irish official in the department dealing with the peace process on September 13.

Michael Collins, the official who would go on to be Irelands ambassador to the US, wrote in a confidential memo: On the border poll idea, Powell said that Blair told Trimble to get lost.

Powell said that they were still concerned that Trimble was sleepwalking into a crisis with his party.

They were not convinced that he would escape and he could still be hit by the grey suits as early as tomorrow at his party executive meeting.

In any event, Mr Trimbles plan to hold a border poll on the same day as the election never materialised.

This is partly because he and other unionists collapsed the powersharing institutions one month later, in the fallout of a controversy arising out of the PSNI raiding Sinn Feins offices in Stormont in search of files.

The institutions would not be restored until 2007, while Mr Trimble stepped down as UUP leader after losing his Westminster seat in the 2005 general election.

There has been no such border poll held since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement.

Throughout the 2024 general election campaign in the Republic of Ireland, Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald called on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to set out the tipping-point circumstances which are required for his Government to call a referendum on Irish unification.

Earlier this year, Sir Keir said he was committed to the principles of the Good Friday Agreement.

However, while in opposition, he said a referendum on Irish unification was not even on the horizon.

 This article is based on documents in 2024/130/15
Authorities investigate a car crash at Seventh Street and Mandela Parkway in Oakland that resulted in three BART police officers and the driver of another vehicle being taken to a hospital Saturday. Michael Hunt/Oakland Fire Department

BART police officers were headed to the scene of an overdose, their lights and sirens activated, when their vehicles crashed in a West Oakland intersection Saturday afternoon, the agency said Sunday.

Two police vehicles and a medical transport vehicle crashed around 2:45 p.m. at the intersection of Mandela Parkway and Seventh Street near the West Oakland BART Station. Three BART police officers and an occupant of an American West Medical Transport minivan were injured in the collision.

Paramedics took the officers and the van occupant to hospitals. The three officers were being treated for injuries that were serious but not life-threatening, BART communications officer Chris Filippi said Sunday. Police did not provide details about the extent of the van occupants injuries.

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The officers were responding to a report of a life-threatening overdose at the West Oakland BART Station when the crash occurred, Filippi said, though questions remained as Oakland police investigated the collision. The BART and Oakland police departments did not provide further details Sunday, including the condition of the reported overdose victim.

It was unclear whether the medical transport minivan was transporting a patient or responding to a call at the time of the crash. The company did not immediately respond to an inquiry Sunday.

Authorities investigate a car crash at Seventh Street and Mandela Parkway in Oakland that resulted in three BART police officers and the driver of another vehicle being taken to a hospital Saturday. Michael Hunt/Oakland Fire Department

Oakland Fire Department spokesperson Michael Hunt said Saturday that a person who apparently overdosed at the time of the crash was also taken to a hospital, though it was unclear Sunday whether the incident was related to the reported overdose to which BART police responded.

A driver who witnessed the collision told the Chronicle that one of the police vehicles ran a red light and T-boned the other police vehicle, causing both to crash into the minivan.

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Video of the aftermath, uploaded to the Citizen public safety app, shows the two police vehicles and a minivan on a curb not far from a bus stop at the transit station. One of the police vehicles sustained front-end damage, with its hood smashed in. The other landed on a fire hydrant.

The video shows an officer lying on the curb next to one of the damaged police vehicles as firefighters and emergency medical technicians treat the officer.

Bryan Culbertson was biking home when he passed the scene. As police surveyed the wreckage, families with small children waited to board a Greyhound bus. It is very, very fortunate that bystanders were not killed or injured, he said.
sasquatch

Two Sasquatch hunters died after they went missing while searching for the elusive mythical creature in the Oregon wilderness on Christmas Eve.

The bodies of the two men, ages 37 and 59 years old, were found in a heavily wooded area of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in Washington State, the Skamania County Sheriffs Office said Saturday.

Police said the pair appeared to have died of exposure amid the harsh weather conditions and their ill-preparedness for the forest.

The men had set out on their excursion into the wilderness hoping to spot Bigfoot with intentions to return home before Christmas.

Rescuers cross a stream looking for the two missing Sasquatch hunters. Skamania County Sheriff's Office/Facebook

A family member reported the two men missing to Skamania County police at around 1 a.m. on Dec. 25.

A grueling three-day search was conducted for the men as over 60 volunteer search and rescue personnel took to the area looking for the Bigfoot fanatics.

The search party fought through freezing temperatures, snow, rain and the heavily wooded terrain.

Seven separate law enforcement agencies from around the area and the Coast Guard offered services and help in the search that included canines, drones, ground teams and helicopters.

A helicopter flies overhead as officials conduct their search for the men. Skamania County Sheriff's Office/Facebook

Their exhaustive search efforts resulted in bringing family members home to their loved ones, the sheriffs office said.

The Skamania County Sheriffs Office extends our deepest sympathies and condolences to the families of the loved ones lost in this tragic incident.

The unidentified pairs car was spotted on a Flock camera before police located it in Willard, Washington.

Legend of the hairy, biped living in the Pacific Northwest has captured the minds of many, leading to thrill seekers to travel to the wilderness of Washington and Oregon in the hopes of seeing the folkloric beast.

The phenomenon is so captivating, local governments have begun celebrating the creature by hosting Sasquatch Hunts like Washingtons Pierce County.

Sixty volunteer search-and-rescue personnel helped in the three-day search, including canine, drone and ground teams. Skamania County Sheriff's Office/Facebook

A Sasquatch crossing sign in the Oregon wilderness. pabrady63  stock.adobe.com

The Pacific Northwest isnt the only area in the country known for its Sasquatch lores.

In October, residents in Fairfield County, Connecticut reported hearing screams coming from the supposed Bigfoot, which lasted for a terrifying 10 minutes.

The howls were emitted from a forested area near the town of Monroe on Oct. 17, 2023, according to The Bigfoot Field Research Organization.

Each yelp lasted roughly 10 seconds and halted before repeating.

This voice had quite a bit of power behind it and I could tell that it was carried over distance. I would rough guesstimate at least two clicks [1.25 miles] from my cords, an anonymous witness said in the report, which was published this summer.
Arizona Humane Society Armando.

A young dog is making a fresh start ahead of the new year.

Armando  a 4-year-old Labrador retriever mix  has found his forever home after being abandoned with a note in Arizona earlier this month.

On Dec. 15, Arizona Humane Society (AHS) employees found the canine "tied up" in the parking lot of the shelters Sunnyslope Campus parking lot, according to a press release from the organization shared with PEOPLE.

There, the note attached to Amando began, "It is with a heavy heart that we had to result to this, but due to unforeseen circumstances, we had no choice. This is Armando (Mando)."

"He has had his shots but might need them soon. Hes very friendly with dogs and people. He is prone to ear infections. We pray he finds a good home. God bless," the note continued, per the AHS.

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Arizona Humane Society The note Armando's previous owners left when they abandoned him.

Related: Fla. Rescue Helping Two Dogs Abandoned on the Roadside with a Note: 'So Sorry But Ran Out of Time'

After he was found, Armando received treatment for an ear infection in the AHS' trauma hospital, the press release said. He was later "found to be otherwise healthy."

"Understandably, this sweet pup can be a bit nervous at first, but quickly warms up with pets (and treats) and loves getting attention from his human friends," the AHS wrote in a statement.

Now, Armando has found a home, the AHS tells PEOPLE. "He has been playing nonstop with his new dog sister, and she has even been sharing 'her couch' with him in between playing tug of war in the backyard," a representative for the organization says.

The rep adds that Armando's "new family said its like he has been living with them since forever."

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!

According to AHS, the organization has "cared for more than 22,000 sick, injured and abused pets in 2024, the most in a decade."

"With population growth, rising home prices, evictions and a shortage of affordable pet care, more pet owners in our community have been faced with the often gut-wrenching decision to rehome a pet," the AHS continued. "Because shelters are full, healthy pets needing to be rehomed due to a change in housing or loss of a job have no place to go, which has led to an increase in pet abandonments."

Read the original article on People
In the blink of an eye, on December 28, 1964, 12-year-old Carol Jarosz Bartos life changed forever.

Thats the day her 16-year-old sister, Beverly Jarosz, was murdered.

Sixty years later, Carol still has no answers as to what happened to her sister and who is responsible for her murder.

Beverly and Carol

It started off as an ordinary day for the two sisters. They walked to their grandmothers house for a visit.

We left our house together, and we walked  like maybe its probably a half an hour to my grandmas house  and we had lunch there, Carol told Dateline. And my sister washed my grandmas hair and put it up in little curlers, and she had plans for the afternoon, and so I stayed with my grandma.

Beverly headed back to their house, where she was supposed to meet two friends. Both of their parents were at work, so Beverly would have been home alone waiting for her friends.

According to Carol, when the first friend arrived, she was unable to enter the home. She noticed one door that was typically closed was open, while another door that was typically left open, was closed. The friend also heard loud music blaring from upstairs, which would have been unusual for Beverly.

She thought that Beverly might have been angry with her because she was a little bit running late, Carol said. And so she went home.

Carol added that the first friend then told the second friend what had happened. The second friend called Beverly and Carols grandmother. Carol says their grandmother knew something was wrong immediately. She called my dad, and he came home from work around -- between 4:00 and 4:30 after he got that phone call from my grandma, Carol said.

That is when their father discovered that Beverly hadnt been home alone.

He came home and, of course, found her dead -- strangled, stabbed, Carol said.

According to the Ohio Attorney Generals website, On 12/28/1964, 16yr old Beverly Jarosz was strangled and stabbed to death in her bedroom of her Garfield Heights home.

Beverly Jarosz

Detective Mark Menary of the Garfield Heights Police Department confirmed this information and told Dateline that Beverly had been murdered at roughly 1:30pm.

He said the cause of death was strangulation. Many pieces of evidence were recovered. Most importantly, the rope used to kill Beverly, he noted.

Carol remembers overhearing the gut-wrenching phone call between her father and her grandmother.

He called my grandmother and he was yelling, Murder, murder, murder. And so then I knew, Carol told Dateline. And then my grandma had me go to her next-door neighbors house. And she went over to my dads house, too.

The traumatic event, happening when she was just 12 years old, took Carol years to process. I feel like I have so few recollections from the time that happened to me, until  even through high school, she recalled, describing that period as a blur. I dont know how I got through those six years. And then when I went away to college, I feel like my life came back to me or something.

Carol says Beverlys murder deeply affected her personality for a long time. I was always, like, a real outgoing person. I had lots of friends and everything. And when this happened, I just feel like I got to be an introvert, she said.

Carol remembers she and her parents were questioned by police and recalls getting asked questions about who Beverly hung out with at school and in the neighborhood.

According to the Ohio Attorney Generals website, The investigation into this homicide has produced several possible suspects but no one has been charged. The case remains unsolved to this day.

Beverly and Carol

Detective Menary also provided a statement on the status of Beverlys case. Beverlys case remains a top priority of The Garfield Heights Police Department and is still aggressively being investigated, the statement read. Some of the recent activity has included the following: Advanced M-Vac DNA testing on key pieces of evidence, which has resulted in newly discovered DNA, interviews of witnesses, and surveillance.

Menary wrote that The Garfield Heights Police Department has worked closely with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies throughout this process and that the department been in frequent communication with Beverlys sister, Carol, as new developments occur. It is our goal to give her and her family, as well as the community, the answers they deserve.

Detective Menary closed his statement to Dateline, saying the brutality of Beverlys murder still hangs heavy on our hearts and we will never give up on seeking justice. He later responded that there are currently suspects in the case, whom he did not name, and said the advancement in DNA testing has changed the way Beverlys case is being investigated.

After 60 years of waiting, Carol is holding out hope that she will finally get some answers, and some justice, for her big sister. To this day, she recalls how much she looked up to Beverly, who wrote poetry and wanted to become a Latin teacher.

Beverly Jarosz

She seemed just so sophisticated to me, Carol said. She listened to classical music and she wasnt into Beatles, which was the rage back then. And she  one of her things that she wanted for Christmas was a Shakespeare  the whole complete works of Shakespeare.

Within those works, Beverly might have paused on a line: Truth will come to light; murder cannot be hid long. In the end truth will out.

On Saturday, December 28 a memorial mass was held for Beverly at the Jarosz family church, St. Therese in Garfield Heights. It was the 60th anniversary of Beverlys murder. It is past time for the truth to come to light.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. Mark Menary of the Garfield Heights Police Department at 216-475-5686 or mmenary@garfieldhts.org.

If you have a story to share with Dateline, please submit it here.
Collage of President Biden, Kamala Harris, and President-elect Trump, related to Biden's regret over dropping out of the presidential race.

President Biden privately regrets dropping out of this years presidential election and reportedly insists he couldve beaten President-elect Trump if he wasnt pushed out of the race by his own party.

Biden and some of his aides have boasted to confidantes in recent days that the president shouldve stayed in the race and couldve won a second term, the Washington Post reported Saturday citing multiple anonymous sources briefed on the conversations.

Biden told The View that he was confident in defeating Trump. AP

Instead, the 82-year-old buckled to pressure by Democratic Party elites to drop out of the race in July because of poor poll numbers and his rocky June 27 debate performance, in which he gave incoherent answers and appeared to stumble over his words.

Vice President Kamala Harris replaced Biden on the top of the Democratic ticket and was handily defeated by Trump, wholl be sworn in for a second White House stint on Jan. 20.

Aides say the president has been careful not to place blame on Harris or her campaign, the outlet reported.

However, the president all but admitted during a CBS News Sunday Morning interview in August that former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi led the charge because Dems in the House and Senate were worried that hed drag down their chances of being reelected.

And in September he told The View that he was confident he would have defeated Trump in November.

Many Democrats blame Harris loss on Bidens insistence not to drop out sooner.

Biden ran on the promise that he was going to be a transitional president, and in effect, have one term before handing it off to another generation, Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut) told The Washington Post.

I think his running again broke that concept  the conceptual underpinning of the theory that he would end the Trump appeal; he would defeat Trumpism and enable a new era.

Some of his closest advisers, without faulting Biden, concede his old-school governing style did not always mesh with modern politics.

Many Democrats blame Harris loss on Biden not to dropping out sooner. AFP via Getty Images

The president has been operating on a time horizon measured in decades, while the political cycle is measured in four years, Jake Sullivan, Bidens national security adviser, told the outlet.

Biden in recent weeks has admitted to some of the myriad of gaffes hes made in office, including that he screwed up during the debate and was stupid for not getting credit by putting his name on the pandemic relief checks his administration sent out in 2021  as Trump did as president in 2020.

And Biden and his aides have also conceded the administration couldve done a better job lifting Americans spirits during the pandemic.

There are claims that Biden regrets choosing Merrick Garland as attorney general. Getty Images

Repeating claims made in the Bob Woodward book War, The Washington Post reported Biden has also been telling confidantes he shouldnt have picked Merrick Garland as attorney general, whining the former US appeals court judge was too aggressive in prosecuting his son Hunter.

And Garland was apparently too slow for Biden in prosecuting Trump over the Jan. 6 riots  charges that were ultimately dismissed.
At least two people have died as severe storms and tornadoes tore through parts of Texas and Mississippi on Saturday, officials said, while a parade of atmospheric river-fueled storms batters the West.

One person died in northern Brazoria County, Texas, where four others were non-critically injured, Brazoria County Sheriffs Office spokesperson Madison Polston told CNN Saturday. Brazoria County is about 45 miles south of Houston.

We are still conducting secondary searches and going through and ensuring that all the residents are accounted for, Polston said. At this point we dont expect there to be additional fatalities.

The other fatality was a high school student in Natchez, Mississippi, who died after a tree fell on a home, according to Adams County Emergency Management spokesperson Neifa Hardy.

Adams County is reporting one home in Natchez that has been destroyed or collapsed, with one individual deceased and two injured, Malary White, Mississippi Emergency Management director of external affairs, told CNN.

Nearly 7 million Americans are currently under a tornado watch, including more than 2 million people in parts of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas, where one such watch was upgraded to a rare particularly dangerous situation. The watch calls for numerous strong tornadoes until 9 p.m. CST, according to the National Weather Service.

This is a special kind of tornado watch, issued only when theres unusually high confidence in the potential of multiple, long-lived tornadoes of EF2-strength or stronger in the area, according to the weather service. In this case, several EF0-EF2 tornadoes are anticipated, and a few intense (EF3+) tornadoes are likely, said the Storm Prediction Center.

An outbreak of severe storms with tornadoes, wind damage, and large hail is expected from parts of the Southern Plains, into the Lower Mississippi Valley and central Gulf Coast states, the National Weather Service said. Several long track tornadoes are expected.

The weather service on Saturday evening issued an additional tornado watch impacting 3.5 million people for parts of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi through 2 a.m. CST.

At 12:23 p.m. CST, the weather service confirmed a tornado was reported on the ground near Cleveland, about 45 miles northeast of Houston. The tornado, which was witnessed on the ground before it lifted back up, was moving northeast at 35 mph, NWS said.

Another reported tornado was spotted in Katy, Texas, about 30 miles west of Houston, as seen in footage posted on Facebook.

The strongest tornadoes could bring widespread damaging winds into Saturday evening, the weather service said. The Storm Prediction Center has increased the tornado risk to a level 4 of 5 moderate risk of severe weather across parts of central Louisiana, Mississippi, and western Alabama.

Supercell storms continue to be capable of producing intense tornadoes, widespread damaging winds of up to 80 mph and golf ball-size hail.

Numerous severe/supercell thunderstorms are expected to intensify through the afternoon over east Texas and western Louisiana, spreading rapidly northeastward across the watch through early evening. Parameters are becoming increasingly favorable for tornadoes, including strong tornadoes, and widespread damaging winds through the watch period, said the Storm Prediction Center.

Tornadoes are much less common in the US during December, averaging only around 40  compared to the nearly 270 seen on average in May. This year, however, there have been 1,783 tornado reports as of December 27  well above the average of 1,347 reports.

The threat shifts Sunday to the Southeast and the East Coast  where tornado-spawning storms are possible in Georgia, the Carolinas and Virginia. Rain from this storm could lead to some minor travel delays in the East Coast.

Meanwhile in the West, a continued series of atmospheric river-fueled storms is delivering more rounds of dangerous waves, powerful winds, heavy rainfall and thick mountain snowfall across the Pacific Northwest and Rockies this weekend. An additional 4 to 6 inches or more rain and 1 to 2 feet of mountain snow is likely.

The East Montgomery County Fire Department said that Station 154 in New Caney, Texas, "sustained extensive damage" after a storm swept through the area. - Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough

Tornadoes tear through homes

Omar Godoy, who lives in Katy where a confirmed tornado was spotted, was watching the tornado thriller film Twister with his nephew when they received an alert, CNN affiliate KHOU reported.

When he stepped outside to check, he saw a tornado heading toward him.

You see debris going in circles and the funnel coming down, Godoy told KHOU. Its scary, but its nature.

Godoy and his nephew hid in the closet for three minutes as they felt the house shake. When they emerged, they noticed the tornado had damaged the fence and roof, and other homes in their neighborhood.

It was three minutes, but it was a scary three minutes, Godoy said, adding this is the third tornado to impact their neighborhood this year.

Storm damage in Porter, Texas. - Katt Lomison

Katt Lomison said she feels blessed to be alive after her subdivision in Porter, Texas, suffered severe storm damage on Saturday. She was in her backyard when she saw on the news there was a potential tornado in her area.

I got my hallway ready, and I went outside, and then I just felt the wind come down and go in a circle with the rain, and Im like, Oh crap, Lomison said.

After the storm passed, Lomison discovered her shed was flattened and trees were down throughout the neighborhood.

One house at the end of her street is like gone, she said. The next one, the roof is completely off. Electrical poles are down on Porter Lane, she continued. It just kept going, causing so much destruction.

Drone video captured storm damage in Porter and showed multiple houses and buildings with severe roof and structural damage.

Daniel Davis, the mayor of Manvel in Brazoria County  where the one person was confirmed dead  told CNN a tornado touched down east of Manvel near Liverpool, destroying multiple homes, schools and businesses.

There are a lot of people without power, and especially over in that area and the county, while people are on wells and septic, Davis said. So when theyre without power, theyre also without water.

A tornado in Brazoria County had a quick and devastating impact, Sheriff Bo Stallman told CNN, touching down in four different locations.

The tornado stayed within a small square mile vicinity, but its damage was extremely devastating, Stallman said. These are just really hard to plan for because they develop so fast, he added.

When asked whether people had enough time to take shelter before the tornados impact, the sheriff said, Thats the problem with tornadoes is that theres not a whole lot of planning or preparation for these types of events.

From eastern Texas to western Georgia, cities like Memphis, Nashville, Atlanta, New Orleans and Birmingham could also see an isolated chance of tornadoes as well as damaging wind gusts and large hail.

The threat area will shift eastward from parts of north and central Texas early, across east Texas and the lower Mississippi Valley today, then over the Tennessee Valley, parts of Georgia, and the central Gulf Coast tonight, says the Storm Prediction Center.

As daytime heat and humidity fuels more storms, these supercells could be capable of several tornadoes, some of which could be strong and violent. By the late evening and overnight, these storms will form into a line of severe storms capable of widespread wind damage and embedded tornadoes.

A tornado tracks through McCall Creek, Mississippi, on Saturday. - WxChasing

Videographer Jonathan Petramala captured footage that showed a violent, long-track tornado ripping through McCall Creek in southwest central Mississippi. In the video, a woman is seen carrying her crying granddaughter.

The little girl was next door with her parents hiding in their bathroom when the tornado hit, tearing off their roof, Petramala told CNN. The footage showed dozens of uprooted trees and multiple severely damaged homes.

On Sunday, the severe storm threat weakens as it spreads to the Southeast, the East Coast and parts of the mid-Atlantic. The area includes the cities of Atlanta, Georgia, and Charlotte and Raleigh, North Carolina.

A lower severe storm threat spreads from the Florida Panhandle to southwestern Pennsylvania. Cities that could see some damaging wind gusts and a chance of tornadoes include Atlanta, Jacksonville, Pittsburgh and Virginia Beach.

Waves up to 30 feet expected along California coast

Travelers trying to return home and those with layovers in the Pacific Northwest might need to allot extra travel time and monitor later legs in their journey on the final weekend of 2024 as atmospheric river-fueled storms bring more unsettled weather.

The revolving door of mid-latitude cyclones propagating through the Pacific Northwest is likely to continue through the rest of the weekend, the National Weather Service said.

The storms are expected to lash Californias coast with massive waves.

The latest storm of the series is expected to move onshore Saturday, bringing dangerously high waves and powerful rip currents across the West Coast  making for dangerous conditions for swimmers.

The worst coastal conditions are expected across the Pacific Northwest Coastlines and across the Bay Area, where waves up to 30 feet are possible over the weekend. High waves up to 15 feet could be seen as far south as the Malibu coast and across Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.

Dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and localized beach erosion can be expected. Large waves can sweep across the beach without warning, pulling people into the sea from rocks, jetties and beaches. Sudden immersion in cold water can result in cold water shock even for the most experienced swimmers, the weather service warns.

High winds are expected to continue to blow across parts of the Pacific Northwest and the Rockies, where high wind alerts are in place. Winds gusting over 75 mph are possible, which could topple trees and power lines.

Widespread power outages are expected, warns the weather service. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles, including areas along Highway 395 and Highway 95 near Walker Lake.

Winter weather alerts are in place across parts of the Cascades, Sierra Nevada and Rockies as rounds of moisture continue to impact the West. Snowfall of 6 to 18 inches and gusts potentially over 70 mph could reduce visibility and make travel nearly impossible.

Along with the snowfall, avalanche warnings have been issued for the mountains of northern Utah, including the Wasatch Range and Bear River Range. Very dangerous avalanche conditions are expected to develop on many slopes, warns the Utah Avalanche Center.

Heavy rainfall is expected along the coastal portions of the Pacific Northwest and across the lower elevations of the Cascades. An additional 4 inches of rainfall is possible through the weekend, which could bring storm totals to nearly 10 inches.

CNNs Tyler Mauldin contributed to this report.

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When the frequent court foes of Donald Trumps first administration look back at the early days of his presidency, they recall building the airplane as we were flying it, as outgoing Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson has described it. That was especially true of the intense and quick-moving court fight over the so-called travel ban, a seminal 2017 lawsuit that set the tone for four more years of legal confrontations.

None of the Democratic state attorneys general who originally took Trump to court over that controversial policy will still be in office when he is inaugurated next month. But their successors wont be starting from scratch this time around, even amid a different legal landscape and political climate from Trumps first term in office.

They have been preparing for months, if not years, for what kind of lawsuits they might want to bring against a Trump 2.0 agenda. Theyve done so as the president-elect and his deputies have promised a more sophisticated and less error-prone operation this time.

Democratic officials and their staff have pored over Trumps campaign promises as well as the proposals outlined in Project 2025, the policy handbook assembled by a conservative think tank that was written by several veterans of the Trumps first administration, some of them now nominees for his second.

Theyre adjusting the legal strategies that were used against Trump during the first go-around to take into account shifts in court precedent since then, while also acknowledging a political reality that gave Trump a more decisive electoral win than in 2016.

There was a much clearer voice of the people. And one of the jobs I have is to understand whats behind that, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser told CNN. Insofar as the administration pursues policies that are lawful, thats their right to pursue lawful policies.

In some states, the current attorneys general have been serving in the role since the back half of Trumps first presidency  giving them more than a taste of what litigating against his administration is like. Others have inherited office staff who helped craft the marquee legal challenges of his first term, and four Democratic attorneys general will be serving in states where their governor held that role in the last Trump presidency.

The planning has involved internal briefs laying out different litigative options for challenging certain Trump proposals, as well as analysis of how recent court precedents should weigh on those decisions.

Gov.-elect Bob Ferguson gives his victory speech at the Seattle Convention Center on November 5, 2024, in Seattle. - Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images

Washingtons attorney general-elect, Nick Brown, has been reading up on how key legal doctrines such as standing have shifted since the first Trump administration. The day after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, California Attorney General Rob Bonta asked his staff to draft potential strategies for how his state could challenge a national abortion ban.

Democrats are anticipating sharp battles over mass deportation, abortion access, the environment and consumer protection, among other issues. Compared to Trumps 2016 campaign, the president-elect and his allies have been a little bit more predictable with specifics, Bonta said.

We expect him to do what he says, added Bonta, who was in the California legislature during the first Trump presidency. Weve been through this once at 1.0 and understand a lot of the places where he broke the law.

Not going to lash out for the sake of lashing out

During the first Trump administration, the number of state-brought legal actions against the federal government totaled in the triple digits, and those court fights made national stars of those officials leading the legal resistance. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, who was the states attorney general in 2017, was on the 2024 Democratic vice presidential short list. The Democratic governors in Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, and, come January, in North Carolina and Washington, are former attorneys general who battled the first Trump administration in court as well.

They bring to the governors mansion knowledge and experience of how to duel with Trump in court  experience that will benefit the lawyers serving in their current roles. As governors, they can help secure funding and propose other legislation that will buttress the work of state attorneys general.

Having former Massachusetts attorney general Maura Healey in the governorship for the second Trump term is actually critical, the commonwealths current attorney general, Andrea Joy Campbell, told CNN.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta gives an overview to press on guidance for California immigrants at the offices of Asian Americans Advancing Justice in Los Angeles on December 17. - Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images

Ferguson, who was elected Washingtons governor, joined his successor, Brown, at a post-election news conference last month at which both Democrats said threats of revenge by Trump would not influence decisions to bring cases. Trump reportedly sat on a Washington request for wildfire disaster aid in 2020  a request that ultimately fulfilled when President Joe Biden took office.

If people are being harmed, if the law is being violated, we should enforce that, without fear of retribution, Brown said.

But that does not mean that Democratic attorneys general plan to fight Trump on every issue. They told CNN that, while they will probably disagree with many of his policies, theyll only sue when the legal circumstances warrant it.

Its a needle they will have to thread while trying to work with the Trump administration on other issues that have had bipartisan support, such as addressing the opioid crisis or bringing antitrust actions against social media companies. The day-to-day of law enforcement typically requires coordination between state and federal agencies as well.

My office has been able to partner at the local level with these agencies, and I want to preserve that, regardless of whos president, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul told CNN. I am not going to lash out for the sake of lashing out.

He and other attorneys general emphasized, however, that when they believe that the incoming president has violated the law in a way that is harming residents of their states, they are committed to taking him to court.

To the extent that there was a strong mandate here for the administration, it was specifically on cost of living, said Josh Kaul, the attorney general for Wisconsin, which went for Trump this year. I dont think a lot of folks who voted for the Trump administration did so because they wanted peoples rights to be taken away.

Asked for comment for this story, Trump transition team spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said in a statement that President Trump will serve ALL Americans, even those who did not vote for him in the election. He will unify the country through success.

Shifts in the legal landscape

The relationships that state attorneys general forged among themselves during the first Trump administration continued through the Biden years, and several months ago, those cross-state conversations turned to Trumps possible return.

Part of those discussions has been understanding which state is best suited to take the lead on a legal challenge, perhaps because of its expertise on the issue, how the policy uniquely affects its residents or where the state sits on the federal circuit court map.

The Democratic Attorneys General Association  an organization that had just a handful of employees at the beginning of the first Trump term but now numbers 40 among its staff  organizes regular Zoom calls and in-person confabs to keep the dialogue going.

The discussions for a potential second Trump term began in earnest at the organizations February conference in Seattle, DAGA president Sean Rankin told CNN. At a conference in Philadelphia two weeks after the election, the organization carved out time for the current and incoming Democratic attorneys general to speak to one another in private, without the presence of DAGA staff, and another in-person conference is planned for February, weeks after the inauguration.

One issue the attorneys general must confront is how recent changes in law and in the judiciary will weigh on their legal calculus. The Supreme Court is more right-leaning now than it was at the start of Trumps first term, with his installation of three justices. One of them, Justice Amy Coney Barrett, replaced the late liberal Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg at the end of 2020.

Meanwhile, lower court judges, taking cues from the high court, have been more hesitant to issue the sort of nationwide injunctions that blocked Trump policies throughout the country in a single case.

On the flip side, however, is a series of Biden-era Supreme Court rulings that require courts to give more scrutiny to actions taken by executive agencies, including one 2024 ruling that reversed longstanding deference that judges gave to how agencies interpreted vague laws. Democrats say they intend to see those precedents applied fairly, even if they have been critical of how the courts conservative wing has undermined federal regulatory power.

They have made their bed, and theyre going to have to lie in it, Connecticut Attorney General William Tong told CNN. And if theres no deference to the EPA under Lee Zeldin, or to the Department of Homeland Security under Kristi Noem, then theres no deference.

Where the biggest courts fights will play out will likely shift as well. The US 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, the long-favored venue of Democrats that covers the Western swath of the country, is not as nearly liberal as it was at the beginning to the Trump administration after he appointed 10 judges to the court. The First Circuit, covering the upper Northeast, will likely be the safest bet for Democrats, as it currently has no Republican appointees among its active judges after Bidens judicial overhaul.

Amid all these changes, Democrats are quick to bring up the win rate that their offices had during the first Trump administration, with some states prevailing in 80% or more of the cases they brought against his first-term agenda. That courts so frequently found that Trump had run afoul of the law makes the attorneys general confident that theyll be successful again in the legal battles they pick with his second administration, even in a different judicial landscape.

The circuits have changed. The Supreme Court has changed, New Jesey Attorney General Matthew Platkin told CNN. But theyve also sided with the rule of law in many instances, and I predict they will again.

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Former presidents, members of Congress and other U.S. leaders from across the political spectrum began honoring former President Jimmy Carter after the Carter Center confirmed that the 39th president of the United States had died Sunday.

Politicians heaped praise on Carter for his lifetime of service, pointing to his humanitarian and volunteer work, as well as his advocacy for peace around the world. Leaders also reminisced about their friendships and work alongside the late president, with many repeating the sentiment that the country and the world benefited from his leadership.

President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden called Carter a dear friend in a statement, saying that the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian.

With his compassion and moral clarity, he worked to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil rights and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless, and always advocate for the least among us, the Bidens said. He saved, lifted, and changed the lives of people all across the globe.

President-elect Donald Trump said on Truth Social that Carter did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude.

Trump criticized Carter just this month, however, for his policies toward the Panama Canal. He also took jabs at Carter on the 2024 campaign trail.

Former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama said that Carter had the longest, and most impactful, post-presidency in American history.

Elected in the shadow of Watergate, Jimmy Carter promised voters that he would always tell the truth. And he did  advocating for the public good, consequences be damned, the Obamas said in a statement. He believed some things were more important than reelection  things like integrity, respect, and compassion.

Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton reminisced about their relationship with Carter, noting in a joint statement that they were proud, early supporters of his campaign for president.

I will always be proud to have presented the Medal of Freedom to him and Rosalynn in 1999, and to have worked with him in the years after he left the White House, Bill Clinton said.

Former President George W. Bush called Carter a man of deeply held convictions.

He was loyal to his family, his community, and his country, he said in a statement. President Carter dignified the office.

When he turned 100 this year, Carter said he wanted to live long enough to vote for Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election.

Harris mourned Carter in a post on X, saying "his life and legacy continue to inspire me  and will inspire generations to come."

"I had the privilege of knowing President Carter for years. I will always remember his kindness, wisdom, and profound grace," Harris added in a longer statement. "Our world is a better place because of President Carter."

'A model of service'

The top Democrats and Republicans in Congress also released statements honoring Carters life and impact.

President Carters faith in the American people and his belief in the power of kindness and humility leave a strong legacy, said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. He taught us that the strength of a leader lies not in rhetoric but in action, not in personal gain but in service to others.

Outgoing Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said, Carters character and commitment, just like his crops, were fruits of all-American soil.

After every season when life led him to lofty service far from home, he came back home again, determined to plow his unique experiences and influence into helping others; into building and teaching and volunteering; into further enriching the same rich soil that had made his own life possible, McConnell said.

Members of House leadership from both parties honored Carters life and service on X. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said in a statement that no one can deny that President Carter led an extraordinary life of service to his country, while his deputy, Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., praised Carters lifetime of service.

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., called Carter a great man, a great role model and a great humanitarian. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said that Carter "embodied dignity and decency, grace and goodness" in a lengthy post on X, calling his life "saintly in its devotion to public service and peace."

"As President, his work to restore integrity to the political arena during a difficult chapter in our history was a testament to his firm faith in the sanctity of the public good, which he always placed above his own," Pelosi continued. "After leaving the White House, he carried on his service  leading perhaps the most impactful post-presidency in history."

Other politicians also quickly began honoring him in social media posts.

Like much of the Greatest Generation, President Carter will be remembered by what he built and left behind for us  a model of service late into life, a tireless devotion to family and philanthropy, and a more peaceful world to call home, Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., said in a statement.

Sen. Andy Kim, D-N.J., said on X that Carter gave us a pure and lasting example of a public servant.

Im sending love to the Carter family today as we honor his life and untiring, humble mission to help others, he added.

'Serving his fellow man'

The condolences continued to roll in from both sides of the aisle, with Republicans also honoring Carter, a Democrat.

Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., said Carter devoted his entire life to serving others.

Please join Ann & me in praying for the Carter family, their friends & all who worked alongside the former president, he said.

Carter was widely recognized for his work on human rights and social justice after his presidency. He established the Carter Center, a nonprofit organization that was founded on a fundamental commitment to human rights and the alleviation of human suffering, according to the groups website.

Carter also worked with Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit organization, to help build homes for people in need.

Even more historic than his time in the White House was Carters post-presidency, which he dedicated to serving his fellow man, Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, said on X. From providing housing for thousands of families to Sunday school for the children of his community, he will remain distinguished among Americas leaders for his great humanitarian accomplishments and deep commitment to his Christian faith.Several politicians also pointed to Carters faith in reacting to his death. Carter taught Sunday school in his hometown, Plains, Georgia, up until the pandemic.

We were bit by different political bug but hv much in common incl love of the Lord, Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, said in a typical shorthand post on X.

Carter, a Georgia native, had been receiving hospice care in Plains, where was born 100 years ago, in 1924.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, a Republican, said Carter showed the world the impact our state and its people have on the country.

Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., posted a picture of himself and the late president and first lady to X, writing that Carter "was one of my heroes, the embodiment of faith coming alive through the noble work of public service."

Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., said in a statement that the State of Georgia and the United States are better places because of President Jimmy Carter.

I join all Georgians and all Americans in mourning his loss, Ossoff added. May Jimmy Carters memory be a blessing.

Biden praised Carter, who he called a dear friend, for his decency and character during remarks Sunday night.

Millions of people all around the world, all over the world, feel they lost a friend as well, even though they never met him. Thats because Jimmy Carter lived a life measured not by words, but by his deeds, Biden said.

Biden, whose son Beau died of brain cancer in 2015, remembered Carters battle with cancer, which he called a bond between the two leaders families.

Jimmy Carter was just as courageous in his battle against cancer as he was in everything in his life, Biden said.




A former minister whose family left Myanmar for Britain has added his voice to growing calls for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi, who is imprisoned by the dictatorship there.

Paul Scully said her role as the figurehead for the campaign for democracy in the country was both why she remains in prison and why we should keep pushing for her release.

His comments come after three former UK foreign secretaries called for the 80-year-old to be freed, warning she was being held on trumped-up charges and deserved another chance to lead her country.

Placed under house arrest for 15 years between 1989 and 2010 before she was finally released, her fight for democracy made her a global figure. She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991.

But she has become a deeply divisive and controversial figure after she refused to speak out against her countrys extreme violence and ethnic cleansing against its Rohingya Muslim minority.

Her fall from grace is explored in a new Independent TV documentary, Cancelled: The rise and fall of Aung San Suu Kyi, which explores her life and the plight of Myanmar.

Watch: Cancelled: The rise and fall of Aung San Suu Kyi Documentary on Independent TV

Aung San Suu Kyi in Yangon, November 2010 (Getty)

Mr Scully, the Conservative member of parliament for Sutton and Cheam from 2015 to 2024 who also served as Theresa Mays trade envoy to Myanmar, said Ms Suu Kyis time as the countrys de facto prime minister would forever be marred by her dismissal of the Rohingya people and her complicity in their repression.

The military now rule with impunity campaigning for her release is the right thing to do and an important step back to opening up the country which has strategic importance given its proximity to China.

Mr Scullys told The Independent his grandfather had been in charge of the workers who scuttled the docks in Rangoon, as it was then known, during the Second World War to prevent the Japanese coming in.

His father moved to the UK in the 1950s after seeing the direction in which the country was going, he said, followed by many other members of the family in the decades that followed.

His aunt had a family friend sent to the notorious Insein prison in the capital on trumped-up charges, he said, and it is a place which can, as it did for him, turn your mad, turn you insane. It totally broke him and he was never the same man again.

Ms Suu Kyi has been held in prison since the military seized power in a coup in February 2021, a move that plunged the country into armed conflict, with a number of rebel groups now fighting the Myanmar military.

Paul Scully witnessed violence against Rohingya in Myanmar (PA)

The next year she was convicted of offences ranging from treason and corruption to violations of telecommunications law, charges she denies. As a result, she faces being kept in detention for the rest of her life.

Although details of her imprisonment have been conflicting, it is thought she has been kept in a cell in a prison in Naypyidaw, north of Yangon, formerly Rangoon.

Ms Suu Kyi, who studied at Oxford University, married British lecturer Michael Aris and raised her sons Alexander and Kim in the UK before going back to Myanmar in 1988.

Following elections in 2015, the military junta allowed Ms Suu Kyi to become the de-facto head of government but only if they kept the key ministries of home affairs, defence and border control, alongside the military budget.

Two years later, in 2017, the military junta cracked down on dissent in Rakhine State among the Muslim Rohingya community.

Mr Scully said he saw first-hand the violence suffered by the Rohingya.

I was actually on the other side of the border with Bangladesh, when the Rohingya were coming across the border, he explained. There were about 10,000 people came across in the week that I was there. I saw Suu Kyi on television, saying theres nothing to see here. And then 20 minutes later, I was right on the water looking at a column of smoke where another village had been burned.

I saw some horrible things. I saw a man with the back of his head smashed in by a machete and I met a woman whose son had been castrated and beheaded by militia groups.

He had earlier met Ms Suu Kyi when she was preparing to become de facto prime minister.

I noticed then that the stubbornness that had made her an amazing campaigner, was also a weakness. Because she expected so much out of her MPs, in their daily and weekly lives that they were never going to be able to meet that bar that she was setting, he said.

But despite all of that ultimately she wants a truly democratic Burma, he added.

He said he hoped that Myanmars future would see a democratically elected government that can, as it is called the Land of Smiles, let those smiles come out. It is a lovely place and people need to know about it.

In April a spokesperson for the military junta claimed that Ms Suu Kyi had been moved to house arrest, although no details were given.

Her younger son, Kim Aris, said that no one outside of military personnel has seen her for a long time, and that a number of underlying health issues have been only seen to by military doctors.
C Casa Mexican restaurant in Napa was ordered to pay $45,000 after the U.S. Department of Labor says it violated violated child labor laws. Brant Ward/The Chronicle 2010

A popular Napa Mexican restaurant violated child labor laws and must pay $45,000 in fines, the U.S. Department of Labor announced.

The restaurant, C Casa, allowed children as young as 14 to work outside of permitted hours during school days and operate hazardous equipment, according to a Dec. 26 news release from the agency. The restaurants actions violated child labor provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act, according to the departments release.

In a lengthy statement, C Casa owner Catherine Bergen acknowledged lapses at her restaurant  which she said have been corrected  but accused labor officials of making misleading statements about the fines it said it had levied on the restaurant, adding that she has not received any formal notice or demand for any payments or fines.

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While we respect the importance of workplace compliance, we do not believe these fines are appropriate or reflective of the facts, she said in an email, and we will challenge them through the legal process. The Department has recovered nothing to date, and it is both unfair and damaging to suggest otherwise.

C Casas owner acknowledges lapses at her restaurant and says they have been corrected. Stephanie Wright Hession/Special to the Chronicle 2013

The restaurant has been a fixture of Napas Oxbow Public Market since 2010. It took over the markets anchor space two years ago and has since opened additional locations in Emeryville and San Ramon.

In their news release, labor officials said investigators also determined that the restaurant failed to provide an employee who was a new mother proper time or space to pump breast milk during her workday, alleging that it retaliated against the employee by reducing her work schedule and earnings potential. The department recovered $3,300 in lost opportunity wages for that employee.

Donald Hines, an assistant district director of the Labor Department, said the agency must enforce the rights of Americas workers and that employers who dont accommodate nursing mothers or who disregard the safety of young workers will be held accountable for their inexcusable actions.

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C Casa Restaurant and Bar Napas practices endangered children, he said in the release, and raised an unacceptable barrier to equitable workforce participation for women.

C Casas owner accused labor officials of making misleading statements about fines for child labor violations. Stephanie Wright Hession/Special to the Chronicle 2013

Child labor issues took on new prominence over the past year after a series of New York Times stories exposed government failures that allowed widespread abuses of migrant children and child labor laws across the country, prompting significant reforms by state and federal officials.

Labor Department data reflects the governments new interest in investigating child labor violations: From 2013 to 2022, the government issued an average of $2.7 million in penalties to businesses for violating child labor laws.

That number began to rise in 2022, and last year, federal regulators assessed $15 million in child labor-related penalties.

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In her email, Bergen rejected the departments representation of the incident, saying it amounted to a one-sided telling that does not reflect the restaurants values or the steps it has taken to address issues that investigators flagged.

According to Bergen, labor officials found instances involving three young employees, two of whom were children of longtime employees and were legally working at the restaurant with their parents knowledge and support.

C Casa has been a fixture of Napas Oxbow Public Market since 2010. Jason Henry/Special to the Chronicle 2013

Some of the tasks, such as disposing of trash using a compactor or working certain hours, were prohibited by labor laws, and after being informed of the violations, the restaurant immediately revised their duties and schedules to comply fully with regulations, Bergen said, adding that the young employees are still working at the restaurant and remain valued contributors.

Bergen also said that after the employee who was lactating raised concerns about the space provided for lactation, the restaurant addressed the issue with a private, lockable room.

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Bergen also said she personally apologized to the worker, who still works at the restaurant, and earlier this year fired the manager who was involved in the scheduling issues that negatively impacted her.
Simply Recipes / Getty Images / Adobe Stock

Part of the reason I came to baking is because I love chocolate cake. In high school, I was interested in scoring the best recipe, so I spent a few months baking as many chocolate cake recipes as I could find in magazines, cookbooks, and newspapers. (I'm dating myselfthe internet back then wasn't the same. Today, a Google search yields nearly 750 million chocolate cake recipes.)

To this day, my favorite chocolate cake recipe is Ina Garten's famous Beattys Chocolate Cake. It is easy to make, moist, and delicious. Most importantly, the cake is full of chocolate flavor, and that's because her recipe calls for coffee. Ina calls for coffee not once, but twice. Once in the cake batter and again in the chocolate frosting.

Coffee is a natural chocolate enhancer. Its bitterness coaxes out the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee. The key is to add the right amount at the right timeadmittedly, too much coffee in any chocolate cake recipe will make it taste like mocha. Though Ina's cake is my go-to, whenever I bake another recipe that doesn't call for coffee, I make sure to add it. Here's how.







Just Like Hershey's Black Magic Cake

On the episode of The Barefoot Contessa where Ina baked the cake, she credited her friend's grandmother for the recipe, which was likely the original Hershey's recipe for Black Magic Cake. The ingredients and quantities are almost identical. Hershey's developed the recipe sometime before the 1970s and added it to a product label.

Some claim the recipe goes back to the 1930s. According to cookbook author Stella Parks in BraveTart: Iconic American Desserts, "During the Great Depression, recipes for [chocolate cake] traded egg yolks for whole eggs and hot milk for hot coffee..."







What Type of Coffee To Add to Your Chocolate Cake

You can add coffee in a few forms depending on the cake recipe you're using. Regardless of what kind you use, it should be fresh and something you would enjoy drinking. You can find tips for how to add coffee to the recipe and how much coffee to use in the last section of this story below.

Hot Brewed Coffee: Made in a drip coffee maker, a Bialetti Moka Express, or a French press. Shot of Espresso: If you're lucky enough to own an espresso machine, this is a great time to use it. You could also buy a shot at your local coffee shop. If the recipe requires more than a shot (about 1.5 ounces), mix it with hot water, basically an Americano. Instant Espresso Powder: I like the brands Medaglia D'Oro and Cafe Bustelo. Instant Coffee Granules: My parents drink Nescafe Clasico instant coffee, so that's what I'm used to keeping in the pantry. Decaf Coffee: If I'm sharing the chocolate cake with kids or caffeine-sensitive friends, I'll use decaf. I don't always have it, so I may stop at my local coffee shop for a cup.

Simply Recipes / Myo Quinn

How To Add Coffee to Any Chocolate Cake Recipe

When the recipe calls for hot water: Many chocolate cake recipes call for hot water in the batter and there's a reason for this. According to the pro bakers at King Arthur, water's neutral flavor and moisture enhance the taste of chocolate and give the cake a longer shelf life. To maximize the flavor of chocolate even more, swap out equal amounts of water with brewed coffee. For example, if the recipe calls for one cup of hot water, use one cup of hot brewed coffee.

When the recipe calls for milk or buttermilk: Some chocolate cake recipes use milk or buttermilk instead of water or coffee. Don't swap the dairy with brewed coffee because the recipe was likely developed with the milk's sugar, fat, and proteins in mind. Instead, dissolve one teaspoon of instant espresso powder or two teaspoons of instant coffee granules in the milk or buttermilk.

Stir in instant espresso powder or instant coffee granules: When the recipe doesn't call for a liquid like hot water, milk, or buttermilk, add one teaspoon of instant espresso powder or two teaspoons of instant coffee granules to the dry ingredientstypically the flour, cocoa powder, salt, baking soda, baking powder, etc.

Simply Recipes / Annika Panikker

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Israel arrested a hospital director in a raid that closed the last major functioning health facility in northern Gaza, with its forces also accused of ordering patients to strip in the streets.

Kamal Adwan Hospital is now empty after the remaining patients  some of them critically ill  along with caregivers and health workers were transferred to the Indonesian Hospital in Beit Lahiya, the World Health Organization said.

The facility has come under frequent Israeli fire in recent months and its closure exacerbates a dire humanitarian situation in northern Gaza.

The whereabouts of Kamal Adwans director, Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, and other staff are unclear, friends, family and colleagues say.

We do not know the fate of Dr. Hussam. He was actually threatened by the army as soon as they arrived at the hospital, a nurse from Kamal Adwan Hospital, Rawiya Al Batsh, told CNN.

In a statement shared with CNN Sunday, Abu Safiyas family said: We do not know the fate of our father, and we urge you to take action by applying media pressure, making appeals, and sharing news reports to help us push for his swift release from captivity.

Two Palestinian prisoners released this weekend from Israels notorious Sde Teiman detention center said they saw Abu Safiya at the prison, and another former detainee said he heard Abu Safiyas name being read out. CNN cannot independently verify their accounts. CNN has reached out to the Israeli military to confirm whether Abu Safiya is held at the center.

The Israeli military acknowledged Saturday it had detained Dr. Abu Safiya, saying he was suspected of being a Hamas terrorist operative.

Local journalist Mohammad Al-Sharif told CNN he was with Abu Safiya up until the doctor was arrested. He said the doctor was beaten and dragged by his clothes.

Waleed Al Buddi, a nurse who worked at Kamal Adwan Hospital, told CNN on Saturday that Abu Safiya was allowed to leave after Israeli security forces interrogated him at the Al Fakhoura school next to the hospital. Al Buddi, who was also interrogated and later released, said Abu Safiya refused to leave without the rest of his staff. Later that evening, some of the staff were released, while others including Abu Safiya, were arrested, Al Buddi said.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it raided the area of the hospital and detained at least 240 Hamas and Islamic Jihad terrorists, alleging the facility was being used as a Hamas terror stronghold.

Individuals are being questioned. Those found not to be involved in terrorist activities are released, the IDF said.

Hamas, in a statement Saturday, called on the United Nations and all relevant international institutions to urgently intervene.

We demand the sending of international observers to these facilities to ascertain the truth of what is happening and to refute the lies and claims of the occupation regarding their use for military purposes, the statement read.

Israeli forces launched a renewed aerial and ground incursion in several parts of northern Gaza in early October this year, saying they were targeting a resurgent Hamas presence there. The onslaught has razed streets to carpets of debris, killed entire families, and severely depleted food, water and medical stocks.

No limit to the beating

On Friday, Dr. Safiya said in a post on social media that Israeli forces were besieging the facility, and issuing orders for its evacuation. Multiple nurses have said staff and patients were then ordered to leave the hospital and gather outside.

Once outside, staff and patients were separated by gender and both men and women were told to remove their clothes, two nurses told CNN. Those who refused to remove their clothing were beaten, Shorouq Saleh Al-Rantisi, a nurse working in the laboratory, said on Friday.

After hours of being held, they were forced to move to the nearby Indonesian Hospital, the staff said, a facility the WHO has described as destroyed and nonfunctional.

Some patients said they asked to be transferred to the Indonesian Hospital, but were not allowed.

They told us to sit down. After gathering everyone, they made us strip down to our underwear in the cold, Abdulrahman Rayan told CNN, adding that a significant number of people were detained and injured patients were beaten.

There was no limit to the beating. They struck people on the head with hoses. They dragged three people at a time, including an injured person with a cast, and beat them on their heads, added Rayan. They spared no one  not the injured, not the elderly, not the children.

Palestinian patients are transferred to al-Ahli Baptist Hospital after being evacuated from Kamal Adwan Hospital on December 28. - Dawoud Abo Alkas/Anadolu/Getty Images

Other patients were allegedly made to walk hours on foot to a school in northern Gaza, alongside medical staff. They made us strip down to our underwear. It was a tough situation, and they assaulted the wounded and women, Abu Mahmoud Al-Attawi, an injured patient, told CNN on Friday.

We were told to gather in the hospital yard. They ordered us to remove our clothes, and after complying, we were taken to a location near the hospital yard, local journalist Ahmad Al-Sharif recounted, I was detained from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and lived under extremely harsh conditions. When I asked for water, the army officer insulted and cursed me with unbearable words.

The IDF said it had helped evacuate staff and patients ahead of the operation, later adding that an additional 95 patients, caregivers and medical personnel were taken to the Indonesian Hospital to maintain and operate essential systems.

It is often necessary for terror suspects to take off their clothes so that their clothes can be searched and to ensure that they are not concealing explosive vests or other weaponry. According to IDF guidelines, as soon as possible after the search, their clothing is returned to them or alternative clothing is provided.

Asked by CNN about the allegations of strip searches and beatings of patients, as well as if they had evidence to the claims against Dr. Abu Safiya, the IDF responded the claims, saying, The detention of suspects involved in terrorism, their arrest, and the search conducted on their bodies were carried out in accordance with international law.

Video sent by nurse Rawiya Al Batsh from the Indonesian Hospital, seen by CNN, showed upturned furniture and tattered blankets strewn along the dusty corridors. The buzz of Israeli drones can be heard overhead.

CNN has reached to the Israeli military asking for comment on allegations that men and women were forced to strip.

Several staff also reported a large fire breaking out. Al Batsh told CNN that the blaze broke out in the hospital after Israeli strikes on the building, with staff forced to use water from a kidney dialysis machine to fight the flames.

Unfortunately, this water was mixed with chlorine and other substances, resulting in burns on their hands and faces, Al Batsh said, adding one patient died in the fire.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) told CNN that there was a small fire in an empty building inside the hospital that is under control, adding that it is unaware of allegations that the fire was caused by IDF gunfire. It added that its troops are operating in the area of the hospital and not inside of it.

An audio message from staff at Kamal Adwan said that surgical departments, laboratory, maintenance, and emergency units have been completely burned.

The WHO has previously said that Israeli authorities have repeatedly denied humanitarian access to Kamal Adwan Hospital and just this week said that a request to deploy international emergency medical teams was denied by Israeli authorities, despite the need for immediate surgical interventions for injured patients.

Some patients were taken to Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. CNN footage shows patients who had arrived from Kamal Adwan Hospital, including women, children and those with special needs.

In the video, a man with special needs is trying to explain what happened to him, making signs of gunfire and gestures indicating that he has been beaten on his arms and face. He arrived alone and his bare feet are covered in dust.

The patients name is Khaled Hazzaa, according to another man stood nearby who says he is Hazzaas nephew. The man says they had not seen each other for 82 days until Al Shifa Hospital called him. Hazzaa was being treated at Kamal Adwan Hospital, the man says.

Another woman CNN spoke to at Al Shifa Hospital said she arrived at Kamal Adwan hospital for treatment two days ago after her house was hit in an Israeli strike and her son was killed. During the raid on Friday, Fatmeh Al Najjar also said that men and women were interrogated and then soldiers took us in military vehicles and left us at Abu Sharekh roundabout. From there, they told us to walk south.

MedGlobal, the US-based nonprofit Abu Safiya was lead physician in Gaza for, also expressed concern for the doctor and condemned the raid on the hospital.

Dr. Zaher Sahloul, president and co-founder of MedGlobal and a close colleague of Abu Safiya, said on Sunday: Dr. Abu Safiya has dedicated his life to protecting the health and lives of children in Gaza, providing care under conditions no medical professional should have to endure. His arrest is not only unjust  it is a violation of international humanitarian law, which upholds the protection of medical personnel in conflict zones. We urgently call for the immediate and unconditional release of Dr. Abu Safiya.

In a Friday statement, the groups Country Director for Gaza, Rajaa Musleh, said Abu Safiya and his team are the lifeline of healthcare provision in northern Gaza.

Khader Al Zaanoun of Wafa, the official Palestinian news agency, contributed to this report. This story has been updated

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DES MOINES, Iowa  In 1975, political consultant Tim Krafts job was to turn Jimmy who? into Jimmy Carter, the bona fide presidential contender.

It was a tall order for a first-term Georgia governor. He was almost entirely unknown outside his home state, had no money and boasted just a tiny campaign infrastructure.

But Kraft had read about George McGoverns extraordinary 1972 Democratic primary campaign, which saw the little-known senator ride a surprise showing in the Iowa Caucuses to the nomination. Hed studied how McGoverns team leveraged the dynamics of a caucus  which with lower turnouts and cheaper costs than a primary lent themselves well to grassroots, volunteer-driven organizing  to build an army of dedicated, hyper-engaged young caucusgoers.

Jimmy Carter campaigns at the Iowa State Fair ahead of the 1976.

Iowa had given an unknown entity enough momentum to take on party favorites once before.

That could be Carter, too, couldnt it?

During the 1976 election cycle, former President Jimmy Carter cemented the playbook for Iowa Caucus success by meeting Iowans in small diners and coffee shops and talking to them directly about the ways the next president might be able to improve their lives. His efforts proved passion and shoe leather, not just fat wallets, could catapult a long-shot candidate all the way to the White House.

Once in office, Carter promised to make government competent and compassionate, but his presidency was dogged by a slow economy, an energy crisis and the Cold War. Despite being a one-term president, Carter went on to win the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize for his work to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development.

In February 2023, he had announced he was ending medical intervention and moving to hospice care. He died Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, at age 100.

Carters improbable run rationalized Iowas role as the nations earliest adjudicator of presidential elections for five decades, launching a uniquely American political tradition. A new election calendar was set in the fall of 2023, promoting South Carolina and kicking Iowa from its leadoff spot, but Carters role in Iowa Caucus history remains intact  its legend buoyed by a few overpriced chicken dinners and just a little sleight of hand.

More: The death of the Iowa Democratic caucus: How 50 years of jury-rigging doomed an American tradition

Jimmy Carter and the Iowa Caucuses needed each other

While Carters team sketched out possible avenues to victory in Iowa, then-Iowa Democratic Party Chair Tom Whitney sought his own path to success.

Whitney had also watched the unlikely rise of McGovern, how his exceeding expectations result had made Iowa  a state hundreds of miles from coastal political and media power bases  seem prescient in the aftermath of the primary cycle.

National attention could help Iowa Democrats generate contributions and new voters, Whitney figured. So when he took over in 1973, he began to drum up publicity for the newly minted first-in-the-nation contest by casting the state as candidates' preeminent proving ground. Would-be presidents could come here to make their case directly to the people and be rewarded for it.

"We organized a very, very significant kind of effort to convince first the candidates that they ought to be in Iowa because the national press was going to be here, and then to convince the national press that they should be in Iowa because the candidates were going to be here, he said in a 2007 interview with Iowa Public Television.

Politicians needed the media, and the media needed a story. Whitneys caucuses were happy to play backdrop to both. The symbiotic relationship that would come to define the way America picks presidents was born.

Jimmy Carter\'s first \'win\' in Iowa was over a chicken dinner

The first test of this new partnership came in October 1975 at the Iowa Democratic Partys Jefferson Jackson Dinner, a statewide event with all the political theater of a national convention.

Building on the hype, the Des Moines Register announced it would hold a straw poll to gauge support for each presidential contender a few months ahead of the actual caucus. But the Register would count the votes only of those who paid $25 for a boxed chicken dinner and a seat on the floor. Everyone else could pay $2 to watch from the sidelines.

Devoted Carter supporters were wary of the steeper price, but wanted to be counted.

To me, Kraft said in a written account of the campaign, it was an open invitation to infiltrate.

Political guerrilla warfare: The Iowa caucus legend grows as Jimmy Carter cements a presidential playbook

The campaign organized volunteers to flood the event, suggesting that they might want to buy the $2 tickets and casually work their way to the floor to secure a ballot.

A campaign supporter reserved a section of seats inside the auditorium  front row  where theyd be on full display for the media. Somebody else found boxes of straw hats and affixed Carter bumper stickers to their brims, ensuring their allegiance was obvious to the cameras.

It was political guerrilla warfare at its best, Kraft said in an interview, recalling the night fondly.

Carter handily won the straw poll and, more importantly, the battle for visibility.

The result was rocket fuel to the campaign, Kraft would later say in a speech at the Hoover Library, and it put Carter on the national map.

Or, at least, in the pages of The New York Times.

Carter Appears to Hold a Solid Lead in Iowa as the Campaigns First Test Approaches, the headline read over legendary political reporter R.W. Apple Jr.s writeup.

Carter and his campaign had taken what McGovern learned to a new level. Now, all he had to do was deliver a surprise on caucus night.

For his part, Whitney was looking for that kind of attention, too  any storyline that would put Iowas caucuses in the evening news A block.

Jimmy Carter during a campaign stop at the Iowa State Fair on Aug. 25, 1976.

All eyes were on Jimmy Carter\'s win in Iowa  after some caucus sleight of hand

Indeed, when caucus night finally came around, everyone who was anyone in American political journalism flocked to Des Moines to cover the Iowa Caucuses  all of them aware that during the last go-around, Iowa had foretold a change in the political winds.

This time, nobody wanted to be left in the dust.

Ready to prove that Iowa had become the political destination hed envisioned, Whitney eagerly awaited the results as they trickled in, preparing to unveil them to the assembled throngs. Hed even offered Iowans the chance to watch the media at work for $10 a head, a ticket that came with a front-row seat to history and two drinks.

The entire political world seemed to ache for clear, measurable data  anything empirical that would make sense of the field.

How can anyone trust you?: The Iowa Democratic caucus collapses in a spectacular crash

But with 85% of precincts reporting, the delegate count was far from impressive, according to a Wall Street Journal account. Jimmy Carter had won 8 delegates  well short of the 39 delegates awarded to uncommitted. None of the other candidates had enough support to claim any delegates at all.

This was not the clear, politically prescient result Whitney wanted to sell to the media.

But what if those werent the results?

After surveying the partys statistician and a few trusted confidants, Whitney came up with a plan to ignore the party's rule that a candidate must win at least 15% support to collect any delegates  a rule designed to weed out weaker candidates and help Iowa Democrats build consensus, according to the Journal.

Jimmy Carter at the Iowa State Fair in 1976.

Even with this new math, uncommitted came out on top with 18 delegates. But the gap had closed between no one and Carter, who was awarded 13. And some of the other candidates  Birch Bayh, Fred Harris, Morris Udall and Sargent Shriver  picked up a handful of delegates, enough to make it seem like a race.

Days later, the Register highlighted Whitneys sleight of hand. The projections by the state party added an element of certainty that simply doesnt exist, political reporter James Flansburg wrote in the Sunday paper.

But it didnt matter. The narrative had taken hold: Carter had won in Iowa.

The momentum of the political machine shifted, giving him weight and credibility as he competed in later states and famously propelling him to the Democratic nomination and then the presidency.

The blueprint for every long-shot candidate who followed was written. There was no looking back.

For better or worse, Iowas caucuses wouldnt be just a measure of political reality.

They would create political reality.

This is an excerpt of the Register's three-part series, The Death of the Iowa Democratic Caucuses, which traces how a well-intentioned accident grew into a national spectacle and finally a fiasco. Read the entire story here.

Brianne Pfannenstiel is the chief politics reporter for the Register. Reach her at bpfann@dmreg.com or 515-284-8244. Follow her on Twitter at @brianneDMR.

Courtney Crowder is the Iowa Columnist and a senior writer at the Register. Reach her at ccrowder@dmreg.com or 515-284-8360. Follow her on Twitter at @courtneycare.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: How Jimmy Carter created the Iowa Caucuses presidential playbook
At least five drone shows have been canceled, or have paused the use of the systems, after several drones struck a crowd at a holiday show in Orlando on December 21.

Universal Orlando, Orlando World Center Marriott, the cities of Dallas and Austin, Texas, and a New Years Eve event in New York Citys Central Park have either canceled drone shows or the drone components of larger holiday events following the incident.

It is unclear which companies were under contract to produce the shows in each location.

Footage captured on December 21 shows drones colliding with each other before falling from the sky during a holiday show at Lake Eola Park. Some drones fell into the lake, some onto the ground and some into areas where a crowd was watching.

Among them was a 7-year-old boy who was struck in his chest by one of the drones. He underwent emergency heart surgery, according to a GoFundMe campaign posted by his family, who spent Christmas in the hospital as he recovered. CNN has reached out to his family for an update on his condition.

The video showed several red and green drones crashing into one another before hitting the ground, in what the city described as technical difficulties, following the incident.

The city had two planned shows for the evening. The first was stopped fifteen minutes in due to the malfunction and the second show was canceled.

The drone show was run by Texas-based Sky Elements Drones, an organization that puts on drone light shows across the country. The FAA suspended Sky Elements waiver to fly multiple drones while an investigation is underway, according to a statement sent to CNN.

The Federal Aviation Administration will investigate the incident alongside the National Transportation Safety Board, which will be in charge of the investigation, according to a statement sent to CNN.

Sky Elements released a statement to CNN after the incident, saying it wants to extend our sincere hope for a full and speedy recovery to those impacted at our Lake Eola show in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 21.

We are diligently working with the FAA and City of Orlando officials to determine the cause and are committed to establishing a clear picture of what transpired, Sky Elements said in its statement. Millions of people see our shows annually, and we are committed to maintaining the highest safety regulations set forth by the FAA.

According to the FAA, drone arrays and light shows are subject to the associations regulation and require a waiver prohibiting the operation of more than one drone at a time. Each application is thoroughly reviewed for many different factors to ensure the safety of the public, the agency said in a statement to CNN.

Our thoughts are with the family and those impacted by the outcome of this event, Orlando city officials said in a statement released Sunday.

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SEOUL, South Korea  Two people survived and 179 were confirmed to have been killed in a plane crash at a South Korean airport Sunday. There were 181 passengers and crew on board.

The Jeju Air Flight 2216 skidded off the runway while it was landing at Muan International Airport and burst into flames after it crashed, a spokesperson for the countrys National Fire Agency said.

The airport is about 180 miles south of Seoul.

The Boeing 737-800 plane took off from Bangkok shortly after 2 a.m. local time (2 p.m. Saturday ET), according to the flight-tracking platform FlightAware. It was carrying 175 passengers and six crew members, said Joo Jong-wan, director of the Aviation Policy Division at South Koreas Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

At least two of the passengers were Thai, Joo said. Most of the rest are believed to be Korean.

The pilot declared mayday after issuing the bird strike alert, Joo said, adding that the aircraft was completely destroyed.

The plane skidded along the runway and exploded as it rammed into a barrier, a video verified by NBC News showed. The tail was the only part that appeared to remain intact as flames engulfed the aircraft, sending a plume of black smoke into the air.

Deadliest airline disaster of the year

The national fire agency confirmed the deaths of 179 people, making it the deadliest airline disaster of the year and what appears to be the first fatal accident since the low-cost airline was founded in 2005.

The plane burst into flames after it skidded across the runway at Muan International Airport, south of Seoul.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport said 146 bodies had been identified as of 3 p.m. Monday local time.

As the confirmed death toll ticked up, anxious families gathered at the airport, awaiting news of their loved ones. An announcer carefully read out the names of those confirmed dead.

Screams and cries erupted from family members as the identities were confirmed according to reports by the South Korean news agency Newsis. The Red Cross set up tents to provide privacy for grieving family members.

Families of victims formed a group led by Park Han-shin, who lost his brother in the crash. During a briefing Monday, Park said Jeju Air must fully pay for funeral services and that a memorial altar should be set up inside the airport, on the first floor.

At least 84 of the dead were women and 82 were men. The genders of 11 other victims were not immediately identifiable.

Several children died in the crash, including four elementary school students, three middle school students and four high school students, Ministry of Education spokesperson Gu Yeon-hee said in a briefing Monday.

One of the victims was a preschool child born in 2021, Gu said.

Two crew members  a man and a woman  were rescued; they sustained moderate injuries but were conscious, Joo said.

South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported that one of them, a 33-year-old flight attendant identified with his surname, Lee, sustained multiple injuries, including fractured ribs and traumatic spinal injuries, according to Ju Woong, director of Ewha Woman's University Seoul Hospital, where Lee was transferred.

When I woke up, I had already been rescued, Ju said Lee told the doctors, adding that he was in intensive care but was able to communicate well. "Theres no indication yet of memory loss or such, Ju said.

A survivor is transferred from an ambulance to a medical facility.

The other survivor, a 25-year-old woman with the surname Koo, was taken to Asan Medical Center in Seoul. Koo reportedly sustained injuries to her ankle and head and was stable.

A bird strike likely set off the disaster

Joo, the aviation official, gave an outline of the sequence of events leading to the disaster.

The pilots initially tried to land on the airports Runway 1, he said, but control tower instructed them to land on the opposite side, Runway 19, because of a bird strike warning. A bird strike is a collision between a bird and an aircraft.

A minute later, the pilots sent a mayday signal following a bird strike and tried to land on Runway 19.

As it was passing over the runway, the plane failed to lower its landing gear and struck a safety system called a localizer  which provides guidance during landing  and it crashed into a wall, Joo said.

The crash happened at around 9:03 a.m. local time (7:03 p.m. ET Saturday), and firefighters put out the initial blaze at 9:46 a.m. local time, the fire agency spokesperson said.

The plane was completely destroyed by fire, Joo said at a briefing, adding investigators have retrieved both the flight data recorder and the cockpit voice recorder, which will be key to providing insights into the planes last moments.

The full investigation, he said, could take six months to three years.

The National Transportation Safety Board is leading an American team, including Boeing and the Federal Aviation Administration, that will assist South Korea in investigating.

In a statement, President Joe Biden said the U.S. "stands ready to provide any necessary assistance" to Korea.

"As close allies, the American people share deep bonds of friendship with the South Korean people and our thoughts and prayers are with those impacted by this tragedy," he said.

Eyewitness Lee Geun-Young was in his restaurant, less than a quarter-mile from the airport, when he heard loud banging noises coming from outside, he told the South Korean newspaper Seoul Shinmun.

Instead of heading toward the runway, the plane flew right over our store, Lee, 49, said as he described the last moments of the ill-fated aircraft. Lee said he watched the plane as it turned around to attempt a landing on the runway.

This plane was turning in a much tighter radius, he said. It felt dangerous, so I immediately went up to the rooftop and started filming.

Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae, fourth from left, and other executives bow in apology for the crash.

The plane, a Boeing 737-800, is a narrow-body passenger jet that is used widely by airlines around the world. It is part of the Boeing's Next-Generation family, and it is one of the company's safest airplanes.

Boeing extended its condolences to the victims families and said it was in contact with the airline. In a statement, Jeju Air extended its apologies to everyone affected by the incident.

Above all, we offer our heartfelt condolences and apologies to the passengers who tragically lost their lives in the accident and to their bereaved families, CEO Kim E-bae said, assuming full responsibility for this tragedy and adding that the airline would provide support for the families.

South Koreas acting president, Choi Sang-mok, called for immediate and full mobilization efforts to put out the fire and rescue people, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety said in a statement.

The presidential office said in a text briefing that an emergency meeting was being held.

In a statement, the countrys National Defense Ministry said it convened an emergency response team and deployed military personnel and equipment to the site to provide support.

Choi later arrived at the site and declared it a special disaster zone as he expressed condolences to victims and their families and said his government would thoroughly investigate what caused the crash.

Joo said more than 1,500 personnel from multiple agencies were conducting search-and-recovery efforts. The dead were temporarily being kept at a makeshift mortuary set up at the airport, Joo said.

Park, the man who lost his brother and was speaking on behalf of other families, said Monday that more freezing containers were needed to keep the bodies from decomposing amid rising temperatures.

"Also, an important issue is that, although its winter, the temperature is currently rising significantly," Park said. "Because of this, there is a risk that the bodies of the deceased family members could decompose rapidly."

Stella Kim and Beomsu Jo reported from Seoul and Mithil Aggarwal from Hong Kong.
Slovenia is great for an adventurous, outdoorsy trip. DaLiu/Shutterstock

Business Insider asked travel planners what destinations they think will be popular next year.

South Asian countries Sri Lanka and Bhutan are catching more people's eyes.

If you want a more unique European vacation, plan a trip to Slovenia.

Whether you travel frequently or once a year, it can be difficult to determine which places are worth visiting.

To help you narrow down your list (or discover something new), Business Insider asked travel planners about the more under-the-radar destinations their clients are asking about for 2025.

Here's what they said.

Sri Lanka is a bucket-list-worthy destination.

Sri Lanka has a stunning array of landscapes. trabantos/Shutterstock

Kimberly Denison, a Virtuoso travel advisor and the founder of Denison Travel, said more people are setting their sights on Sri Lanka.

The South Asian country is home to a plethora of beaches and rainforests, making it easy for travelers to explore the scenery through engaging activities like hikes or surfing sessions.

"Most people don't realize how geographically diverse Sri Lanka is and that it makes it a wonderful destination for folks who enjoy having a wide range of scenery and experiences without extensive amounts of travel in between," she told BI.

Istria is making a name for itself with high-quality cuisine.

The peninsula is known for olive oil and wine. xbrchx/Shutterstock

Although the Dalmatian Coast is typically top of mind in Croatia, Molly Arena, a luxury travel advisor at Fora, said to keep an eye on Istria.

The region, located on a northwest peninsula of Croatia  which also shares land with Italy and Slovenia  has everything from medieval towns to beautiful beaches to explore. However, it's perhaps best known for its offerings for foodies.

"Rising interest in culinary travel fits perfectly with Istria's offerings of truffles, olive oil, and wine," she told BI.

It's also a nice alternative to the often crowded European regions of Tuscany in Italy and Provance in France.

Bhutan's decreased tourism tax is enticing.

Bhutan is a country in South Asia. Framalicious/Shutterstock

Bhutan, a small country bordering India and Tibet, offers adventurous activities like river rafting excursions, hot-stone baths, and hiking trails. However, Rochelle Hathaway, a travel advisor at Fora, said the destination is also known for its tranquil atmosphere.

One of the highlights of the country is its dzongs, which are fortified monasteries with intricate architecture.

Some countries charge tourists a fee to visit and access local amenities, stores, restaurants, and accommodations. That's true for Bhutan, but in recent years, the country has decreased its tax rate from $200 a day to $100 a day.

Hathaway predicts this will help to attract more tourists in the new year.

Some tourists headed to Indonesia are skipping Bali and heading to Java instead.

Java is home to one of the largest waterfalls in Indonesia. Guitar photographer/Shutterstock

Lael Kassis, the vice president of marketing innovation and development at EF Go Ahead Tours, said she's seeing more clients booking trips to the Indonesian island of Java.

"Travelers are slowly discovering there is a lot more to Indonesia than just Bali," he told BI. "The Island of Java  filled with culture, history, and volcanoes  is just a quick trip from Bali and easy to combine when traveling."

In particular, Kassis said, the Borobudur Temple and Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park are sites attracting tourists to Java.

Uruguay is a vibrant destination for tourists.

Uruguay is a smaller South American country. Claudio Morini/Shutterstock

Arena told BI that Uruguay is a hot spot for art and culture.

"There are many museums and galleries to choose from throughout the Punta del Este, Montevideo, and Colonia del Sacramento regions in Uruguay, in addition to renowned art and film festivals such as Este Arte, Montevideo Art Festival, and the Jose Ignacio International Film Festival," she said.

The historic quarter in Colonia del Sacramento is even a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Beyond that, though, the country is also known for its beautiful beaches.

"Uruguay has one of the world's best beach resorts in Jose Ignacio, often likened to the Hamptons," she said.

Slovenia seems likely to attract outdoorsy tourists.

Zelenci is one of Slovenia's national parks. TilMaj84/Shutterstock

Travelers are increasingly seeking destinations where they feel they can do and see it all. Because of that, Denison anticipates a boom in Slovenia tourism within the next year.

Slovenia is fairly small but also geographically diverse, making it easier for visitors to see a lot of the country  and its many different landscapes  in a short period of time.

"Boasting mountains, lakes, vineyards, and the Adriatic Sea all in a compact and uncrowded setting, it offers the kind of exclusive, personalized experiences that today's travelers crave," she said.

Read the original article on Business Insider
By Essi Lehto, Anna Ringstrom and Lili Bayer

HELSINKI (Reuters) -NATO said on Friday it would boost its presence in the Baltic Sea after the suspected sabotage this week of an undersea power cable and four internet lines, while alliance member Estonia launched a naval operation to guard a parallel electricity link.

Finland on Thursday seized a ship carrying Russian oil on suspicion the vessel had caused an outage of the Estlink 2 undersea power cable linking it with Estonia and fibre optic lines, and on Friday said it had asked NATO for support.

Baltic Sea nations are on high alert for acts of sabotage after a string of outages of power cables, telecom links and gas pipelines since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, although subsea equipment is also subject to malfunction and accidents.

"We have agreed with Estonia, and we have also communicated to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, that our wish is to have a stronger NATO presence," Finnish President Alexander Stubb told a news conference.

Rutte said he had discussed with Stubb the Finnish-led investigation, expressing his support.

"NATO will enhance its military presence in the Baltic Sea," Rutte wrote on social media platform X, without elaborating.

A NATO official declined to provide detail on specific deployments.

"At this point all I can say is that options for enhanced military presence are being prepared," a senior European diplomat said.

Sweden's coastguard said in a statement it had ramped up surveillance of ship traffic to protect critical undersea installations, deploying aircraft and vessels while coordinating with the Swedish navy and with other nations.

The Kremlin said on Friday Finland's seizure of the ship carrying Russian oil was of little concern for Moscow. In the past, Russia has denied involvement in any of the Baltic infrastructure incidents.

Estonia said its navy had deployed to guard the still operational Estlink 1 subsea cable.

"If there is a threat to the critical undersea infrastructure in our region, there will also be a response," Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said on X.

Tsahkna said on Thursday damage to subsea installations in the region had now become so frequent that it was difficult to believe they were all caused by accidents or poor seamanship.

The incidents highlight the need to update centuries-old maritime law to explicitly outlaw damage to undersea infrastructure, Estonia's justice minister told Reuters on Friday.

The 658 megawatt (MW) Estlink 2 outage began at midday local time on Wednesday, leaving only the 358 MW Estlink 1 linking Finland and Estonia, the countries' electricity grid operators said.

Finnish investigators believe the seized ship - a Cook Island-registered vessel named as the Eagle S - may have caused the damage by dragging its anchor along the seabed, one of several such incidents in recent years.

SHADOW FLEET

The Finnish president said it had been necessary to stop the Eagle S to prevent further destruction.

"Had it kept going with its anchor on the seabed, more damage would have occurred," Stubb said.

Finland's customs service has said it believes the ship is part of a so-called shadow fleet of ageing tankers that seek to evade sanctions on the sale of Russian oil.

Finnish police said on Friday they were investigating the Eagle S on suspicion of "aggravated criminal mischief", and that crew members had been interrogated. Finland's border guard will help the investigation with seabed inspections, the police said.

United Arab Emirates-based Caravella LLCFZ, which according to MarineTraffic data owns the Eagle S, did not respond to repeated requests for comment.

Peninsular Maritime, which is based in India, and, according to MarineTraffic, acts as a technical manager for the ship, was not immediately available for comment.

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said on Thursday it was too early to say whether Russia had played any role in the cable damage.

Finland's Fingrid and Estonia's Elering grid operators expect repairing the Estlink 2 to take months, with an estimated return to service on Aug. 1, 2025.

The outage could push up electricity prices during the winter months but will not prevent a planned decoupling in February of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania from the Soviet-era joint power grid with Russia and Belarus, Elering has said.

Lithuania said on Friday its navy had increased surveillance and patrolling in the Baltic following the incident.

Swedish police are still conducting a criminal investigation into last month's breach of two Baltic Sea telecom cables, and have named a Chinese ship travelling from Russia as a possible culprit.

Separately, Finnish and Estonian police are continuing a probe into last year's damage to the Balticconnector gas pipeline and several telecom cables in which another Chinese vessel arriving from Russia was named.

(Reporting by Essi Lehto in Helsinki, Anna Ringstrom in Stockholm, Lili Bayer in Brussels, Andrius Sytas in Vilnius and Louise Rasmussen in Copenhagen, editing by Terje Solsvik, Tomasz Janowski and Gareth Jones)
Damage from a storm through that rolled through the night before is seen at the heart of downtown on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, in Athens, Ala. (AP Photo/Lance George)

Officials assessed the damage on Sunday after a strong storm system moved across the southern U.S. over the weekend, spawning tornadoes and killing at least four people.

There were at least 45 reports of tornado damage across Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia, said Brian Hurley, a meteorologist with the National Weather Services Weather Prediction Center. Crews will do damage surveys to confirm tornadoes.

The storms during busy holiday travels caused some treacherous road conditions along with delays or cancellations at some of the busiest U.S. airports. As of Sunday afternoon, there were over 600 flight delays affecting Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, according to flight tracker FlightAware.

Its not unheard of, but it is fairly uncommon to have a severe weather outbreak of this magnitude this late in the year, said Frank Pereira, a meteorologist with the Weather Prediction Center.

In the Houston area, National Weather Service storm survey crews confirmed that at least five tornadoes hit north and south of the city on Saturday.

At least one person died. The 48-year-old woman was found about 100 feet (30 meters) from her home in the Liverpool area south of Houston, said Madison Polston of the Brazoria County Sheriffs Office. She said the exact cause of death wasn't immediately known.

Four other people in Brazoria County had injuries that weren't considered critical, said Polston, adding that at least 40 homes and buildings were significantly damaged.

In Montgomery County, north of Houston, about 30 homes were destroyed and about 50 others sustained major damage, county official Jason Smith said.

In North Carolina, a 70-year-old man was killed Sunday in Statesville, just north of Charlotte, when a tree landed on the pickup truck he was driving. Highway Patrol Trooper DJ Maffucci said it was just a freak accident and he believed Matthew Teeple, of Cleveland, North Carolina, was killed instantly.

Its very sad, just terrible timing, Maffucci said, adding that the storms were responsible for a number of downed trees and quite a few wrecks."

Two people were killed in storms in Mississippi, officials said. An 18-year-old died after a tree fell on her home Saturday night in Natchez in Adams County, said Emergency Management spokesperson Neifa Hardy. Two other people in the home were injured.

Another person died in Lowndes County and at least eight more were injured across the state, officials said.

The National Weather Service said two tornadoes hit around Bude and the city of Brandon, ripping roofs from several buildings.

Storm damage also was reported in the northern Alabama city of Athens, northwest of Huntsville.

Holly Hollman, spokeswoman for the city, said most of the damage from the early Sunday morning storms occurred downtown. She said it hurled large HVAC units from the tops of building and ripped the roof off a bookstore. A full-sized, stripped-down military helicopter was toppled from a pole where it was on display, she added.

I stepped out on my porch and I could hear it roar, she said of the storm. I think we are extremely lucky that we got hit late at night. If it had hit during the busy hours, I think we might have had some injuries and possibly some fatalities.

As of Sunday afternoon, over 40,000 people were still without power in Mississippi, according to electric utility tracking website PowerOutage.us. Texas, Alabama, North Carolina and Georgia each had about 10,000 customers without power, it said.

The storms closed some roads in western North Carolina, a region broadly devastated by Hurricane Helene this fall. That included part of U.S. 441, also known as the Great Smoky Mountains Expressway, which closed north of Bryson City due to high winds.

In Bumpus Cove, Tennessee, Justin Fromkin, president of Raising Hope Disaster Relief, worked Sunday to save what he could from the organization's supply tent  filled with clothes and food  after about 6 inches (152 millimeters) of rain fell.

He's spent the past few months delivering aid to areas in western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee that are still reeling from Helene. The ground in some parts of the mountains is still unstable from Helene, Fromkin said, and Sundays downpour adds to the problem.

___

Associated Press reporters Corey Williams and Julie Walker contributed to this report.
Remote connectivity and digital workplace solutions vendor, TeamViewer, believes customers will focus on automation and artificial intelligence in 2025, as skills shortages in industries like health creates operational challenges.

TeamViewer brings remote access to an organisation across different IT processes, from collaboration, endpoint management, to customer service and training.

In an interview with ARN Andrew Belger, head of sales for Australia and New Zealand at TeamViewer said automation processes will provide customers with an opportunity to fill routine tasks and processes.

TeamViewer added AI-driven session insights to improve the support experience by providing summaries of every remote support session, a step-by-step action plan, and offer insights for reporting on common issues.

To add automation capabilities, TeamViewer acquired 1E, a digital experience company specialsing in device management and automation in December.

Our AI [and automation] capabilities will allow us to automate processes further, reducing workloads for customers, helping them scale, and improving user experiences, he said. Its all about enabling customers to do more with less and enhancing their operational efficiency.
More express lanes. Fewer electric cars in the fast lane. More money to ride the biggest transit systems.

The new year will bring plenty of changes for people who drive, ride public transportation, pedal bikes or walk to get around the Bay Area.

Here are 10 of the biggest transportation changes coming in 2025.

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Riding BART and Muni will cost more

Fares are going up on BART and Muni as of Jan. 1. BART riders will pay 5.5% more, which amounts to 25 cents on the average fare of $4.47. Your results will vary, of course, depending on the length of your ride.

It will also cost more to ride San Franciscos Muni, the Bay Areas biggest transit system. The cost of a single ride will rise 25 cents to $2.75, with the fare for a cable car pass climbing 50 cents to $5.50. A monthly Fast Pass will go up to $85 from $81.

A Muni Metro light rail train at Duboce Avenue and Church Street in San Francisco. Fare for Muni, the Bay Areas biggest transit system, are going up in January. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle

Bridge tolls rising too

Vehicles approach the Bay Bridge toll plaza in Oakland. Tolls on the seven state-owned Bay Area bridges, including the Bay Bridge, rise from $7 to $8 starting Jan. 1. Noah Berger/Special to the Chronicle 2022

Tolls on the Bay Areas seven state-owned bridges  the Bay Bridge, the San Mateo Bridge, the Dumbarton Bridge, the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge, the Carquinez Bridge, the Benicia-Martinez Bridge and the Antioch Bridge  will all increase by $1 to $8 for cars, motorcycles and pickup trucks, effective Jan. 1.

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A future series of toll increases was recently approved that will raise tolls annually to $10.50 in 2030. The increase is to pay for bridge maintenance costs.

The Golden Gate Bridge, which is owned and operated by an independent district, has already raised its tolls to $9.25 to $10.25, depending on how the toll is paid. The district plans to raise tolls to $11.25 to $12.25 by 2028.

Morning commuters drive south passing a sign for an express lane on the Highway 237-Interstate 880 interchange in Milpitas. Two new stretches of express lanes are scheduled to open in the Bay Area in 2025  on Interstate 80 through Solano County and on southbound Interstate 680 in the Tri-Valley area. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle 2017

More express lanes coming soon

Two new stretches of express lanes  the pay-as-you-go combination of carpool and toll lanes  are scheduled to open in the Bay Area in 2025  on Interstate 80 through Solano County and on southbound Interstate 680 in the Tri-Valley area.

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The Solano express lanes, expected to open by fall of 2025, will be the biggest deal, bringing the lanes to a county and an area that hasnt had them despite sometimes severe traffic congestion both on workdays and weekends. The lanes will stretch 18 miles in each direction from the Red Top-Cordelia Junction area to Vacaville just east of the Interstate 505 junction.

The southbound 680 express lanes will extend the existing  and first  express lanes over the Sunol Grade. Theyll close a 9-mile gap and extend the lanes from Highway 84 to Alcosta Boulevard in Alameda County through San Ramon, Dublin, Pleasanton and Sunol. The extended express lane is expected to open by late in the year.

An illustration of the diverging diamond interchange being built on Fairgrounds Drive at Highway 37 in Vallejo. Caltrans

Interchange changes ahead

Strange new interchanges  well, at least for the Bay Area  are coming: one in Vallejo and the other in Berkeley.

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A diverging diamond interchange, which has traffic cross over and briefly travel British style to the right, is under construction in Vallejo at the Fairgrounds Drive interchange with Highway 29 near Six Flags Discovery Kingdom and the Solano County Fairgrounds. Its scheduled to open in the fall.

Also coming is a double-roundabout interchange at Gilman Street and Interstate 80, which was a wild interchange barely controlled by a handful of stop signs for decades. A bike and pedestrian bridge over I-80 has already been opened along with a temporary roundabout, which is already handling traffic east of the freeway. The project is expected to open by spring 2025.

Pedestrians using the crosswalk along Fulton Street at 18th Avenue in San Francisco. Starting Jan. 1, fines will kick in for violations of a new statewide law prohibiting drivers from parking within 20 feet of any crosswalk, a safety measure known as daylighting. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle

Less parking, more visibility near intersections

A new state law that went into effect in January 2024 prohibits parking who within 20 feet of either marked or unmarked crosswalks. Starting Jan. 1, 2025, local governments throughout California can issue fines to violators  and almost any intersection is considered a crosswalk under the law.

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Keeping areas near intersections clear of parked cars is a practice referred to as daylighting designed to protect pedestrians by making them more visible to drivers while also giving pedestrians and cars a better view of oncoming traffic. The law is enforceable whether the curb near the intersection is painted red or not.

Drivers in San Francisco started receiving warnings for violations on Nov. 11. Fines will start at $40 per violation once the law is fully enforced in the new year.

No more free ride for cars with clean air stickers

For the past quarter of a century, owners of low- and zero-emission vehicles in California could be issued special stickers for their cars that allowed them to travel in carpool lanes regardless of the number of people in the car. The list of types of vehicles allowed to use the stickers changed along with car technology, and so did the colors of the stickers.

But unless Congress passes new legislation, Californias decal program and those in some other states will expire at the end of September  even for those driving Teslas and other electric cars. The carpool lanes will again become the sole province of carpoolers  and the many cheaters who chance tickets and sneak their way into the lanes.

A rough road to a smoother ride on 101

Drivers who frequent Highway 101 in San Francisco between Candlestick Point and Hospital Curve have long endured bone-rattling, suspension-shaking rides. Relief is on the way, but not before the pain of freeway closures  both full closures over weekends and full and lane closures on weeknights.

Construction crews will replace concrete pavement, repave off- and on-ramps, replace the median barrier and fix freeway drainage systems. The work  and the closures  are expected to last as long as two years. Work is expected to start in the fall.

A San Francisco-bound train rolls into the Millbrae BART station in 2017. Starting in January, BART schedule changes could have a big impact on Millbrae riders traveling later at night. Leah Millis/The Chronicle

New schedules as BART starts replacing train control system

BART is finally ready to start installation of a long-discussed modern train control system that will enable it to run more trains and run them closer together. But starting Jan. 13, that will mean schedule changes to make room for the work.

Those changes will be minor for most riders but will be reflected on BART schedules and trip planners. However, they could have a big impact on Millbrae riders traveling later at night.

Because work on the new system will initially take place between Colma and Millbrae nightly after 9 p.m., yellow line trains will terminate at San Francisco International Airport instead of Millbrae. Trains will operate every 15 minutes between SFO and Millbrae only, and riders headed to Millbrae will have to cross the platform to transfer to a Millbrae train. After midnight, however, the final four yellow line trains will proceed to Millbrae and wont require a transfer. The final train of the evening will bypass SFO, as it always does, and go straight to Millbrae, as it does in the current schedule.

Commuters stand by as a Sonoma-Marin Area Rapid Transit train arrives at the Larkspur Station in 2023. SMART is heading north to Windsor and about to start extending its tracks to Healdsburg. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle 2023

SMART heads north to Windsor, eyes Healdsburg

SMART, the North Bay commuter train through Marin and Sonoma counties, is heading north to Windsor and about to start extending its tracks to Healdsburg. The new Windsor station is expected to open this spring.

The railroads northernmost station is now the Sonoma County Airport station, about a mile east of the Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport on Airport Boulevard. Construction of the 4-mile extension to Windsor started in late 2019 but was stalled several times by pandemic restrictions and a lawsuit, since dismissed, over funding.

SMART officials announced in October that the state granted it $81 million to extend the system to Healdsburg. An extension to Cloverdale is planned but not yet funded.

Crews started installing 50,000 custom-engineered LED lights on the western span of the Bay Bridge in early December, marking the first step in bringing the Bay Lights art installation back to the Bay Area skyline after nearly two years of darkness. Ken Chan/Illuminate

Light show may return to Bay Bridge

Nearly two years after the popular dancing light show that illuminated the western span of the Bay Bridge went dark, a new sturdier and more permanent version of Bay Lights is scheduled to light up the bridge in 2025.

However, a lawsuit filed recently in San Francisco Superior Court could delay or otherwise change those plans. The suit, filed by a San Francisco resident, says the lights would cause environmental damage and harm people with neurological disabilities.
From Mainland China the appeal for the Holy Year by Archbishop Shen Bin: "Let us give hope to those in difficulty: to the poor, the sick, the young, migrants and the elderly alone". The Archbishop of Hanoi: in 2025 more possibilities for Vietnamese to go on pilgrimage to Rome. Fifteen jubilee churches in the metropolis. Philippine Cardinal David's appeal to the government: "Let the political prisoners be freed for the Jubilee".

Milan (AsiaNews) - All the dioceses of the world are now experiencing the local opening of the Holy Year 2025, which by the will of Pope Francis has as its theme "Pilgrims of hope". The celebration is also involving many Churches in Asia with significant gestures.

In Shanghai, the opening Mass of the Holy Year was presided over yesterday morning by Bishop Shen Bin in Xujiahui Cathedral: the rite - according to the diocesan website - was attended by priests, nuns and over a thousand faithful of the diocese. Before the start of the procession from the archbishop's palace, a nun read passages from the Bull proclaiming the Jubilee. In his homily, Bishop Shen Bin urged all priests and faithful to put into practice the call to hope, fanning the flame with the power of the Word of God. He also called for transforming this hope into concrete actions to become peacemakers, bearers of life, and to bring hope to those in need: to needy brothers and sisters, the poor, the sick, the young, migrants and the lonely elderly. The bishop also announced the six places of pilgrimage chosen by the Shanghai diocese for the Holy Year 2025: the Xujiahui Church in the Central District, the Basilica of Our Lady of Sheshan in the Jiaqingsong District, the Tangmuqiao Church and the Jinjiaxiang Church in the Pudong District, the Gaozha Cai Church in Chongming and the Nanshanghai Church in the Punan District. He concluded by saying: 'We are pilgrims of God, every step of our lives brings us closer to Him. Through pilgrimage, we convert, renew our lives and deepen our relationship with God. Through pilgrimage, we become instruments of God's love and, in our search for faith, hope and salvation, we bring hope to those around us'.

In the Vietnamese capital Hanoi, the Jubilee was opened this morning with a celebration presided over by Archbishop Joseph Vu Van Thien. Starting at 8am, priests administered the Sacrament of Reconciliation in the courtyard of the archbishopric. Then in procession, crossing Nha Chung Avenue, the community reached the cathedral forecourt where the renewal of baptismal promises took place, followed by Mass on the Feast of the Holy Family.

"In Hanoi," Archbishop Joseph Vu Van Thien told the Ad Extra website of the Missions Etrangeres de Paris, "we have designated seven large parishes as places of pilgrimage for the Holy Year. We also have a catechesis programme for the Holy Year. Specifically, we are emphasising reconciliation and charity: charitable activities are a necessary condition for contributing to the evangelisation of Vietnamese society. We hope that the Holy Year will be fruitful for the Catholic community in Vietnam," adds the Archbishop of Hanoi. There will certainly be great events at the national level, and some Vietnamese are also preparing pilgrimages outside the country, to Rome. It is becoming possible for many Vietnamese".

In Tokyo, Card. Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi presided over the opening celebration of the Jubilee in St Mary's Cathedral. For the big metropolis, as many as 15 churches have been designated as destinations for the Jubilee pilgrimage. In his Christmas message Monsignor Kikuchi, speaking about the Holy Year, had written that at this time "the Church opens its doors wide, seeking to offer peace to the pilgrims who continue their journey. As we continue our journey, we are called not only to give thanks for the presence of the Lord Jesus who walks with us, but also to share with others the light of hope that He gives us, a light that shines in the darkness". To let the light of hope shine, however, "it is indispensable to help and support one another. Protecting the life God has given us is the source that generates the light of hope. In the world today, violence in many forms threatens life. Life, which is a gift God has given us, must be protected in every moment, from beginning to end. Violence that takes life must never be allowed, in any of its forms. Protecting life is the source that generates the light of hope'.

In the Philippines, Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, Bishop of Kalookan and President of the Bishops' Conference, appealed for the release of at least political prisoners in the Holy Year. He did so on 26 December, celebrating Mass in the Bagong Diwa prison in Bicutan on the day Pope Francis opened the Holy Door in the Rebibbia prison. "I will consider it a wonderful gesture on the part of the government," said Card. David - if at the beginning of the Jubilee Year of Hope 2025, the last political prisoners still languishing in prison after several decades of waiting for trial will be granted amnesty, pardon or permanent release on humanitarian grounds". The cardinal added that a law should also be passed to compensate prisoners for each year of detention if they are proven innocent after trial. According to the latest count by Kapatid, the Filipino association that fights for their rights, there are still at least 757 political prisoners throughout the country.I
Today, Feast of the Holy Family, Francis pointed to the nucleus of Nazareth as a 'model'. After Jesus' return to the Temple, Mary "does not accuse, does not judge, but seeks to understand". Closeness to the families of the at least 177 victims of the Muan plane crash in South Korea. The third Holy Door of the Jubilee opened this morning in Rome at the basilica of St John Lateran.

Vatican City (AsiaNews) - "In the family it is more important to listen than to understand". A packed St Peter's Square as it is only on special occasions welcomed the words of Pope Francis as he appeared at 12 noon from the window of the Vatican Apostolic Palace for the Angelus.

Today, the Feast of the Holy Family, the pontiff, starting from today's Gospel (Lk 2:41-52), spoke of the family of Mary, Joseph and Jesus as a "model".

"It is a family that dialogues, that listens to each other, that speaks. Dialogue is an important element for a family! A family that does not communicate cannot be a happy family,' he said.

The reason for the exceptional participation is also the opening of the third Holy Door of the Holy Year 2025. This morning around 10:00 a.m. at the Roman basilica of St. John Lateran the ceremony was held in the presence of the Vicar for the diocese of Rome, Card. Baldassarre Reina.

The event, particularly felt by Romans, follows the opening of the Holy Door in St Peter's Basilica and that in the Rebibbia Prison. And it launches the celebration of the Jubilee in all the dioceses of the world.

After the recitation of the Marian prayer, there was no lack of a look at the international reality. "My thoughts go to the many families in South Korea who are in mourning today following the dramatic plane crash. I join in prayer for the survivors, for the dead," he said.

At 9:03 a.m. local time at South Korean Muan Airport, a Jeju Air company boeing from Bangkok crashed, killing at least 177 passengers. Korean and two Thai people were travelling on flight JJA-2216. Two crew members are out of danger, while at least two people are reported missing.

The cause of the accident is said to be a 'birdh strike' which prevented the opening of the wheeled undercarriage, essential for landing.

Acting South Korean President Choi Sang-mok, who will visit Muan this afternoon, chaired an emergency government meeting. "All relevant authorities must mobilise all available resources to rescue people," he said in a note.

As Yonhap news agency reports, there were 82 men and 93 women on board, ranging in age from 3 to 78. A temporary morgue was set up inside the Muan airport.

In the commentary that preceded the recitation of the Angelus, Bergoglio moving from the Gospel - which tells of the finding of the 12-year-old Jesus in the Temple by Mary and Joseph who saw him arguing with the doctors - spoke of Mary's "state of mind". She asks: 'Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I, distressed, were looking for you" (v. 48). And Jesus answers her: "Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must attend to the things of my Father?" (v. 49). "It is an experience - I would say almost habitual - of a family that alternates between quiet moments and dramatic ones".

It is "the story of a family crisis, a modern-day crisis, of a difficult teenager and two parents who cannot understand him".

Delving into the attitude of Mary, mother of Jesus, the Pope pointed out that "it is beautiful when a mother does not begin with a reproach, but with a question". In fact, she 'does not accuse, does not judge, but seeks to understand how to welcome this Son who is so different through listening'. But despite this far-sighted openness, the Gospel says that Mary and Joseph "did not understand what he had said to them" (v. 50), "showing that in the family it is more important to listen than to understand". "To listen is to give importance to the other, to recognise his right to exist and think for himself. Children need this," he added.

Pope Francis then spoke about mealtime lived in the family, pointing to it as "a privileged moment of dialogue and listening". "It is good to be together at the table and to talk. This can solve many problems, and above all it unites the generations: children talking to their parents, grandchildren talking to their grandparents," he said. 'Never stay closed in on yourself or, even worse, with your head on your mobile phone, that's no good, never that. Talk, listen to each other, this is the dialogue that is good for you and that makes you grow!"

Finally, the pontiff recalled the many families "who suffer because of war, in the tormented Ukraine, Palestine, in Israel, in Myanmar, North Kivu". For them he invoked prayer: "Let us pray for all these families at war". After the recitation of the Angelus he addressed "a special greeting", also to the families present in St. Peter's "and those connected from home through the media. The family is the cell of society. The family is a precious treasure, to be supported and protected".
29 December 2024 08:30 (UTC+04:00)

Elnur Enveroglu Read more

Although the news of the emergency landing of an AZAL Embraer190 passenger plane near the city of Aktau, Kazakhstan, as a result of serious damages from external interference, made headlines on world news portals, it did not satisfy many media speculators in terms of creating a bigger scandal. For example, at the time of the incident, some political insiders dreamed of watching a blood-curdling gladiator fight in the Colosseum. But the result was not what they had imagined...

Some anti-Russian groups actually saw this incident as another hostile front against Russia. Against the backdrop of the investigation that had been going on for several days after the plane crash, various versions were already being invented and the foundations were being laid to create a chaotic picture between Russia and Azerbaijan. Although the support was not unanimous, subtexts such as "Hey, you were an ally", "Russia must respond!" and inflammatory campaigns began to affect a sensitive public audience.

At that time, many influential Western media outlets were expecting a response from Azerbaijan to Moscow rather than a Russian admission for circulation.

Let us recall the recent past: On November 9, 2021, on the eve of the sensitive situation in Garabagh after the Patriotic War, the Azerbaijani side accidentally shot down a Russian military helicopter in the air. This incident not only caused a stir in the media but also began to be discussed in terms of Russia's reaction to Azerbaijan. The same media organizations that are currently twisting the issue in the same way were interpreting the incident three years ago in a similar way. Some claimed that the official Kremlin would open a serious criminal case against Baku and believed that the issues could deepen and become a source of extensive topics. However, the pragmatic approach of the parties to the issue accelerated the resolution of the case in a positive direction.

The incident involving the AZAL passenger plane on December 25 formed another topic and focused news hunters on the motives of the incident.

So what were they hoping for? What kind of reaction did they expect from Baku?

The West often acts as a catalyst, getting things done, and then retreats. This has been observed in long practice, and Azerbaijan has not allowed outside interference to get close to the issue.

The determined struggle of President Ilham Aliyev against the background of clarifying the incident and revealing the motives of the crime prevented a sharp reaction in both internal audience and external circles. Some circles, wanting to use the situation for their own benefit, forgot about the unity between the people and the head of state of Azerbaijan. At such a sensitive moment, the reaction of the people was of ripple effect for them. As the images reflected on social networks described the incident, the sensitive cords between Baku and Moscow were further strained. Only pragmatism could play an important role here.

After all, Baku and Moscow are allied states, and this alliance is reflected in important points in the document signed in 2022. Azerbaijan could have discussed the incident with Russia in a different way, and it is no longer noted or commented on who would benefit more from burning bridges between the two states.

Such incidents happen often, and relations between the parties do not become strained unless the incidents are deliberate.

Russia stated that it needed time to investigate the incidents and to get more insight into the matter, and after 2 days of intensive investigations, an apology message was sent to Azerbaijan. This was a confession that demonstrated Russia's ability to admit its mistakes and its commitment to the partnership between the two states. It also reduced the importance of external forces to zero and emphasized the importance of stability in the South Caucasus.
29 December 2024 10:22 (UTC+04:00)

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Azerbaijan has experienced a significant boost in its non-oil exports to Germany over the first eleven months of this year, Azernews reports, citing the State Customs Committee.

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29 December 2024 16:11 (UTC+04:00)

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Azerbaijan has witnessed a significant boost in trade relations with Egypt this year, Azernews reports.

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29 December 2024 16:26 (UTC+04:00)

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In a positive turn for Azerbaijan's economy, the country has reported a substantial increase in gold exports for the first eleven months of 2024, Azernews reports, citing data from the Center for Analysis and Communication of Economic Reforms.

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28 December 2024 21:30 (UTC+04:00)

The Center for the Development of Cultural and Creative Industries (Creative Center), established by the Ministry of Culture, was inaugurated on December 28 with the participation of Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.

Azernews reports that Minister of Culture Adil Karimli provided an overview of the center's facilities, highlighting its mission to support young talents, enhance their professional skills, and foster the realization of creative potential.

The Center aims to implement cultural and creative industry projects, support the establishment and growth of new entrepreneurial ventures and startups, facilitate the creation and export of local creative products and services, and attract talented youth from various regions.

The Creative Center is running several successful initiatives, including three incubation programs focused on Music, Gametech, and Cultech, resulting in 20 startups and over 50 active residents.

Adil Karimli noted that since 2023, the Ministry has been organizing the "Creative Talks" project. This initiative promotes the development of skills in culture and creativity in both the capital and the regions, serving as an educational platform aimed at supporting the formation of creative entities.

The Center also organizes masterclasses and training sessions on the use of artificial intelligence in animation, music and film industries, design, and creative fields under the "Ai4Art" project. Over 200 young individuals participate in these educational programs.

The Center encompasses the "Creative Market" marketplace platform and the "Creative Edu.az" educational center, providing additional support and resources for creative development.

The Center is equipped with advanced technology to support diverse creative endeavors, including studios for photo and video production, sound recording, animation, dance, and more.

The Creative Center collaborates with both local entities and international organizations as its partners.

The establishment of the Center for the Development of Cultural and Creative Industries was approved by an order of the President of Azerbaijan on July 22, 2022. Founded by the Ministry of Culture in 2024, it is part of the Action Plan for the 2022-2026 Social and Economic Development Strategy of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
29 December 2024 15:50 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

As a result of the crash of the Baku-Grozny plane due to an external technical and physical impact, we lost our valuable pilots and passengers, and today we are sending them off to their final destination, Azernews reports, citing Azerbaijan's Digital Development and Transportation Minister, Rashad Nabiyev, as he said at the farewell ceremony held at Heydar Aliyev International Airport for the three crew members who perished in the crash near Aktau (pilots Igor Kshnyakin, Alexander Kalyaninov, and flight attendant Hokuma Aliyeva).

The minister noted that the unanimous conclusion of both local and foreign experts is that the pilots saved dozens of lives by making the most optimal landing possible under those circumstances.

"The courage, professionalism, and bravery of the plane's captain Igor Kshnyakin, pilot Alexander Kalyaninov, and flight attendant Hokuma Aliyeva have been widely covered not only in Azerbaijani media but also in international media.

In the truest sense of the word, the world looks with admiration at the current level of our pilots and aviation. We believe that the bravery shown by our pilots has left a new mark on the heroic page of Azerbaijan. Their names will be written in golden letters not only in Azerbaijani aviation but also in the history of world aviation," he added.

It should be noted that tonight, the remains of the three crew members (pilots Igor Kshnyakin, Alexander Kalyaninov, and flight attendant Hokuma Aliyeva) and 21 passengers who perished as a result of the crash of the Embraer 190 aircraft of Azerbaijan Airlines flight J2-8243 Baku-Grozny near the city of Aktau were brought to Baku.

Additionally, the bodies of 4 people who died in this accident and 14 people who were injured were previously brought to Baku.
Jessica Flores is a reporter on the breaking news and engagement team. Before joining the Chronicle in 2021, she worked for USA Today, LAist and Curbed LA. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she is a graduate of the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism and Mount Saint Mary's University in Los Angeles.
29 December 2024 13:49 (UTC+04:00)

Chairperson of the Azerbaijani Parliament Sahiba Gafarova at today's session of the Parliament, proposed to send a congratulatory letter to President Ilham Aliyev and First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva on the occasion of December 31World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day and New Year.

The Azerbaijani Parliament has congratulated President Ilham Aliyev and First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva on December 31 - World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day and New Year, Azernews reports.

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29 December 2024 15:16 (UTC+04:00)

In an interview with Azerbaijan Television, President Ilham Aliyev disclosed several facts concerning the causes of the AZAL-owned aircraft crash near Aktau, Azernews reports.

The President stated:

Of course, the final version will become clear after the black boxes have been examined. However, the initial theories are also quite reasonable and are based on facts. The facts are that the Azerbaijani civilian plane was damaged from the outside over Russian territory, near the city of Grozny, and almost lost control. We also know that electronic warfare systems put our plane out of control. This was the first impact on the plane. At the same time, as a result of fire from the ground, the tail of the plane was also severely damaged.

The fact that the fuselage is riddled with holes indicates that the theory of the plane hitting a flock of birds, which was brought up by someone, is completely removed from the agenda, President Ilham Aliyev said in the same interview.

Unfortunately, however, some circles in Russia preferred to put forward this theory. Another regrettable and surprising moment for us was that official Russian agencies put forward theories about the explosion of some gas cylinder on board the plane. In other words, this clearly showed that the Russian side wanted to cover up the issue, which, of course, is unbecoming of anyone. Of course, our plane was hit by accident. Of course, there can be no talk of a deliberate act of terror here. Therefore, admitting the guilt, apologizing in a timely manner to Azerbaijan, which is considered a friendly country, and informing the public about this  all these were measures and steps that should have been taken. Unfortunately, for the first three days, we heard nothing from Russia except for some absurd theories, added the President.
29 December 2024 15:51 (UTC+04:00)

We have clearly expressed our demands to the Russian side, said President Ilham Aliyev in an interview with AZERTAC, Azernews reports.

These demands were officially communicated to them on December 27. What do they consist of? First, the Russian side must apologize to Azerbaijan. Second, it must acknowledge its guilt. Third, those responsible must be punished, brought to criminal responsibility, and compensation must be paid to the Azerbaijani state, as well as to the injured passengers and crew members. These are our conditions. The first of these was fulfilled yesterday. I hope the other conditions will also be accepted. All these demands are fair. There are no extraordinary requests or issues here; all of this is based on international experience and normal human conduct, the head of state emphasized.
29 December 2024 08:00 (UTC+04:00)

By Alimat Aliyeva

Turkish authorities plan to build three nuclear power plants in the country by 2035, Azernews reports.

"We need two more large nuclear power plants: one in Sinop and the other in Thrace. The year 2025 will be a turning point for us, as we will determine the technology and models for these stations," said Alparslan Bayraktar, Turkiyes Deputy Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.

Turkiye's first nuclear power plant, Akkuyu, is set to begin generating electricity in 2025. The first reactor is expected to produce 1,200 MW of electricity, which will meet approximately 2.5 percent of Turkiye's energy needs. Once all four reactors are operational, Akkuyu will have a total capacity of 4,800 MW, providing around 10 percent of the country's total energy consumption.

According to Bayraktar, the launch of Akkuyu NPP will enable Turkey to significantly reduce its dependence on natural gas imports, cutting 7-7.5 billion cubic meters of gas annually and saving approximately 3 billion U.S. dollars.

Akkuyu NPP is a major project being built in collaboration with Russia's Rosatom and represents Turkiye's commitment to diversifying its energy sources and reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels.

The construction of two additional nuclear plants in Sinop and Thrace is part of Turkiye's broader strategy to meet the growing energy demands of its population and support its ambitious industrial growth.

The use of nuclear energy in Turkiye is seen as a crucial step towards energy independence and a move to meet Turkiyes climate goals by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
29 December 2024 13:31 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

A KLM Royal Dutch Airlines flight veered off the runway at Oslo Torp Sandefjord Airport in Norway following an emergency landing, Azernews reports, citing a release on X social media.

According to officials, the Boeing 737-800, en route to Amsterdam from Oslo Airport, experienced a hydraulic failure shortly after takeoff. The crew opted to divert to Sandefjord Airport, about 110 kilometres south of Oslo.

The plane touched down safely at Sandefjord Airport but lost control during the landing rollout, according to Aviation24.be.

According to officials, the aircraft skidded off runway 18 and came to a halt in soft grass near a taxiway. The plane carried 182 people, including passengers and crew, none of whom sustained injuries.

Passengers were evacuated using mobile stairs as emergency crews arrived on the scene. Authorities are now assisting the travellers and crew members.

KLM has not yet issued a statement on the incident, but airport operations were briefly interrupted as recovery efforts began. An investigation into the accident is underway.
29 December 2024 20:46 (UTC+04:00)

By Alimat Aliyeva

The number of citizens serving sentences in French prisons continues to rise, and in the near future, there may be no more space to hold dangerous criminals, Azernews reports.

"In France, there are 82,000 prisoners for 60,000 beds, which represents an overcrowding of 30%. If we do nothing, in a few months we will not be able to imprison criminals who have raped and killed," said the head of the department.

To address this issue, Minister Gerald Darmanin proposed building prisons with more lenient conditions for criminals sentenced to shorter terms.

"It takes seven years to build a regular prison. These require watchtowers, barbed wire, trenches, and strict regulations. But not everyone should be kept under such conditions. It would be easier to build new institutions with less stringent requirements," the minister explained.

He also addressed the issue of drug trafficking, particularly tightening control over the leaders who continue to run criminal gangs directly from prison.

"Today, 17,000 prisoners in our prisons are involved in the distribution of illegal substances. The French people do not understand why some of them continue to direct drug trafficking operations from their cells, send money, and even order murders," Darmanin lamented.

According to him, he plans to "clean French prisons of mobile phones" and identify and isolate the leaders of criminal organizations.

In addition to prison reform, these statements reflect growing concerns about the effectiveness of France's criminal justice system, particularly in controlling organized crime and preventing inmates from maintaining influence over illegal activities. The issue of prison overcrowding has reached critical levels, making it a key topic in Frances national security and justice discussions. Some experts argue that alternative methods, such as rehabilitation-focused facilities or electronic monitoring, could help alleviate the strain on the prison system. However, these measures would require significant investment and policy shifts, which remain subjects of intense debate.
29 December 2024 23:15 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

Egypt is set to purchase approximately 1.267 million tons of wheat to meet its needs through June 2025, Azernews reports, citing foreign media.

The Future of Egypt Fund for Sustainable Development has finalized contracts for the wheat supply.

According to Reuters, a significant portion of the wheat has been sourced from Russia, with deliveries already beginning to Egyptian ports.

Additional shipments are expected in the coming months. The Future of Egypt Fund for Sustainable Development has not provided further comment on the details.
Over 70,000 has been raised to support the McErlean family after this latest tragedy

An appeal has been launch to help the McErlean family after a house fire destroyed their Maghera home on Christmas Day. Photo: gofundme

A family has lost everything after a house fire in Maghera on Christmas morning. Photo: gofundme

A Co Derry community has raised over 70,000 to aid a family who lost everything in a house fire on Christmas morning  including precious memories of a father and brother who had both tragically died previously.

The huge level of support comes after Colette McErlean and her sons Oisin and Conleth in Maghera were woken on Christmas Day by fire alarms going off in their home, giving them just enough time to escape before the house was engulfed in flames.

An online appeal was launched after the devastating fire by Ellen Crozier, partner of Oisin, who told the Belfast Telegraph the family are exceptionally grateful for the support.

The family also lost two members of the family in a short space of time several years ago, and several memories of them were lost in the fire.

Their home was full of pictures and memories of them which have now been destroyed, said Ellen, adding that the family has been left in a state of shock.

While we are thankful that nobody was hurt, they have all lost everything.

The family has suffered a lot of heartbreak over the years, losing their father and brother, and their beautiful house was almost like a shrine to them with pictures covering almost every wall, which have now all been destroyed.

In November 2009, Oisin and Conleths brother, Paddy (14) died after a tragic quad-bike accident along the Craigmore Road, Maghera.

In what had been a heartbreaking time for the family, his father Joe died three years ago and his uncle earlier in 2009.

Unfortunately, Oisin and Conleths mother Colette has been suffering ill health the past number of years and now requires 24/7 care, Ellen added.

An appeal has been launch to help the McErlean family after a house fire destroyed their Maghera home on Christmas Day. Photo: gofundme

As the family begin the difficult process of rebuilding their lives, they desperately need support. The financial burden of replacing belongings, securing long-term housing and starting from scratch is overwhelming.

Ellen said she started the appeal to try to help the family recover from the latest tragedy  and added she has been overwhelmed by the support shown by the community.

Since being launched two days ago, the fundraiser has raised a total of 71,089 from more than 1,200 separate donations to the cause.

Everyone was in bed on Christmas morning when they were awoken by fire alarms going off and they quickly managed to get outside of the house before it completely went up in flames, she said, describing how the family discovered the fire on Christmas Day.

The appeal has given them a small glimmer of hope.

They dont even have mobile phones or any identification and will need to rely on the help and support of others in order to get through the next few weeks and months as they try to rebuild their lives.

We are just thankful that the local community and people from across Northern Ireland have rallied around them and the kindness people have shown in donating so much to them has given them some hope for the future.

I would just like to thank everyone who has donated to the appeal so far, it really means the world to the family who have another tough road ahead of them.

Among the community groups pulling together for the family is the local GAA Club at Watty Grahams and Irelands highest pub at the Ponderosa on the Glenshane Road, who have both shown support online for the campaign.
A man struggles in the strong winds as a Stenaline ferry is anchored at the edge of Belfast Lough during Storm Darragh earlier this month (Picture by Peter Morrison)

Cave Hill in the snow on the 22nd December 2024 (Photo by Luke Jervis / Belfast Telegraph)

A yellow weather warning for strong winds has been issued for Northern Ireland on New Years Eve, while a separate warning for snow will be in place on New Years Day.

The Met Office warned that disruption can be expected over the two days while the weather warnings remain in force.

The yellow warning for wind will be in place on New Years Eve between 6am and 7pm, and covers most of Northern Ireland including Londonderry, Tyrone, Antrim and Armagh.

The forecaster said that strong and gusty winds will develop across Northern Ireland on Tuesday, with gusts reaching up to 70 mph in some areas.

A spokesperson for the Met Office Spokesperson said: Strong and gusty westerly winds will develop across the north and east of Northern Ireland. Gusts of 50 to 60 mph are expected, perhaps reaching 70 mph in a few exposed areas, and this may lead to some travel disruption.

The Met Office added that some delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport are likely while the warning is in place.

A man struggles in the strong winds as a Stenaline ferry is anchored at the edge of Belfast Lough during Storm Darragh earlier this month (Picture by Peter Morrison)

A separate yellow warning has been issued with snow expected between 7am and midnight on Wednesday January 1.

The Met Office warned that heavy and persistent snow could result in further disruption on Wednesday.

A band of rain in association with a deep low pressure system moving in from the west pushes east on Wednesday, said a spokesperson for the forecaster.

"This is likely to turn to snow as it moves into cold air. Possibility of 2-5cm of snow, perhaps up to 10cm, in a few places, whilst 15-20 cm may accumulate over hills with drifting in the strong winds.

They added that there will be a small chance that power cuts will occur and other services, such as mobile phone coverage, may be affected while the warning is in place.

The Met Office has issued multiple weather warnings between Monday and Thursday, with nearly all of the UK impacted by at least one alert.

Met Office chief forecaster Andy Page said the forecast for the upcoming week was complicated and urged people to check the forecast regularly in order to update their plans.

This comes after thick fog descended on the UK for several days, causing travel disruption at some of the countrys busiest airports.

Flights at Stansted airport have been affected by the weather conditions, while live departure boards showed delays at Heathrow, Luton and Manchester airports.

Passengers at Gatwick airport on Saturday morning were warned to expect disruption because of the poor visibility and told to contact their airline for updated information.

Patches of thick fog could reduce visibility to just 100 metres in some areas, the Met Office said.

Flights were delayed by up to three hours from Gatwick on Friday evening because of poor conditions.

The fog was still in place on Sunday, which was expected to be the airports busiest day during the holiday period, with 769 flights planned.

Cave Hill in the snow on the 22nd December 2024 (Photo by Luke Jervis / Belfast Telegraph)

Snow scenes in County Galway
Israel announced it would close its embassy on Shelbourne Road in Dublin (Cillian Sherlock/PA)

Benjamin Netanyahu visited Dublin years before he became Israeli prime minister, in a bid to establish a diplomatic presence in the capital.

The Israeli embassy is now in the process of closing.

In February 1990, Mr Netanyahu was the deputy foreign minister in the Likud government and Ireland held the presidency of what was then the European Community (EC).

Files released by the National Archives in Dublin show that the Department of Foreign Affairs prepared a brief resume of his career, so that officials could familiarise themselves with a man who would become a defining figure in Israeli politics.

His meeting with Irish foreign affairs minister Gerry Collins took place in Dublin on February 21, 1990.

Mr Netanyahu suggested there was a natural feeling of sympathy towards Israel among the Irish people, but relations had not been helped by Irish soldiers who had been killed in Lebanon while serving with Unifil.

Many of these attacks had been blamed on Lebanese militias supported by Israel.

Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu (Gareth Fuller/PA)

Mr Netanyahu told Mr Collins that 95% of the Israeli people were against Palestinian aspirations, and defended Israels refusal to withdraw from the territories it had occupied since 1967.

He was also questioned about settlements in the Occupied Territories and responded by saying only a fraction of a percentage of Jewish immigrants to Israel lived there.

He maintained they were not being incentivised or encouraged to live there.

Mr Collins cited a statement by the Israeli prime minister Yitzhak Shamir in the Knesset in the previous week, in which he said he would strengthen Jewish settlements through Judaea, Samaria, Gaza and the Golan.

Judaea and Samaria are names used by Israel to refer to the West Bank.

The report of the meeting said that when Mr Shamirs statement was put to Mr Netanyahu, he made no reply.

At the time of the meeting, Ireland was one of the few states in Europe which did not have an Israeli embassy, and did not have an embassy in Israel either.

Gerry Collins (Johnny Green/PA)

This was the subject of much correspondence between the Israeli embassy in London, which included Ireland, and the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Mr Netanyahu said Ireland was important to Israel, not just as a result of the EU presidency which it then held.

As Israel would soon have embassies in all the newly formed eastern European states, Mr Netanyahu said he did not want Ireland to lag behind either in the intensity or intimacy of diplomatic contacts with Israel.

The absence of an Israeli embassy in Dublin was a source of concern for Irelands small Jewish population at the time.

In 1992, Mr Collins met the Jewish Representative Council of Ireland.

Joe Briscoe, whose father Robert Briscoe had been involved with smuggling guns into Ireland during the War of Independence, told him that the Jewish community was being seen as a proxy for an official Israel presence in Ireland and it was being blamed for many of the actions of Israel.

An Israeli embassy in Ireland was opened in December 1993, and an Irish embassy in Israel was opened three years later.

However, Israel announced in late 2024 that it would close its embassy in Dublin, and the Israeli foreign minister accused Ireland of antisemitic rhetoric and of crossing every red line in its relations with Israel.

Ireland had earlier that year recognised Palestinian statehood, and announced an intention to intervene in South Africas case against Israel for genocide at the International Court of Justice.

Irish premier Simon Harris has rejected the claims and accused Israel of distracting from the deaths of children in the Gaza conflict.

 This article is based on material in 24/52/118.
The United States attorney general attempted to block Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams from fundraising there in 1995, newly released records show.

Papers contained in the annual release of documents from the National Archives in Dublin show that Janet Reno, the attorney general at the time, wanted to stop Mr Adams from fundraising because of a belief the IRA was still trying to source weapons.

Ms Reno had previously opposed then-US president Bill Clintons decision to grant visas to Mr Adams and the former IRA chief of staff Joe Cahill in January 1994, but her continuing opposition is revealed in the records.

At the time, Mr Adams was president of Sinn Fein which was regarded as the political wing of the IRA paramilitary group. Mr Adams has always denied being a member of the IRA.

Bill Clinton with John Major in 1994 (Adam Butler/PA)

Months after the IRA declared a ceasefire in 1994, the chief legal adviser to the US president still did not want to grant the Sinn Fein leader a visa.

Mr Clinton overruled her by giving Mr Adams a three-month visa that included permission to raise funds for the party  provoking anger from UK prime minister John Major.

In a letter dated February 1995 to Mr Clintons national security adviser Tony Lake, Ms Reno expressed frustration by the latest effort to modify restrictions that stopped Mr Adams raising money from Irish-American donors.

She said she had looked at the matter barely six weeks earlier in January and had then decided that the fundraising restriction should stay because conditions had not changed sufficiently.

No evidence has been brought to my attention (since) that suggests progress has been made towards the disarmament and demobilisation of the IRA, she told Mr Lake.

She added: In addition, I am aware of evidence that suggests that (the IRA) has continued to identify potential sources for arms procurement and to make inquiries concerning availability and terms of purchase.

The State Department, the US Treasury and the US Department of Justice had recently intensified their efforts and public commitments to combatting international terrorism, she went on.

Ms Reno said these collective efforts could be undermined by removing the Adams visa restriction at this time.

In the interim, Sean O hUiginn, head of the Anglo-Irish division of Irelands Department of Foreign Affairs, met Mr Adams on February 7 1995.

Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams (Haydn West/PA)

A separate note contained in the files says that Mr Adams then expressed worries about his situation in the US, hoping that a renewed visa would waive restrictions on fundraising.

According to the documents, he made the comments in a meeting where he also expressed concerns that political instability could lead to a return to violence.

The Sinn Fein leader applied for a visa that included fundraising permission on February 22, which Mr Clinton granted because of the progress he felt had been made.

We have made clear our expectation that all and any funds raised will be used for legitimate political party purposes which serve to reinforce Sinn Feins commitment to the peace process, a US note held in the Irish state papers shows.

However, Mr Clintons decision and a subsequent invitation for Mr Adams to visit the White House for St Patricks Day celebrations angered London, Mr Lake told Mr O hUiginn.

In a note to Dublin after spending an evening with Mr Lake at a Chieftains concert, Mr O hUiginn said the US security adviser had expressed strong surprise at the over-the-top British reaction, including Mr Major refusing to take a call from Mr Clinton.

Meeting with Ulster Unionists in Washington in February after the publication of the Anglo-Irish framework document agreed by Mr Major and then-taoiseach John Bruton, Mr Lake was also warned that crowds might take to the street in Northern Ireland.

 This article is based on documents in 2024/28/38 and 2024/28/10.
President Jimmy Carter joins the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh at Buckingham Palace (Archive/PA)

President Jimmy Carter may have only had one term in the White House, but he remained a familiar figure on the world stage long after clearing his desk at the Oval Office.

Despite a resounding defeat at the hands of Ronald Reagan in 1980, the Democrat forged a new path promoting causes such as electoral probity abroad, social justice and drives to rid the world of medical conditions.

His first foreign visit as president was to the UK where then prime minister James Callaghan, as well as the usual visits in London, took his guest to the North East with a visit to Newcastle, Sunderland and Washington  the village bearing the name of the first ever president.

President Jimmy Carter on his first foreign trip since becoming president of the United States, with James Callaghan after the then-prime minister had greeted him on arrival at Heathrow Airport (Archive/PA)

President Jimmy Carter on his first foreign trip since becoming President of the United States, leaves Winfield House, the US ambassadors residence in Regents Park (Archive/PA)

President Jimmy Carter holds up a scroll presented to him by the Lord Mayor of Newcastle Councillor Hugh White (Archive/PA)

Mr Carter delighted crowds in the North East by saying Howay the lads during a speech to the assembled throng.

He also received a miners lamp from 12-year-old Ian McEree in Washington.

Ian McEree, 12, presents an old miners lamp to US President Jimmy Carter on behalf of Washington village (Archive/PA)

US President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalyn travel by carriage in the Newcastle Lord Mayors parade (Archvie/PA)

US President Jimmy Carter followed by then prime minister Mr James Callaghan in Sunderland when they visited the Corning Glass Factory (Archive/PA)

The 39th US president also carried out more traditional presidential duties, including meetings with western European leaders during his time in London while the Cold War was still ongoing.

The practising Baptist continued his globetrotting ways after leaving power, even without Air Force One as his vehicle.

He was also part of the Elders, a group of experienced statesmen and women drawn from all corners of the world.

After the Summit of Seven, the four-nation meeting at No 10 Downing Street  British PM James Callaghan, French president Giscard d-Estaing, US President Jimmy Carter and West German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt (Archive/PA)

Jimmy Carter trout fishing with Western Mail fishing expert Moc Morgan on Clywedog Reservoir, near Llanidloes, in Wales (Western Mail Cardiff/PA)

The Queen Mother walks with President Jimmy Carter in the Blue Drawing Room at Buckingham Palace (Archive/PA)

President Jimmy Carter with French President Valery Giscard dEstaing, when he called on him at the London residence of the French Ambassador at Kensington Palace (Archive/PA)

Ex-US president Jimmy Carter during Bible class (Rui Vieira/PA)

Jimmy Carter and former Irish president Mary Robinson at a press conference in Iveagh House, Dublin (Niall Carson/PA)

Jimmy Carter delivers a lecture on the eradication of the Guinea worm, at the House of Lords in London (Neil Hall/PA)
Jimmy Carter, the United States longest-lived president, was never afraid of speaking his mind.

Forthright and fearless, the Nobel Prize winner took pot-shots at former prime minister Tony Blair and ex-US president George W Bush among others.

His death came after repeated bouts of illness in which images of the increasingly frail former president failed to erase memories of his fierce spirit.

Democrat James Earl Jimmy Carter Jr swept to power in 1977 with his Trust Me campaign helping to beat Republican president Gerald Ford.

Jimmy Carter with the Queen at a State Dinner at Buckingham Palace in 1977 (PA)

Serving as 39th US president from 1977 to 1981, he sought to make government competent and compassionate but was ousted by the unstoppable Hollywood appeal of a certain Ronald Reagan.

A skilled sportsman, Mr Carter left his home of Plains, Georgia, to join the US Navy, returning later to run his familys peanut business.

A stint in the Georgia senate lit the touchpaper on his political career and he rose to the top of the Democratic movement.

But he will also be remembered for a bizarre encounter with a deeply disgruntled opponent.

The president was enjoying a relaxing fishing trip near his home town in 1979 when his craft was attacked by a furious swamp rabbit which reportedly swam up to the boat hissing wildly.

The press had a field day, with one paper bearing the headline President Attacked By Rabbit.

Away from encounters with belligerent bunnies, Mr Carters willingness to address politically uncomfortable topics did not diminish with age.

He recently said that he would be willing to travel to North Korea for peace talks on behalf of US President Donald Trump.

He also famously mounted a ferocious and personal attack on Tony Blair over the Iraq war, weeks before the prime minister left office in June 2007.

Jimmy Carter founded the Carter Center, a global development NGO, in 1982 (John Stillwell/PA)

Mr Carter, who had already denounced George W Bushs presidency as the worst in history, used an interview on BBC radio to condemn Mr Blair for his tight relations with Mr Bush, particularly concerning the Iraq War.

Asked how he would characterise Mr Blairs relationship with Mr Bush, Mr Carter replied: Abominable. Loyal, blind, apparently subservient.

I think that the almost undeviating support by Great Britain for the ill-advised policies of President Bush in Iraq have been a major tragedy for the world.

Mr Carter was also voluble over the Rhodesia crisis, which was about to end during his presidency.

His support for Robert Mugabe at the time generated widespread criticism.

He was said to have ignored the warnings of many prominent Zimbabweans, black and white, about what sort of leader Mugabe would be.

This was seen by Mr Carters critics as deserving a prominent place among the outrages of the Carter years.

Mr Carter has since said he and his administration had spent more effort and worry on Rhodesia than on the Middle East.

He admitted he had supported two revolutionaries in Mugabe and Joshua Nkomo, and with hindsight said later that Mugabe had been a good leader gone bad, having at first been a very enlightened president.

Sean Edlin, seven, gets a handshake from Jimmy Carter as he leaves a service at Westminster Abbey (PA)

One US commentator wrote: History will not look kindly on those in the West who insisted on bringing the avowed Marxist Mugabe into the government.

In particular, the Jimmy Carter foreign policy bears some responsibility for the fate of a small African country with scant connection to American national interests.

In recent years Mr Carter developed a reputation as an international peace negotiator.

He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his commitment to finding peaceful solutions to international conflicts, his work with human rights and democracy initiatives, and his promotion of economic and social programmes.

Mr Carter was dispatched to North Korea in August 2008 to secure the release of US citizen Aijalon Mahli Gomes, who had been sentenced to eight years of hard labour after being found guilty of illegally entering North Korea. He successfully secured the release of Mr Gomes.

In 2010 he returned to the White House to greet President Barack Obama and discuss international affairs amid rising tensions on the Korean peninsula.

Proving politics runs in the family, in 2013 his grandson Jason, a state senator, announced his bid to become governor in Georgia, where his famous grandfather governed before becoming president. He eventually lost to incumbent Republican Nathan Deal.

Jimmy Carter (left), trout fishing with Western Mail fishing expert Moc Morgan on Clywedog Reservoir, near Llanidloes, in Wales in 1986 (PA)

Fears that Mr Carters health was deteriorating were sparked in 2015 when he cut short an election observation visit in Guyana because he was not feeling well.

It would have been Mr Carters 39th trip to personally observe an international election.

Three months later, on August 12, he revealed he had cancer which had been diagnosed after he underwent surgery to remove a small mass in his liver.

Mr Obama was among the well-wishers hoping for Mr Carters full recovery after it was confirmed the cancer had spread widely.

Melanoma had been found in his brain and liver, and Mr Carter underwent immunotherapy and radiation therapy, before announcing in March the following year that he no longer needed any treatment.

In 2017, Mr Carter was taken to hospital as a precaution, after he became dehydrated at a home-building project in Canada.

He was admitted to hospital on multiple occasions in 2019 having had a series of falls, suffering a brain bleed and a broken pelvis, as well as a stint to be treated for a urinary tract infection.

Mr Carter spent much of the coronavirus pandemic largely at his home in Georgia, and did not attend Joe Bidens presidential inauguration in 2021, but extended his best wishes.

Former first lady Rosalynn Carter, the closest adviser to Mr Carter during his term as US president, died in November 2023.

She had been living with dementia and suffering many months of declining health.

Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished, Mr Carter said in a statement following her death.

She gave me wise guidance and encouragement when I needed it. As long as Rosalynn was in the world, I always knew somebody loved and supported me.
'Ive had this girl examined by a doctor and she is pregnant. And you are the cause of it': The remarkable story of historic Irish case
Corrie actor hits out at festive offering on Afternoon Tea menu

The Coronation Street star  best known as Jim McDonald on the cobbles  has been outspoken about what can and cant be said in the modern era, with so-called cancel culture rife.
By Laman Ismayilova



Azerbaijan National Library has presented an exhibition titled "Honored Scientist, Professor Nizameddin Shamsizadeh".

The exhibition showcases the works of Professor Nizameddin Shamsizadeh, including publications for which he has served as the author of the "Preface," reviewer, scientific advisor, project leader, and editor, as well as articles published in periodicals, and literature in Azerbaijani and foreign languages about his life, activities, and creativity.

It is noted that Nizameddin Shamsizadeh was born on December 30, 1954, in the Ispik village of Guba. He graduated from the Philology Faculty of Azerbaijan State University in 1977, defended his candidate dissertation in 1982, and his doctoral dissertation in 1990.

His monographs include "Literary Process-78," "Literary Debates," "Azerbaijan Ideology," "Azerbaijani Literary Studies," "Turkish Thought Stream," "Gasping Laughter," "Ali Nazim," "Director's Destiny," "The Role of Criticism in the Literary Process," "Successor of the Great Generation," "Azerbaijanism," "Literary Process and Literary Generation," and "Overture to a Writer's Life," along with several books of short stories, poems, and essays, as well as more than 250 literary-critical, scientific-theoretical, and philosophical-journalistic articles. His "Selected Works" have been published in three volumes.

Professor Nizameddin Shamsizadeh is the author of the first book on our national ideologyAzerbaijanismand the fundamental textbook "Theory of Literature," which is currently taught in the country's higher education institutions. More than 80 scientific articles have been published about his creativity, as well as the monograph "Azerbaijani Scholar" by Professor S. Valiyev, and the books "Philosopher Critic" and "Nizameddin Shamsizadeh: Bibliography."

He is a laureate of the academician Y. Mammadaliyev Prize for his scientific services.

By the decree signed by the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, regarding the awarding of state prizes in the fields of science, culture, and literature for the year 2010, Nizameddin Shamsizadeh was awarded the State Prize in the field of literature for his book "Heydar Aliyev and Azerbaijani Literature."

In 2019, he was awarded the honorary title of Honored Scientist by the presidential decree, in connection with the 100th anniversary of Baku State University and for his services in the development of education and science in Azerbaijan.
Wong Kim Ark, the subject of a landmark 1898 U.S. Supreme Court case establishing birthright citizenship, pictured in a photograph dated 1904 that was included in documents from a federal immigration investigation. Courtesy of National Archives

In 1975, Norman Wong drove with his wife to Vancouver, British Columbia, in search of a grandfather he had never met.

Wong is of Japanese and Chinese descent. But whenever he asked his father about their Chinese ancestry, his dad wouldnt or couldnt say much. It brought tears to his eyes, recalled Wong, now 74. That was a history he didnt readily share.

Staying at an acquaintances home in Vancouver, Wong and his wife, Maureen, trawled libraries, searching for any trace of a man who his father last heard was in the city. But there was no record of him, Wong said. The newlyweds returned home to San Francisco, disappointed.

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It would take almost 15 years for both Wong and his father to learn the full story  that the S.F.-born Wong Kim Ark was the subject of a landmark 1898 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that established birthright citizenship for anyone born on American soil.

In 1895, Wong Kim Ark returned from a trip to China and was forced to remain on a steamship docked in the Port of San Francisco for four months because the U.S. government no longer recognized him as a citizen. Released on bail, Wong and his attorneys from the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association successfully argued his case to the nations highest court.

His fight has benefited hundreds of thousands of people  everybody who can say with certainty: Im born here, Im a U.S. citizen, said John Trasvina, a former U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement legal adviser and former dean of the University of San Francisco School of Law.

As President-elect Donald Trump vows to end birthright citizenship through executive action, 126 years after Wong was recognized as a U.S. citizen, the question of who counts as real Americans is again being put to the test.

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Norman Wong, right, and his wife Maureen Wong, left, stand in front of a wall of family photos at their Brentwood home on Dec. 18. Norman is descended from Wong Kim Ark, born in San Francisco but who was prevented from reentering the U.S. in 1895, sparking a civil rights case that would establish birthright citizenship a few years later. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle

Path to recognition

Wong was born at 751 Sacramento St. in San Francisco, in a bedroom above his fathers grocery. His year of birth was either 1873 or 1870, depending on records.

His parents returned to China in 1877, likely driven by a deadly three-day pogrom in which Irish rioters robbed Chinese-owned laundries, set Chinatown buildings on fire and killed four Chinese men, according to a 2021 article for the American Scholar by University of Virginia immigration law professor Amanda Frost, an expert on Wongs case.

Wong went with them, but returned to the U.S. at the age of 10 in the care of an uncle, eventually becoming a cook in Chinatown.

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In 1890, Wong visited China to get married. He was readmitted to the U.S. on the grounds that he was a citizen.

In 1894, he sailed again to Taishan, in the southeastern province of Guangdong, to see his wife and meet his first son, both of whom likely could not immigrate to the U.S. due to the exclusionary laws of the time. Before his departure, he obtained a notarized statement attesting to his American birth and his right to return to the U.S. after his trip.

But when he returned by steamship in 1895, he was prevented from entering under the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, which prohibited Chinese laborers from immigrating to the U.S.

The Solicitor General of the United States at the time, a former Confederate soldier named Holmes Conrad, decided to use Wong as a legal test case with the hope of overturning birthright citizenship, Frost told the Chronicle.

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By the late 19th century, the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association, also known as the Six Companies, was a force in civil disobedience and litigation. It kept attorney Thomas Riordan on retainer to contest anti-Chinese laws and practices.

They were like the NAACP before there was an NAACP, Frost said.

When the CCBA needed money for lawsuits, it would tax its members through an extensive community and business network of district associations that helped new immigrants, said David Lei, a Chinese Historical Society of America board member and San Francisco historian.

Lei described the CCBA as the GoFundMe of the 19th and 20th century.

In a pair of undated photos from Norman Wong, his father Wong Yook Jim, who later came to be known as James Y. Wong, as a boy and as an adult. Provided by Norman Wong In a pair of undated photos from Norman Wong, his father Wong Yook Jim, who later came to be known as James Y. Wong, as a boy and as an adult. Provided by Norman Wong

In 1891, Chinese immigrants were the only ethnicity allowed to seek judicial reviews of their denied admissions into the country, historian Lucy Salyer wrote in a book titled Laws as Harsh as Tigers. Northern California Chinese immigrants put that fact to use, Salyer wrote, and hired the best legal talent, paying an attorney $75 to $100 per immigration case, about $2,600 to $3,500 today.

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In 1892, the CCBA successfully convinced 85,000 Chinese immigrants across the U.S. to refuse to carry the identity cards that proved they were legally in the U.S., in violation of an 1892 federal law called the Geary Act, risking deportation. The CCBA raised funds to hire a team of lawyers to appeal a deportation order for three Chinese immigrants and, in so doing, challenge the Geary Act.

The Supreme Court upheld the act in 1893, but the CCBAs effort was not a total failure. Due to widespread noncompliance, lack of funding and pressure from the CCBA, the federal government stopped enforcing the identity card requirement, a 1995 paper by now-University of Michigan law professor Ellen Katz stated.

When Wong was barred from entering the U.S., Riordan, Maxwell Evarts and former U.S. Assistant Attorney General J. Hubley Ashton represented him, paid by the CCBA.

The Chinese never skimped on the best lawyer to protect Wong Kim Ark, all Chinese and all immigrants to redefine birthright citizenship or to define once and for all what it should be, Lei said.

Wong Yook Jim was either the son or grandson of Wong Kim Ark, a San Francisco-born man who was the subject of a landmark 1898 U.S. Supreme Court decision that established birthright citizenship. Yook Jim died in 2011 at the age of 98, according to his son, Norman. Provided by Norman Wong

Trumps planned salvo is not without precedent.

His campaign website states he plans to direct federal agencies to require at least one parent be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident for their children to become automatic U.S. citizens, a move that could be litigated up to the Supreme Court. Republican members of Congress have introduced unsuccessful legislation with similar goals in each of the past three decades.

Neither presidential nor congressional action can override constitutional rights  only constitutional amendments or a legal reinterpretation could.

Trasvina said that a lower court would be reluctant to overturn the more than century-old precedent set by the Wong Kim Ark case of recognizing constitutional birthright citizenship in the 14th Amendment. The Supreme Court, on the other hand, does not have to follow precedent to the same degree, he said.

They have to have a strong reason to upset precedent, but they can, said Trasvina, just as the courts conservative majority did in 2022 when it overturned Roe v. Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court decision affirming a constitutional right to abortion.

A poster of Asian American and Pacific Islander civil rights figures hangs on the wall of Norman Wongs Brentwood home. It features Wong Kim Ark, born in San Francisco and who successfully fought for birthright citizenship in 1898. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle

He fought back

Just as birthright citizenship is under fire today, in 1898, the Wong Kim Ark decision was similarly met with chagrin from some in American society, including the editorial board of the San Francisco Chronicle.

Here is a very broad generalization, which, it is to be feared, may apply to Indians as well as Chinese, the March 30, 1898, editorial stated. It concluded, So long as the state can protect its ballot box, it is safe from the more unpleasant features of Chinese and Indian citizenship, though it may become necessary for other reasons to amend the Federal Constitution and definitely limit citizenship to whites and blacks.

And Wongs immigration troubles were far from over.

Frost discovered and wrote in 2021 that in 1901, Wong was detained at the border in El Paso, Texas, on a trip back from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. Immigration officials disregarded his citizenship claim, barred him from entering the U.S. under the Chinese Exclusion Act and tried to deport him. It took four months for a judge to rule, again, that Wong was indeed a U.S. citizen.

Maureen Wong points out a Dorothea Lange photo of husband Norman Wongs grandparents and their children, published in the book Un-American: The Incarceration of Japanese Americans During World War II. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle

Meanwhile, Wongs eldest son, despite his best attempts, never made it into the country, Frost said. He was turned away at Angel Island and deported to China in 1911. Even though as the son of a U.S. citizen, he automatically should have been one, Frost said, immigration officials did not believe his claim to be Wongs son.

Wongs third son, Yook Jim, was luckier, Frost said. He came to the U.S. at age 11 in 1926 from China and was admitted after a three-week detention on Angel Island.

Yook Jim, who went on to serve in the U.S. Navy in World War II and came to be known as James Y. Wong, was Norman Wongs father.

Norman went on to advocate for Asian American studies as a UC Berkeley student in the late 1960s and early 70s, and became a carpenter, a father of two daughters and grandfather to three girls. Not until the 1980s did his father learn about Wong Kim Arks monumental role in American history, when a Sacramento Bee reporter came to his house. Yook Jim showed Norman the resulting article.

Norman has wondered whether his father might have actually been Wong Kim Arks grandson, even though Frost found documentation attesting that Yook Jim was Wong Kim Arks third true son. The doubt is a relic of the imperfect record-keeping and the immigrant ingenuity of the time: To circumvent discriminatory immigration laws, many Chinese immigrants were paper sons, fabricating ties to unrelated men to come to the U.S.

Even with those doubts, Norman says he has inherited something lasting.
Doctor who stabbed his mother to death with chisel freed from prison for Christmas

Hospital worker was jailed for minimum of eight years in 2017

'Dr Death' Declan O'Neill

Ciaran Barnes Sun 29 Dec 2024 at 08:00

Killer hospital doctor Declan ONeill has been temporarily freed from prison for Christmas as the authorities prepare him for his full release next year.
Editor's note: This article has been updated to include details of the truck recovery effort.

PITTSFIELD  The Pittsfield Fire Department warned residents to stay off icy bodies of water after a pickup truck plunged through Pontoosuc Lake on Saturday. On Sunday morning, the truck was removed from the lake.

According to Deputy Fire Chief Daniel Garner, firefighters arrived at Narragansett Avenue, near the Pittsfield/Lanesborough border, at approximately 4:17 p.m. to respond to the incident.

Four anglers were fishing about 40 to 60 feet from the lake when a 2023 Chevy 2500 pickup owned by one of them fell through the ice.

All four people self evacuated from the lake and there were no injuries.

EMS Automotive removed the vehicle from the lake with a tow truck. According to owner Evan Skubel, recovery efforts started at 5 p.m. Saturday, but stopped for the night at about 6 p.m. At about 7:30 a.m. Sunday, efforts continued and the vehicle was removed from the lake at about 11 a.m.

Three employees from the Pittsfield-based company and two fire department personnel were involved in the recovery. The truck was about 140 feet from the access road to the water, Skubel said.

The Lanesborough and Pittsfield police departments and Action Ambulance assisted in the response. The state Environmental Police and the Environmental Protection Agency were also notified of the incident.

The Pittsfield Fire Department recommends that civilians stay off all bodies of water at this time. On Saturday, temperatures hovered above 30 degrees, ahead of an expected warmup going into Monday, where the weather is predicted to exceed 50 degrees.

"It is not safe for foot traffic and especially not safe for motorized vehicles of any kind," a statement from the department reads. "We have not yet had a period of sustained freezing temperatures for a strong ice development."

According to the state Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, people should stay off of any ice that has a thickness of 2 inches or less. Ice fishing is safe to do so on foot when the ice is at least 4 inches thick, with 5 inches of thickness able to safely accommodate an ATV or snowmobile. Ice that is 8 to 12 inches thick can support a car or small pickup truck, whereas 12 to 15 inches is recommended for a medium truck.

"Fluctuating temperatures and flowing waters degrade ice conditions," the department warns. "When venturing onto ice, it should always be considered as potentially dangerous."

The Pittsfield Fire Department also cautioned residents to never go out on the ice alone.

The Department of Fisheries and Wildlife says that fishers should always tell someone about their plans, carry a cellphone, wear a life jacket and carry ice picks and rope. Further guidelines on ice safety can be found at tinyurl.com/2p8hb3mr.
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The United States attorney general attempted to block Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams from fundraising there in 1995, newly released records show.

Papers contained in the annual release of documents from the National Archives in Dublin show that Janet Reno, the attorney general at the time, wanted to stop Mr Adams from fundraising because of a belief the IRA was still trying to source weapons.

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Ms Reno had previously opposed then-US president Bill Clintons decision to grant visas to Mr Adams and the former IRA chief of staff Joe Cahill in January 1994, but her continuing opposition is revealed in the records.

At the time, Mr Adams was president of Sinn Fein which was regarded as the political wing of the IRA paramilitary group. Mr Adams has always denied being a member of the IRA.

Bill Clinton with John Major in 1994. Photo: Adam Butler/PA.

Months after the IRA declared a ceasefire in 1994, the chief legal adviser to the US president still did not want to grant the Sinn Fein leader a visa.

Mr Clinton overruled her by giving Mr Adams a three-month visa that included permission to raise funds for the party  provoking anger from UK prime minister John Major.

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In a letter dated February 1995 to Mr Clintons national security adviser Tony Lake, Ms Reno expressed frustration by the latest effort to modify restrictions that stopped Mr Adams raising money from Irish-American donors.

She said she had looked at the matter barely six weeks earlier in January and had then decided that the fundraising restriction should stay because conditions had not changed sufficiently.

No evidence has been brought to my attention (since) that suggests progress has been made towards the disarmament and demobilisation of the IRA, she told Mr Lake.

She added: In addition, I am aware of evidence that suggests that (the IRA) has continued to identify potential sources for arms procurement and to make inquiries concerning availability and terms of purchase.

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The State Department, the US Treasury and the US Department of Justice had recently intensified their efforts and public commitments to combatting international terrorism, she went on.

Ms Reno said these collective efforts could be undermined by removing the Adams visa restriction at this time.

In the interim, Sean O hUiginn, head of the Anglo-Irish division of Irelands Department of Foreign Affairs, met Mr Adams on February 7 1995.

Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams. Photo: Haydn West/PA.

A separate note contained in the files says that Mr Adams then expressed worries about his situation in the US, hoping that a renewed visa would waive restrictions on fundraising.

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According to the documents, he made the comments in a meeting where he also expressed concerns that political instability could lead to a return to violence.

The Sinn Fein leader applied for a visa that included fundraising permission on February 22nd, which Mr Clinton granted because of the progress he felt had been made.

We have made clear our expectation that all and any funds raised will be used for legitimate political party purposes which serve to reinforce Sinn Feins commitment to the peace process, a US note held in the Irish state papers shows.

However, Mr Clintons decision and a subsequent invitation for Mr Adams to visit the White House for St Patricks Day celebrations angered London, Mr Lake told Mr O hUiginn.

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Ireland 2024 in review: 12 charts and maps that tell the s... Read More

In a note to Dublin after spending an evening with Mr Lake at a Chieftains concert, Mr O hUiginn said the US security adviser had expressed strong surprise at the over-the-top British reaction, including Mr Major refusing to take a call from Mr Clinton.

Meeting with Ulster Unionists in Washington in February after the publication of the Anglo-Irish framework document agreed by Mr Major and then-taoiseach John Bruton, Mr Lake was also warned that crowds might take to the street in Northern Ireland.

 This article is based on documents in 2024/28/38 and 2024/28/10.
Azerbaijans president has said the Azerbaijani airliner that crashed in Kazakhstan last week was shot down by Russia, albeit unintentionally, and criticised Moscow for trying to hush up the issue for days.

We can say with complete clarity that the plane was shot down by Russia. We are not saying that it was done intentionally, but it was done, Ilham Aliyev told Azerbaijani state television.

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Mr Aliyev said the aircraft was hit by fire from the ground over Russia and rendered uncontrollable by electronic warfare.

He accused Russia of trying to hush up the issue for several days, saying he was upset and surprised by versions of events put forward by Russian officials.

Unfortunately, for the first three days we heard nothing from Russia except delirious versions, he said.

The crash near Aktau airport on Wednesday December 25 killed 38 of the 67 people on board.

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The Kremlin said air defence systems were firing near Grozny, the regional capital of the Russian republic of Chechnya, where the plane attempted to land, to deflect a Ukrainian drone strike.



Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev with Russian President Vladimir Putin at a meeting in Moscow in April (Gavriil Grigorov/Sputnik/Kremlin Pool/AP)

Mr Aliyev said Azerbaijan made three demands to Russia in connection with the crash.

First, the Russian side must apologise to Azerbaijan. Second, it must admit its guilt. Third, punish the guilty, bring them to criminal responsibility and pay compensation to the Azerbaijani state, the injured passengers and crew members, he said.

Mr Aliyev noted that the first demand was already fulfilled when Russian President Vladimir Putin apologised to him on Saturday. Mr Putin called the crash a tragic incident though stopped short of acknowledging Moscows responsibility.

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He said that an investigation into the crash was ongoing, and that the final version (of events) will be known after the black boxes are opened.

He noted that Azerbaijan was always in favour of a group of international experts investigating the crash, and had categorically refused Russias suggestion that the Interstate Aviation Committee, which oversees civil aviation in the Commonwealth of Independent States, investigate it.

It is no secret that this organisation consists mostly of Russian officials and is headed by Russian citizens. The factors of objectivity could not be fully ensured here, Mr Aliyev said.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Russian state media on Sunday that Mr Putin had spoken to Mr Aliyev over the phone again, but did not provide details of the conversation.

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The Kremlin also said a joint investigation by Russia, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan has begun at the crash site near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan. The plane was flying from Azerbaijans capital, Baku, to Grozny when it turned towards Kazakhstan, hundreds of miles across the Caspian Sea from its intended destination, and crashed while making an attempt to land.



Pilots carry a coffin during a funeral of the crew members of the Azerbaijan Airlines plane (AP)

Passengers and crew who survived the crash told Azerbaijani media that they heard loud noises on the aircraft as it was circling over Grozny.

World 179 confirmed dead after plane crashes off South K... Read More

Dmitry Yadrov, head of Russias civil aviation authority Rosaviatsia, said on Friday that as the plane was preparing to land in Grozny in deep fog, Ukrainian drones were targeting the city, prompting authorities to close the area to air traffic.

The crash is the second deadly civil aviation accident linked to fighting in Ukraine. Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 was downed with a Russian surface-to-air missile, killing all 298 people on board, as it flew over the area in eastern Ukraine controlled by Moscow-backed separatists in 2014.

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Russia has denied responsibility, but a Dutch court in 2022 convicted two Russians and a pro-Russia Ukrainian man for their role in downing the plane with an air defence system brought into Ukraine from a Russian military base.
Croatias incumbent President Zoran Milanovic won most of the votes in the first round of a presidential election on Sunday but must face a runoff against a ruling party candidate to secure another five-year term.

With nearly all of the votes counted, left-leaning Mr Milanovic won 49% while his main challenger Dragan Primorac, a candidate of the ruling conservative HDZ party, trailed far behind with 19%.

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Pre-election polls had predicted that the two would face off in the second round on January 12, as none of the eight presidential election contenders were projected to get more than 50% of the vote.

Mr Milanovic thanked his supporters but warned that this was just a first run.

Lets not be triumphant, lets be realistic, firmly on the ground, he said. We must fight all over again. Its not over till its over.

Mr Milanovic, the most popular politician in Croatia, has served as prime minister in the past.

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Croatian Democratic Union candidate Dragan Primorac casts his vote at a polling station in Zagreb (Darko Bandic/AP)

Populist in style, the 58-year-old has been a fierce critic of current Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic and continuous sparring between the two has been a recent hallmark of Croatias political scene.

Mr Plenkovic has sought to portray the vote as one about Croatias future in the EU and Nato. He has labelled Mr Milanovic pro-Russian and a threat to Croatias international standing.

The difference between him (Mr Primorac) and Milanovic is quite simple: Milanovic is leading us East, Primorac is leading us West, he said.

Though the presidency is largely ceremonial in Croatia, an elected president holds political authority and acts as the supreme commander of the military.

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Mr Milanovic has criticised the Nato and European Union support for Ukraine and has often insisted that Croatia should not take sides. He has said Croatia should stay away from global disputes, thought it is a member of both Nato and the EU.



A member of the election commission sets the coat of arms at a polling station in Zagreb (Darko Bandic/AP)

Mr Milanovic has also blocked Croatias participation in a Nato-led training mission for Ukraine, declaring that no Croatian soldier will take part in somebody elses war.

His main rival in the election, Mr Primorac, has stated that Croatias place is in the West, not the East. However, his bid for the presidency has been marred by a high-level corruption case that landed Croatias health minister in jail last month and which featured prominently in pre-election debates.

Trailing a distant third in the pre-election polls is Marija Selak Raspudic, a conservative independent candidate. She has focused her election campaign on the economic troubles of ordinary citizens, corruption and issues such as population decline in the country of some 3.8 million.

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Sundays presidential election is Croatias third vote this year, following a snap parliamentary election in April and the European Parliament balloting in June.
Jimmy Carters ascent to the White House was something few people could have predicted when he was governor of the US state of Georgia.

It was no different for Jimmy Carter in the early 1970s.

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It took meeting several presidential candidates and then encouragement from an esteemed elder statesman before the young governor, who had never met a president himself, saw himself as something bigger.

He announced his White House bid on December 12 1974, amid fallout from the Vietnam War and the resignation of Richard Nixon.

Then he leveraged his unknown, and politically untainted, status to become the 39th president.

That whirlwind path has been a model, explicit and otherwise, for would-be contenders ever since.

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President Jimmy Carter (Archive/PA)

Jimmy Carters example absolutely created a 50-year window of people saying, Why not me? said Steve Schale, who worked on President Barack Obamas campaigns and is a long-time supporter of President Joe Biden.

Mr Carters journey to high office began in Plains, Georgia where he received end-of-life care decades after serving as president.

David Axelrod, who helped to engineer Mr Obamas four-year ascent from state senator to the Oval Office, said Mr Carters model is about more than how his grassroots strategy turned the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary into his springboard.

There was a moral stain on the country, and this was a guy of deep faith, Mr Axelrod said.

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He seemed like a fresh start, and I think he understood that he could offer something different that might be able to meet the moment.





Donna Brazile, who managed Democrat Al Gores 2000 presidential campaign, got her start on Mr Carters two national campaigns.

In 1976, it was just Jimmy Carters time, she said.

Of course, the seeds of his presidential run sprouted even before Mr Nixon won a second term and certainly before his resignation in August 1974.

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In Mr Carters telling, he did not run for governor in 1966, he lost, or in 1970 thinking about Washington.

Even when he announced his presidential bid, neither he nor those closest to him were completely confident.

President of what? his mother, Lillian, replied when he told her his plans.

But soon after he became governor in 1971, Mr Carters team envisioned him as a national player.

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They were encouraged in part by the May 31 Time magazine cover depicting Mr Carter alongside the headline Dixie Whistles a Different Tune.



President Jimmy Carter waves from the roof of his car along the parade route through Bardstown, Kentucky (Bob Daugherty/AP)

Inside, a flattering profile framed Mr Carter as a model New South governor.

In October 1971, Carter ally Dr Peter Bourne, an Atlanta physician who would become US drug tsar, sent his politician friend an unsolicited memo outlining how he could be elected president.

On October 17, a wider circle of advisers sat with Mr Carter at the Governors Mansion to discuss it.

Mr Carter, then 47, wore blue jeans and a T-shirt, according to biographer Jonathan Alter.

The team, including Mr Carters wife Rosalynn, who died aged 96 in November 2023, began considering the idea seriously.

We never used the word president, Mr Carter recalled upon his 90th birthday, but just referred to national office.

Mr Carter invited high-profile Democrats and Washington players who were running or considering running in 1972, to one-on-one meetings at the mansion.

He jumped at the chance to lead the Democratic National Committees national campaign that year.

The position allowed him to travel the country helping candidates up and down the ballot.

Along the way, he was among the Southern governors who angled to be George McGoverns running mate.

Mr Alter said Mr Carter was never seriously considered.

Still, Mr Carter got to know, among others, former vice president Hubert Humphrey and senators Henry Jackson of Washington, Eugene McCarthy of Maine and Mr McGovern of South Dakota, the eventual nominee who lost a landslide to Mr Nixon.

Mr Carter later explained he had previously defined the nations highest office by its occupants immortalised by monuments.

For the first time, Mr Carter told The New York Times, I started comparing my own experiences and knowledge of government with the candidates, not against the presidency and not against Thomas Jefferson and George Washington. It made it a whole lot easier.

Adviser Hamilton Jordan crafted a detailed campaign plan calling for matching Mr Carters outsider, good-government credentials to voters general disillusionment, even before Watergate.

But the team still spoke and wrote in code, as if the higher office were not obvious.

It was reported during his campaign that Mr Carter told family members around Christmas 1972 that he would run in 1976.



Jimmy Carters 1976 presidential campaign headquarters sits in quiet Plains, Georgia (Bill Barrow/PA)

Mr Carter later wrote in a memoir that a visit from former secretary of state Dean Rusk in early 1973 affirmed his leanings.

During another private confab in Atlanta, Mr Rusk told Mr Carter plainly: Governor, I think you should run for president in 1976.

That, Mr Carter wrote, removed our remaining doubts.

Mr Schale said the process is not always so involved.

These are intensely competitive people already, he said of governors, senators and others in high office.

If youre wired in that capacity, its hard to step away from it.

Jimmy Carter showed us that you can go from a no-name to president in the span of 18 or 24 months, said Jared Leopold, a top aide in Washington governor Jay Inslees unsuccessful bid for Democrats 2020 nomination.

For people deciding whether to get in, its a real inspiration, Mr Leopold continued, and thats a real success of American democracy.
Technology entrepreneur Elon Musk has caused uproar after backing Germanys far-right party in a major newspaper ahead of key parliamentary elections in the Western European country, leading to the resignation of the papers opinion editor in protest.

Germany is to vote in an early election on February 23 after Chancellor Olaf Scholzs three-party governing coalition collapsed last month in a dispute over how to revitalise the countrys stagnant economy.

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Mr Musks guest opinion piece for Welt am Sonntag  a sister publication of Politico owned by the Axel Springer Group  published in German over the weekend, was the second time this month that he has supported the Alternative for Germany, or AfD.

The Alternative for Germany (AfD) is the last spark of hope for this country, he wrote in his translated commentary.



German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier announces the decision to dissolve the Bundestag and schedule a new election for February 23 (Ebrahim Noroozi/AP)

He went on to say that the far-right party can lead the country into a future where economic prosperity, cultural integrity and technological innovation are not just wishes, but reality.

The Tesla Motors chief executive also wrote that his investment in Germany gives him the right to comment on the countrys condition.

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The AfD is polling strongly, but its candidate for the top job, Alice Weidel, has no realistic chance of becoming chancellor because other parties refuse to work with the far-right party.

Billionaire Mr Musk, an ally of US President-elect Donald Trump, challenged in his opinion piece the partys public image.

The portrayal of the AfD as right-wing extremist is clearly false, considering that Alice Weidel, the partys leader, has a same-sex partner from Sri Lanka! Does that sound like Hitler to you? Please!



Technology billionaire Elon Musk is an ally of US President-elect Donald Trump (Brandon Bell/Pool/AP)

Mr Musks commentary has led to a debate in German media over the boundaries of free speech, with the papers own opinion editor announcing her resignation, pointedly on Mr Musks social media platform, X.

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Eva Marie Kogel wrote: I always enjoyed leading the opinion section of WELT and WAMS. Today an article by Elon Musk appeared in Welt am Sonntag. I handed in my resignation yesterday after it went to print.

A critical article by the future editor-in-chief of the Welt group, Jan Philipp Burgard, accompanied Mr Musks opinion piece.

Musks diagnosis is correct, but his therapeutic approach, that only the AfD can save Germany, is fatally wrong, he wrote.

Responding to a request for comment from the German Press Agency, dpa, the current editor-in-chief of the Welt group, Ulf Poschardt, and Mr Burgard  who is due to take over on January 1  said in a joint statement that the discussion over Mr Musks piece was very insightful. Democracy and journalism thrive on freedom of expression.

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This will continue to determine the compass of the world in the future. We will develop Die Welt even more decisively as a forum for such debates, they wrote to dpa.
December 28, 2024: In 2023 the United States assured Ukraine that effective long-range missiles would be sent. At the same time U.S. government officials wanted to avoid attacks on major Russian cities like Moscow or St Petersburg that might trigger nuclear war with Russia. The Russian capital is about 800 kilometers from northern Ukraine. Its 1,100 kilometers to St. Petersburg on the Baltic Sea and 2,000 kilometers to the bases of the Russian Northern Fleet in Murmansk, near the Arctic Circle.

The longest range weapon the Americans have sent to Ukraine is the ATACMS, with a range of 300 kilometers. The U.S. has a longer range weapon that has been widely used by American forces since 1983, the Tomahawk cruise missile. Maximum range of this missile is 2,400 kilometers. This is currently one of most effective land attack and anti-ship weapons available to American and allied warships and can also be fired from land-based launchers.

The most recent improvement was announced in 2020 when the U.S. Navy introduced Tomahawk Block 5, the first new version since Block 4 in 2005. The block versions actually represent an accumulation of individual upgrades that have turned the current Tomahawk into a substantially different cruise missile than the previous block. The unique new features of Block 5 include being able to hit ship size targets at max range varying between 1,600 and 2,400 kilometers, depending on the model. Block 5 also uses a new warhead that has greater penetrating power against large warships and is more effective against all targets. There are also upgraded communication and navigation systems which are more resistant to jamming and other Electronic Warfare/ EW measures. All this means Block 5 communications are more difficult to detect as well as disrupt. The navigation system is better able to function even with heavy GPS jamming thanks to a more accurate, and unjammable Inertial Navigation System/INS.

Another notable feature is that Block 5 does not increase the price, which is still between a million and 1.5 million dollars, depending on features, per missile. Thats a lot cheaper than high-speed missiles that cost three or four times more, are heavier and have shorter range. The relatively low cost of the Tomahawk makes it effective for more missions, like attacking land targets or being used in large numbers. All Block 4 Tomahawks were upgraded to Block 5 and remaining Block 3s were retired because most were built in the 1990s and now not worth the expense of an upgrade and refurbishment.

Most Tomahawks in U.S. service are carried and fired from surface ship or nuclear submarine Vertical Launch System/VLS cells. There is also a torpedo-launched version which all British SSNs use. The Tomahawk has quietly become the primary offensive weapon for the American fleet.

The RGM-109 Tomahawk Land Attack Missile weighs 1.2 tons, is six meters long and has a range of up to 2,400 kilometers. It reaches its target at a speed of 600-900 kilometers an hour, flying at an altitude of 17-32 meters, and propelled by a jet engine generating only 273 kg of thrust. Accuracy is five meters. Tomahawk can be reprogrammed in flight to hit another target and carries a digital video camera to allow someone to check on prospective targets.

With Block 4 came the new Joint Multi-Effects Warhead System/JMEW warhead. This is a 450 kg (1,000 pound) warhead designed mainly for penetrating underground bunkers, but it will also provide excellent blast effect for less robust targets. Exact penetration was not revealed. JMEW uses laser terminal guidance, enabling it to hit within a few meters (ten feet) of its aiming point. JMEW can also hit moving targets, like ships.

The Tomahawk, when it showed up in 1983, was one of the first combat drones but it wasn't reusable. The Tomahawk has been a primary land attack weapon for surface ships and submarines since the 1990s. Over 6,000 have been manufactured so far. The U.S. Navy has fired over 2,300 in combat and over 600 for training and testing. The U.S. Navy currently has over 3,000 Tomahawks on its warships or in storage. Tomahawk is expected to remain in service until 2040, with older ones refurbished to extend their useful lives. That usually means batteries and electronics are replaced or upgraded, along with elderly mechanical components.

Block 0, 1 and 2 Tomahawks were introduced during the Cold War, which ended in 1991. Some Cold War versions of Tomahawk were optimized for ranges of up to 2,500 kilometers, or for use from aircraft carrying nuclear warheads. These were gone by the time Block 3 entered service in 1994. In between new blocks, there were often major upgrades. Block 4 got a big upgrade in 2012 with the addition of GPS and remote control in flight. The more recent upgrades have added improvements in the guidance system and defensive capabilities against electronic jamming. The need for these new features was seen in 2015 when the navy tested the current Block 4 Tomahawk to see if its new two-way communications capability could enable it to effectively hit moving targets. The Block 4 managed to do so, but not under combat conditions. That is, not with warships using defensive or electronic weapons to shoot down the incoming missile or mislead its guidance system. One navy test used a nearby aircraft which could also be a drone that was tracking the exact location of the target ship. That could also be done from a space satellite. A fully developed anti-ship capability for Tomahawk requires regular upgrades in the guidance system to make it capable of operating without constant two-way communications.

The U.S. Navy is aware of the fact that the Tomahawk is not the ideal anti-ship missile. Against modern defenses, anti-ship missiles have to move faster than a Tomahawk and be equipped with a better terminal guidance system. The speed problem cannot be fixed, but the Tomahawk could be equipped with a more capable terminal guidance system. That might be able to handle the tracking and targeting systems for gun and missile systems designed to knock down anti-ship missiles when they get close. In any event, Tomahawk Block 4 has a way to go before it is a competitive anti-ship missile against modern warships. But developing and testing upgrades will give Tomahawk a useful anti-ship capability while not being the most effective anti-ship missile out there.

There are apparently some novel proposals for using a radically new anti-ship warhead that turns Tomahawk into a two-stage missile with the warhead making the final attack at much higher speed. That increases the cost and weight of Tomahawk which has been a stable and reliable design with lots of combat experience. It was easier to tinker with the guidance system, warhead and range and come up with affordable new capabilities that work. One reason for the continued usefulness of Tomahawk is its ability to do more and more things reliably and affordably. Many new cruise missile designs can do high speed attack, but at great expense. Tomahawk can carry out a wide range of missions, many of them not requiring high-speed or a more elaborate terminal guidance system.

Because of these constant improvements and consistent reliability, American and allied warships continue to use Tomahawks in combat on a regular basis. The targets tend to be on land and not mobile. Most of these uses are publicized, but some are not. Several hundred Tomahawks were used in massed attacks against Libya in 2011, which demonstrated the effectiveness of Tomahawks in delivering major airstrikes on short notice, anywhere in the world without losing more expensive manned aircraft and exposing their pilots to getting shot down and captured. In 2024 Tomahawks were used against Houthi Yemen rebels who were firing on shipping moving north in the Red Sea to the Suez Canal.

Tomahawk is also an ideal weapon for a potential war in the Pacific against China. This would be a war featuring large distances between targets and Tomahawk can handle that, in addition to many other tasks. The fleet goes to sea with lots of Tomahawks and quantity is an asset as well as reliability and a track record of success.
For the past 14 years, Alex Vynokur, the co-founder of Betashares, has quietly built his company into one of the largest local providers of exchange-traded funds and one of the countrys fastest growing asset managers.

In 2024, Betashares attracted inflows of $16 billion, lifting its total funds under management to $46 billion. The focus for the past decade has very much been about building out the core ETF capability, explains Vynokur. We are now a steward of significant capital on behalf of more than 1 million Australian investors and over two-thirds of financial advisors.

Betashares now accounts for one-third of every dollar that goes into the Australian ETF industry, according to Vynokur, and is eyeing growth in Asia.

Alex Vynokur, the chief executive of Betashares. Credit: Louie Douvis

An ETF is a basket of securities that are pooled into one fund, which is traded on a stock exchange. An investor in an ETF doesnt own the securities, instead owning units in the ETF, while the ETF provider owns the shares or assets.
A new COVID-19 Omicron sub-variant has led to a sharp increase in cases across the holiday period in Queensland, with health experts urging Queenslanders to take care while visiting older relatives.

Queensland Health said the XEC strain, which arrived in Australia around October, comprised about 49 per cent of COVID-19 samples taken during the past two weeks.

Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Heidi Carroll said the state was in the middle of another COVID wave, with more than 250 people admitted to hospital daily  more than double the previous fortnight.

Queensland Health reported a 128 per cent increase in hospitalisations due to COVID-19 in a fortnight. Credit: Dan Peled

Almost one in five Queenslanders who reported contracting COVID-19 this year have been hospitalised, and there has been a sharp increase this month, Carroll said.
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 Melbournes west is Australias fastest-growing region. In a series, The Age examines what makes the west the place to be and whats holding it back. See all 7 stories . Pawan Kaur felt a growing sense of despair as each Uber driver accepted and then cancelled her booking from Rockbank train station to her home in Mount Atkinson. Her car was in for a service, and the last of three afternoon shuttle mini-buses operated by developer Stockland on Melbournes western edge had already departed. So, on a dark winter evening earlier this year, the single mother of two began the grim walk along what until recently were quiet country roads. Today, they are busy arterials feeding growing new suburbs in Melbournes west, but there are still no footpaths in sections. You have to walk on the gravel, through the grass. Its very unsafe because there are trucks and high-speed cars, Kaur recalls. She arrived home almost an hour later. I felt just like selling the house and moving out, she says. Mount Atkinson has sprouted out of dusty red farmland 23 kilometres north-west of the CBD in the past five years.

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Kaur moved in three years ago, and says it was one of the few places where she could afford a home for herself and her two sons, now aged 13 and 17. She was attracted by the developers vision for a shopping centre, schools and a railway station. Booming population Close to 10,000 people live there, and that is expected to grow to more than 17,000 by 2030, according to Melton City Council. But like in many parts of the growth belt across Melton and neighbouring Wyndham, residents are still waiting for basic services. In a series, The Age explores why Melbournes west has become the nations fastest-growing region. We examine what makes it the place to be and whats holding it back from its full potential. Kaurs sons have also had to brave the long walk from Rockbank station  where diesel V/Line trains stop en route to Ballarat  and a 45-minute trek from the nearest school bus stop.

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A school bus route will start operating in Mount Atkinson next year. The state government says it is working on plans for a public bus route, too. Instead, Kaur and her neighbours will continue to join the early morning convoy of residents driving to Rockbank station to snare a spot in its car park before it fills up about 7.15am and overflows onto surrounding roadsides. Three years ago, finding a park was easy at the station, getting a seat in the V/Line was easy, but now its a competition, Kaur says. In the outer west, families are drawn by the promise of affordable homes being built on greenfield sites. The population in Melton and Bacchus Marsh grew 22 per cent between 2019 and 2023  an extra 40,450 people. Neighbouring Wyndham grew 18 per cent  or by 50,000 people  over the same four years. And that growth is set to continue at a rapid pace. The Victorian governments housing targets, released this year, set a goal for the number of homes in Wyndham to more than double over the next 10 years, and almost triple in Melton.

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But the lack of public transport options is already forcing families to own multiple cars and spend hours driving on increasingly congested roads. Distance is a daily burden for people like Afroz Rifai. On a good day, it takes the 19-year-old engineering student an hour and 20 minutes to travel from Tarneit to Monash Universitys Clayton campus. But if his parents arent available to drive him 10 minutes to Hoppers Crossing station, he has to start his journey on the route 181 bus. He waits between 18 and 46 minutes for services, and travels for about 40 minutes. Afroz Rifai waits for a bus in Tarneit. Credit: Joe Armao That blows out the travel time to two hours  also involving two train trips and another bus ride  one way. Being exhausted by the constant travel can affect your relationship with family members and ... friends. Sometimes, I just have to fall asleep, Rifai says. Rifai cant shorten the 50-kilometre distance to his university campus, but he says the quality of life in his area would improve significantly if frequent and direct bus services connected neighbourhoods to train stations and shopping centres.

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John Stone, a senior lecturer in transport planning at the University of Melbourne, says the western suburbs  and particularly the outer growth areas  have poor public transport access, which forces people into expensive car ownership or cuts them off from employment, education and social opportunities. Loading The bus system is nowhere near keeping up with population growth, and its a system really designed for people who have no choice, no access to a car. It doesnt work as an alternative to car use because its so circuitous and slow and unreliable, he says. The state government foreshadowed the reshaping of the bus network into frequent, fast and direct services under the Bus Plan in 2021. Stones research has shown that rerouting the westerns suburbs bus system into a grid network running at 10-minute frequencies could triple the number of residents who could access activity centres within 30 minutes. The government says it has extended or added 200 bus routes statewide since 2021. That includes 60 extra services a week on the route 215 (Caroline Springs to Highpoint Shopping Centre) since late 2023.

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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 Monash vice chancellor Sharon Pickering, in the 11 months since she was appointed to lead Australias largest university, has spent a lot of time thinking about hate. Reflecting on a year when her university, along with so many others around Australia and in other liberal democracies, was engulfed by socially corrosive forces unleashed by the war in Gaza, Pickering says leaders in academia need to do more than take the heat out of campus conflicts. In an interview with this masthead, Pickering says the first challenge for universities is to get better at recognising hate when they see it, whether it is in the form of an anti-Zionist chant directed at Jewish students or the more subtle discrimination she has observed which makes Muslim students feel excluded from campus life. Monash University vice chancellor Sharon Pickering: We cant just rely on dialling things down. Credit: Eamon Gallagher She says it is the essential job of universities to interrogate and better understand the origins, manifestations and impacts of such hatreds, rather than merely suppress expressions of antisemitism and Islamophobia. We cant just rely on dialling things down, she says. You cant think about a conflict as simply public order management. You have actually got to think about what building peace looks like. You cant just deal with this as some kind of student conduct matter. Its not.

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This is deep conflict and disagreement. You have got to think about what we need to build that will start to unknot those big social, political and cultural problems. That means we have to find ways to better understand the prejudice and hate, and we need to find better ways of not just resolving that but creating conditions where you are not resorting to that. When we are dealing with prejudice, hate and conflict, you cant just turn it off in peoples lives, you cant say just leave it at the door. It is with this mission in mind that Monash University, named after one of our greatest Jewish Australians, John Monash, this year established a Campus Cohesion research program, led by David Slucki and Susan Carland, to study discrimination experienced by Jewish, Israeli, Muslim, Arab and Palestinian students and staff, and develop a practical guide to prevent and respond better to hate. Speaking at the formal launch of the program in November, Pickerings address to a room stacked with Labor MPs and representatives of Jewish and Islamic communities was noteworthy for the frankness with which she acknowledged the problem confronting her university. An Israeli supporter and Palestian supporter sit down to discuss the war in Gaza at the Monash University encampment in May. Credit: Justin McManus The pain and anguish affecting our staff and students since 7 October last year are the worst I have seen, and prejudice and hate have broken through their thin veil, she told them. Today, the sector is at a pivotal moment. University campuses around the world are at the fulcrum of so many issues for our society. These are issues that we dont walk away from. Facing them is part of our fundamental purpose  it is also our responsibility.

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In testimony this month to a federal parliamentary inquiry into antisemitism at universities, a hearing held days after arsonists torched the Adass Israel synagogue in Melbourne and a car in the heart of Sydneys Jewish community, Pickering said antisemitism was systemic in Australia. It is impossible we would have seen a synagogue burned and cars burned in the past week if it was not systemic. She also revealed that at the height of this years pro-Palestinian encampments, Monash had permanently banned seven non-students from the universitys campuses, temporarily suspended 20 people and initiated misconduct proceedings against 11 students who had crossed the line from causing offence to causing harm. Members of the Adass Israel synagogue after this months arsonist attack. Credit: Simon Schluter Pickerings administration provoked the ire of pro-Palestinian supporters when it judged that encampment protest signs declaring Zionists are not welcome harassed and vilified Jewish students. Pickering says while she will die in a ditch for academic freedom and freedom of speech, these freedoms are not unlimited. We are a place to challenge and be challenged, but it is not on anyones terms, she says. In a wide-ranging discussion, held against the backdrop of an ongoing war in the Middle East and a bloodless battle raging in Canberra over the number of international students enrolled at Australian universities, Pickering took aim at the populism that has infected our politics and the reduction of universities to whipping boys for both sides of politics. She bluntly describes the Albanese governments proposed cap on student numbers as some of the worst legislation we have seen and says the characterisation of Monash as elite is at odds with its central, sprawling campus located in a light industrial suburb and nearly 100,000 enrolled students.

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Loading Of those, 44,723 are international students, with the foreign intake skewed towards postgraduate and higher degree studies. The recruitment of these students, who have financial support and credentials to gain places in top-tier universities in other English-speaking countries, takes between 18 months and two years. It is entirely reasonable for a government to want to have a conversation and approach to think about long-term planning around international student numbers, Pickering says. That legislation was not that conversation. Provisions within in it and the powers it gave the minister were akin to provisions you might see in counter-terrorism legislation. They were unfettered powers to set limits. To do that to one of your largest industries and to do that to students is entirely unacceptable. Pickering makes the comparison with counter-terrorism laws advisedly. Prior to her career as a university administrator, she was an internationally recognised criminologist who specialised in the study of border crossings, migration and human trafficking. The debate about international students  a class of temporary migrants which both the Albanese government and Peter Dutton-led opposition have tied to public anxiety about population growth and housing shortages  will only intensify as Australia enters a federal election year next year. Pickering says the political distillation of international education to a zero-sum argument about migration is a symptom of a bigger trend in Australian public life. Pickering describes the proposed cap on international student numbers as some of the worst legislation she has seen. Credit: Eamon Gallagher

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Weve seen in recent years, here and abroad, that the axioms of politics no longer hold true, he said. A lot of modern polling is about having the flexibility and ability to look at things that have never happened before. In 2022, we correctly anticipated that Labor would win with less than a third of the primary vote, that they would pick up seats in Western Australia, that the Greens would win seats in Brisbane, and that Liberal heartland would be taken by the teals. This time around well be looking for things that go against the received wisdom, like the possibility of a first-term government being voted out, the Liberals winning seats in Victoria, the Greens losing seats, and independents being denied a second term.

The quarterly survey shows the Greens have kept their primary vote at 12 per cent nationally but have slipped from 13 per cent to 11 per cent in the key state of Queensland  where they want to hold the three seats they won from the major parties. Albanese took power in 2022 after Labor gained 52 per cent of the national vote in two-party terms, giving it 77 of the 151 seats in the House of Representatives. The House returns to 150 seats at the coming election, after changes to boundaries by the Australian Electoral Commission, and Labor currently holds 78 seats after winning the Aston byelection during this term. The quarterly Resolve analysis finds only slight changes in Queensland for the major parties compared to the election results, with Labor showing a slight fall in its primary vote from 27 to 26 per cent and the Coalition increasing from 40 to 41 per cent. The Liberal National Party lost the seat of Brisbane to the Greens after the partys primary vote tumbled from 48 to 38 per cent, and it lost the seat of Ryan to the Greens with a similar slump in core support. The quarterly analysis does not show a sufficiently strong rebound in LNP support, at this point, to regain those seats. The changes are more dramatic in Western Australia, where Labor hopes to hold the four seats it seized from the Liberals  Pearce, Hasluck, Swan and Tangney  and is also seeking the new electorate of Bullwinkel.

Labor has suffered a steep fall in its primary vote in Western Australia, down from 37 to 30 per cent since the election, and the federal Coalition has increased its support in the state from 35 to 37 per cent. Loading The findings for Western Australia show a slight improvement for Labor from the quarterly Resolve Political Monitor analysis for July to September, showing the party increased its primary vote from 29 to 30 per cent, but the gain to the Coalition has become more pronounced. A higher primary vote for the Coalition raises risks for independent MP Kate Chaney in the Perth seat of Curtin, where ABC election analyst Antony Green estimates she holds the electorate by a margin of 1.3 per cent in two-party terms. The threat to Labor appears greatest in Tangney, where former dolphin trainer Sam Lim holds the seat by a margin of 2.8 per cent in Greens latest election pendulum.

The changes in Victoria cement the gains for the Coalition over the course of this year and highlight the relative weakness of the government after it staged two big victories in the state during this term, holding Dunkley in a byelection in March and winning Aston from the Liberals in a byelection in April last year. Loading The fall in the Labor primary vote from 33 to 29 per cent since the election is a slight deterioration for the government on the previous quarterly Resolve survey, showing its core support was 30 per cent in Victoria from July to September. The strong gain for the Coalition in Victoria, up from 33 to 38 per cent, could be enough for it to reclaim Aston and win Chisholm and McEwen if replicated at the election. The shift toward the Liberals also presents a risk to the two teal independents in Victoria, given that Monique Ryan holds Kooyong by a margin of just 2.2 per cent and Zoe Daniel holds Goldstein by 3.3 per cent in the ABC election pendulum.
Heres another trend that will hit big in 2025, though its one that has long been embraced in certain cultures: fermented foods. These items are not only good for your health (boosting immunity, aiding weight loss and more), theyre also great for sustainability because they cut down on waste, plus theyre delicious. Try sauerkraut in Germany, and kimchi in Korea.

Natural wine

Natural wine is the hipster trend in Australia that just wont go away, despite  to begin with at least  the poor quality of local examples. In some parts of the world, however, theyve been doing this for thousands of years, and theres some great stuff out there. In 2025, head to the Jura region of France, anywhere in Georgia, or Friuli-Venezia Giulia in Italy to sample organic, wild-fermented, low-sulphur and low-filtration wines done right.

Crudo, Italy

If you have never seen kingfish crudo offered on an Australian restaurant menu, theres a good chance youve never been to an Australian restaurant. This dish is so insanely ubiquitous that its getting kind of embarrassing. Its also undeniably popular, so theres a fair chance people will want to travel to Italy next year and sample this raw-fish dish from the source.
Washington: Most Americans believe health insurance profits and coverage denials share responsibility for the killing of UnitedHealthcares CEO, although not as much as the person who pulled the trigger, according to a new poll.

In the survey from NORC at the University of Chicago, about eight in 10 US adults said the person who committed the killing has a great deal or a moderate amount of responsibility for the December 4 shooting of Brian Thompson.

Luigi Mangione is escorted from a Manhattan court after his arraignment on December 23. He has pleaded not guilty to murder and terror charges over Brian Thompsons death. Credit: AP

Despite that, some have cast Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old suspect charged with Thompsons murder, as a heroic figure in the aftermath of his arrest, which gave rise to an outpouring of grievances about insurance companies. Police say the words delay, deny and depose were scrawled on the ammunition investigators found at the scene, echoing a phrase commonly used to describe insurer tactics to avoid paying claims.

UnitedHealthcare has said Mangione was not a client.
West Palm Beach: President-elect Donald Trump entered the fray in a debate over immigration policy thats dividing his supporters, telling the New York Post he favours a visa program for highly skilled workers that Elon Musk has strongly defended.

Musk is among tech leaders stoking a social-media storm this week over how to bring top talent to the US  revealing friction between Trumps Silicon Valley supporters and anti-immigration sentiment that helps fuel his base.

Elon Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy and Donald Trump. Credit: Various

Ive always been in favour of the visas, Trump told the Post in a phone interview. Ive been a believer in H-1B. I have used it many times.

But Trump has in the past criticised the H-1B visas, calling them very bad and unfair for US workers.
By Cillian Sherlock, PA

The Irish Government took a dim view of several proposed candidates to lead key negotiations on North-South co-operation, according to newly unsealed documents from the National Archives in Dublin.

A briefing note from the Department of Foreign Affairs described some of the high-profile figures put forward by Unionists and the British Government as ineffective politicians, bad lawyers and, in one case, as having a bitchy temperament.

It came as Irish officials in June 1991 were making considerations of their own candidates, as well as individuals put forward by the UK government and Unionists, to chair Strand Two talks leading into the Good Friday Agreement.

Strand Two referred to the parts of the agreement which established North-South bodies and encouraged co-operation between the Republic and Northern Ireland.

Among nine names proposed by Unionists, the Irish side determined that George Thomas, Lord Tonypandy, is widely disliked at the House of Commons, where he had previously held the role as Speaker.

The briefing document says: He has a petulant and bitchy temperament and does not forgive slights, alleged or real.

Expanding on what the commentary describes as a large streak of sycophancy towards prime minister Margaret Thatcher, the author of the briefing says that a senior journalist described him as a kind of Welsh Uncle Tom.

Lord Havers (PA)

Lord Michael Havers, another candidate put forward by Unionists, is regarded with affection more than respect in British legal and political circles.

The former lord chancellor and ex-attorney general is noted as having a number of blemishes on his legal reputation.

In particular, the Irish side says that many feel he is a bad lawyer over his leadership of prosecution teams in the Guildford Four and the Maguire Seven cases  individuals wrongly convicted over bombings.

It says that Lord Havers lacks much of the pomposity associated with his profession in this country and adds: He is relaxed, urbane, good-humoured and (after a few drinks) frequently indiscreet.

Former lord chief justice of Northern Ireland, Robert Lowry, is said to have been held in deep suspicion over many years, having been associated, the briefing document alleges, with some of the worst excesses of legal practice including the admission of supergrass evidence.

Former home secretary and Northern Ireland secretary Merlyn Rees is noted as being warm and likeable, as well as having a wife of Irish origin.

However, the commentary on Mr Rees says that he is often muddle-headed and prone to offering usually wide of the mark advice to his successors.

In addition, much is noted on his unmistakable Unionist sympathies.

Sir Frederick Catherwood (PA)

Elsewhere, moderate Unionist Sir Fred Catherwood was noted as being acquainted with SDLP leader John Hume and DUP leader Ian Paisley.

However, notes in the margins say that he doesnt enjoy confidence of Hume.

The briefing document added: He comes across as a well-intentioned but somewhat naive individual whose political judgment and understanding leave much to be desired.

The Lord Colnbrook, former Northern Ireland secretary of state Humphrey Atkins, is noted as a Tory traditionalist in the Whitelaw/Carrington mould  though without the charisma of either.

More positively, the document says that he is regarded as a decent, honourable and self-sacrificing politician.

Lord Colnbrook was appointed as secretary of state having been regarded as a safe pair of hands by Margaret Thatcher, the document adds, but his credibility among nationalists was eroded during the Maze hunger strikes.

After an apparent delay in responding to the initial nine names put forward to the Unionist side, 10 additional nominees were put forward by then UUP leader Jim Molyneaux.

He cautioned that inclusion on the list did not mean the individuals were prepared or able to act.

These included Sir Philip Foreman, the former chairman of Short Brothers, who could not be countenanced by the Department because of a record of discrimination at that company at the time.

David Owen, former British foreign secretary, was seen to be very unlikely to be sympathetic and was further ruled out on personality grounds  the author saying he was widely known as arrogant, impatient and difficult to work with.

Elsewhere Gordon Beveridge, then pro-vice-chancellor of Queens University, is listed as being perceived as part of Unionist clique that has dominated Queens for many years.

While there are at least brief background blurbs for most of the list, the proposal of Conor Cruise OBrien, a former Irish minister known for pro-Unionist views, is noted simply as hardly a serious suggestion.

Dr Conor Cruise OBrien with his wife Maire Mhac an tSaoi (PA)

On a British list of candidates, Lord George Thomson of Monifieth was found to have had a position of moderate Unionism but further believed to be open to envisaging a solution to the Irish problem emerging within the broader European context.

The commentary on Sir Patrick Neill, then warden of All Souls College Oxford, said he was known sometimes to take somewhat quirky positions and to go a little over the top about subjects which he may not be totally familiar.

A source for the document also described him as being one of the great and the good within the constraints of being one of the major figures within the Establishment.

Former home secretary Lord Robert Carr was described by the Irish as a classic Heathman or Tory wet, while his work as a natural conciliator during the 1970 docks strike was also noted favourably.

On the other side of Tory divides, the Irish side noted that Lord Robert Blake, another possible candidate, had given sycophantic loyalty to Margaret Thatcher.

For Irelands part, several candidates were put on its shortlist including former deputy Labour leader Denis Healey (noted as being of Irish descent), and former Australian prime minister Gough Whitlam (noted as having a very benevolent interest in Ireland).

Reverend Ian Paisley (John Stillwell/PA)

The documents also suggest that high commissioner of Canada to the UK Roy McMurtry had been approached informally for the position but was ruled out by Mr Paisley as not acceptable.

This came after Mr McMurtry disclosed that he had said in a speech 15 years earlier that Mr Paisley was not a proper person to visit Canada.

This batch of Strand Two talks was ultimately chaired by former governor-general of Australia Sir Ninian Stephen, who was not among the candidates discussed in the document.

 This article is based on files in 2024/130/2.
Belarus Nukes

December 28, 2024: Belarus, which borders Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania and Latvia, was formerly part of the Soviet Union. When the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, Belarus was one the few fifteen successor states to ally itself with Russia. While many Belarussians dislike and distrust Russia, Belarussian leaders have been bribed or coerced by Russia to be pro-Russian. That means Russian special operations and espionage personnel can operate out of Belarus against neighboring countries. Russia has also stored tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus and regularly uses Belarus to move troops around. Some of these movements put Russian forces on the Ukrainian border.

All this activity causes all non-Russian nations bordering Belarus to carefully guard that border. Russian President Vladimir Putin has frequently mentioned that he wants to reassemble the Soviet Union. He first tried to absorb Ukraine into Russia. That has been an expensive failure but that hasnt persuaded Putin to back off on his desire t0 invade most of the nations bordering Belarus. The Belarussian leaders are willing to be part of a revived Soviet Union but most Belarussians are not.

Meanwhile Belarus has become a hive of scum and villainy for Ukraine and all the other nations in the region except for Russia, which plans, encourages and supports all the dirty deeds being attempted or carried out from bases in Belarus. While the Russian nukes stored there are meant to intimidate neighbors, the Russian saboteurs, spies and troublemakers are sometimes caught while scouting for targets of potential future sabotage efforts.
Fans of the Real Housewives franchise might get to see some new faces on a new show sooner than they think. While several installments of the beloved franchise are in various stages of production, rumors are swirling that the network is also planning something new. According to social media sleuths, a new state might be represented on Bravo very soon.

Andy Cohen tells fans to stay tuned for more The Real Housewives news

Earlier this month, Andy Cohen refused to say whether another Real Housewives series was in the works. Despite his non-committal answer during a Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen After Show, his words seem to suggest something could be brewing.

Andy Cohen | Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Images

At the very least, his stay tuned comment feels more positive than comments hes made about the possibility in the past. Cohen might be keeping a secret. Its possible he seems more optimistic now because a new series is already in the works. At the very least, rumors are swirling that the network is already working on The Real Housewives of Rhode Island.

Rumors suggest The Real Housewives of Rhode Island is in the works

Neither Bravo nor Andy Cohen have announced a new Real Housewives installment. Still, rumors are swirling that the network has assembled a cast for The Real Housewives of Rhode Island. WJAR, a local Rhode Island news outlet, reported on the rumor this week.

According to the media outlet, insiders claim Bravo has been speaking to prominent Rhode Island residents for two reality shows they plan to film in the state. One of those shows, reportedly, is a new installment of The Real Housewives. A Reddit user who claims to be connected to the production alleges Ashley Iaconetti, a member of Bachelor Nation, is in talks to appear. The user also claims Bravo has approached a Rhode Island resident who has a connection to Olivia Culpo.

The pausing of two installments could mean the timing is right

While we dont have official word on a new installment just yet, the timing feels right. After all, Bravo has always been dedicated to representing a variety of regions in the franchise. They have recently paused two installments, which could leave room for a new city to be represented.

The Real Housewives of Dubai | Bravo Media

Season 2 of The Real Housewives of Dubai wrapped in September, but there are no plans for another season of the show at the moment. The networks first attempt at an international city was rife with problems, and it seems probable that a third season wont be made. The network has also opted to pause The Real Housewives of New Jersey. Executives are trying to figure out the best path forward amid serious cast strife. News on the iconic installment wont come for many months, claims Cohen. The hole in programming does present an interesting opportunity for a new cast and a new city. For now, only time will tell.
December 29, 2024: In September Israel launched a record number of airstrikes against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. This was to disrupt and possibly destroy the ability of Hezbollah to fire rockets into northern Israel. For over a decade one Lebanese group or another has been firing rockets into Israel, where casualties were low because the Israelis moved air defense systems into the area. Bomb shelters were provided for the civilians and an attack alert system was established. This system eventually used cellphones to speed up notifying civilians that an attack was imminent and where to find the nearest shelter.

In 2024 Iran-backed Hezbollah was the main source of rocket fire into Israel. In response to that, Israel developed a complex plan to cripple or destroy Hezbollah as well as destroying as many rocket stockpiles as they could find.

In one day Israel carried out airstrikes that hit over 1,600 targets in southern Lebanon. In the past year Hezbollah had fired about 8,000 rockets and missiles into Israel. After the September air strikes, the number of Hezbollah rockets fired into Israel fell to a few random rockets launched every few days. Israeli air defenses destroy nearly all these rockets and missiles.

The Lebanese government reported that that day of Israeli airstrikes had killed 558 people, most of them civilians. The Israeli targets were known Hezbollah locations, which were deliberately placed in areas used by civilians. Hezbollah hoped that the use of human shields would dissuade Israeli attacks. That never works and Hezbollah declares the dead civilians as involuntary martyrs to the Hezbollah cause of destroying Israel.

The Israeli air strikes against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon were the most intensive in modern warfare. The attacks did a lot of property damage to Lebanon but killed far fewer civilians than a bombardment campaign of that magnitude was expected. The Lebanese and their government were pleased with the destruction of Hezbollah personnel and facilities in their midst. Israelis were accused of atrocities but Hezbollah, the major terrorist organization in southern Lebanon was close to gone.
Home News Travel: In Paris, Notre Dame is open but visiting may be a challenge

Like countless others worldwide, I was glued to the television earlier this month when Notre Dame Cathedral reopened with a half-state and half-religious ceremony.

In a reflection of the at times delicate 1905 political settlement that gave Frances government ownership of Notre Dame and other existing churches or cathedrals, the Dec. 7 ceremony was effectively co-presided over by French President Emmanuel Macron and the Most Rev. Laurent Ulrich, the archbishop of Paris.

Since that ceremony, which President-elect Donald J. Trump and numerous other dignitaries attended, more than 260,000 people have visited, according to a cathedral spokeswoman. She said that worked out to somewhere around 35,000 visitors each day.

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Arguably, the greatest feat in the restoration of this Gothic masterpiece from the 12th century is two-fold: the on-time completion and the restoration of the interior to how the cathedral would have looked after the restoration of the mid-19th century by Eugene Viollet-le-Duc and before the fire of April 15, 2019.

The fact that the French government and assorted stakeholders were able to complete the restoration within Macrons five-year deadline is remarkable, not least when you consider the scale of the planning, permits and procurement of contracts, to say nothing of the actual restoration of surviving elements and construction of replacements for what was damaged. There is even a nearly $150 million surplus that will be kept for future works, according to The Associated Press.

Contrast that with projects back in the United States, where a major highway or bridge project runs over budget and takes a decade or more to complete. Then again, the restoration of Notre Dame was Macrons pet project. Besieged by political woes, the cathedrals completion became a matter of prestige for the embattled president of the Fifth Republic.

My chance to visit came over Christmas, which I had long ago planned to spend in Paris.

The cathedral graciously granted me access to the usually off-limits loft perched high above the nave floor at the west end. The loft is where the 8,000-pipe organ, which is the largest in France, is located.

What struck me most was just how well everything was done. What could be restored  centuries-old stained-glass, the organ, side chapels, flying buttresses and so much more  was painstakingly restored. Other elements  like the soaring vault and timber roof  were rebuilt exactly as before. Then there are the limestone walls and pillars of the nave, which were carefully cleaned to remove smoke from the fire and the patina that had developed from all the burning candles and liturgical incense. The stones are so white that they look heavenly.

The one exception may be the new altar, which some critics compared to a salad bowl, the archbishops throne or cathedra and other liturgical furnishings. Modern in design, they are not copies of medieval Gothic or 19th century Gothic revival.

As impressive and old as Notre Dame is, it is not the oldest church in Paris. That distinction belongs to the Church of Saint-Germain-des-Pres. Its also arguably not even the most beautiful. Some might argue that point in favor of the Church of Saint-Etienne-du-Mont with its rare Renaissance rood screen.

And yet, Notre Dame is arguably the most important part of the City of Light. In the year before the 2019 fire, it was the most-visited place in all of France with 12 million visitors. There is something about it, even for visitors who arent in communion with the church of Rome. So much so that its hard to imagine what it would be like had the cathedral been razed and rebuilt in a hideous modern style.

Those wanting to visit should probably wait a while as access is at best challenging. Many Americans I spoke to called it chaotic, adding they could not get through long lines for two or three consecutive days.

While open daily, visits outside regularly scheduled Masses were restricted over Christmas. I imagine that will also be the case at Easter. In practice, restricting visitors to only services did nothing to shorten lines or facilitate access for the Roman Catholic faithful. It seemed like most secular visitors hoping to get inside shifted to the line for churchgoers. That is obviously problematic because many of those who genuinely sought to make their confession and receive the sacrament of holy communion were denied entry as secular visitors filled seats.

Countless other notable churches and cathedrals have figured out a more efficient and effective system to manage religious and secular visitors. There must be a better way than Notre Dames current approach, which can make the faithful who get inside seem like the equivalent of animals at a zoo. The sacredness of the Roman Catholic Mass  or the rites of any church  should never be seen as some kind of cultural arts performance for tourists.

While Notre Dames interior is finished, the exterior is still partially covered in scaffolding. A large construction crane sits well high above the fleche  the copper rooster-topped spire replicating Viollet-le-Ducs 1859 spire. His spire was erected after the original from the 13th century was dismantled in the 18th century. It will be a few more years before the exterior works are finished.

If you go

Dedicated to the Virgin Mary  a widespread dedication for Frances cathedrals  the formal French name, the Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Paris, translates into English as the Cathedral of Our Lady of Paris. Opening hours are 7:45 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday (with Thursday hours extended until 10 p.m.) and 8:15 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Visitors can reserve a time slot in advance, though the online scheduling system is regularly overloaded. Significantly, no admission is charged.

Additional visiting information can be found on the official Notre Dame website.

Dennis Lennox writes a travel column for The Christian Post.
Home News 14 Christians, including 1-year-old girl, killed after Christmas carol service in Nigeria

At least 14 Christians, including a 1-year-old girl and a pregnant woman, were killed in Plateau state, Nigeria, following a Christmas carol service. The attack is the latest in a series of attacks against the Irigwe tribe in the north-central region of the country.

The attack occurred last Sunday, about 22 miles from Jos, Plateau state, against the Evangelical Church Winning All, according to the U.S.-based persecution watchdog International Christian Concern.

The community surrounding the church is home to about 1,000 Christians. Local leader Wuna Gado was quoted as saying that he had alerted military personnel at a nearby checkpoint about unusual activities but felt his warnings were dismissed.

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The attack resulted in the loss of entire families and a mass burial was held, ICC said.

Among the victims were 1-year-old Sheba Ernest and her mother, Mary Stephen.

The Irigwe people, a predominantly Christian group, have faced ongoing adversity, including violence and displacement by Fulani militias, with more than 2,000 Christians killed since 2016.

The latest assault adds to a history of attacks that often coincide with significant Christian celebrations, ICC noted.

Between 2019 and 2023, more than 16,000 Christians were killed in Nigeria, according to data collected by the Observatory for Religious Freedom in Africa, which previously shared a report carrying the data with The Christian Post. The group documented 55,910 fatalities from 9,970 attacks across Nigeria, including both civilians and combatants. Of those killed, 30,880 were civilians. Christian victims totaled 16,769, outnumbering the 6,235 Muslim fatalities, with a ratio of 6.5 Christian deaths to every Muslim death.

Radicalized Muslim Fulani herdsmen were responsible for 55% of the Christian deaths.

The report stated that misleading euphemisms, such as armed herdsmen and cattle grazers, are used to describe continuous waves of invasion, torture and killing in rural communities. Descriptions of attacks as ethnic clashes, farmer-herder clashes, or retaliatory attacks are seriously misleading.

The report also warned that the term bandits is often used to describe militias that carry out mass kidnappings and enforce serfdom on communities, adding that a policy of concealing the religious identity of victims is distorting the reality of the situation.

The Rev. Gideon Para-Mallam, an observatory partner and analyst, said in a statement: Fulani Ethnic Militia are targeting Christian populations, while Muslims also suffer severely at their hands.

Frans Vierhout, senior analyst at the observatory, added: Millions of people are left undefended. For years, weve heard of calls for help being ignored, as terrorists attack vulnerable communities. Now the data tells its own story.

The Nigerian government should wake up to its responsibility of securing the lives and properties of Nigerians. Impunity has allowed targeted attacks against innocent people to continue unabatedly, the report concluded.
Home News This week in Christian history: Thomas Becket murdered, Church of Ireland disestablished

Throughout the extensive history of the Church, there have been numerous events of lasting significance.

Each week marks anniversaries of impressive milestones, unforgettable tragedies, amazing triumphs, memorable births and notable deaths.

Some of the events, drawn from over 2,000 years of history, might be familiar, while others might be unknown to many.

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The following pages highlight anniversaries of memorable events that occurred this week in Christian history. They include the murder of St. Thomas a Becket, Pope Pius XI reaffirming the Catholic Church's opposition to abortion, and the disestablishment of the Church of Ireland.
Home News Jimmy Carter Condemns Sex-Selective Abortion, Killing at Birth of 160 Million Girls, in Liberty U Address

Former President Jimmy Carter, who said he is still an evangelical, called on all Christians to come together in his Liberty University commencement address Saturday in Virginia. He also identified the killings and abortions of 160 million girls around the world today as one of the greatest injustices facing humanity.

Carter, the 39th President, jumped through various talking points in his address at the major Christian university, and focused some of the most pressing human rights issues in the world today that he said Christians should be involved in.

He spoke of countries like China and others where male infants are greatly preferred over females due to economic opportunities, and noted that 160 million girls are not alive today because their parents "either kill their daughters by strangling them at birth," or they decide to abort them when finding out that the fetus is female.

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Carter also condemned human trafficking and sexual assault, which he pointed out is a devastating problem in several South East Asia nations. At the same time, he noted that in the U.S. military itself, which he called "one of the finest organizations on earth," 16,000 cases of sexual abuse are reported every year.

As an evangelical and Southern Baptist who still teaches Sunday school, he urged Christians from all denominations to come together and focus on the things that unite them, rather than drive them apart.

"Baptists ought to come together as friends and not be alienated one from another," the former president urged.

Carter continued:

"One of the things we have to learn is how to get along, to do good for one another ... in other words, just following the mandates of the Prince of Peace. ... We don't need enemies to fight, nor do we need 'inferior' people whom we can dominate."

Quoting Galatians 3:28 in the Bible, he added: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither male nor female, there is neither slave nor master, for ye are all one, all one, in Christ Jesus."

He also urged the graduating class to use their education to spread Christ's message and to make the world a better place.

"We decide whether we tell the truth or benefit from telling lies. We're the ones who decide, do I hate or am I filled with love? We're the ones who decide, do I only think about myself, or do I care for others? We ourselves make these decisions and no one else. There are no limits to our ambition," the 93-year-old politician said.

Carter has denounced sex-selective abortions in the past as well. Back in a 2014 interview with late night host David Letterman, he said that the infanticide of female babies was the "worst human rights abuse on earth."

"Many people are missing and they're all girls who are missing," he warned at the time.

In a 2015 interview with The New York Times, Carter admitted that abortion was the "only conflict" he's had between his political duties and Christian faith.

"I have never believed that Jesus would be in favor of abortion, unless it was the result of rape or incest, or the mother's life was in danger. That's been the only conflict I've had in my career between political duties and Christian faith," he revealed at the time.

Liberty President Jerry Falwell Jr. previously explained in a statement why he decided to invite Carter to deliver the commencement speech:

"While Christians may disagree about what role government should play in serving those in need, the Liberty University community along with all Christians worldwide are united in the belief that we, as individuals, should provide food and shelter to the poor.

"President Carter, both during his time in office and since, has followed the teachings of Christ by serving the poor and loving his neighbors. I am thrilled that he will be sharing the story of his life of faith in action to our graduates and their families," Falwell Jr. added.
Home News Jimmy Carter has brain surgery days after telling Sunday school hes at ease with death

Days after telling his church he was at ease with death during a Sunday school lesson, former President Jimmy Carter successfully underwent brain surgery Tuesday to relieve pressure on his brain stemming from three separate falls in recent months.

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter is recovering at Emory University Hospital following surgery this morning to relieve pressure on his brain from a subdural hematoma. There are no complications from the surgery, the Carter Center said in a statement Tuesday morning.

Despite the success of the surgery, the Carter Center explained that Americas oldest living president is expected to remain in the hospital for observation.

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President Carter will remain in the hospital as long as advisable for observation. We do not anticipate any further statements until he is released from the hospital. President and Mrs. Carter thank everyone for the many well-wishes they have received, the statement ended.

Carter was hospitalized for the third time late last month after a fall left him with a minor pelvic fracture.

He also bumped his head in another fall as he got dressed for church on Oct. 6, but was back to doing charity work at Habitat for Humanity only hours after being treated at a hospital. Months before that in May, Carter broke his hip during another fall at his home ahead of a turkey hunting trip. He was released days later and said he would teach Sunday school that weekend at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia, where he and his wife, Rosalynn, are longtime members.

Earlier this month during a Sunday school service near his home, Carter, who is Americas 39th president, revealed he is "at ease with death," CNN reported.

He explained that he got to this point after doctors told him in 2015 that his cancer had spread to his brain.

"I assumed, naturally, that I was going to die very quickly," Carter said at his church. "I obviously prayed about it. I didn't ask God to let me live, but I asked God to give me a proper attitude toward death. And I found that I was absolutely and completely at ease with death."

He added: "It didn't really matter to me whether I died or lived. Except I was going to miss my family, and miss the work at the Carter Center, and miss teaching your Sunday school service sometimes and so forth. All those delightful things."

In addition to being the oldest living former president, Carter, 95, and his wife recently copped the record for the longest married presidential couple from the late George Bush and his late wife, Barbara, both of whom died in 2018.

Its hard to live until youre 95 years old, Carter told People magazine last month about aging. I think the best explanation for that is to marry the best spouse: someone who will take care of you and engage and do things to challenge you and keep you alive and interested in life.
Home News Maranatha Baptist Church prays for Jimmy Carter as former president enters hospice care

Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia, offered prayers for former President Jimmy Carter during their service on Sunday morning after it was announced that their most famous member and Sunday School teacher had started hospice care.

Lord, wed be amiss this morning if we did not lift President Carter to you, a church member said in a prayer from the pulpit. Lord, we pray that you be with his family (and) those around him. And God, we thank you for his service to this nation.

On Saturday, both the church, where Carter, 98, taught Sunday School for decades and The Carter Center announced that the former president would stop further medical intervention and enter into hospice care.

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After a series of short hospital stays, former President Jimmy Carter today decided to spend his remaining time at home with his family and receive hospice care instead of additional medical intervention, a statement shared by the church and The Carter Center noted.

Since that time, there has been a national outpouring of praise and prayerful support for Carter, who famously kept teaching his Sunday School class at Maranatha Baptist Church after he was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2015.

To our friends Jimmy and Rosalynn and to their family  Jill and I are with you in prayer and send you our love, wrote President Joe Biden about his longtime friend in a statement on Twitter. We admire you for the strength and humility you have shown in difficult times. May you continue your journey with grace and dignity, and God grant you peace.

Bernice King, CEO of The King Center in Atlanta and daughter of Martin Luther King Jr., praised Carter for his compassion for all people.

The King Center staff and I join the nation in prayer for our former governor, state senator, and our nation's 39th President, Jimmy Carter. I consider him a friend as did my mother, Mrs. Coretta Scott King and my grandfather Dr. Martin Luther King Sr., she wrote on Twitter Sunday.

Former President Carter's love and compassion for all people set him apart as a leader, servant, and simply a great man striving to achieve a Beloved Community, she added. We are praying that you feel God's grace, mercy, and love as well as the love of your family, The King Center, and the world that you have so graciously served.

Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Georgia, who also leads the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, praised Carter as a man of great faith.

Across lifes seasons, President Jimmy Carter, a man of great faith, has walked with God. In this tender time of transitioning, God is surely walking with him, Warnock tweeted. May he, Rosalynn & the entire Carter family be comforted with that peace and surrounded by our love & prayers.

As the messages of support continued to pour in The Carter Center directed his admirers to share their messages of peace & comfort on a special page on the Carter Centers website.



We really appreciate all the kind words weve received from President Carters admirers, the organization said.

Carter, who is the oldest living former president, endured a series of surgeries in 2019, after suffering multiple falls.

That year, he revealed that he was absolutely and completely at ease with death after his brain cancer diagnosis in 2015.

I assumed, naturally, that I was going to die very quickly, Carter told his church.

I obviously prayed about it. I didnt ask God to let me live, but I asked God to give me a proper attitude toward death. And I found that I was absolutely and completely at ease with death, he explained.

It didnt really matter to me whether I died or lived, he added. Except I was going to miss my family, and miss the work at the Carter Center and miss teaching your Sunday School service sometimes and so forth. All those delightful things.
At least 177 people were killed in the crash. (Photo: YouTube)

Church leaders in South Korea have expressed their condolences after a plane crash in the south west of the country killed at least 177 people.

Jeju Air flight 7C2216 from Bangkok, Thailand, crashed at Muan International Airport as it attempted to land shortly after 09:00 local time (00:00 GMT). Footage of the Boeing 737-800 appeared to show the plane skidding along the runway before hitting a wall and bursting into flames.

The plane was carrying 181 people. Most of the passengers on board are believed to have been South Koreans, with the exception of two Thai nationals. Two survivors - both crew members - were pulled from the wreckage and have been taken to hospital.

The National Council of Churches in Korea, Chairman Rev Kim Jong-hyeok, has sent a message of condolences to the families of the victims and survivors, and asked people to join him in praying for those affected.

"We pray for God's great comfort for the bereaved families and the injured who have suffered great sorrow due to this accident," he said.

"We urge churches across the country to pray together and the government and relevant officials to quickly handle the accident and come up with measures to prevent a recurrence."

UK foreign secretary David Lammy said in a statement that he that he was "deeply saddened" by the news.

In a post on social media platform X, he said: "My heartfelt condolences go out to the people of South Korea and Thailand, and all those that have lost loved ones."

In a statement, Boeing said: "We are in contact with Jeju Air regarding flight 2216 and stand ready to support them. We extend our deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones, and our thoughts remain with the passengers and crew."

Jeju Air said in a statement: "We deeply apologize to all those affected by the incident. We will make every effort to resolve the situation. We sincerely regret the distress caused."
Dubbed the "godfather of AI," Professor Geoffrey Hinton has changed his projection on the potential for artificial intelligence to become humanity's causative destructive end.

Talking on BBC Radio 4's Today program, he says his former estimate of a 10% chance of AI wiping out humanity has increased to as high as 20%.

The Scary Forecast About AI Takeover

According to The Guardian, when asked if his stance had changed since earlier comments, Hinton replied, "Not really, 10 to 20 [percent]." The program host noted the alarming shift, highlighting the increased odds.

Hinton, later, made an analogy. He pictured that there are only a few examples of a "less intelligent thing" controlling a more intelligent entity. He exemplified a mother and a baby.

Referring to humanity's position in this equation, Hinton told the listeners to imagine themselves and a three-year-old. He said that all of us will be three-year-olds by that time.

A History of Concerned Advocacy

Hinton has long been a vocal critic of uncontrolled AI development. Earlier this year, he resigned from his position at Google to freely express his concerns.

The idea that this stuff could actually get smarter than people  a few people believed that," Hinton said after he announced his resignation.

The Godfather of AI said that most people thought that the transition was way off. He added that it could happen 30 to 50 years from now or even longer.

Hinton on OpenAI's Safety Debacle

Hinton also addressed the internal struggles at OpenAI, notably the recent ousting of CEO Sam Altman. He praised his former student, Ilya Sutskever, one of the figures behind the boardroom coup.

"I am particularly proud of the fact that one of my students fired Sam Altman," Hinton said in October 2024, declining to say more.

He later explained Sutskever's reasons, insisting on the need for AI safety. According to the 2024 Nobel Prize awardee, OpenAI was set up with a big focus on safety. However, over time, it appeared that Altman only cared about profits and not safety, stating that it was a very "unfortunate" scenario.

A Call for Caution

Just by looking at the stature and experience of Hinton, his warnings are an alarm call to tech leaders and lawmakers alike. Considering that AI is changing rapidly, his revised odds underline how urgent it is to implement stringent controls and ethical guidelines to safeguard the future of humanity.

Last week, Tech Times reported that China's AI ambitions are slowly coming to life. Compared to their US counterparts, Chinese open-source models are rapidly progressing, making them a good if not better alternative to their competitors.

With the emergence of large language models or LLMs, local tech giants like Alibaba and DeepSeek are taking advantage of the data sets used in making chatbots or any AI-related creations.

In the long run, China sees this as its advantage over other nations. This way, the country also effectively addresses the controversial US chip ban, proving that it's not the end of the world even if it happens. In fact, it's only the beginningof the ongoing AI chip war.
DUBLIN, Ohio -- The war in Ukraine has been catastrophic, costly, wretched and tragic. However, the unique U.S. position as a Ukrainian benefactor has proven exceptionally beneficial for our geostrategic and domestic interests, strengthening and expanding the U.S. economy, improving our national security and military forces, reaffirming Americas place on the world stage, and crippling Russias military strength. Our aid has not been a waste, but rather, an important tool in furthering our national interests.

What critics and the media unfortunately either overlook or mischaracterize in their monetary criticism is the form of this aid. The United States has not shipped thousands of pallets of Benjamins to Volodymyr Zelenskys doorstep; rather, we have provided billions worth of U.S.-designed and U.S.-manufactured military equipment to Ukraine.

As per an analysis by Jeffrey Sonnenfeld of Yale University, aid to Ukraine has created more than 100 new manufacturing facilities and thousands of jobs across America. And, according to a report by Chris Park of the Center for Strategic & International Studies, almost 90% of the aid pays for American businesses and workers to manufacture weapons in over 70 cities. By providing military aid to Ukraine, we bolster our own economy and create stable, well-paying jobs.

Our assistance also benefits national security at home. The majority of military aid is in the form of antiquated weapons systems that have improved, modernized versions. For instance, due to their propulsion systems, all missiles are perishable and generally have a shelf life of around 10 years, which means -- whether the United States has used a missile or not -- we must replace billions of dollars worth with new ones, and also pay to destroy the old ones. It is better to allow Ukraine to fire these missiles at Russian invaders than to destroy these soon-to-expire missiles at a financial cost to America.

An analysis by columnist Marc A. Thiessen of The Washington Post succinctly summarizes this concept, explaining last April that we are sending older versions of  weapons to Kyiv and ... replacing them with more advanced versions -- thus using Ukraine aid money to modernize our military  restarting production lines  that would otherwise have remained dormant.

The war has enabled America to reposition itself on the world stage, cementing ourselves as the leader of the free world, supporting and protecting democracies, and communicating an unshakeable message to both our allies and our adversaries: The United States will not back down in the face of our enemies. Losing unimaginable amounts of weaponry, diplomatic leverage, and economic strength, our involvement in the war has decimated Russia strategically, for an incredibly low cost, relative to the advantages gained from it. Russia has lost half their military might since the war began -- but America has only benefited.

We are the leader of the free world, and must pursue peace, yet we are inextricably tied to our allies around the globe, through which we derive our prosperity, economically and militarily. Thus, to achieve peace and prosperity at home, we must pursue it abroad by making strategic decisions such as supporting Ukraine. U.S. support to Ukraine is not a charity, but, rather, it is a strategically beneficial decision furthering our national interests. Our security assistance epitomizes the concept of peace through strength, as we meet our strategic and moral imperative to assist in the defense of democracies abroad, ultimately benefiting our own global and domestic priorities.

Jack Pandey is an Ohio high-school policy debater, who has competed in dozens of debates regarding international defense cooperation.

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Elon Musk departs the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill where President-elect Donald Trump spoke to House Republicans on November 13, 2024 in Washington, DC.

U.S. billionaire Elon Musk drew criticism from German politicians from the government and opposition on Sunday for an opinion piece he wrote backing the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) which they deemed "intrusive" outside influence.

The support of the AfD from Musk, who is set to serve U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's administration as an outside adviser, comes as Germans are set to vote on Feb. 23 after a coalition government led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz collapsed.

The commentary published in German in the Welt am Sonntag newspaper, flagship of the Axel Springer media group, expanded on a post by Musk on social media platform X last week in which he wrote "only the AfD can save Germany" and praised the party's approach to regulation, taxes and market deregulation.

In response to the publication of his commentary, the editor of the newspaper's opinion section said on X that she had resigned.

Friedrich Merz, leader of the opposition Christian Democrats and current favorite to succeed Scholz as chancellor, said in an interview with the Funke Media Group: "I cannot recall a comparable case of interference, in the history of Western democracies, in the election campaign of a friendly country."

Merz described the commentary as "intrusive and pretentious."
MBABANE -The Swaziland Building Society (SBS) is advancing steadily in its transformation into a fully operational commercial bank.

This milestone comes after a majority of its members approved the transition during a special general meeting held last month. The process has successfully passed preliminary phases, including extensive member education which resulted in an overwhelming endorsement of the conversion from a building society into a fully-operational bank. This development follows a decisive endorsement of the transition by a majority of the SBS members at a special general meeting held in Manzini on November 15, this year.

During the meeting, approximately 95 per cent of the permanent shareholders voted in favour of converting SBS into a commercial bank. This decision underscores strong member support for the institutions strategy to evolve and enhance its competitive position in the financial sector after over 60 years of service. SBS Managing Director Mbali Sibanyoni, indicated that a comprehensive report on member education and the voting outcomes have already been submitted to the regulators. The report is a key component in demonstrating SBS adherence to the regulatory conditions required for the transition. We are pleased with the journey so far, and remain confident in the process, said Sibanyoni.

Registration

She added: Once our regulators endorse the preliminary activities, SBS will proceed with the registration of a new company, allocate shares and apply for a banking licence. This will enable us to transition into a fully-fledged commercial bank with a new operational structure. Sibanyoni reassured members that SBS is fully committed to meeting the regulatory requirements and maintaining transparency. She noted that regular updates will be provided to members throughout the process with clear communication of any required actions.

In line with its ongoing commitments, SBS will disburse biannual dividends to the permanent shareholders in December and June of every year. Sibanyoni confirmed that the December payments will be processed by the end of this month. Regarding the transition, members who prefer not to acquire ordinary shares after the regulatory endorsement, can opt for their permanent shares to be converted into redeemable shares or term deposits. For assistance, members are encouraged to visit the SBS dedicated conversion desks or any of its branches countrywide.

This transition represents an exciting chapter for SBS and its members. We deeply appreciate the patience and support of all the stakeholders as we advance through this journey, she said. SBS anticipates completing the conversion and obtaining its banking licence in the second half of 2025. As a commercial bank, SBS aims to expand its product offerings, increase operational efficiency and enhance competitiveness.

Institutions

It is time for us to deliver comprehensive banking solutions, ensuring that our customers no longer need to seek services from other institutions. This will save them time and reduce the high fees often associated with external transactions, Sibanyoni remarked. The transition signifies a significant evolution for SBS, positioning it to thrive in an increasingly competitive financial environment while better serving the needs of its growing customer base.
President-elect Donald Trump weighed in on a simmering feud among MAGA allies over H-1B worker visas, telling the New York Post that he supports the program, according to the outlet.

Trump told the New York Post that he has "always liked the visas." The H-1B visa program allows employers to temporarily hire non-U.S. citizens for highly skilled jobs.

"I have many H-1B visas on my properties. I've been a believer in H-1B. I have used it many times. It's a great program," he said, according to the outlet's report.

A spokesperson for the Trump transition team did not immediately respond to a request for comment about which of Trump's properties employed workers who were on H-1B visas.

During his first term, the Trump administration implemented rules that would have cut the number of H-1B visas issued each year. The rules, however, were ultimately struck down in court.

In recent days, MAGA world has been embroiled in a debate over the program, with one faction defending the visas and another faction arguing that the program allows foreigners to take American jobs.

Trump allies, including Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, argued in online posts that the visa program benefits the country.

Musk said in a post this week that "the number of people who are super talented engineers AND super motivated in the USA is far too low."

Musk, who was born in South Africa and is a naturalized U.S. citizen, said that the reason he and others who built SpaceX and Tesla are in the U.S. is because of the H-1B program.

"Take a big step back and F--- YOURSELF in the face," he said in a post. "I will go to war on this issue the likes of which you cannot possibly comprehend."

Musk said in a post to X that "those contemptible fools must be removed from the Republican Party," later clarifying that he was referring to "those in the Republican Party who are hateful, unrepentant racists."

Musk's posts came in reply to a post from Scott Adams, the creator of the "Dilbert" comic, who said "MAGA is taking a page from Democrats on how to lose elections while feeling good about themselves."

Separately, Ramaswamy, who is partnering with Musk to lead Trump's nongovernmental Department of Government Efficiency, argued in a post to X that he hopes American culture again prioritizes "hard work over laziness."

Ramaswamy also said in a post to X on Friday that the H-1B visa program "is badly broken & should be replaced with one that focuses on selecting the very best of the best (not a lottery), pro-competitive (no indentured service to one company), and de-bureaucratized."

Republicans who criticized H-1B visas included far-right activists Laura Loomer and Steve Bannon. Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley also weighed in, calling it "lazy" for the "tech industry to automatically go to foreign workers for their needs."

"Invest in our American workforce," she said in a post to X on Friday. "We must invest in Americans first before looking elsewhere."

Musk also faced accusations of censoring critics after more than a dozen conservatives, including Loomer, said their blue badge verification on X had been revoked after they criticized Musk over his views on immigration.
Emily Hayes knew what she was signing up for when she became a lawyer.

Long hours, difficult clients and billing pressures are synonymous with the job. Yet, for Hayes, the intellectual challenge and the chance to help people made these sacrifices feel worthwhile.

What she didn't anticipate was how quickly burnout would set in  or how much her job would overshadow other parts of her life.

Hayes, 32, graduated from Stanford Law School in 2019. She spent the next two years working at a large international law firm in Redwood Shores, California, followed by a position as a federal district court law clerk in Portland, Oregon.

In October 2021, she joined O'Melveny & Myers, a large law firm in Los Angeles, as an associate.

After years of moving between jobs and cities, Hayes was optimistic about this new chapter in her career.

Her colleagues were supportive, the assignments were engaging and the pay was generous. By the time she turned 30, Hayes was earning over $300,000 a year.

Yet, beneath the surface, the grind was taking a toll.

Her "breaking point" came in April 2023. Hayes found herself working overtime on a Saturday morning to prepare for an arbitration, just hours after leaving the office at 11 p.m. the night before. She was preparing for a major trial, but her stress and exhaustion had been building for months.

That morning, as she stared at her computer screen, she broke down. She recalls, "I started sobbing" because someone close to her was going through a difficult time, and she regretted being at the office instead of supporting them at home.

"It felt like I had to choose between showing up for my job in the way that was expected of me and showing up for the people I love in the way that I wanted to," she tells CNBC Make It. "I panicked about the tension between the two."

Hayes adds, "Working at a law firm can make your life so unpredictable. You can never count on free time in the evenings or logging off before 10 p.m. I think you really have to love the work you're doing to make that trade-off of your time feel worth it."

At that moment, Hayes made a silent promise to herself  that she'd find a new job within a year.
Emergency specialists work at the crash site of an Azerbaijan Airlines passenger jet near the western Kazakh city of Aktau on December 25, 2024.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said on Sunday that a passenger plane that crashed last week, killing 38 people, had been damaged by accidental shooting from the ground in Russia, adding that some in Russia had lied about the cause of the disaster.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday apologized to Aliyev for Wednesday's "tragic incident" in Russian airspace involving Azerbaijan Airlines Flight J2-8243 after Russian air defenses engaged Ukrainian attack drones.

A Kremlin statement did not say Russia had shot down the plane, only noting a criminal case had been opened.

"Our plane was shot down by accident," Aliyev said on state television on Sunday, adding that the plane had come under some sort of electronic jamming and had then been shot at while it was approaching the southern Russian city of Grozny.

The pilots, who died in the crash, have been lauded in Azerbaijan for a landing that allowed 29 people to survive.

"Unfortunately, in the first three days we heard only absurd versions from Russia," Aliyev said, citing statements in Russia that attributed the crash to bird strike or the explosion of some sort of gas cylinder.

"We witnessed clear attempts to cover up the matter," said the Azerbaijani leader, who has close ties to Russia and was educated at one of Moscow's top universities.

Aliyev said he wanted Russia to accept it was guilty of downing the plane and to punish those responsible.

Putin and Aliyev held another telephone call on Sunday, the Kremlin said. It gave no details but on Saturday it said that both civilian and military specialists were being questioned about what had taken place.

The chief of Russia's Investigative Committee, Alexander Bastrykin, on a phone call assured Azerbaijan's Prosecutor General that Moscow had assigned the investigation to the most experienced experts and that actions were being taken to establish the cause and circumstances of the incident.

The plane crashed on Wednesday near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan after diverting from southern Russia where Ukrainian drones were attacking several cities at the time, according to the Kremlin.

The extremely rare publicised apology from Putin on Saturday is the closest Moscow has come to accepting some blame for the disaster.

Four sources with knowledge of the preliminary findings of Azerbaijan's investigation into the disaster told Reuters on Thursday that Russian air defenses had mistakenly shot it down.
Croatian President and presidential candidate Zoran Milanovic votes at a polling station during the presidential election, in Zagreb, Croatia, on Dec. 29, 2024.

Croatia's incumbent President Zoran Milanovic won most of the votes in the first round of a presidential election on Sunday, but must face a runoff against a ruling party candidate to secure another five-year term.

With nearly all of the votes counted, left-leaning Milanovic won 49% while his main challenger Dragan Primorac, a candidate of the ruling conservative HDZ party, trailed far behind with 19%.

Pre-election polls had predicted that the two would face off in the second round on Jan. 12, as none of the eight presidential election contenders were projected to get more than 50% of the vote.

Milanovic thanked his supporters but warned "this was just a first run."

"Let's not be triumphant, let's be realistic, firmly on the ground," he said. "We must fight all over again. It's not over till it's over."

Milanovic is an outspoken critic of Western military support for Ukraine in its war against Russia. He is often compared to Donald Trump for his combative style of communication with political opponents.

The most popular politician in Croatia, 58-year-old Milanovic has served as prime minister in the past. Populist in style, he has been a fierce critic of current Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic and continuous sparring between the two has lately marked Croatia's political scene.

Plenkovic, the prime minister, has sought to portray the vote as one about Croatia's future in the EU and NATO. He has labeled Milanovic "pro-Russian" and a threat to Croatia's international standing.

"The difference between him and Milanovic is quite simple: Milanovic is leading us East, Primorac is leading us West," he said.

Though the presidency is largely ceremonial in Croatia, an elected president holds political authority and acts as the supreme military commander.

Milanovic has criticized the NATO and European Union support for Ukraine and has often insisted that Croatia should not take sides. He has said Croatia should stay away from global disputes, though it is a member of both NATO and the EU.

Milanovic has also blocked Croatia's participation in a NATO-led training mission for Ukraine, declaring that "no Croatian soldier will take part in somebody else's war."

His main rival in the election, Primorac, has stated that "Croatia's place is in the West, not the East." His presidency bid, however, has been marred by a high-level corruption case that landed Croatia's health minister in jail last month and featured prominently in pre-election debates.

During the election campaign, Primorac has sought to portray himself as a unifier and Milanovic as divisive.

Primorac was upbeat despite such a big defeat in the first round.

"I know the difference (in votes) at first sight seems very big," said Primorac, who insisted that the center-right votes had split among too many conservative candidates.

"Now we have a great opportunity to face each other one on one and show who stands for what," he said.

Sunday's presidential election is Croatia's third vote this year, following a parliamentary election in April and the European Parliament balloting in June.
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Jimmy Carter, the Georgia peanut farmer who became a U.S. president and a Nobel Prize-winning activist for peace and human rights, has died. He was 100. Carter's post-presidency had been widely seen as more successful than his time in the White House, and he called it "more gratifying." Having begun his life in rural Georgia, he returned there after his term as president and spent the remaining decades, even into his 90s, crusading for human rights, writing books, building homes for the needy with his own hands, teaching Sunday school, and traveling the world in the pursuit of peace. Carter graduated from the United States Naval Academy, participated in the Navy's fledgling nuclear-powered submarine program, and served two terms as a Georgia state senator and one as governor before he was elected to the White House. He became the nation's 39th president in 1977, defeating President Gerald Ford in the election more than two years after the Watergate scandal drove Richard Nixon from the Oval Office. Carter had been on hospice care for more than a year. His family announced in February 2023 that he had entered end-of-life care in his home after a series of hospital visits. His wife, Rosalynn, who had been diagnosed with dementia in early 2023, briefly entered hospice herself at age 96 before dying on Nov. 19, 2023. Carter turned 100 in October, bringing a new flood of tributes and accolades. His grandson Jason Carter said it was gratifying for Jimmy Carter to see a reassessment of his presidency and legacy. After losing his reelection bid in 1980, he remained active in public issues, including speaking at age 95 in support of Joe Biden at the virtual Democratic National Convention in August 2020. Some commentators viewed him as the nation's "most successful ex-president."

Former President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn celebrate their 75th wedding anniversary with friends at Plains High School, within the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park in Plains, Georgia, U.S. July 10, 2021. Michael A. Schwarz | The Carter Ce | Reuters

He wrote more than 40 books, including "Faith," which he released when he was in his mid-90s. Days after his 93rd birthday, he offered to go to North Korea amid a nuclear crisis in an attempt to establish a permanent peace between Pyongyang and Washington. And at age 96, he denounced Republican efforts to restrict voter access in his home state. Carter lived longer than any other U.S. president, surpassing the late George H.W. Bush, who died in November 2018 at age 94. When Carter reached that milestone in March 2019, Carter Center spokeswoman Deanna Congileo said he was still active. "Both President and Mrs. Carter are determined to use their influence for as long as they can to make the world a better place," Congileo said at the time. "Their tireless resolve and heart have helped to improve life for millions of the world's poorest people." The New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq will close trading on Jan. 9, in accordance with a national day of mourning, as is customary for the passing of a president.

Early life

James Earl Carter Jr. was born Oct. 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia  the first U.S. president born in a hospital. His father ran a general store and invested in farmland. His mother, known as "Miss Lillian," was a nurse. Carter attended the U.S. Naval Academy. During one of his visits home from Annapolis, his younger sister Ruth set up a date with their neighbor and lifelong friend. Upon graduation in 1946 from the academy, he married that young woman, Eleanor Rosalynn Smith, when she was 18. (On July 7, 2023, the Carters celebrated their 77th wedding anniversary, marking a record-long marriage for a first couple.)

Jimmy Carter on his peanut farm, Plains, Georgia, 1976. PhotoQuest | Getty Images

In the Navy, he served on submarines in the Atlantic and Pacific fleets and attained the rank of lieutenant. He joined then-Capt. Hyman Rickover's nuclear submarine development program. He did graduate work at Union College in reactor technology and nuclear physics and became senior officer of the pre-commissioning crew of the second nuclear submarine, the Seawolf. After his father died in 1953, Carter resigned from the Navy and returned to Georgia, taking over the family farms and becoming active in local politics. He served in the Navy Reserve until 1961.

A leader of the 'New South'

Elected governor in 1971, he was considered one of the leaders of the "New South"  a progressive who condemned racial segregation and inequality. During his presidential campaign, he ran as an outsider, hoping to capitalize on the anti-Washington sentiment in the post-Vietnam/Watergate era. "My name is Jimmy Carter, and I'm running for president," a beaming Carter said in the opening of his acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention in July 1976.

Jimmy Carter in 1976. Hulton Archive | Getty Images

He offered to create jobs in a nasty economy with a 7.9% unemployment rate, and to set a squeaky-clean example as a born-again Christian from outside the Beltway, unblemished by Washington's scandals. On the eve of the election, however, he gave an interview to Playboy magazine in which he made this shocking confession: "I've looked on a lot of women with lust. I've committed adultery in my heart many times." Still, the man with the huge smile and genteel Georgia drawl handily won the Electoral College by 297-240 but received only 50.1% of the popular vote to Ford's 48%. Once in office, Carter empowered his running mate, Walter Mondale, to transform the vice presidency into a policy-driving office. On the domestic front, in addition to stagflation and recession, Carter had to deal with the Love Canal ecological disaster in Niagara Falls, New York, which led to the creation of the environmental Superfund. He also ended federal price regulations for airlines, trucking and railroads; signed the bailout of Chrysler in 1979; and elevated the Department of Education into a separate Cabinet-level agency.

Foreign policy successes

One of his biggest domestic problems was the festering energy crisis, which stemmed from the Arab oil embargo that began during the 1973 Middle East war. He termed the crisis "the moral equivalent of war." In symbolic gestures, he wore a Mister Rogers-style cardigan, turned down the White House heat, installed solar heating panels in the executive mansion, created the Department of Energy and pressed for tax incentives for installation of home insulation. In international affairs, he campaigned for human rights, successfully concluded the Camp David peace accords between Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin, negotiated the return to Panama of the Canal Zone, established full diplomatic relations with communist China and reached an agreement on the SALT II nuclear arms limitation treaty with Moscow.

Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin, right, addresses a gathering for the signing of a peace treaty between Egypt and Israel, as Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, left, and U.S. President Jimmy Carter watch, on the White House lawn, March 26, 1979. Ya'akov Sa'ar | GPO | Getty Images

Then came the fateful end of the year 1979: The disastrous 444-day Iranian hostage standoff began in November, and the Soviets invaded Afghanistan in December, resulting in Carter's call for a U.S. boycott of the 1980 Moscow Olympics.

Iran hostage crisis

The seizure of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran by radical student followers of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini on Nov. 4, 1979, and the subsequent siege made the Carter administration seem impotent. Even the first lady recalled during a CNBC interview in 2014 that she urged her husband to "do something, anything!" Five months into the crisis, Carter ordered a military mission, Operation Eagle Claw, to rescue the American hostages. The mission ended in humiliation: In the process of aborting the plan because of operational difficulties, a U.S. helicopter crashed into a transport plane at the desert staging area, killing eight servicemen. Secretary of State Cyrus Vance, who advocated diplomacy over force to resolve the hostage crisis, resigned. "I know this is a matter of principle with you, and I respect the reasons you have expressed to me," Carter said in a handwritten note to Vance. The crisis finally ended with the release of 52 Americans on Jan. 20, 1981, the day the man who ended Carter's single-term presidency took the oath of office  Ronald Reagan. Before the 1980 election between Carter, Reagan and independent John Anderson, Sen. Ted Kennedy waged an unsuccessful challenge to the president for the Democratic nomination.

I could have wiped Iran off the map. Jimmy Carter

In a 2014 interview with CNBC, Carter said he probably would have been easily reelected had he rescued the hostages. "It would have shown that I was strong and resolute and manly," he said. "I could have wiped Iran off the map with the weapons that we had. But in the process a lot of innocent people would have been killed, probably including the hostages. And so I stood up against all that advice, and then eventually all my prayers were answered and all the hostages came home safe and free."

In this 1979 photo, from right, President Jimmy Carter, Vice President Walter Mondale, Secretary of State Cyrus Vance and Secretary of Defense Harold Brown, on their way to meet about the Iran Hostage Crisis. Universal Images Group | Getty Images

Summing up the Carter presidency, former aide Stuart Eizenstat wrote in a 2015 op-ed in The New York Times that the nation's 39th president had numerous accomplishments. "It is enormously frustrating for those of us who worked closely with him in the White House to witness his presidency caricatured as a failure, and to see how he has been marginalized, even by his fellow Democrats," Eizenstat wrote. "His defining characteristic was confronting intractable problems regardless of their political cost."

After the White House

Carter remained active after he left Washington at age 56. He and Rosalynn volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, building affordable housing for the needy, and he established the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and The Carter Center in Atlanta. Founded in 1982, the center has sent observers to monitor elections in more than three dozen countries. The center has also led health efforts, including the push to eradicate the tropical parasitic Guinea worm disease. The center's motto is "Waging peace. Fighting disease. Building hope." "I still hope to outlive the last Guinea worm," Carter told CNN in May 2018. (He came close. The Carter Center reported there were only 13 human cases in 2023.) Carter, who also taught at Emory University, traveled extensively to promote peace, human rights and economic progress. In one mission, President Bill Clinton secretly dispatched him to North Korea in 1994 to help mediate a nuclear dispute with dictator Kim Il Sung, Kim Jong Un's grandfather. In 2002, Carter received the Nobel Peace Prize for what the awards committee called "his decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development."

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and North Korean President Kim Il Sung meet in June 1994, just weeks before Kims death. Korean Central News Agency | AP

However, his actions were not always well-received. His efforts in his long campaign for peace between Israel and its Arab neighbors included the 2006 book "Palestine: Peace, Not Apartheid," which was perceived as antisemitic and biased against Israel. In particular, one sentence provoked an outcry: "It is imperative that the general Arab community and all significant Palestinian groups make it clear that they will end the suicide bombings and other acts of terrorism when international laws and the ultimate goals of the Roadmap for Peace are accepted by Israel." In an interview with NPR, Carter was asked about the passage. "That was a terribly worded sentence which implied, obviously in a ridiculous way, that I approved terrorism and terrorist acts against Israeli citizens," he said. "The 'when' was obviously a crazy and stupid word. My publishers have been informed about that and have changed the sentence in all future editions of the book." (It became: "It is imperative that the general Arab community and all significant Palestinian groups make it clear that they renounce all acts of violence against innocent civilians and will accept international laws, the Arab peace proposal of 2002, and the ultimate goals of the Roadmap for Peace.") In the 2014 CNBC interview, Carter said the Camp David Accords and other peacemaking stood among his greatest achievements as president. "I kept our country at peace, which has happened very rarely since the Second World War, and I tried to work for peace between other people who were not directly related to the United States, like between Egypt and Israel. I normalized diplomatic relations with China, and I implemented a very strong human rights commitment that brought about a change throughout Latin America, for instance, from totalitarian military dictatorships to democracies," he said. "So I would say the promotion of peace and human rights were the two things that I'm most proud." Had he been elected to a second term, he told CNBC, "I could have implemented very firmly the peace agreement that I negotiated with Israel and its neighbors that was never fully implemented." "I'd like to be remembered as a champion of peace and human rights. Those are the two things I've found as a kind of guide for my life. I've done the best I could with those, not always successful, of course," he told CNBC. "I would hope the American people would see that I tried to do what was best for our country every day I was in office."

A portrait of President Jimmy Carter and first lady Rosalynn Carter and their extended family. Left to right: daughter-in-law Judy, the wife of Jack Carter; grandson Jason James Carter; son Jack (John William Carter); daughter-in-law Annette, the wife of Jeff Carter; son Jeff (Donnel Jeffrey Carter); first lady Rosalynn Carter; daughter Amy Lynn Carter; President Jimmy Carter; daughter-in-law Caron Griffin Carter holding grandson James Earl Carter IV; and son Chip (James Earl Carter III). Historical | Corbis Historical | Getty Images

Survivors include sons John "Jack," James "Chip," and Donnel "Jeff" and daughter Amy. Jack ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate in Nevada in 2006. Jack's son Jason lost a bid for Georgia governor in 2014 to then-incumbent Republican Nathan Deal. Carter's brother Billy, whose antics stirred up unwanted attention during the Carter White House years, died in 1988. On Aug. 12, 2015, the former president revealed that he had melanoma and that surgery on his liver confirmed that it had metastasized there and to his brain. A week after his cancer diagnosis announcement, Carter held a remarkably frank news conference at the Carter Center to discuss his prognosis and the prospect of facing death. "I've had a wonderful life, I've had thousands of friends, and I've had an exciting and adventurous and gratifying existence," he told reporters. Illustrating that peace of mind, the former president took this picture when he returned home from the news conference:

After four months of treatment, including targeted radiation and immunotherapy, Carter announced in early December 2015 that a subsequent brain scan showed no signs of the original cancer spots and no new ones. Then in March 2016, he announced he no longer needed regular cancer treatments. Months later, in July, he addressed the Democratic National Convention by video, urging people to vote for Hillary Clinton over Donald Trump. And at an Atlanta Braves game in September 2015, the former first couple was caught on the "kiss cam." In 2019, at age 94, Carter fell in his home and broke a hip when he was preparing to go turkey hunting. "President Carter said his main concern is that turkey season ends this week, and he has not reached his limit," the Carter Center said. He underwent hip replacement surgery but had to cancel plans to resume teaching Sunday school six days after the accident. Later that year, just before a planned week at an October 2019 Habitat for Humanity project in Tennessee, the 95-year-old Carter fell in his home while heading to church. Although he suffered a black eye and needed 14 stitches in his head, Carter appeared 400 miles away at a concert that night in Nashville to support the project. Wielding a power drill and other building tools, he soon joined the volunteer construction crews.

Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter attach siding to the front of a Habitat for Humanity home being built June 10, 2003, in LaGrange, Georgia. Erik S. Lesser | Getty Images News | Getty Images

Then, two weeks later, he fell in his house and suffered a pelvic fracture. But in another two weeks, he was back at church, giving a lesson on the Book of Job and talking about facing death during his 2015 cancer treatment. "I obviously prayed about it. I didn't ask God to let me live, but I just asked God to give me a proper attitude toward death. And I found that I was absolutely and completely at ease with death. It didn't really matter to me whether I died or lived," Carter told the congregation of 400 people at Maranatha Baptist Church on Nov. 3, 2019, according to the church's feed on Facebook. "I have since that time been absolutely confident that my Christian faith includes complete confidence in life after death." During the Covid pandemic, the Carters decided not to travel to Biden's inauguration, but weeks later, they were fully vaccinated and were back in their usual seats in the front pew of Maranatha Baptist for Sunday services. "It's hard to live until you're 95 years old," Carter told People magazine days after reaching that milestone. "I think the best explanation for that is to marry the best spouse: Someone who will take care of you and engage and do things to challenge you and keep you alive and interested in life."

Former President Jimmy Carter in 2006. Carol Cole | Los Angeles Times | Getty Images
Quotations by former President Jimmy Carter

Former President Jimmy Carter, March 25, 2014. Getty Images

"My name is Jimmy Carter, and I'm running for president."  Opening his acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention, July 15, 1976. "I've looked on a lot of women with lust. I've committed adultery in my heart many times."  Interview published in the November 1976 issue of Playboy magazine.

Democrat Jimmy Carter is sworn in by chief justice Earl Burger as the 39th president of the United States while first lady Rosalynn looks on, Washington DC, January 20, 1977. Hulton Archive | Getty Images

"Because we are free we can never be indifferent to the fate of freedom elsewhere. Our moral sense dictates a clear-cut preference for these societies which share with us an abiding respect for individual human rights. We do not seek to intimidate, but it is clear that a world which others can dominate with impunity would be inhospitable to decency and a threat to the well-being of all people."  Inauguration address, Jan. 20, 1977. "Our decision about energy will test the character of the American people and the ability of the president and the Congress to govern. This difficult effort will be the 'moral equivalent of war'  except that we will be uniting our efforts to build and not destroy."  Nationally televised address about the energy crisis, April 18, 1977.

President Carter is about to address the nation from the White House on his energy proposals, April 18, 1977. Bettmann | Getty Images

"I kept our country at peace, which has happened very rarely since the Second World War, and I tried to work for peace between other people who were not directly related to the United States, like between Egypt and Israel. I normalized diplomatic relations with China, and I implemented a very strong human rights commitment that brought about a change throughout Latin America, for instance, from totalitarian military dictatorships to democracies. So I would say the promotion of peace and human rights were the two things that I'm most proud."  2014 CNBC interview.

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"I'd like to be remembered as a champion of peace and human rights. Those are the two things I've found as a kind of guide for my life. I've done the best I could with those, not always successful, of course. I would hope the American people would see that I tried to do what was best for our country every day I was in office."  2014 CNBC interview. "I could have been re-elected if I had taken military action against Iran. It would have shown that I was strong and resolute and manly. ... I could have wiped Iran off the map with the weapons that we had. But in the process a lot of innocent people would have been killed, probably including the hostages. And so I stood up against all that advice, and then eventually all my prayers were answered and all the hostages came home safe and free."  2014 interview with CNBC.

President Jimmy Carter poses for photographers in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington on Jan. 14, 1981 just prior to delivering his farewell address on national television. Charles Tasnadi | AP

"Our American values are not luxuries but necessities  not the salt in our bread but the bread itself. Our common vision of a free and just society is our greatest source of cohesion at home and strength abroad  greater even than the bounty of our material blessings."  Farewell address, Jan. 14, 1981. "In order for us human beings to commit ourselves personally to the inhumanity of war, we find it necessary first to dehumanize our opponents, which is in itself a violation of the beliefs of all religions. Once we characterize our adversaries as beyond the scope of God's mercy and grace, their lives lose all value. We deny personal responsibility when we plant landmines and, days or years later, a stranger to us  often a child  is crippled or killed. From a great distance, we launch bombs or missiles with almost total impunity, and never want to know the number or identity of the victims."  Nobel Peace Prize lecture, Dec. 10, 2002.

"It is imperative that the general Arab community and all significant Palestinian groups make it clear that they will end the suicide bombings and other acts of terrorism when international laws and the ultimate goals of the Roadmap for Peace are accepted by Israel."  First edition of his 2006 book "Palestine: Peace, Not Apartheid." "That was a terribly worded sentence which implied, obviously in a ridiculous way, that I approved terrorism and terrorist acts against Israeli citizens. ... The 'when' was obviously a crazy and stupid word. My publishers have been informed about that and have changed the sentence in all future editions of the book."  NPR interview, Jan. 25, 2007, in reference to the previous quote.

President Jimmy Carter during a speech to the congregation of a church. Wally McNamee | Corbis Historical | Getty Images

"I don't have any doubt that if I had had another term in office I could have implemented very firmly the peace agreement that I negotiated with Israel and its neighbors that was never fully implemented."  2014 interview with CNBC. "This is a national tragedy and is not who we are as a nation. Having observed elections in troubled democracies worldwide, I know that we the people can unite to walk back from this precipice to peacefully uphold the laws of our nation, and we must. We join our fellow citizens in praying for a peaceful resolution so our nation can heal and complete the transfer of power as we have for more than two centuries."  Statement on Jan. 6, 2021, after the riot at the U.S. Capitol by supporters of then-President Donald Trump.

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Founder of the Georgian Dream party Bidzina Ivanishvili talks to Mikheil Kavelashvili, elected by lawmakers as Georgia's new President, before his swearing-in ceremony at the parliament in Tbilisi, Georgia, on Dec. 29, 2024.

Mikheil Kavelashvili, a hardline critic of the West, was sworn in as president of Georgia on Sunday amid a political crisis after the government froze European Union application talks in a move that sparked major protests.

Outgoing President Salome Zourabichvili, a pro-EU opponent of the ruling party, said in a defiant speech to supporters outside the presidential palace that she was leaving the residence, but that Kavelashvili had no legitimacy as president, which is a mostly ceremonial position.

She said: "I will come out of here and be with you."

"I am taking legitimacy with me, I am taking the flag with me, I am taking your trust with me," she added, before walking out of the palace to mingle with her supporters.

Zourabichvili says that Kavelashvili was not duly picked, as the lawmakers who chose him were elected in an October parliamentary election that she says was marked by fraud. Georgia's opposition parties support her.

The Georgian Dream ruling party and the country's election commission say that the October election was free and fair. The ruling party says Kavelashvili is the duly elected president.

The presidential standoff is seen as a watershed moment in Georgia, a mountainous country of 3.7 million that had until recently been regarded as among the most democratic and pro-Western of the former Soviet states.

Kavelashvili is a loyalist of Bidzina Ivanishvili, a reclusive billionaire ex-prime minister who is widely seen as Georgia's de facto leader.

On Friday, the U.S. imposed sanctions on Ivanishvili, saying he was spearheading Georgia's current anti-Western and pro-Russian turn.
Rebecca Douglas has been to Iceland 29 times. And she's already booked her 30th trip. The goal of every trip is the same: photographing the aurora borealis, or Northern Lights. Douglas has been photographing this spectacular phenomenon since 2010. It's colors  which can paint the sky a dazzling array of green, purple, yellow and blue  are the result of sun particles that react with gases in the Earth's upper atmosphere. With the current solar cycle reaching the peak of its 11-year period, the lights are expected to be even more prominent during the next four years. Douglas, a professional photographer based in Kent in the United Kingdom, also travels yearly to Finland, Norway and Iceland to shoot the night sky. But she said she's also been able to photograph Northern Lights from the English countryside in the past year.

The rise of 'noctourism'

Douglas has unknowingly been an early adopter of "noctourism"  a trend that focuses on nighttime travel experiences. Booking.com named it a top travel trend for 2025, describing it as a desire to "ditch the daylight crowds for midnight magic." A global survey of more than 27,000 travelers by the company showed nearly two in three travelers said they have considered "darker sky destinations" for activities such as stargazing (72%), once-in-a-lifetime cosmic events (59%) and constellation tracking (57%).

The Northern Lights, as seen over Rebecca Douglas' holiday accommodation in the Lofoten, an archipelago in Norway. Source: Rebecca Douglas Photography

Most activities involve the night sky, but others happen on the ground, from city tours and truffle hunting in Italy at night to full moon picnics by the sea. Luxury travel company Wayfairer Travel said noctourism experiences rose 25% in the past year, with requests for Northern Light viewings in Norway and Iceland, but also night diving in Australia's Great Barrier Reef and Egypt's Red Sea. Nocturnal wildlife safaris in Zambia and Kenya and stargazing in Chile's Atacama Desert are also popular, according to the company. "Noctotourism is set to transform travel in 2025 as night owl travelers are increasingly seeking unique after-dark experiences," said the company's CEO Jay Stevens.

Travelers can sign up to hunt for truffles at night alongside professional hunters and their dogs. Stefano Guidi | Getty Images News | Getty Images

Eclipse chasing could become a new "bucket list" experience, according to the luxury travel operator Scott Dunn. "Travelers are venturing to remote corners of the world to witness these celestial spectacles, with Greenland's High Arctic  set to be the next must-visit destination thanks to its remote, light-pollution-free shores," said a Scott Dunn spokesperson. But journeys needn't be that far-flung, with hotels from Hawaii to Austria now offering stargazing activities. The next total lunar eclipse will occur on March 14 and will be visible across much of the world, including the Americas, Western Europe and Western Africa, according to NASA.

In search of darkness

Douglas avoids hotel packages, preferring to plan her own trips, since she plans so many activities at night. She also said she prefers to stay away from large groups, which are often made up of people new to noctourism who unwittingly create light pollution with their smartphones and camera flashes.

The Northern Lights, as viewed from Iceland. Source: Rebecca Douglas Photography

Douglas plans most of her trips around the best time to see the Northern Lights  usually between August and April, she said. She also chooses remote accommodations far from towns and even neighbors, as just one street or domestic light can compromise photos, she said. "I spend a lot of time looking at accommodation on Google Maps," she said. "If there's any lighting in the pictures, I'll ask the host if it's possible to turn the outside lighting off  Even some of the least active shows can be really beautiful if you are in a genuinely dark area." She also considers the phases of the moon too, she said.

An aurora storm as seen from Elmley Nature Reserve in Kent, United Kingdom. Source: Rebecca Douglas Photography
Russia's state-owned energy giant Gazprom said Saturday it will halt gas supplies to Moldova starting on Jan. 1, citing alleged unpaid debt by the European Union candidate country, which has brought in emergency measures as it braces for power cuts.

Gazprom said in an online statement that it reserved the right to take further action, including terminating its contract with Moldovagaz, Moldova's main gas operator, in which the Russian company owns a majority stake. The cessation of gas will stop supplies to the Kuciurgan power plant, the country's largest, which is situated in the separatist pro-Russian Transnistria region.

Moldova reacted by accusing Moscow of weaponizing energy supplies.

Gazprom supplies the gas-operated Kuciurgan plant, which generates electricity that powers a significant portion of Moldova proper. The plant was privatized in 2004 by Transnistrian officials and later sold to a Russian state-owned company. Moldova, which has a West-leaning central government and has repeatedly complained of Russian interference, doesn't recognize the privatization.

Earlier this month, Moldova's parliament voted in favor of imposing a state of emergency in the energy sector over fears that Russia could leave Moldova without sufficient energy this winter.

A special commission was also set up to manage "imminent risks" if Moscow fails to supply gas to the Kuciurgan plant and on Friday approved a series of measures aimed at saving energy.

Gazprom has said Moldova owes close to $709 million for past gas supplies, a figure fiercely disputed by the government in the capital Chisinau.

Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean on Saturday condemned the move, saying that his government does not recognize the debt cited by Gazprom, which has been "invalidated by an international audit."

Moldova claims, citing findings by British and Norwegian audit firms, that its debt stands close to $8.6 million, a small fraction of that claimed by Gazprom.

Recean added that Chisinau has pushed to diversify its natural gas supplies to reduce dependence on the Kuciurgan plant, and said the government will "carefully analyze legal options, including resorting to international arbitration" to protect Moldova's national interests.

"Our country is prepared to handle any situation that arises following the Kremlin's decision," he said.

Moldova's government on Friday announced it would implement a series of measures starting Jan. 1 to reduce energy consumption. These include limiting lighting in public and commercial buildings by at least 30%, and energy-intensive businesses operating during off-peak hours.
Investor confidence in ASML Holding has been waning, but Bernstein remains bullish on the Dutch company which makes high-tech machines that the world's biggest chipmakers rely on. "We remain constructive on ASML," the investment bank's analysts wrote in a Dec. 18 note. "Although we have revised down our estimates few times over the last six months to reflect the deteriorating outlook, we are still factoring in robust growth for next year, around 13% YoY, slightly below guidance at 32.5 billion euros [$34 billion]," they added. ASML's shares are listed on the Euronext Amsterdam and trade as an American Depositary Receipt (ADR) in the U.S. under the ticker ASML . Shares in the Dutch stock are up nearly 1.5% this year, while its ADR is down around 5.4%. Bernstein has an outperform rating on both stocks and has a target price of 730 euros on the Dutch stock and $767 on the ADR, implying upside potential of around 5.5% and 7.1%, respectively, as of Dec. 27. ASML-NL YTD mountain Shares in ASML Shares in ASML plunged in October after the early release of its third-quarter results. Its net bookings for the September quarter were 2.6 billion euros  well below the 5.6 billion euro LSEG consensus estimate. Net sales, however, surpassed expectations and hit 7.5 billion euros. "The 30% topline growth ASML saw in 2023 has proven hard to maintain. Early on in the year, they had set the tone to expect a transition year for 2024which proved true with only 2% topline growth now expected," Bernstein's analysts wrote. Aside from lower bookings, ASML is facing a tougher business outlook in China and export restrictions on shipments imposed by the Dutch government . China is a key market for the semiconductor giant, and was "arguably the only driver of DUV [deep ultraviolet] growth" in 2024, Bernstein's analysts noted. A key concern they noted was what will drive DUV growth in 2025, "given the continued softness in RoW [rest of the world] mature nodes and ASML guiding China to be only 20% of system sales." They now anticipate " EUV [extreme ultraviolet] and service growth will more than outweigh DUV sales decline." "Despite ASML providing a lower guide for 2025 EUV systems ... driven in part by foundry customer delays from Intel and Samsung, we expect strong EUV revenue growth to be driven by ASP expansion, partially due to HNA higher price," they explained. They expect a 11% increase in service revenue next year. The Netherlands-based company had previously announced in October that it expects net sales for 2025 to come in between 30 billion euros and 35 billion euros.  CNBC's Michael Bloom and Ryan Browne contributed to this report.
MBABANE  Talk about an ambitious man with big dreams!

This best describes the countrys Prime Minister (PM), Russell Mmiso Dlamini, following that he dreams that he and his administration will raise over E220 billion in order to achieve goals that have been set out in the policy statement that he presented a few months ago. This translates to a yearly budget of E44 billion. It must be said that the national budget for the current financial year stands at E29.4 billion, which has been divided across the government ministries and departments. The over E220 billion budget is contained in the Eswatini Government Programme of Action (PoA) 2024/2025 to 2028/2029, which he finally made public yesterday.

The plan shows that the PM, together with his administration, dream of achieving even the hardest of goals in different sectors and has detailed timelines and the budget amounts that will be needed. Some of the projects that are expected to be implemented in order to achieve the goals have budgets that are more than E5 billion. As shared by the PM himself, the PoA is the one that will provide insight into the initiatives that government will embark on to achieve the goals set out in the policy statement including timelines.

Initiatives

The PoA is composed of six objectives to guide implementation of strategic initiatives and realisation of the desired impact. The six objectives, together with related strategic initiatives are presented and unpacked in detail in the document. It is stated that each government ministry is expected to align its priorities, annual plans and budget with these objectives and priorities. The first objective is to stimulate exponential inclusive economic growth of 12 per cent by the end of the financial year 2029. In the document, it is stated that the PoA is an initial step for the 12th Government of Eswatini in leading the country towards the ambitious long-term transformation of attaining a developed and First World status, a mandate from the Throne.

It is mentioned that it provides a structured approach to undertake deliberate effort that are government-led, export-oriented and foreign direct investment-driven to stimulate exponential inclusive economic growth, quality jobs and wealth creation, curtail corruptions and build strong institutions facilitating efficient service delivery and transformational development in alignment with the Sibaya and NDP aspirations. Its purpose is to create a developed, inclusive, peaceful, most stable and economically prosperous Kingdom of Eswatini established on cultural values and affording well-being to all emaSwati, reads part of the document.

Well-capitalised

It is highlighted that the ambitions will be fuelled by a non-negotiable business-ready- environment, robust investor protections, and a well-capitalised sovereign wealth fund, which should become the kingdoms primary holding company for State-owned assets and the key partner for foreign investors seeking to set up in the country. The fund will invest in critical sectors of the economy, including new and emerging sectors, inheriting existing State-owned assets and developing new sector- building companies  national champions, it is mentioned in the document.

Also highlighted is that the PoA is configured to be a short-to-medium-term plan anchored on the 2023 Sibaya (Peoples Parliament) submissions and the National Development Plan (NDP) 2023/24  2027/28. It is highlighted that the Sibaya of 2023 ended on a high note, with a Speech from the Throne, where His Majesty King Mswati III announced Dlamini as the new PM. It states that Dlamini, together with the whole of government, were tasked with a nkwe mandate to stimulate a fast inclusive economic growth, end poverty, curtail corruption, create employment, develop enabling infrastructure, and strengthen the health and education system in Eswatini.Contained in the early pages, is a context and problem statement, whereby insight is shared on the economic growth and poverty landscape.

Growth

Eswatini is due for disruptive transformation as a radical catalyst for the desired exponential inclusive economic growth and social development. Over the past 20 years, Eswatini has been trapped in a path of low growth, high poverty, high inequality and limited inclusion with disparities in access to services, which limit the productive capacity of the poor, it mentioned. The context states that gross domestic product (GDP) growth has remained flat, while foreign investment has declined, and unemployment has not improved.

It is also stated as part of the context that research shows that the economy has been built on a limited productive base, which has even narrowed over time, something which has been cited as a tragedy of the last decade. Also highlighted is that the standards of living are stagnating, and the economy is highly vulnerable to shocks, aligning with the lamentations made during the 2023 Sibaya submissions. With the same trajectory of the last decade, the document states, the country will not become an upper middle-income country by 2030, not meeting policymakers, Sibaya and Ingwenyamas aspirations of becoming a developed economy in the medium to long run.

Exponential

It is on this premise that this PoA recommends a disruptive transformation to stimulate the desired exponential inclusive economic growth and social development interventions, it is stated. In terms of values, the document states that in implementing this PoA, the Government of Eswatini will adopt six values defined in table above. All government officials are expected and will be enabled to uphold these values in executing the ambitions contained in this PoA. The values are cited as patriotism, boldness, agility, innovation, excellence and integrity.

In the conclusion, it is stated that the 12th Government of Eswatini remains committed to stimulate an exponential inclusive economic growth of 12 per cent over their term of office.

investment Key drivers of the targeted growth included deliberate investment infrastructure development; ICT integrations; human capital development with significant investment on education and health; agriculture targeted to create food sovereignty; adoption of sustainable development practices; strengthening of social protectionand security; and strengthening of institutions underpinned by enhancing national security and law enforcement.

To enable agile (nkwe) implementation of the ambitious commitments, the documents states that government will invest in setting up a delivery framework for this PoA as a precursor to the development of a Grand Plan for national transformation to drive the long-term transformation of attaining a developed and First World status, a mandate from the Throne. In this regard, it is stated that a National Transformational Council (NTC) with a secretariat will be set up as a high-level committee to drive national transformation enabled by a Transformational Management Office (TMO) as an execution/delivery unit of the NTC underpinned by agile project management approach in alignment with the nkwe mandate.

A government Think Thank shall be set-up to drive innovation, research and development in support of the NTC and the TMO. These bodies shall be composed of representative of key sectors of our economy, including government and private sector organisations. The PPCU will continue to coordinate public policy planning, monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning, the document states. It is mentioned that a new comprehensive, disruptive and transformational strategy coupled with a positive mindset and service excellence will be adopted by the government as an active enabler, working in close collaboration with the private sector, non-governmental organisations, and the community of Eswatini to drive meaningful and exponential transformation.

Endeavour

Technical assistance and financial support from development partners remain a key catalyst for success. This endeavour will be characterised by establishment of quality jobs, wealth creation, curtailing of corruptions and building strong institutions facilitating efficient service delivery and transformational development in alignment with the Sibaya and NDP aspirations, reads part of the document. Ultimately this PoA is designed to create a developed, inclusive, peaceful, most stable and economically prosperous Kingdom of Eswatini established on cultural values and affording well-being to all emaSwati under the theme, Igniting Wealth and Well-being for the Nation.

It should be noted that the PM revealed that there is an action plan to accompany the policy statement on Thursday October 17, 2024 during a sitting at the House of Assembly. This was when the MPs got an opportunity to debate the Policy Statement, which they eventually passed.Worth noting is that during the debate of the policy statement, MPs posed a variety of questions to the PM, including where government is going to secure the funding of the many projects it has detailed. hospital.

In response, the PM said the Minister for Finance, Neal Rijkenberg was going to shed more light. He also said: What I can say is that it is not expected that the funding of the plan will all come from government. For example, we can choose to build a referral hospital, but it can also be built completely and run by the private sector to a level where we will not need to go to South Africa through the Phalala Fund. Instead of going outside the country we will have a state of the art hospital in the country. That is the innovation and change of mindset that is needed. The MPs decried that the policy statement did not provide timelines or share much in terms of the initiatives that government will explore in order to achieve the goals it has set out.
The U.S. government is built on a system of checks and balances. Actions are designed to go through approval from multiple branches of government in order to avoid giving any individual too much power. The power of a presidential pardon, though? It doesnt do any of that. Its pretty much a one-stop shop for getting someones crimes erased, and the only thing anyone can do about it is grumble loudly.

It might feel unserious to refer to it as a get-out-of-jail-free card, but its really not far off from the truth, which means presidents can, and have, forced through a number of pardons that people really werent fans of. Here are five of them

5 Marc Rich Shutterstock One of the reasons pardons often rub people the wrong way is that we like to think that all people are equal in the eyes of the law. Anyone over 12 knows this isnt true, but you can still hold out hope that somehow justice won out on the rare occasions that a rich person is actually convicted of a crime. So when someone like Marc Rich, a massive Democratic Party donor, ends up fleeing the country after dozens of charges of every flavor of fraud? You can understand how the optics of pardoning him would be less than ideal. Bill Clinton apparently didnt care, and it was received about as well as you'd think.

4 Richard Nixon Shutterstock This is an article about presidents and crimes, so, of course, Nixon is going to show up. It wont be his last appearance, either. In this case, his connection to an unpopular pardon is as direct as can be: It was his own pardon, granted by his replacement, Gerald Ford. The reasons behind it, at least in theory, were to help the country heal, and to avoid any more public airing of dirty laundry. The problem is, the country youre telling to heal sometimes feels like the best way for that to happen would be to see a president punished for their illegal actions. It was received poorly to say the least, even within Nixon's own ex-staff. Advertisement

3 Pretty Much Everyone Involved in Iran-Contra Shutterstock If youre not familiar with Iran-Contra, it was a double-dip of illegal acts during the Reagan administration. They sold arms to an embargoed Iran, and then turned around and gave the profits to the Contra rebel group in Nicaragua, who they were also not supposed to be funding. From tip to tail, it was illegal, and it would be a massive scandal for everyone with a whiff of involvement, including Reagan and his vice president, George H.W. Bush. Advertisement Advertisement Bush, though, was elected president despite Iran-Contra's stink, an odor that only grew stronger when he ended his presidency by pardoning basically everyone involved. His stated reasoning was basically that they did this bad stuff for America! The tinfoil hat theory is that he needed to shut down the trial so his own involvement wouldnt be fully revealed.

2 Jimmy Hoffa Advertisement Public Domain Were back to Nixon. Before he himself was a known criminal, he was just knee-deep in questionable ethics via pardoning a man now mostly known for being dead and hard to find: Jimmy Hoffa. Hoffa was in prison for pension fraud and jury tampering, two charges that dont exactly beg sympathy. Hed never serve his full sentence, however, with Nixon pardoning him in what seemed, even then, to be a pretty clear case of quid-pro-quo. Nixon gets Hoffa out of prison, and Hoffa and his union connections help Nixon win the White House for another term. You dont need much more than a single strand of red yarn to figure this one out.
We can all agree that some humans are normal-sounding and some are from Boston, but all animals sound alike to us. Well, thats speciesist. All kinds of animals have regional variations in how they talk to each other  and to us. Such as

5 Birds Just like Star Wars characters and professional wrestlers, every species of bird has its own distinct song, but even birds of the same species can sound different depending on where theyre from. For example, birds from the city have higher-pitched songs than country birds because they echo off buildings less and can be heard better in noisy locations. Even birds within the same city can sound different. For example, a sparrow singing in Golden Gate Park sounded distinct from a male singing just a few miles away near the Golden Gate Bridge. Thats how you know which are the cool ones.

4 Dogs Not only do dogs have accents, they have the same ones we do. For example, the BBC reported, dogs in Liverpool communicate in a higher pitch than other dogs, and Scottish dogs tend to have a lighter tone to their bark, with a stronger pitch and tone. According to dog behaviorist Tracey Gudgeon, Its one of the ways they bond with their owner. Its also probably the closest well get to a real-life Shrek.

3 Whales Specifically, sperm whales. They communicate through a series of clicks called codas, and whales from the Caribbean and the Pacific, for instance, have different patterns of clicks. One even essentially translates to, I am from the Caribbean, are you? Yep, whales can have Jamaican accents. Wed call that racist if we werent pretty sure whales cant be racist.

2 Cats Advertisement Advertisement Sorry, cat people, but their meows are pretty much all the same. If we consider nonverbal signals to be a type of language, though  and when it comes to cats, its arguably more important  cats that have a genetic mutation that causes curly tails can be said to have something of an accent. One sign of contentment is holding their tail straight up, so if a cat cant do that, their accent can make it hard to tell if theyre friendly. You know, like the French. Speaking of whom
If Amy Adams wins an Oscar, will she thank the guy who sang Dare to Be Stupid?

One of the most buzzed about movies of the holiday season is Nightbitch, which stars Amy Adams as a woman who puts a pin in her artistic career in order to become a stay-at-home mother, only to find herself turning into a literal canine.

Nightbitch, which is now available on streaming, is getting a lot of buzz for Adams performance, leading some to suggest that it may be the movie that finally wins the acclaimed actress an Oscar. But now that its out, audiences have a more pressing question concerning the film: Why does this awards contender include a song by Weird Al Yankovic?

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Weird Als 1985 banger features prominently in Nightbitch, underscoring a montage as if it were a totally normal song by an artist who isnt famous for recording parodies and single-handedly keeping the quirky Hawaiian shirt industry afloat.

Of course, Dare to Be Stupid isnt a one-to-one parody of an existing song, its an original tune that emulates the style of Devo.

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Speaking with IndieWire, director Marielle Heller revealed that Nightbitchs use of the song comes from a very personal place. My son, at the time I was writing the script, was seven or something, and was obsessed with Weird Al, and so all we would listen to was Weird Al at all times.

Hellers son was also really into the Transformers movie from 1987, which, for some reason, includes the same Weird Al song during an epic fight scene between the Autobots and the Decepticons.

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I would always be blasting it on the radio when I pulled into a school parking lot, Heller added, and I always felt like, I dont give a fuck if all you parents think Im weird. Were listening to Weird Al, and Im singing along, and were blasting it. It was all an ode to my son. And truly, because I had had my own experience of loudly singing Weird Al and realizing it was the moment where I no longer gave a fuck about anything in life and how anyone saw me, I was like, Right, this has to go in there.

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Securing the rights to the song was no problem because Hellers husband, Jorma Taccone from The Lonely Island, is friends with Yankovic. Jorma just called him to ask, and thank God, he just was like, Sure, Heller explained.

Prior to Nightbitch, The Walking Dead also turned heads with its unironic use of a Weird Al track, dropping his Queen parody Another One Rides the Bus into an otherwise serious scene in which Sheriff Rick has a vision of the future.

Hopefully this trend will continue and more dramatic movies will incorporate Als music. Like, maybe Christopher Nolans upcoming adaptation of Homers The Odyssey will find a use for Amish Paradise.
Instead of worrying about how many members it has, the Tory Party should start thinking  very urgently  about serving the millions of voters who have stayed loyal through its recent baffling series of personality changes and wardrobe malfunctions.

For while Conservatism is electorally weak, a dogmatic and incompetent Labour government is making a mess of running the country  with effects that, sadly, may take years to clear up.

The calm, sensible wealth-creators and hard workers, parents, householders and, yes, pensioners who make up the natural, sensible majority are forced to look on while Sir Keir Starmer and his colleagues make catastrophic mistakes, break promises and pursue crazy utopian ends, pausing only to give each other peerages they previously claimed to be against on principle.

At one end of this wobbling, wheezing, screeching, leaking political jalopy, these advocates of Net Zero and a stealthy return to the EU plot the wreckage of our economy and the sabotage of our hard-won national independence.

At the other end, a Chancellor blithely destroys jobs and kills economic growth by taxing employment further, and anything else that moves  the latest target, as reported in yesterday's Daily Mail, being foreign holidays.

High Streets are already showing the signs of shrinking consumer spending  an unsurprising result of such an approach.

And where do all these grabbed taxes end up? They are shovelled into the pockets of some already well-rewarded public sector workforces, often with giant pension commitments.

Somehow it hardly ever seems to result in good schools, efficiently enforced law and order, strong Armed Forces or a satisfactory NHS.

Leader of Reform UK, Nigel Farage talks while attending a Reform UK press conference on November 28, 2024 in London, England

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch who has said she will 'earn the trust of the British people' and will release policies as 'it's thought through'

Predictably, a government that sees business as a source of tax rather than as a creator of wealth has begun to find that it has less wealth to tax. Eventually it will run out of other people's money.

Normally this predictable event would be the cue for the return of a Tory government, with a basic understanding of economics, to sort things out.

But as things stand, such a return is not inevitable.

July's General Election created a colossal number of Labour MPs because many Tory voters treated the poll as a referendum on the Conservative Party, and so unintentionally allowed Starmer a Commons majority far greater than his true support in the country. This does not need to continue indefinitely.

A recent poll showed that Nigel Farage's Reform UK, at 22 per cent, is breathing down the neck of the Tories, with 23 per cent, while Labour is rapidly becoming as unpopular as it deserves to be, with 29 per cent.

This means there is a big anti-Labour majority in the country. But, cut up in this way, it could easily let Labour in again.

Our first-past-the-post system has many merits, including the power to turn out a leader the public no longer likes.

Anyone who doubts this should look at the proportional representation systems on the continent, where nobody ever seems to be thrown out and it can take months to construct a government so divided against itself that it can do almost nothing.

Keir Starmer is interviewed on Panorama with Nick Robinson on June 14

But when third parties become important, the British system can lead to unfair results, such as the one in July.

Both Kemi Badenoch and Farage need to grasp that their rivalry is not a petty private popularity contest.

The public doesn't care how many members they have. People care about the fate of a nation, its economy and everyone's well-being.

The duty of Badenoch and Farage, far above party advantage, is to save the nation from Starmerism.

Everything they do, from this moment on, should be dedicated to that end.
Rachel Reeves Budget is a greedy assault on Britains beloved heritage and history.

Over this Christmas period, thousands of families up and down the country will visit one of the UKs historic houses.

However, as analysis from Historic Houses shows, these great symbols of our countryside are now under threat from Reeves damaging socialist Budget.

Our stately homes are deeply intertwined with our countrys great heritage; they bolster our food security; and they attract millions of people each year.

But in an act of shameless ineptitude, the Chancellors Budget is putting all this at risk.

The future looks bleak for some of our most famous and historic homes and may mean they have to close depriving the British public of their right to enjoy these wonderful examples of culture and heritage.

Historic Houses, who represent hundreds of these properties, have conducted a survey with terrifying that paint a bleak picture for our stately homes.

Over half of respondents say they wont be able to diversify their business because of changes to inheritance tax.

Rachel Reeves delivered a massive 40billion 'tax bomb' Budget back in October

Analysis from Historic Houses shows that historic homes are under threat from Reeves Budget

Strikingly, 41 per cent of respondents say they will have to make redundancies or freeze hiring new staff.

This could have a catastrophic impact on local economies, especially in rural areas.

They host weddings and help our children learn about the great history of our nation.

As a result, these stately homes often offer great work opportunities for people in the countryside.

From maintaining the properties, to working in their cafes or tending the land, the Chancellors needles tax raid could put thousands of these jobs at risk.

But this also represents a shocking act of vandalism on our countrys great history.

While we know this Government are intent on destroying our history with reparations and the continued malaise of history in our schools, this assault on our heritage is still shocking and hurtful.

Stately homes allow everyone to take in some of the finest art and architecture that play such an important role in our national story.

Saqib Bhatti (pictured) is the Shadow Minister for Culture, Media and Sport

If the Chancellor goes through with this horrifying attack on Britains culture, our children wont be able to enjoy one of the countrys favourite days out: a trip to a stately home.

That means children will no longer be able to learn about Britains extraordinary national story and will instead be led further down the slippery slope of believing Britain has only ever been a force for evil in the world.

I am deeply proud of our country and its heritage; it is unsurpassed and we can get a feel for it like no other in our great stately homes.

Millions of people visit them each year so that they too can learn about our glorious history. This is a blatant political choice by a left-wing Labour Government that have no care for our history.

They are driven by wild socialist ambitions to dismantle everything that made Britain great. Their war on Downton Abbey is economically illiterate and threatens our history.

They came for our farmers, they came for our pensioners and now they are setting-out to destroy our heritage by demolishing our stately homes, loved by so many.

Britain stately homes exemplify what makes our country great.

We must protect them.

Saqib Bhatti MP is the Shadow Minister for Culture, Media and Sport
December 4: The Paley Honours: A Tribute to Tyler Perry in New York

Meghan put on a dazzling display in an elegant black evening gown and $20,000 (15,722) worth of accessories at the red carpet event in honour of her friend Tyler Perry

Custom Oscar de la Renta black strapless gown - price not known

Logan Hollowell 18k 'Fortuna' Tennis Necklace with Diamonds - worn before

Stuart Weitzman 'Nudistsong' strappy sandals in black - worn before

November 22: Welcome Project Thanksgiving dinner in Venice Beach, California

In November, the Duchess of Sussex joined the charity Mina's List to host a Thanksgiving dinner for Afghan women who have resettled in the US as a part of The Welcome Project

Leset 'Zoe' Sleeveless Turtleneck in Oatmeal - new, 220

Gabriela Hearst 'Vargas' wide-leg silk trousers in Camel - worn before

Princess Diana's Cartier Tank Francaise Watch - worn before

Cartier Love Bracelet - worn before

November 14: Highbrow Hippie Launch in Venice, California

The Duchess of Sussex (pictured left) put on a glamorous display in a sleeveless black top and wide-leg trousers as she supported her friend and A-lister hairdresser Kadi Lee (picture centre) in Venice, California. Pictured right, celeb hairstylist Serge Normant

Khaite Prim Crepe Bustier Top - new, 645

Khaite Marinta Pant in Black - new, 1,241

Aquazzura Talk to Me 105 Sandals in Black Suede - worn before

Logan Hollowell 'Call On Your Angels' Diamond Angel Eye Coin Necklace in Gold - new, 1,689

Lorraine Schwartz Emerald-Cut Diamond Ring - worn before

November 7: Global Ministerial Conference on Violence Against Children in Colombia (appearing via video)

Harry, 40, and Meghan, 43, both wore dark blazers with poppy pins fastened on their lapels, in a video message about online violence against children - a cause that is deeply important to them.

Ralph Lauren Parker Cashmere Jacket - worn before

Unidentified black t-shirt

October 11: Visit to Girls Inc. in Greater Santa Barbara, California

The Duchess of Sussex visited the charity Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara in California

Limited-edition Marie Marot X J.Crew shirt in Thomas Mason chambray - new, 194

Anne Bing 'Carrie' Pant in White Linen Blend - new, 235

Ralph Lauren Slide Buckle Leather Belt In Tan - worn before

Manolo Blahnik BB pumps in Luggage Suede - worn before

Princess Diana's Cartier Tank Francaise Watch - worn before

Cartier Love Bracelet - worn before

October 5: Children's Hospital Los Angeles gala

The Duchess of Sussex caught all eyes as she re-wore a revealing red Carolina Herrera gown to the LA Children's Hospital gala

Red Carolina Herrera Plunge Neck Silk-Faille Gown - worn before

Aquazzura 'So Nude' 105 Sandal - new, 648

Cartier Love Bracelet

September 15: Alliance for Children's Rights charity tennis tournament in Los Angeles

Alex Romain (left), chair of the Alliance for Children's Rights, joins Meghan (centre), Kelly McKee Zajfen (second right) and Prince Harry (far right) at the George Zajfen Tennis Tournament in Los Angeles

Giuliva Heritage 'Edda' Cotton and Wool Blend Dress in Ivory - new, 1,241

Carolina Herrera Doma Insignia Medium Satchel Bag in Brown - worn before

Aquazzura 'Divine' Sandal 85 in Cognac Brown Suede - worn before

Ray Ban Gold Classic Aviators - worn before

September 8: Godmothers bookstore opening

Polo Ralph Lauren Ribbed Cotton Tank in Off White - new, 61

Ralph Lauren Charmain Silk Wide-Leg Pant in Cream - worn before

Logan Hollowell 18k 'Fortuna' Tennis Necklace with Diamonds - worn before

Khaite black clutch (not pictured)

September 7: Godmothers bookstore with Oprah Winfrey in Santa Barbara, California

Meghan wore a Club Monaco jumpsuit and a staggering 23,000-diamond necklace at one of the events for the opening weekend of Californian bookstore Godmothers

Club Monaco Sleeveless Collared Jumpsuit in Black - new, 273

Jimmy Choo 'Etana 50' Leather Strappy Mule Sandals in Tan - worn before

Logan Hollowell 18k Fortuna Tennis Necklace with Diamonds - new, 23,582

September 2: Impromptu visit to Godmothers bookstore

Anine Bing 'Lee' Sweater in Deep Navy - new, 393

Ulla Johnson 'Polina' Pants in Midnight - worn before

Sarah Bray Bermuda 'Wildflower' Sun Hat - new, 157

Ray Ban Gold Classic Aviators - worn before

Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Long Wallet In Black - carried before

Anya Hindmarch Match Book Charm in Chalk - 243

Cartier Juste Un Clou necklace - worn before

August 18 or day four of Colombia tour: Petronio Alvarez Festival in Cali

Meghan and Harry are all smiles at the Petronio Music Festival in Cali during their four-day visit to Colombia

Andres Otalora 'Joya Colonial' Tiered Cotton Poplin Maxi Dress in Green - new, 699

Aquazzura 'Talk to Me 105' Sandals in Black Suede - new, 668

Tres Almas Lab Felix Hoops in Gold - new, 433.2

Princess Diana's Cartier Tank Francaise Watch - worn before

August 18 or day four of the Colombia tour: Salsa lesson at Unidad Recreativa El Vallado in Cali

Meghan and Harry tried salsa dancing during a visit to the Unidad Recreativa El Vallado in Cali

Anine Bing 'Amani' Tee in Off White Cashmere Blend - new, 94.35

Juan De Dios El Carmen Canvas Hand Embroidered Midi Skirt in Ecru - new, 625

Stuart Weitzman 'Benni' Slingback Thong Sandal in Tan Leather - new, 231

Miu Miu 'Artiste' Sunglasses in Black & Gold - worn before

Alvaro Avila Flower Button Rosemary Yerbatero Earrings - new, 224

Princess Diana's Cartier Tank Francaise watch - worn before

Cartier Love Bracelet - worn before

August 18 or day four of the Colombia tour: Panel of Afro Colombian Women Leaders in Cali

Meghan looked radiant in a patterned pencil skirt embellished with sequins, which she paired with a sharp white shirt and pink, suede pumps

Mango 'Paula' Sleeveless Cotton Shirt in White - worn before

Silvia Tcherassi Blair Skirt Multi Pastel Sequins - new, 1,092

Manolo Blahnik BB Pointed-Toe Pumps in Purple Suede - worn before Gold filigree fan earrings gifted from Vice President Francia Marquez, handmade by artisans in the Choco region of Colombia - new

Lorraine Schwartz Emerald-Cut Diamond Ring - worn before

August 17 or day three of Colombia tour: Visit to San Basilio de Palenque

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry looked loved up as they held hands while visiting traditional Afro-Caribbean village, San Basilio de Palenque on Saturday

Argent Stretch Rayon Knit Tank Top in White - new, 114

Posse 'Emma' Pencil Skirt in Ivory - new, 196

Hannia Char Boater Hat in Natural/Beige with Black Band - worn before

Emme Parsons 'Cecilia' T-Strap Sandals in Black Calfskin - worn before

Maria Esquivia Cord Wrapped Earrings - new, 55

August 17 or day three of Colombia tour: Visit to Caribbean drum school in Cartagena

Meghan Markle was a marvel in monochrome as she arrived in Cartagena with Prince Harry on the third day of their tour of Colombia

Johanna Ortiz Resort '25 black knot print co-ord set featuring the 'Deep Ocean' Tie-Detailed Silk Crop Top paired with the 'Hello Sailor' Printed Silk Maxi Skirt - new, 1,729.28

Hannia Char Boater Hat in Natural/Beige with Black Band - new, 71.53

Cesta Collective Crossbody Bag in Panna - worn before

Aquazzura 'Divine' Sandal 85 in Cognac Brown Suede - worn before

Ray Ban Gold Classic Aviators - worn before

Ariel Gordon Royal Signet Studs in Gold - worn before

Cartier Juste Un Clou necklace - worn before

Ariel Gordon 'Imperial' Disc Pendant Necklace - worn before

Princess Diana's Cartier Tank Francaise Watch - worn before

Cartier Love bracelet

August 16 or day two of Colombia tour: Private luncheon hosted by Vice President Francia Marquez in Bogota

Custom blue Oscar de la Renta gown - price unavailable

Logan Hollowell Baby Reverse Water Drop Diamond Tennis Necklace - worn before

August 16 or day two of Colombia tour: Visit to Center for Inclusive Rehabilitation in Bogota

Meghan and Harry exchange smiles during their visit to the Center for Inclusive Rehabilitation in Bogota

Giuliva Heritage 'Husband' Shirt in White Silk - new, 713

Juan De Dios 'Amaime' Silk Martellato Midi Skirt in Ivory Green Chintz - new, 353

Ecksand Emerald and Pink Sapphire Dangle Earrings with Accent Diamonds - new, 2,986

Princess Diana's Cartier Tank Francaise Watch - worn before

Cartier Love Bracelet

Jimmy Choo 'Etana 50' Leather Strappy Mule Sandals in Tan (not pictured) - worn before

August 16 or day two of Colombia tour: Visit to Colegio La Giralda, a public school in the Las Cruces neighbourhood of Santa Fe

Meghan looked sophisticated in black high-waisted cigarettes pants, which she paired with a white button-up business shirt

Loro Piana 'Jamilla' Linen Blazer in Nazca Soil - worn before

Mango 'Paula' Sleeveless Cotton Shirt in White - new, 26

Unidentified black trousers - new

Chanel Slingback Flats in Beige Goatskin and Black Grosgrain - worn before

Cesta Collective Crossbody Bag in Panna - new, 589

Princess Diana's Butterfly Pave Stud Earrings - worn before

Princess Diana's Cartier Tank Francaise Watch - worn before

Cartier Love Bracelet - worn before

August 15 or day one of Colombia tour: Summit on Responsible Digital Future in Bogota

Meghan and Harry (extreme left) at the 'Responsible Digital Future' forum at EAN University in Bogota, Colombia

Victoria Beckham Silk Shirt in Brown - worn before

La Ligne 'Colby' Pant in Spice - new, 231

Aquazzura 'Divine' Sandal 85 in Cognac Brown Suede - new, 624.9

Birks 'Muse' Citrine and Diamond Drop Earrings - worn before

Cartier Juste Un Clou necklace - worn before

August 15 or day one of Colombia tour: Cultural event

Meghan changed into a colourful printed jumpsuit for her second look of her Colombia Tour

Johanna Ortiz 'Navajo Weaver' metallic tweed maxi dress in burgundy - new, 1,690.35

Jimmy Choo 'Etana 50' Leather Strappy Mule Sandals in Tan - new, 687.78

Cartier Juste Un Clou necklace - worn before

Lanvin Arpege Sleeper Earrings in Gold - worn before

Vintage High Tea 14K Yellow Gold Coral Bead Diamond Center Flower Ring - new, 982.76

Princess Diana's Cartier Tank Francaise Watch - worn before

Cartier Love Bracelet - worn before

August 15 or day one of Colombia tour: Welcome in Bogota

Meghan Markle proved her fashion prowess once again today as she stepped out in Colombia alongside Prince Harry to begin their four-day tour of the South American nation

Veronica Beard 'Orlinda' Vest and the Veronica Beard 'Arte' Pants both in Navy - new, 822.7

Loro Piana 'Loom' Bag L32 in Light Travertine & Sun Gold A0IF - new, 3,694

Manolo Blahnik 'Carolyne 70' Slingback Pumps in Black Satin - new, 624.90

Pippa Small Kyanite Classic Stud Earrings - worn before

Lorraine Schwartz Against Evil Eye bracelet - worn before

Princess Diana's Cartier Tank Francaise Watch - worn before

Cartier Love Bracelet - worn before

August 1: CBS interview about cyber abuse

In August, Harry and Meghan released a new CBS interview about cyber abuse, with the Duke saying parents have to be 'first responders'

Ralph Lauren Collection 'Adrien' Relaxed Fit Linen-Blend Shirt in Pink - new, 699.57

Ralph Lauren Collection Evanne Linen-Blend Trouser in Pink - new, 856.97

Unidentified Nude Double Ankle Strap Pumps

Cartier Juste Un Clou necklace - worn before

Luna Skye Large Baguette Diamond Leaf Studs In Yellow Gold - worn before

Ariel Gordon 'Imperial' Disc Pendant Necklace - worn before

Princess Diana's Cartier Tank Francaise Watch - worn before

Cartier Love Bracelet - worn before

July 26: G9 Ventures Summit at the Hamptons in New York

The Duchess of Sussex, seen here alongside designer Misha Nonoo and cosmetics owner Bobbi Brown, wore a vest and trousers combo that retails for around $870

St. Agni 'Helm' Linen Vest in Natural - new, 322.25

St. Agni Linen Overlap Waist Trousers in Natural - new, 349.86

Heidi Merrick 'Santa Barbara' Sunglasses in Black - worn before

Ariel Gordon 'Imperial' Disc Pendant Necklace - worn before

Cartier Juste Un Clou necklace - worn before

July 22: Visit to Tre Lune, Montecito

Meghan was spotted at A-list favourite Italian bistro, Tre Lune, in Montecito

Anine Bing 'Mika' Shirt in White - worn before

La Ligne 'Molly' High-Rise Straight Jean in Walter Blue - new, 153.28

Dior Medium Lady D-Lite Bag in Black Cannage Embroidery - carried before

Chanel Lambskin Ballerinas in Beige & Black - worn before

Ray Ban Gold Classic Aviators - worn before

Ariel Gordon 'Imperial' Disc Pendant Necklace - worn before

Cartier Juste Un Clou necklace - worn before

Princess Diana's Cartier Tank Francaise Watch - worn before

Cartier Love Bracelet - worn before

June 11: ESPY Awards

Prince Harry and Meghan, wearing a custom Oscar de la Renta gown, pictured at the ESPY awards with tennis superstar Serena Williams on July 11

Custom Oscar de la Renta white fluid halter gown - new

Celine 'Sharp' Sandals in Black Patent - new, price not available

Lorraine Schwartz Diamond Jacket Earrings - worn before

Rodi Large Cassandra Ring in 18K Three Gold With A Diamond Loop - worn before

Cartier Love Bracelet - worn before

May 12, day three of Nigeria tour: Final appearance before departing

Loro Piana 'Jamilla' Linen Blazer in Nazca Soil - new, 2,948

Loro Piana 'Takao' Jumper in Light Dune Melange - new, 1,041.73

Saint Laurent 'Chris' Loafers in Tan - new, 825.52

May 12, day three of Nigeria tour: Charity polo match in Lagos

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attending the polo fundraiser event in Lagos

Johanna Ortiz 'Summer Counts' Dress - new, 939.52

Burberry 'Berkeley' Sandals in Gold - worn before

Heidi Merrick 'Santa Barbara' Sunglasses in Black - worn before

Coral and gold Nigerian bridal earrings - new, price unavailable

Lorraine Schwartz Against Evil Eye bracelet - worn before

Ariel Gordon Diamond Hex Tennis bracelet - worn before

Cartier Love Bracelet - worn before

Birks Iconic Stackable Diamond Snowflake Ring - worn before

Lorraine Schwartz Emerald-Cut Diamond Ring - worn before

May 12, day three of Nigeria visit: State Governor's reception in Lagos

Meghan wore a traditional shawl that perfectly matched her canary yellow Carolina Herrera dress

Carolina Herrera Silk Overlay Column Gown in 'Taxi Cab' Yellow - worn before

Aquazzura 'So Nude' 105 Sandals in Powder Pink - worn before

Jennifer Meyer Large Hammered Disc Earrings - worn before

AUrate Collar Necklace in Yellow Gold Worn before

Birks Iconic Stackable Diamond Snowflake Ring - worn before

Ariel Gordon Diamond Hex Tennis bracelet - worn before

Lorraine Schwartz Against Evil Eye bracelet - worn before

Cartier Love Bracelet - worn before

May 12, day three of Nigeria tour: Visit to basketball charity Giants of Africa in Lagos

Meghan in traditional Nigerian blue wrap skirt to watch the basket ball

Carolina Herrera Concealed Placket Shirt - worn before

Regalia by FAL 'Omowale' Aso-Oke Wrap Skirt - new, price unavailable

Burberry 'Berkeley' Sandals in Gold - worn before

Heidi Merrick 'Santa Barbara' Sunglasses in Black - worn before

Lanvin Clip-On Disc Earrings With Amethyst & Citrine Crystals - worn before

Ariel Gordon 'Imperial' Disc Pendant Necklace - worn before

Lorraine Schwartz Emerald-Cut Diamond Ring - worn before

Jennifer Meyer Turquoise Marquise Ring - worn before

Cartier Love Bracelet - worn before

Princess Diana's Cartier Tank Francaise Watch - worn before

Ariel Gordon Diamond Hex Tennis bracelet - worn before

May 11, day two of Nigeria tour: Women in Leadership event in Abuja

Meghan honoured the host country by wearing this ethically sourced red dress by Nigerian designer Orire

Orire 'Dire' Ruffle Hem Dress in Orange - new, 216.21

Aquazzura 'So Nude' 105 Sandals in Powder Pink - worn before

Logan Hollowell Baby Reverse Water Drop Diamond Tennis Necklace - worn before

Kimai Semi Hoop Earring in Gold - worn before

Shaun Leane Gold Signature Tusk Diamond Bracelet - worn before

Lorraine Schwartz Against Evil Eye bracelet - worn before

Ariel Gordon Diamond Hex Tennis bracelet - worn before

Cartier Love Bracelet - worn before

May 11, day two of Nigeria tour: Reception with military armies and The Widows Association in Abuja

Meghan paid homage to Princess Diana by wearing a ecklace that belonged to her

St. Agni Strapless Column Maxi Dress in Salt - new, 267.31

Aquazzura 'So Nude' 105 Sandals in Powder Pink Leather - new, 589.6

Princess Diana's diamond cross pendant necklace - never worn before

Christian Dior Vintage Love Knot Earrings - new, price unavailable

Lorraine Schwartz Against Evil Eye bracelet - worn before

Ariel Gordon Diamond Hex Tennis bracelet - worn before

Cartier Love Bracelet - worn before

Lorraine Schwartz Emerald-Cut Diamond Ring - worn before

May 11, day two of Nigeria tour: 'Nigeria: Unconquered' event in Abuja

Meghan wore this abstract tropical leaf pattern print to attend an exhibition volleyball match

Johanna Ortiz 'Tropicana Nights' Dress - new, 2,240.7

Emme Parsons 'Cecilia' T-Strap Sandals in Black Calfskin - worn before

Heidi Merrick 'Ex-Pat Frame' Sunglasses in Black - new, 176

Jennifer Meyer Large Hammered Discs - worn before

Lorraine Schwartz Against Evil Eye bracelet - worn before

Ariel Gordon Diamond Hex Tennis bracelet - worn before

Princess Diana's Cartier Tank Francaise Watch - worn before

May 10, day one of Nigeria tour: Official welcome to Nigeria

A crisp white suit is a Meghan Markle signature, and she chose this elegant, powerful and versatile ensemble for an official meeting with General Christopher Gwabin Musa, Nigeria's defence chief

Altuzarra 'Acacia' One-Button Blazer in White - worn before

Altuzarra 'Serge' Trousers in Optic White - worn before

Manolo Blahnik BB Pumps in Luggage Suede - worn before

AUrate Collar Necklace in Yellow Gold - worn before

Ariel Gordon Royal Signet Studs in Gold - worn before

Ariel Gordon Diamond Hex Tennis bracelet - worn before

Princess Diana's Cartier Tank Francaise Watch - worn before

Cartier Love Bracelet - worn before

Lorraine Schwartz Emerald-Cut Diamond Ring - worn before

May 10, day one of Nigeria tour: Visit to Lightway Academy in Abuja

The couple's first public event in Nigeria was a visit to the Lightway Academy in Abuja, Nigeria's capital, and Meghan oozed casual elegance in the 'Windsor' silk gown from Californian designer Heidi Merrick

Heidi Merrick 'Windsor' Gown in Blush - new, 1,061.38

Emme Parsons 'Laurie' Sandals In Cacao Brown - worn before

AUrate Collar Necklace in Yellow Gold - worn before

Vintage Lanvin couture clip-on disc earrings with amethyst and citrine crystals - worn before

Lorraine Schwartz Emerald-Cut Diamond Ring - worn before

Ariel Gordon Diamond Hex Tennis bracelet - worn before

Princess Diana's Cartier Tank Francaise Watch - worn before

Cartier Love Bracelet - worn before

April 18: In support of Alliance of Moms community

Love Like A Mother' tee - new, retails for 30.34

FRAME high-rise denim jeans - exact style and price unknown

Cartier Love Bracelet - worn before

Princess Diana's Cartier Tank Francaise Watch - worn before

Ariel Gordon Diamond Hex Tennis bracelet - worn before

April 15: Sentebale dinner in Wellington, Florida

Hary and Meghan attended a celebratory dinner Friday evening for the Sentebale Polo event in Wellington, Florida

St. Agni 'Hudson' Midi Dress in Black - new, 365.5

Christian Dior Crystal & Black Enamel Doorknocker Earrings - new, 185.69

April 12: Royal Salute Polo Challenge in Wellington, Florida

Prince Harry, left, and wife, Meghan Markle kiss as she presents his polo team with the trophy for winning the Royal Salute Polo Challenge to Benefit Sentebale, Friday, April 12, 2024, in Wellington, Florida

Heidi Merrick 'Ginger' Halter Dress in ivory silk & hemp - new, 404.77

Valentino Garavani One Stud Leather Shoulder Bag In Ivory - worn before

Aquazzura 'Purist' 105 Pump in Nude Nappa Leather - worn before

Vintage Chanel gold button earrings - new, price unavailable

Heidi Merrick 'Santa Barbara' Sunglasses in Black - worn before

Princess Diana's Cartier Tank Francaise Watch - worn before

Cartier Love Bracelet - worn before

Ariel Gordon Diamond Hex Tennis bracelet - worn before

March 21: Visit to Children's Hospital Los Angeles

Meghan Markle dropped by the Los Angeles Children's Hospital on March 21st, with photos of the 'literally healing' session appearing this week; the Duchess, 42, chose to read Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty, which she also read at the Invictus Games in September

Oscar De La Renta Silk Chiffon Landscape Shirtdress - worn before

Aquazzura 'Love Affair' Flats in Black Suede - worn before

Ariel Gordon Diamond Hex Tennis bracelet - worn before

March 9: Suprise visit to Uvalde, Texas

Harry and Meghan are seen with the mother of Layla Salazar who was tragically killed in the Uvalde shooting

Heidi Merrick 'Marish' Top in black - new, 200

Birdies 'The Goldfinch' Ballet Flat in Onyx Gilded Silk - new, 149.33

Black skinny jeans - unidentified

Ariel Gordon Royal Signet Studs in Gold - new, 216

Ariel Gordon St Christopher Talisman Charm - new, 310.48

Ariel Gordon Diamond Hex Tennis bracelet - worn before

March 9: Visit to The Archewell Foundation's San Antonio Welcome Project in Texas

Meghan Markle engages with one of the women at The Archewell Foundation's San Antonio Welcome Project during a visit on Friday

Favorite Daughter 'The Diana' Jacket in Night Sky - new, 289.24

Logan Hollowell 'Queen' Emerald Cut Cuban Choker - worn before

Gold studs - unidentified

Princess Diana's Cartier Tank Francaise watch - worn before

Ariel Gordon Diamond Hex Tennis bracelet - worn before

March 8: Dinner at La Barbecue in Austin, Texas

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle gave the owner of a Texas BBQ joint a warm embrace as they arrived for a visit

Heidi Merrick 'Zelda' Blazer in Ivory Silk & Hemp - new, 301.24

Denim Forum The '80s Comfy Denim Shirt In '7 Yrs Pctr Ths Bleu' Wash - new, 77.03

Mulberry 'Tyndale' Bucket Bag in White Leather - new, 385

Chanel Slingback Flats in Beige Goatskin and Black Grosgrain - worn before

Heidi Merrick 'Santa Barbara' Sunglasses in Black - worn before

Ariel Gordon Diamond Hex Tennis bracelet - worn before

Princess Diana's Cartier Tank Francaise watch - worn before

Cartier Love Bracelet - worn before

March 8: SXSW Panel on International Women's Day in Austin, Texas

Meghan onstage during the 'Keynote: Breaking Barriers, Shaping Narratives: How Women Lead On and Off the Screen' during the SXSW 2024 Conference and Festivals at Austin Convention Center on March 08, 2024 in Austin, Texas

Giuliva Heritage 'Husband' Shirt in Grey/Beige Striped Silk - new, 734.5

Giuliva Heritage 'Lena' Skirt in Grey/Beige Striped Silk - new, 792.29

Valentino Garavani Roman Stud Flat Mule In Ivory - worn before

Bottega Veneta 'Knot' hoop earrings in gold - new, 548.82

February 29: Powder Mountain ski trip, Eden

Meghan joined Heather Dorak, Kelly McKee Zajfen and family on a ski holiday to Powder Mountain, Eden

Aritzia The Super Puff Long goose down puffer jacket in Black - new, 275

Moncler cable knit wool beanie in black - new, 255.52

Moncler Padded Gloves in Black - new, 560

Blenders Eyewear 'Grove' Polarized Sunglasses in Midnight Drama - worn before

February 22: Dinner with Terry Wood at Asanebo, Studio City, California

Meghan Markle looked effortlessly chic as she stepped out for a dinner date with friends in Los Angeles

Anine Bing 'Dylan' Coat in Navy - new, 707.59

La Ligne Mini Toujours Sweater in Marled Black - new, 231.88

Anine Bing 'Beck' High-Rise Skinny Jeans in Iron Gray - new, 180.83

Goyard Bellechasse Biaude PM Bag in Grey - carried before

Chanel Cap-Toe Ballet Flats In Pewter Leather - worn before

February 22: Lunch at Cipriani in Beverly Hills

Meghan Markle and British fashion designer Clare Waight Keller dined at celebrity haunt Cipriani in Beverly Hills

Max Mara 'Lilia' Cashmere Coat in Tobacco - worn before

Bleusalt The Turtleneck in Navy - new, 133.63

Ulla Johnson 'Hazel' Belted Trousers in Midnight - new, 664.35

Cesta Suede Clutch in Tobacco - new, 385.24

Aquazzura 'Fenix' Ballet Flat in Black & Blue - worn before

Givenchy GV7112/S Pilot Sunglasses in Black - price unavailable

February 16, three-day trip to Canada for Invictus Games: One Year To Go gala

Meghan was glamorous in a one-shoulder olive green dress by Canadian designer Greta Constantine as well as a necklace by Logan Hollowell, and shoes by Manolo Blahnik

Greta Constantine Oseph Asymmetric Draped Gown in Green - new, 1,293

Logan Hollowell Baby Reverse Water Drop Diamond Tennis Necklace - new, 12,264

Birks Snowflake Large Round Jacket Earrings - worn before

Ariel Gordon Diamond Hex Tennis bracelet - worn before

February 16, three-day trip to Canada for Invictus Games: Wheelchair Curling Training Camp in Vancouver

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attends the Invictus Games One Year To Go Winter Training Camp at Hillcrest Community Centre on February 16, 2024 in Vancouver, Canada

Sentaler Cape with Shawl Collar and Belt in Dark Caramel - new, 822.01

Bleusalt Classic Crew Top in Camel - new, 110

Riding Boots in Smooth Calf Leather - new, 939.52

Anine Bing Signature Link Double Cross Earrings - worn before

Max Mara Elongated Suede Gloves in Khaki - worn before

February 15, three-day trip to Canada for Invictus Games: Dinner at Indian restaurant Vij's in Vancouver

Meghan Markle 'asked chefs to turn up the heat' when she and Prince Harry visited an Indian restaurant in Canada - while the duke 'joked that spicy food makes him turn red'

Sentaler 'The New' Maxi Trench Coat in Ivory - New, 1,424

Givenchy Cross3 Leather Crossbody Bag in Black Goatskin Leather - worn before

Anine Bing Signature Link Double Cross Earrings - worn before

February 15, three-day trip to Canada for Invictus Games: Visit to Whistler Sliding Centre

Meghan wrapped up against the chill in a 3,000 Hermes quilted jacket, teamed with her favourite 'Valerie' skinny jeans from La Ligne

Hermes Reversible Down Jacket in Black - new, 3,000

La Ligne 'Valerie' Jeans In Luca Black - worn before

Babaton Luxe Cashmere Kisho Beanie in Total Eclipse - new, 43.24

Kamik 'Sienna' Boots in Dark Brown Leather - worn before

Sunday Best 'Coco' Scarf in Admiral - new, 37.74

Blenders Eyewear 'Grove' Polarized Sunglasses in Midnight Drama - worn before

February 15, three-day trip to Canada for Invictus Games: Visit to Mount Currie Community Centre

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex at the Mount Currie Community Centre, as they attend the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistlers 2025's One Year to Go event

Navy Blue Wool Single Button Coat - unidentified but worn before

Le Chameau 'Jameson' Quilted Boots in Caramel - worn before

Blue & white stripe shirt - new but unidentified

Anine Bing Signature Link Double Cross Earrings - new, 196.55

Ariel Gordon Diamond Hex Tennis Bracelet - new, 4,324

Blue jeans - new but unidentified

February 14: Valentine's Day dinner in Whistler, Canada

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were seen heading to a romantic Valentine's Day dinner Wednesday night after a day on the slopes in the Canadian ski resort of Whistler

Loro Piana 'Loreen' Reversible Cashmere Coat - worn before

Red Valentino V-Ring Small Crossbody Bag - carried before

February 14, three-day trip to Canada for Invictus Games: Reception with First Nations youth ambassasors in Whistler

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, toured the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre with Youth Ambassadors, Chief Nelson and Wilson Williams (not pictured)

Anine Bing 'Carrie' pants - new, 314.48

Yellow gold Bottega Veneta Small Drop earrings - new, 644.69

Black Doen 'Kensington' coat - new, 470.15

Christian Dior blouse - price unavailable

February 14, three-day trip to Canada for Invictus Games: Winter Training Camp in Whistler, Canada

Meghan Markle looked every inch the snow queen as she stepped on to the slopes in Whistler, head to toe in winter whites

Calvin Klein Quilted Maxi Puffer Jacket in Barley - new, 231.93

CO Classic Crewneck Sweater - new, 530.39

Sorel JOAN OF ARCTIC Boot in Quarry/Black - worn before

Burberry Fur Pom Pom Wool Cashmere Beanie Hat In Black - new, price unavailable

Blenders Eyewear 'Grove' Polarized Sunglasses in Midnight Drama - new, 46.39

Shiffon 1972 tennis pinky ring - new, price unknown

February 10: Launch of Welcome Project

The Duchess of Sussex featured in a video about the Southern California Welcome Project

Black J.Crew Cashmere Crewneck Sweater Shell - worn before

Jennifer Meyer Diamond Bezel & Turquoise Marquise Stud Earrings - worn before

Custom Hedley & Bennett apron - retails for 66.83 approx

January 24: One Love Bob Marley premiere in Jamaica

The Duchess of Sussex , 42, oozed glamour in the monochrome ensemble, which she looked to team with a simple body suit, on Tuesday evening
King Charles and Princess Anne wrapped up warm in thick winter coats as they attended a Sunday service at St Mary Magdalene church in Sandringham today.

The monarch, 76, and Queen Camilla have spent the Christmas period in Norfolk with members of the Royal Family, who joined them for a Christmas Day walkabout.

But it was only King Charles and his younger sister Princess Anne, 74, who arrived for the Sunday morning service today - and they both appeared to be in high spirits.

Dozens of well-wishers had gathered in Sandringham to greet the royals, who typically spend the festive season at the sprawling Norfolk estate.

Charles and Anne stopped briefly to speak to Reverend Canon Paul Williams outside St Mary Magdalene church this morning, before heading inside.

The King staved off the cold in a thick winter coat, which he paired with tailored trousers - and he carried an umbrella in case of a downpour.

Meanwhile, Princess Anne was wrapped up warm in a thick skirt and jacket co-ord.

She paired this with black suede boots, and opted for a matching dark blue hat and bright red scarf to keep out the cold.

King Charles and Princess Anne wrapped up warm in thick winter coats as they attended a Sunday service at St Mary Magdalene church in Sandringham today

Charles hosted no fewer than 45 people at his private estate in Norfolk on Christmas Day, including his eldest son Prince William, Kate Middleton and their three children - George, Charlotte and Louis.

The Wales' joined King Charles and Queen Camilla for the Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene church this year, and stopped to chat to well-wishers who had gathered to catch a glimpse of the royals.

Ahead of Christmas Day, the Prince of Wales said he was looking forward to spending Christmas with 45 members of his family 'all in one room' as he attended a seasonal event for families of 1st Battalion Mercian Regiment, in his role as colonel-in-chief, at Bulford, Wiltshire.

Those invited to Sandringham this year enjoyed a mixture of the traditional and some festive fun of the Royal Family's own making.

Members of The Firm opened their presents on Christmas Eve in a nod to the family's German origins.

They typically lay out their gifts on trestle tables and exchange them at teatime - and are known to enjoy giving each other novelty presents, typically buying things that are cheap and will make people laugh rather than spending a lot on big, lavish gifts.

King Charles hosted no fewer than 45 people at his private estate in Norfolk on Christmas Day

Charles and Anne stopped briefly to speak to Reverend Canon Paul Williams outside St Mary Magdalene church this morning, before heading inside

The Royal Family at St Mary Magdalene church in Sandringham on Christmas Day

For instance, Prince William reportedly gave his late grandmother a pair of slippers emblazoned with her face.

Kate, the Princess of Wales, however, opted for something safer for Queen Elizabeth - a jar of homemade chutney. They then don black tie for a dinner on Christmas Eve.

On Christmas Day, the Royals attended the service at the Church of St Mary Magdalene on the Sandringham estate, where they were greeted by well-wishers, before returning for a traditional lunch of roast turkey and all the trimmings.

They sit down ready to eat at 1.15pm sharp, according to Queen Elizabeth II's former chef Darren McGrady, who catered for Christmas at Sandringham frequently in the 1980s and 1990s.

in the evening, they are said to play parlour games including charades and bingo.
Annabel Scholey kicks off her cameo in Jilly Cooper's Rivals with a bang.

Within just nine seconds of the Disney+ adaptation, the 40-year-old actress is seen wearing a perfectly 80s candy pink skirt suit, sunglasses and red stilettos in Concorde's compact loo with the sex-obsessed protagonist Rupert Campbell-Black.

As her red nails plunge into her lover's skin, a champagne cork pops to mark the plane's ascent to a mile high, and moments later the cabin crew begin to wonder why the occupied sign is still on.

'I thought that by my late thirties, I'd be doing less of these sexy roles but I'm getting more,' Scholey told The Independent.

'And even if that's terrifying, it's also amazing because I feel like the industry is starting to shift.'

Born in Wakefield, west Yorkshire in 1984, Scholey is the daughter of a nurse and a firefighter. Although she did not have a performing background, she attended Oxford School of Drama with the help of a scholarship.

After graduating in 2005, Scholey landed her first on-screen role as a minor character in an Agatha Christie series on ITV. In the same year, she played Diana Rivers in a BBC adaptation of Jane Eyre, while also appearing in Doctors and Holby City.

While these roles were demanding, they were all relatively PG. But when Scholey landed the role of Nina DeFoe in legal drama The Split at the age of 34, the dial finally began to change.

Annabel Scholey was born in Wakefield, west Yorkshire, in 1984. She studied at the Oxford School of Drama with the help of a scholarship. Pictured in the BBC show The Split

Scholey said that she adored playing Nina, a high-flying lawyer from London with a troubled relationship with alcohol - and men.

'[The Split] showed us stories of women in their forties and fifties talking about things like menopause and showing us to be sexy and getting sexier because we know ourselves better,' Scholey told The Independent.

She has previously revealed that portraying a multifaceted character such as Nina truly helped her career truly 'explode'.

She told Metro: The Split was groundbreaking when we began filming. Female characters were so often two-dimensional.

'Im thrilled that now people are writing interesting material for older women and theyre getting better.'

But it wasn't all fun and games. While filming season two, Scholey was getting a divorce from her husband of six years Ciaran McMenamin.

Nine seconds into the Disney + series Rivals, Scholey, 40, is seen wearing a perfectly 80s candy pink skirt suit and red stilettos in Concorde's compact loo with the sex-obsessed protagonist Rupert Campbell-Black

Playing Nina was 'groundbreaking' for Scholey as the character showed her as 'sexy and getting sexier' with age

The Split centres around the DeFoe family and who work as divorce lawyers at their family firm. From left to right: Deborah Findley as Ruth DeFoe, Annabel Scholey as Nina, Nicola Walker as Hannah and Fiona Button as Rose

The Split will return to the BBC on December 29 at 9pm as a two-part special set in Barcelona. It is believed to be the last we will hear from the DeFoe family

She admitted that it was overwhelming to be involved in a series about divorce law when going through her own, but said that the cast rallied around her and helped her through.

The Split returns to the BBC on December 29 at 9pm as a two-part special set in Barcelona. It is believed to be the last we will hear from the DeFoe family.

While no further episodes of The Split are in the works, it was confirmed that Rivals would be getting a second season.

Scholey plays Fleet Street journalist Beattie Johnson and although her cameo is brief, she sets the tone for the X-rated series that critics hailed as a 'bonkbuster'.

Within the very first moments of the first episode, Scholey is seen having a romantic liaison with a polo-loving lothario, played by Alex Hassell, in an aeroplane toilet.

She told the Metro: Ive done a lot of those kinds of scenes so I wasnt nervous in that aspect, but it was scary doing the very first scene.

Alex was a gentleman. Hed been filming for a while, so it wasnt his first rodeo.' she added.

There is no doubt that the cast of Rivals is star-studded - with both David Tennant and Danny Dyer in leading roles.

While the northern actress had filmed intimate scenes before, she was nervous to film the scene on Concorde as it opened the entire series

But Scholey is no stranger to playing opposite acting behemoths on stage and on screen having played Hernia alongside Dame Judi Dench in Midsummer's Night Dream at The Rose Theatre in Kingston in 2010.

Keeping up her Shakespearean streak, she starred as Lady Anne in a 2011 adaptation of Richard III alongside Kevin Spacey.

Although she originally auditioned to be Matt Smith's companion, the actress was granted the recurring role of Claire Brown alongside fellow northerner, and 13th doctor, Jodie Whittaker.

More recently, she took on the role of Beth Fairchild in the 2023 series The Serial Killer's Wife.

Scholer told YOU Magazine that it was 'scary' portraying Beth due to the sexual nature of the character.'

She said: 'It was a scary part and I always think that when you're reading a script, if it scares you then you should probably do it.

'It's quite a physically challenging part as there were a few fight scenes as well as sex scenes, and because it had such a sexual side to it I had to do a lot of work to mentally prepare.'

Scholey has made it clear that she could not have bagged these jobs - raunchy or otherwise - without the unwavering support of her parents.

Scholey pictured with her ex-husband Ciaran McMenamin. The pair share a daughter called Marnie

In 2018, she told Fabric Magazine that it was her father who suggested she consider drama school after spending her childhood dancing around the house and attending dance classes.

She added, in an interview with The Big Issue, that her parents had worked 'tirelessly' to save money in case their daughter didn't manage to obtain a scholarship, so they could afford to send her there and pay for her fees as a plan B.

'I tried so hard to get into drama school and got turned down so many times. It was gutting. I knew what I wanted to do  I didnt want to take a year out, I didnt want to wait,' she said.

'I tried so hard to get into drama school and got turned down so many times. It was gutting. I knew what I wanted to do  I didnt want to take a year out, I didnt want to wait,' she said.

When she first jumped into her acting career and offers of roles flooded in, Scholey joked that she said yes to everything offered to her as she couldn't bear to turn roles down.

Now, she is able to be more discerning in her jobs and told the magazine she looks for 'tricky' parts.

As such, Scholey is currently in the Netherlands filming for the second season of The Couple Next Door - Channel 4's steamy suburban thriller.

The show's first season was watched by more than 1.1million people and quickly became known for its raunchy scenes which left viewers hot under the collar.

Despite turning 41 on January 8, this is not the last we will see of Scholey's sultry side.
On Saturday evening, 31 young women of distinction from around the world put on a dazzling display as they were presented at the 70th International Debutante Ball at the Plaza Hotel in New York.

The smashing event has a reported entrance fee that exceeds $20,000, and is a mainstay of the New York City social scene, considered one of the most prestigious balls of its kind.

This year's ball brought together women representing Denmark, France, India, Mexico, Sweden, South Korea, and nine American states, including Texas and New York.

The grand occasion is invitation-only, happening every two years. The selection process takes about one year, and is typically by recommendation-only.

Founded in 1954 by Beatrice Dinsmore Joyce, the ball benefits numerous charities and has welcomed debutantes from 75 countries over the years.

Among the high society guests to have graced the ball are daughters and granddaughters of United States Presidents and United States representatives.

They include daughters, granddaughters and great-granddaughters of President Eisenhower, President Nixon, President Johnson and President Bush.

It's a prestigious, elegant, and glamorous affair - something that is only attended by the upper crust of the upper crust who wish to see and be seen.

On Saturday evening, 31 young women from around the world put on a dazzling display as they were presented at the 70th International Debutante Ball at the Plaza Hotel in New York

This year's ball brought together women representing Denmark, France , India , Mexico , Sweden, South Korea , and nine American states, including Texas and New York

Founded in 1954 by Beatrice Dinsmore Joyce, the ball benefits numerous charities and has welcomed debutantes from 75 countries over the years

Nowadays, it may seem like an unusual thing to do, perhaps outdated, even - especially as you can just as easily be seen on Instagram and other social media platforms.

But the debutante ball, once viewed as a respectable way to find a husband, seems to have taken on a different meaning these days, as many debutantes said they are using it to connect with other accomplished women of their age.

Some may think the event is out of touch given the current state of the world today, or even something that belongs in a different time period - but its evident that in some societal crowds, a debutante ball is very much still a thing.

Its also worth noting the ball is a charitable event, with this years grants raised from the event going to the American Friends of Versailles, the Florence Academy of Art, Opera Lafayette, the Southampton Fresh Air Home, the Theatre Development and Young Concert Artists, among others.

No matter how you may feel about it, the tradition is alive and well in New York City, and last night, this FEMAIL reporter was granted access inside the ball, where we got an inside look into what it really takes to be a debutante in 2024.

The evening started at 5:30 p.m., with the women, who are between the ages of 17 to 21, posing for group photos and family snaps in the hotel's stunning Terrace Room.

The women were poised and smiling, with some telling us that they were excited, while others looked apprehensive for what would be a long night of posing, curtsying and dancing, all while on their best behavior, ahead.

The debutantes had an early-morning rehearsal that day, they explained, and had had to attend many cocktail parties, brunches, and lunches leading up to the big day.

The evening started at 5:30 p.m., with the women, who are between the ages of 17 to 21, posing for group photos and family snaps in the hotel's stunning Terrace Room

The women were poised and smiling, with some telling me that they were excited, while others looked apprehensive for what would be a long night of posing, curtsying and dancing, all while on their best behavior, ahead

The debutantes had an early-morning rehearsal that day, they explained, and had had to attend many cocktail parties, brunches, and lunches leading up to the big day

In what looked like a page out of the past, the ladies wore matching gloves with their gowns, some elbow-length and some a bit shorter - completing their looks with exquisite jewels

The grand occasion is invitation-only, happening every two years. The selection process takes about one year, and is typically by recommendation-only

The debutantes were dressed to the nines, all wearing white bridal-like gowns made by top-tier designers such as Vera Wang, Oscar de la Renta, and Zadig & Voltaire.

Some of the women did not share where their gowns were from, as they wanted to retain an element of mystery.

In what looked like a page out of the past, the ladies wore matching gloves with their gowns, some elbow-length and some a bit shorter - completing their looks with exquisite jewels.

Some of the pieces that the young women were wearing truly belonged in a museum display - there were countless diamonds, sapphires, pearls, and even pieces by Van Cleef & Arpels glittering on their necks, wrists and fingers.

One of our favorites was a gorgeous, layered pearl choker complete with diamond-encrusted fleur-de-lis in the center, worn by Miss Randall McLaurin Holstead of Texas.

By this point in the evening, it was still early - so it was mostly the debutantes surrounded by their escorts and their family members.

Escorts can be a brother, family member or close family friend around her age, or the committee can assign escorts.

The 31 women also have what's called a Bachelors Brunch the Saturday after Thanksgiving, where Debs can pick an escort from a line-up of eligible young bachelors.

As the clock approached 6:30 p.m., the Terrace Room really came alive, as guests began pouring in to greet the ladies for what is called a receiving line

Guests formed a line to greet the girls before they entered in to the glamorous cocktail party, seen here meeting sisters Miss Ciara Wilson Carroll and Miss Fiona Grace Caroll from Illinois

Some of the pieces that the young women were wearing truly belonged in a museum display

The women stood in line in front of a flag according to which country or state they were representing, graciously greeting each and every guest, like Miss Abigail Elizabeth Davis, representing Arkansas

One of our favorites was a gorgeous, layered pearl choker complete with diamond-encrusted fleur-de-lis in the center, worn by Miss Randall McLaurin Holstead of Texas

As the clock approached 6:30 p.m., the Terrace Room really came alive, as guests began pouring in to greet the ladies for what is called a receiving line.

The women stood in line in front of a flag according to which country or state they were representing, graciously greeting each and every guest.

It comes as no surprise that the guests were similarly attired - many women wore gowns complete with trains, and men wore their best black-tie tuxedos.

Speaking to the first woman in line, Miss Helena Grace Steuch of Denmark, she suggested that being a debutante means something 'entirely different' these days.

'I feel like, you know, kind of introducing yourself to society, it almost feels like a coming of age,' the college student told DailyMail.com.

'Not necessarily marriage, that's not what I'm looking for.'

Miss Isabella Kelani Grossman of Mexico shared a similar sentiment.

'I very much was drawn to being a debutante just to meet all these amazing women, and it's very inspiring to form these connections that I wouldn't have otherwise,' she shared.

Miss Samara Kothari of India told DailyMail.com, 'I think it's my first time meeting someone from Sweden and Scotland, and it was so cool, because I feel like you get to hear about everyone's culture, where they're from...'

Speaking to the first woman in line, Miss Helena Grace Steuch of Denmark, she suggested that being a debutante means something 'entirely different' these days

The debutantes were dressed to the nines, all wearing white bridal-like gowns made by top-tier designers such as Vera Wang, Oscar de la Renta, and Zadig & Voltaire

Some of the women did not share where their gowns were from, as they wanted to retain an element of mystery

The white gloves and dresses were more traditional than some of the other debutante balls that happen today, like Le Bal, where many of the women wore colorful haute couture

Their glowing comments about the tradition come just a month after Gwyneth Paltrows daughter, Apple Martin, made headlines for her behavior at Le Bal des Debutantes in Paris.

The 20-year-old was accused of having a mean girl moment at her own coming out party at the $1,000-per-night Hotel Shangri-La.

Many people were left shocked by her behavior after a clip emerged of her stealing the spotlight from another young woman who was having her picture taken.

The other debutante was seen taking her turn posing for the camera when Martin appeared from behind and sashayed into the shot.

A source close to Martin's famous mom has since said the footage was taken out of context and that Apple would 'never mean to take the spotlight from anyone.

But at this ball, there seemed to be none of that mean girl behavior happening.

Rather, the young women seemed genuinely excited to be in one anothers company.

Miss Samara Kothari of India told DailyMail.com, 'I think it's my first time meeting someone from Sweden and Scotland, and it was so cool, because I feel like you get to hear about everyone's culture, where they're from...'

A pearl choker made of a diamond-encrusted crown complete with fleur-de-lis stole the show

Other girls accessorized with tiaras, jewel-encrusted earrings and diamond necklaces

Rather, the young women seemed genuinely excited to be in one anothers company

The girls wore dresses that were made by a variety of fashion designers, like Zadig & Voltaire and Oscar de la Renta

As one group mingled together, a mother gushed over one of the escorts, telling someone else that he was reminiscent of a controversial character from Gossip Girl. Alix Drummond of Megginch is seen here with her escort Robert Lenox Banks Taylor

Once the guests had met all of the women, they entered the cocktail party, where they could mix and mingle with other attendees while sipping on drinks of their choice from the open bar and munching on hors d'oeuvres such as mini spring rolls.

In true New York City fashion, we saw a lot of Cosmopolitans being consumed, and countless champagne flutes being tossed back by the attendees old enough to drink.

As one group mingled together, a mother gushed over one of the escorts, telling someone else that he was reminiscent of a controversial character from Gossip Girl.

'Doesn't he remind you of Chuck Bass?' she uttered, referring to the fictional, womanizing billionaire party boy who, coincidentally, lives with his family at The Plaza Hotel on the show.

At around 8:00 p.m., it was finally time for dinner in the grand ballroom, which was elegantly announced by the dining captain who has worked at The Plaza for 35 years entering the cocktail party playing a small Glockenspiel.

He told me that this event was their last of the year - describing each event as an 'adventure.'

Dinner was a real treat, as everyone enjoyed a delicious three-course meal that started off with roasted sekel pears, whipped goat cheese, prosciutto, mission figs and beet vinaigrette.

The debutantes sat with their escorts at their own tables, and were served the same dinner as everyone else, despite the fact that some of the dishes had the horrifying potential to stain their gorgeous dresses.

Dinner was a real treat, as everyone enjoyed a delicious three-course meal that started off with roasted sekel pears, whipped goat cheese, prosciutto, mission figs and beet vinaigrette

Each table was beautifully decorated, with a sparkling gold tablecloth, candles set in an elaborate holder, and a stunning pink, gold and green flower bouquet as the centerpiece - presumably to match the pink arrangements that the debutantes held on stage

It almost felt like we were at an extravagant wedding, something out of a movie, or even Gossip Girl

Once dinner had wrapped up, it was time for the main event - the ladies were officially being presented on stage, accompanied by their escorts

Many of the guests seemed to enjoy their meals, but photographers capturing the event are forced to stick to one strict rule during the evening - the Ball warns against photographs of people eating, as you dont want to be seen in an unflattering picture with food in your mouth.

For the main course, we had a delicious filet mignon, complete with potatoes au gratin, baby brussels sprouts, candied radishes, maitake mushroom and vincotto.

To top it all off, guests indulged in a rich blackout cake redux, which was covered in chocolate cremeux with a malted milk chocolate custard inside, devil's food cake at the bottom, and a blackout chocolate glaze topped with chocolate pretzel crunch.

Each table was beautifully decorated, with a sparkling gold tablecloth, candles set in an elaborate holder, and a stunning pink, gold and green flower bouquet as the centerpiece - presumably to match the pink arrangements that the debutantes held on stage.

It almost felt like we were at an extravagant wedding, something out of a movie, or even Gossip Girl.

Once dinner had wrapped up, it was time for the main event - the ladies were officially being presented on stage, accompanied by their escorts.

Each woman was announced on stage, as the Lester Lanin Orchestra played a song that corresponded with their country in the background.

Once on stage, each girl took an elegant curtsey - but the most dramatic one was called The Texas Dip, a mainstay in Texas debutante scenes.

Once on stage, each girl took an elegant curtsey - but the most dramatic one was called The Texas Dip, a mainstay in Texas debutante scenes, seen performed here by one Deb

Miss Tiffany Alexandra Fagerberg of Sweden is seen here being escorted by escort Peter Baker Corcoran

When all the ladies had been introduced, it was then time for some fun to be had the rest of the evening

The newly-minted debutantes took to the dance floor with their escorts

It was an amazing experience to be able to attend the Ball, but it also felt like stepping back into a different time period

Instead of a regular curtsey, the women from the Lone Star State must first put their arms out to shoulder height, curtsey onto the ground, and then bow their heads all the way towards the ground, their arms still extended.

Then, when she lifts her head from the ground, she must smile and maintain eye contact with the audience.

The audience seemed especially excited for the Texas ladies to have their special moment, as many tables cheered and even threw up the Texas Longhorns symbol with their hands.

'Texas is the reason this ball is still in business,' someone next to me joked.

When all the ladies had been introduced, it was then time for some fun to be had the rest of the evening - which meant strictly dancing for the attendees who are not yet legally able to drink.

The newly-minted debutantes took to the dance floor with their escorts, and I went home - back to reality.

When our time was finished at the Ball, we left on a bit of a high. It is impossible to be surrounded by such glitz and glamour and not leave feeling as if some has rubbed off on you.

But once all of the initial excitement wore off, we snapped back to the reality of real life, where stunning white gowns and opera length gloves are not the norm.

It was an amazing experience to be able to attend the Ball, but it also felt like stepping back into a different time period.

The white gloves and dresses were more traditional than some of the other debutante balls that happen today, like Le Bal, where many of the women wore colorful haute couture.

Sure, the debutante ball has modernized in many ways, but it makes you wonder what place it has in todays world, especially given the age of Instagram and other social media platforms, like TikTok.

Its an interesting question - but it seems like the ball, rich in tradition, only has plans to continue on for years to come - as long as Texas remains intact.
The royal trio received armfuls of gifts at Sandringham on Christmas Day

As members of the royal family descended on the Sandringham estate on Christmas Day, they were met with swathes of doting fans handing out chocolate, flowers and other gifts.

Joining William and Kate on the annual morning stroll at Sandringham in Norfolk on Christmas Day were their trio of cheeky children, Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and six-year-old Prince Louis.

As the three little ones were greeted by onlookers, each was piled high with copious of sweets and teddy bears, with the notoriously gleeful Prince Louis hardly able to contain his excitement.

At one point, their father, Prince William, 42, had to step in to take over, lightening the load for his youngest son by grabbing a handful of goodies.

Remarking on the sheer quantity of loving gifts, at one stage, William lightheartedly said: 'Flowers [pointing at Charlotte], chocolate [pointing at George and Louis]  very easy.'

The adorable moments were spotted by royal fans, who delighted in the touching spectacle.

But while many cooed at the sweet moments, some were left wondering whether the royal children are actually able to keep a hold of their copious presents.

According to royal protocol, it is possible for royal family members to hang on to some gifts - though they must meet certain criteria, reported Hello!.

As members of the royal family descended on the Sandringham estate on Christmas Day, they were met with swathes of doting royal fans handing out chocolate, flowers and gifts. Pictured: Princess Charlotte, left, and Prince George, right

Joining William and Kate on the annual morning stroll at Sandringham in Norfolk on Christmas Day were their trio of cheeky children, Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte , nine, and six-year-old Prince Louis (pictured)

Official royal policy states that royals, including the Waleses' three children, are able accept gifts from individuals not personally known to members of the royal family, including the public.

Gifts that on the acceptable list include most of those graciously received on Wednesday, with flowers, foods, and other consumable items (within reasonable quantities).

They can also accept copies of books presented by the author, provided the subject matter is not controversial, as well as some other items that don't have a cash value over 150.

Since most of their takings were within this bracket, it's likely that the three would have been able to take their stashes home with them.

When it comes to gifts of other calibres, including those from official royals, these can only be used members of the family or put on display, and will automatically become part of the Royal Collection - these do not include personal gifts such as those dished on Christmas Day.

The remainder of their Christmas stashes, however, will remain a secret, as the children's stocking selections are never revealed.

Official royal policy states that royals, including the Waleses' three children, are able accept gifts from individuals not personally known to members of the royal family, including the public

One special gift known publicly, was from six-year-old Rupert Bradley, who gifted Louis a hand-finished silver egg cup and spoon bearing Louis grandfather King Charles Coronation Commemorative Mark.

According to Hello!, the sweet item was originally in Rupert's stocking but he chose to regift it to the youngest of the Waleses' children.

Royal fans went wild on the big day after spotting the three children each enjoying the attention and extra festive treats.

As well-wishers eagerly waited to greet the Waleses on their annual walk, some of the most eagle-eyed of supporters spotted Princess Charlotte sharing a tender moment with her eldest brother, Prince George in a clip captured on TikTok by @justinazuk.

As they walked through crowds of well-wishers, each of the three children were offered handfuls of chocolates, teddy years and flowers.

During one moment, piled high with presents from generous fans, Prince George turned around to grab the attention of his sister.

Pointing towards the crowd, Prince George said: 'She's got chocolate for you.'

Their doting father, Prince William then leaned around to drape his arm around his first-born son, guiding him on the walk towards St Mary Magdalene Church - where the royals attended a Christmas Day service.

Prince George, Prince Charlotte and Prince Louis were handed several gifts at Sandringham this week

Princess Charlotte and Prince George also graciously accepted their presents, as they waved to the crowds while standing alongside their father, Prince William

And Princess Charlotte and Prince George weren't the only adorable royals to have stoked a heartwarming reaction from fans.

Christmas Day onlookers were delighted when the notoriously cheeky Prince Louis was spotted beaming as he accepted handfuls of Cadbury's chocolate and teddy bears from well-wishers.

In a sweet video from the big day, a very happy Louis had his hands full of gifts before another fan offered him a Father Christmas headband.

The young prince accepted the headband, politely thanked the person who gifted it and returned to his father and siblings.

Prince William, who was himself greeting well-wishers with enthusiasm, appeared amused by his youngest son's haul and said: 'You've got that as well'.

But when the family started to move along the path, Louis appeared to struggle to keep hold of everything he had received.

At that point, he returned to his father and sweetly asked: 'Papa, can you carry some?'

The Christmas Day walkabout was an all round success for the royals, who have faced a challenging year with the Princess of Wales and King Charles both having received diagnoses of cancer.

The Princess of Wales accepted bouquets of flowers from well-wishers as she greeted the crowds outside St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham

The Prince and Princess of Wales with their children Prince George, Prince Louis, and Princess Charlotte

Prince Louis, six, couldn't contain his glee as the young royal accepted boxes of Cadbury chocolates and stuffed animals from royal fans at Sandringham on Christmas morning

Seemingly in jubilant spirits while pausing to chat with the public, at one point a smiling Kate, 42, declared 'I seem to have lost my family!'.

Kate's infectious smile was testament to her courage in the face of adversity as well as her work ethic, as the Christmas service marks just one of many official public engagements attended by the Princess since announcing her cancer treatment.

During the appearance, all eyes were on Kate as she looked as positive and radiant as ever, bearing no indication of the challenging year behind her.

The princess dazzled in a forest green Alexander McQueen coat, which she had previously worn during a visit to Leeds in January 2023.

It is also the second time the Wales family have been seen together in public since their appearance at Trooping the Colour, the King's birthday parade, in June.

George, who will start secondary school next year, was twinning with his father, Prince William in a navy coat and matching trousers, while his younger sister wore a dark green coat that was almost identical to Kate's Alexander McQueen number.

Kate, meanwhile, stole the show as the future Queen exchanged warm hugs with royal fans, who appeared joyous at her return to Sandringham following what has been a particularly turbulent year for the Royals.

The Waleses looked picture perfect as they arrived at Sandringham on Christmas morning, with Charlotte holding on to her father's hand.

Prince George, walked confidently ahead of his siblings, while his younger brother Prince Louis refused to let go of Kate's hand.

Fans had been queuing in Sandringham since Christmas Eve evening, with several people eager to wish Kate and the Royal Family a Merry Christmas after what has been a particularly difficult 12 months.

Members of the royal family who walked to the service were greeted at the foot of the steps to the church by the Reverend Canon Dr Paul Rhys Williams.

Hymns included O Come All Ye Faithful, Oh Little Town of Bethlehem, While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks By Night, and Hark! The Herald Angels Sing. The service also included The Lord's Prayer.

They were joined by senior members of the Royal Family including Princess Anne, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Princess Anne's daughter Zara Tindall, as well as Princess Beatrice.
The 15 best beauty buys this year as chosen by YOU (and they start from just 1.22!)

We got there! Christmas has been skipped or staggered through, and New Year is honing into view. I hope you've had time to rest and zone out a bit, recharge and refuel. Now for a little light retooling.

When I say I'm writing about New Year's resolutions, I'm not suggesting that there's an inadequate 2024 you to be reformed for 2025. We're adults and we're fine.

However, January 1 does provide a useful focusing device for reappraising the things we do and tweaking them around the edges. And our beauty rituals are no exception.

Here are the five things I'll be doing over the next few days, and you might want to, too.

Relax

The greatest gift I gave myself this Christmas was those earplugs one sees youngsters sporting to block an ever-demanding world.

My Loop Switch 2s (54.95, loopearplugs.com) can be switched between 'quiet' (peace), 'experience' (decreasing concert volume) and 'engage' (lowering people's voices) modes. I now crave a Loop Dream set (44.95) to keep beside my bed. I'll still hear my alarm, just not those morning planes that have been waking me with a stressed jolt.

I'll slather myself in Nikura Sleep Essential Oil Blend (5.99, nikura.com) and use them with my Drowsy Silk Sleep Mask (from 52, drowsysleepco.com) for the ultimate beauty sleep.

Hannah Betts reveals what her beauty resolutions are ahead of 2025

Think

Use this interlude to ponder, read and watch. Magazines will yield a wealth of ideas - even merely the advertising looks.

While I highly recommend Lisa Eldridge's YouTube videos, you may be galvanised by a novel in which the heroine has a signature beauty gesture or a friend's party look for tomorrow night.

Maybe you'd like to go into 2025 with a fresh hair colour, or foundation technique? Now is the time to fantasise.

Look

I was talking to a great British beauty the other day, and she told me that what she wants in a make-up artist is not fiddling about with different gimmicks, but someone who takes a long look at her face, then acts on those findings. Do the same. Is your mirror midlife eyesight-ready? I use the excellent Mirrorvana Double-sided with 10X/1X Magnification (25, amazon.co.uk).

Restock

Go through your cosmetics kit, axing anything that isn't working such as old make-up and balding brushes. Then clean the remaining blighters. Wash, sanitise and/or replace your cosmetics bag, too.

Restock your cleanser, use up pots of old cream and streamline your kit to see you into spring.

It's going to be cold  make sure your face is ready for this. And lay down some hand and hair nourishment, too.

January 1 provides a useful focusing device for reappraising the things we do and tweaking them around the edges. And our beauty rituals are no exception (Stock Image)

Plot

January and February are a great time for winning little projects such as bolstering your eyebrows or growing your nails.

You might wish to invest in silk pillowcases to be gentle on skin and hair. (I rely on stray eyeliner-proof black Bedsure Satin Pillowcases for Hair & Skin, 5.04 for two, amazon.co.uk).

You may commit to a beauty supplement, or yearn to whiten your smile (me, too  watch this space).

I'll be 54 in March, meaning pigmentation is setting in, so I'll be looking into remedies.

I also intend lifting my features with my hands using Deciniee Gua Sha Massagers (12.89 for two, amazon.co.uk) and the brilliant Mini Eye Cool Rollers (4.99 each, amazon.co.uk), which are exquisitely soothing.

Perhaps you will resolve not to let your lips crack before resorting to balm, or conclude: 'Scent makes me feel alive. I shall wear it every day.' Small tweak, beautiful New Year.

See you in 2025.

RACE YOU TO IT!

Nutriburst Enhanced Hydration + Beauty Electrolyte & Vitamin Formula Parched skin and brittle hair and nails are the price of festive dehydration brought on by booze, central heating and simply not drinking enough water. Stockpile Nutriburst Enhanced Hydration + Beauty Electrolyte & Vitamin Formula (from 9.49 for six sachets, amazon.co.uk) for New Year. Shop

MY ICON OF THE WEEK: Nicole Kidman

The actress admits that she is 'pretty addicted' to By Terry's Baume de Rose Lip Care

Make-up artist Kate Synnott used Beauty Pie to get Kidman, 57, glowing for her new thriller Babygirl.

She prepped with Superluminous Skin Glow Filter Tinted Hyaluronic Complexion Brightener (members price 20, beautypie.com), followed by the Everyday Great Skin Hyaluronic Blur Concealer (12.50) and Triple Beauty Luminising Highlighter Wand (11).

COSMETIC CRAVING

Olixa Gummy Facial Cleanser Removing a party face in the wee small hours is a chore. Whats needed is Olixa Gummy Facial Cleanser (28.50, olixabeauty.com), the bestseller from this natural skincare brand. Plant-based ingredients create an antioxidant-rich formula designed to refine tone, boost hydration and brighten the complexion. However, its the texture that stands out: xanthan gum lending glue-like grip. Work a dollop into dry skin, pressing and lifting to create suction. Wet fingertips and continue to massage until the cleanser turns milky, then rinse. Understandably cherished by make-up artists, one application eradicates every scrap of slap  no cloth required. Then, hit the sack in a state of virtue. Shop

PARTY PIECES

Hildun Immortal Metallic Eyeliner in Silver Hildun Immortal Metallic Eyeliner in Silver (16, hildunbeauty.co.uk) Glinting, mirror-like, metallic  go from desk-to-disco with a swipe of each lid. Shop

Anastasia Beverly Hills Beauty Balm Anastasia Beverly Hills Beauty Balm (34.40, boots.com) Sheer skin tint which gives a fresh, youthful sheen. Shop

Lisa Eldridge Kitten Lash Mascara Lisa Eldridge Kitten Lash Mascara (29, lisaeldridge.com) Flirtatious length and curl is so now. Kitten Lash is purr-fect. Shop
The question at the centre of a new psychological drama would strike fear into the heart of any parent: what do you do if you discover your child is not yours?

The taut ITV thriller, Playing Nice, which is set against the rugged Cornish coastline and stars Happy Valley actor James Norton and Downton Abbey's Jessica Brown Findlay, charts the emotional turmoil of two families who find out that their toddler sons had been swapped at birth.

The case featured in the drama that airs next Sunday is fictional, but mistakes on busy maternity units can, and do, happen  and for the families involved they cause lasting and unimaginable heartache.

One appalling error, which emerged just last month, involved two babies switched after being born within hours of each other in a West Midlands hospital.

For 55 years the girls had been brought up in the wrong families until the truth was revealed when one of them took a DNA test.

Today, both families  who have not been named  are still piecing together their shattered lives and, for the two women, their very identities.

In another case, in November 1992, Carla Bursey and Gemma Coyle were swapped at Southampton's Princess Anne Hospital. Thankfully the error was spotted within a fortnight and the babies restored to their rightful families. But not all mistakes can be rectified so quickly  and the repercussions can last a lifetime.

In 1936, midwives in a Nottingham nursing home caring for two women, Margaret Wheeler and Blanche Rylatt, gave them the wrong daughters to take home.

In 1936, midwives in a Nottingham nursing home caring for two women, Margaret Wheeler, centre, and Blanche Rylatt, second from right, gave them the wrong daughters. Margaret took home Valerie, right, while Blanche was given Peggy, left

It took 18 years for the truth about the girls, Peggy and Valerie, to come out, and while both have since died, their own daughters have now spoken for the first time, describing how the emotional shockwaves of that innocent mistake left an indelible mark on their families.

Jayne Cruickshank-Magistris, who is Valerie's daughter, says: 'This isn't something that resolves itself  it's with you for your entire life, and beyond. Even though it was my mother who went through the experience, it affects me, even today.'

The tragedy is that Margaret knew 'straight away' that the infant she had been given, who she called Valerie, was not hers  but no one, including midwives and her own husband, Charles, believed her.

For her part, Blanche unwittingly took home a newborn she named Peggy, and brought her up as her own with her husband Fred.

Margaret and Blanche, who had shared a room in the nursing home, agreed to stay in touch and became fond of each other, regularly corresponding by letter.

But undaunted in her view she had the wrong baby, Margaret, who had brown eyes, told blue-eyed Blanche: 'If your baby's eyes turn out to be brown, she's mine.' And that was how it turned out. On the girls' first birthday, Blanche sent her friend a letter in which she revealed that Peggy's eyes had turned brown.

For years Margaret tried to reclaim Peggy, occasionally visiting Blanche and Fred so she could see the daughter that she felt in her heart was hers.

At the time, of course, there was no way of proving that the mistake had happened, and, in any case, Fred refused to entertain the idea that the little girl he was bringing up was not his own. By the time the truth came out, the damage had been done. And while the families stayed close, right until Valerie and Peggy died, the legacy of the mistake endures.

Valerie's daughter Jayne, 52, reveals that her mother was treated 'differently' from her four siblings, such was Margaret's fixation with getting her real daughter Peggy back.

Margaret and Blanche, who had shared a room in the nursing home, agreed to stay in touch and regularly corresponded by letter. Pictured, Margaret and Valerie in the late 1930s

Blanche unwittingly took home a newborn she named Peggy, both pictured, and brought her up as her own with her husband Fred

At one point Valerie confronted her 'mother', Margaret, and suggested that should there be a house fire, she would 'save the others before you saved me'.

'I think a lot of kids feel injustice, that one sibling is favoured over the others,' Jayne says. 'But in Mummy's case, she felt it in a much stronger way.'

It is hard to comprehend treating a child this way, but Margaret was in an impossible situation.

In an interview 40 years ago, Margaret described walking into Blanche and Fred Rylatt's living room after the girls' first birthday and knowing Peggy was her real daughter. 'There she was, sitting on the hearth rug, and I knew without a shadow of a doubt that she was my child: she was one of us,' she said.

In her desperation, Margaret, a prolific letter-writer, sought advice from playwright George Bernard Shaw. During a lengthy correspondence, he told her: 'They are not packets of sweets to be labelled with certain addresses and delivered there by errand boy.'

Margaret took on board his blunt advice and agreed to leave the girls where they were. But that did not mean she could hide her feelings.

As Valerie once said: 'Margaret sometimes said she wished she'd never set eyes on me, or that she wished I'd never been born. She didn't say that to her other kids.

'As a young child I wanted a new mother  I wanted to be adopted by someone else.'

One summer she was even sent to spend several weeks with Blanche and Fred.

Jayne, who works in Geneva as a conference interpreter and is married with four children, says her mother felt she had been sent away so Margaret 'could focus on her real children and not have this additional child in the family'.

'Probably Grandma Wheeler [Margaret] was trying to get the Rylatts [Blanche and Fred] to spend time with her, hoping something would click. But the Rylatts were in denial.'

Meanwhile, Peggy had also felt out of place growing up with the Rylatts  at 5ft 8in, and with size 8 feet at the age of 14, she towered over the petite 5ft 3in Blanche.

In her case, she was never made to feel unwelcome.

But it was Peggy  not Valerie  who was first told of the mistake when she became engaged, aged 18. Margaret felt she should know her true identity before she got married, and chose to break the news to her while Blanche and Fred were on holiday.

'Margaret seized the opportunity when they were out of town so there was no risk they'd step in and stop her,' says Jayne.

Peggy later said the revelation turned everything 'upside down', but added: 'There was no point in resenting what had happened 18 years earlier. It was a mistake. It couldn't be rectified. I felt consoled that Margaret had fought so hard to get me back, though.'

Today, Peggy's daughter, Madeleine Clark, 59, who lives in Hampshire, says: 'Mum said that being told meant everything just fell into place  all the things she'd been thinking about growing up, the not-quite fitting in. Suddenly it went click, click, click and she knew why.

'She found it hard to accept the Wheelers were her parents, but she was so like them.

'Physically she was like Charles, but her voice and her artistic side was very much Margaret  and the fiery temperament too.'

Margaret and Charles attended Peggy's wedding, but it was Fred  who had raised her as his own  who walked her down the aisle.

Valerie, however, remained in the dark for another couple of years  a betrayal that affected her deeply  because Margaret didn't want to 'upset her too much', says Jayne.

Peggy and Valerie's children say that the outcome was ultimately a happy one, in the sense that the two families came together. Pictured from left to right are Margaret, Peggy and Valerie

It was only when Valerie found some papers in the house, labelled 'The Valerie/Peggy Affair', that she began to ask some questions.

Jayne recalls: 'It was a traumatic thing, especially for Mummy. She felt as though she had been rejected by Margaret and had also been rejected all those years by the Rylatts, who hadn't wanted to acknowledge that she was their daughter.

'She felt she was nobody's daughter, and that took her a while to come to terms with.

'But the Rylatts welcomed her. She spent some months living with them in her early 20s and felt at home immediately.'

Both Jayne and Peggy's daughter Madeleine say that the outcome was ultimately a happy one, in the sense that the two families came together.

Peggy and Valerie had a joint 21st birthday celebration, and both families attended the Wheelers' 50th wedding anniversary party in 1986, shortly before the extraordinary story hit the headlines.

'We became two big families, merged into one,' Jayne says. 'The brothers and sisters Mummy grew up with always referred to her as their sister, even after the truth came out.

'And Auntie Peggy and Mummy always introduced each other to new people as sisters. Then they'd hesitate and say, "Well, you know kind of." But that was their gut reaction  that they were sisters.'

On the surface of it, they couldn't have been more different. While Peggy, who initially worked as a tax clerk, stayed in Nottingham with husband Tom Clark, Valerie worked as a teacher and moved around from the Channel Islands to the Bahamas and Portugal.

One trait the pair did share was a conviction that history shouldn't repeat itself when it came to their own babies.

Peggy gave birth to Madeleine and her older brother Simon at home, rather than risk a stay in a labour ward. Valerie, meanwhile, having eventually settled in Andorra with her second husband, Jim Cruickshank, returned to

The new ITV thriller Playing Nice stars Downton Abbey's Jessica Brown Findlay, pictured, and charts the turmoil of two families who find out that their sons were swapped at birth

Nottingham to give birth to her children, Jayne and Adam.

'She was very nervous and insisted on the identity bracelet being prepared ahead of time and wanted it put on her baby immediately, as soon as I was born and before I was taken away,' says Jayne. 'She wanted to be absolutely sure I couldn't be mixed up.'

Jayne, whose children were born via IVF, admits to inheriting the anxiety, recalling being 'panic stricken' there would be a mix-up in the lab.

'I got so irate with one doctor because they'd sent me some reports with the wrong date on them, and it made me wonder what else they'd got wrong,' she recalls. 'I had to apologise later and explain where that had come from.'

She had triplets  two identical twin girls and a boy, who are now 12, and a younger son, now ten.

Ultimately, her mother Valerie forgave Margaret for the trauma she endured.

'I don't think Mummy ever really overcame the pain,' says Jayne. 'But she put herself in Margaret's shoes and could understand why she felt the way she did.'

And despite their 'dysfunctional family', neither Valerie nor Peggy  nor their daughters  could imagine anything different.

In a bizarre twist to the tale, a relative researching the family tree has recently discovered that the Rylatts and Wheelers actually have a shared ancestor  which means that they are, in fact, very distantly related after all.

Peggy's daughter Madeleine says: 'Any extra family is a double blessing. Mum and Valerie went through so much turmoil but they had someone else who knew how it felt, and they supported each other.

'That was so important.'
Young American men are flying across an ocean to get the jawline of their dreams, surgeons have revealed.

Dr Frederico Alfaro, who runs the Instituto Maxilofacial in Barcelona, says about half of his patients are international  with Americans being the top overseas customer.

'In fact, my second case this morning, he is a patient from New York,' he told DailyMail.com. 'We get a lot of American patients.'

The clinic posts many of its patient transformations online, which likely helps to attract overseas patients looking to transform their jawlines, with about 50 percent of patients seeking the procedure for cosmetic purposes, the doctor said.

For the surgery, doctors cut and reposition the mandible  the lower jaw  and then fix it in a new position using titanium plates and screws. They may also cut bones in the midface and the chin bone in order to reposition them.

Once a patient's case is accepted, they can join the clinic's international package  where they book international flights and spend at least a week in Spain. The surgery itself normally takes only an hour and a half, while the remaining days allow people to recover.

Talking about his patients, Dr Alfaro said: 'One of the main concerns is a lack of facial projection, a lack of jawline and neck definition. A lack of manliness, we could say it like this.'

The above shows one of the clinic's patients, Gustavo, before and after he had surgery to change the shape of his jawbone and maxilla - the bone in the midface supporting the upper teeth. He also had surgery to improve the shape of his chin

At his clinic, Dr Alfaro said he gets about 200 patients a year  of which at least half are international customers.

But Dr Alfaro said in all cases his team takes a 'holistic approach', and will take steps to ensure a client likes the results  even if a certain procedure is not strictly medically necessary.

Surgeries such as one to reposition the jaw can cost between $17,000 and $19,000 in the US, while those to reposition the Maxilla  the bone in the midface that supports the teeth  can cost around $7,000.

Patients may have a primary consultation over the phone and will be asked to send pictures and medical notes on their situation before their surgery is accepted.

Many of the clinics patients have medical issues, such as malocclusion  misalignment of the upper and lower teeth  and sleep apnea  which can be caused by bones constricting airways.

The clinic also offers cosmetic procedures including face lifts, cheek augmentations and a blepharoplasty, or surgery to reduce the amount of skin above the eyes.

Among the clinic's most viewed transformations on its social media is Gustavo, an 18-year-old from northern Spain, who says the surgery left him feeling 'much more confident'.

Pictured above is Dr Frederico Hernandez Alfaro who is behind the clinic offering the surgeries

He was referred to the clinic for Class II malocclusion in 2020  where the upper teeth significantly overlap the lower teeth causing problems chewing.

Upon intake, a questionnaire also revealed he had significant concerns about his appearance and was also suffering from mild sleep apnea.

Dr Alfaro said: 'In the case of Gustavo, he had all these problems  but his main concern was facial aesthetics, and I have to say that probably 50 percent of my patients' main concerns are facial aesthetics.'

During the surgery, doctors first did a bilateral sagittal split osteotomy  where the lower jaw bone is cut and repositioned more forward to align the teeth. It may then be secured using titanium plates and screws.

Your browser does not support iframes.

He then had a Le Fort I osteotomy, where horizontal cuts are made in the upper jaw, which is then moved downward to widen airways, solving the sleep problems. It may also have been secured using titanium plates and screws.

And finally, doctors performed an advancement and descent mentoplasty, or chin advancement, surgically repositioning the chin bone to enhance its shape, position and projection.

Dr Alfaro said as part of the surgery at his clinic, they may also inject fat grafts into the cheeks and lips to further enhance a patients' appearance and ensure they are happy with the results.

There is swelling and bruising after the surgery, which can take up to four weeks to resolve.

Many patients resume normal activities once the swelling reduces, although it can take around six months for the bones to fully heal.

Gustavo told DailyMail.com the post surgery results 'felt incredible' and he 'couldn't believe what I saw in the mirror'.

He said: 'Even now, when I look at a picture I took the night before the operation to compare results... I still can't believe that was me.

'As I've gained more confidence in myself, things have improved. The truth is that before the operation, I didn't even try to talk to a girl, assuming I wouldn't get anywhere.'
By Laman Ismayilova



A festive concert has been held in Victory Square in the city of Khankandi to celebrate the World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day ( December 31) and the New Year.

The event began with the performance of the national anthem of Azerbaijan, followed by a moment of silence to honor the memory of the martyrs.

The concert featured representatives of government agencies, organizations, city scientific and educational institutions, youth, veterans, and members of the public, creating an authentically festive atmosphere for thousands of residents.

During the celebration, speakers shared the history of the World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day It was noted that on December 16, 1991, during a meeting of the Supreme Assembly of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, chaired by the National Leader Heydar Aliyev, a decision was made to celebrate December 31 as a holiday of solidarity for Azerbaijanis worldwide.

The Supreme Assembly sent an appeal to the country's parliamentthe Supreme Councilfor the adoption of the corresponding legislative act. On December 25, the Supreme Council, considering the appeal, adopted a law declaring December 31 as the Day of Solidarity of World Azerbaijanis. Thus, every year on December 31, our people commemorate the Day of Solidarity of World Azerbaijanis.

The political course of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev is currently being successfully continued by his worthy successor, President Ilham Aliyev.

The work carried out and the policies implemented play an important role in conveying the realities of Azerbaijan to the world. The festive concert, which lasted several hours, featured prominent artists from the country and dance ensembles.

The "Winter Fairy Tale" fair, held in Khankandi since December 27, also generated great public interest. Guests of the fair can purchase various souvenirs and gifts, try dishes from different countries at affordable prices, visit themed corners, warm up with hot drinks on a cold winter's day, and enjoy the true New Year atmosphere with their loved ones.

The colorful illumination, interesting photo booth stands, and wooden cabins with delicious treats make this space appealing to everyone, from children to adults.
by Jonathan Kujawa

Four years ago was peak COVID-19. I was thinking about moving furniture, which led to this essay here at 3QD. The topic was the problem of moving a sofa down a hallway with a 90 corner:

The problem is to find the couch of largest possible area that could be smoothly pushed down the hallway, around the corner, and then onwards. Leo Moser first asked this question in 1966 [1]. The image above is the couch found by Joseph Gerver in 1992. Gervers couch has an area of approximately 2.2195 square meters (where the hallway is exactly 1 meter wide).

As we talked about in that essay four years ago, Gerver used some clever math to find the shape of his couch. If you look very closely, youll notice that the corners are clipped off, and the inner semi-circle isnt exactly a semi-circle. Without those tweaks, you have Hammersleys couch from 1968, which has an area of /2 + 2/  2.2074 square meters. Several decades of time and Gervers hard work got us a whopping 0.0121 square meters.

Of course there was no guarantee that Gervers couch was the biggest possible. Dr. Gervers approach made no promises that it gave the best possible, after all. A little more convincing is the fact that in 30 years we havent been able to do any better. But mathematics is a game of centuries and millennia  a few decades is small potatoes. In 2018, Yoav Kallus and Dan Romik proved that the couch could be no larger than 2.37 square meters. But the gap in size between Gervers couch and the Kallus-Romik upper bound is an order of magnitude larger than that between the couches of Gerver and Hammersley.

Im not an expert in this area, but if you asked me a month ago, I would have said it could be many years before wed resolve Mosers couch question. Indeed, this could easily be out of reach forever. Many easy-to-state math questions are practically unsolvable. One could make infinitely many tweaks to Gervers couch as possible improvements. Or, you could do some entirely different shape, maybe something fractally and totally unexpected.

Part of the problem is that there is no single formula that gives you the area of all possible couches. If you had such a formula, you could try to maximize its output like you learned to do in your Calculus class. But if different shapes have different area formulas, there is no effective way to tackle them all at once.

This is no doubt my own human biases, but I find it a big bummer that Hammersleys couch with an area given by a beautiful formula using pi is not the maximum. Once you show me that tweaks can give you bigger couches with ugly areas like Gervers, my hope for a definitive answer pretty quickly disappears.

So I was gobsmacked to see two interesting papers about Mosers couch problem in the last few weeks.

The first is this paper by Kuangdai Leng, Jia Bi, Jaehoon Cha, Samuel Pinilla, Jeyan Thiyagalingam. In it, they use machine learning to investigate the couch problem.

There is a growing body of evidence that AI is a valuable tool in the search for examples and counterexamples. I recently saw a talk by Geordie Williamson at the joint meeting of the Australian, New Zealand, and US mathematical societies where he made exactly this point. Problems are often unsolvable because the full space of possibilities is massively too large to search by brute force. But, AI techniques can be used to do a more clever search that focuses on the places with the highest chance of success.

The paper by Leng-Bi-Cha-Pinilla-Thiyangalingam uses AI to attack both sides of the sofa problem. First, they use neural networks to search the universe of all possible couches that are able to travel down the hallway. The goal is to use the AI to find one with a large area. If Gervers couch is not the largest possible, then the AI might find a bigger one through its clever searching. As it turns out, the AI kept tending towards Gervers couch. This doesnt mean a larger one is impossible, but it does give weight to the claim that Gervers couch is the largest possible.

They also used neural network techniques to improve on the upper bound found by Kallus-Romik. In particular, they showed that these improved Kallus-Romik bounds appear to converge to the area of the Gerver couch:

Both provide good evidence that Gervers couch is indeed the best possible. But evidence is not the same as a proof! In math, we want to know things with absolute certainty.

At the end of November, Jineon Baek, a mathematician from South Korea, dropped a bombshell on the ArXiv preprint server. They released a proof that the Gerver couch is indeed the best possible! Baek mentions that they used computer calculations in the early stages of working on this project, but the proof itself uses no computers, AI, or any of that high-tech stuff. Its pure, uncut human mathematics. The general strategy is to show that a sofa that can move through the hallway must satisfy certain conditions and that Gervers sofa is the biggest sofa that satisfies those conditions and, hence, is the biggest possible. It is 120 pages of rather delicate computations.

It should be said that one should always be cautious with preprints. It is easy to make a mistake in 120 pages of math. Most are fixable, but some turn out to be fatal. Im not an expert, and I cant judge whether this paper will hold up. I will say that it passes the smell test of using the prior results and related mathematics in ways consistent with what Id expect of a solution to the problem.

More importantly, Dan Romik is definitely an expert on the sofa problem, and Dr. Romik has confidently declared that Dr. Baek has solved the moving sofa problem. Presumably, he has read the paper in some detail and is confident it will stand up to scrutiny.

This is not the end of the story. John Conway asked about moving a sofa through a hallway with two 90 turns, and Dan Romik proposed the following peanut shape:

I would guess that Dr. Baeks techniques should apply here as well, but that will need to be worked out.

A much harder problem is the 3D version of this problem. What if you wanted to move a 3D shape through an actual 3D hallway? Anyone who has moved furniture knows that you can do amazing things by twists, turns, and other clever maneuvers. Compared to the 2D problem, the universe of possible 3D couches and how they can move through a hallway is a vastly larger universe to search through.

As always, mo math, mo problems.

***

[1] Since couches go back to the Ancient Egyptians, if not further, I imagine some of the Pharohs servants asked the same question 3000 years before Dr. Moser.

***

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A pioneering test can use a small sample of spit to flag the risk of heart disease, cancer and dementia.

By analysing the types of bacteria in the mouth  known as the oral microbiome  experts believe they can identify risky pathogens that cause long-term health problems throughout the body.

The creators of the 350 test, called ORALIS 1, claim that if it's more widely adopted by the NHS, it could revolutionise healthcare, and they predict a simple trip to the dentist could one day give you life-changing information about your overall health.

The only question is, of course, would you want to know? For me, the answer was yes. Because, while a poor oral microbiome may increase health risks, improving it and reducing your risks is fairly simple if caught early on.

Yet when I was offered the chance to take the ORALIS 1 test, I was apprehensive. Because  I'm slightly embarrassed to admit  I hadn't been to the dentist once in the past six years.

It might sound surprising or cavalier. Even a bit... erm, unhygienic. However, I'm far from alone.

According to the Oral Health Foundation, almost 40 per cent of adults don't go to the dentist regularly. No doubt some of this is due to a total dearth of NHS dental appointments  there's a 10 million-long national waiting list, the latest data shows.

Cost is another factor  dentist appointments may start at around 26 but seeing a hygienist will set you back almost 100.

Luke Chafer (pictured) tried out the ORALIS 1. The kit claims it could revolutionise healthcare, and they predict a simple trip to the dentist could one day give you life-changing information about your overall health

According to the Oral Health Foundation, almost 40 per cent of adults don't go to the dentist regularly (stock image)

Astonishingly, one in 20 have never been to the dentist in their adult life. Not even once. And, at 23 years old, I was one of them.

But how much damage could I possibly have done at so young an age? It turns out, quite a lot.

'Research has linked problems with the oral microbiome to other serious health conditions that occur elsewhere in the body,' explains Dr Gary Moran, dental hygiene professor at Trinity College Dublin and one of the test's developers, who says that risks to things such as heart health can stack up even from childhood.

Scientists believe an imbalance in the mouth microbiome can cause bacteria to travel to other parts of the body  releasing destructive enzymes that can make blood vessels less able to dilate and spike blood pressure.

One recent study funded by the British Heart Foundation found that those with gum disease had a 69 per cent higher chance of developing type 2 diabetes  the blood sugar control problem that dramatically increases the risk of heart attacks and stroke.

And while not all bacteria in the mouth is harmful  80 per cent is actually essential for maintaining a healthy mouth  research has linked particularly high levels of certain strains to rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer's and even colon cancer.

So you can imagine my horror when my ORALIS 1 results informed me that the levels of bugs currently rooting around my mouth were alarmingly high.

Among the nasty specimens coating my teeth were two bacteria strains linked to some of the most terrifying diseases.

Scientists believe an imbalance in the mouth microbiome can cause bacteria to travel to other parts of the body  releasing destructive enzymes that can make blood vessels less able to dilate and spike blood pressure (stock image)

One  treponema denticola  is strongly associated with gum disease, which is the main reason people lose their teeth.

The other  fusobacterium nucleatum  is even more worrying.

This promotes inflammation linked to the onset of gum disease. But besides this, according to a 2022 study, particularly high levels of the strain often shows up in the saliva of colon cancer patients.

I had more than 2,500 times the amount considered normal.

'As well as the association with cancer there is a lot of research to show that fusobacterium nucleatum is linked to infertility and cardiovascular disease,' Dr Victoria Sampson, dentist at The Health Society in London, tells me.

'But the good thing is that we can get rid of it relatively easily.'

The advice is simple  buy a new toothbrush, floss daily, drink a cup of green tea every day  as it contains anti-inflammatory compounds  and, obviously, book more regular dental hygiene appointments.

'These results show that your oral hygiene isn't great,' Dr Moran admonishes me. 'If you didn't act you would be at great risk of a whole range of illnesses in just a few decades.'

Treponema denticola  is strongly associated with gum disease, which is the main reason people lose their teeth (Stock image)

Those who have a raised genetic risk of heart disease, cancer or other issues because they run in the family might see problems even sooner, he adds. Luckily I don't.

Experts hope that the ORALIS 1 test, alongside more research into the workings of the oral microbiome, could help change the UK's approach to dentistry.

'At the moment we still don't know the cause and effect relationship, but we do know mouth bacteria can affect your long-term health,' says Dr Moran.

Recent survey data revealed that only 3 per cent of Brits who tried to get a dentist appointment with the NHS managed to get one in the last two years.

'We know that people are struggling to get an appointment, so if we were able to roll this out in ten or 20 years time across the board, it could give us a really good insight into your health before problems occur,' adds Dr Sampson.

After the test, I booked to see the hygienist. Aside from a bit of minor gum inflammation, I don't seem to have any other serious issues. She told me I needed to come back in three months, and I absolutely plan to.
For anyone living under a social media rock, #vanlife has become one of the biggest viral trends of the last few years.

Taking off during the pandemic, on TikTok the hashtag has been viewed more than 12 billion times, with a further 15 million posts on Instagram.

The nomadic way of life is popular with (mainly) young people, and preceded the 'underconsumption core' lifestyle.

Golden sunsets, expansive beaches, fairy lights and romantic filters; living out of a van is as Instagram aesthetic as it gets (on the surface).

But what about living out of an electric car? Could that be the most eco and luxury van life possible? Or is the reality just a photo opportunity but a holiday to avoid?

This is Moneys Freda Lewis-Stempel took a new Tesla Model Y with its own specially designed 'Air Mattress' and Camp Mode to one of the remotest islands in the UK to find out....

Can you really sleep in a Tesla? This is Money's Motoring Reporter Freda Lewis-Stempel puts the electric car version of the #vanlife trend to a very remote test....

How the Model Y is designed for 'van life' glamping?

It makes sense to first explain how Tesla has taken the American van life idea and added special features to the Model Y SUV to make it double up as a home on wheels.

Tesla Air Mattress: This 200 blow-up mattress has been designed to fit the rear of the car perfectly when the back seats are folded down. Penned on tracing paper, it has the cutouts in precisely the correct places in order for it to sit flush to the floor around wheel arches and arm rests.

It pumps up almost instantly when connected to the car's 12V outlet in the boot.

Just roll the air mattress out, plug the air pump into the 12V, slot the air pump nozzle into the air mattress intake, turn the air pump on and watch it inflate.

At this point you can decide to go full glamping boujee and bring a sheet, pillows and duvet like we did, or you can go more pop-up tent style and just use a sleeping bag and inflatable pillow.

Tesla has a specially shaped Air Mattress for its Model Y SUV that inflates to turn the car into a bed for the night

Tesla's Camp Mode is another sleeping-friendly feature that keeps the cabin at the perfect temperature overnight to make sure you don't get too hot or cold

Camp Mode: Sort of genius from Tesla, Camp Mode maintains the optimum temperature and airflow within the cabin while you sleep so you dont wake up freezing cold or boiling hot in the middle of the night.

It also maintains the lighting setup you want or music or a podcast if that helps you sleep.

There's even a Camp Profile which remembers your preferences and sets them automatically when you want to conk out for the night.

To enter Camp Mode, just tap the temperature menu icon on the bottom of the screen and select Camp (or use the Tesla app).

Sentry Mode, auto lock and the Model Ys alarm system are all disabled with Camp Mode so the alarm doesnt go off every time you exist - just remember to lock the car yourself while you sleep!

Why Scotland? Scotland is popular for wild camping because of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, which gives everyone the right to access Scotland's outdoor spaces. You can park and camp by the side of the road as long as you aren't blocking access or parked dangerously. The Outdoor Access Code does stipulate you should camp away from roads, but campervans frequently park in larger lay-bys. As some of the most remote and dramatic countryside in the UK, especially on the islands, Scotland is also a brilliant place to put EV charging and range anxiety to the test too.

Day 1/night 1: Regrettable decision? It can only get better...

My plucky school friend and I left London at around 5.30pm to drive up to the Peak District.

It was all going swimmingly, cruising up the M6 in the warm, extremely comfortable and smooth Model Y.

Though I tend to find Teslas a bit clinical (or 'spaceship-y', as my friend said) for long journeys, their performance is undeniably strong.

The space, comfort, and how Teslas hold their range makes driving for hours minimum effort, and the Y was no different.

Deciding to charge at the Superchargers near Stoke-on-Trent - because we didn't know how much range Camp Mode would use overnight - we snuck in the back door of a restaurant nearby to use the loo to brush our teeth and get ready for 'bed.

There were a few funny looks as we set the air mattress up for the night at the Superchargers (so we didnt have to figure it out for the first time in the middle of nowhere in the pitch-black Peaks), but it was very easy to set up.

While the Y finished charging, we used the Theatre function - which has Netflix, YouTube, Hulu etc - to watch the different Christmas adverts on the touchscreen; Waitroses who dunnit was of course the clear winner.

Thanks to Tesla's Theatre suite we could watch all the Christmas adverts on YouTube while the car charged

Brushing your teeth and washing your face in a restaurant loo near a Tesla Supercharger is the glamorous reality of Tesla living

Then we drove off in search of our sleeping spot in the wild for the night.

Wed pre-selected a place using the Park4night app, but driving up to a lay-by under a remote bridge and encountering just one guy and his camper van we got the heebie-jeebies and decided to find an alternative.

The only other option nearby was a lay-by/field gate entrance, and (after accidentally driving through someones farmyard) we decided this was the best of two rather unappealing options, as it was already almost midnight.

Off to bed (a bed that was as steep as Everest because the parking spot was on a sharp incline) I awoke just over four hours later at 4.55am.

My friend had seemingly disappeared. In a bleary state, I thought she'd been abducted, but thankfully shed just moved to the front seat to try and sleep.

Turning the headlights on, we had a near heart attack (my second in 10 minutes) when they picked up a Land Rover Discovery that had silently turned up sometime between 12.40 and 4.55am.

Convincing ourselves we werent going to end up as front page horror story news, we tried to get back to sleep.

It was at this point we learnt two valuable EV glamping lessons: never park on an incline and an overinflated Air Mattress is, as I ruefully summarised, like sleeping on a slab of rock.

Waking up in Leek in Staffordshire wasn't the most picturesque first wake up in the Tesla I'd envisioned as the beautiful countryside was hidden in fog and we'd had 4 hours of sleep each

I failed to fall back to sleep, but my friend did, so I watched a very cold and wet dawn creep in through the windows and panoramic sunroof.

I also watched two other cars come and go  one of which was a hunters van containing three Hound of the Baskervilles-sized hunting dogs.

In the end, my friend and I ended up getting four hours sleep each.

It wasn't a great way to kick-off but thanks to the Camp Mode we were at least nice and warm. And, as only a year before we'd spent a night in the Peaks in minus five degrees on top a Jeep Wrangler in a Tentbox, we knew how absolutely brutal car 'glamping' really can be in cold weather.

Going for a brisk wake-up walk around 8am, we packed down the Air Mattress and set off for our pre-Scotland charging and feed stop at Tebay.

Day 2/night 2: How much difference a day can make

The Tebay pit stop seriously perked us both up.

The car had a full charge on the Superchargers - we were charging to 100 per cent, which isn't as good for the battery as charging to 80 per cent but it's sensible for wilderness camping to have maximum range - while I managed a nap.

The nap was followed by a shower (you swap your car key for the shower key at Tebay and its free to use), and we both scoffed full English breakfasts.

Then it was back into the car for another three hours of driving up to Edinburgh for an afternoon 'city break'.

The roads were opening up and the scenery became road trip goals - in my opinion the best motorway driving in the UK is the Cumbria-Borders stretch - and everything was looking up.

Edinburgh was a chance to get some steps and movement in, and a bit of big city excitement before the total and utter isolation that the next sleeping spot would bring.

We'd pre-planned to sleep in a very remote valley between Edinburgh and the Ardrossan ferry terminal where we had a 9am ferry to catch the next morning.

I wanted to try Edinburgh public charging because it has a bad reputation, and although I did manage to find a charger, for a capital city Edinburgh charging has some way to go

We drove for about three hours to walk around Edinburgh and find some hot food before our next lay-by camp

I also wanted to test Edinburgh's EV charging infrastructure because it has a bad reputation for being underprovided.

In reality this is unfortunately true - considering its the capital of Scotland the charging options are pretty slim.

We werent fussy and didnt mind what speed we charged, but that didn't really help. There weren't many chargers and almost all of them were in use.

And unlike London, Edinburgh doesn't have lots of lamppost chargers, so all the on-street chargers are taken by residents.

We did, however, find one fast charger near George Street, so we walked around Edinburgh and had some hot food while the Model Y slow charged back up to 100 per cent.

At around 6pm we drove off to find our next Park4night place.

The second night camping location was the stuff of Instagram posts - although murky weather the remote Scottish hills were beautiful and it felt safe which led to a great nights' sleep

The Model Y has massive windows and a huge panoramic roof so you get 360 views when you wake up

This time we wanted the spot to be as isolated as possible, and we found it; a single-track road about 30 minutes from the coast without a soul in sight. Not a star, not an animal  nothing. And it felt so much safer.

I should explain that my school friend and I both grew up in very remote parts of Herefordshire and Shropshire so having no-one around feels safer to us than having people nearby, but over people might entirely disagree with this logic.

Feeling far more secure than night one we could relax into our bedtime camping 'routine' (i.e. cleaning our teeth with water from a bottle).

And we got the bed blowing-up level right this time, which meant the Air Mattress went from being a slab of rock to incredibly comfortable.

While we could use the Tesla Model Y's Theatre mode again, part of the relaxation of camping is winding down reading a book

Then we got the Camp Mode temperature perfect, read our books and drifted off to sleep in our very cosy hotel on wheels. We slept like logs.

I woke about 6am to a glorious stormy Scottish dawn sky, and an empty valley of mountains.

It was everything Id thought Tesla living would be. And the night before became an amusing memory.

Day three/night three: Tesla living on the Isle of Arran - as good as glamping gets

Scotland has 'right-to-access' laws so it's much easier to camp in a car in Scotland than England. A place as remote as the Isle of Arran is a real test for glamping in an EV

Starting off at 7.20am to drive 20 minutes for an ultra-rapid top-up before we boarded the Ardrossan car ferry, we pulled up at the InstaVolt chargers outside Stevenston McDonalds. Who doesn't love a retail park and a Maccies hash brown before 8am?

The loos gave us the chance to brush our teeth and clean our faces while the car went from around 80 to 100 per cent charge - after all, glamping is all about glamour.

The Model Y Long Range AWD has a range of 373 miles which gives you around 330/340 real world range.

We didn't actually need to be at 100 per cent before going across to the Isle of Arran - which is only 56 miles in circumference - but, while there are a few chargers in the 'capital' of Arran (Brodrick), ZapMap said they only take RFID cards so we played it overly safe.

We put the car on some Instavolt ultra-rapid chargers near the ferry port before we boarded

While living out of a Tesla you have to find food and washing facilities wherever you can, and sometimes it's McDonalds or nothing (even at 8am)

Sentry Mode - Tesla's anti-theft feature which records footage using the car's threat detecting external cameras and sensors - came into its own during the crossing, as did the Tesla app

Boarding the Ardrossan ferry, we were in excellent EV company with the four cars nearest us all being EVs. Clearly range anxiety isn't a thing in the Scottish Isles.

During the 55 minute crossing, Sentry Mode - Tesla's anti-theft feature which records footage using the car's threat detecting external cameras and sensors - came into its own, as did the Tesla app in general.

I felt very smug knowing that the none of the many car alarms going off belonged to the Model Y because the Tesla app hadn't alerted me to any issues.

We also had far too much fun watching ourselves on the Sentry Mode cameras disembarking the ferry as we sat waiting for the cars in front to drive off.

For the rest of the day we drove around Arran, enjoying the freedom of the car and lack of time restraints, like hotel check-ins, and simply let nature lead us. We went for a walk, swam in the very cold sea, and watched the wildlife - Arran is famous for its seals.

The Isle of Arran only has four public chargers and you can only get a ferry to the mainland: There are three in Brodrick and one near Blackwaterfoot so you can really test range anxiety

Driving around the Isle of Arran with no check-in times to abide by we could enjoy the scenery and outdoor pursuits to our own schedule

Tesla's cabin pre-conditioning feature on the app was also a godsend for when we wanted to come back to a warm car and heated seats and steering wheel after a freezing dip.

While our day activities were quite messy, the Tesla and its vegan seats were very easy to keep clean.

As a living in a car goes it was remarkably easy to keep the Model Y tidy and the vast storage throughout meant we were never short of space for our stuff.

The Model Y has 854 litres of boot space as well as a 117-litre frunk: more than enough space for all our 'glamping' stuff and the front trunk became a designated space for wet swimming costumes, towels and muddy boats.

The hooks above the passenger doors were also useful to hang our clothes to dry.

The Tesla has lots of space, and it was very easy to keep clean. Even if we left the bed in place, we still had plenty of space for our bags and the frunk meant we could separate wet clothes

While the car means you can go anywhere, anytime, playing everything by ear also has its downfalls: We drove to get dinner at 6pm on the far side of the island only to be told the restaurant was fully-booked.

Although we did eventually manage to have a very early dinner at a hotel near Brodrick, the Tesla glamping lesson of the day here would be to at least pre-book your meal reservations, especially if it's out of season.

Parked up against the sea, Tesla camping on the Isle of Arran is truly an amazing experience

During the afternoon, we'd driven from the north west of Arran across to the north east and had passed many a lovely, big, isolated lay-by, noting a few that we'd be happy to park for the night in (frankly we were spoilt for choice on Arran).

Amusingly (or mildly concerningly depending how you look at it), I'd turned to my friend as I eyed up one particular lay-by (the one we ended up choosing) and said; 'I'll never look at a lay-by the same way again'. She said she'd been thinking the exact same thing.

In the space of a few nights, Tesla camping had changed us - we'd become discerning connoisseurs of lay-bys. I will forever look at scenic lay-by and think 'that looks like a very nice place to spend the night in an EV'.

In the end, we chose one glorious lay-by near the sea, and with our glamping night routine down to a T, we settled in for our last sleep.

We watched Netflix's Nobody Wants This from our Air Mattress bed, thoroughly enjoying the Model Y mobile cinema offered to modern day EV nomads, and the brooding backdrop of the dark Scottish hills.

Waiting to board the ferry back to mainland UK: Is Tesla glamping for the fainthearted? No. But is it a fantastic adventure? Yes.

It felt sad to say goodbye to our house on wheels on the drive home as we'd become quite attached

The next morning, after we had one last cold sea swim before boarding the ferry to begin our drive back to London, we both agreed we'd happily spend another three nights sleeping in the Tesla.

Living out of one? No. Glamping out of one again? Without a doubt.

Just make sure your friends are up for an adventure and aren't at all precious...
From humble beginnings to the White House and back, the United States' 39th President Jimmy Carter shunned greed to live in a modest $223,000 home, fly commercial and teach Sunday school.

Dubbed the 'un-celebrity president', Carter - who died Sunday aged 100 - grew up in Plains, Georgia.

The son of a peanut farmer, he returned to his two-bedroom ranch instead of cashing in on political riches following his tenure.

The humble property - whose decor is said to be charming, if dated - is theoretically worth $223,000, according to a Zillow estimate.

But its links to Carter mean the true value is far higher - although the property will never appear on the open market, as he and wife Rosalynn planned to leave it to the National Parks Service.

Carter's successors have all made tens or even hundreds of millions of dollars by writing books, giving speeches and doing consulting work after leaving 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue - but Carter said that path never appealed to him.

It wasn't the first time the he had returned to his hometown. He left behind his Naval career after his father, James Earl Carter Sr, died of pancreatic cancer aged 58 in 1953. The decision proved to be a catalyst for his political career.

Then again, following his loss to Ronald Reagan in 1980, he and his beloved wife Rosalynn packed their things and headed back to the town where they fell in love - and lived there until they died.

From humble beginnings to the White House and back, the United States' 39th president shunned greed to live in a modest $223,000 home. He's pictured in his kitchen in 2018

Dubbed the 'un-celebrity president' Carter returned to his two-bedroom ranch rather than cashing in on political riches following his tenure. He and Rosalynn are pictured dining at a friend's house in Plains in 2018

Jimmy and Rosalynn pictured walking through Plains with their bodyguards in August 2018

In a 2018 look into the Carters' day-to-day lives, the Washington Post detailed the 'fairly ordinary' life led by the childhood sweethearts in the blink-and-you'll-miss-it town of Plains.

Jimmy and Rosalynn would often have dinner with neighbors. On one such occasion, they are said to have enjoyed 'salmon and broccoli casserole on paper plates' at their friend Jill Stuckey's house.

A sharp contrast to his successors, Carter drew his unpretentious nature from his farmhouse youth during the Great Depression, which also solidified his no-frills sensibility and beliefs about racial equality.

Stuart E. Eizenstat, a Carter aide and biographer, told the Washington Post that Carter 'didn't feel suited to grandeur.

'Plains is really part of his DNA. He carried it into the White House, and he carried it out of the White House,' he said.

Even for those who didn't start out rich, including Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, making tens of millions of dollars on the private-sector opportunities has been a rite of passage for most who've served as president.

Carter taught Sunday school at the Maranatha Baptist Church on the edge of town every fortnight, but had to stop when his health took a turn for the worse. Carter's classes attracted visitors from across the world. He's pictured giving one in 2018

Carter is pictured celebrating Christmas at his home with his family in 1978

Jimmy Carter House, 209 Woodland Drive, Plains, Sumter County, Georgia. When the Democrat returned home his finances were sadly in tatters as his family-owned peanut business had racked up $1million in debt

But for Carter, making money from corporate speaking and joining the boards of big companies - as his predecessor Gerald Ford had done - was not on the cards.

Instead, he planned to return to the town where he was born and reinvigorate his career as a peanut farmer.

But when the Democrat got home, his finances were in tatters and the family's peanut business had racked up $1million in debt.

He was forced to sell it and took pen to paper to repair his finances - writing 33 books on a variety of subjects, although not as successfully as some other presidents. On top of his writing revenue, Carter also commanded a $210,700 annual pension - received by all former presidents.

But, meeting him, you wouldn't know. Carter is the only president in the modern era to return full-time to the house he lived in before he entered politics. The modest $223,000 home boasts only two bedrooms.

'He doesn't like big shots, and he doesn't think he's a big shot,' his former White House communications director, Gerald Rafshoon, told the Washington Post.

After boarding a flight from Atlanta to Los Angeles on June 8 2017, the then 93-year-old walked down the aisle greeting passengers by shaking hands and smiling for pictures

Carter only flew commercial in his humble post-presidency life - his fans yelled out to him saying: 'You're my favorite president!' and 'I love you Jimmy Carter'

In fact, Carter cost U.S. taxpayers the least amount of money of any former president, according to the General Services Administration.

The total bill for him in the last fiscal year was $496,000, covering pensions, an office, security staff and other expenses.

Meanwhile, Bill Clinton cost $1.27M and George W. Bush cost $1.21M as the two highest expenses to the taxpayer, beating Donald Trump, at $1.04M and Barack Obama at $1.18M.

Carter told the Washington Post in 2018 that he didn't want to pursue riches and that he just wanted to go home.

'I don't see anything wrong with it, I don't blame other people for doing it,' he said.

'It just never had been my ambition to be rich.'

While many ex-presidents fly in private jets, sometimes loaned to them by wealthy friends, Carter continued to fly commercial.

Footage as he boarded a Delta flight from Atlanta to Los Angeles on June 8, 2017, went viral as the then 93-year-old headed down the aisle to shake hands with passengers and smile for selfies.

The heartwarming video showed the former president enthusiastically greeting passengers as his fans yelled out to him saying: 'You're my favorite president!' and 'I love you Jimmy Carter.'

Flying commercial was just one of the many ways he led a simple life following his 1977 to 1981 tenure in the White House.

In addition to his humble home-life, Carter taught Sunday school at the Maranatha Baptist Church on the edge of town every two weeks, but had to stop when his health took a turn for the worse.

In this February 8, 1976, photo Carter is seen relaxing in blue jeans outside his home in Plains, Georgia, the town where he met his soulmate Rosalynn

Stuart E. Eizenstat, a Carter aide and biographer, said: 'Plains is really part of [Carter's] DNA. He carried it into the White House, and he carried it out of the White House'

In a 2018 look into the Carters' everyday lives, Jimmy detailed the 'fairly ordinary' life he led in the blink-and-you'll-miss-it town of Plains, Georgia

Carter walks with his wife, former First Lady, Rosalynn Carter towards their home following dinner at a friend's home on Saturday August 04, 2018 in Plains, GA

According to locals, lines of worshippers would form around the block the night before to hear his Bible studies.

'We feel at home here,' Carter said in the 2018 interview. 'The folks in town, when we need it, they take care of us.'

While it remains unclear where the former U.S. president will be buried, Carter told the Washington Post in 2018 that he'd hoped to be laid to rest at his home by a willow tree near a pond he'd helped dig, beside his beloved Rosalynn.

The hope was to draw tourism to Plains and boost the small town's economy even after his passing.
Jimmy Carter entered hospice care in February 2023 at the age of 98 and had many speculating his final days were near.

But it would be nearly two years until the former U.S. president will be buried alongside his wife Rosalynn, who passed November 19, 2023.

The two entered end-of-life in-home hospice care together at their home in Plains, Georgia.

The former president eventually passed away at the age of 100 on Sunday, December 29 in his Georgia home, according to his son Chip, 74.

'My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love,' said Chip Carter, 74, upon announcing the passing of his beloved father.

'My brothers, sister, and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs. The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honoring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs.'

Jimmy and Rosalynn had four children - Jack, Chip, Jeff and Amy - and are survived by 25 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The Democrat served one term in the White House and dedicated the rest of his life to charity. He decided against more medical treatment in February 2023 and entered hospice after a string of hospital stays.

In his final years, the Nobel Peace Prize winner spent his days at his home alongside his beloved wife of 77 years until her passing at the age of 96.

He was surrounded by family in the weeks following his wife's death.

In his final years, the Nobel Peace Prize winner spent his days at his home alongside his beloved wife of 77 years until her passing at the age of 96.

Jimmy Carter entered hospice care in February 2023 at the age of 98 and had many speculating his final days were near

Rosalynn passed following a dementia diagnosis. It shocked many when the former first lady passed before her husband following a series of health issues landing Carter in hospice care nine months before his wife joined him.

Carter, who was visibly sickly and completely bound to a wheelchair at the time, attended his wife's funeral in Georgia in November 2023 along with other former first ladies and presidents.

President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden were longtime friends of the Carters and joined former President Bill Clinton and former first lady Hillary Clinton as well as former first ladies Melania Trump, Michelle Obama and Laura Bush in the front row for Rosalynn's funeral.

Former Presidents Donald Trump, Barack Obama and George W. Bush did not attend the funeral in Plains, Georgia.

With Carter's death, there are now only five living presidents.

Carter battled a few health issues over the years, but for a man in his 90s was relatively spry, continuing his work building homes with Habitat for Humanity well into his later years.

Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former US First Lady Laura Bush, former US First Lady Michelle Obama, and former US First Lady Melania Trump arrive for a tribute service for former US First Lady Rosalynn Carter

In August 2015, the former president was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma and had a small cancerous mass removed from his liver. It also spread to his brain. The following year, about six months after the diagnosis, Carter announced that he needed no further treatment, as an experimental drug had eliminated any sign of cancer.

Two years after a cancer diagnosis in 2015, Carter was hospitalized for dehydration while building homes in Canada.

He was back at the work site the next day.

A few years later, in 2019, when Carter was 95, he helped build a home in Nashville for Habitat for Humanity.

Only a handful of former presidents have lived past 90 years, including Ronald Reagan, Carter's successor, who lived to be 93.
In the eighty years since the Second World War, few topics have been as carefully and as closely studied by popular historians as the rise of the Nazi Party.

Adolf Hitler preyed on prejudices and exploited the fears of ordinary people to assume power and force through his fascistic vision for Europe.

Fascism and the crude origins of 'race science' have been broken down to better understand, and avoid, their conditions.

But less well understood is how the party traces its beginnings to esoteric, cultish traditions - and how they, in turn, would come to guide the Nazis towards expensive digs around the world in search of evidence of a lost Aryan race of superhumans, once supposedly imbued with the gift of psychic powers.

While Nazi engagement with the occult has largely been a footnote of history, reserved for quick allusions in the Indiana Jones films and cartoonish video games, research shows the Nazis did, in fact, lean into 'magic' and sponsor huge efforts to reclaim a fabled ancient folk history.

The Nazis harnessed distrust in science and 'truth' to rally voters and undermine traditional authorities.

But their willingness to hinge vital war operations on blind faith in tarot readers, death rays and astrology, collecting thousands of mystical tomes and financing excavations in pursuit of a lost 'divine' civilisation, suggests they may have also let superstition play a key role in the forming of the Third Reich.

Holocaust architect Heinrich Himmler (L, next to Adolf Hitler) collected works on the occult and collected thousands of works over his lifetime

Interest in the Nazi relationship to the supernatural has found its way into popular culture (Pictured: Harrison Ford and Karen Allen star in Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981))

Expedition members pose for a photo during the 1938-39 German expedition to Tibet under SS-officer Ernst Schafer. Himmler ostensibly wanted Schafer to research Hanns Horbiger's theory of World Ice Theory

Nazi fascination with the supernatural has made it into the mainstream in the last few decades - but remains largely underexplored in academia.

The 1981 film Raiders of the Lost Ark pits archaeologist Indiana Jones against Nazi forces in Egypt in a struggle to recover the Ark of the Covenant - an ancient relic mentioned in the Old Testament that, in the film, is believed to hold the power to make armies invincible.

The plot seems far-fetched, but the trope has stuck. In the Marvel cinematic universe, the Nazis steal a mysterious relic called the Tesseract in Norway to gain special powers.

The popular Call of Duty game series draws on Nazi interest in revival of the dead, 'wonder weapons', teleportation and space exploration for one of its most popular features.

But until recently, links between the Nazi Party and the supernatural, the occult and the so-called 'border sciences' have been downplayed in research, judged a little facetious. Eric Kurlander, an American historian at Stetson University, argues the issue deserves more attention.

Kurlander's 'Hitler's Monsters: A Supernatural History of the Third Reich' suggests the Nazis were part of a generation that grew up distrustful of the scientific method and willing to engage with fantastical theories that reflected Germany's proud image of itself in nationalistic folk - or Volkisch - stories.

In the early 20th century, astrology, dowsing and tarot reading all attracted large circles of genuine believers looking to fill the void as Christianity waned.

At the same time, German nationalists - inspired by the country's unification in 1871 - began forging folk stories of their proud, Aryan origins and the dangers of foreign invaders, often painted as vampires and other mythical beings.

The German stories were 'more violent, fantastical and arguably racist' than their equivalents in Britain and France, filled with references to 'malevolent Jews' and 'manipulative demons', Kurlander says.

Vampires were painted as sinister creatures from eastern Europe in Germany, representing a 'kind of Polish and later Jewish danger', while werewolves were tasked with protecting German lands from foreign invaders. Nazi units later took their name.

Popular writers embedded their work with hateful prejudices, claiming 'pure-blooded' Aryans had once held psychic powers and special abilities (supposedly lost from race-mixing), while Jewish people were painted as being 'materialistic' with no capacity for transcendence.

But it was the Nazis who would try to legitimise these fears by finding evidence of these far-fetched theories with excavations around the world.

The Nazi Party brought together strange ideas about the workings of the world with a paranoid and nationalistic history, taking their shape from secret underground groups like the Thule Society.

The Thule Society, formed from the Germanic Order before it, brought together a number of study circles interested in criticism of international capitalism, Jewish financing, racial genealogy, Nordic culture and mythology, David Luhrssen notes in 'Hammer of the Gods: The Thule Society and the birth of Nazism'.

It was this group that would ultimately sponsor the German Worker's Party that Hitler would reorganise into the National Socialist German Workers' Party -- the Nazi party.

As Thule members had gathered to speak about the 'World Ice Theory' - a discredited theory holding that the universe was born from a clash of icy spheres - so the Nazis financed expeditions around the world to back up their revised history.

The Ahnenerbe group, affiliated with the SS, dig for evidence of German ancestry in 1935

The Oera Linda manuscript was said to contain mythological secrets of antiquity, now considered a hoax. The public became aware in the 1860s and came back into focus in the 1930s under the Nazis

The Thule society adopted the swastika, meaning 'well being' in Sanskrit, before the Nazis eventually coopted it for their movement

World Ice Theory held that much of the world was created when a water-filled star collided with a much larger star, causing an explosion.

An ice comet then crashed into the earth containing 'divine sperma', and scattered humans and animals across the planet, before ancient Aryans had their civilisation destroyed by another crashing ice moon.

The Ahnenerbe was tasked with researching and promoting pseudo-scientific racial theories

This was, of course, all revealed to founding theorist Hanns Horbiger in a dream. With no scientific background, he claimed he awoke with intuitive knowledge of the physics of the solar system, and published a book with amateur astronomer Philip Fauth in 1921.

One day, archaeologists would be able to uncover evidence of the lost society of the ancient race, followers believed. These ideas remained on the periphery as a kind of 'fringe science' until the Nazi rise.

When the Nazis came to power, they commissioned digs around the world in the hope of recovering some of these ancient, forgotten artefacts.

Before the outbreak of war, an official expedition was sent to Tibet to scout for evidence that Aryans lived in the Himalayas before their civilisation was destroyed by an ice moon.

Then, between 1935 and 1945, the SS oversaw the 'Ahnenerbe', an organisation tasked with promoting racial doctrines and scouring the world for evidence of historical Aryan civilisation, financing digs at old Viking trading posts for mythical 'Nordic' relics.

The Ahnenerbe grew out of the Herman Wirth Society, founded by a Dutch-German scholar fascinated by Thule, the legend of Atlantis and recovering the supposed prehistoric Arctic ice-continent where the Aryans were meant to have been born.

Wirth's searches took him to Friesland in the 1920s, where he uncovered bizarre decorations he assumed must be ancient Germanic hieroglyphs. They turned out to be random ornaments. Wirth nonetheless relayed his findings to Heinrich Himmler.

Himmler, who leant into mysticism and the racist 'philosophy' of ancient Aryan history from a young age, amassed a collection of 13,000 books on the occult - and his SS based its logo on Armanen runes invented by occultist and eugenicist Guido von List.

But 'there was no border science in the Third Reich that was more widely or uncritically embraced than World Ice Theory,' Kurlander writes in a 2017 adaptation of the book.

An authentically 'German' science, it was the 'perfect exemplar of Nazi border science'. Nazi intellectual Edgar Dacque said it represented a combined 'racial spirit of the times and science', and a move away from 'foreign' science.

Kurlander writes that Hitler had even spoken about building a huge observatory in Linz, Austria, his hometown, to represent 'the three great cosmological conceptions of historythose of Ptolemy, Copernicus, and Horbiger'.

He was even said to have suggested that one day, World Ice Theory could replace Christianity.

Hitler's membership card for the German Worker's Party (DAP)

Pictured: Child survivors of Auschwitz. The Nazis used pseudoscientific and anti-Semitic theories to justify their policy towards Jews, Roma, Sinti, the disabled, Black people and Slavic people. Six million Jewish people and millions of others were killed during the Holocaust

Needless to say, digs around the world did not uncover an ancient race of Aryan superhumans.

But Nazi faith in the esoteric remained strong until the end of the war.

The Thule society drew on pseudoscientific ideas about history and German mythology. Members would go on to found the DAP, which was later reformed into the Nazi Party

There are records of Hitler using 'dowsers' - using rods to find water, precious metals - to scan his Reich Chancellery for harmful 'death rays', and he also read a book on 'magic' penned by a fringe parapsychologist, Kurlander claims.

The Nazis also hired astrologers to acquire military intelligence during the war.

The Gestapo banned debunkers from shedding light on the secrets of magic, worried about offending Hitler and the public, Kurlander writes.

When Mussolini was toppled, the Nazi leadership released 'experienced' dowsers and magicians to find him with no expense spared.

When commandos eventually tracked him down, the magicians took credit. Rather than being laughed out of the room, however, Himmler appointed lead magician Wilhelm Wulf his personal astrologer.

Kurlander paints Himmler as a skeptic of modern medicine, studying the fields of homeopathy, herbalism and mesmerism - an invisible life force that could encourage healing.

'He also followed the advice of ariosophic thinkers ... [who] believed that practising yoga could release cosmic energies tied to astral bodies,' he writes.

Nazi interest in the occult had much deeper ideological roots than the mere utility of undermining empirical science that may have contradicted their racial theories.

The Nazis did try to measure heads to determine race - an idea borrowed from pseudoscientific doctrines, later dropped when it failed to yield results.

And anti-Semitic views certainly did undercut trust in sciences dominated by Jewish intellectuals, with the 'border sciences' offering an alternative world view that promised to resolve waning faith in mainstream religion.

Some of these new sciences - resentful of the 'souless natural sciences' - called for a reappropriation of 'German land' and a 'purification' of ancient bloodlines.

But the unbridled faith in astrology and tarot to help win the war suggests a more genuine belief that the pseudosciences really could change their fortunes.

The main entrance to the Auschwitz II death camp, pictured in 2019

A Hitler Youth rally on National Socialist Party Day in 1933

There is also a sense of opportunism to Hitler's willingness to adopt popular ideas during his rise to power. Alfred Rosenberg remarked that 'many Germans' took up Nazism 'due to their proclivity for the romantic and the mystical, indeed the occult'.

The Black Sun wheel originated in Nazi Germany and has been co-opted by neo-Nazis since. Its use and significance under the Nazis is unknown

Hermann Rauschning, a conservative politician who renounced Nazism in 1934, credited the Nazi success with the fact that 'every German has one foot in Atlantis, where he seeks a better fatherland'.

Hitler himself described his followers in 1931 as fighters for a 'unique spiritual - I would almost say divine - creation' and spoke of how the 'spiritual energy' of a people could 'recapture what it has lost in a thousand years of warfare'.

He had praised how the new German folklore helped shaped the culture. He saw the value in common beliefs and scientific frameworks that undermined traditional institutions.

'By binding Jews, communists and freemasons to images of vampires, zombies, demons, devils, spectres, alien parasites and other supernatural monsters, the Third Reich helped to justify otherwise exaggerated responses to an enemy who did not seem to adhere to the same cultural code,' Kurlander concludes in his 2017 work.

Still, the idea is debated. The late British historian Nicholas Goodrick-Clarke argued that much of the post-war research into Nazi occultism was 'sensational and under-researched'.

But understanding some of the prevalent ideas during this period goes some way towards putting the rise of the Nazi party into context, which helps us today recognise the hallmarks of fascism - the erosion of truth, the marketing of fear and the loss of faith in traditional institutions.

Himmler adopted the Wewelsburg Castle as an SS base, 'cult site and spiritual centre' on advice of occultist and SS officer Karl Maria Wiligut

Adolf Hitler (pictured in Berlin, 1936) adopted pseudo-scientific theories to justify deplorable policies - and appealed to folk stories to rally the German public

After the Second World War, the Jewish philosopher Hannah Arendt attempted to understand the conditions that allowed the Nazi party to rise in Germany in the early 1930s.

She focused on the emergence of new material conditions and a reshaping of ideas that prepared the world for totalitarian politics. The Origins of Totalitarianism was controversial but set out to understand the mentality that allowed huge swathes of the population to be drawn into the populist movement.

The Nazi fascination with the occult does not paint a full picture, but goes some way towards framing the people of Weimar Republic - for the similarities and differences they share with societies today.

Eight years ago, a leader of the far-right AfD party in Germany - which made significant gains in elections this year - sought to destigmatise the term 'Volkisch', raising concern about the resurgence of dangerous ideas in Europe.

Neo-Nazi hate groups in the US continue to make reference to runic symbols in their messaging today, and rioters in Britain this summer appeared marked with Nazi swastikas.

The story of German folklore, Volkisch nationalism, the Thule Society and the German Workers Party reflect a human history, with lessons that carry a stark warning into the present.
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter has died at the age of 100, almost two years after announcing he would spend his final days in hospice care.

His son Chip Carter, 74, confirmed the former president had died in his Georgia home on Sunday around 3.40 pm ET.

The Democrat former peanut farmer served one term in the White House from 1977 to 1981 and dedicated the rest of his life to charity.

Following a string of hospital stays he decided against more medical treatment and entered hospice care in February 2023.

The Nobel Peace Prize winner lived out his final years in Plains, Georgia.

Carter's wife of 77 years, Rosalynn, was by his side until her passing on November 19, 2023 aged 96.

At 100 years old, Carter was the longest-lived former president in Americas history.

His four years as president were blighted by an oil crisis that forced Americans to line up for gas and the Iran hostage crisis that stretched into the final minutes of his administration before Ronald Reagan took over.

But the Navy veteran's dedication to philanthropy meant he quickly became one of the most beloved figures in American politics.

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter has died at the age of 100 at his home in Plains, Georgia

One of his final public appearances was to celebrate his 100th birthday on October 1, surrounded by family and friends at his Georgia home.

The Democrat was also able to cast his vote in the 2024 election.

Last year, he attended his wife's funeral alongside former first ladies including Michelle Obama and Melania Trump.

Rosalynn was diagnosed with dementia and spent her remaining days with her husband at home with regular trips from beloved family members.

The Carter Center announced February 18 last year that the former president had made the decision to decline 'additional medical intervention' and move to his home for end-of-life care following a 'series of short hospital stays.'

The statement did not elaborate on what conditions had prompted those hospital visits.

Carter lived for a year and two months after deciding to decline additional medical help.

With Carter's death, there are now only five living presidents  Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, now President-elect Donald Trump and current President Joe Biden.

Carter battled a few health issues over the years, but for a man in his 90s was relatively spry, continuing his work building homes with Habitat for Humanity well into his later years.

In August 2015, he was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma and had a small cancerous mass removed from his liver. It also spread to his brain.

The following year, about six months after the diagnosis, Carter announced that he needed no further treatment, as an experimental drug had eliminated any sign of cancer.

Carter decided to receive hospice care and 'spend his remaining time at home with his family' instead of additional medical intervention, the Carter Center said. Carter is pictured in 2018 with wife Rosalynn. The two were married for 77 years before Rosalynn's passing at the age of 96 on November 19, 2023

Carter is pictured in a wheelchair at his wife Rosalynn's funeral services in Plains, Georgia on November 29, 2023 after she passed while receiving hospice care at their home at the age of 96 on November 19

Carter was married to Rosalynn for 77 years before her death on November 19, 2023 at their home in Plains, Georgia. Pictured: Carter attends his wife's tribute service in Atlanta on November 28, 2023

A few years later, in 2019, when Carter was 95, he helped build a home in Nashville for Habitat for Humanity.

Only a handful of former presidents have lived past 90 years, including Ronald Reagan, Carter's successor, who lived to be 93.

Carter's grandson Jason tweeted in February that he visited his grandparents, saying they 'are at peace and  as always  their home is full of love.'

The Secret Service also sent a moving message to Carter in February, wishing him well after it was announced he was receiving hospice care.

'Rest easy Mr. President,' tweeted the Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi following the announcement of his condition.

'We will be forever by your side.'

Carter, a Navy veteran and Nobel Peace Prize winner, became the 39th U.S. president when he defeated Gerald R. Ford in 1976.

At the time, the country was still reeling from the Watergate scandal under President Richard Nixon.

He served a single term and was defeated by Republican Ronald Reagan in 1980.

Jimmy Carter during his 1977-81 presidency, protected by the Secret Service

President Joe Biden and first lady Jill visited Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter at their Plains, Georgia, home in May, 2021. While the couple remained neutral during the 2020 Democratic primary, they urged the election of Biden, who was a young senator from Delaware when Carter won the presidency in 1976

Carter continued work building homes with Habitat for Humanity well into his later years. The former president is pictured in 2018 during the first day of the week-long Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project

Carter and his wife Rosalynn are pictured in their hometown of Plains, Georgia, in August 2018, with two Secret Service agents following them

Carter committed himself to philanthropy post-presidency, living a humble life with his wife, his four children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Despite receding from public view due to health issues in later life, he remained a quiet force in politics at home and, through The Carter Center, in public health and human rights advocacy around the world.

The Carters founded the Carter Center in 1982, two years after he lost his re-election bid to Reagan.

He remained neutral in the Democrats' 2020 presidential primary, but fielded calls and visits from multiple candidates.

He and Rosalynn recorded audio addresses for the Democrats' virtual national convention, urging the election of nominee Joe Biden, who was a young senator from Delaware when Carter won the presidency in 1976.

'Joe Biden was my first and most effective supporter in the Senate,' Carter told the convention in 2020. 'For decades, he's been my loyal and dedicated friend.'

Perhaps most notable among Carter's 2020 election maneuvering was the Carter Center's designating the United States as a 'backsliding' democracy.

The Center announced after the Democratic convention that it would devote resources to ensuring free and fair U.S. elections.

James Earl Carter Jr was born on October 1, 1924 in Plains, Georgia, a town that now has a population of around 573. Jimmy, as he would be called, was raised on his family's peanut farm. He is pictured in 1937 with his pet dog Bozo

While on military leave back home in Plains, Carter went on a date with 17-year-old Rosalynn Smith. He had known Rosalynn since she was a child because she was friends with his sister Ruth. The next morning, he told his mother: 'She's the one I'm going to marry.' Above, the couple on their wedding day on July 7, 1946

Jimmy Carter waves in front of the crowd at the Democratic Convention of 1980. He became president in 1976 but did not win re-election for a second term in 1980

Carter lost to Republican Ronald Reagan in the 1980 presidential election. Reagan (left) and first lady Nancy Reagan join Carter (right) and Rosalynn at the Carter Center in October 1986

Siding with Biden over former President Donald Trump wasn't a surprising step for a Democratic former president, but it did involve Carter ignoring one of his own recent observations about the presidency  age.

Weeks before his 95th birthday, Carter alluded to the advanced ages of several candidates at the time.

'I hope there's an age limit,' Carter said jovially at his town hall when asked whether he'd run again.

Then he turned more serious: 'If I were just 80 years old, if I was 15 years younger, I don't believe I could undertake the duties I experienced when I was president.'

The announcement of Carter's condition in February came just one day after a building at the US Naval Academy was renamed in his honor.

The building had previously been named after a leader in the Confederate Navy, but was renamed in honor of Carter, who graduated from the academy in 1946.

The decision to rename the engineering building in Annapolis was made after a commission mandated by Congress determined several military assets across all branches of the service had to be renamed because of Confederate ties.

The building that had been called Maury Hall was built and named in the early 1900s after Matthew Fontaine Maury, a naval officer and scientist who joined the Confederates.

The Naval Academy superintendent's house and a nearby road are named after Franklin Buchanan, the academy's first superintendent who left to join the Confederate Navy at the start of the Civil War. The academy is also renaming the house and road, but has yet to announce those changes.

Carter did not attend the ceremony, though some of his relatives did.

Carter remained neutral in Democrats' 2020 presidential primary, but he fielded calls and visits from multiple candidates including Pete Buttigieg, pictured, in May 2019

President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter dance at a White House Congressional Ball in 1977. The couple celebrated 77 years of marriage in July this year

Former first ladies Melania Trump, Michelle Obama, Laura Bush and Hillary Clinton attended Rosalynn's funeral service

'It would be impossible to overstate what this Academy and the Navy has meant to my grandfather, and by extension to my family,' said Josh Carter, Jimmy Carter's grandson, in a news release from the Navy at the time of renaming.

Friends and admirers of the former president, who served from 1977-91, sent their best wishes to the beloved elder statesman in remembrance of his life and accomplishments.

Carter was born on October 1, 1924, with the rarely-used full name James Earl Carter, Jr. and was raised during the Great Depression.

The son of a Georgia peanut farmer, he said that farming, talk of politics, and devotion to the Baptist faith were pillars of his upbringing.

Carter graduated from the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, in 1946 and married Rosalynn Smith shortly afterward.

The couple had three sons - John William (Jack), James Earl III (Chip), Donnel Jeffrey (Jeff) - and a daughter, Amy Lynn. They also had 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Their grandson Jeremy Davis Carter died of a heart attack at the age of 28 in 2015.

Rosalynn passed away Sunday, November 19 at 2:10pm at her home in Plains, Georgia. The former first lady was a passionate champion of mental health, caregiving and women's rights.

A statement from the Carter Center on her death noted: 'She died peacefully, with family by her side.'

She was honored with a wreath-laying at her namesake medical center in Americus, Georgia, followed by her casket lying in repose at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library in Atlanta.

The next day on November 28, 2023, U.S. leaders and politicians gathered with Jimmy Carter for her funeral at Glenn Memorial Church in Atlanta, Georgia.

In attendance were President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden and former President and first lady Bill and Hillary Clinton  as well as past first ladies Melania Trump, Michelle Obama and Laura Bush.

On November 29, the Carter family held a more personal funeral service for Rosalynn at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia where former President Carter attended in a wheelchair.

Jimmy Carter served seven years as a Naval Officer before returning to Georgia, where he entered state politics in 1962.

Eight years later, he was elected governor of Georgia.

He launched a bid for the White House in 1974 and built momentum over the next two years.

While president, he established two new cabinet-level departments: the Department of Energy and the Department of Education.

He installed solar panels on the roof of the White House - only for Reagan to take them down.

Both during and after his presidency, he became known as an international human rights champion.

Carter was at the forefront of brokering the Camp David Accords between Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin and Egyptian President Anwar Sadat in 1978. He also saw the start of the Iran hostage crisis as well as the first efforts toward developing an energy independence policy.

His decision in 1980 to authorize a military rescue of the American hostages in Iran contributed to his reelection loss that year.

Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 after he created the Carter Center to promote human rights worldwide.

He also spent time post-presidency building Habitat for Humanity homes, and writing more than two dozen books.

Two years after a cancer diagnosis in 2015, Carter was hospitalized for dehydration while building homes in Canada.

He was back at the work site the next day.

Carter has also traveled the world for elections and worked with the Carter Center to eradicate diseases.

His Center began to work toward the eradication of Guinea worm disease in 1986, when 3.5 million people were afflicted. In 2022, only 54 were diagnosed, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution.

And in Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico and Guatemala, the Center established a river blindness eradication program, which helped eliminate the condition.
England's fattest areas where nearly 80 per cent of people are overweight have been revealed.

In places with the highest rates of overweight people as many as 34 per cent of the population are classed as clinically obese, sobering figures show.

It comes as the NHS struggles to cope with the intensifying crisis which sees thousands of hospital admissions from conditions that are related to being overweight every single day.

Diabetes, heart disease, breathing issues, strokes and mental health problems are just some of the illnesses associated with being overweight.

The government has previously said that obesity alone costs the NHS 6.5billion every year, with the condition being the second biggest preventable cause of cancer.

One health expert told MailOnline that 'drastic measures' are needed to halt the increase and to combat the effect this is having on our society.

The map below shows what percentage of people are obese and overweight in England.

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County Durham takes the crown for the fattest area in Britain 80 per cent of its population being overweight and with 34 per cent being obese

Speaking exclusively to MailOnline Professor Alex Miras, an obesity expert at Ulster University, shed some light on why he thinks the crisis has escalated and what he thinks can be done about it.

County Durham takes the crown for the fattest area in Britain with 77.7 per cent cent of its residents being overweight and 34 per cent being obese.

Following closely behind is the Metropolitan borough of Wirral near Merseyside where the obesity rate is almost 36 per cent while 76.3 per cent are overweight.

Third place on the alarming list goes to the district of Cannock Chase, Staffordshire, where over 38.4 per cent of its 100,000 strong population are obese and 76 per cent overweight.

Meanwhile Wigan has the highest rate of clinically obese people as opposed to overweight with 39.1 per cent of its population being obese while 70.8 per cent are overweight.

Obesity is classified as an excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health with a BMI of over 30.

A BMI of more than 25 is considered overweight but not obese.

On the other end of the scale the skinniest area is the famously affluent Borough of Kensington and Chelsea where just 46 per cent are overweight and only 13 per cent classified as obese.

Prof Miras explained how he thinks 'drastic measures' are required to stop the obesity crisis.

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Wigan has the highest rate of clinically obese people as opposed to overweight with 39 per cent being obese

Alex Miras, an obesity expert and Professor at Ulster University, told MailOnline that 'drastic measures' are needed to combat the obesity crisis which is threatening to overwhelm the NHS.

He thinks deprivation is 'the strongest' factor in the equation but education also plays a part.

He said: 'It's very much multi-factorial. So people in areas of deprivation work very long hours.

'They have got very limited time to look after themselves. Very limited time to look after their children and family.

'They are likely to resort to cheaper food and unfortunately these days cheaper food tends to be more unhealthy food.'

Prof Miras added: 'Usually lower education status is associated with lower socioeconomics and it means that people just haven't had the education of what to choose in terms of what to eat, what to avoid, what is healthy, what is not healthy.

The professor stressed that there would be no quick fix to tackle the problem but suggested local authorities could consider limiting the number of take away restaurants in an area.

He said: 'If you want to improve and reverse the situation, then you need to have much more drastic measures in terms of reversing deprivation.

'This could mean improving access to healthier food, reducing the number of takeaways in the local area, increasing people's physical activity, giving people more time to look after themselves.

'So it's not easy.'
It is one of London's trendiest and most upmarket neighbourhoods, with stunning views of the capital and streets lined with luxury homes and hangouts attracting Hollywood, supermodel and rock'n'roll royalty.

Yet the long-privileged district of Primrose Hill is now riven with division over fears about rising crime including phone thefts, shoplifting and anti-social behaviour - and with a potential new flashpoint looming on the horizon.

Emergency plans have been drawn up for how to handle New Year's Eve, amid concerns that crowds will continue to flock to the top of the hill overlooking the Thames to take in the capital's annual fireworks display.

The official message being sent out by the Royal Parks, which runs the 62-acre Grade II listed green space rising above affluent north London streets, is that people should stay away that night.

It comes after tragedy struck at last year's event, when 16-year-old Harry Pitman was stabbed to death with a hunting knife at the top of Primrose Hill as people gathered to watch fireworks.

A 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was charged with murder but an Old Bailey trial ended in October with a jury unable to reach a verdict. A retrial is expected to begin next October.

Local figures, as well as officials, have described Harry's death was an isolated incident, though local traders and neighbours have raised concerns about crime levels in the area.

Details have now emerged of a co-ordinated plan for Primrose Hill Park this December 31 this year - while debates also rage over gates installed there.

Meghann, a 27-year-old from Australia who is a regular visitor to Primrose Hill Park, has raised concerns about friends having their mobile phones stolen by cyclists in the area

Primrose Hill attracts crowds enjoying some of London's most picturesque views but locals have become alarmed by what they say are rising crime in the park and neighbourhood

Amit Jain, who gas run the Shepherd Foods store on Primrose Hill's high street for more than 30 years, says he is now losing as much as 600 each week from shoplifting

The affluent north London district of Primrose Hill in the borough of Camden has long attracted celebrity visitors and residents including rock stars, models and actors

Sixteen-year-old Harry Pitman was stabbed to death on Primrose Hill just before midnight on New Year's Eve last year - a police officer is seen next to floral tributes left for the teenager

Since last year, the park has been closed to the public from 10am on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, reopening at 6am, after complaints about anti-social behaviour.

The restrictions were meant to last only during British Summertime months, yet the gates have remained in place despite the clocks changing in October - with Bonfire Night on November 5 highlighted as a particular concern.

Critics say that closing the park not only denies the public access to open spaces helping physical and mental health, but also proves ineffective in preventing crime since intruders can still clamber through hedges while potential targets are even more isolated.

They have also flagged how potential offenders are now instead being seen drinking or doing drugs in the streets of nearby Swiss Cottage.

Another area close to the park where trouble-makers are being displaced is one of north London's most desired locations, Chalcot Square - around the corner from Chalcot Crescent whose pastel-hued properties featured in Paddington and Bridget Jones films.

Yet in stark contrast to the charms of those movies, and the 'Primrose Hill Set' reputation fostered by former locals such as Jude Law, Kate Moss and Harry Styles, people still living and trading in the area say they feel increasingly troubled.

Shop owners have told MailOnline how brazen shoplifters, confident they will escape punishment even if caught, threaten them with violence while stealing expensive cheese and wine.

Amit Jain, who has run a store for more than three decades, told MailOnline shoplifting has 'got worse and worse and some of them are also violent', while 27-year-old park visitor Meghann warned about 'a lot of phone snatching around here'.

Supermodel Kate Moss, pictured out and about in Primrose Hill in July 2014, is one of the famous names attracted to the north London neighbourhood

Bright pastel-coloured homes in Primrose Hill's Chalcot Crescent have featured in the Paddington and Bridget Jones movie franchises

And locals insist that despite the gates of the park shutting in the evening during winter, yobs jump the fence and let off fireworks on the hill against that London skyline backdrop.

The Royal Parks pushed earlier this year for permission to install gates permanently protecting the Primrose Hill beauty spot, where other local celebrity residents nearby have included Taylor Swift, Jamie Oliver, Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin, Rachel Weisz and Daniel Craig.

Now the organisation, which also runs the likes of nearby Regents Park plus Green Park and Hyde Park in central London, has alerted local stakeholders to their New Year's Eve plans.

The body's director of parks Darren Hayman began by telling them in a letter: 'We understand that the tragic events of last year will have been distressing for you, as it was for all of us.

'As we said at the time, we were deeply saddened by Harrys death. Our thoughts remain with his family and friends during what must be an extremely difficult time as we approach the anniversary of his death.'

He outlined how there would be 'robust messaging' to remind members of the public 'that the park is not suitable for gathering' and that lighting fireworks and lanterns is banned.

He also revealed how a new Safety Advisory Group has been set up to plan for this coming New Year's Eve, involving the Metropolitan Police, Camden Council, London Ambulance Service and London Fire Brigade.

They have been working on what Mr Hayman called 'robust management plans' since July, with a specialised event control room planned to be in operation on the night itself.

The stabbing death of 16-year-old Harry Pitman on Primrose Hill on New Year's Eve last year came as crowds gathered in the park to watch central London's fireworks display

Police are seen conducting a fingertip search on Primrose Hill the day after the stabbing - now officials have drawn up a special plan for patrolling New Year's Eve this year

Specific measures being introduced this year include closing nearby Chalk Farm station at 10.30pm on December 31 as well as local roads.

There will also be an 'uplift in stewards and lighting' including extra tower lights, with one at the hill's summit, as well as LED messaging boards announcing the park will shut at 1am.

The plans have been welcomed by Amy McKeown, a member of community group Primrose Hill Keepers which has campaigned against closing and gating the park.

She told MailOnline: 'A lot of work has gone in over the last six months and they've got a very clear plan for this New Year.

'What happened last year was a tragic, isolated event. It could have happened anywhere in London.'

But while Primrose Hill has been namechecked in hits such as The Promise by Girls Aloud and Blur's For Tomorrow, while also providing homes at different times for Oasis brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher, many locals fear the area's 'Cool Britannia'-era image is now being tarnished by rising crime.

Amit Jain has run the Shepherd Foods store on the high street for more than 30 years, and the 56-year-old says the area has become far more dangerous and seen a steep rise in crime in the last four years.

Father-of-two Mr Jain estimates he loses as much as 600 each week from shoplifting, while citing recent statistics that shoplifting across the capital has soared by as much as 40 per cent over the past year.

Shepherds Foods store owner Amit Jain says the area has become more dangerous in recent years - he has run the shop on Primrose Hill's high street for more than three decades

Shop owners have told MailOnline how brazen shoplifters, confident they will escape punishment even if caught, threaten them with violence while stealing expensive cheese and wine

He said: 'Back in the 90s, this place was lovely - it was posh. But the last four years have been terrible.'

Mr Jain described how one shoplifter he recently caught urged him to ring the police and sat on the floor, waiting for them to arrive, saying: 'At least it's warm and I get food in prison.'

The shopkeeper recalled: 'When police arrived about 45 minutes later, they took the stuff from her bag and told her to be on her way. It has just gotten worse and worse.'

Mr Jain added that though he had paid a security guard to patrol the store, he later calculated it would be cheaper for him to lose money from stolen goods than pay the guard.

He said: 'They charge 20 an hour and do 14-hour shifts - they are supposed to be a deterrent but they don't actually do anything.

'It's not worth it. I worked out that it's actually cheaper for us to get the good stolen than pay for a security guard.'

Mr Jain believes shoplifters are buoyed by the knowledge that they are unlikely to be sent to prison, as there are no spare cells.

And he said the so-called '200 rule', where police will often not take action against shoplifters unless they steal goods worth more than that amount, has to go.

The Royal Parks pushed earlier this year for permission to install gates protecting the Primrose Hill open space permanently, with the park being closed from 10pm on weekends

Opponents of the gates and closing times say access to Primrose Hill Park's open spaces benefits mental and physical health

He said: 'Shoplifting has gone up about 75 per cent since Covid - it has got worse and worse and some of them are also violent.

'They know the police won't do anything because of this 200 business. There's no prison places for them, as well, and they know it.

'I have been threatened many times. Someone smashed a window last week, about four in the afternoon.

'A lot of them come from Camden. The police say, "Don't approach them, call 999 or 101". What's the point?

'I remember my colleague grabbed someone and the police said, "We should be there within the hour, can you keep him there?"

'There's a lot more homeless and drugs around now - they sell the stuff they sell to get quick money.

'The only way they are going to learn is if they go to jail. There has to be prison places for them. It's sad, really, for an area like this.'

Victor, a local out walking his dog, told of a rise in anti-social behaviour around fireworks displays held for events such as Diwali, New Year's Eve and Bonfire Night.

Lighting fireworks or flying lanterns in Primrose Hill Park is banned but locals say that the rules are often flouted especially at landmark occasions such as Bonfire Night and New Year's Eve

The top of Primrose Hill is among the most popular viewing points for looking across London

The 58-year-old, who has lived in the area for three decades, said: 'The fireworks are a big issue. It just seems to get worse. There's damage to monuments as well. They're not just little bangs - they're like bombs going off.'

And he described how the weekend night closures of the park and the new gating offered little deterrent, saying hoodlums 'just jump over it' - while also highlighting how many canisters used for inhaling nitrous oxide were left strewn across the area.

Victor suggested more frequent police patrols of the area could deter anti-social behaviour.

He said: 'There's no one enforcing the rules. I always swore I would never end up moaning about this area. But people come to Primrose Hill and think, "Bunch of snobs".

'I saw people in Tesco yesterday just walk out with stuff. There's lots of people who have bikes stolen, break-ins. It's a shame - it should be policed better.

'I've seen young women having their phones nicked by cyclists just here.'

Meghann, a 27-year-old from Australia who moved to nearby Tufnell Park in February, revealed how friends have had their phones seized by cyclists in the area.

She said: 'There's a lot of phone snatching around here. I've had a lot of friends who've had their phones snatched by young people on bikes.

Primrose Hill visitor Meghann, 27, is among those worried by a surge in phone thefts

While popular with visitors including runners, Primrose Hill is causing concern with some local residents and visitors increasingly worried for their safety in the park

'As a woman living in London, I am very aware of my surroundings. I am always very conscious of that stuff. I still love London, but I definitely feel a lot safer in Australia.'

However, there are plenty of people still delighting in Primrose Hill - and actually suggesting it feels safer than during the Covid-19 pandemic, when many groups made the most of weekends to escape lockdown restrictions and party in the park.

Mother-of-one Ebony Owens, 33, said: 'I don't think it has got more dangerous. I feel more safe now than during Covid times. People would treat this park like a nightclub, and that doens't really happen anymore.

'I've lived here five years and I don't feel Primrose Hill is unsafe. I used to live in Notting Hill and I didn't feel as safe there.'

Natalie Mclean, 35 and also a mother-of-one, agreed with her friend, while saying Harry Pitman's death last New Year's Eve felt like an exception.

She said: 'Obviously there was that stabbing, which was really scary.

'But during Covid it was a place for parties and crazy behaviour. There are a couple of phone snatches, but there's a good community feel around here.'

Local artist Justine Johnson says the fact her phone was returned to her when she dropped it on a bench in the park recently was testament to the area's community feel and relative safety.

Natalie McLean (left) and Ebony Owens (right) are among those who say the area including the park still feels safe and a good place to be, having improved since the Covid-19 lockdown

Justine Johnson (left), pictured on Primrose Hill with her friend Vivien Denison, praised the area's community feel - saying she actually had a mobile phone returned to her

Members of the public are seen watching the sun rise over London from Primrose Hill's peak

The 64-year-old, who has lived in the area for over 30 years, said: 'Camden has more crime than here.

'I have lost my phone here and someone returned it to me. I walk here at night and feel safe. It's a real community. I love our neighbourhood.'

Friend and professional dog walker Vivien Denison, 68, agreed, but admitted the crowds gathering to watch the fireworks on New Year's Eve could be problematic.

She said: 'Since they started charging at the riverside, everyone comes here.

'It's not well managed at all. People pee everywhere and you can't walk your dog the following day because of all the broken glass.

'But I have never seen groups of intimidating young men round here. We live in a very nice area. We are very lucky.'

Ms McKeown, from the Primrose Hill Keepers group, said: 'How safe people feel is completely subjective - I've never felt unsafe in the park.'

She acknowledged there were divisions locally, with a Royal Parks consultation on installing permanent gates showing 'a 50-50 split in the community'.

The new plan for this year's New Year's Eve on Primrose Hill will involve police closing some local roads while the park itself is due to shut at 1am on New Year's Day

Large groups gathered on Primrose Hill during the Covid-19 lockdowns - with some visitors now remembering what they said were like 'nightclub' parties across the open space

She insisted the park should remain open, saying: 'We should be encouraging people, especially young people to be outdoors and enjoying the open air - it's good for mental health, for physical health.

'The Met are already over-stretched and now we're seeing more crime being displaced to nearby areas such as Chalcot Square and around Swiss Cottage Leisure Centre.'

Yet concerns about phone snatching were raised by Fonseca, who works in a cafe on the high street and says she tells customers not to leave their phones on their table when they sit outside.

She added: 'Someone stole a bottle of wine from a shop the other day. Sometimes customers leave their phones out and people snatch them.

'It can be dangerous around here. You always have to be a little bit careful.'

Minutes for a recent meeting of the Primrose Hill Safer Neighbourhood Panel show concerns being raised about a 'very high incidence of phone thefts by cyclists, e-cyclists and moped', adding: 'These were a cause of great concern.'

Also flagged was a recent trend in the area of 'drugs being deposited into brown food bins on doorsteps as a way of passing them on'.

Crime figures show there were 87 reported per 1,000 people last year in Primrose Hill excluding the park - higher than the national average of 80, although lower than the rate of 132 across the whole borough of Camden which is London's second worst.

Police and members of the public are seen at the top of Primrose Hill in March 2021 - officers have been working with the Royal Parks ahead of next month's New Year's Eve celebrations

Fonseca, who works in a cafe on the high street, says she tells customers not to leave their phones on their table when they sit outside - pictured is Regent's Park Road in the area

Primrose Hill has the seventh highest crime rate of 28 neighborhoods in the borough, with the most dangerous being more central districts such as Holborn and Fitzrovia.

Meanwhile, the most frequently-reported crimes across Primrose Hill are anti-social behaviour, theft from the person and violence and sexual offences, according to the statistics.

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: 'Officers from the Central North Command Unit and Royal Parks OCU work closely with partnership agencies including Royal Parks and Camden Council to tackle all forms of crime including theft and anti-social behaviour in the Primrose Hill area and will continue to do so.

'The park often attracts large numbers of people, especially on New Years Eve, and we having been working on our policing operation throughout the year alongside our partners.

'We would always encourage anyone who has been a victim of crime or witnesses anti-social behaviour to contact police.'

The Royal Parks said the Met was responsible for responding to criminal activity.

Nick Biddle, park manager for the Regents Park and Primrose Hill, said: 'Primrose Hill is not suitable for hosting a display or for people to bring their own fireworks or paper lanterns. Fireworks and lanterns are not allowed in any of the Royal Parks, including Primrose Hill.

'We ask that people please respect the park and the surrounding area by not organising a large gathering on Primrose Hill or letting off their own fireworks or lanterns. Also, if the bins are full, please take litter home with you.'

A Camden Council spokesperson said: 'Camden Council takes anti-social behaviour very seriously and we continue to work closely with Royal Parks and the police to ensure this area is kept a safe and pleasant place for our residents.'
Shortly after coming into power in July, Sir Keir Starmer revealed his 'shock' at the state of the country's prisons, telling reporters it was 'worse than I thought'.

A month later, the PM announced plans to release thousands of prisoners early in a bid to ease overcrowding in jails after the number of spare places for adult male offenders dipped below 300 for the first time.

Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood warned the country would face 'a total breakdown of law and order' with 'van-loads of dangerous people circling the country with nowhere to go' without the emergency measure.

The early release scheme saw at least 3,100 prisoners walk free, seemingly easing pressures on numbers for the time being.

But unfortunately for Sir Keir, overcrowding is likely to be the least of the government's worries, with a number of rat infested and crime rampant prisons across the country that are literally crumbling apart.

In the last year, four prisons in England have been issued urgent notifications from the Prisons Inspectorate, which calls on the Justice secretary to step in and remedy their declining state.

This includes those with 'catastrophic' levels of drug use, 'squalid, dirty and cramped' conditions and seriously lax security.

Here MailOnline looks at each of these prisons - HMP Wandsworth, Winchester, Rochester and Manchester - and how dire their facilities really are.

Daniel Khalife, an inmate HMP Wandsworth - which was described as a 'failing prison' by inspectors - managed to escape last year

Inmates can be seen throwing punches at each other and attempting to wrestle the other to the floor in footage that is thought to have been filmed at HMP Rochester in Kent in 2015

Scenes inside Winchester prison after a riot broke out in 2018, during which prisoners dislodged bricks in crumbling cell walls with utensils from the canteen and bits of furniture

Wandsworth

HMP Wandsworth was condemned as 'dangerously overcrowded' and infested with vermin, in its most recent annual inspector's report.

The category B Victorian jail was also found to be 'not safe', with almost 1,000 assaults recorded either between prisoners or on staff.

Inspectors also found it was 'alarmingly easy' for prisoners to get hold of contraband with cell searches finding phones, drugs, makeshift weapons and alcohol - while the smell of cannabis was said to be ubiquitous.

A shortage of experienced staff - with almost half having been in their job for less than a year - 'undermined attempts to make the prison run effectively' and staff absence often reached 50 per cent, it said.

Inspectors cited 'squalid, dirty and cramped' living conditions in 'crumbling' cells, as well as 'chaotic' wings at the 'dangerously-overcrowded and vermin-infested' prison.

The report described Wandsworth as a 'failing prison' which was 'constrained by staff absence and hindered by underfunding and lack of support from the prison service'.

IMB chairman Matthew Andrews said: 'For HMP Wandsworth and the men whose treatment we monitor, this year has been as bad as any in our memory and, by many measures, worse.'

The prison has previously been at the centre of a police investigation into a married prison officer who was filmed having sex with an inmate.

HMP Wandsworth (pictured) has previously been at the centre of a police investigation into a married prison officer who was filmed having sex with an inmate

Linda De Sousa Abreu (right) had sex with an inmate on video in HMP Wandsworth

De Sousa (pictured) previously pleaded guilty to one count of misconduct in a public office

Linda De Sousa Abreu, 30, pleaded guilty to misconduct in a public office at a hearing at Isleworth Crown Court on July 29 and was bailed ahead of her sentencing in November.

The encounter in a cell on June 27 had been filmed by another prisoner and went viral on social media.

MailOnline later revealed that Brazilian-born De Sousa Abreu has appeared on TV swinging programs and had an OnlyFans account.

She was subsequently identified by HMP Wandsworth staff and was arrested by the Metropolitan Police at Heathrow Airport attempting to fly to Madrid.

A security review carried out in November 2023 also identified '81 points of failure' and resulted in 'long overdue' upgrades being made to CCTV cameras which had not been working for more than a year.

The review was carried out after an alleged escape by one of Wandsworth's inmates Daniel Khalife in September that year.

The report said the alleged escape led to multiple reviews and action including 'previously unavailable funding' being made available for security improvements and 'significant investment' in a bid to stop 'illicit items' being brought into the prison.

Khalife is currently on trial at at Woolwich Crown Court. He has admitted escaping from prison last year, but continues to deny charges that he spent two years spying for Iran while serving in the British Army.

Khalife is seen on CCTV preparing to slip out of custody while working in the kitchens at HMP Wandsworth - triggering a huge nationwide manhunt

Daniel Khalife while on the run at a branch of Mountain Warehouse in Richmond, London, which was shown to a jury at the Old Bailey, London, during his trial

Daniel Khalife is seen here after his arrest on a canal towpath on September 9 last year after being caught by police

Winchester

HMP Winchester was put into emergency measures in October after it was found to be rife with drug problems, violence and concerns over security.

Deputy Chief Inspector Martin Lomas found the 680-capacity category B prison had the highest number of serious assaults for any reception prison - a prison that holds people on remand and convicted unsentenced.

It also had the second highest rate for serious assaults against other inmates, while self-harm was at the third highest level of these types of prisons.

Violence was said to be caused by drugs, debt, and frustrations at staff, with almost 50 per cent of prisoners claiming it was easy to get illicit drugs.

Prisoners also complained of having damp and mould in their cells, with inspectors describing the conditions as 'appalling' and questioning whether the cells were fit to live in.

Failing infrastructure across jail, which was built in 1846, also meant that physical security was weak and on one occasion a prisoner was able to remove his cell door and roam freely around the prison.

Physical security was also 'weak', with more than a third of CCTV cameras not even working.

An annual review of the prison in September also found that inmates in 10 cells in the main jail had removed bricks and parts of window frames from their cells, often using plastic cutlery.

In May 2019, 19 inmates also started a prison riot after some of the prisoners escaped their cells by dislodging bricks with utensils from the canteen and bits of furniture. Police and specialist officers had to be drafted in to restore order.

Winchester prison (pictured) was put into emergency measures in October after it was found to be rife with drug problems, violence and concerns over security

A prison riot by 19 inmates at HMP Winchester in 2018 led to police and specialist officers being drafted in to restore order

Manchester

HMP Manchester was another prison that was issued an Urgent Notification in October this year after it was found to be infested with rats and rampant with violence and 'catastrophic' levels of drug use.

Chief Inspector Charlie Taylor found it was amongst the highest of all adult male prisons for violence and for the number of weapons and other illicit items found in recent months.

HMP Manchester, formerly known as Strangeways, also had the highest rate of serious assaults of all adult male prisons - which is continuing to increase.

This was linked the high level of illegal drug use within the prison as well as high levels of organised crime.

Over 39 per cent of prisoners tested positive for drug use in the last 12 months, which the inspector said was 'very high'.

Prisoners were found to have used the heating elements of kettles to burn holes in 'supposedly secure windows' so they could receive drug drops from delivery drones.

When contractors had come to replace the window, they reportedly received threats from prisoners for interrupting their supply.

On one occasion in 2023, an inmate staged a 12-hour protest on the roof of the prison

HMP Manchester (pictured) was found to be infested with rats and rampant with violence and 'catastrophic' levels of drug use

An inmate climbed on the roof at Strangeways prison before staging a 12-hour protest in 2023

The prisoner scribbled the phrase 'FREE IPPZ' on the jail's roof in apparent reference to The Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) sentence. The IPP was abolished in 2012 after being branded 'unjust'

'We witnessed a lack of order and control on some wings, with officers failing to challenge very poor, antisocial, or even criminal behaviour,' Mr Taylor wrote.

He added: 'This was a very difficult inspection with my team shocked by the level of decline they found in Manchester. The prison was fundamentally not safe enough for those living and working in there.

'Drugs present a critical threat to the security of our prisons and it was very disappointing to see that some key measures in the physical security of a prison like Manchester, holding many men with known links to organised crime, were inadequate.'

Following the publication of the report in September, it was announced the prison would have an emergency upgrade to stop drugs being flown into the jail by drone.

Prisons minister Lord Timpson said Manchester will have new CCTV and anti-drone netting installed.

Specialist staff and extra training will be provided to boost safety, he said, and a new plan is being drawn up to eradicate vermin and carry out urgent repairs.

The minister said: 'The chief inspector's report made for dire reading and highlighted the stark realities of the prison crisis we inherited.

'The frontline staff are already working hard to reduce violence and improve conditions. This action plan will ensure they have the support they need.'

Several inmates were recently released from HMP Manchester as part of the early release scheme.

A prisoner leave Strangeways Prison in Manchester after the government announced its plans to release some inmates early

Rochester

An inspection at HMP Rochester in August found it had 'decrepit conditions, rising violence and self-harm and widespread illicit drug use'.

The drug problem at the prison was described as an 'endemic' when it was visited by Mr Taylor earlier this year.

Mandatory drugs tests found 42 per cent of prisoners had taken illicit substances, which was the third highest of all category C prisons. Over half of all prisoners said it was easy to get alcohol and drugs, including medications that had been diverted from other prisoners.

Elsewhere, inspectors said the prison had 'some of the worst conditions' they had seen in recent years, describing them as 'squalid with decrepit buildings'.

Rats and mice regularly scurried around in cells and offices on some of the older wings, according to staff. Chief inspector of prisons Charlie Taylor said the smell of rat urine was 'overpowering' in some areas.

Some prisoners had even resorted to plugging gaps in their cells with cardboard in a bid to keep rodents out.

Inspectors also said the prison wings were 'chaotic and safety was deteriorating', with the rate of prisoner assaults having increased by 67 per cent in the past year.

Footage captured on a banned mobile phone from 2015, showed two Rochester prisoners squaring off in a brutal fist fight that left one of the men covered in blood.

HMP Rochester (pictured) was found to have 'decrepit conditions, rising violence and self-harm and widespread illicit drug use'

Two prisoners, thought to be held in HMP Rochester, were caught on camera throwing punches at each other as they apparently fight for a pouch of tobacco back in 2015

Relationships between staff and prisoners were also 'poor', inspectors said. The number of prisoners who agreed they were being treated with respect by prison staff was 'significantly fewer' than at other comparable prisons.

Rochester is the first category C prison - prisons for non-violent offenders focused on training and resettlement - to be handed an Urgent Notification.

'Rochester has been a prison of concern for many years with consistently poor outcomes which stem from failures in leadership, both locally and nationally and a lack of investment in a crumbling institution,' the report said.

'This decade of decline, which has accelerated in the past 18 months, shows a shocking level of neglect.

'It is particularly concerning that a category C prison, the workhorse of the prison service, should require an urgent notification for our concerns to be taken seriously.'
Residents living in Britain's immigration hotspots have urged Keir Starmer to stand up for their communities which they claim have been 'overrun'.

The locals have revealed they fear losing access to services if the UK population keeps growing but nothing is done to increase provision.

The UK's net immigration record was last month smashed again with 906,000 now thought to have been added to the population in a one-year period.

Huge revisions to official data show the extraordinary mark was hit in the year to June 2023 - and the figures remain at historically unprecedented levels.

Residents in working-class towns that have seen the highest uptick in numbers say people are drawn to their areas because of cheap housing and good universities.

Middlesbrough  home to roughly 150,000 people  was this summer named as being the council most-affected by immigration, registering an influx of just shy of 6,800 international migrants throughout 2023.

The ONS's most up-to-date figures, therefore, imply international migration last year alone accounted for roughly 4.4 per cent of Middlesbrough's total population.

Similarly high figures were logged in Coventry (4.3 per cent) and Newham in London (3.9 per cent).

Stephen Edwards, also 73, a former steel worker, lives a stone's throw from Middlesbrough town centre

Chris Philips, 69, has lived in Coventry for the last 30 years and says the area has gone downhill in the last few years

Middlesbrough  home to roughly 150,000 people  was this summer named as being the council most-affected by immigration, registering an influx of just shy of 6,800 international migrants throughout 2023

Coventry: Residents living in Britain's immigration hotspots have urged Keir Starmer to stand up for their communities

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Some locals in Middlesbrough, which has the highest rate of arrivals per capita in the country, believe migrants have flocked to their town due to cheap housing.

Stephen Unthank, 36, lives in nearby Hartlepool and said the area is 'overrun' with new arrivals.

The factory worker, who is a regular visitor to Middlesbrough, said: 'The numbers do not surprise me at all.

'I have seen it rise with my own eyes and I think they are getting really high.

'This area is overrun with people coming in and I heard that a lot of houses around here are being done up to move people up from London.

'It's so cheap around here compared to London so I think that is why we're seeing more and more.

'It could affect younger people wanting to get on the housing ladder.

'I want the Government to help the local people more. For example, it took my mother four-and-a-half weeks to get a doctor's appointment recently.

'She suffers from health problems and we should be doing more to look after people like her.'

Peter Honeyman, 73, from Middlesbrough, fears the rise of people coming into the town could hold back local youngsters.

The retired scaffolder said: 'I am not surprised. I have seen a difference with the amount of people coming in.

Stephen Unthank, 36, lives near Middlesbrough and said the area is 'overrun' with new arrivals

Peter Honeyman, 73, of Middlesbrough, fears the rise of people coming into the town could hold back local youngsters

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'There are certain areas that have the biggest influxes and we are one of them.

'Property is cheaper and they are building more houses in the town centre where immigrants are being housed.

'Middlesbrough is lacking in opportunity as it is anyway so it could affect younger people moving forward.

'But I do think the youth of today don't look for work as much as they did regardless.'

He added: 'It doesn't matter which Government is in, they all have the same problem.'

Stephen Edwards, also 73, a former steel worker, lives a stone's throw from the town centre.

He said: 'I'm not against people migrating but I think Middlesbrough is becoming overcrowded now.

'I have seen the issue steadily get worse for decades - it's nothing new.

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'I think we are too soft and I want to see Labour do more to help address it.

'Young people might find it harder to buy a house so there will be knock on effects of this.

'The town has gone right downhill in general and there is less work.

'There needs to be more done to help the people of the town find jobs.'

He added: 'Middlesbrough is an easy place to put people so it doesn't surprise me.'

Furniture salesman Anthony Pratt, 27, said that the area is far cheaper to move to than the Midlands or London.

He said: 'Over the years the numbers have definitely gone up here.

'The Government should be prioritising help to everyday people like me, your brothers, your sisters, your gran.

Some locals in Middlesbrough, which has the highest rate of arrivals per capita in the country, believe migrants have flocked to their town due to cheap housing

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'The cost of living here is a lot less than other towns and cities and that is why people are migrating here.

'If you buy a house compared to the Midlands or London it will be an awful lot less money.

'It's going to put people off wanting to work for a country that is not benefiting them.'

Dennis Jones said he was left with no option but to move to the North East from his home town of Ramsgate, Kent, due to issues with immigration.

The 66-year-old former tree surgeon said: 'A definite factor in why Middlesbrough's numbers are so high is because the rents are cheap.

'This country puts the migrants in all of the poorest places.

'I am here because of immigration. I couldn't get a home in my own town.

Residents Middlesbrough dubbed the UK's biggest immigration hotspot have called on Labour to do more to tackle the issue

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In Coventry, the population has increased from 316,915 to 360,702 between 2011 and 2023, a rise of 12 per cent

Dennis, who has multiple health issues, said: 'I haven't seen my doctor in four years.

'I have asked to see someone closer because I'm six miles away but they can't. That issue isn't going to get any easier.'

In Coventry, the population has increased from 316,915 to 360,702 between 2011 and 2023, a rise of 12 per cent.

Last year the number of new migrants to the city made up a total of 4.31 per cent of the population, MailOnline's calculations implied.

Chris Philips, 69, has lived in Coventry for the last 30 years and says the area has gone downhill in the last few years.

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A former civil servant, he said: 'It was brilliant before. I'm from Rochester in Kent originally.

'You've got lovely people, but a lot of foreigners have come over and a lot of prisoners have been let out.

'I love it here. Some people are very helpful, especially since we lost our winter payment. You've got all the charities and all those people helping.

'It was and sort of is a lovely place. Some parts of it aren't nice anymore, it definitely has got worse.'

Steve, 55, a lifelong Coventry local, said: 'Coventry has changed, a lot of it. There's a lot of students and ethnic minorities coming over. But we respect them.

'It's changed for the generations that are older than us, it's completely different for them.

Over the past financial year, 690 new homes were started while a further 730 were completed in Coventry

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'The town centre used to be better how it was before. It's all money these days. No one enjoys it here. If you go in Coventry town centre, it used to be happy. Especially at Christmas.

'Now it's all orientated around students. Crime is bad all over, too. It's changed a hell of a lot.

'There's a lot of students, it's all over, but it's not an issue for me. We respect them.'

Bar worker Rory Stephenson, 24, said that even though the area had gone downhill, it was still a pleasant place.

He said: 'Don't get me wrong, it's not an amazing city and it has got worse in the years I've been an adult.

'But I don't think it's an immigration thing, I just think it's a poverty thing.

'We've got loads of homeless people on most corners in the city centre and that can make crime worse.

'Coming from the suburbs of the city you do notice the problems more so, but it isn't a bad thing.

Heather Hearne, 71, (right) is a retired admin worker at the university of Coventry. She said the area was brilliantly multicultural but it was just a lack of government funding bringing the area down

Some 54.2 per cent of patients being referred to a consultant at the local NHS trust in Coventry receive their first appointment within 18 weeks

'Some parts are improving, especially the night life. I think the university helps with that, too.'

Heather Hearne, 71, is a retired admin worker at the university of Coventry. She said the area was brilliantly multicultural but the city had just become run down.

She said: 'It's not friendly anymore. When you come in here and the shops are so bad, it's not welcoming to anybody on the outside coming in.

'The shops have changed. It's like any town centre now, they've gone downhill fast, because of the rates.

'There's a lack of independent shops.

'I don't come here in the evening so I wouldn't know. A few people from my church do night pasturing. They don't have any problem.

'We worked for the uni and it's a nice multicultural environment. A lot of my age and over don't think like that. Some have that old fashioned bit, and want it the way it was years ago.

'You've got to change with what's on. And I've met some lovely people.

'There's a community here. You do keep your friends and make new ones.'

Ali, 31, praised the area for its multicultural routes. He said: 'You know we've had the city of culture in 2023, that was good.

'As much as there are problems here, there's the same problems everywhere else. The shopping landscape has changed, the town centre, but the people are good as ever.

'Everyone gets on with everyone. For the most part, people don't see colour or creed here, which is handy. I think it's such an attractive city to people because we're so diverse.'
by Paul Braterman

Tim LaHayes career shows a direct line of descent within creationist thinking, from Reagan-era anti-Communism, through a more diffuse blanket opposition to humanist thinking, to American exceptionalism and the impulses that would later express themselves in 21st-century Christian Nationalism.

LaHaye gives us a bridge between traditional morality, anti-Communism and Reaganism, and present-day Christian Conservatism, with humanism having taken the place of Communism. His claim that evil humanists had successfully conspired to take over the American power structure is echoed in todays denunciation of the deep state, the end-of-the world thinking of his highly successful Left Behind novels underlies much of the religion-linked opposition to action on climate change, and his rejection as satanic of every idea that he regards as unbiblical now surfaces as anti-wokeism, along with opposition to examining Americas racist past and to the teaching of evolution.

Add to this his lamenting a morally superior past, his claim that American exceptionalism is biblical, along with capitalism, and his appeal to moral patriotic Americans (he repeatedly links those adjectives in his writing) to take back the country from the forces of evil, and we have a direct link to the doctrines of evangelical Trumpism. His claims that the US constitution is Bible-based, that the US was founded on a basic consensus of Christian principles  more so than any nation in history, and that the division of powers was inspired by a biblical awareness of the fallen nature of man, fall short of more recent assertions that the constitution itself was divinely inspired, but nonetheless point the way to the explicit Christian Nationalism now about to assume power.

LaHaye graduated in 1950 from Bob Jones University, then as now strictly six-day creationist and socially conservative, and later became pastor of Scott Memorial Baptist Church (a.k.a. Shadow Mountain), in the suburbs of San Diego. Here he served for 25 years, developing the church into a megachurch, while embarking with his wife on a broadcasting career, offering family advice from their socially conservative Christian perspective. In the 1960s he committed himself to anti-communism, joining the John Birch Society. He was also powerfully influenced, as were many other creationists in his generation, by the philosopher Francis Schaeffer, who regarded faith as absolute, Genesis 1  11 as foundational to our knowledge of space and time, and all secular thinking that ignored this foundation as misguided.

LaHayes denunciation of communism merged with opposition to humanism and what he saw as moral decay, and in alliance with Ronald Reagan, then candidate for the California governorship, he helped launch the California League Enlisting Action Now (CLEAN), opposing pornography and sex education. His 1966 book, The Spirit-Controlled Temperament, advocating a Christian approach to family life, was a bestseller. When, in 1962, the US Supreme Court pronounced prayer in the publicly funded school system unconstitutional, LaHaye was a pioneer in setting up a separate Christian school system.

In 1970, he helped establish Christian Heritage College (now San Diego Christian College) adjacent to Scott Memorial Baptist Church, with Henry Morris, the most significant figure in 20th century Young Earth creationism, as Academic Vice President. Morris Institute for Creation Research was intimately connected with the College. The Colleges Doctrinal Statement is Six Day creationist, and asserts the imminent return of Christ.

The introduction that LaHaye wrote for Morris 1974 The Troubled Waters of Evolution said nothing about creationist scientific claims directly, but described evolution as the platform from which socialism, communism, humanism, determinism, and one-worldism have been launched, thus laying out the agenda for the book I am reviewing here.

The Battle for the Mind was published in August 1980 at the height of Reagans US Presidential campaign. It already contains, fully developed, the doctrines of Christian Conservatism. It takes the doctrine of guilt by association, which McCarthy applied to Communism and extends it to association with humanism. Humanism, in turn, is defined so broadly that LaHaye can apply the term to any doctrine that is not to his liking. Creationist science is the best science, and humanists only reject it, along with belief in God, to justify their own lack of morality. Here LaHaye shows an obsession with abortion and homosexuality, and defends capitalism on (unstated) biblical and moral grounds. He then justifies American exceptionalism by claiming that the separation of powers is inspired by a specifically Christian vision of humanity as fallen, so that institutions and rulers are not to be trusted. This in turn shows that the US was built on biblical principles and a clear recognition of God. Thus defending US national interests is doing Gods work. He claims that the US should have won in Korea and Vietnam, but was prevented by the influence of humanists. Disarmament is immoral because it weakens America. It is the duty of the religious to mobilize in order to capture the levers of political power, and in particular the judiciary. Evolution is part of mans wisdom, as opposed to Gods, directly contradicts the Bible, and destroys the basis for morality. Those who accept it, even if they profess Christianity, are not really religious in their thinking, because they have been influenced by humanist ideas. It is therefore the duty of moral Americans to oppose them, and they must organize accordingly, in order to gain control of the centers of political power, as well as the judiciary and the school boards.

Significantly in this context, the book itself included an offer of transparencies for teachers.

According to LaHaye:

The history of humanism can be illustrated by a bookshelf that runs from Aristotle through Paine and Hegel (!) to Bertrand Russell. There is also a favorable mention of Morris suggestion that it can be traced back to Nimrod at Babylon.

Humanism is the worlds greatest evil. Humanists have totally rejected God, creation, morality, the fallen state of man, and the free-enterprise system [note the unexplained coupling of this last to religion]. As such they are the mortal enemy of all pro-moral Americans, and the most serious threat to our nation in its entire history. Unless both Christians and non-Christian lovers of virtue stand together as upright citizens, humanists will turn this great land into another Sodom and Gomorrah.

True wisdom comes from God and can be found in the Bible. Philosophy is foredoomed if it depends on unaided human thought, rather than revelation. This revelation teaches that man was created by a direct act of God, and (a recurrent theme in the creationist literature, across generations) it is easy to accept this because of the scientific evidence for separate creation. The biblical precepts of morality are absolute, and are expressed in the last six Commandments, as well as in the much higher moral code of Christianity.

Whatever does not rely on Gods word, but on human judgement, is humanism. Humanist governments have imposed humanist education on the taxpaying public, with no regard to their wishes. (Notice here the opposition to government, the questioning of the content of the standard scientific curriculum, and the echo of the populist claim, going back to William Jennings Bryan, that the people, not the educators, should determine what is taught.)

The Puritan work ethic, free enterprise, private ownership of land, and capitalism emanate (in some unstated way) from biblical teaching. The past greatness of Americas educational system derived from the emphasis on literacy (in order to read the Bible), and the need for an educated clergy. But under the influence of the federal government, it has now embraced humanist principles rather than community moral standards.

A humanist does not think like a pro-moral American, and humanism has ingeniously conceived the plan to introduce an inordinate number of humanists into government, where they continually pass laws that favor the advancement of humanism and chaos, at the expense of the biblical basis for moral society that produced the liberty, peace, and safety we once enjoyed. (Here LaHaye is explicitly harking back 30 years. 30 years from 1980; this takes us back before the Civil Rights movement and the rise of modern feminism. Note the reiterated linking between biblical literalism, morality, and American identity, and the nostalgia that runs much of the book for imagined past greatness, foreshadowing Great Again. Note also the conspiracy theory language, along with the repeated calls for pro-moral Americans to organize politically.)

Evolution is scientifically unsound, but humanists accept it in order to do away with God, hence their advocacy of sexual activity and promiscuity. Their rejection of a personal God who is interested in the affairs of man is itself an unscientific religious belief, especially as the evidence for the existence of God is so convincing.

The feminist movement is led by humanists. Humanism makes human happiness central, and thus leads to selfishness.

The humanistic ideas of psychology lead to permissive child raising, as opposed to the biblical practice of applying correction (he means spanking).

Leniency to criminals is another humanist error, based on the mistaken belief that humans are basically good.

Evils advocated by politicians under humanist influence include abortion-on-demand, legalization of homosexual rights, government deficit spending, the size of big government, elimination of capital punishment, national disarmament, increased taxes, women in combat, passage of the Equal Rights Amendment, unnecessary bussing, ad infinitum.

After a fairly accurate description of humanism in terms of self-reliance, individual choice, rejection of the supernatural, and denial of an afterlife, LaHaye summarizes humanism as pro-One-World  America second and aiming for

a one-world, socialist state, where Platos dream of three classes of people would be fulfilled: the elite ruling class, the omnipresent military, and the masses, where there is no difference between sexes: men and women do the same work, and children are wards of the state. Naturally, the humanists will be the elite ruling class.

In a direct echo of what McCarthy said about communists in the State Department, he says that a group of 600 people with influence, including Congressmen and particularly State Department employees since 1940, have been humanists, which explains our present status of military inferiority to Russia. 275,000 Humanists control American social organizations such as the ACLU, the National Organization of Women, and the unions. They control TV, radio, newspapers, Hollywood movies, magazines, and porno magazines. They also control (remember that he was writing in 1980, not long after Roe v. Wade) the Supreme Court, state governments, government bureaucrats, public education, colleges and universities, textbooks, and the Ford, Rockefeller, and Carnegie Foundations.

LaHaye warns us against things are many of us would regard as achievements, because of Humanist involvement. Among these are the formation of the American Civil Liberties Union, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and the National Organization of Women, as well as UNESCO, UNICEF, and the UN World Health Organization, which government diplomats often quote on such issues as population control, birth control, abortion, and so forth. Through these, they have used the vast fortune paid by the United States for support of the UN to advance the cause of world humanism. He also warns us against organizations that were formed or assisted by members of the American Ethical Union, which was indeed historically influential in the formation of Humanist organizations. He quotes with approval a 1931 Congressional committee report which stated

The American Civil Liberties Union is closely affiliated with the Communist movement in the United States, and it is quite apparent that the main function of the ACLU is to attempt to protect the communists in the advocacy of force and violence to overthrow the Government.

He also cites a California state legislative committee that investigated the ACLU in 1943 and 1948 and described it as a Communist front or transmission belt organization. Other activities to which he takes exception include opposition to prayer and Bible reading in public schools, and efforts to remove the then-recently added words under God from the pledge of allegiance.

Fortunately, there are some pro-moral politicians, who are

in harmony on such issues as abortion, homosexuality, pornography, prostitution, murder [its mention here is code for support of the death penalty], integrity, and the responsibility of government to protect the family, not destroy it.

This brings us to the core of LaHayes thesis. The godly must use their voting power to elect those pursuing LaHayes idea of a moral agenda. Ministers should persuade church members to run for office. Local political activity would lead on to increasing name recognition, and eligibility for higher positions.

LaHaye repeatedly attacks the teaching of evolution, as a result of which approximately 50 million school-age children are growing up in a moral vacuum, misled by educators to think of themselves as amoral primates. For this reason, he advocates Christian control of school boards.

The campaign issues that he lists include making sure that no tax money is used to fund abortion, which he repeatedly refers to as murder. There should be stronger laws against homosexuality, and elimination of pornography and prostitution. He is opposed to infanticide and euthanasia, since only God can exercise the right to decide who has the right to live. (This despite his support of the death penalty.) Lawmakers should defend parents rights (unspecified). There should be no legalization of drugs. And finally, Any and all forms of religious humanism should be vigorously opposed, particularly in government and education. (Remember that he regards evolution, and all questioning of biblical literalism, as humanist doctrine, and labels humanism a religion.)

A high percentage of judges are making humanistic decisions. This should affect how we vote for those who appoint judges. He approves the appointments that Reagan made as governor of California, and laments that his successor, Gov Jerry Brown, appointed an acknowledged homosexual judge. This for LaHaye is pollution.

LaHaye concludes with a chapter on What you can do. Pray, especially for those elected to high office, show compassion for the victims of humanism, such as unwed mothers, divorced partners [he only occasionally mentions divorce, as a symptom of humanist moral degeneracy, without actually saying its wrong], and children being raised by one parent. Support Concerned Women for America [NB: for, not of; the organization was founded by his wife], who provide anti-abortion counselling. Conduct voter registration drives. Help the campaigns of pro-moral candidates. Judge candidates by their positions on moral issues, rather than their religious positions (a veiled attack on Jimmy Carter?) Any elected official who has voted for abortion-on-demand, for ERA [the Equal Rights Amendment], for leniency on pornography, for decriminalizing prostitution, and for childrens rights at the expense of parents rights [he mentions this several times but is not specific] is dangerous at best or amoral at worst.

In A Minimum Morals Test for all politicians, he suggests candidates be asked 21 questions, beginning with

Do you agree that this country was founded on a belief in God and the moral principles of the Bible? Do you concur that it has been departing from these principles and needs to return to them?

This is the language and agenda of Culture Wars politics, although that particular expression did not gain much currency in US until invoked by Pat Buchanan in the 1990s. The effect, then as now, is to shift the political agenda to the private domain, centering on matters of personal attitudes and identity, and safely steering it away from troubling questions about wealth and power.

There are questions on abortion, the legalization of drugs such as the marijuana, prostitution, laws that would allow known homosexuals to teach school, and the right of parents to send children to private school, protecting the tax-exempt status of churches and of church-related schools, and, tellingly, whether candidates favor busing to desegregate schools (correct answer no), and capital punishment for capital offences (correct answer yes). Finally, placing his politicization of religion beyond all doubt,

Do you favor a reduction in taxes to allow families more spendable income?he Do you favor a reduction in government?

Here we have the same themes, and at times almost the same language, as Ronald Reagans campaign. At a 1980 Religious Roundtable National Affairs Brieng , Reagan lamented moral decline, and accused schools of trying to educate without ethics, with results including rising crime rates, drug abuse, child abuse, and human suffering. When questioned by a reporter about evolution, he replied I have a great many questions about it. It is a theory, a scientic theory only. . . I think recent discoveries down through the years pointed to great aws in it, and gave his view that creationist theory should be taught alongside evolution in schools, a comment reported with approval by the Institute for Creation Research magazine, Acts & Facts. His 1983 Evil Empire speech, noted for its attack on the moral position of the Soviet Union, began with a lament on Americas moral decline, and condemnation of abortion and teenage access to contraception.

To bring us to the Christian Nationalism of the 21st-century, all we need is a pseudohistory, to parallel creationist pseudoscience. This we have with the work of the highly imaginative author David Barton. Bartons only qualification is a 1976 BA in Religious Education from Oral Roberts University, which tells us that it seeks To develop Holy Spirit-empowered leaders through whole-person education to impact the world and this Barton certainly has done. His 2012 book, The Jefferson Lies, which maintains that Jefferson and nearly all the founding fathers were believing Christians, had the rare distinction of being officially disowned by its publisher, Thomas Nelson, despite having reached the New York Times Best Sellers List, because of its manifold inaccuracies. It was, however, reissued as a paperback in 2016 by WND, a far-right news and opinion site and publisher better known for promoting various conspiracy theories. Barton is the founder of an organization ironically entitled Wallbuilders, whose main ambition seems to be undermining the wall of separation in the US between Church and State. His prominent followers include Mike Huckabee (now ambassador-designate to Israel), Michele Bachmann, and Mike Johnson, at the time of writing Speaker of the US House of Representatives. Huckabee, while Governor of Arkansas, said that he was not convinced by evolution, and that the theory of creation should be taught alongside. In 2017, he denied that Israel is occupying the West Bank, on the grounds that the Bible gives it title to what he describes as Judaea and Samaria. Bachmann, like Tim LaHaye, was powerfully influenced by Francis Schaeffer. She also rejects evolution, and thinks that Intelligent Design should be taught in schools. We have described Johnsons views here before. He considers Young Earth creationism the only valid kind of Christianity, believes that the US constitution was divinely inspired, and sees himself as a watchman on the wall (a deliberate echo of the name of Bartons organization?)

Russell Vought, one of the architects of Project 2025, obtained his first degree from Wheaton College, whose Statement of Faith, to which faculty must recommit annually, specifies that God directly created Adam and Eve, the historical parents of the entire human race. He does not to my knowledge repeat Bartons specific claims, but nonetheless argues that Christianity is part of the nature of American nationhood. In an unintentionally self-revealing article titled Is There Anything Actually Wrong With Christian Nationalism? , written in response to criticisms, he answers his own question. He begins by justifying the concept of a nation by quoting words attributed to Moses in Deuteronomy, over 2000 years before the modern concept of a nation even existed. He goes on to impose an equally tortured and anachronistic interpretation on Psalms 2:1-2, saying that these verses recognize the healthiness of a people, including public officials, consciously and publicly positioning themselves for the Lord or under God. He perversely interprets George Washingtons words, The propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right which Heaven itself as ordained, as invoking Heaven rather than morality as fundamental to society, cherrypicks a statement from a 19th-century Supreme Court judge who described Christianity as necessary to support a civil society, asserts that such views were common at the time, and concludes that it is appropriate to regard America as a Christian nation. In conclusion, he contrasts this attitude with those of its critics, who have their own agenda: progressive, secular globalism.

Not surprisingly perhaps, the structure of the argument is identical of the arguments used by creationists from Henry Morris The Genesis Flood onwards. An uncritical acceptance of Scripture with no attention to historical context, unstated reinterpretation of that Scripture to further an agenda, selecting and misconstruing quotations, claiming a monopoly of Christian thought for his own wealth-friendly version, and finally and most dangerously, grouping together wildly disparate opinions, to make it seem as if our choice is restricted to two alternative worldviews, only one of which is sanctioned by God.

In conclusion, let me quote his final two sentences in response to critics:

Its their right, under our system, to have that view and to participate themselves. But lets not pretendand I say this with great respect to pastors and writers like Tim Keller [who maintained that evangelical Christianity should not commit to a political party]  that their agenda is about anything other than power.

Vought is direct-designate of the US Governments Office of Management and Business, where he is expected, according to the Washington Post, to help enable Trump, when President, to deploy the military to quash civil unrest, seize more control over the Justice Department and assert the power to withhold congressional appropriations, and to impose his views by staffing the civil service with loyalists.

Power indeed.

I thank Glenn Branch and William Trollinger for helpful discussions.
Karim stood, barefoot, at the open door. He still had the same dimples hed had as a boy, and his handsome features were strange but familiar.

The woman opposite him - Patricia Bonis - had waited 14 years for this moment. And as mother and son looked at each other in silence, she was suddenly gripped by a heady cocktail of fear and elation.

Would I have recognized him if we passed on the street? she wondered. Maybe not. He had been a four-year-old when I last kissed him goodbye. Now he was a six-foot-tall man.

Then she shrunk back a little and thought: What if he hates me?

Karim looked at her quizzically and, in a gentle, deep voice, asked: Who are you?

Nearly a decade and a half earlier, in the throes of a messy custody battle, Karim and his sister Sultana had been kidnapped by their father - a Saudi sheik who wielded his considerable power and wealth to escape the US with the two pre-schoolers.

Patricia had all but given up hope of ever seeing her children again, when a phone call from a long-forgotten acquaintance informed her that Karim was playing polo at a boarding school in the US.

It took just a few months, a lot of internet sleuthing, and a very expensive private investigator to uncover her sons home address. To her astonishment, he was living almost under her nose, in Boston - just a few hours' drive from her home in New Jersey.

Patricia had fallen in love with the exotically handsome Rahman Abbar - heir to one of Saudi Arabias richest families - during the height of the 1970s disco era

He looked like a guru, she says, with his dark hair and shirt unbuttoned, revealing a gold medallion

In her explosive new memoir, Jeddah Bride, she recounts the heart-stopping moment she faced her son for the first time as a stranger.

Fixing my gaze on his face, I stated far more calmly than I felt, Im your mother, Karim. May I please come in?

Dead silence, shock... Karims smile fell, and he took a step back.'

Then he gathered his composure and ushered her in. The hard work at rebuilding their relationship was just beginning.

Patricia had fallen in love with the exotically handsome Rahman Abbar - heir to one of Saudi Arabias richest families - during the height of the 1970s disco era. She was studying at Wellesley and he at Boston University, and he swept her off her feet.

He looked like a guru, she says, with his dark wavy hair and his teal blue, African-patterned shirt which was unbuttoned half way down his chest, revealing a gold medallion.

Even more eccentrically alluring was the fact that he wore expensive-looking zebra-stripe sandals - despite the fact that it was snowing in New England.

I couldnt stop staring. Rude as it might have been, I was fixed on him,' she writes. 'My nose caught a whiff of patchouli, or maybe musk oil, and I leaned in a little closer, almost tipping over.

Beneath shapely brows, amber eyes blazed like precious stones. It was a sensual assault. He flashed a wide grin my way. At that moment I had lost myself.

He may have had the air of a bohemian hippie but, with his expensive English education, Rahman was a sophisticated westerner, seemingly a million miles from the strict Muslim country.

Patricia could never have imagined he would lure her into a terrifying, patriarchal world - where stoning adulterous women was a weekly spectator sport, and an infidel baby could be ripped from its mothers womb.

Patricia was studying at Wellesley and he at Boston University, and he swept her off her feet

Rahman proposed in Paris with a Piaget gold, malachite and diamond watch, worth more than $50,000

She dreamed of sharing his life in Jeddah - with their private jets, palatial estates, designer clothes, and homes full of servants

She dated Rahman for four years before he proposed on the streets of Paris with a Piaget gold, malachite and diamond watch, worth more than $50,000.

She was excited to start their new life together in Jeddah - taking full advantage of all the privileges his wealth and connections could buy, from private jets and palatial estates, to designer clothes and homes full of servants.

But the reality was nothing like her romantic daydreams.

She certainly enjoyed unimaginable material advantages, but she was lonely and isolated, and grew increasingly uncomfortable with the brutality that lay just beneath the surface of the country's outwardly liberal sophistication.

On one occasion, while jewelry shopping in downtown Jeddah, a crowd gathered in the square behind her.

A solitary black-robed woman, still as death, stood on a crude platform in the middle of the square, she writes. The crowd all faced her, their rhythmic cheers increasing in volume.

I could feel the tension rise, palpable and foreboding. The woman suddenly recoiled, taking the first hit, then steadying herself as if for another. They were throwing rocks at her.

This was a public stoning - something she had heard of but couldnt quite comprehend was happening.

They were murdering her right in front of us. The somehow still standing brave woman let out one final, horrible, blood-curdling scream before collapsing to the dusty ground beneath her.

But the crowd wanted more of her blood. They roared ever louder, pushing forward for a glimpse of her now limp body. It was savage, like lions on broken prey.

Heavy stones continued to pile up, until her still body was fully entombed above ground in the square. Her shape was now nothing more than a hill of sharp earth.

The womans crime? Probably adultery, her friend answered nonchalantly, as they were ushered into the jewelry store and offered tea.

On another occasion, Rahmans cousin and a dear friend shared a secret that, once divulged, Patricia wished she could unhear.

Noura recounted how she had fallen in love with a man from Sierra Leone while they were both studying in England.

He wasnt Muslim, she told Patricia. He was a Christian, and marriage to a Christian man is strictly forbidden to Muslim women. Here in Saudi, its punishable by death. Do you understand?

Learning to scuba dive in Jeddah - their life there was one of astonishing privilege

With Rahman and toddler Karim at the polo club in Wellington, Florida, 1987

Rahman was an accomplished polo player, and his son inherited his love of the sport

But she didnt care. The pair married and settled in London, where they believed Saudi expectations and religious laws couldn't touch them.

Only when she was five months pregnant did she decide to finally return to Saudi for a vacation, to share her happy news.

Her family however, strict Muslims, were incensed.

On the third day of my visit, they took me in a car to the airport, forced me onto a private plane, and flew me over to Cairo, Noura told her. There, they dragged me to a doctor. He sedated me against my will, cut open my stomach, took out the baby, and killed it.

Noura never returned to England. Her spirit was broken and - with her passport revoked - she remained in the family compound for the rest of her life.

All I have to prove that this actually happened to me is this big, ugly scar left on my stomach,' she laughed bitterly. No more bikinis for me.

I have no idea where my husband is or what he thinks happened. Maybe he divorced me and got married to someone else. Maybe he returned to his country. Maybe hes still in London, waiting for me. Maybe he thinks I died. Hes probably better off that way.

Patricia wept for her friend - but she was soon to discover first hand the cruelty the family was capable of.

After returning to live in the US, her marriage deteriorated and Rahman - during a supervised visit with the children - kidnapped them, taking them first to Morocco and then Saudi.

Privilege, wealth, and a diplomatic passport protected him, and after years of battles in the court and through the State Department, she was left broke and alone.

I wandered around, dazed and confused and thoroughly broken for many years, she writes, trying desperately to reclaim my children who were held captive in that padlocked foreign land of still desert air and antique customs.

Terrified that she, like Noura, might be kidnapped - or even killed - she couldnt risk travelling to Saudi.

So she resigned herself to weekly calls to the family home, in the hopes of hearing a friendly voice that might give her news of the children.

And she sent pleading letters to anyone she knew in the country, begging for news, or even a photograph.

Patricia now competes in the World Equestrian Festival and other horse shows across America

The years passed. Friends and family had for the most part moved on and encouraged me to do the same.

She remarried, and had another daughter, Amanda. But she still hungrily sought out the smallest snippets of information about her lost children.

Despite everyone else moving on, I stayed the course for 14 years. Having my children safe in my arms again was the only thing keeping me alive. I never relented.

A year after that chance phone call that led her to Karim, she began communicating with Sultana.

'Every afternoon, while she was ostensibly doing her homework online, we would email back and forth with each other,' she writes. 'I finally got to know my daughter.'

Sultana also came to the US to study the following year.

'Patience again rewarded me with a wonderful and willing daughter who wanted to rekindle the bonds of mother and child. This was another miracle; anything could have happened.'

She adds: When my adult children and I were finally reunited, Rahman was less than pleased.

But there was little he could now do. And, in an astonishing turn of events in 2010, Patricia was reunited with her former father-in-law at a large family dinner in London. Rahman was noticeably absent.

I want everyone in this family to know that I am very pleased to welcome my daughter, Patricia, and my granddaughter, Amanda, to our table today, he told the gathering.

I want everyone to know that Patricia is a fine woman, a true lady, and that Karim and Sultana have a beautiful, intelligent, educated, and graceful mother.

Patricia's pride in that moment was mixed with the pain of anger and regret.

Ill never know at what age Karim lost his first tooth, she writes. I never enjoyed the wonder of Sultanas budding personality as she grew into womanhood those invaluable moments the non-milestones of favorite songs, fleeting friendships, bedtime stories, cuts and bruises, are all lost to me.

There is no making up for that.

My two oldest children were raised without a mother, and I missed the miracles of their growing up - something that can never be fully righted by any amount of apologies or regrets in this life. But for what we are now, I am grateful.

We will live new, inestimable memories and milestones together, my three children, all gifted and good, under my wing.

Jeddah Bride by Patricia Bonis is published by Conservatarian Press
Pretty and popular, Aubrey Vanlandingham had the world at her feet as she progressed through high school in a well-to-do suburb of Austin, Texas.

Not only was she a cheerleader, but she had also just been made president of the school's Future Farmers of America.

And she was particularly proud of her pet goat, Lacey, which she paraded in animal shows across the state for cash prizes and certificates.

The 17-year-old posted her beloved pet on her social media, with now-deleted posts seen by DailyMail.com detailing her excitement to head up Vista Ridge High School's FFA in Cedar Park, in her senior year.

But, prosecutors claim, her desire to win got too much for the teen, and she turned to evil ways to ensure victory  by poisoning a fellow student's goat.

Vanlandingham is facing the prospect of up to two years in prison if convicted of poisoning six-month-old Willy twice over a three-day period, eventually killing him.

The brazen teenager showed no remorse when authorities launched a probe, allegedly telling cops: 'I don't like cheaters' when questioned.

Initially the brunette denied targeting her rival's goat, but then admitted to cops that he had injected the white and brown farm animal with pesticide at the school's barn facility, leaving him 'bellowing' in pain before dying in its 15-year-old owner's arms.

Texas high school senior and goat exhibitor Aubrey Vanlandingham, 17, is accused of poisoning her rival's goat over several days until it finally died in October

Willy died in agony after being poisoned, allegedly by his owner's rival, Aubrey Vanlandingham

She is even said to have Googled how to clear her disturbing search history, after looking up 'how much bleach kills a goat', 'if goats inject bleach do they die' and 'poisoning pets, what you should know'.

Officers also recovered sickening video of Willy running away from Aubrey and convulsing after she allegedly poisoned him, before sending the twisted footage to the mother of his freshman owner.

The callous mean girl has been charged with one felony of torturing an animal, which under Texas law means she could face up to two years in jail and a $10,000 fine.

She has yet to enter a plea.

Video footage obtained by police allegedly shows the brunette 'forcing a syringe like item into the goats' mouth' on October 23.

The goat then attempted to 'break free', before the teenager used the syringe on the animal twice more.

She checked on Willy twice in a two-hour period, checking on his condition, before calling her schoolmate's mother to say Willy was 'convulsing' and 'acting funny'.

Willy died 21 hours after being poisoned by the teenager, and a vet was initially unable to figure out what was wrong with the goat.

The teen has been charged with one felony of torturing an animal, which under Texas law means she could face up to two years in jail and a $10,000 fine

The teenager had been an ambitious animal show competitor and had just been made president of her school's Future Farmers of America

As a cheerleader and well-involved student, Aubrey had the world at her feet as she progressed through Vista Ridge High School in Cedar Park, a well-to-do suburb of Austin, Texas

The mother of the 15-year-old girl who owned the goat told DailyMail.com her family want 'justice' for her daughter and her goat and are calling for a judge to give Aubrey jail time.

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, she said: 'We were there when he passed away. My daughter was actually holding him. So that was very traumatic.

'She admitted to poisoning him multiple times over several days. So it's a pretty rough situation.

'We don't believe there is any remorse there, we hope that she has to serve jail time and she gets some kind of mental help.

'It's all bizarre. We want justice served, we don't want a slap on the wrist. We want to make sure that she is punished.

'At this point we don't feel like she thinks she's going to be punished and she needs to be.

'She needs to take ownership for what she's done.'

A necropsy performed by a caprine pathologist confirmed the cause of death as organophosphate intoxication from phosmet, a pesticide commonly used for external parasite control in livestock.

Her social media shows Aubrey posing with her own goat, Lacey, posting that she was 'so excited' to head up the FFA for her high school senior year.

She also bragged about the group's winning ways, with the FFA placing 6th in a statewide contest in 2023.

Aubrey often flaunted her achievements and prized goat on social media, where she can be seen posing with a wooden plaque after placing 6th in a statewide contest with the FFA in 2023

She was particularly proud of her pet goat, Lacey, which she paraded in animal shows across the state for cash prizes and certificates

Local contests entered by the school FFA have cash prizes of up to $50, with the larger state fairs having a grand prize of $30,000.

Most of the goats shown by the pupils were entered into lower-level contests.

Relatives of the freshman whose goat died claim there is no way too cheat in goat shows.

'She's saying it's because of cheating. But from what we've deciphered, she was just really jealous,' said Willy's owner's mother.

'You can't even cheat when it comes to showing goats,' added the mother. 'It makes no sense, so that's where the jealousy really kind of falls into place.

'They weren't friends, and my daughter is a lot younger, so they didn't really interact at all so that's what's even more bizarre.

Her social media shows Aubrey posing with her own goat, Lacey, posting that she was 'so excited' to head up the FFA for her high school senior year

Aubrey has reportedly been banned from attending Vista Ridge High School while the case is ongoing

'The process has not been as aggressive as we would have hoped, everything has just been so slow.'

Aubrey has only been charged with poisoning Willy, and will next appear in court on January 15.

She was arrested and charged with a felony on November 22, and released on a $5,000 bond the same day.

Aubrey has reportedly been banned from attending Vista Ridge High School while the case is ongoing.

Her victim's mother added that they never saw anything 'shifting to this extreme', saying the whole thing is 'pretty crazy.'

'There are of course other things going on,' she went on. 'She was in the vet classes, so she knew what she was doing.

'We wanted to make sure that she was not able to interact with my daughter at all. It's still pretty difficult for her, she definitely doesn't trust anybody at this point.'

Aubrey's attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment by DailyMail.com, but previously released a statement saying: 'My minor client and her family are working hard to resolve any legal issues and non-legal issues raised by these allegations, and we are thankful for a judicial process that will let us tell our story.'

The FFA is a national educational organization that allows students to compete in livestock shows across the state with animals the students have raised.

Competitors have opportunities to earn scholarships worth thousands of dollars and also have the chance to receive prizes.

Crestina Hardie, the Chief Communications Officer for Leander Independent School District, which includes Vista Ridge, said in a statement to the Austin American-Statesman that the district is proud of its FFA program but saddened by the goat's death.

'The district believes the security measures in place, including surveillance footage as well as routine supervision by agriculture science teachers, provided the evidence law enforcement needed to complete the investigation,' Hardie said.

'While the district cannot comment on the status of the student, disciplinary action was taken consistent with policy and procedures.'
Residents in a historic Welsh village have claimed it has become a 'ghost town' after nearly half its residents moved out due to rent hikes by new landlords.

The village of Aberllefenni in Gwynedd, North Wales, was built for miners at a former slate mine dating back to the 16th century.

But it was snapped up for 1m by a firm of London property developers run by a millionaire couple whom villagers have accused of 'killing' their community spirit.

Most of the 16 former quarrymen's houses and cottages have now been left empty after tenants were forced out by rent rises of up to 60 per cent by Walsh Investment Properties.

Dog walker Emlyn Jones, 53, said: 'It's a real shame what's happened to the village.

'We had to say goodbye to a lot of people who made the village a happy place.

Solar energy worker Josh McNeilly, 54, lives in one of the stone quarrymen cottages

Most of the 16 former quarrymen's houses and cottages have now been left empty after tenants were forced out

The village is surrounded by mountainside countryside at the foot of the Dyfi forest and is situated just south of Snowdonia

'The spirit of the village has been destroyed. We must have lost half the people as the rents have gone up so much.

'The developers must really regret it as the houses are now empty. It's very sad'.

Solar energy worker Josh McNeilly, 54, lives in one of the stone quarrymen cottages but does not think his new landlords are greedy.

He has seen his rent increase to 550 from 330 for his two-bed home.

Speaking as he walked through the village, Josh said: 'I think the rents were low so they're not being greedy.

'And the houses had become a bit rundown and there was mould so money needed to be spent on them.

'No-one was forced out but some people could just not afford the new rent,

'However it is very sad that so many people have moved out. It's become a bit of a ghost town which is tragic.

'Everyone knew each other and there was a great community spirit.

'People moved here just to be close to friends or family but that's gone now.

'But the landlord's spending money on the houses now so when they're done up, hopefully people will move back in.'

Sara Lewis, 56, had staged a sit-in protest after becoming enraged that her rent had risen.

However she has now stopped her protest after the landlord backed down and froze her rent.

Speaking as she loaded her car outside her cottage, she said: 'The community spirit has been killed off.

'It's so quiet now  it is a Welsh ghost town in the middle of the mountains.

'It's devastating that this is happened. I hope it will change but we could all be evicted.'

There are also additional cottages and some houses which are privately owned in the village

The slate community first went on sale in 2016 with a price of 1.5m but there were no takers

The village is surrounded by mountainside countryside at the foot of the Dyfi forest and is situated just south of Snowdonia.

It was previously owned by the family of John Lloyd, of Wincilate Limited, since the 1950s.The centre of the village features a row of nine terraced houses but just three are now occupied.

They were built in the 1700s as accommodation for quarrymen and their families.

There are also additional cottages and some houses which are privately owned.

The rent rose by 3 per cent per year under the previous owners  some have lived in their homes for more than 20 years.

The slate community first went on sale in 2016 with a price of 1.5m but there were no takers.

Chris Walsh, of Walsh Investment Properties, said: 'Most of the properties have been paying a low rent for a number of years, unfortunately this is not sustainable in the current economy.

'We feel it is fair and reasonable to charge a market rent. All properties were surveyed in January 2023 to enable us to plan any required upgrade works.'
President-elect Donald Trump has significantly reshuffled his Cabinet for his second term, leaving it much different than it looked like at the end of his first term.

Very few of Trump's former Cabinet members have returned after the contentious first term that ended abruptly with President Joe Biden's victory in 2020.

From former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to Nikki Haley, some of Trump's closest advisers have been reassigned to his blacklist.

And MAGA backlash can be fierce against even the closest in Trump's orbit - if they have seemingly betrayed the president-elect.

Those on Trump's 'blacklist' have not been included in his new inner circle including dozen billionaires estimated to have a combined net worth of nearly $500 billion.

Here are the some of the former officials who crossed with Trump over the years and have not been welcomed back:

Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo

Pompeo, a four-term congressman from Kansas was first in his class at West Point, and a graduate of Harvard Law University before entering the Trump administration in 2017 as the director of the CIA.

Trump then shifted Pompeo to serve as Secretary of State as he did for the remainder of the administration.

President-elect Donald Trump's propsoed cabinet looks much different than the one in his first term

Pompeo is well respected by Washington insiders but deeply mistrusted by prominent political and media figures in the MAGA movement as a warmonger for his aggressive positions against Russia and Iran.

Pompeo was accused of criminal behavior by journalist Tucker Carlson after reports surfaced of his reported plan to assassinate Wikileaks founder Julian Assange.

'Mike Pompeo, who is a very sinister person, the worst, and I always thought that and I've told Trump that, never should have let him run CIA or State,' Carlson said in a podcast interview with TV star Roseanne.

Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo

US former ambassador to the United Nations and South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley

Former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley

Nikki Haley resigned as U.N. ambassador in 2018, prompting speculation that she was positioning herself politically for a future run for president.

That turned out to be true as Haley ran for president against Trump in the 2024 presidential primary.

Haley repeatedly attacked Trump as mentally 'diminished' and 'unhinged' during the campaign, urging Republicans to reject the 'chaos' he brought to the political arena.

She refused to drop out of the primary early even though Trump handily won every early primary state until it was mathematically impossible for her to win.

Haley quietly endorsed Trump in May 2024, refusing to join the Republicans who sided with Vice President Kamala Harris.

Haley also maintains hawkish views on Russia and Iran putting her in the same camp as Pompeo regarding MAGA fears of 'warmongers' and war hawks entering his administration.

Trump specifically ruled out Pompeo and Haley as future Cabinet officials to assuage some of those concerns.

'I will not be inviting former Ambassador Nikki Haley, or former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, to join the Trump Administration, which is currently in formation,' he wrote shortly after winning reelection in November.

Central Intelligence Agency director Gina Haspel

Former Director of the Central Intelligence Agency Gina Haspel

Gina Haspel was an agency legacy pick as Director of the CIA, supported and endorsed by Mike Pompeo, Trump's first CIA director that Trump shifted to Secretary of State in 2018.

Haspel tangled with Trump behind the scenes after the 2020 election, threatening at one point to resign after Trump proposed installing Kash Patel as the Deputy Director of the CIA position.

She also pushed back against Trump's attempts to declassify documents related to the Russian election interference investigation of the 2016 election.

Trump did not bring Haspel back into his administration, choosing former Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe instead to serve as director of the CIA.

Former attorney general Bill Barr

Former Attorney General Bill Barr

Barr resigned in protest of Trump's assertion that the 2020 election was fraudulent and went on to criticize Trump for his 'bogus' claims of election fraud.

He ultimately agreed to vote for the Republican ticket, publicly endorsing Trump in April 2024, but the relationship was too damaged to repair.

Trump's former Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos served Trump for nearly his entire first term

Former Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos

Trump's former Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos served Trump for nearly his entire first term, but stepped down shortly after the January 6th riots on Capitol Hill in protest.

'There is no mistaking the impact your rhetoric had on the situation and it is the inflection point for me,' DeVos wrote in her resignation letter to Trump.

DeVos has only had good things to say about Trump since that day and fully endorses his plan to eliminate the Department of Education, but she was not asked to return to the Trump administration.

Former Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar

Former Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar

Azar served as Trump's HHS Secretary throughout his administration, including during the challenging times of the coronavirus pandemic.

The January 6 riots also posed a problem for Azar who resigned in protest in mid-January. The date his resignation took effect, however was Jan. 20th, the same day the Trump administration left office.

Before he was Trump's pick for HHS Secretary, Alex Azar was the president of pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly.

Trump is bringing an entirely new perspective to his second administration by nominating Big Pharma skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as his new secretary of health.

Elaine L. Chao, former U.S. Secretary of Transportation

Former Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao

President Donald Trump appointed Chao in his first administration as a nod and a favor to her husband Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

The relationship between Trump and McConnell has only deteriorated in recent years, particularly after the January 6 riots.

Chao resigned in protest on January 7th, declaring that Trump's role in the day's events 'deeply troubled me in a way I simply cannot set aside.'

In subsequent years, Trump suggested that Chao was a communist agent, calling her 'Coco Chow' and McConnell the 'Old Broken Crow' who worked with Biden, the Democrats, and China.

James Mattis, former U.S. secretary of defense

Former Defense Secretary James Mattis

President Donald Trump was very impressed after meeting former General James Mattis, appointing him as his Secretary of Defense at the beginning of his administration.

But Mattis resigned in 2018, protesting Trump's decision to withdraw troops from Syria.

'Because you have the right to have a Secretary of Defense whose views are better aligned with yours on these and other subjects, I believe it is right for me to step down from my position,' Mattis said.

Mattis went on to criticize Trump publicly, denouncing him as a threat to the Constitution in the Summer of 2020 after the president summoned the national guard to help quell the George Floyd riots in Washington, DC.

'We must reject and hold accountable those in office who would make a mockery of our Constitution,' he wrote in a lengthy statement condemning Trump.
These are the cuts, welts, and broken bones a teenage girl and her boyfriend suffered when her parents allegedly tried to strangle her in an 'honor killing'.

The girl, 17, who wasn't named, ran away from home to Timberline High School in Lacey, Washington, after her parents tried to put her on a plane to Iraq.

'Her father had recently been threatening her with honor killing for refusing an arranged marriage with an older man in another country,' the girl told police, according to court documents.

Ihsan Ali, 44, and his wife Zahraa Subhi Mohsin Ali, 40, were charged with attempted murder, attempted kidnapping, and assault after the attack on October 18.

Shocking video allegedly showed Ihsan on the ground with his daughter in a chokehold outside the school, while classmates desperately tried to free her.

Ihsan allegedly punched the girl's 16-year-old boyfriend in the head before he grabbed her, and he was also hurt trying to save her.

Photos of the teens, released to DailyMail.com by Lacey Police under Freedom of Information, showed the injuries they suffered in the alleged attack.

These are some of the cuts, welts, and broken bones a teenage girl suffered when her parents allegedly tried to strangle her in an 'honor killing'

The girl was taken to Providence St Peter Hospital in Olympia for treatment and a strangulation exam.

Police said they saw scratches on her neck and she complained of neck, throat, and jaw pain, and had difficulty swallowing.

The photos released by police showed the scratches on her neck and her lying on a stretcher in hospital.

Medical staff at the hospital reported she also suffered burst blood vessels in her eyes, and abrasions to her shoulders.

'She believes she lost consciousness three to four times during the incident,' court documents alleged, adding that at one point she woke up with dirt pressed into her face.

'[The girl] stated that she thought she was going to die.'

The boyfriend suffered a boxer's fracture as he tried to get Ishan off his girlfriend, which is now in a cast, and was evident in the photos taken by police.

He also several red marks on his right temple from where he was allegedly punched, and scratches on his jaw and neck.

Shocking video allegedly showed Ihsan Ali, 44, on the ground with his daughter in a chokehold, while classmates desperately tried to free her

After the girl's boyfriend and classmates fought Ihsan off and saved her life, passerby Josh Wagner (center) restrained him until police (left and right) arrived to arrest him

The teenagers suffered the injuries when they were allegedly attacked by both Ihsan and Zahraa, who tried to finish the job after her husband was stopped.

Ihsan was arrested on the spot, but Zahraa was free for another four days until she was detained by customs officers trying to cross into Canada on October 22.

Victor Barnes, the father of the girl's boyfriend, told DailyMail.com that Zahraa fled to the border after prosecutors moved to charge her along with Ihsan.

He claimed Zahraa was in court with her eldest daughter, Haneen Ali, 21, at Ihsan's arraignment when prosecutors said they believed she was also a threat and were seeking an arrest warrant.

Barnes claimed Zahraa drove her youngest children, two boys aged five and three, into Canada and dropped them off with an uncle who lived there.

She then reportedly returned to Washington before trying to cross into Canada a second time on the night of October 22.

During this time, police compiled statements from the girl, her boyfriend, and other witnesses and issued an arrest warrant flagging her passport.

Barnes explained that his son started dating the girl in February and her family kept it a secret from her father, who was often out of town running his business.

Police said they saw scratches on her neck (pictured) and she complained of neck, throat, and jaw pain, and had difficulty swallowing

The girl was taken to Providence St Peter Hospital in Olympia for treatment and a strangulation exam

The photos released by police showed the scratches on her neck and her lying on a stretcher in hospital

'He's an abusive man. So they just didn't tell him because... they may think he'll fly off the handle and do something crazy like he did,' he said.

He said his wife JeTe Drake tried to arrange a meeting with Zahraa months earlier to discuss their children's relationship, but phone conversations degenerated into 'a lot of yelling' as Haneen tried to translate.

They heard nothing until September 16 when Zahraa appeared outside the school and Barnes claimed 'tried to kidnap his son'.

Barnes claimed Zahraa called his son a 'thug and a thief' but the rest of her yelling was unintelligible.

Timberline High sent her a letter the next day advising that as she was seen 'grabbing and yelling at' a student, she would be charged with trespassing if she came to the school again.

Barnes said he wanted to press charges, but his son 'didn't want me to because he was scared that the girl was gonna get in more trouble'.

Instead he got Ihsan's number and confronted him on the phone about the incident, which also filled him in on the situation.

Barnes said Ihsan was 'more confused than angry' at the revelation of his daughter's secret relationship, and tried to play the incident off as a misunderstanding.

Ihsan responded to the situation by pulling the girl out of school, smashing her phone so they couldn't communicate, and buying plane tickets to Iraq.

The girl outlined shocking alleged abuse at the hands of her father in an interview with police days after the attack, and claimed one of her brothers, who is autistic, was treated even worse.

The girl's 16-year-old boyfriend in the clothes he was wearing during the attack

He suffered a boxer's fracture as he tried to get Ishan off his girlfriend, which is now in a cast, and was evident in the photos taken by police

Barnes said his son didn't see or hear from the girl until she showed up at the school on October 18, asking for help.

After speaking with Ihsan, Barnes got a protective order against Zahraa on his son's behalf, and then got one against Ihsan after the girl was attacked.

'At the end of the school day, the school made my child responsible for this girl's safety by asking him to help this girl get on the bus,' he wrote in the application.

'They continued to put this girl's family situation in the lap of my child as if he's an adult and understands the gravity of everything.'

Barnes said his son was still not doing well mentally after he was allegedly punched in the face by Ihsan, then had to watch his girlfriend almost be murdered in front of him as he desperately tried to save her.

'He's just trying to keep it together... trying to not feel so tensed up all the time,' he said, noting he had a breakdown in late November.

On the morning of October 18, he said the girl's parents showed up at his house with police demanding to know where she was.

Barnes told them she was wasn't there and would presumably be at the school, then texted his son to warn him.

'She runs away from home because they wanted to fly her out of the country that day - she's afraid,' he said.

'She shows up at the school and my son's class and the teacher helps her because she looks very malnourished.'

A scratch on his neck that was allegedly suffered during the struggle

He also several red marks on his right temple from where he was allegedly punched

A scratch on his jaw allegedly suffered during the struggle

Barnes said school officials took her to a room and eventually found a safe place for her to go, but did not offer to help her get there.

'They know she's in danger, they know her circumstances and situation, but they insist for her to take public transportation to get to her safe destination - without any type of chaperone,' he said.

The girl and her boyfriend walked to the bus stop at the front of the school and she spotted her father's pickup truck outside.

Suddenly, Ishan emerged from the truck and confronted them, yelling at his daughter in Arabic.

Barnes said another student, who spoke Arabic, yelled back, 'She doesn't want to go back with you. Leave her alone.'

'He didn't like what the kid said, he loses his mind and punches my son in the face,' Barnes alleged.

Court documents explained that another student told police the boyfriend stood in front of her and was sent 'flying onto the concrete' when he was punched.

Ishan allegedly put his daughter in a headlock and tried to choke her to death, saying, 'It's not right you are not supposed to do this', she told police.

Victor Barnes (pictured), the father of the girl's boyfriend, explained how the attack unfolded - and the events before it - as told to him by his son

Barnes said his son 'starts to see her eyes roll back, and her arms start flailing' before she went limp and unconscious as he tried to save her.

Other students described similar horrifying scenes to police, and her boyfriend told them he thought she was going to die.

Her boyfriend managed to subdue him, along with other students, by repeatedly punching Ishan in the head until he was dazed and let go, prosecutors said.

Josh Wagner, who was driving by the school and stopped to break up what he thought was a school fight, then restrained Ishan until police arrived about 2.20pm.

Zahraa then allegedly entered the fray and also tried to choke her daughter to death, but was separated by the growing group of kids.

'Her other daughter (Haneen), which is the girl's older sister, is trying to fight the other kids away,' Barnes said, which the girl also told police.

'But it's too many other kids and mom isn't as strong as that, so they eventually grab the girl away from mom.'

The girl told police she fled inside with her boyfriend yelling, 'My dad was trying to kill me' as Zahraa allegedly pursued her to the school doors, but wasn't let in.

Josh Wagner (pictured), who was driving by the school and stopped to break up what he thought was a school fight, restrained Ihsan until police arrived

Security footage showed Zahraa chasing after the teens as they ran inside, before she was blocked from following them further than the front office, police said.

After Zahraa tried to get through other entrances, the principal yelled at her to leave and put the school on lockdown.

Ihsan was not initially charged with attempted murder, and released from jail on October 24 on just a $150,000 bond after a hearing in Thurston County Superior Court before Judge John Skinder.

Zahraa faced a different judge to her husband, Judge Christopher Lanese, on the same day, but she was charged with attempted murder and held on $500,000 bail.

Almost two weeks after his release, on November 5, second-degree attempted murder was finally added to Ihsan's charges.

Ihsan was re-arrested and his bail raised to $1 million, which was too much for him to pay. He remains in jail, while Zahraa's bond was unchanged.

Why Ihsan wasn't initially charged with attempted murder, when his wife was, is unclear. This was despite police reports and court documents laying out his alleged near-deadly attack in detail.

The Thurston County Sheriff's Office, which runs the jail, refused to release mugshots of Ihsan and Zahraa, citing state law.

The parents faced different judges in Thurston County Superior Court. Ihsan was released on a $150,000 bond by Judge John Skinder (left), and Zahraa stayed behind bars after Judge Christopher Lanese (right) set her bail at $500,000

Timberline High School sent a message to parents that read: 'After school today, there was an altercation near campus that required response from law enforcement.

'We were put on lockdown for a brief period of time to maintain safety and order on campus. Upon instructions from Lacey PD, the lockdown was lifted.'

The school said it took student and staff safety extremely seriously, in a statement about Barnes' concerns.

'When unique situations arise, we work with concerned parties to provide a safe learning environment, and we are doing so in this case,' it said.

'As standard practice, including in this instance, we conduct a debrief after situations relating to student safety and consider whether there are actions we can take to improve in the future.'

Ihsan was charged with second-degree attempted murder, first-degree attempted kidnapping, second-degree attempted kidnapping, second-degree domestic assault, and fourth-degree assault.

Zahraa was charged with second-degree attempted murder first-degree attempted kidnapping, second-degree attempted kidnapping, second-degree domestic assault, and second-degree burglary.
This is the moment eerie-looking black shapes appear to slither across the sky over east London leaving a grandmother 'speechless'.

Marie Noel, 59, was at her home in Walthamstow, East London on December 26 when she heard birds squawk, something which she said was unusual.

'The birds were making a lot of noises. I feed the birds and know they don't normally make these sorts of noises at two o'clock in the morning. They're normally asleep,' she told MailOnline.

This made the foster carer feel unsettled and she decided to have a look for herself at what was causing all this.

She stepped out and started filming the skies, in case she saw something.

The video shows very small black shadows flying across the sky before a bigger one flies nearer the camera.

The mum-of-four said: 'I initially started recording but didn't see anything so I turned it off.

'I filmed again and at the time I didn't see it at first, it was only when I looked at the video that I saw the two things.

Marie Noel, 59, said: 'The video shows very small black shadows flying across the sky before it a bigger one flies nearer the camera'

'But then I saw the big one and I didn't even know what it was. It didn't look right and didn't look like a machine or a person. It was some sort of creature'

Ms Noel added: 'I saw it with my own eyes and the only thing I can describe it was like a tadpole. It didn't make any noises whatsoever'

'But then I saw the big one and I didn't even know what it was. It didn't look right and didn't look like a machine or a person. It was some sort of creature.

'I saw it with my own eyes and the only thing I can describe it was like a tadpole. It didn't make any noises whatsoever.'

The grandmother of three said she was left 'speechless' when she watched the video on her phone and could only find one explanation.

She said: 'It was some alien-type thing, that's my explanation, I can't think of anything else that it could be. It wasn't a person or a machine, so I don't know. It didn't look like mist either.

'It was like the dementors from Harry Potter, that's what it reminds me of. I wasn't scared but it just left me speechless.

'I had heard of things being seen in the sky but that had never happened to me. I had never seen anything like it before.'

It comes after a US military witness with over 25 years of experience has revealed his own late night encounter with a UFO, that lit up his campsite and 'made absolutely no noise.'

The event came less than a month before a more senior ex-Pentagon counter-intel official, Luis Elizondo, testified before Congress accusing the US government actors of secretly working to 'hide the fact that we are not alone in the cosmos .'

A US military witness with over 25 years of experience has revealed a late night encounter with a UFO that lit up his campsite. Above, Nest camera footage from a July 24, 2019 UFO case in Leominster, MA, in which a similar brightly lit object (a possible meteor) zoomed across the sky

The US military witness saw their 30-40 foot long, oval shaped UFO while camping at the the Santa Rosa Mountain Yellow Post campsites just southwest of Joshua Tree National Park in California. Above: the Milky Way galaxy seen over a Joshua Tree in the park on May 12, 2024

'I believe that we as Americans can handle the truth. And I also believe the world deserves the truth,' Elizondo said.

The October 21, 2024 campsite UFO, according to the military witness who requested anonymity, hovered as close as 100 yards above him along the treeline: 'The entire area lit up brighter than the brightest full moon Ive ever seen,' he reported.

'I knew it wasnt the moon because I had already located the moon prior,' the trained observer noted of this 2030 foot UFO. '[The moon] was a dimly lit waning gibbous.'

The career military man, who reported this episode to the National UFO Reporting Center (NUFORC), added: 'I observed it for at least a minute before fear took over and I sank back down into the bed of my truck and into my sleeping bag.'

The oval-shaped 'stationary, bright white light' resembles one newly public case reported this November by Connecticut policeman Robert Klein, who professed that an orb UFO, the size of a Mini Cooper, 'lit up the entire cab' of his patrol car in 2022.

Fear over roughly car-sized 'unidentified aerial phenomena' (UAP), often described as 'mystery drones,' has swept the nation since November as sightings across New Jersey and surrounding states have eerily matched cases over US military bases.

Earlier this month, MailOnline revealed reports from its readers about 'drones' and UFOs being spotted across the UK in the last few months.

We have found at least six previously unknown recent sightings of UFOs in this country ranging from rural Northumberland to urban Luton  including more over UK military airbases.

And one military expert has warned that the sightings could be the work of Russian 'sleeper agents' looking to test the aerial defences of western nations.

The drones panic began in the UK when mysterious lights were spotted over RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk, which has been earmarked as a storage facility for US nuclear warheads three times more powerful than the Hiroshima bomb.

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A 'bright light' was also spotted on December 17 while taking a picture of the sunrise

One spotted a bright flying object near RAF Boulmer in Northumberland, a key station helping providing surveillance of UK airspace and tactical control of combat and support aircraft

'I took two photos of a lovely sunrise,' she told us.

'I looked back at them later and spotted a bright light in the sky. If you zoom in it's sort of diamond-shaped.'

She added: 'There was a few seconds between photos and in that time it has moved across the sky. I am 18 miles south of RAF Boulmer.

'When I zoomed in the photo to see if it looked like a plane or a helicopter - it definitely doesn't.'

Meanwhile Rebecca Cardwell, from Blackpool, said she saw what she described as 'slow moving lights' around 7pm on October 19.

The city is just 15 minutes from Weeton Barracks, which has recently become the home of the first Battalion of the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment.

She said: 'I went to open my bedroom window at approximately 7pm to see slow moving bright orange flames or objects flying over in procession.

'I've never seen anything like this before and took some pictures.'
Police have launched a homicide investigation after three women died when they ate a Christmas cake - with the force also examining a 'mysterious white liquid'.

Zeli Terezinha Silva dos Anjos, 61, prepared the traditional 'Bolo de Natal' festive treat for a family meal on December 23 in Torres, Brazil.

However, her sisters Maida, 58, and Neuza, 65, and Neuza's daughter Tatiana, 43, all died shortly after eating it - with authorities later revealing that traces of the toxic metal arsenic were found in their bodies.

Three other family members, including Zeli herself and a 10-year-old boy - believed to be Tatiana's son - fell ill and were rushed to hospital.

Police officer, Marcos Vinicius Veloso, has now said this case is being treated as a homicide, rather than food poisoning.

It's believed Zeli has spoken to detectives from her hospital bed. However, she has not yet been arrested or charged with any offence.

Officers have previously revealed they were preparing to dig up the body of Zeli's late husband, Paulo Luiz, who died from a suspected bout of food poisoning in September.

Seven members of the family were eating the cake in Zeli's home on the coast of Brazil. Only one person, who has not been named, did not eat the festive bake.

Zeli Terezinha Silva dos Anjos, 61, pictured, who is in hospital, baked the Christmas cake which poisoned her family

Police are now preparing to dig up the body of Zeli's late husband, Paulo Luiz, who died months earlier from a suspected bout of food poisoning in September

The Christmas cake, pictured, eaten by the three women before they died

Blood tests carried out by doctors revealed arsenic in the blood of some of the victims, a potent poison the symptoms of which cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

On Friday, police carried out search warrants at the homes of those involved in the case.

The officer in charge of the homicide investigation reportedly said that the evidence collected so far indicates a case of manslaughter - when there is no intention to kill.

Mr Veloso said: 'With the evidence we have collected, we do not know whether the poisoning was negligent or intentional.

'So far, I have not been able to find any intentional conduct. However, other evidence that comes to light may contradict what I think now.

'This is an investigation that requires great caution.'

However, the force is continuing to look into the tragic deaths as murder.

Officers have spoken to more than 10 people who have told of a good family relationship.

Mr Veloso added: 'We are working mainly by hearing from all the people who had contact with the family to understand this family life. In short, the statements are that the family lived in harmony.

'This leads us to believe, so far, that there was no malicious conduct.'

It's believed Zeli, pictured, has spoken to detectives from her hospital bed. However, she has not yet been arrested or charged with any offence

It's believed Zeli, pictured, ate two cake slices and was the first one to be taken to hospital after becoming severely ill. She is set to be further questioned by local police once released

Tatiana Denize Silva dos Anjos, 43, pictured, died following having the Christmas cake on December 23

Police said Zeli was the only person who ate two cake slices and was the first one to be taken to hospital after becoming severely ill - where she remains in stable condition.

She has reportedly told police she bought some the ingredients on Monday before the gathering.

Zeli's husband died in September due to food poisoning but this wasn't probed by police as it was considered 'natural'. However, police have now launched an investigation and the body will be exhumed.

Tatiana and Maida are believed to have both suffered fatal heart attack while, Neuza died from 'shock after food poisoning'.

According to the police officer on the case, arsenic was found in Neuza's body as well as two other victims who survived.

A friend of one of the people who died told a local news channel it was a traditional cake that the family made every year.

Police have carried out an examination of the food eaten by the family and other items in the house, and many of them were expired.

Zeli is thought to have told the authorities about the time and place where the ingredients were purchased.

Tributes have since been paid to Maida, a teacher, hailed as 'wonderful' by friends

Neuza Denize Silva dos Anjo, 65, pictured left, was rushed to hospital in critical condition before also dying the following day. Maida Berenice Flores da Silva, 58, pictured right, also died

A police statement to local network, Globo, said: 'We even have information that there was mayonnaise there that had expired a year ago.

'There were expired products in the residence. A bottle was found, a medicine, which should have had capsules inside it and there were no capsules - there was a white liquid and this white liquid will also be examined.'

Samples of these, along with the cake, have been sent to test for poisoning.

It's understood that once Zeli has been released from hospital, she will be further questioned by investigators from the Civil Police.

Officials from the Hospital Nossa Senhora dos Navegantes de Torres said Tatiana and Maida both died from 'cardiac arrest'.

While Neuzas cause of death has been disclosed as 'shock after food poisoning'.

The 10-year-old boy is believed to be in a stable condition following the tragedy.

Maida is understood to have been a teacher. Tributes have since been paid following her death, with friends hailing her a 'wonderful person'.

One co-worker and friend wrote: 'She was my colleague, she is my friend and my sweetheart! To be special and much loved by us all!! It's unbelievable... strength to all of us, friends and family.'

The tragedy in Brazil follows a case in Australia in which a woman has been accused of killing her in-laws by allegedly poisoning them with wild mushrooms.

Erin Patterson, 48, is said to have invited her former partner Simon Patterson to her home for the meal on July 29. 2023, with his parents Gail and Tom Patterson, 70, along with Gails sister Heather Wilkinson and her husband Ian, 68.

A day later, all four guests fell ill. Within a week, three would be dead, the fourth fighting for his life and the 48-year-old woman who cooked the lunch questioned by police amid claims she deliberately poisoned her relatives with wild mushrooms.

Patterson, who did not suffer any ill effects from the meal, previously claimed she had no idea the mushrooms she served were death caps - the most poisonous mushrooms in the world.

However, the 49-year-old has since been charged with three counts of murder and five counts of attempted murder. She has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Her trial is expected to start on April 28, 2025, in the supreme court, sitting in Morwell.
A bitter divorce between an ultra-rich Australian businessman and his ex-wife has been dragged out by accusations he hid part of his fortune overseas.

The former wife has so far received $10.8million and properties worth tens of millions of dollars, but is seeking to increase her portion to $450million.

She launched legal action against her ex-husband in the Family Court of Australia, meaning neither of them can be identified due to privacy laws.

The woman has also alleged her former partner abused her and forced her to sign a financial agreement under duress while he knew she was abusing alcohol.

He has denied both claims.

Justice Michael Baumann ruled the former wife's claims were 'unjustified' and rejected her application to rescind the ex-couple's previous financial agreement.

He determined she was 'unjustified' in seeking her ex's accounts be frozen and her share of their wealth drastically increased, the Daily Telegraph reported.

Justice Baumann found the businessman had moved a portion of his wealth overseas as part of his normal dealings and determined restricting those transfers would impact shareholders.

An Australian businessman was accused of abuse and hiding his fortune overseas during his ex-wife's application for a $450million divorce settlement

The former wife's application was also bogged by the former financial agreement she signed allegedly under duress, she claimed.

That agreement awarded her $10.8million, properties in Australia worth $10million and access to the $9.6million in her bank accounts.

The former husband was also set to transfer another property to her name and make a 'balancing payment' if it was valued at less than $15million.

On top of that, the woman was receiving $30,000 a month to cover her and their children's expenses and would be paid $1million over four years for 'spousal maintenance'.

Her former husband claimed he'd sold assets in order to fund the agreement.

Justice Baumann would have needed to reverse that agreement if he approved the wife's application to pursue a settlement of up to $450million.

Her ex-husband lawyers claimed the move would cost more than the total worth of his assets in Australia, estimated to be worth $174million.

In rejecting the application, Justice Baumann determined the money moved overseas was a routine part of the ex-husband's international business.

'The wife has not established at this stage that the husband has either an intention or a scheme to reduce the pool of interests in Australia,' he said.

'The wife has not pointed to any evidence of funds leaving Australia.'

Also aired during the injunction application was allegations the woman was abused by the businessman.

She claimed he had 'exercised financial control' and 'isolated' her from 'family and friends' during their marriage.

Additionally, he allegedly 'exerted coercive control' and forced her to sign their former divorce agreement made under 'duress' via 'false marriage representations'.

The woman claimed he did this while aware she was suffering from 'alcohol addiction'.

The husband denied the allegations.

While the former wife's application was dismissed, the ruling does not prevent her from launching further action against her ex-husband.
A university has been ridiculed for advising students to seek support from welfare services if they find studying Greek mythology too distressing.

Critics have accused the University of Exeter of losing the plot after it issued a trigger warning for undergraduates studying the Ancient Greek poems, the Iliad and the Odyssey.

Students taking the module Women In Homer are advised at the beginning of the course that they might find the material uncomfortable and challenging, particularly the references to infant mortality, rape and sexual violence.

They are also advised that if the subject is causing distress, they should feel free to deal with it in ways that help (eg to leave the classroom, contact Wellbeing, and of course talk to the lecturer).

But last night, former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who has drawn on the classics throughout his career and is a fan of Homers works, called on the university to withdraw its absurd warning.

Mr Johnson said: Are they really saying that their students are so wet, so feeble-minded and so generally namby-pamby that they cant enjoy Homer?

The Iliad and the Odyssey, which were written in the seventh or eighth century BC, are inspired by the Trojan War of Greek myth and are populated by gods and monsters.

The Iliad was set in the dying weeks of the siege of Troy and charts the rivalry between King Agamemnon and the heroic Achilles.

Critics have accused the University of Exeter (pictured) of losing the plot after it issued a trigger warning for undergraduates studying the Ancient Greek poems, the Iliad and the Odyssey

Pictured: A Trojan horse is shown in a scene from 2004 action film Troy starring Brad Pitt

Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who has drawn on the classics throughout his career and is a fan of Homers works, called on the university to withdraw its absurd warning

The Odyssey, which in 2018 was voted the greatest story ever written, chronicles the ten-year journey home of Odysseus King of Ithaca at the end of the conflict.

Details of the advice to students were obtained by this newspaper under Freedom of Information laws.

Last night, Lord Andrew Roberts said: University ought to be a time when young people are stress-tested for the real world, which can be a shocking place, not wrapped in cotton wool and essentially warned against ancient but central texts of the Western canon.

Frank Furedi, emeritus professor of sociology at the University of Kent, said: Poor old Homer. A university that decides to put a trigger warning on Homers Iliad and Odyssey has become morally disoriented to the point that it has lost the plot.

'It is obvious that this university is unaware of the temporal distinction between the present and past and regards these foundational mythologies as if they are contemporary statements about the world.

Jeremy Black, the author of A Short History Of War, said: Trigger warnings proliferate like knotweed and the latest, on Women In Homer at Exeter, can surely only be a parody.

'Homers work on the Trojan War inherently focuses on violence and is realistic precisely because heroism and cruelty are shown to be related.

'There is no need for the emotional incontinence of walking out of lectures.

A spokesman for the University of Exeter said: The university strongly supports both academic freedom and freedom of speech and accepts that this means students may encounter views and content that they may find uncomfortable during their studies.

The spokesman added content warnings help ensure students who may be affected by specific issues are not subjected to any potential unnecessary distress.
Donald Trump shocked MAGA faithful by siding with Elon Musk and other tech titans after a fierce debate over immigration visas sent his supporters into a meltdown.

Musk this week threatened to 'go to war' with MAGA republicans after he defended visas for skilled foreigners over American-born employees.

The Tesla founder and billionaire, who was recruited by Trump to co-lead his new Department of Government Efficiency, has expressed his support for the H-1B visa, which allows highly educated immigrants to work in the US for up to six years.

On Saturday, the president-elect praised the use of visas to bring skilled foreign workers to the U.S. The topic has become a flashpoint within his conservative base.

'Ive always liked the visas, I have always been in favor of the visas. Thats why we have them,' Trump told the New York Post.

In fact, Trump has in the past criticized the H-1B visas, calling them 'very bad' and 'unfair' for U.S. workers.

During his first term as president, Trump unveiled a 'Hire American' policy that directed changes to the program to try to ensure the visas were awarded to the highest-paid or most-skilled applicants.

Despite his criticism of them and attempts to curb their use, he has also used the visas at his businesses in the past, something he acknowledged in his interview Saturday.

Donald Trump appears to be siding with Elon Musk and his other backers in the tech industry as a dispute over immigration visas has divided his supporters

Musk has threatened to 'go to war' with MAGA republicans after he defended visas for skilled foreigners

'I have many H-1B visas on my properties. Ive been a believer in H-1B. I have used it many times. Its a great program,' Trump told the newspaper.

He did not appear to address questions about whether he would pursue any changes to the number or use of the visas once he takes office Jan. 20.

Trump's hardline immigration policies, focused mostly on immigrants who are in the country illegally, were a cornerstone of his presidential campaign and a priority issue for his supporters.

But in recent days, his coalition has split in a public debate largely taking place online about the tech industry's hiring of foreign workers.

Hard-right members of Trump's movement have accused Musk and others in Trump's new flank of tech-world supporters of pushing policies at odds with Trump's 'America First' vision.

Software engineers and others in the tech industry have used H-1B visas for skilled foreign workers and say they are a critical tool for hard-to-fill positions.

But critics have said they undercut U.S. citizens who could take those jobs. Some on the right have called for the program to be eliminated.

Musk's remarks about the immigration visa came after pharma entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, who will co-run the DOGE with Musk, said this week that American culture was to blame for its need to hire foreign workers.

'I have many H-1B visas on my properties. Ive been a believer in H-1B. I have used it many times. Its a great program,' Trump

The Tesla founder and billionaire, who was recruited by Trump to co-lead his new Department of Government Efficiency, has expressed his support for the H-1B visa, which allows highly educated immigrants to work in the US for up to six years

'A culture that celebrates the prom queen over the math olympiad champ, or the jock over the valedictorian [the top student in a class], will not produce the best engineers,' he said on X.

To that, Musk responded in a tweet that has since been deleted: 'That pretty much sums it up. This was eye-opening'.

The billionaire's comments have enraged several Republicans who have an anti-immigration stance - which was a key feature of Trump's electoral campaign.

Musk has clapped back however, and vowed to kick out 'hateful, unrepentant racists' from the Republican party in an X post.

He also tweeted that 'the reason I'm in America along with so many critical people who built SpaceX, Tesla and hundreds of other companies that made America strong is because of H1B.

'Take a big step back and F*** YOURSELF in the face. I will go to war on the issue the likes of which you cannot possibly comprehend'.

In a separate tweet he said: 'America rose to greatness over the past 150 years, because it was a meritocracy more than anywhere else on Earth.

'I will fight to my last drop of blood to ensure that it remains that land of freedom and opportunity.'

President-elect Donald Trump listens to Elon Musk as he arrives to watch SpaceX's mega rocket Starship lift off for a test flight from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas

Musk's remarks about the immigration visa came after pharma entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy , who will co-run the DOGE with Musk, said this week that American culture was to blame for its need to hire foreign workers

Former chief strategist for Trump Steve Bannon responded to one of Musk's tweets by saying: 'Someone please notify Child Protection Services  need to do a wellness check on this toddler.'

Meanwhile Trump's former ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said: 'There is nothing wrong with American workers or American culture...

'All you have to do is look at the border and see how many want what we have. We should be investing and prioritising in Americans, not foreign workers.'

At least 14 Republican X account holders have since claimed that their blue tick verification had been removed, which means they no longer have access to monetization through their profiles.

Musk was born in South Africa and became an American citizen in 2002.

He has clarified that he wants exceptions to MAGA's anti-immigration stance for the top 0.1% of foreign engineering talent, as he said it is 'essential for America to keep winning'.

America is 'mostly Americans', he pointed out, which he considers 're***ded'.

The spat is the first within the coalition convened by Trump, which brought together Republican voters and the tech giant who contributed to his second presidential win.
The travelling couple share their secret hack to saving money on the road.

Bridie Clarke-Wells and Jamie Wells prioritise staying at farms rather than campgrounds to save money. Source: Supplied/OurOutbackJourney

More and more Aussies are slinging essentials into their caravans and hitting the open road now the holidays are here, and a couple have revealed to Yahoo News how they save thousands while travelling around the country.

Bridie Clarke-Wells and her partner Jamie Wells often stay at private farms rather than camping grounds owned by state governments and the decision has saved them "thousands".

"We have been travelling full-time for six months and have spent 67 nights at Caravan Overnight Farmstays," Bridie told Yahoo News. "They are a really cost-effective option for us, and a bonus has been some of the property owners we've met, who have been incredibly welcoming."

Caravanners use farm stays for fraction of cost of campsites

The couple use a platform that connects caravanners and farmers who are open to having visitors on their property to find locations to stay overnight, with a few different platforms available for use.

ADVERTISEMENT

They only pay $25 a year to access one particular database and they then speak to farmers directly to agree on a nightly cost  which can be as little as $15.

"Each farmer sets up their page on the website, and they share their details, description of their farm, things of interest there and their location," Debra Symes, owner of Caravan Overnight Farmstay, told Yahoo News. "Travellers contact the farmer and arrange to actually go to their place, and once they're there, they pay the farmer for the privilege."

There is a wide range of farms available for travellers to stay at. Source: Supplied/OurOutbackJourney

Travellers need to be "self-contained", meaning they must have a bathroom in their vehicle. However, there are no other prerequisites to making the most of the cheap accommodation.

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"Farmers charge $15-$20 a night... it's particularly great for young families who are travelling. They're finding it really, really expensive to go to caravan parks all the time because the caravan parks charge per person, and they're charging children. So when you're looking at something like $130 a night for a family... it saves a lot of money in the long run," Debra said.

There are 240 farms or sites on the platform, and every state and territory has options for campers.

"Travellers stay on goat farms, dairy farms, crop farms, wineries. They range from five acres to up to thousands of acres... you've got much more space around you."

There are farms all over the country where travellers can stay. Source: Caravan Overnight Farmstay

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Chilling new details have emerged about the brutal beating of an inmate at Marcy Correctional Facility in upstate New York, which ultimately led to the inmate's death.

At least three of the thirteen New York correctional officers involved in the savage beating of 39-year-old Robert Brooks - who was handcuffed at the time of the fatal beating - have been accused of participating in similar attacks on prisoners across the state.

A sergeant and two guards at the facility - 52 miles outside of Syracuse - were previously named in federal lawsuits filed by prisoners accusing them of horrific assaults, including one that left a man permanently disfigured.

One of the officers accused in the assault of Brooks, who was serving a 12-year sentence for first-degree assault, is accused of beating an inmate inside of a bathroom at the Oneida County prison, the New York Times reports.

The officer, Nicholas Anzalone, allegedly punched and kicked inmate Adam Bauer, who was a year away from his release date, in February 2020, before the officer accused Bauer of attacking them, an ongoing lawsuit claims.

Bauer was left topless and bloodied after the attack, the lawsuit claims.

'I was scared to death,' Bauer, now 50, told the Times. 'I really truly thought they were going to kill me.'

In September of that same year, two additional guards involved in the fatal December 10 attack on Brooks, allegedly participated in a gruesome attack on another prisoner.

Chilling new details have emerged about the brutal beating of an inmate at Marcy Correctional Facility in upstate New York, which ultimately led to the inmate's death

At least three of the thirteen New York correctional officers involved in the savage beating of 39-year-old Robert Brooks (left) - who was handcuffed at the time of the fatal beating - have been accused of participating in similar attacks on prisoners across the state

William Alvarez claims he was cleaning the facility's bathroom shower area when an officer pepper-sprayed him without provocation, according to a lawsuit.

Sergeant Glenn Trombly and officer Anthony Farin then repeatedly slammed Alvarez's head into a wall before handcuffing him and dragging him into a van sent to the infirmary, the suit claims.

Alvarez, who's lawsuit alleges that he is now permanently disfigured, has since required facial surgery, the Times reports.

Trombly was also accused of forcing another inmate, Rendell Robinson, to strip naked during a frisk in a 2013 altercation.

Robinson claimed another officer then took turns punching him in the face, according to his lawsuit. He allegedly suffered from a concussion and a fractured nose following the attack.

'I really began to fear for my life at this point because they would not let go of me,' Robinson wrote in his complaint to the court.

In 2015, another man, Equarn White, accused Trombly and several other officers of viciously attacking him in an empty classroom, pulling his legs in opposite directions, stomping on his testicles and striking the bottom of his feet with a baton.

However, in the days before the horrific videos of Brookss final moments were made public, state police filed applications seeking red flag orders for officer Anzalone and two other officers said to be involved in the fatal attack, Matthew Galliher and Robert Kessler.

A sergeant and two guards at the facility - 52 miles outside of Syracuse - were previously named in federal lawsuits filed by prisoners accusing them of horrific assaults, including one that left a man permanently disfigured. Pictured: Prison guards captured on surveillance video attacking Robert Brooks

Thirteen correction officers and a nurse implicated in the attack will face termination, according to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul , who said she was 'outraged and horrified' by videos of the 'senseless killing.' Pictured: Bodycam footage shows New York cops beating inmate to death

A so-called red flag order allows law enforcement authorities to remove guns from people believed to be a potential threat to themselves or others.

A judge in Oneida County rejected the applications, but has since ordered the state police to conduct background checks on the officers.

A hearing on the matter is scheduled for January 7.

Brooks, 43, was pronounced dead on December 10, the morning after the brutal assault at the correctional facility.

His final, agonizing moments were caught on body worn cameras used by prison officers which showed the attack as well as several prison wardens failing to intervene.

Thirteen correction officers and a nurse implicated in the attack will face termination, according to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, who said she was 'outraged and horrified' by videos of the 'senseless killing.'

The footage was made public Friday by the New York Attorney General Letitia James and shows three correction officers carrying Brooks aloft into a medical examination room.

Once inside, they repeatedly punching Brooks in the face and groin as he sits handcuffed on a medical examination table.

At one point one of the officers shoves his boot into Brooks' stomach, forcing him backwards, while another yanks him up by his neck and drops him back on the table.

Brooks was declared dead at a hospital the following morning.

Preliminary findings from a medical examination indicate 'concern for asphyxia due to compression of the neck as the cause of death, as well as the death being due to actions of another,' according to court filings.

The final results of the autopsy are still pending.
A record number of working visas have been issued to holidaymakers with the figure surpassing 200,000 for the first time.

The huge influx poses a political challenge for the Albanese government, which has promised to cut high levels of migration amid a housing shortage, and raised concern the inflow is fuelling consumer demand and keeping prices high.

The charge is being led by a surge of British backpackers into Australia which have almost doubled in number over the past three years as they take advantage of loosened rules brought in by the former Morrison government.

Those changes raised the maximum age of visa holders from 30 to 35, allowed three-year stays and no longer required 88 days of regional work, meaning overseas visitors could stay put in the cities if they so wished.

This has led to 47,000 British working travellers calling Australia home this November, up from 31,000 last December and 21,000 the year before.

Home Affairs in June reported there had been a 300 per cent increase in applications for third-year visas.

Australia in November also hosted a record number of working holidaymakers from France, 23,700 and Ireland, 21,800.

There were also 14,800 were from Japan, 13,400 from Taiwan, 13,200 from Italy and 12,700 from South Korea.

A record number of working visas have been issued to holidaymakers with the figure surpassing 200,000 for the first time

The thousands of revellers, many of them working visa holders, that flooded onto Sydney's eastern beaches for Christmas Day partying presented striking visual evidence of the influx.

Former immigration department official Abul Rizvi said the changes Scott Morrison introduced had 'stomped on the accelerator' for working visas, but the strong labour market and other deals had also helped open the flood gates.

'Over the last decade, we have signed up for a large number of new working holidaymaker agreements with a lot of countries,' he told Nine newspapers.

'What it's done, fundamentally, is structurally increased the level of net migration under a normal labour market.'

Immigration has become a politically sensitive issue as Australia continues to suffer a housing crisis with the continued high number of international students is also putting pressure on rents in Australia's big cities.

Labor had aimed for a net overseas migration intake of 395,000 during the last financial year, down from a record 528,000 previously.

The thousands of revellers, many of them working visa holders, that flooded onto Sydney's eastern beaches for Christmas Day partying presented striking visual evidence of the influx (pictured, a group of friends at the beach)

However, Mr Rizvi, a former immigration department deputy secretary, estimated 450,000 to 475,000 people were likely to have moved to Australia in 2023-24.

'Especially people from Europe and China and in Southeast Asia, where the labour market has weakened more quickly than in Australia,' he said.

'What we had was a higher-than-expected return of Australian citizens, and we also had a higher-than-expected net arrival of Kiwis.'

Treasury's Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook forecast released this month showed 340,000 migrants arriving in Australia in 2024-25.

That's significantly higher than the 260,000 level forecast for this financial year in the May Budget.

AMP chief economist Shane Oliver said higher-than-expected immigration for 2024-25 meant Australia would struggle to house its burgeoning population despite the pledge by the Albanese government to build 1.2million homes over five years.

'With dwelling completions remaining well below the government's target for 240,000 a year this implies no progress in reducing the housing shortage this year,' he said.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers blamed higher-than-expected immigration on too few people leaving Australia permanently.

'It has peaked, it's coming down, it's coming down slower than was anticipated in the Budget really for one main reason and that's because there's been fewer departures,' he said.

'The Treasury has been more or less bang on when it comes to arrivals, but departures have been slower.

'People are hanging around for longer and that's meant that the number is coming down more slowly and you see that updated.'
Britain is to give Ukraine 4.5million to help the country track down Russian war criminals.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the money was being provided as part of the UKs ironclad support for Kyiv.

He said: The atrocities we have witnessed in Ukraine are unspeakable  there can be no lasting peace without account-ability, and UK support will help Ukraine as it pursues justice for the victims and survivors of these crimes.

Since the Russian invasion in 2022, Vladimir Putins troops have been accused of deliberate attacks on civilian targets such as hospitals and the energy grid, indiscriminate attacks on densely populated areas, the abduction, torture and murder of civilians, forced deportations, sexual violence and the torture of Ukrainian prisoners of war.

The money is intended to equip Ukrainian prosecutors and law enforcement officials with the evidence-gathering skills to build legal cases.

UK funding has already enabled hundreds of police officers, investigators, prosecutors and judges to work on complex investigations into alleged Russian abuses.

Britain will give Ukraine 4.5million to help the country track down Russian war criminals. Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the money was being provided as part of the UKs ironclad support for Kyiv

Since the Russian invasion in 2022, Vladimir Putins troops have been accused of deliberate attacks on civilian targets

Mr Lammy added: While in Kyiv, I saw first-hand the inspirational bravery of the Ukrainian people.

'Im immensely proud of the support this government is providing them as they resist Russias illegal full-scale invasion.

'Our message is clear: we will stand with you in war, we will stand with you in peace, and we will stand with you as you fight for your security and that of all of Europe.

It comes after Mr Lammy, who has called on Nato to increase military support for Ukraine, condemned Russias inhuman Christmas Day shelling of targets including the city of Kharkiv.
Vanished under a seat after finding a morsel of food

Shocking footage has emerged of a 'family' of rats rummaging for scraps in a food court at a popular shopping centre.

The massive rodents were spotted scampering through the Westfield in Parramatta, in western Sydney, by three shocked women on Friday.

Video taken by one of the women showed the empty food court had rubbish and food packaging from nearby restaurants strewn across tables.

'There's rats everywhere, all of those rats,' she said in the video posted to TikTok.

A second said she's 'never eating there' again because the sight was so 'disgusting'.

'We sit on those chairs and put our feet there, and that's where they're living in there,' the third woman said.

A second video showed one of the rats appearing to have gotten its paws on a chicken bone before scampering away.

The rodent then jumped underneath a cushioned couch before disappearing.

A 'family' of rats have been caught rummaging for food in shocking footage captured in the food court of Westfield Parramatta, in Western Sydney (pictured)

The footage shocked social media users who were disgusted by the rodents growing so large and 'thriving' in the shopping centre.

'I'm never eating there again, I feel sick,' one user wrote.

'Thats not a Rat, thats a cat! Look how huge they are,' a second commented.

'I'm not a fussy person but that's f***ing disgusting those rats are huge,' a third wrote.

Other users said the three women would be shocked to see how many rats pop up around any source of food in Sydney.

'Im going to hold your hand when i tell you this babe, rats are all over Sydney,' one wrote.

'There are rats wherever there is food or rubbish, shopping centres and restaurants are full of them,' another said.

Footage of similarly-sized rats were filmed in the shopping centre in May 2022, and again in July 2021.

Daily Mail Australia contacted Westfield for comment.
The family of a British father who went missing on holiday in Benidorm are offering a 30,000 reward for information after his children made a desperate plea to Santa to 'bring their daddy home'.

John Hardy was first reported missing after he failed to board his flight home last Wednesday, December 18.

The 37-year-old was at a friend's home in Alicante along Spain's Costa del Sol, before later leaving to meet up with other friends in nearby Benidorm.

However, the Belfast-native has not been seen since, leaving his family and two young boys 'worried sick'.

The family are also said to be concerned that police in Spain could be missing vital evidence as John's disappearance is being treated as a missing person investigation.

Speaking to Belfast Live from Alicante on Saturday, John's younger brother, Darren, described how the family has been 'ripped to pieces'.

He said: 'Christmas Eve and Day was spent searching fields and today we're down at the beach and marina area. We're searching from morning to night and there's been no let up at all since we got over here this week.'

'As a family, we will not stop until we find him but at the minute we've very little to go on. We're praying for someone to come forward anonymously and give us a bit of information so that we can recover his body and get him home.

John Hardy was first reported missing after he failed to board his flight home on December 18

His worried family are now offering a 30,000 reward for information about his whereabouts

'We know John is dead and not missing so we just need to get him back. There's a 30,000 reward from family and friends for any information that leads us to him so we want somebody to come forward from any of his friends.'

Darren said they just 'need this nightmare to end' and said he family is doing 'everything in our power to find him'.

The heartbroken brother continued: 'Our mum has had two strokes and dad has had a heart attack but they are in their 50s and running around Spain looking for John. Mum is climbing mountains, crawling down caves and knocking doors in. We're just devastated and heartbroken and John has two young kids at home who just want their daddy back.

'This can all stop now and be over but it won't until we get John back. We will fight every day and we have to move to Spain, we will move to Spain. But we will not be leaving Spain without John's body.'

John's sister, Courtney George, previously said that he would never even go two days without contacting her, but they have now not spoken in nine.

The pharmacy assistant, who had planned to welcome John for Christmas dinner, says 'all his kids want for Christmas is for him to come home'.

Courtney, whose GoFundMe has more than 12,000 of donations, says she feels like 'setting her tree on fire and running away from this nightmare'.

She added that her nephews have been finding the news very difficult to deal with, especially given John's eldest son has seen 'everything on social media'.

Having recently lost a separate family member, Courtney shared that her brother's children are very 'distressed' by the disappearance of their father.

John's family have shared how they have been 'ripped to pieces' following his disappearance

The 37-year-old was at a friend's home in Alicante along Spain's Costa del Sol before later leaving to meet up with other friends in nearby Benidorm (pictured)

'They love their daddy. All they want for Christmas is their dad to come home', Courtney said.

Describing her own difficulties in dealing with the worrying situation, Courtney added: 'I haven't eaten in five days and been physically sick because of it'.

The family's GoFundMe page has also called on a search party to be set up to help locate Hardy as soon as possible.

It said: 'It's family time so nobody will be looking for our family when they want to spend it with their own.

'It's very urgent because places close and people go on holiday. We already know that we won't have John for Christmas', they said.

Mother-of-two Courtney also said they can't believe the amazing support through the GoFundMe from both Belfast and further afield.

A spokesperson for the Police Service of Northern Ireland previously said: 'The Police Service of Northern Ireland received a report on Wednesday, 18th December that a 37-year-old man from Belfast, holidaying in Spain, was believed to be missing.

'Enquiries are ongoing in conjunction with our international policing partners'.
A disability advocate and influencer with a rare kind Muscular Dystrophy shared her heartbreaking experiences while traveling home for the holidays.

Nila Morton, 25, is a graduate student at Howard University who suffers from Ullrich - a genetic condition that has left her wheelchair-bound with limited mobility.

She was thrilled to be traveling from Washington DC back to South Carolina to visit her family for Thanksgiving after not seeing them for nearly a year, but her trip quickly turned sour.

In an emotional TikTok, Morton claimed that airport and Delta flight staff were unprepared to accommodate her needs - with people dropping her and damaging her wheelchair.

Morton provided more details about the 'traumatic' ordeal to People Magazine, starting with when she arrived at Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport.

She told the outlet: 'I had to wait for all the passengers to de-board the plane before special assistance came to help me off.

'Then I saw the employee with the aisle chair, and another employee came to join. I told them I would need a full lift since I have limited mobility.

'While they attempted the lift, they dropped me, and I hit my tailbone and left side of my body. I felt pain immediately, and I also got bruised from the fall.'

Nila Morton, 25, had a 'traumatic' travel experience while visiting home for Thanksgiving

The influencer claimed her wheelchair was damaged and that she was dropped by Delta staff

Morton revealed that the injuries she sustained during this incident caused her major pain and ruined her Thanksgiving.

'Throughout the whole time I was home for Thanksgiving, I was in pain. I thought I would be okay because I know that sometimes, when I'm in pain, my disease makes it worse and takes longer to heal,' she told People.

'But I knew something was wrong when I started becoming uncomfortable sitting in my wheelchair or lying on my left side.'

In the first video she made about her experiences, she tearfully said she 'didn't want to make a big deal about it,' but could not ignore the agonizing pain.

Her return trip to DC only made matters worse.

Morton's December 2 Delta flight had a layover in Atlanta. She said the airline had to delay the flight because they had trouble getting her wheelchair onto the plane.

She was baffled by this set back because she had confirmed that the airline was able to fit her wheelchair at an earlier date.

Morton has Ullrich, a rare kind of Muscular Dystrophy, that has left her needing a wheelchair

Morton said she first noticed signs of trouble when she arrived at Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport and she was dropped when staff was trying to get her off the plane

When the planed landed in Atlanta, Morton claimed she had to wait yet again for everyone to get off the flight before two people - a young woman and an older man - came to help her into an aisle chair.

Morton told People: 'Nervously, I asked them if they were confident in their ability to help me safely, especially after being dropped the previous week.

'They said I had nothing to worry about. The young woman grabbed my upper body incorrectly, and the older man corrected her grip.'

She said this interaction only heightened her concern, as the staff members did not seem confident in their abilities to safely maneuver her out of the seat.

Once she expressed her fears again, Morton claimed the staff members became agitated and rude.

'I asked them again to make sure they wouldnt drop me, but they became dismissive and started making comments under their breath,' she said to People.

'That made me feel like I was a burden or an issue just for wanting to make sure I wasnt further harmed, especially since I was already in pain from the first incident.'

After she got off the plane, Morton was horrified to discover the headrest of her wheelchair was badly bent out of shape.

Morton shared several emotional videos about the ordeal, receiving tons of online support

Morton said that she was even more shocked about her wheelchair's damage, considering she called Delta ahead of time to make sure they could fit it on the plane

She said the person who brought the wheelchair over to her claimed they had to remove the head rest to make the chair fit on the plane.

Morton told People: 'I couldnt understand how removing the headrest had caused such damage, and my concerns about the employees handling of my wheelchair only deepened.'

When Morton, already feeling baffled and defeated, finally arrived in DC, she was in for another unpleasant surprise.

'Once again, I waited until all passengers de-boarded before receiving assistance. When the employees transferred me to my wheelchair, I noticed the joystick cover was missing,' she disclosed to the outlet.

'This was the final blow after an already traumatic experience.'

She asked to report the damage to her wheelchair, but said her request was ignored and she was only taken to the baggage claim to retrieve her luggage.

Morton described the final portion of her travel nightmare to People: 'I was overwhelmed by his lack of empathy and just wanted to get home.

'I asked if he could stay to help load my luggage into my Uber, and he agreed. He told me to follow him to the area where the Uber would pick me up, which was Terminal 2, Zone 1. Once we got there, he dropped my bags off and left.'

Morton said Delta never directly address her claim that staff members were rude to her and dropped her

Delta Airlines responded to the incident, saying they 'sincerely apologize' for how Morton was treated

Morton said she waited at least 13 minutes in the cold before the Uber arrived. Luckily, the driver helped her with her belongings - but she could not help but feel 'abandoned, frustrated, and defeated.'

In a response to the incident, Delta wrote in a statement to People: 'We sincerely apologize for this customers experience, and our Customer Care team is engaged. We treat the rights of our customers with disabilities with the utmost seriousness.'

In the first video she made about her experiences, she said that since her controller is missing, it is hard for her to drive her chair.

'Traveling home and traveling back should not even be this hard,' Morton said.

'Just experiencing life shouldn't be this hard, but it is because of ableism.'

The influencer received an overwhelming amount of online support, with viewers saying that they understand her frustration and that she deserved better treatment.

Morton posted follow up videos about her Thanksgiving travel situation. On December 4, she said Delta had not reached out to her to try and rectify the situation.

She said she filed a claim with the airline and was waiting for someone to get back to her.

In a follow-up video, Morton said her doctor wants her to get imaging scans to evaluate her injuries

The Howard University graduate student said she 'didn't want to make a big deal about' being dropped, but decided to share her story to raise awareness about ablism

Morton added that she consulted her doctor about being dropped and they suggested she get some imaging done to assess the severity of her injuries.

Two days later, she posted another TikTok, revealing that Delta had offered to fix her wheelchair.

However, she said it was 'very disappointing' that no one had addressed her claim that she was dropped and mistreated by staff.
Previously unseen photos of Joe and Hunter Biden meeting with both Chinese President Xi Jinping and many of Hunter's business partners has put new heat on the troubled First Son.

Joe Biden and his oldest living child have dominated the news cycles post-election after the president gave Hunter a blanket pardon on gun and tax fraud charges that dated back to 2013.

The newly released snaps from the National Archives show Biden during his vice presidency on a visit to China.

Hunter hobnobs with the Chinese Communist Party leader Xi Jinping as father Joe introduces them in one of the shots, while Joe also links Hunter up with then-Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao.

The son appears to return the favor, introducing the then-vice president to to BHR Partners executives - including Ming Xue and Jonathan Li - who did dealings with the younger Biden in the past.

BHR ('Bohai Harvest RST') is a private equity firm and one of Hunter's two major Chinese business ventures. The joint venture was co-owned by the state-controlled Bank of China.

The president has fervently denied having had any business-related contact with Hunter in the past, though that was proven false during the Republican Party's impeachment inquiry.

Hunter has always maintained and testified in public that they never discussed anything in terms of business.

Previously unseen photos of Joe and Hunter Biden meeting with both Chinese President Xi Jinping and many of Hunter's business partners has put new heat on the troubled First Son

The son appears to return the favor, introducing the then-vice president to to BHR Partners executives who did dealings with the younger Biden in the past

'There is simply nothing new here,' Hunter's attorney Abbe Lowell told CNN in a statement.

'The photos match perfectly to Hunter's congressional testimony description of who he saw at this public event during a 2013 trip to China,' Lowell continued.

Lowell also criticized what he called groups allied with Donald Trump for pushing to release the pictures.

'These attacks trying to twist these images into something they are not is just more of the same old tired, misinformation spin from some Republicans who can't let go of their ridiculous conspiracy theories and baseless accusations,' he added.

America First Legal, a group run by Trump advisor Stephen Miller, sued the National Archives to get the photos released.

'These photos corroborate the House Oversight Committee's investigative findings that Hunter Biden arranged for his father to meet with Jonathan Li and other BHR executives during the 2013 China trip, where 'Mr. Li sought - and received - access to Vice President Biden's political power,' America First Legal said in a statement.

DailyMail.com has reached out to the White House for comment.

The president's son was one of three Americans who joined Chinese partners in establishing the Bohai Harvest RST Equity Investment Fund Management Company, or BHR, in 2013.

Joe also links Hunter up with then-Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao

Hunter Biden introduces his father, then-Vice President Joe Biden, to one of his Chinese business partners, Ming Xue (pictured right), during a visit to China in 2013

The Americans controlled 30 percent of the company and made successful investments that culminated in aiding China Molybdenum purchase the Tenke Fungurume cobalt mine in the Congo from the American company Freeport-McMoRan in 2016, the New York Times reported.

BHR slowly made its way into an investment powerhouse after helping finance an Australian coal-mining company controlled by a Chinese state-owned firm, the paper reported.

The investment company's big break came in 2016 when it bought and sold a stake in CATL, a Chinese company that is now the world's biggest maker of batteries for electric vehicles.

That same year, China Molybdenum - one of the world's leading producers of the precious metals molybdenum and tungsten - announced it would purchase the Tenke Fungurume cobalt mine from Freeport-McMoRan, an American mining company.

But in order to purchase the mine, the Chinese company needed a partner to buy out one of the stakeholders, Lundin Mining of Canada.

That's when BHR came in to buy out Lundin with $1.14 billion raised entirely from obscure Chinese state-backed companies, according to the Times.

Biden still controlled 10 percent of BHR when its shares of the mines were sold to China Molybdenum in 2019.

Chinese records show Biden was no longer on BHR's board as of April 2020, and a former board member told the Times that the American founders were not directly involved in the mine deal and supposedly earned only a nominal fee from it.

Hunter Biden introduces his father to another one of his Chinese business partners, Jonathan Li

Biden founded BHR with two other Americans and Chinese partners in 2013. He was no longer part of the board as of April 2020

The president has often faced backlash for Biden's dealings with Chinese and Ukrainian companies through banks, lobbies and investment firms.

Hunter Biden has never been charged with corruption, though his tax fraud conviction stems from unpaid taxes on his overseas business deals.

In 2024, Hunter did testify to Congress he was either drunk or on drugs when he pretended his father was sitting next to him in a successful bid to persuade a Chinese company to pay the family $5.1 million.

Two years earlier, the White House stood by President Joe Biden's comments when he said in 2020 there had been nothing unethical in his son's foreign business dealings and that he never made money from China, following fresh reporting about how Hunter Biden profited from his famous father.

Chinese company CEFC China Energy paid $4.8 million to entities controlled by Hunter and his uncle James in 2017.

Although the Washington Post did not allege that President Biden was personally involved, it reported that Hunter Biden used his father's influence and contacts to secure the payments.

Biden defended his son when challenged by President Donald Trump about his foreign business dealings in the final presidential debate in 2020.

And White House Communications Director Kate Bedingfield said officials stood by his assessment that nothing was unethical and Hunter did not make money from China.

Hunter Biden (pictured on November 10) was one of three American founders of a investment firm primarily owned by Chinese partners. The firm helped secure the richest cobalt mine in the world for a Chinese company in 2016

Bohai Harvest RST Equity Investment Fund Management Company, or BHR, partnered with China Molybdenum to buy the Tenke Fungurume cobalt mine in the Congo (pictured)

'We absolutely stand by the president's comment,' she said when asked by a reporter during the daily briefing.

She also declined to answer other questions about Hunter's business dealings and whether officials were considering a pardon for the president's son.

'As you know, I don't speak for Hunter Biden,' she said. 'So there's not more I can say on that.'

Hunter Biden's business dealings were a frequent attack line for Trump and his supporters during the election campaign.

A trove of emails found on Hunter's abandoned laptop provided fuel for their attacks, and the Washington Post is among the news organizations that have confirmed their authenticity - a year after the DailyMail.com began reporting on their contents.

Trump demanded that Biden address the emails, and details of the lucrative business deals they outlines.

'Nothing was unethical,' said Biden about his son's role on the board of the Ukrainian energy company Burisma - despite lacking experience in the industry.

In an another exchange he addressed allegations about Chinese deals.

Biden's firm made the deal with Joe Biden, right, was still vice president. The now president has warned that America's electric vehicle production could he stunted by China's dominance over cobalt, one of the key components of the electric batteries

The mines were purchased from the American-based Freeport-McMoRan company, which owns mines across the nation (pictured a Freeport-McMoRan mine in Colorado)

'My son has not made money from ... China,' said Biden before directing his comments at Trump. 'The only guy who has made money from China was this guy.'

The Washington Post story said documents - previously reported by DailyMail.com - showed that Hunter was paid a $1 million retainer in 2017 to represent his business partner Patrick Ho, a partner of CEFC, who was being prosecuted by the US government.

And it suggested another email suggested the president himself could have been involved in Hunter's business dealings with the Chinese.

'I have never spoken to my son about his overseas business dealings,' Joe Biden said on the presidential campaign trail in 2019.

In September 2017 Hunter was planning to open a new office for his multi-million-dollar joint venture with CEFC at the House of Sweden, a Georgetown building home to the Swedish embassy.

He wrote to a building manager: 'please have keys made available for new office mates: Joe Biden, Jill Biden, Jim Biden, Gongwen Dong (Chairman Ye CEFC emissary).'

Biden Foundation board member Jeffrey Peck told the Post: 'There was never any thought  like zero thought or consideration  given to that building.'

The House of Sweden said they made the keys but Hunter never picked them up.

Joe Biden announced a presidential pardon for his troubled son Hunter in early December

In early December, Joe Biden announced that he would issue a presidential pardon for his troubled son Hunter, calling his prosecution 'selective' and 'unfair.'

The bombshell U-turn decision will see Hunter get pardoned for any crimes he may have committed 'from January 1, 2014 through December 1, 2024'. It comes just weeks after The White House denied the president would make the drastic move in the final months of his lame duck presidency.

Biden, himself, said as recently as June that he would 'not pardon' his son, unlike Trump who has outright said he wants to pardon January 6 rioters.

'From the day I took office, I said I would not interfere with the Justice Department's decision-making, and I kept my word even as I have watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted,' Biden said in a statement.

The president claimed that people are 'almost never brought to trial on felony charges solely for how they filled out a gun form... It is clear that Hunter was treated differently.'

Biden raged against 'several of my political opponents in Congress' who he claimed made the charges a public spectacle 'to attack me and oppose my election.'

He added that the plea deal Hunter, who has since pledged to 'make amends' for his crimes, agreed to with the Department of Justice was a 'fair, reasonable resolution of Hunter's cases.' But that deal fell through at the last minute under political pressure.

'No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunter's cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because is my son - and that is wrong,' he continued.

President Joe Biden attends Saturday Mass at the St Mary, Our Lady of the Isle Catholic Church on Nantucket. He was joined for service by his son Hunter, daughter Ashley and Grandson Beau

But critics claimed the broadly written pardon was an attempt to cover-up his actions on the board of Ukrainian gas company Burisma.

Biden says that there has been an effort to 'break Hunter' and destroy what he says is five-and-a-half years of sobriety.

'In trying to break Hunter, they've tried to break me - and there's no reason to believe it will stop here. Enough is enough.'

The president didn't shy away from pointing out that the love of his son guided his decision-making but stressed that he was being 'fair-minded.'

'Here's the truth: I believe in the justice system, but as I have wrestled with this, I also believe raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice - and once I made this decision this weekend, there was no sense in delaying it further.'

Hunter was last seen on holiday with his father and the rest of the Bidens on Nantucket in Rhode Island.

'I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision.'

Hunter released a statement of his own, credited to his full name, 'Robert Hunter Biden.'

'I have admitted and taken responsibility for my mistakes during the darkest days of my addiction - mistakes that have been exploited to publicly humiliate and shame me and my family for political sport,' he said.

'Despite all of this, I have maintained my sobriety for more than five years because of my deep faith and the unwavering love and support of my family and friends.'

'In the throes of addiction, I squandered many opportunities and advantages. In recovery we can be given the opportunity to make amends where possible and rebuild our lives if we never take for granted the mercy that we have been afforded.'

'I will never take the clemency I have been given today for granted and will devote the life I have rebuilt to helping those who are still sick and suffering.'

The pardon will cover both the gun charges and Hunter's guilty plea. CNN reported that the judges overseeing his cases will most likely cancel the sentencing hearings he was due to attend on December 12 for the gun case and December 16 for the tax case.

The broad pardon also absolves him of any crimes he may have committed between January 1 2014 and December 1 2024, which covers his entire tenure on the board of Ukrainian gas company Burisma, as well as much of his other overseas work including in China.

This has led many to theorize that there is something lurking underneath the pardon which is meant to acquit Hunter Biden of charges that came to light in 2018.
Pupils' handwriting is so poor that it can be impossible to award a fair mark to their work, chief examiners warn.

Reports by exam boards on how teens performed in their GCSEs this summer have raised concerns about illegible scripts.

Some experts fear the art of handwriting is being lost as schools increasingly employ laptops and tablets in teaching.

Penmanship is deteriorating to the extent that examiners are calling for more candidates to use word processors or even scribes, who write down what a pupil dictates, during exams.

One report on GCSE English language by the Welsh exam board WJEC, said: Handwriting is a barrier to success.

Many candidates appear to struggle to write clearly, and intervention would be advised in this instance. It is impossible to award a fair mark to something that cannot be read.

Consider the use of a scribe or word processor if a candidates writing is very difficult to decipher.

Another examiners report on English language GCSE from AQA, one of Englands main exam boards, raised similar issues.

A young girl writing (stock image). Pupils' handwriting is so poor that it can be impossible to award a fair mark to their work, chief examiners warn

Some experts fear the art of handwriting is being lost as schools increasingly employ laptops and tablets in teaching (stock image)

It said: Handwriting continues to be a concern. Some students would have benefited from access arrangements such as the use of a word processor.

The national curriculum requires all children to be able to write joined-up words on the line and with consistent spacing by the time they leave primary school.

But a recent Ofsted report on English teaching found primary pupils were not given enough time and practice to become fluent at handwriting. Secondary schools were then unsure how to help pupils who struggled with writing.

Activities given to pupils often masked their skills deficit, rather than addressing it, with teachers limiting what pupils were expected to write by asking them to fill in gaps on worksheets or use a laptop to avoid writing at all.

Ofsted warned: Providing tasks that reduce the need to write does not help pupils to improve their handwriting.

Handwriting may be further undermined by plans by exam boards for online exams.

Pearson, which runs the Edexcel board, is proposing a pilot next year that would let up to 125,000 GCSE English language and literature pupils type answers on a computer.

Dr Mellissa Prunty, who chairs the National Handwriting Association and is an associate professor of occupational therapy, said: The curriculum for English includes statutory guidance for handwriting that encourages frequent and direct teaching of the skill.

Students completing their GCSEs. Pearson, which runs the Edexcel board, is proposing a pilot next year that would let up to 125,000 GCSE English language and literature pupils type answers on a computer

While some schools have a robust handwriting policy where teachers are trained to teach it and use consistent methods and language across classes and year groups, others do not.

Dr Prunty said a curriculum and assessment review being carried out by the Government should strike the right balance between handwriting and typing to ensure that both modes are frequently taught and practiced at the right time in the childs education.

The WJEC exam board said: Whilst identifying handwriting as an issue, our examiners have still been able to mark the scripts.

Exam rules say students should only be permitted to use a word processor or scribe if they have a clear need, such as learning difficulties. Nine per cent of all GCSE and A-level candidates were allowed a computer in 2023/2024, and 3.5 per cent used a scribe.

Chris McGovern, chairman of the Campaign for Real Education, said: Schools should not be deskilling young people by failing to teach fluent handwriting.

He added: Nor should exam boards be encouraging this deskilling by promoting the use of word processors.
A manhunt has been launched after a hit-and-run crash which killed a woman in her 60s on Christmas Eve.

Emergency services rushed to Palmerston Road in Buckhurst Hill, Essex on December 24 after reports a pedestrian had been hit by a car.

The vehicle was said to have then taken off - and police are still searching for it days later.

Despite the best efforts of paramedics, the victim, a woman in her 60s, died at the scene.

Essex Police are hunting for a silver or grey car which fled the scene, which officers say could be a Jaguar.

The force said: 'Enquiries are ongoing and officers now want to specifically hear from anyone who saw a vehicle fail to stop at the scene of the collision.

Emergency services rushed to Palmerston Road in Buckhurst Hill, Essex on December 24 to the collision involving the pedestrian and a car which did not stop

'We believe this car was either dark grey or silver in colour, and may have been a Jaguar or similar make.

'Anyone with information or dash cam footage relating to this should contact us as soon as possible.

'Please cite incident 0171 of Tuesday 24 December. You can let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

'It can be found at the bottom right of our homepage at www.essex.police.uk. Visit www.essex.police.uk/digital101 to find out more about our website reporting services.

'Alternatively, you can call us on 101.'
Fashion designer Wayne Cooper was jailed after allegedly breaching bail conditions for his domestic violence charges.

Cooper, 61, was arrested about 8am on Friday in northern NSW after allegedly failing to report to police.

He is accused of assaulting his wife Elizabeth Adams, who he married in Byron Bay last December.

Cooper has been subject to strict bail conditions after allegedly assaulting Ms Adams twice at a Bondi hotel earlier this month.

NSW Police confirmed a 61-year-old was arrested in Myocum, 13km northwest of Byron Bay, and charged with one count of breach of bail.

The British-born designer fronted Parramatta Bail Court via videolink on Saturday and was released on bail again.

Cooper has pleaded not-guilty to domestic violence-related common assault and is expected to contest the charge of contravening an AVO.

He is set to face Waverley Local Court on May 19, 2025.

Wayne Cooper (left) was arrested on Friday after allegedly breaking bail conditions set for the charges of allegedly assaulting his wife Elizabeth Adams (right)

Cooper and Adams live in a multi-million dollar resort-style home in Myocum in the Byron Bay hinterland.

Described in real estate listings as an unparalleled luxury coastal paradise, the three-level, five bedroom estate listed in court documents as Cooper's residence sold for almost $3.9million in 2023.

The British-born designer popped the question to Ms Adams when he hid an engagement ring in a bowl of caviar during a romantic dinner at Bondi Icebergs.

The couple had been dating for just eight months following the breakdown of Cooper's 25-year relationship with former model Sarah Marsh.

Cooper rose to fame in the 1990s with his fashion labels BRAVE and WAYNE, which sold in boutiques and Myer stores nationwide.

He has also been a repeat guest on reality TV show Australia's Next Top Model.
The costly mistake was made by the passenger while a dad was driving.

The dad said he 'didn't believe' when the fine came in the mail. Source: TikTok

An Aussie dad has issued a warning to millions of drivers hitting the road this holiday period after he copped a hefty fine in the mail for a seatbelt mistake made by his daughter in the passenger seat.

The New South Wales man shared how he "didn't believe" it when he received the hefty $410 fine in the mail. But after reviewing the images, he realised his daughter was caught leaning over to talk to him and inadvertently let her seatbelt slip from her shoulder.

The dad claims that images from the camera show the split-second moment. "I looked at the photos, and fair enough, there she is leaning over," he said. "It's come off, and there's nothing I could have done. I've told her safety. She knows the rules. She's just accidentally lent over, and it's got me the fine, and there's no way out of it"

The dad shared his experience as a warning as double demerits coming into effect. "So watch your kids this Christmas, watch those seatbelts and if you start to doubt [them], talk to your kids about it," he said.

Mobile and seatbelt detection cameras catch out thousands of drivers

Car passengers are required by law to wear their seatbelt diagonally from the top of their shoulder across their chest, with improper use often potentially resulting in severe injuries if a collision occurs. Drivers are responsible for all passengers in their vehicle, state road authorities say.

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The use of mobile phone detection cameras to capture seatbelt offences began in New South Wales on July 1 and within just 21 days, 11,400 fines were issued.

Fines vary from state to state with Queensland drivers copping the highest fine of $1209 and 4 demerit points. In Victoria, it's $395 and 3 demerit points.

The dad is not the first driver to cop a hefty fine for a seatbelt offence allegedly made by a passenger. One motorist last month copped a $410 fine for the same offence, with nothing more than a grainy, unclear photo as proof of the act.

The NSW man told Yahoo News the state's new mobile and seatbelt detection cameras snapped his mate supposedly performing the offence in the passenger seat. But he argues this isn't clear from the images provided as proof which he says are "terrible quality".

The driver argues the images are 'terrible quality' and don't accurately show the alleged offence, claiming the seatbelt is barely visible. Source: Supplied.

When will double demerits end across Australia?

Demerit points rules vary from state to state. See below for a state by state breakdown.

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NSW

Double-demerit points come into effect on Friday, December 20 and will end on Wednesday, January 1 2025.

Western Australia

Just like NSW, Western Australia will slap drivers with double-demerit points starting on Friday, December 20 and ending on Sunday, January 5.

ACT

Another state doubling demerits over the Christmas break is the ACT, which follows the same rules as NSW, starting from Friday, December, 20 and ending on Wednesday, January 1.

Queensland

Queensland, unlike the other states, does not apply double-demerit points during the Christmas period, but theyre enforced year-round for some drivers.

Drivers who repeatedly commit traffic offences with be hit with double demerits for the second or subsequent offences if the later offence was committed within 12 months of an earlier offence.

Increased camera networks are nabbing drivers across the country. Source: AAP

Victoria

Unlike the above states, Victoria does not enforce double demerits during public holidays  or any time of the year.

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South Australia

In South Australia, there are no double-demerit points enforced at any point of the year.

Tasmania

There are no double-demerit points enforced at any time of the year in Tasmania.

Northern Territory

Just like Tasmania, South Australia and Victoria, there are no double demerits enforced at any time of the year in the Northern Territory.

 With NCA Newswire

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WARNING GRAPHIC CONTENT: Builder Leigh Powell, 44, of the village of Lydbrook, Gloucestershire, was enjoying a day on the green at his local golf club when he was suddenly struck by the wayward ball in June last year. Mr Powell (left, before the incident and right and inset, after the incident), a keen golfer of more than 20 years, was knocked out for more than five minutes - leaving other players thinking he was dead. His eye was so swollen that doctors had to wait a whopping five months, until November, before they could see inside it properly to operate. He was using eye drops 50 times a day and sleeping sitting up for months, just to get the fluid to drain. There was 'blood everywhere' when he was first hit, the 44-year-old said: 'It was excruciating, I've never known pain like that, I was just screaming and screaming, even the morphine didn't really touch it.' Blinded by the horrifying accident, he has been unable to work as a builder anymore, meaning he has lost 32,000 in earnings. He is having to sell his home, with 360 per month in universal credit not even close to covering his expenses.
This is the moment officers chased down a rapist as he walked down the road after attacking a woman in a park.

Video footage captured the moment student officers PCs Declan McDevitt and Peter Jones gave chase after spotting Awalkhan Sultankhail, who had sexually assaulted a woman on Golden Hillock Road, Small Heath, Birmingham, four days prior.

Sultankhail, 24, had followed his victim into a park and dragged her into the bushes before raping her at around 4pm on August 27, 2023. He fled the scene when he was disturbed by a member of the public, who contacted the police.

CCTV footage was recovered and matched a description given by the victim.

PCs McDevitt and Jones, from West Midlands Police's Yardley neighbourhood team, were carrying out reassurance patrols just days after the attack when they spotted Sultankhail brazenly walking down the road.

Sultankhail attempted to flee but the officers gave chase and cornered him on a street in Sparkbrook, where he was arrested.

When questioned, Sultankhail denied speaking to or following the victim but pleaded guilty when he was handed CCTV and forensic evidence and eye witness accounts.

On December 20 of this year Sultankhail, of Anderton Road, Birmingham, was jailed for five years and three months.

Awalkhan Sultankhail, of Anderton Road, Birmingham, was jailed for five years and three months

PCs McDevitt and Jones, from West Midlands Police's Yardley neighbourhood team, were carrying out reassurance patrols just days after the attack when they spotted Sultankhail

He was also ordered to spend a further four years on licence.

Speaking of the arrest, PC Jones said: 'I was just concentrating on not letting him get away, due to the nature of the offence.

'I was also concentrated on communicating using my radio to other officers and the control room by letting them know where the suspect was running, in order to get more officers there in case we lost him in the foot chase.

'I felt immensely proud of myself and PC McDevitt as we have caught someone who has committed an horrific offence in broad daylight.

'I went home that day feeling satisfied that I have helped the victim get one step closer getting to the justice she deserves, and knowing that he won't be able to commit another offence for a long time.'

Superintendent Emlyn Richards, from Birmingham Police, added: 'This was absolutely first-rate work by these two officers, who have only relatively recently joined us.

'The footage shows how the two refused to let the suspect get away, and thanks to their determination, he's now going to be spending many years behind bars.'
Labour's grassroots are paying a heavy price for Sir Keir Starmers national unpopularity, local by-election results reveal.

The partys vote share has plummeted by more than eight per cent, with a reported net loss of more than 25 council seats since the General Election in July.

In local by-elections, Labour is now polling at just 24.8 per cent, fractionally ahead of the Tories on 23.7 per cent, says the respected Election Maps UK website.

The Tories have made net gains of about 20 seats. The Lib Dems are up almost four points to 18.4 per cent, though have made a net gain of only one council ward.

Reform UK, which has gained a net seven seats since July, says it will focus on next Mays local elections to boost the partys national campaigning strength.

It comes amid polling which showed that Sir Keir is now more unpopular than Nigel Farage with just a quarter of voters thinking favourably of the Prime Minister, polling has shown.

A YouGov survey for The Times found only 25 per cent of voters had a favourable opinion of the Prime Minister, compared with 28 per cent for Mr Farage.

Polling guru Professor Sir John Curtice, of Strathclyde University, said Labour was paying the price for not being honest with voters during the election campaign.

Sir Keir Starmer's unpopularity has left Labour polling at just 24.8 per cent in local by-elections

Reform UK projected their membership numbers onto Conservative Campaign Headquarters this week

Sir Keir and Chancellor Rachel Reeves are continuing to face a backlash for hiking employers national insurance contributions (NICs).

This was despite their election pledge not to raise taxes, including national insurance, on 'working people' in Labour's manifesto.

Last night a Labour MP said: When you lose a respected local councillor, you potentially lose a hard worker for Labour, and this matters for any partys ground war at General Election time.

Lib Dem party president Mark Pack said: Labours foot soldiers are suffering from the Governments national unpopularity.
At least 179 people are feared dead after a plane carrying 181 passengers skidded off a runway as it landed and smashed into a wall at a South Korean airport.

The Jeju Air flight was returning from Bangkok when the horror unfolded at Muan International Airport in South Korea, the Yonhap news agency reported.

Horror footage showed the moment the 15 year old Boeing 737-800 aircraft slid along the runway, before ploughing into concrete and erupting into a ball of flames.

South Korea's emergency office said the jet's landing gear appeared to have malfunctioned with a bird striking the aircraft among the theories that could have possibly caused the crash.

There were wails in the airport's arrivals hall as families wept loudly when a medic announced the names of 22 dead passengers. They were identified by their fingerprints.

The still-rising death toll includes at least 82 men and 83 women, according to the National Fire Agency.

Two crew members, a man and a woman, were miraculously rescued from the tail section of the burning plane.

The horrific crash is one of the deadliest disasters in South Korea's aviation history.

News1 Agency reported a passenger sent a text message to a relative saying a bird was stuck in the wing.

Their heartbreaking final message read: 'Should I say my last words?'

A plane carrying 181 people has crashed into a wall at at Muan International Airport in South Korea, the Yonhap news agency reported on Sunday

Firefighters carry the body of a passenger from the wreckage of a Jeju Air plane at Muan International Airport - December 29, 2024

Rescue workers take part in a salvage operation at the site where an aircraft crashed after it went off the runway at Muan International Airport, in Muan, South Korea - December 29, 2024

A person rescued from the wreckage is wheeled on a stretcher from an ambulance to a medical facility

The wreckage of an aircraft lies on the ground after it went off the runway and crashed at Muan International Airport, in Muan, South Korea - December 29, 2024

Firefighters carry burnt chairs from the deadly aircraft crash at Muan International Airport - December 29, 2024

An excavator is used to lift burnt chairs from the wreckage - December 29, 2024

Family members hugged and cried at the airport as Red Cross volunteers handed out blankets to bereaved relatives.

One stood at a microphone to ask for more information from authorities. 'My older brother died and I don't know what's going on,' he said. 'I don't know.'

Mortuary vehicles lined up outside to take bodies away, and authorities said a temporary morgue had been established.

The bodies of 11 other passengers aboard the deadly flight were so brutally injured that their gender was not immediately clear, officials said.

The passengers on board the flight included 173 South Koreans and two Thais, Yonhap reported.

Two survivors were miraculously pulled from the wreckage but all of the remaining 179 passengers are presumed dead. They were both crew members and are conscious, the fire agency said.

Thirty-two fire trucks and several helicopters were deployed to contain the fire. About 1,560 firefighters, police officers, soldiers and other officials were also sent to the site.

Lee Hyeon-ji, a response team officer at the local fire department, said the death toll would likely continue to rise 'due to the critically injured'.

Senior Transport Ministry official Joo Jong-wan said workers have retrieved the flight data and cockpit voice recorders of the plane's black box, which will be examined by government experts investigating the cause of the crash and fire.

Joo said the runway at the Muan airport will be closed until January 1.

The Juju Air website this morning was changed to a black background with a message that read: 'We deeply apologize to all those affected by the incident at Muan Airport.

'We will make every effort to resolve the situation. We sincerely regret the distress caused.'

In a post on social media site X, Thai prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed deep condolences to the families of those affected by the accident.

She said she had ordered the foreign affairs ministry to provide assistance immediately.

Firefighters and rescue team members work near the wreckage of a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 series aircraft - December 29, 2024

Rescue workers stand beside the wreckage as they search through the debris

A member of Korea Crime Scene Investigation inspects the wreckage of the Jeju Air aircraft

Firefighters walk near the charred remains of the aircraft on the runway at Muan International Airport - December 29, 2024

Firefighters carry the body of a passenger from the wreckage. At least 125 people have been killed

Rescue workers take part in a salvage operation at the site where an aircraft crashed after it went off the runway at Muan International Airport, in Muan, South Korea - December 29, 2024

People listen at Muan International Airport as an official discloses the additional names of passengers who died in the horror plane crash

An oxygen mask hangs from a post at the site where the aircraft crashed at Muan International Airport - December 29, 2024

A chair from the wreckage sits alone on the grass with a newspaper seen on the seat

Pictures taken from the scene shows a huge plume of smoke as firefighters tackle the blaze

A life jacket hangs on fencing next to the wreckage of an aircraft at Muan International Airport - December 29, 2024

Firefighters carry out rescue operations at Muan International Airport with the wreckage seen in the background

Firefighters work at the wreckage of the Jeju Air aircraft at Muan International Airport in Muan - December 29, 2024

Haunting footage shows the plane sliding along the runway when its landing gear seemingly failed

Pictures from the scene show the tail of the aircraft surrounded by debris with smoke coming out of it as firefighters tackle the blaze

Firefighters putting the fire out after the plane drove off runway and crashed into a wall

A rescue worker walks past the wreckage of an aircraft that has claimed the lives of at least 124 people - December 29, 2024

Kerati Kijmanawat, director of the Airports of Thailand, confirmed in a statement that Jeju Air flight 7C 2216 had taken off from Suvarnabhumi Airport with no reports of abnormal conditions with the aircraft or on the runway.

Jeju Air issued a statement expressing its 'deep apology' over the crash and said it will do its 'utmost to manage the aftermath of the accident'.

In a televised news conference, the airline's chief executive, Kim E-bae, gave a deep bow with other senior company officials as he apologised to bereaved families and said he feels 'full responsibility' for the incident.

He said the company had not identified any mechanical problems with the aircraft following regular checks and that he would wait for the results of government investigations into the cause of the incident.

Haunting snaps taken from the scene shows a huge plume of smoke as scores firefighters with 32 trucks were tackling the blaze.

The horror crash is believed to have been caused by 'contact with birds, resulting in malfunctioning landing gear' as the plane attempted to land at the airport in the country's southwest.

The flight had reportedly attempted one landing before being forced to turn around and tried to land again when the landing gear failed to lower normally.

Footage has emerged of the moment the plane attempts to land - and appears to have an issue with its landing gear.

The country's emergency office says the 175 passengers were on board when the plane slammed into the wall

Some of the debris is seen on the runway at Muan International Airport

According to Flightradar data, the plane was a Boeing 737 departed from Bangkok at 2.29am local time and was due to arrive at 8.30 but landed at 8.59am

A number of emergency services rushed to the scene to respond to the horror crash

The wreckage left behind after the plane carrying 175 passengers crashed in South Korea

Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae (C-R) and other company officials express their apologies ahead of a press conference held in Seoul, South Korea, 29 December 2024, hours after the deadly crash of one of its flights

Acting President Choi Sang-mok, pictured, called for the mobilisation of all resources to save the passengers

The aircraft appears to slide along the runway, but it fails to slow down.

It then slams into the concrete wall at the end of the runway and erupts into a ball of flames.

Frantic emergency services then rush to the scene.

According to Flightradar data, the plane was a 15-year-old Boeing 737-800 departed from Bangkok at 2.29am local time and was due to arrive at 8.30 but landed at 8.59am.

Boeing has said it is in contact with Jeju Air about the disaster.

In a statement the plane-maker said: 'We are in contact with Jeju Air regarding flight 2216 and stand ready to support them.

'We extend our deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones, and our thoughts remain with the passengers and crew.'

A photo showed the tail section of the jet engulfed in flames on what appeared to be the side of the runway, with firefighters and emergency vehicles nearby.

Firefighters have since extinguished the fire and search and rescue operations have been deployed on site.

An on-site investigation has now been launched to determine the exact cause of the crash.

Acting President Choi Sang-mok called for the mobilisation of all resources to save the passengers.

'All related agencies... must mobilise all available resources to save the personnel,' he instructed officials in a statement.

The Foreign Office has confirmed no Britons were on board the flight.

It is one of the deadliest disasters in South Korea's aviation history.

The last time South Korea suffered a large-scale air disaster was in 1997, when a Korean Airline plane crashed in Guam, killing 228 people on board. In 2013, an Asiana Airlines plane crash-landed in San Francisco, killing three and injuring approximately 200.

Sunday's accident was also one of the worst landing mishaps since a July 2007 crash that killed all 187 people on board and 12 others on the ground when an Airbus A320 slid off a slick airstrip in Sao Paulo and collided with a nearby building, according to data compiled by the Flight Safety Foundation, a non-profit group aimed at improving air safety.

In 2010, 158 people died when an Air India Express aircraft overshot a runway in Mangalore, India, and plummeted into a gorge before erupting into flames, according to the safety foundation.

Read more on our live blog, here: South Korea plane crash latest: Dozens dead after aircraft's 'landing gear fails' with 181 onboard
A pilot has died and a passenger has been rushed to hospital after a light plane crashed at a rural airfield.

Emergency services were alerted to the crash at McIntyres Airfield on Palmers Island, about 120km north of Coffs Harbour, just before 11.30am on Sunday.

Multiple ambulances and a rescue helicopter rushed to the scene where the male pilot, aged in his 60s, was found dead.

A passenger on the flight, a man believed to be aged in his 30s, suffered multiple serious injuries and was rushed to Gold Coast Hospital for treatment.

NSW Police established a crime scene and launched an investigation into the crash.

A spokesperson urged members of the public to avoid the area.

Footage from the crash site showed dozens of first responders and bystanders near the wreckage just off the dusty runway.

A Rural Fire Service crew attended the scene to provide 'fire protection' alongside the State Emergency Service.

A pilot of a light plane has died while a passenger has been rushed to hospital after the aircraft crashed at a rural airfield (pictured, emergency services at the scene)
The Chancellors claim that taxing private school fees will give all children the best start has been branded shameful.

Rachel Reeves has insisted that 1.7 billion would be raised by the 20 per cent VAT imposed on private schools from New Years Day, in a press release celebrating Labours plan for change.

As the surge in fees has seen thousands of families have to pull their children out of the independent sector and schools face going to the wall, her comment that her system will give every child the best start in life has been criticised as tone deaf.

The Independent Schools Council (ISC) said the unprecedented tax on education would be felt by families and children across state and independent schools, and insisted that the Governments sums were wrong.

The money the Government claims it will raise is an estimate not a fact, ISC chief executive Dr Julie Robinson told The Mail on Sunday.

The ISC said it was concerned about the risk to low-fee faith schools and specialist arts schools, as well as the availability of special education needs (SEN) provision for children who needed additional support.

Professor Alan Smithers, of Buckingham University, said: Small local schools, especially those catering for SEN pupils, face going to the wall, leaving the parents struggling to find a place or having to home educate.

'The top schools will be put beyond the reach of many more parents.

Rachel Reeves (pictured) claim that taxing private school fees will give all children the best start has been branded shameful

The Independent Schools Council (ISC) said the unprecedented tax on education would be felt by families and children across state and independent schools, and insisted that the Governments sums were wrong. Pictured: Pupils at Eton

Chris Ramsey, a former Headmasters and Headmistresses Conference committee chairman, said: Every pupil educated in an independent school is a child that the state does not have the burden of educating. That this is seen as something deserving of punitive measures is shameful.

Chris McGovern, chairman of the Campaign For Real Education, described Ms Reevess press release as tone deaf.

He said: The Governments expectations are deceitful, duplicitous and delusional.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: High and rising standards cannot just be for families who can afford them, and we must build an education system where every child can achieve and thrive.
It is seen as the future of green air travel.

As millions put Christmas behind them and start looking for summer sunshine, airlines are looking to ask flyers to step on the scales before stepping on board.

Now the first study into the controversial idea has revealed that more than half of travellers are against it.

But perhaps unsurprisingly, the well off and frequent flyers are fully behind charging heavier people more.

Markus Schuckert, professor of hospitality management at the University of New Hampshire, said: 'This topic has been widely discussed for decades, but there's surprisingly little research on it.

'Some airlines have tried or considered weight-based policies, but the main roadblock remains ethical concerns which make it difficult to even discuss.

'But if we aim to make air travel more sustainable, we should have an open discussion.

'That's really the point of research  to put everything on the table for consideration.'

Airlines are looking to ask flyers to step on the scales before stepping on board

Researchers on the study, published this month in the journal Transportation Research, asked 1,000 travellers about weighing their baggage and themselves to help reduce emissions and found more than half of travellers were not keen about hopping on the scales to cut the amount of jet fuel used.

Some, however, were open to the idea if it supported their own interest in cutting emissions.

Those in the study were given the choice of a standard policy where all passengers paid a uniform price.

The second option was a threshold policy where passengers exceeding a certain weight pay additional fees and then a tariff where each passenger's airfare is based on their combined body and baggage weight.

The standard policy was the most accepted approach and nearly 60 per cent of those asked had serious concerns about weight-based policies saying it was unfair and risked discrimination and singling people out.

Those who liked the weight-based plan were young people aged 18 to 35, 20 per cent more than travellers over 66.

Frequent flyers and high earners were 25 per cent more likely to support weight-based policies than those in lower income brackets or who didn't travel as much.

Earlier this year Finnish airline Finnair sparked controversy by introducing a voluntary passenger weighing system and was accused of body shaming.

Earlier this year Finnish airline Finnair sparked controversy by introducing a voluntary passenger weighing system and was accused of body shaming

Travellers at Helsinki airport were asked to step on the scales along with their bags to help 'optimise Finnair's current aircraft balance calculations'.

Satu Munnukka, head of ground processes for Finnair, said: 'We weigh volunteer customers together with their carry-on baggage.

In the measurement, we do not ask for personal data, but the total weight of the customer and carry-on baggage, the customer's age, gender and travel class are recorded in the database.

'No information is collected that would allow participants to be identified.'

Southwest Airlines in America allows overweight passengers an extra seat free of charge.
An NHS trust has been accused of 'covering-up' the details of a man's death after a nurse did not call an ambulance when the 65-year-old grandfather collapsed.

Hospital manager Nicholas Ginger was on a video call with agency worker Jackie Chatterton when he dropped to the ground after suffering a bleed on the brain.

But rather than calling the emergency services, Ms Chatterton sent a message to her line manager, Christine Lawrence, via Teams, which failed to send for several hours.

The grandfather-of-five from Southampton was found by his family and died three days later.

Mr Ginger's daughter, Maria Burgess, now wants answers from University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, who her father had worked for for nearly 20 years.

She told the Telegraph there were 'outrageously different accounts' about what had happened to her father during the video call on November 30, 2022.

Winchester Coroner's Court heard that Ms Chatterton had met with Mr Ginger for an online consultation through the hospital's occupational health service following a period of sick leave to discuss the possible return to his job as a manager overseeing planning and modernisation.

The court heard the pair had joked about Mr Ginger 'popping his clogs', which Ms Chatterton said she didn't want him to do.

Hospital manager Nicholas Ginger (pictured) was on a video call with agency worker Jackie Chatterton when he collapsed after suffering a bleed on the brain

Mr Ginger worked as a manager overseeing planning and modernisation at the hospital

The grandfather of five from Southampton was found by his family later in the day of the online video call via the hospital's occupational health team and he died three days later

Ms Chatterton said while she was typing, Mr Ginger slid from view and she said she thought he was upset by the news he would not be able to return to work soon.

But instead of calling an ambulance, she sent a message to Ms Lawrence which failed to deliver for four hours.

Six hours after the call ended, Mr Ginger's son, David, found him unconscious on the sofa and immediately called an ambulance. Mr Ginger was taken to hospital, where his family were told he had bleeding and swelling on his brain and was unlikely to survive.

He died three days after he was taken into hospital.

Following her father's death, Mrs Burgess reported Ms Chatterton and Ms Lawrence to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) - something which she says was the hospital's responsibility.

She claims the hospital's failure to self-refer to the NMC was done 'in order to further cover up what happened to protect their reputation'.

During the inquest, Mrs Burgess told Ms Chatterton that she had a 'duty of care' which she had 'failed to execute'.

'You say you attempted to send a Teams message before 11am and that you failed to notice it had not sent until gone 3pm', she said. 'How were you able to get on with your day for more than four hours, having thought that you had witnessed a medical emergency, without seeking an immediate response'.

The grandfather of five collapsed during the call with Jackie Chatterton

Mr Ginger suffered a bleed on the brain and was at home for hours before he was discovered

Rosamund Rhodes-Kemp, the area coroner for Hampshire recorded a verdict of death by natural causes at Winchester Coroner's Court (pictured)

Rosamund Rhodes-Kemp, the area coroner for Hampshire recorded a verdict of death by natural causes but added that it was 'impossible to reconcile' Ms Chatterton's evidence with events.

Initially, Ms Chatterton said Mr Ginger had been struggling at the end of the call, but she later changed her wording and said he had been 'struggling emotionally'.

'I find it impossible to reconcile the various strands of evidence given by [Ms Chatterton]', she said. 'She suggested calling an ambulance to her line manager but insisted the issue was emotional not physical.

'Why suggest an ambulance for an emotional episode, why use the word collapse to ensure her line manager prioritised the call?'

Ms Rhodes-Kemp also criticised the NHS Trust over two reports of the incident, one of which said there was no evidence Mr Ginger had suffered a serious injury at the end of the call, and one which said there was.

A spokesman for the trust told the Telegraph improvements have been made to the occupational health processes as a result of the incident, and that they are committed to 'thoroughly revisiting all the information presented to the court and to share the findings with Mr Ginger's family'.

MailOnline has contacted University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust for comment.
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All but two people on board have been found dead after a plane carrying 181 people crashed off the runway and smashed into a wall at a South Korean airport today.

The Jeju Air flight was returning from Bangkok when the landing gear was believed to malfunction at Muan International Airport in South Korea.

Upon impact with the wall the aircraft exploded into a huge fireball. Haunting images taken from the scene show a huge plume of smoke before firefighters tackled the blaze.

All passengers and four of six crew members were killed on the Jeju Air flight from Bangkok.

The two people rescued - a male and female crew member - were taken from the tail of the plane and were being treated at nearby hospitals for non life-threatening injuries.

Follow our live coverage below
A pair of tourists have drowned after getting caught in a rip at a beach known for its treacherous waters.

Emergency services received reports of three adults in distress in the water at Conspicuous Cliff beach near Walpole, southwest Western Australia, about 2.40pm on Saturday.

Police arrived at the scene to find the trio had been recovered from the surf and started performing CPR.

A 44-year-old man and 40-year-old woman died at the scene while a second man, 42, was able to be revived and rushed to hospital.

WA Police said the trio are known to each other and had travelled to the beach, which is not patrolled by lifesavers, from Perth.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions warns the stretch of coastline including Conspicuous Cliff beach 'can be hazardous'.

The area is known to experience 'large, unpredictable waves and swells, slippery rocks and strong currents'.
Illegal parking is not only annoying, it also poses serious safety concerns.

Illegal parking at popular beach spot has not gone down well among locals. Source: Facebook

If there's one thing all Aussies can relate to this festive period, it's struggling to find somewhere to park wherever you go. While it can be tempting to quickly park your car in a no-stopping spot, if you're visiting a tourist town, it's the one sure way to anger locals.

The all too common problem was highlighted in photos of chaotic scenes at a car park in Crescent Head, one of New South Wales' most picturesque beachside spots with residents accusing drivers of parking "anywhere for as long as they like". The local who raised the problem questioned why Kempsey Shire Council rangers were not out enforcing parking rules.

"Its about ensuring that everyone gets access to parking by making sure vehicles comply with the Councils time limits," they said, adding "We dont want tourists punished. But we do want council to ensure the areas are monitored for the enjoyment and convenience of everyone."

According to Danny Gorog, CEO of council reporting app Snap Send Solve, illegal parking is a big problem nationwide, telling Yahoo News Australia there are "spikes" in reports of illegal parking across the country.

Popular beach town Crescent Head has limited parking. Source: Crescent Head Holiday Park

Illegal parking poses 'real safety risk'

Gorog told Yahoo News Australia that illegal parking can pose a "real safety risk" for pedestrians, including wheelchair users, parents with prams, cyclists and even other drivers.

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"Aussie residents are becoming increasingly frustrated with this issue and are encouraged to report hazards," he said previously.

There have been over 4,000 reports of illegal parking, marking a 37.9 per cent increase in NSW over the last 12 months alone. Nationwide, there were over 40,061 reports between January and April this year.

Across the country, reports of illegal parking are up a whopping 178% while in Queensland Gorog said they are seeing "spikes related to footpaths and heavy vehicle parking".

There is a silver lining, Gorog says that "complaining pays off" adding that 89 per cent of issues flagged via Snap Send Solve were solved within three weeks "showing the power of residents actively engaging with their communities."

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
A young woman who was struck by a fast-moving rollercoaster and dropped nine metres is suing its operator after WorkSafe dismissed charges against it.

Shylah Rodden, 29, has launched legal proceedings against Chant Amusements Pty Ltd through her mother and legal guardian, Kylie Rodden, following the incident at the 2022 Royal Melbourne Show.

Despite a WorkSafe investigation earlier this year clearing Chant Amusements of responsibility for the incident, Ms Rodden's legal representation claim it did not properly prevent people from entering the rollercoaster track.

Ms Rodden sustained life-changing injuries on September 25, 2022, after entering the rollercoaster track through the arrival platform to retrieve her mobile phone, which she dropped during the ride.

She is seeking damages to cover loss of earnings over her lifetime on the grounds of alleged negligence and breach of duty of care.

A writ and statement of claim were lodged with the County Court of Victoria on December 20, the Herald Sun reported.

Ms Rodden will be represented by Arnold Thomas & Becker lawyer Sharlene Mehta, who also handled her dealing with WorkSafe.

The authority's investigation in August found Ms Rodden was partly to blame for the incident, an inside source told Daily Mail Australia.

Shylah Rodden (pictured) is suing Chant Amusements after she was hit by one of its rollercoasters in 2022

Ms Rodden (pictured wearing black on the rollercoaster track, moments before the collision) suffered life-changing injuries from the crash

Ride operators allegedly told Ms Rodden the ride would be stopped to allow her to retrieve her phone but she would need to wait 30 minutes.

The investigation is understood to have found the operators had taken every precaution to ensure the safety of showgoers.

'They did all that. They followed their systems, they followed the processes they had in place,' the source said.

'The workers there followed their training as they were told to do and that's where the obligations are.

'That's where any charges the authority could lay are and have nothing to do with any decisions that one person may have made to get around those systems and processes that were in place by the (operator).'

The ride operator was already familiar with those processes, given the number of items that routinely get dropped from the ride, the source said.

That system does not see the ride stopped each and every time a customer alerts the operator.

'With a rollercoaster that kind of thing happens all the time,' they added.

A WorkSafe investigation earlier this year concluded Ms Rodden (pictured recently) was largely responsible for the crash

In spite of her horrific injuries, Ms Rodden (pictured in hospital) has regained the ability to walk and talk

'Stuff falls out of people's pockets literally every time the ride goes around so they have a system in place to ensure that when things fall out people can get it back.

'They keep the ride going because they can't stop it every time otherwise they'd be doing it all day, everyday.

'They have set times when they can shut it down and let people go and collect their stuff.'

However, WorkSafe's investigation was called into question by lawyer Ms Mehta who claimed Ms Shodden and her family were not properly consulted through the process.

The newly-lodged court document outlined Ms Rodden's long list of life-altering injuries from the collision.

They included skull fractures, brain haemorrhage, injuries to the left carotid and right vertebral arteries, abdominal injuries, damage to the liver and small bowel, fractures to the thoracic spine, a broken right wrist, a broken left arm, pelvic fractures, a broken right ankle, broken left hand, a right eye haemorrhage, chest injuries, multiple fractured ribs, and psychological injury.

Still, she beat all the odds and has managed to regain her ability to walk and talk.

Ms Rodden's (pictured) legal representation claim Chant Amusements did not properly prevent people from entering the rollercoaster track

Among the allegations against Chant Amusements, Ms Rodden's legal team claim it did not have enough staff on the arrival platform, lacked an adequate one-way access system to the platform, did not have sufficient fencing to prevent access to the track area and failed to properly instruct riders to remove valuables before boarding.

Ms Rodden was unemployed at the time of the incident but was studying a Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs.

It's understood she is now studying for a for a Certificate IV in Community Services but has a reduced work capacity which is 'likely to continue indefinitely'.

'The Plaintiff claims loss of earnings to date and to retirement age,' court documents read.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Chant Amusements, Arnold Thomas & Becker, and Kylie Rodden for comment.
The shocking rise in the number of newborn babies found abandoned in Texas has unnerved communities, raising urgent questions about women's reproductive health.

At least 18 babies have been abandoned in the Lone Star state this year, with the latest found just before Christmas at a Whataburger fast food chain in San Antonio, according to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

A decade ago, the number of abandoned babies per year sat at just seven.

It is not clear whether or not there is a common link between the increasingly common tragedies. However, the alarming rate of abandonment is happening in a state with one of the country's most restrictive abortion bans.

In Texas, the law makes no exceptions for victims of rape or incest as it pertains to abortion, yet, the state yields one of the nation's highest birth rates.

Currently, the southwestern state sits next to last on the rankings for women's health and reproductive care, according to the Commonwealth Fund, which supports independent research on such issues.

In light of the disturbing increase of child abandonment, Leah Kipley, the assistant director of the National Safe Haven Alliance met with Texas legislators to advocate for a safe haven awareness campaign.

'We're all just reeling at the tragedies and hoping we can make some meaningful changes to prevent this,' Kipley told the Washington Post.

The shocking rise in the number of newborn babies found abandoned in Texas has unnerved communities and raising urgent questions about women's reproductive health. Pictured: One of few Safe Haven Baby Box drop-off stations in Texas

Twenty-five years ago, Texas marked the first state to pass a monumental safe haven law, the Baby Moses law, which allowed parents to relinquish their newborns at designated 'safe' locations such as a hospital, fire station, free standing emergency center, or emergency medical services station

Twenty-five years ago, Texas marked the first state to pass a monumental safe haven law, the Baby Moses law, which allowed parents to relinquish their newborns at designated 'safe' locations such as a hospital, fire station, free standing emergency center, or emergency medical services station.

The law was designed to help curb child abandonment allowing the drop-off to be free of prosecution.

However, state legislators continue to cut funding for women's healthcare, as more and more women across the state opt to go without health insurance, making Texas the state with the highest percentage of women without healthcare in the country.

Earlier this year, state Governor Greg Abbott added to the ongoing crisis by installing an order for Texas public hospitals to track the cost of treating illegal immigrants.

The order was designed to deter women from seeking care over fears of being turned over to authorities, a feat which could have added to the increased cases of abandonment.

'All of these intersectional things could be leading to this,' Blake Rocap, a lawyer with the Sissy Farenthold Reproductive Justice Defense Project at the University of Texas at Austin, said.

The effect of the near-total abortion ban Rocap believes, is compounded by 'abysmal' access to prenatal care, 'particularly for people without private insurance, particularly for people without immigration status.'

Kipley also commented on the Governor's new order adding: 'It just shows you the lack of awareness in vulnerable communities, like the undocumented. This is a law that we have that protects human life, and this needs to be shared. If it's not shared, how will they know there's help?'

Yet, even with a record $32.7 billion budget surplus, state lawmakers have not allocated any money towards raising awareness for the concerning issue.

Instead, they allocated $165 million to programs offering alternatives to abortion, including crisis pregnancy centers that claim to provide women unbiased guidance but have been accused of deceptive practices.

Earlier this year, state Governor Greg Abbott (pictured) added the ongoing crisis installing an order for Texas public hospitals to track the cost of treating illegal immigrants. The order was designed to deter women from seeking care over fears of being turned over to authorities, a feat which could have added to the increased cases of abandonment

In light of the disturbing increase of child abandonment, Leah Kipley, the assistant director of the National Safe Haven Alliance met with Texas legislators to advocate for a safe haven awareness campaign. 'We're all just reeling at the tragedies and hoping we can make some meaningful changes to prevent this,' Kipley said.

The appropriation included at least $2 million for an initiative promoting adoption.

Other states however have recently updated its safe haven law to incorporate a hotline as well as a $75,000 bonus allocated towards educational content for this year and next.

In Virginia, $50,000 has been allocated each year for safe haven awareness in the form of billboards, a website, training program and various public service announcements.

Illinois also requires its public schooling system to provide teachings about the safe haven law and offers a free curriculum on the law.

'Women don't know what to do,' a wealthy Texas township board director, Shelley Sekula-Gibbsshe said.

'We have to educate, to give them more choices, to give them a chance to provide a loving home for their child.'

Texas did however join several other states in passing laws allowing communities to install Safe Haven Baby Boxes, climate-controlled padded drawers installed within fire stations exterior.

The safe boxes allow for a safe drop-off as they are equipped with a silent alarm, alerting first responders to the drop. Though the drawers come at high cost, nearing a total of $20,000 per box.

In Texas, a child who is 60 days old or younger may be relinquished to authorities.

The child may be relinquished by his or her parent.

Yet, there are only two boxes in all of Texas, according to the Safe Haven Baby Box website.
A Colorado man tackled and strangled a television reporter in a potentially racially motivated attack, according to police.

Patrick Egan, 38, has been accused of following and attacking KKCO/KJCT reporter Ja'Ronn Alex on December 18 in Grand Junction, Colorado.

Alex told police that he believes Egan targeted him because he is Pacific Islander.

Egan physically attacked Alex after demanding to know if he was a citizen and shouting 'This is Trump's America now,' according to the affidavit.

The alleged aggressor followed Alex's car for about 40 miles from the Delta area before pulling up to him at a stoplight and verbally harassing him, the Associated Press reported.

Egan, who was driving a Sunshine Rides taxi, shouted at Alex that he was a marine and he 'took an oath to protect this country from people like you!'

The young reporter, who is originally from Detroit, was coming back from an assignment when the incident occurred and was driving company vehicle.

He drove away from Egan and returned to the news station - but the suspect continued following him.

Patrick Egan, 38, has been arrested and accused of bias-motivated crimes, 2nd degree assault by strangulation and harassment by following and ethnic intimidation

KKCO/KJCT reporter Ja'Ronn Alex was reportedly followed by Egan for about 40 miles before the physical attack

Egan was driving behind Alex in a Sunshine Rides taxi. He followed the young reporter from the Delta area to Grand Junction

As Alex left his car and walked to the station's entrance, Egan ran after him and reportedly ordered Alex to show him identification, according to police documents.

The situation quickly turned violent, as Egan then tackled the reporter, put him in a headlock and 'began to strangle him,' according to the affidavit.

Fellow reporters rushed to help Alex, who was seemed to be struggling to breathe during the brutal attack that was partially captured by surveillance cameras, the Associated Press reported.

Police soon arrived and arrested Egan on bias-motivated crimes, 2nd degree assault by strangulation and harassment by following and ethnic intimidation charges.

The bias crimes and assault charges are both felonies, while the harassment charge is a misdemeanor.

After his arrest, he was taken to Mesa County Detention Facility, according to a statement from the Grand Junction Police Department.

He will appear in court on Thursday to learn what formal charges have been filed against him.

KKCO reported that Egan's bail is set at $20,000. The outlet also reached out to Sunshine Rides about the attack.

Alex earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Clemson University in 2023

Alex told police that he believes he was targeted because he is Pacific Islander

The taxi company's General Manager Kelly Millan said in a statement: 'This type of behavior has no place in our society and I strongly condemn it. I deeply regret the harm and disruption this has caused the victim, his family and co-workers.

'Sunshine Rides has suspended Egan pending a full investigation, will assist law enforcement and will use this incident to re-emphasize our core values and expectations with our entire team.'

According to his author's profile, Alex earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Clemson University in 2023.

KJCT and KKCO are sister stations that share a studio in Grand Junction. KJCT is an ABC affiliate and KKCO is a local branch of NBC.

On social media, people have shared their disgust with Egan's actions.

Under a selfie Egan posted just a day before the violent attack and his arrest, more than 100 viewers expressed their outrage.

'Trumps America? Boy, you try that with me and see what happens next,' one commenter wrote, referencing the fact that Egan cited soon-to-be president Donald Trump during the incident.

Someone sarcastically added: 'All the misery in your life is obviously the fault of some 22-year-old TV reporter.'

People slammed Egan for his horrific actions under a Facebook post he made just one day before the attack

Egan reportedly referenced Donald Trump while yelling at Alex, stating 'This is Trump's America now'

'What kind of loser commits an unprovoked attack like Patrick did? A very stupid and racist one,' another chimed in.

Several people called him a disappointment to the US military community.

'This guy is a disgrace to the marines. What a total loser,' someone said.
Two Oregon men who ventured into the woods of Washington state on a Christmas Eve hunt for Sasquatch have been found dead, authorities confirmed on Saturday.

The 59-year-old and 37-year-old, whose names have not yet been released, tragically failed to return from their expedition, sparking a frantic three-day search across the rugged Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

The men's deaths are believed to be the result of exposure to the harsh winter conditions.

With no signs of foul play or injury, authorities speculate that the pair's lack of preparation for the extreme weather may have led to their deaths.

The Sheriff's Office pointed out that the weather conditions and the men's inadequate gear were major factors in the fatal outcome.

The pair's ill-fated trip began on Christmas Eve when they set out to search for Sasquatch, the elusive creature of folklore often said to roam the forests of the Pacific Northwest.

But after the men failed to return to their holiday outing, a family member alerted authorities to their disappearance at around 1 am on Christmas Day.

Two Oregon men who ventured into the woods of Washington state on a Christmas Eve hunt for Sasquatch have been found dead, authorities confirmed on Saturday. Pictured: Search-and-rescue teams search for the missing Sasquatch hunters

The men's deaths are believed to be the result of exposure to the harsh winter conditions. Pictured: Ground teams search the Gifford Pinchot National Forest for the missing men

A massive three-day search effort ensued, involving over 60 volunteers, including search-and-rescue teams, canine units, drones, and ground searchers.

The Coast Guard also joined the search, using infrared technology to scan the forest from the air.

Authorities eventually used camera footage to track down the men's vehicle, located off Oklahoma Road near Willard, about 150 miles northeast of Portland.

From there, the teams zeroed in on the remote, heavily wooded area where the bodies were discovered.

The Gifford Pinchot National Forest is known for its vast, rugged terrain - and winter conditions can be unforgiving, even for experienced hikers.

The Coast Guard also joined the search, using infrared technology to scan the forest from the air

The Gifford Pinchot National Forest is known for its vast, rugged terrain, and winter conditions can be unforgiving, even for experienced hikers

As of now, the deaths of the two men are considered accidental, though the investigation into the specifics of the case is ongoing.

'The Skamania County Sheriff's Office extends our deepest sympathies and condolences to the families of the loved ones lost in this tragic incident,' authorities said.
Chaos erupted at a Canadian airport after a plane experienced landing problems and went up in flames as it slide down the runway. Luckily, only minor injuries were reported.

Halifax Stanfield International Airport was shut down on Saturday night because an Air Canada flight from St. Johns caught on fire when its wheels did not properly deploy during landing, CBC reported.

A passenger of Air Canada Flight 2259, which was operated by PAL Airlines, described the horrifying event.

Nikki Valentine told CBC: 'The plane started to sit at about a 20-degree angle to the left and, as that happened, we heard a pretty loud - what almost sounded like a crash sound - as the wing of the plane started to skid along the pavement, along with what I presume was the engine.

'The plane shook quite a bit and we started seeing fire on the left side of the plane and smoke started coming in the windows.'

She said the plane roughly skid down the runway for a 'decent' span of time as pilots frantically tried to rectify the situation, which occurred around 9:30 pm.

Once the aircraft came to a stop, Valentine said it took about two minutes for everyone to get off the plane - which was partially engulfed in flames at that point. Passengers were loaded onto a bus after they exited the aircraft.

An Air Canada plane experienced landing problems and went up in flames as is it slide down the runway

Shocking footage showed the plane seemingly loosing control as it skid down the runway while the aircraft started burning

Shocking footage shows the plane on fire as one of its wing drags down the runway, creating a loud screeching sound.

'One side of the entire plane was on fire, so everyone was pretty much in a hurry to get off, but an organized hurry,' she told CBC.

Air Canada spokesperson Peter Fitzpatrick said to the Toronto Star that the flight experienced a 'suspected landing gear issue,' but none of the 73 passengers were seriously harmed.

A spokesperson from the Nova Scotia Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), which responded to the scene alongside paramedics, said minor injuries were reported.

One of the airport's runways has been re-opened since the shocking landing. The incident is being investigated to determine what exactly went wrong.

The Air Canada plane malfunction came just hours after a South Korean passenger plane skid down the runway and collided with a concrete wall, killing at least 85 people, according to the Associated Press.

The Jeju Air flight was returning from Bangkok when the gut-wrenching scene unfolded at Muan International Airport.

No one was seriously harmed in the incident, which is under investigation

The 15-year-old Boeing 737-800 jet's front landing gear reportedly failed to deploy.

Lee Jeong-hyeon, chief of the Muan fire station, said the plane was totally wrecked and that firemen were searching for bodies scattered around the runway from the impact.

At least 32 fire trucks and multiple helicopters responded to the crash to try and contain the Sunday morning (local time) fire.
An electric vehicle owner has been blindsided by 'idle fees' after leaving their fully-charged Polestar plugged in for hours at Australia's biggest shopping centre.

They left the Polestar charging for an extensive period while running Christmas errands at Melbourne's Chadstone Shopping Centre, racking up $200 in fees.

The incident has sparked a heated debate about charging etiquette after a fellow shopper shared a photo of the offending EV online.

'That's gonna be one hell of an idle bill,' they wrote commented.

Idle fees usually cost a dollar per minute and are charged to owners who keep their fully-charged EV connected to a car park charger.

The fees were introduced to stop drivers from using the limited charging bays for extended periods.

A fellow EV driver led calls for tougher deterrents for EV owners using fast chargers at public places such as shopping centres.

'All fast chargers should have idle fees,' they said.

A driver has been caught out while Christmas shopping, racking up $200 in idle fees after leaving their fully-charged EV car for hours at a charging station (pictured)

The EV owners racked up the fine while shopping at Chadstone Shopping Centre last week

The incident has sparked a plea from the Electric Vehicle Council for EV owners to show respect to fellow drivers during the busy post-Christmas sales and holiday period.

'Don't overstay your charge, leave home with a full battery, and be courteous to your fellow EV drivers,' legal, policy, and advocacy head Aman Gaur told Yahoo.

Western Australia first trialled idle fees in mid-2023 and is expected to expand increasingly across Australia.

Tesla applies the fees to busy superchargers, and the NRMA has indicated that it plans to introduce them in the future.

Tesla's idle fees only apply when a station is at more than 50 per cent capacity, with the fees doubling at full capacity.

Almost one in 10 new cars sold in Australia are electric, according to the EVC.

More than 100,000 vehicles were added to Australian roads in 2024.

Many Aussies are pushing for more idle fees to reduce the amount of time motorists park in charging bays

Authorities and businesses have rushed to build and maintain enough fast public chargers.

There are reportedly 1,059 charging locations in Australia, with 1,849 high-power public chargers.

'Luckily, the public charging network is growing to keep up with demand. Over the past year, the number of public chargers and their locations has nearly doubled across the country, with more public and private investment in the pipeline to expand this further in the new year,' Mr Gaur said.

'A couple of summers ago, EV drivers in need of charging faced a bumpy road, largely due to Covid-related supply chain disruptions that impacted the availability of spare parts.'

Electric vehicle sales are expected to continue rising as major brands continue to target the Australian market.

Chinese brands are closing in on established EV manufacturers with Australia's electric appetite extending to brands like BYD who surpassed Tesla as the biggest EV manufacturer in the world last year.

The federal government is also encouraging Aussies to purchase electric cars through different environmentally-geared policies.

However, hybrid vehicle owners will lose their ability to claim a Fringe Benefits Tax exemption on plug-in hybrids from April 1 2025.

Announced in October, a reclassification of the law will mean plug-in hybrids are no longer considered zero or low-emissions vehicles, but fully electric vehicles will remain eligible for the exemption.
The heartbreaking last words of a passenger on the doomed Jeju Air flight that crashed, so far killing 179, have been revealed.

Jeju Air flight 7C2216, arriving from the Thai capital Bangkok with 181 people on board, was attempting to land shortly after 9 a.m. (0000 GMT) at South Korea's Muan International Airport when it veered off the runway and erupted in a fireball as it slammed into a wall.

A passenger texted a relative to say a bird was stuck in the wing of the plane, the News1 agency reported. The person's final message was, 'Should I say my last words?'

The crash is the worst by any South Korean airline since a 1997 Korean Air crash in Guam that killed more than 200 people, according to transportation ministry data.

The twin-engine Boeing 737-800 can be seen in video from local media skidding down the runway with no apparent landing gear before slamming into a wall in an explosion of flame and debris. Other photos showed smoke and fire engulfing parts of the plane.

Investigators are looking into bird strikes and weather conditions as possible factors. Local media cited airport authorities as saying a bird strike may have caused the landing gear to malfunction.

Senior Transport Ministry official Joo Jong-wan said workers have retrieved the flight data and cockpit voice recorders of the plane's black box, which will be examined by government experts investigating the cause of the crash and fire.

The control tower issued a bird strike warning and shortly afterwards the pilots declared mayday, a transport ministry official said, without specifying whether the flight said it struck any birds.

About one minute after the mayday call the aircraft made its ill-fated attempt to land, the official said.

Fire and smoke rise from the tail section of a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 series aircraft after the plane crashed and burst into flames at Muan International Airport

Rescue team carry the body of a passenger at the site of a plane fire at Muan International Airport in Muan, South Korea

An official from fire station briefs to the family members of the passengers on a plane which burst into flames, at the Muan International Airport in Muan, South Korea

Rescuers operate at the site of an airplane crash at the Muan International Airport, some 290 km southwest of Seoul, South Korea, Dec. 29, 2024

Thirty-two fire trucks and several helicopters were deployed to contain the fire. About 1,560 firefighters, police officers, soldiers and other officials were also sent to the site.

Lee Hyeon-ji, a response team officer at the local fire department, said the death toll would likely continue to rise 'due to the critically injured'.

Hours after the crash, mortuary vehicles were lined up to take bodies away, and authorities said a temporary morgue had been established.

The crash site smelled of aviation fuel and blood, according to Reuters witnesses, and workers in protective suits and masks combed the area while soldiers searched through bushes.

Yonhap news agency cited a fire official as saying most of 175 passengers and six crew were presumed dead.

Authorities had worked to rescue people in the tail section, an airport official told Reuters shortly after the crash.

Two crew members, a man and a woman, were rescued from the tail section of the burning plane, Muan fire chief Lee Jung-hyun told a briefing. The fire was extinguished as of 1 p.m., Lee said.

'Only the tail part retains a little bit of shape, and the rest of (the plane) looks almost impossible to recognise,' he said.

This handout photo taken and released on December 29, 2024 by the South Korean National Fire Agency shows the scene where a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 series aircraft crashed and burst into flames at Muan International Airport

Jeju Air flight 7C2216 seen engulfed in flames as it slams into a wall following a crash after landing at Muan International Airport in Muan, South Korea

The crash site smelled of aviation fuel and blood, according to Reuters witnesses

South Korean rescue team members check near the wreckage

South Korean soldiers check near the wreckage of a passenger plane at Muan International Airport

The wreckage of the Jeju Air aircraft is seen at Muan International Airport in Muan, South Korea, December 29 2024

Firefighters carry the body of a passenger from the wreckage of a passenger plane at Muan International Airport on December 29, 2024

A chair from the wreckage sits alone on the grass with a newspaper seen on the seat

Authorities have switched from rescue to recovery operations and because of the force of the impact, are searching nearby areas for bodies possibly thrown from the plane, Lee added.

The passengers included two Thai nationals and the rest are believed to be South Koreans, according to the transportation ministry.

The Boeing 737-800 jet, operated by Jeju Air, was manufactured in 2009, the transport ministry said.

Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae apologised for the accident, bowing deeply during a televised briefing.

He said the cause of the crash was still unknown, that the aircraft had no record of accidents and there were no early signs of malfunction.

The airline will cooperate with investigators and make supporting the bereaved its top priority, Kim said.

No abnormal conditions were reported when the aircraft left Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport, said Kerati Kijmanawat, president of Airports of Thailand.

Founded in 2005, Jeju Air is a low-cost airline that operates international routes to Japan, Thailand, and the Philippines, in addition to numerous domestic flights.

People listen at Muan International Airport as an official discloses the additional names of passengers who died in the horror plane crash

A relative of a passenger of the aircraft reacts at the Muan International Airport on December 29, 2024

Firefighters walk past people and relatives of passengers of the crashed Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 series aircraft react at Muan International Airport in South Jeolla Province

Members of Korea Crime Scene Investigation (KCSI) search around the wreckage of the Jeju Air aircraft at Muan International Airport in Muan

People and relatives of passengers of the crashed Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 series aircraft react at Muan International Airport in South Jeolla Province

Firefighters walk near the charred remains of the aircraft on the runway at Muan International Airport - December 29, 2024

Boeing said in a emailed statement, 'We are in contact with Jeju Air regarding flight 2216 and stand ready to support them.

'We extend our deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones, and our thoughts remain with the passengers and crew.'

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

All domestic and international flights at Muan airport had been cancelled, Yonhap reported.

South Korean acting President Choi Sang-mok, named interim leader of the country on Friday in an ongoing political crisis, arrived at the scene of the accident and said the government was putting all its resources into dealing with the crash.

Two Thai women were on the plane, aged 22 and 45, Thai government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub said, adding that details were still being verified.

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra sent condolences to the families of the dead and injured in a post on X, saying she had instructed the foreign ministry to provide assistance.

The ministry said in a statement it was in touch with the South Korean authorities.

The Foreign Office has confirmed to MailOnline that no Britons were on board the flight.

An excavator is used to lift burnt chairs from the wreckage - December 29, 2024

An oxygen mask hangs from a post at the site where the aircraft crashed at Muan International Airport - December 29, 2024

Rescue workers take part in a salvage operation at the site where an aircraft crashed after it went off the runway at Muan International Airport, in Muan, South Korea - December 29, 2024

A person rescued from the wreckage is wheeled on a stretcher from an ambulance to a medical facility

The wreckage of an aircraft lies on the ground after it went off the runway and crashed at Muan International Airport, in Muan, South Korea - December 29, 2024

Rescue workers stand beside the wreckage as they search through the debris

The last time South Korea suffered a large-scale air disaster was in 1997, when a Korean Airline plane crashed in Guam, killing 228 people on board. In 2013, an Asiana Airlines plane crash-landed in San Francisco, killing three and injuring approximately 200.

Sunday's accident was also one of the worst landing mishaps since a July 2007 crash that killed all 187 people on board and 12 others on the ground when an Airbus A320 slid off a slick airstrip in Sao Paulo and collided with a nearby building, according to data compiled by the Flight Safety Foundation, a non-profit group aimed at improving air safety.

In 2010, 158 people died when an Air India Express aircraft overshot a runway in Mangalore, India, and plummeted into a gorge before erupting into flames, according to the safety foundation.
The doomed South Korea flight was warned of a bird strike before making an emergency landing and exploding into a fireball that killed 179 people.

The Jeju Air flight carrying 175 passengers and six crew members was returning from Thailand's capital Bangkok when the horror unfolded at Muan International Airport in South Korea.

Sparks could be seen coming from the 15 year old Boeing 737-800 as it belly landed before the budget airline's aircraft skidded off the runway and ploughed into a concrete wall.

Horror footage showed the plane being torn apart as it erupted into a ball of flames.

South Korea's Transport Ministry has today confirmed that the control tower had sent a warning message that the ill-fated aircraft had suffered a bird strike before the deadly disaster.

Unverified video footage reportedly of the aircraft shows a burst of fire coming out of the jet's right engine supposedly showing the moment the bird struck the plane.

It is believed to have caused the jet's landing gear to malfunction. Two crew members, a man and a woman, were miraculously pulled alive from the tail section of the burning plane.

News1 Agency reported a passenger sent a text message to a relative saying a bird was stuck in the wing.

Their heartbreaking final message read: 'Should I say my last words?'

Unverified video footage reportedly of the Jeju Air plane shows a burst of fire coming out of the jet's right engine supposedly showing the moment the bird struck

Black smoke emits from Jeju Air aircraft flight 7C2216 as it veers off the runway before crashing

A plane carrying 181 people has crashed into a wall at at Muan International Airport in South Korea, the Yonhap news agency reported on Sunday

Rescue workers take part in a salvage operation at the site where an aircraft crashed after it went off the runway at Muan International Airport, in Muan, South Korea - December 29, 2024

Firefighters carry the body of a passenger from the wreckage of a Jeju Air plane at Muan International Airport - December 29, 2024

A person rescued from the wreckage is wheeled on a stretcher from an ambulance to a medical facility

The wreckage of an aircraft lies on the ground after it went off the runway and crashed at Muan International Airport, in Muan, South Korea - December 29, 2024

Firefighters carry burnt chairs from the deadly aircraft crash at Muan International Airport - December 29, 2024

An excavator is used to lift burnt chairs from the wreckage - December 29, 2024

Authorities have confirmed all passengers and four crew members were among the 179 dead. Two crew members - a man and woman - were the sole survivors.

'After the plane collided with the wall, passengers were thrown out of the aircraft. The chances of survival are extremely low,' a firefighting agency official told South Korean news agency Yonhap.

'The aircraft has almost completely been destroyed, and it is difficult to identify the deceased. We are in the process of recovering the remains, which will take time.'

The two rescued crew members were taken to separate hospitals in South Korea city Mokpo before being transferred to Seoul. Their injuries are not life-threatening.

Eyewitness Yoo Jae-yong, 41, who was staying at a rental house near the airport, told Yonhap news agency he saw a spark on the plane's right wing before the crash.

'I was telling my family there was a problem with the plane when I heard a loud explosion,' Yoo said.

Another witness, named only as Cho, was taking a walk near the airport when he saw a flash of light as the plane descended.

'Then there was a loud bang followed by smoke in the air, and then I heard a series of explosions,' he said.

A South Korean transport official earlier said that the plane had attempted to land but was told by the air traffic control to hold off after giving a bird strike warning.

Around two minutes later the pilot called a Mayday and was given permission to land from the opposite direction.

The head pilot had been in his role since 2019 and had more than 9,800 hours of flight experience.

Marco Chan, a senior lecturer in aviation operations at Buckinghamshire New University, said the evidence suggested the plane had encountered a flock of birds 'leading to suspected bird ingestion into the engines'.

'Witnesses reported hearing explosions and seeing flames from the right-hand engine, indicating potential damage,' he said.

'This damage may have caused a hydraulic system failure, which could explain the inability to deploy the landing gear.'

He said the tight timeline between the bird strike warning and the pilot declaring Mayday meant it 'likely constrained the crew's ability to troubleshoot effectively and assess all options, including possible diversion to an alternate airport with a longer runway'.

'The inability to deploy the landing gear forced the crew to attempt a belly landing on Muan's 2,800-metre runway,' he added.

'The Boeing 737-800 is a reliable and widely used aircraft, and this crash appears to result from an unfortunate chain of events rather than a systemic design flaw.

'The findings from the investigation will provide critical lessons for preventing similar tragedies in the future.

'Our thoughts are with the family and friends of all crew and passengers on Jeju Air Flight 7C-2216, and the aviation industry must learn lessons from this tragic incident.'

A member of Korea Crime Scene Investigation inspects the wreckage of the Jeju Air aircraft

Rescue workers stand beside the wreckage as they search through the debris

Firefighters and rescue team members work near the wreckage of a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 series aircraft - December 29, 2024

The search for the remaining two missing passengers has continued into the night with 177 of the 181 on board confirmed dead

Firefighters and rescue personnel carry the body of a victim near the scene where a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 series aircraft crashed

Firefighters walk near the charred remains of the aircraft on the runway at Muan International Airport - December 29, 2024

Firefighters carry the body of a passenger from the wreckage. At least 125 people have been killed

Rescue workers take part in a salvage operation at the site where an aircraft crashed after it went off the runway at Muan International Airport, in Muan, South Korea - December 29, 2024

People listen at Muan International Airport as an official discloses the additional names of passengers who died in the horror plane crash

An oxygen mask hangs from a post at the site where the aircraft crashed at Muan International Airport - December 29, 2024

A chair from the wreckage sits alone on the grass with a newspaper seen on the seat

A life jacket hangs on fencing next to the wreckage of an aircraft at Muan International Airport - December 29, 2024

Firefighters carry out rescue operations at Muan International Airport with the wreckage seen in the background

Firefighters work at the wreckage of the Jeju Air aircraft at Muan International Airport in Muan - December 29, 2024

Pictures from the scene show the tail of the aircraft surrounded by debris with smoke coming out of it as firefighters tackle the blaze

Firefighters putting the fire out after the plane drove off runway and crashed into a wall

A rescue worker walks past the wreckage of an aircraft that has claimed the lives of at least 124 people - December 29, 2024

Foreign Secretary David Lammy this morning said in a message posted on X that he was 'deeply saddened by the news of the plane crash overnight in South Korea'.

'My heartfelt condolences go out to the people of South Korea and Thailand, and all those that have lost loved ones,' he said.

Other world leaders joined Mr Lammy in sending their condolences to the grieving families.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz wrote on X: 'We have received terrible news of a plane crash in South Korea with many fatalities. Our condolences go out to the families of those killed in the crash and we wish the injured a speedy recovery.'

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said: 'On behalf of the Ukrainian people and myself, I extend heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the people of Korea, and Acting President Choi Sang-mok. We share your sorrow and stand with the Korean people in this time of grief.'

There were wails in the airport's arrivals hall as families wept loudly when a medic announced the names of 22 dead passengers. They were identified by their fingerprints.

One woman was carried away on a stretcher, apparently having passed out from shock.

The boards typically used for arrival and departure information were instead displaying the names, dates of birth and nationalities of the victims.

'I had a son on board that plane ... He has yet to be identified,' one elderly man waiting in the airport lounge, who asked not to be named, told AFP

The death toll includes at least 82 men and 84 women, according to the National Fire Agency.

According to authorities, the youngest passenger was a three-year-old boy and the oldest was a 78-year-old.

Five of the dead were children under the age of 10, authorities said, citing the passenger manifest.

The toll is expected to continue rising as the rest of the people aboard the plane remain missing following the horrific crash that is one of the deadliest disasters in South Korea's aviation history.

Family members hugged and cried at the airport as Red Cross volunteers handed out blankets to bereaved relatives.

One stood at a microphone to ask for more information from authorities. 'My older brother died and I don't know what's going on,' he said. 'I don't know.'

Mortuary vehicles lined up outside to take bodies away, and authorities said a temporary morgue had been established inside the airport.

The bodies of 11 other passengers aboard the deadly flight were so brutally injured that their gender was not immediately clear, officials said.

The passengers on board the flight included 173 South Koreans and two Thais, Yonhap reported.

Of those on board, 82 were men and 93 were women, ranging in age from as young as three to 78 years old.

Two survivors were miraculously pulled from the wreckage but all of the remaining 179 passengers are presumed dead. They were both crew members and are conscious, the fire agency said.

Thirty-two fire trucks and several helicopters were deployed to contain the fire. About 1,560 firefighters, police officers, soldiers and other officials were also sent to the site.

Haunting footage shows the plane sliding along the runway when its landing gear seemingly failed

Pictures taken from the scene shows a huge plume of smoke as firefighters tackle the blaze

Foreign Secretary David Lammy sent his heartfelt condolences and said he was 'deeply saddened by the news of the plane crash'

The country's emergency office says the 175 passengers were on board when the plane slammed into the wall

Some of the debris is seen on the runway at Muan International Airport

The wreckage left behind after the plane carrying 175 passengers crashed in South Korea

Lee Hyeon-ji, a response team officer at the local fire department, said the death toll would likely continue to rise 'due to the critically injured'.

The Juju Air website this morning was changed to a black background with a message that read: 'We deeply apologize to all those affected by the incident at Muan Airport.

'We will make every effort to resolve the situation. We sincerely regret the distress caused.'

In a post on social platform X, Thai prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed deep condolences to the families of those affected by the accident.

She said she had ordered the foreign affairs ministry to provide assistance immediately.

Kerati Kijmanawat, director of the Airports of Thailand, confirmed in a statement that Jeju Air flight 7C 2216 had taken off from Suvarnabhumi Airport with no reports of abnormal conditions with the aircraft or on the runway.

Jeju Air issued a statement expressing its 'deep apology' over the crash and said it will do its 'utmost to manage the aftermath of the accident'.

In a televised news conference, the airline's chief executive, Kim E-bae, gave a deep bow with other senior company officials as he apologised to bereaved families and said he feels 'full responsibility' for the incident.

He said the company had not identified any mechanical problems with the aircraft following regular checks and that he would wait for the results of government investigations into the cause of the incident.

Haunting snaps taken from the scene shows a huge plume of smoke as scores firefighters with 32 trucks were tackling the blaze.

The horror crash is believed to have been caused by 'contact with birds, resulting in malfunctioning landing gear' as the plane attempted to land at the airport in the country's southwest.

The flight had reportedly attempted one landing before being forced to turn around and tried to land again when the landing gear failed to lower normally.

Footage has emerged of the moment the plane attempts to land - and appears to have an issue with its landing gear.

The aircraft appears to slide along the runway, but it fails to slow down.

It then slams into the concrete wall at the end of the runway and erupts into a ball of flames.

Frantic emergency services then rush to the scene.

According to Flightradar data, the plane was a 15-year-old Boeing 737-800 departed from Bangkok at 2.29am local time and was due to arrive at 8.30 but landed at 8.59am.

According to Flightradar data, the plane was a Boeing 737 departed from Bangkok at 2.29am local time and was due to arrive at 8.30 but landed at 8.59am

A number of emergency services rushed to the scene to respond to the horror crash

Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae (C-R) and other company officials express their apologies ahead of a press conference held in Seoul, South Korea, 29 December 2024, hours after the deadly crash of one of its flights

Acting President Choi Sang-mok, pictured, called for the mobilisation of all resources to save the passengers

Boeing has said it is in contact with Jeju Air about the disaster.

In a statement the plane-maker said: 'We are in contact with Jeju Air regarding flight 2216 and stand ready to support them.

'We extend our deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones, and our thoughts remain with the passengers and crew.'

A photo showed the tail section of the jet engulfed in flames on what appeared to be the side of the runway, with firefighters and emergency vehicles nearby.

Firefighters have since extinguished the fire and search and rescue operations have been deployed on site.

An on-site investigation has now been launched to determine the exact cause of the crash.

Acting President Choi Sang-mok called for the mobilisation of all resources to save the passengers.

'All related agencies... must mobilise all available resources to save the personnel,' he instructed officials in a statement.

The country's ousted president Yoon Suk Yeol sent his 'deep condolences to the families of those who had died'.

'I extend my deepest condolences and sympathy to those who lost their precious lives and to the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones,' Yoon said in a Facebook post.

'I am overwhelmed with grief and sorrow,' he added.

'I trust that the government will do its utmost to manage the aftermath of the accident and support the victims. I also urge everyone to prioritise the safety of firefighters and all rescue personnel amid these urgent circumstances.

'I will stand with the people to help overcome this difficult situation as quickly as possible.'

The Foreign Office has confirmed to MailOnline that no Britons were on board the flight.

It is one of the deadliest disasters in South Korea's aviation history.

The last time South Korea suffered a large-scale air disaster was in 1997, when a Korean Airline plane crashed in Guam, killing 228 people on board. In 2013, an Asiana Airlines plane crash-landed in San Francisco, killing three and injuring approximately 200.

Sunday's accident was also one of the worst landing mishaps since a July 2007 crash that killed all 187 people on board and 12 others on the ground when an Airbus A320 slid off a slick airstrip in Sao Paulo and collided with a nearby building, according to data compiled by the Flight Safety Foundation, a non-profit group aimed at improving air safety.

In 2010, 158 people died when an Air India Express aircraft overshot a runway in Mangalore, India, and plummeted into a gorge before erupting into flames, according to the safety foundation.

Read more on our live blog, here: South Korea plane crash latest: Dozens dead after aircraft's 'landing gear fails' with 181 onboard
Police have busted a gang that was allegedly importing cocaine and other drugs into the UK via boxes of frozen broccoli, leading to the arrest of nine British suspects.

Officers in Spain seized two-and-a-half tonnes of cannabis and 187 kilos of cocaine during property searches and a raid on a warehouse in Guadalajara, 40 miles north-east of Madrid.

Footage released by the National Police showed investigators opening the boxes of frozen vegetables to find countless blocks of drugs, such as a type of cannabis labelled Banana Kush.

The successful raid led to several arrests, with seven of the suspects being held in Britain and the other two in Spain, with the force not ruling out that more will be made as their investigation remains open.

The police operation, codenamed Operation Balandro, began more than two years ago and has seen Spain's National Police working with the UK's National Crime Agency.

In the first phase of the operation, detectives identified the companies the criminal organisation was using to smuggle the drugs into the UK and the suspects involved in storing and distributing the narcotics.

And after receiving tip offs from Spanish police, UK officers were able to make a number of drug interceptions which enabled detectives to narrow down the number of firms involved.

One of these was a fruit and veg import-export firm based in the province of Guadalajara, which officers detected as being a potential criminal base halfway through this year.

Footage released by the National Police showed investigators opening the boxes of frozen broccoli to find countless blocks of drugs

Officers in Spain seized two-and-a-half tonnes of cannabis and 187 kilos of cocaine during property searches and a raid on a warehouse in Guadalajara 40 miles north-east of Madrid

A number of blocks of cannabis were labelled Banana Kush

In October, officers found out one of the shipments from the this warehouse, consisting of three pallets with boxes of broccoli, had been sent to Manchester.

They also discovered that one of the heads of the criminal organisation had travelled to the city to coordinate its arrival.

While this was happening, two other members of the criminal gang were in Spain preparing a new shipment of boxes of frozen broccoli.

It was this moment that officers decided to act, police said.

A spokesman for the National Police said: 'Halfway through this year officers detected a new company from which the drugs were being sent, a fruit and veg import-export firm based in the province of Guadalajara.

'During surveillance work investigators identified the members of the criminal organisation who were going to the warehouse used as a storage facility, where the drug shipments were prepared and hidden inside boxes of broccoli.

'Detectives also discovered the gang members were staying at a nearby apartment and using rental cars hired by other people.

'Halfway through October officers found out one of the shipments from the Guadalajara warehouse, consisting of three pallets with boxes of broccoli, had been sent to Manchester and that one of the heads of the criminal organisation had travelled to the city to coordinate its receipt.

In October, officers found out one of the shipments from the this warehouse, consisting of three pallets with boxes of broccoli, had been sent to Manchester

The successful raid led to several arrests, with seven of the suspects being held in Britain and the other two in Spain

'Meanwhile two members of the organisation who were in Spain began preparing a new shipment of boxes of frozen broccoli.

'After detecting these activities officers organised an operation in which a total of 400 kilos of cannabis ready to be sent under the guise of a legitimate import was seized and two gang members arrested.

'The NCA simultaneously seized 600 kilograms of cannabis and arrested seven other members.

'The operation ended with seven of the nine suspects being remanded in custody, 2,455 kilos of cannabis and 187 kilos of cocaine being seized, along with 590 euros in cash, documents and encrypted telephone terminals.

'The investigation remains open and further arrests have not been ruled out.'
A man has been shot dead in a suspected gangland hit, before a car believed to have been used to escape the scene was found burnt out 3km away.

Emergency services were called to Sutherland Street, Canley Heights in Sydney's south-west, about 6.50pm on Sunday following reports shots had been fired.

Paramedics treated the man, believed to be in his 30s, for gunshot wounds at the scene but he was unable to be revived.

Several ambulances and police vehicles rushed to the area, bringing dozens of emergency responders as a helicopter flew overhead.

Detectives were seen going door to door to speak with shocked residents of nearby houses as forensic officers scoured the area.

Local traffic was diverted down an alternative route, while police crime scene tape kept onlookers at a distance from where the man was shot.

Shortly after the shooting, an abandoned white car was found alight at Welcome Park in the nearby suburb of Wakeley.

Police kept onlookers away from the burning car, engulfed in flames, as a second crime scene was established.

A man was shot dead in suburban Sydney on Sunday. The scene of the shooting is pictured

The suspected getaway car (pictured) was later found burnt out 3km away in nearby Wakeley

Police believe both incidents are linked.

The sound of several mini-explosions from the blazing vehicle could be heard before the fire brigade arrived.

Fire and Rescue NSW crews managed to extinguish the fire without nearby vehicles being set alight by the flying embers.

No other reports of injuries have been received.

Officers attached to Fairfield Police Area established a crime scene, which will be forensically examined.

Detectives and police officers worked into the night on Sutherland St looking for evidence and talking to potential witnesses.

The gunman remains on the run on early Monday morning.

'Investigations into the incidents  which are believed to be linked  are underway by officers from Fairfield City Police Area Command, assisted by State Crime Commands Homicide Squad,' a NSW Police spokesman said.

'A report will be prepared for the coroner.'

It's understood a new strike force will be established to investigate if there are any links with the most recent gangland shootings across Sydney.

Paramedics (pictured) treated the man for gunshot wounds at the scene but he was unable to be revived

Police cordoned off Sutherland Street in Canley Heights on Sunday night after a man was gunned down

A second crime scene was established 3km away in Wakeley, where an abandoned vehicle was set on fire

Police believe the burnt out vehicle found in Wakeley is linked to the Canley Heights shooting

The latest suspected Sydney gangland killing comes just over a month after Comanchero associate Nadal Acherkouk was shot dead in the carpark of a busy petrol station.

Police were called to Baptist Street in the inner city suburb of Surry Hills after gunshots were reported just before 8pm on Friday, November 22.

Police found Acherkouk, 31, near the carpark of a BP service station on the corner of Crown and Cleveland Streets.

The killers were wearing Batman-style capes as they ran towards him and sprayed him with bullets.

Acherkouk had links to underworld organisations in Sydney and was known to police at the time of his death.

South Sydney Police Area Command Superintendent Andrew Garner said he believed the attack was 'targeted, and that (Acherkouk) was the intended target of that attack, and theres no broader risk or threat to the public in relation to this'.

'He was alone in his vehicle in the service station,' Supt Garner added.

'After that he got out of the vehicle and went on foot down Cleveland Street where he has succumbed to his injuries.'

Supt Garner said the incident was 'outrageous' and demonstrated a lack of regard for public safety in a busy and crowded part of the city.

'We'll be working very hard to identify and arrest those involved and hold them to account,' he said.

Police spent Sunday night scouring the Canley Heights scene and door knocking residents

Tarek Ayoub (pictured), 29, was peppered with up to seven bullets on Harold Street in Parramatta. Detectives said he was an underworld figure known as the 'Angel of Death'

In August, an underworld figure known as the 'Angel of Death' was shot dead in a hail of bullets in western Sydney, as police admitted there were 'too many suspects and too many motives' for the gangland hit.

Tarek Ayoub, 29, was peppered with up to seven bullets on Harold Street in Parramatta at around 3.30am on August 26.

A manhunt was launched for at least two gunmen who allegedly fled the scene in a stolen Audi sedan before setting it alight on a street around 4km from the crime scene at about 3.45am.

Witnesses saw them run from the burning car before fleeing in a white SUV.

Homicide Squad Commander Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty said Ayoub was visiting an associate when he was shot a large number of times in the car park.

He said Ayoub was a known underworld associate with an extensive criminal background and his demise came as no surprise to detectives because he 'lived and died by the sword'.

It was a targeted shooting. He had a long history of violence,' Detective Doherty told reporters at the time.

'Hes connected to several organised crime groups. He was known in the underworld as the Angel of Death.'
More Aussies are turning up to these types of holidays and turning off their phones.

More Aussies are waving goodbye to their phone while participating in the 'silent tourism' trend. Source: Supplied

For many of us, it can feel like there's never a buzzing phone too far away  or someone or something tugging at our attention. And, although the Christmas holidays are supposed to be a time to kick back and relax, we know the silly season sits solemnly in this reality.

These seemingly relentless prods of a busy life have sparked the rise in a tourism trend in the country, and Aussies and tourists alike are booking these types of holidays in a bid to find the elusive downtime we all crave.

Enter 'silent tourism'  holidays where travellers lock their phones away and tiptoe toward relaxation. It's not a new concept but the sudden uptick has been notable, one holiday provider told Yahoo News.

"People are becoming much more aware of personal health and mental wellness" Kate Gibson from The Hike Collective in Perth, one of many businesses that offer silent tourism holidays, told Yahoo News.

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"It's 'how can we use our downtime to recharge' rather than going on holiday and having an immersive cultural experience, which is great, but maybe not rejuvenating," she said.

More travellers flocking to 'silent tourism' retreats in last year

Gibson has witnessed a notable spike in the number of travellers showing interest in silent tourism retreats and believes social media and our phones are largely behind the surge.

"We had mainly attracted local visitors but over the last 12 to 18 months we've seen a lot of interstate and international travellers heading towards silent tourism," she said. "With social media, everything is surface level and that lack of a connection is growing more and more significant. We want a deeper connection rather than chasing the next Instagram post."

Social media and phone use have been linked to mental health struggles. Source: Supplied

Since its inception, social media has had a finger pointed at it when discussions about the country's worsening mental health rates are flagged. There have long been links to increased stress and anxiety with increased phone use, according to the National Institutes of Health, and now with over 20 million Aussies  almost 80 per cent of the  population using social media, it's no surprise many are locking their phone away when they're trying to relax.

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"We ask our guests to treat the trail like a flight path and switch phones to airplane mode," Gibson said.

"The pace of life and of travel is getting faster and faster and you feel like you have to fit in more and more. This is kind of the opposite of that, it's a slow down."

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Elon Musk has defended his support for Germany's far-right AfD party in an opinion piece in the Welt am Sonntag newspaper on Saturday, prompting a senior editor to resign.

The world's richest man doubled down on his comments from December 20 that 'only the AfD can save Germany', writing that the anti-immigration AfD was the 'last ray of hope for the country' at the 'brink of cultural and economic collapse'.

Despite various branches of the AfD being labelled 'extremist' by Germany's domestic security agency, Musk said the AfD's classification as far-right was 'clearly false' as party leader Alice Weidel 'has a same-sex partner from Sri Lanka'.

With Musk set to play a key role in US President-elect Donald Trump's administration, the billionaire's interventions have triggered accusations of meddling in Germany's democracy.

The country is set to head to the polls on February 23, with the AfD polling at around 19 percent of the vote.

Musk's guest opinion piece in the Welt am Sonntag provoked outraged reactions and the resignation of the conservative title's opinion editor.

'Today a piece by Elon Musk appeared in the Welt am Sonntag. Yesterday I handed in my resignation after it went to print,' Eva Marie Kogel wrote on the X social media platform Musk owns.

Meanwhile the Greens' campaign director Andreas Audretsch wrote: 'We must not allow the Elon Musks of this world, the Chinese state or Russian troll factories to undermine our democracies in Europe.'

Elon Musk (pictured) defended his support for Germany's far-right AfD party in an opinion piece in the Welt am Sonntag newspaper on Saturday

Despite various branches of the AfD being labelled 'extremist' by Germany's domestic security agency, Musk said the AfD's classification as far-right was 'clearly false' as party leader Alice Weidel (pictured) 'has a same-sex partner from Sri Lanka'

The Association of German Journalists (DJV) protested against the 'election advertising' allowed by the newspaper's editorial staff.

'The German media must not allow itself to be manipulated into acting as a mouthpiece for autocrats and their friends,' said DJV leader Mika Beuster.

Even the Welt's new editor-in-chief Jan Philipp Burgard was compelled to disagree with Musk in the opinion piece, writing: 'Even a genius can be wrong'.

Arguing that the AfD 'is a danger to our values and our economy', Burgard pointed out that Bjoern Hoecke, the AfD's leader in Thuringia state, 'has been convicted several times for using a banned Nazi slogan'.

Die Welt belongs to Axel Springer, Germany's most influential press group.

Its lineup includes the Bild tabloid, the country's most-read newspaper.
The critically ill wife of the former Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad has reportedly been barred from returning to Britain for cancer treatment after her passport expired.

Asma al-Assad, 49, will be unable to come back to her native London without her official travel documents amid reports she is severely ill with leukaemia and has only a '50-50' chance of survival.

It comes after her renowned cardiologist father, Fawaz Akhras, left his Harley Street clinic in what appears to be an effort to care for his daughter - who fled to Russia following the collapse of her husband's brutal regime.

Speculation has been swirling in recent days that Asma is looking to divorce Assad and wants to return to Britain to continue her vital cancer treatment.

Whitehall sources, however, have confirmed that Asma - who also holds Syrian nationality - no longer possesses valid British travel documentation after her passport expired in 2020.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has also stated the Government will not allow her to return to the country as the decision 'cannot be based solely on health reasons'.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy previously told MPs that Asma, who was born and raised in Acton, west London, is 'not welcome here'.

Asma became Syria's first lady in 2000 after marrying Assad, 59, in Syria in the same year he took over control of the country after the death of his father, Hafez al-Assad.

Asma al-Assad, 49, will be unable to come back to her native London without her official travel documents amid reports she is severely ill with leukemia and has only a '50-50' chance of survival

Asma is currently exiled in Moscow with the toppled dictator, having left behind their lives of luxury in Syria

Bashar and Asma Al-Assad are pictured meeting with Vladimir Putin in 2005

This is the house where Ms Assad grew up before she married the dictator and moved to Syria

Queen Elizabeth II receives Asma al-Assad and her husband, then Syria's president Bashar Al-Assad, on December 17 2002, at Buckingham Palace, in London on their first visit to Britain

Critics believe she orchestrated a secretive labyrinth of committees and policies, run by her henchman, which controlled everything from access to the internet to subsided food rations.

Her empire also extended to the distribution of foreign aid - effectively she controlled who got what when.

With her role within Assad's dictatorship growing, she was unable to maintain her early image of the liberated woman operating at the heart of power in a Muslim country.

She became one and the same with the Syrian regime's terrible suppression of its people.

Her role in Syria's financial policy also earned her the widespread, unenviable nickname of 'Lady Macbeth' from rebels and commentators alike.

In 2012, Asma was placed under UK and EU sanctions, which constituted an asset freeze and travel ban, after she was believed to have played a key role in supporting Assad throughout Syria's civil war, which began with opposition protests in 2011 and resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths.

Asma is currently exiled in Moscow with her husband and three children after they were given asylum by Vladimir Putin when rebels took control of Damascus in a lightning advance on December 8.

But the former first lady, who left behind a life of luxury, is said to be dissatisfied with her new life under the guard of Putin's regime and reportedly wants to return to London.

Bashar al-Assad and his wife Asma walk in a street of Paris on December 10, 2010

Ms Assad, a dual Syrian-British national, is undergoing cancer treatment in Moscow (pic 2010)

Assad's extended family reportedly purchased at least 18 luxury apartments in the City of Capitals complex, located in Moscow's glittering skyscraper district

She has applied to a Russian court for permission to leave Russia for Britain which is being evaluated by the Russian authorities.

Reports suggested that the toppled dictator and his family are under 'severe restrictions' in Moscow, with Assad reportedly barred from leaving the city or engaging in political activities.

Assad's wider family are believed to own dozens of apartments in the Russian capital and he reportedly moved to Moscow some 270 kilograms of gold and 1.6 billion with him when he fled Syria.

But his assets and money in the country are now said to have been frozen, unconfirmed reports have stated.

After recovering from breast cancer in 2019, Asma was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia, an aggressive cancer of the bone marrow and the blood, in May this year.

Last week The Telegraph reported that she had been given a '50-50' chance of survival and was being kept in isolation to prevent her catching an infection from others.

'Asma is dying,' a source close to the Akhras family told the newspaper. 'She can't be in the same room as anyone.'

Another source said: 'When leukaemia comes back, it's vicious. She has been 50-50 in the last few weeks.'
JK Rowling has come under fire again after stating there are 'no trans kids' and people cannot be born in the wrong body.

Rowling has been the focus of controversy over the last few years for her views on women's rights and transgender issues.

And in a post shared to X - formerly Twitter - the Harry Potter author appeared to go a step further, suggesting transgender children do not exist.

She was responding to a critic who accused her of 'hateful focus on trans kids'.

But Rowling hit back: 'There are no trans kids. No child is "born in the wrong body". There are only adults like you, prepared to sacrifice the health of minors to bolster your belief in an ideology that will end up wreaking more harm than lobotomies and false memory syndrome combined.'

The post elicited an array of strong comments, most supportive of the 59-year-old.

One person said 'J.K. Is a hero' while another added 'as far as I'm concerned, you ARE using your immense power for good'.

This comes as the user who had initially criticised Rowling also said they wished she would use her 'immense power for good'.

Rowling has been the focus of controversy over the last few years for her views on women's rights and transgender issues as she repeatedly asserts 'sex cannot be changed'

Rowling posted in response to a critic where she made the comments there are 'no trans kids' and 'no child is "born in the wrong body"'

Someone replied saying 'Truth!' while another person thanked Rowling for posting the statement to X

Earlier this year Rowling revealed people she worked with who had publicly shunned her for her stance on transgenderism secretly emailed or texted her to 'check they were still friends'.

She said colleagues were eager to distance themselves from her after she supported Maya Forstater in 2019 - a researcher who took her bosses to an employment tribunal alleging she had been discriminated against for stating that people can't change their sex.

Rowling has criticised the term 'people who menstruate' and said the use of words like 'cis' - describing people who are not transgender - was 'ideological language'.

In August this year she also described the Algerian boxer Imane Khalife, who previously failed to meet gender eligibility criteria, as a 'male who knows he's protected by a misogynist sporting establishment'.

In June 2020 Rowling said she knew and 'loved trans people' but added that 'erasing the concept of sex removes the ability of many to meaningfully discuss their lives'.

Other comments shared on Rowling's recent post in relation to 'trans kids' included people thanking her with one user saying 'thank you for being a strong voice in protecting children'.

Another added 'thank you for your opinion based on sanity' while a third said 'the amount of hate hurled at you for standing firmly on the side of truth has been staggering and unsettling - so I really appreciate you not having caved to the cancel crowd'.

There were some who were not adding of the post, however, as one sarcastically called Rowling a 'medical expert'.

There were many supporters who commented on Rowling's post, reaffirming her position on the topic

Many called Rowling 'correct' and suggested the comment on trans children had been 'well stated'

There were also some critics however with one person saying 'most transgender adults were once transgender children'

J.K. Rowling responded to one user who sarcastically said they didn't know the author was 'also a medical expert'

Based on the books by the author, the famous wizarding world was previously turned into films starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint (pictured 2001). The new Harry Potter series, set to premiere in 2026, promises a deeper exploration

Another said: 'Most transgender adults were once transgender children. Denying their existence doesn't erase them, it does however make it harder for them to get the support and care they need.'

Last month American production firm HBO defended Rowling after critics launched a pile-on onto the Harry Potter author over her views on transgender issues.

The company had been inundated with complaints about Rowling serving as an executive producer on the new Harry Potter TV series.

In a statement to Variety, HBO said: 'We are proud to once again tell the story of Harry Potter  the heartwarming books that speak to the power of friendship, resolve and acceptance.

'JK Rowling has a right to express her personal views. We will remain focused on the development of the new series, which will only benefit from her involvement.'

The decision to further adapt Rowling's novels faced criticism from numerous fans, with many calling another adaptation 'unnecessary.'

Others stated they planned to boycott the project due to the author's comments on trans people.

The new Harry Potter series is set to premiere in 2026 and promises a 'faithful' but deeper adaptation.
A state MP has joined growing calls for the Queensland government to ditch millions in unpaid fines issued during Covid and refund those who paid the infringement.

The state's Penalties Enforcement Registry is chasing a whopping $3.2million debt from 2,075 outstanding Covid-19 infringement notices dating back to the start of the pandemic almost five years ago.

It comes after the New South Wales Commissioner of Fines Administration announced last month that its government would withdraw outstanding Covid-19-related penalties, following 'legal representations'.

Katter's Australian Party deputy leader Nick Dametto said the Queensland government should follow suit as an act of goodwill towards the state.

'It's interesting a lot of literature and studies are coming back about how the pandemic was handled, a lot of red flags saying things could have been done better,' he told the Courier Mail.

'There were thousands of fines handed out across Queensland and if the government wants to start righting some of the wrongs of that period  where the government was in control  a good place to start may be reimbursing some of those fines.'

He claimed murky messaging was to blame for the offences issued under the former Labor government led by then-Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.

'The premier would make her address about 10am, and it would take hours for departments to catch up with what was said during press conferences  it added intense confusion,' Mr Dametto added.

An MP has called for Queenslanders hit with Covid-19 penalties to be cleared of outstanding fines. Pictured are police patrolling a border checkpoint during the pandemic

A State Penalties Enforcement Registry spokesman told the publication that it couldn't withdraw fines as it was a government issue.

New Queensland treasurer David Janetzki also refused to be drawn into the matter.

'SPER is managing that process and has not provided any advice relating to these issues,' he said.

Queensland's pandemic laws saw anyone in breach of a Public Health Direction slapped with an on the spot $1,378 fine, while businesses were slugged up to $7,100.

There are also calls for Queenslanders who paid their Covid fines to be reimbursed (stock image)

Officials doled out fines for a range of infringements from breaching border and travel restrictions, to holding gatherings and failing to wear masks.

More than 23,500 penalty notices remained unpaid when NSW recently announced its outstanding invoices would be withdrawn.

About $5.5million will be those who have already paid or partially paid their fines.

It came after lawyers from Maurice Blackburn notified the NSW government of its plans to file a class action over the remaining penalties after a slew were forgiven in 2022.

They alleged the fines were improperly issued for not passing the 'bare minimum' test established in a 2022 Supreme court ruling.

The ruling found fines to be invalid if they failed to include adequate detail about the relevant Act and provision related to the offence, according to Redfern Legal Centre.

The state withdrew some 36,000 penalty notices totalling $15million in 2022.
Reform UK would take 67 seats from Labour at the next general election, according to a new poll.

Labour would lose its majority as well as 200 seats which were won in July, losing 87 seats to the Conservatives, 67 to Reform UK and 26 to the SNP, The Times reported.

The Red Wall gains made by Labour earlier this year would be almost entirely reversed.

Think tank More In Common produced the poll with survey data of more than 11,000 people between October 31 and December 16.

If the polling results were to be reflected across the country, none of the parties would be likely to have enough votes to secure a majority.

Labour would remain the largest party with 228 seats, just six more than the Conservatives on 222, Reform would surge to 72 seats, with the Lib Dems on 58 and the SNP on 37.

The results would mean five parties have over 30 seats, meaning coalition deals would need to be made to secure a government.

Seven cabinet ministers would lose their seats, six of them to Reform, with Health Secretary Wes Streeting losing Ilford North to an independent candidate, according to the analysis.

Nigel Farage and Reform could be set for a huge surge in votes at the next General Election

Keir Starmer and the Labour party would be likely to lose their majority if an election took place today

Health Secretary Wes Streeting could be at risk of losing his seat at the next general election

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner is one of a whole host of Labour cabinet memebrs who could see their seats lost to Reform

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and fellow cabinet ministers John Healey, Ed Miliband, Bridget Phillipson and Jonathan Reynolds would also be set to lose their seats to Nigel Farage's party.

The poll shows how political allegience has begun to fragment since the last election, with more people chosing against the two main parties.

Around 300 seats would either be won by a narrow magin of less than five per cent or be too close to call.

In two of every five seats in the UK, the winning party would recieve less than a third of the vote share.

Across the country there would be a series of exceptionally close three-way races between the Conservatives, Labour and Reform UK (and the SNP in some races in Scotland).

Reform UK

Farage is hoping to use local elections in May as a platform to overtake the Tories at the next general election

Reform look set to dominate in South Yorkshire and Tyneside, as well as picking up seats in Nottinghamshire and their first ever seats in Wales.

Nigel Farage's party would also come second in 206 seats across the UK.

Farage is hoping to use local elections in May as a platform to overtake the Tories at the next general election.

Seats in Essex and Kent will also be targeted, along with those in Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. Control of Thurrock council in Essex is also one of its aims if elections take place there.

Labour

Labour's victory was described as a 'loveless landslide', which has led to a hostile honeymoon as their popularity continues to plummet.

Within less than a year in power, Starmer has overseen a freebie scandal, revolt from farmers and had to sack his cheif of staff, Sue Gray, who was earning more than he did as Prime Minister.

The party also faced a backlash over the decision to scrap the winter fuel payment for millions of pensioners and the decision by Rachel Reeves, to increase employers national insurance contributions.

Labour is on track for its worst end to the year in opinion polls since the Second World War, according to analysis by Sky News.

Starmers party is just one percentage point behind its previous end-of-year low in 2016 under Corbyns tenure.

The only other years to rival its current low of 26.6 were 1981, when the new SDP-Liberal Alliance upended politics, and in 2009, when the party was reeling from the recession and an expenses scandal after more than a decade in power.

Conervatives

Despite gains predicted fro the Conservatives, Kemi Badenoch is predicted to be well short of being able to acheieve a majority

The Conservatives, meanwhile, are struggling to break out beyond their heartlands and are losing ground to Reform.

Among their 102 seats which they are expected to gain are Penny Mordaunts Portsmouth North seat, Liz Trusss seat of South West Norfolk, Sir Jacob Rees-Moggs North East Somerset seat, and Grant Shappss seat of Welwyn Hatfield.

However, this would still put them a long way off the majoprity needed of 326

Despite only becoming leader in November, Kemi Badenoch has worse personal approval ratings than those recorded by Rishi Sunak and Boris Johnson when they beacme Tory leader and prime minister, according to the latest Opinium poll for The Observer.

The only former party leader of the past five years that she beats in terms of her starting popularity is Liz Truss.

Scottish National Party

The SNP would be set for a recovery in Scotland after their wipeout in July.

The poll suggests they would gain back 28 seats, reversing many of Labours gains but still below their 2019 total of 48 seats.

The party is hoping to stabilise under the leadership of John Swinney after a chaotic year which led to the departure of Humsa Yousaf

Liberal Democrats

The Liberal Democrats would lose 14 seats but still comfortably hold a large majority of those won from the Conservatives in July.

Polling also suggests all current Independent MPs would be likely to retain their seats, including former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.

Luke Tryl, Executive Director of More in Common UK, said: 'With potentially four and a half years to go, this model is not a prediction of what would happen at the next General Election.

'There is no doubt that many voters have found the start of the Starmer Government disappointing and Labour's estimated vote share would drop significantly were there to be an election tomorrow.

'While the new Government is still in its infancy it is clear that decisions such as means testing the winter fuel allowance and other budget measures have landed badly.
Five children, including a three-year-old boy, are the youngest victims of the horror plane crash in South Korea.

The Jeju Air flight from Thailand's capital Bangkok was attempting a belly landing when it skidded across the runway at Muan International Airport and smashed into a concrete wall.

Horrifying footage showed the budget airline's 15 year old Boeing 737-800 being torn apart and bursting into a fireball, killing 179 of the 181 people on board.

Miraculously, two crew members - a man and a woman - were pulled alive from the burning wreckage and have been taken to hospital with non life-threatening injuries.

All 175 passengers are dead, and four crew members are among those killed in the deadly air disaster which is the worst on South Korean soil since 1997.

According to authorities, the youngest passenger was a three-year-old boy and the oldest was a 78-year-old.

Five of the dead were children under the age of 10, authorities said, citing the passenger manifest.

It comes as it emerged that the flight was warned of a bird strike before making an emergency landing.

South Korea's acting President Choi Sang-mok has declared a national mourning period until January 4.

People listen at Muan International Airport as an official discloses the additional names of passengers who died in the horror plane crash, with the youngest victim a three year old boy

A plane carrying 181 people has crashed into a wall at at Muan International Airport in South Korea, the Yonhap news agency reported on Sunday

Relatives of passengers of the aircraft that crashed after it went off the runway, gather at Muan International Airport

Relatives of passengers watch the news regarding the plane crash at Muan International Airport

Rescue workers take part in a salvage operation at the site where an aircraft crashed after it went off the runway at Muan International Airport, in Muan, South Korea - December 29, 2024

A person rescued from the wreckage is wheeled on a stretcher from an ambulance to a medical facility

An excavator is used to lift burnt chairs from the wreckage - December 29, 2024

Grieving families screamed and wept in the arrivals hall as the names of those confirmed dead were read out by a medic.

Twenty-two dead passengers were identified by their fingerprints.

One woman was carried away on a stretcher, apparently having passed out from shock.

Some family members were seen shouting at officials as they became frustrated about the time it had taken for their loved ones to be identified, reported the BBC.

The broadcaster said one official told the gathering crowd that it was difficult to identify younger passengers as they weren't carrying any ID.

The boards typically used for arrival and departure information were instead displaying the names, dates of birth and nationalities of the victims, while a makeshift morgue has been set up inside the airport.

'I had a son on board that plane ... He has yet to be identified,' one elderly man waiting in the airport lounge, who asked not to be named, told AFP

Family members hugged and cried at the airport as Red Cross volunteers handed out blankets to bereaved relatives.

One stood at a microphone to ask for more information from authorities. 'My older brother died and I don't know what's going on,' he said. 'I don't know.'

Mortuary vehicles lined up outside to take bodies away, and authorities said a temporary morgue had been established inside the airport.

The passengers on board the flight included 173 South Koreans and two Thais, Yonhap reported.

Of those on board, 82 were men and 93 were women, ranging in age from as young as three to 78 years old.

The bodies of 11 other passengers aboard the deadly flight were so brutally injured that their gender was not immediately clear, officials said.

Today Pope Francis sent his prayers to the victims as he said: 'My thoughts are with the many families in South Korea who are mourning today following the dramatic plane crash. I join in prayer for the survivors and the dead.'

Sparks could be seen coming from the jet as it belly landed before the budget airline's aircraft skidded off the runway and ploughed into a concrete wall.

South Korea's Transport Ministry has today confirmed that the control tower had sent a warning message that the ill-fated aircraft had suffered a bird strike before the deadly disaster.

Unverified video footage reportedly of the aircraft shows a burst of fire coming out of the jet's right engine supposedly showing the moment the bird struck the plane.

It is believed to have caused the jet's landing gear to malfunction. Two crew members, a man and a woman, were miraculously pulled alive from the tail section of the burning plane.

News1 Agency reported a passenger sent a text message to a relative saying a bird was stuck in the wing.

Their heartbreaking final message read: 'Should I say my last words?'

Unverified video footage reportedly of the Jeju Air plane shows a burst of fire coming out of the jet's right engine supposedly showing the moment the bird struck

Black smoke emits from Jeju Air aircraft flight 7C2216 as it veers off the runway before crashing

Pope Francis (pictured on December 29, 2024, at the apostolic palace overlooking St Peter's square for the Angelus prayer in The Vatican) sent his prayers to the victims of the plane crash

Firefighters carry the body of a passenger from the wreckage of a Jeju Air plane at Muan International Airport - December 29, 2024

South Korea's acting president and Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok (C), listens to a firefighter during a visit to the plane crash site

The wreckage of an aircraft lies on the ground after it went off the runway and crashed at Muan International Airport, in Muan, South Korea - December 29, 2024

Firefighters carry burnt chairs from the deadly aircraft crash at Muan International Airport - December 29, 2024

A member of Korea Crime Scene Investigation inspects the wreckage of the Jeju Air aircraft

Rescue workers stand beside the wreckage as they search through the debris

Firefighters and rescue team members work near the wreckage of a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 series aircraft - December 29, 2024

The search for the remaining two missing passengers has continued into the night with 177 of the 181 on board confirmed dead

Firefighters and rescue personnel carry the body of a victim near the scene where a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 series aircraft crashed

Firefighters walk near the charred remains of the aircraft on the runway at Muan International Airport - December 29, 2024

Firefighters carry the body of a passenger from the wreckage. At least 125 people have been killed

Rescue workers take part in a salvage operation at the site where an aircraft crashed after it went off the runway at Muan International Airport, in Muan, South Korea - December 29, 2024

An oxygen mask hangs from a post at the site where the aircraft crashed at Muan International Airport - December 29, 2024

A chair from the wreckage sits alone on the grass with a newspaper seen on the seat

A life jacket hangs on fencing next to the wreckage of an aircraft at Muan International Airport - December 29, 2024

Firefighters carry out rescue operations at Muan International Airport with the wreckage seen in the background

Firefighters work at the wreckage of the Jeju Air aircraft at Muan International Airport in Muan - December 29, 2024

Pictures from the scene show the tail of the aircraft surrounded by debris with smoke coming out of it as firefighters tackle the blaze

Firefighters putting the fire out after the plane drove off runway and crashed into a wall

A rescue worker walks past the wreckage of an aircraft that has claimed the lives of at least 124 people - December 29, 2024

'After the plane collided with the wall, passengers were thrown out of the aircraft. The chances of survival are extremely low,' a firefighting agency official told South Korean news agency Yonhap.

'The aircraft has almost completely been destroyed, and it is difficult to identify the deceased. We are in the process of recovering the remains, which will take time.'

The two rescued crew members were taken to separate hospitals in South Korea city Mokpo before being transferred to Seoul. Their injuries are not life-threatening.

Eyewitness Yoo Jae-yong, 41, who was staying at a rental house near the airport, told Yonhap news agency he saw a spark on the plane's right wing before the crash.

'I was telling my family there was a problem with the plane when I heard a loud explosion,' Yoo said.

Another witness, named only as Cho, was taking a walk near the airport when he saw a flash of light as the plane descended.

'Then there was a loud bang followed by smoke in the air, and then I heard a series of explosions,' he said.

A South Korean transport official earlier said that the plane had attempted to land but was told by the air traffic control to hold off after giving a bird strike warning.

Around two minutes later the pilot called a Mayday and was given permission to land from the opposite direction.

The head pilot had been in his role since 2019 and had more than 9,800 hours of flight experience.

Marco Chan, a senior lecturer in aviation operations at Buckinghamshire New University, said the evidence suggested the plane had encountered a flock of birds 'leading to suspected bird ingestion into the engines'.

'Witnesses reported hearing explosions and seeing flames from the right-hand engine, indicating potential damage,' he said.

'This damage may have caused a hydraulic system failure, which could explain the inability to deploy the landing gear.'

He said the tight timeline between the bird strike warning and the pilot declaring Mayday meant it 'likely constrained the crew's ability to troubleshoot effectively and assess all options, including possible diversion to an alternate airport with a longer runway'.

'The inability to deploy the landing gear forced the crew to attempt a belly landing on Muan's 2,800-metre runway,' he added.

'The Boeing 737-800 is a reliable and widely used aircraft, and this crash appears to result from an unfortunate chain of events rather than a systemic design flaw.

'The findings from the investigation will provide critical lessons for preventing similar tragedies in the future.

'Our thoughts are with the family and friends of all crew and passengers on Jeju Air Flight 7C-2216, and the aviation industry must learn lessons from this tragic incident.'

Foreign Secretary David Lammy this morning said in a message posted on X that he was 'deeply saddened by the news of the plane crash overnight in South Korea'.

'My heartfelt condolences go out to the people of South Korea and Thailand, and all those that have lost loved ones,' he said.

Other world leaders joined Mr Lammy in sending their condolences to the grieving families.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz wrote on X: 'We have received terrible news of a plane crash in South Korea with many fatalities. Our condolences go out to the families of those killed in the crash and we wish the injured a speedy recovery.'

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said: 'On behalf of the Ukrainian people and myself, I extend heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the people of Korea, and Acting President Choi Sang-mok. We share your sorrow and stand with the Korean people in this time of grief.'

Two survivors were miraculously pulled from the wreckage but all of the remaining 179 passengers are presumed dead. They were both crew members and are conscious, the fire agency said.

Thirty-two fire trucks and several helicopters were deployed to contain the fire. About 1,560 firefighters, police officers, soldiers and other officials were also sent to the site.

Haunting footage shows the plane sliding along the runway when its landing gear seemingly failed

Pictures taken from the scene shows a huge plume of smoke as firefighters tackle the blaze

Foreign Secretary David Lammy sent his heartfelt condolences and said he was 'deeply saddened by the news of the plane crash'

The country's emergency office says the 175 passengers were on board when the plane slammed into the wall

Some of the debris is seen on the runway at Muan International Airport

The wreckage left behind after the plane carrying 175 passengers crashed in South Korea

Lee Hyeon-ji, a response team officer at the local fire department, said the death toll would likely continue to rise 'due to the critically injured'.

The Jeju Air website this morning was changed to a black background with a message that read: 'We deeply apologize to all those affected by the incident at Muan Airport.

'We will make every effort to resolve the situation. We sincerely regret the distress caused.'

In a post on social platform X, Thai prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed deep condolences to the families of those affected by the accident.

She said she had ordered the foreign affairs ministry to provide assistance immediately.

Kerati Kijmanawat, director of the Airports of Thailand, confirmed in a statement that Jeju Air flight 7C 2216 had taken off from Suvarnabhumi Airport with no reports of abnormal conditions with the aircraft or on the runway.

Jeju Air issued a statement expressing its 'deep apology' over the crash and said it will do its 'utmost to manage the aftermath of the accident'.

In a televised news conference, the airline's chief executive, Kim E-bae, gave a deep bow with other senior company officials as he apologised to bereaved families and said he feels 'full responsibility' for the incident.

He said the company had not identified any mechanical problems with the aircraft following regular checks and that he would wait for the results of government investigations into the cause of the incident.

Haunting snaps taken from the scene shows a huge plume of smoke as scores firefighters with 32 trucks were tackling the blaze.

The horror crash is believed to have been caused by 'contact with birds, resulting in malfunctioning landing gear' as the plane attempted to land at the airport in the country's southwest.

The flight had reportedly attempted one landing before being forced to turn around and tried to land again when the landing gear failed to lower normally.

Footage has emerged of the moment the plane attempts to land - and appears to have an issue with its landing gear.

The aircraft appears to slide along the runway, but it fails to slow down.

It then slams into the concrete wall at the end of the runway and erupts into a ball of flames.

Frantic emergency services then rush to the scene.

According to Flightradar data, the plane was a 15-year-old Boeing 737-800 departed from Bangkok at 2.29am local time and was due to arrive at 8.30 but landed at 8.59am.

According to Flightradar data, the plane was a Boeing 737 departed from Bangkok at 2.29am local time and was due to arrive at 8.30 but landed at 8.59am

A number of emergency services rushed to the scene to respond to the horror crash

Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae (C-R) and other company officials express their apologies ahead of a press conference held in Seoul, South Korea, 29 December 2024, hours after the deadly crash of one of its flights

Acting President Choi Sang-mok, pictured, called for the mobilisation of all resources to save the passengers

Boeing has said it is in contact with Jeju Air about the disaster.

In a statement the plane-maker said: 'We are in contact with Jeju Air regarding flight 2216 and stand ready to support them.

'We extend our deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones, and our thoughts remain with the passengers and crew.'

A photo showed the tail section of the jet engulfed in flames on what appeared to be the side of the runway, with firefighters and emergency vehicles nearby.

Firefighters have since extinguished the fire and search and rescue operations have been deployed on site.

An on-site investigation has now been launched to determine the exact cause of the crash.

Acting President Choi Sang-mok called for the mobilisation of all resources to save the passengers.

'All related agencies... must mobilise all available resources to save the personnel,' he instructed officials in a statement.

The country's ousted president Yoon Suk Yeol sent his 'deep condolences to the families of those who had died'.

'I extend my deepest condolences and sympathy to those who lost their precious lives and to the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones,' Yoon said in a Facebook post.

'I am overwhelmed with grief and sorrow,' he added.

'I trust that the government will do its utmost to manage the aftermath of the accident and support the victims. I also urge everyone to prioritise the safety of firefighters and all rescue personnel amid these urgent circumstances.

'I will stand with the people to help overcome this difficult situation as quickly as possible.'

The Foreign Office has confirmed to MailOnline that no Britons were on board the flight.

It is one of the deadliest disasters in South Korea's aviation history.

The last time South Korea suffered a large-scale air disaster was in 1997, when a Korean Airline plane crashed in Guam, killing 228 people on board. In 2013, an Asiana Airlines plane crash-landed in San Francisco, killing three and injuring approximately 200.

Sunday's accident was also one of the worst landing mishaps since a July 2007 crash that killed all 187 people on board and 12 others on the ground when an Airbus A320 slid off a slick airstrip in Sao Paulo and collided with a nearby building, according to data compiled by the Flight Safety Foundation, a non-profit group aimed at improving air safety.

In 2010, 158 people died when an Air India Express aircraft overshot a runway in Mangalore, India, and plummeted into a gorge before erupting into flames, according to the safety foundation.

Read more on our live blog, here: South Korea plane crash latest: Dozens dead after aircraft's 'landing gear fails' with 181 onboard
North Korean soldiers being deployed to Ukraine by Russia are allegedly killing themselves to avoid being captured, US sources have revealed.

White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said Friday that some of the soldiers had taken their own lives rather than surrendering to Ukrainian forces.

These suicides, he said, were 'likely out of fear of reprisal against their families in North Korea in the event that they're captured.'

South Korea's National Intelligence Service also confirmed on Friday that a North Korean soldier who had been captured the previous day had died.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a Telegram statement Friday that at least 3,000 North Korean soldiers had died or been injured in Russia's Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces seized territory earlier this year.

'The number of killed and wounded North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region already exceeds 3,000 people,' he said.

'Russia is simply disposing of them in assaults. Why the Koreans should fight for Putin is a question that no normal person on Earth can answer.'

But Russia has since gathered thousands of troops in a brutal counterattack.

White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said Friday that some of the soldiers had taken their own lives rather than surrendering to Ukrainian forces

Pictured: Evidence emerges that North Korean women fighters have been sent to the war zone in support of Vladimir Putin

A macabre image is believed to include dead North Koreans killed fighting for Russia in Kursk region

John Kirby said these suicides were 'likely out of fear of reprisal against their families in North Korea in the event that they're captured'

Kirby, however, quoted a lower death toll among North Koreans, saying more than 1,000 soldiers have died just in the past week.

He said that Russian and North Korean leaders view the North Koreans as expendable and give them orders to conduct 'hopeless assaults against Ukrainian defences'.

Kirby noted that these soldiers seem to have been indoctrinated and insist on attacking even when it is clear that this would be unsuccessful.

'We also have reports of North Korean soldiers taking their own lives rather than surrendering to Ukrainian forces, likely out of fear of reprisal against their families in North Korea in the event that they're captured,' Kirby said.

He warned that regardless of all the equipment the Russian military is providing their troops, the commanders will require a frequent supply of body bags because 'they're clearly going to need it'.

To supplement its counter attack, Moscow turned to its ally Pyongyang, which, according to estimates by the US, has deployed an estimated 11,000 soldiers in Ukraine.

Kirby said the North Koreans are conducting 'massed, dismounted assaults against Ukrainian positions in Kursk.'

Volodymyr Zelensky (pictured) wrote on X that 'according to preliminary data, the number of North Korean soldiers killed and wounded in the Kursk region has already exceeded 3,000

Ukraine's special forces claimed to have killed 77 North Korean soldiers in just three days

North Korean troops are seen in new videos training in Russia 'close to the war zone

While these 'human wave tactics' were proven to be ineffective, he acknowledged that Russia's assault on Ukraine's energy infrastructure was making it difficult for Ukrainians to weather the harsh winter.

'These North Korean soldiers appear to be highly indoctrinated, pushing attacks even when it is clear that those attacks are futile,' Kirby said.

The precise number of North Korean soldiers who killed themselves to avoid capture remains unclear.

Zelensky said Friday that while 'several' North Korean soldiers were captured, they were 'seriously wounded and could not be resuscitated,' suggesting that some of them may have also been killed by comrades.

These troops were being sent to fight with 'minimal protection,' he said, and were suffering a 'great deal' of losses.

It comes days after footage of a Ukrainian special operations crew targeting a North Korean position in Kursk with kamikaze drones emerged on Telegram.

Unconfirmed footage showed North Korean troops in eastern Russia undergoing training ahead of deployment with Vladimir Putin's forces in Ukraine

Dramatic video showed the drones circling troops as they scrambled to get away in an open field in Kurshchina, shared by the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine earlier this week.

The crew said it had killed 77 and wounded as many as 40 North Korean soldiers over a three day period of fighting in the region.

North Korea and Russia have strengthened their military ties since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

A landmark defence pact between Pyongyang and Moscow signed in June came into force this month, with Russian President Vladimir Putin hailing it as a 'breakthrough document'.

North Korean state media said Friday that Putin sent a New Year's message to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, saying 'the bilateral ties between our two countries have been elevated after our talks in June in Pyongyang'.

Ukraine's allies have called Pyongyang's growing involvement in Russia's war in Ukraine a 'dangerous expansion' of the conflict.
Azerbaijan has told Moscow to admit guilt in the passenger plane crash that claimed the lives of 38 people, while pointing the finger of blame at Russia over the disaster.

Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev said on Sunday the Azerbaijani Airlines passenger which plunged into Kazakhstan on Christmas Day, was shot at from Russia.

Accusing Moscow of having tried to hide the cause of the deadly jet crash, he called for Russia to admit 'guilt', saying the plane was mistakenly shot down.

'The facts are that the Azerbaijani civilian plane was damaged from the outside over Russian territory, near the city of Grozny, and almost lost control,' Aliyev told state media.

'At the same time, as a result of fire from the ground, the tail of the plane was also severely damaged.'

Aliyev said Baku regretted that Moscow 'put forward theories' that 'clearly showed the Russian side wanted to cover' up the issue.

'Admitting guilt, apologising in a timely manner to Azerbaijan, which is considered a friendly country, and informing the public about this - all these were measures and steps that should have been taken,' he added.

Vladimir Putin on Saturday issued a rare apology for the incident in Russian air space.

Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev said on Sunday the Azerbaijani Airlines passenger which plunged into Kazakhstan on Christmas Day, was shot at from Russia

The wreckage of Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 lays on the ground near the airport of Aktau, Kazakhstan, Wednesday, December 25

The front of the plane burst into flames when the aircraft hit the ground

Accusing Moscow of having tried to hide the cause of the deadly jet crash, Aliyev called for Russia to admit 'guilt', saying the plane was mistakenly shot down

It comes after Russia reportedly attempted to make the passenger plane crash into the sea by refusing permission to let it land after a missile attack - before jamming its navigation system.

A Russian surface-to-air missile struck the flight on December 25, causing the airliner to crash in Kazakhstan - a tragedy which claimed the lives of 38 of the 67 people on board.

Sources told Euronews that the missile was fired at Flight 8432 amid drone air activity above Grozny, the Chechen capital, citing a preliminary investigation.

They said the pilot was blocked from landing at any Russian airports despite making emergency pleas, and was instead ordered to carry on into Kazakhstan.

Taking to X earlier this week, citing pro-government media, The Azeri Times confirmed that the Azerbaijan Airlines plane was denied emergency landings by Russia at three nearby conditions, despite its critical condition.

The news outlet also stated that the plane was subjected to 'extreme GPS jamming' which forced its hero pilot, Aleksandr Kalyaninov, to divert the flight over the Caspian Sea, where it eventually landed in Aktau, Kazakhstan.

Local media cited government sources in suggesting jammers 'paralysed' the plane's communication systems'.

Government sources said previously the plane was hit by a missile fired from a Pantsir-S air defence system from the Naursky district of Chechnya.

Russia tried to play down speculation the flight had been shot down by a Russian missile, urging patience while the investigation is carried out.

Rescuers are pictured crawling into the plane wreck to look for survivors

A total of 38 of the 67 people on board died during the crash

After Russian air defence hit an Azeri plane over Grozny (yellow circle), it requested emergency landing. Russia refused landings at Nalchik, Vladikavkaz, and Makhachkala airports (red circles), but diverted it to Kazakhstan over the Caspian Sea

Kazakhstan has said it would be carrying out an investigation into the crash, suggesting it would cooperate with Azerbaijan but not Russia. Azerbaijan is understood to be conducting its own investigation.

Azerbaijan Airlines, the country's flag carrier, said the Embraer 190 had 'made an emergency landing' around three kilometres from Aktau, an oil and gas hub on the eastern shore of the Caspian Sea.

'A plane doing the Baku-Grozny route crashed near the city of Aktau. It belongs to Azerbaijan Airlines,' the Kazakh ministry said on Telegram.

The Embraer E190AR with registration number 4K-AZ65 sent out a distress signal at an altitude of 2,125 feet over the Caspian Sea.

Ahead of the crash, the crew had reported a strong impact on the hull.

They assumed the aircraft hit a flock of birds but later evidence piled up that it was a misguided Russian air defence strike.

Following the disaster, a sombre service was held Sunday for the three crew members who died after the plane was hit.

A joint funeral was held for the two pilots, who attempted to save the passenger jet, along with flight attendant Hokuma Aliyeva at Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku.

Hokuma, 33, had sought to calm passengers amid panic after the plane was hit by suspected shrapnel from an exploding Pantsir-S air defence missile near Grozny in Russian, where the aircraft had sought to land.

Amid the mayhem on the flight, a shaky video recorded her seeking to stop panic on the flight, telling passengers: 'Everything will be fine.'

The plane was subjected to 'extreme GPS jamming' which forced its hero pilot, Aleksandr Kalyaninov, to divert the flight over the Caspian Sea, where it eventually landed in Aktau, Kazakhstan.

Pilot Igor Kshnyakin died in the Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer E190AR crash in Aktau, Kazakhstan

Fllight attendant Hokuma Aliyeva died in the Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer E190AR crash in Aktau, Kazakhstan

Two pilots and a flight attendant who lost their lives in the crashing of an Azerbaijan Airlines passenger plane near Kazakhstan's Aktau city are laid to rest in a ceremonial farewell in Baku, Azerbaijan on December 29

At Heydar Aliyev International Airport, Captain Igor Kshnyakin and First Officer Aleksandr Kalyaninov were buried according to Orthodox Christian traditions

Flight attendant Hokume Aliyeva was laid to rest following a funeral prayer

Her father Jalil Aliyev paid an emotional tribute to his daughter.

'Of course, this is a grave tragedy,' he said. 'The entire Azerbaijani people, the state, and the nation equally bear the burden of this tragic event.

'I offer my condolences to the entire nation, I am proud of my daughter. May her memory live forever, I love her very much.'

Hokuma - who had been positioned at the front of the plane - had remained in contact by intercom with her two colleagues at the rear, Zulfugar Asadov - who was hit by shrapnel - and her female colleague Aydan Ragimli, who gave him first aid.

Asadov and Ragimli both survived the crash after the plane split in two.

The dead crew were praised as their coffins were seen at the funeral ceremony.

Ilham Amirov, vice-president of the airline, said: 'A technical investigation commission has been established in Kazakhstan following international standards.

He confirmed the aircraft's control systems have not yet been examined, but that the commission is actively working on this issue.

'The information obtained from the testimony of the surviving crew members and passengers, as well as from the inspection of the plane crash site, provides us with clear grounds to state that the AZAL aircraft was subjected to external influence,' he added.

People are seen standing next to the rear of the crashed passenger jet on December 25

'As a result, the plane was severely damaged, and the main control systems of the aircraft failed. In such a difficult situation, our pilots, crew members, and flight attendants demonstrated composure, selflessness, and high professionalism.'

Azerbaijan transport minister Rashad Nabiyev stated: 'Eyewitness testimonies, along with videos circulating on social media and news outlets showing the wreckage of the plane, give us full grounds to assert that the aircraft crashed due to physical and technical external impacts.'

He said: 'The courage, professionalism, and bravery of airplane captain Igor Kshnyakin, pilot Alexander Kalyaninov and flight attendant Hyokuma Aliyeva are widely covered not only in Azerbaijani but also in the international media.

'The whole world literally admires the current level of our pilots and aviation.

'We believe that the courage shown by our pilots has left a new trace in the heroic page of Azerbaijan.

'Their name will be written in golden letters not only in the history of Azerbaijani aviation but also in the history of world aviation.'
Drowned while saving their daughter from a rip

Couple pulled from water identified as respected uni professor and wife

Two little girls have been left orphaned after their parents drowned at a 'treacherous' beach while holidaying with friends.

Perth couple Dr Mohamed Swapan, 44, and his wife Sabrina Ahmed, 40, dived into the water to save their youngest daughter from a dangerous rip at Conspicuous Beach near Walpole in Western Australia's south-west region on Saturday afternoon before they got into difficulty themselves.

Beachgoers pulled the couple's bodies from the ocean but they couldn't be revived, despite police efforts to perform CPR.

A friend of the couple who was among those who tried to rescue the pair was revived at the scene and remains in hospital in a stable condition.

The couple's youngest daughter survived the ordeal and has since returned home with her sister to stay with relatives.

The couple were respected members of the Bangladeshi community in Perth, where Dr Swapan was an associate professor at Curtin University.

'Those girls. Oh, my god. You know, I feel, you know sorry,' friend and colleague Ruhul Salim told Nine News.

'All three basically drowned in the water. Then the other people and the community over there, nearby people, they came over and pulled out all three.'

A Perth couple have drowned while saving their daughter from treacherous conditions

Dr Mohamed Swapan, 44, and Sabrina Ahmed, 40, couldn't be revived when their bodies were pulled to shore

Ms Ahmed was also an academic who studied planning and development in Bangladesh before the couple relocated to Perth in 2011.

The tragedy has rocked the local Bangladesh community.

'The community will seriously miss this couple,' Mr Salim added.

'There has been a huge, you know, the tribute and condolences since yesterday,' he said.

The tragedy sparked an outpouring of tributes.

'The magnitude of this tragedy is beyond words,' a tribute posted online stated.

'This is, without a doubt, one of the most heart-wrenching losses the Bangladeshi community in Perth has ever experienced. They were a wonderful couple, deeply respected and loved by everyone who knew them.

'Please keep their two young daughters, their extended family, and their friends in your thoughts and prayers.'

Dr Swapan's university colleague Peter Newman told The West Australian: 'He was a beautiful, gentle leader who loved his kids and loved his job and we'll all miss him.

The couple drowned while saving their daughter from a rip at Conspicuous Beach

Conspicuous Cliff Beach is not patrolled by lifesavers.

More popular with fishermen than swimmers, the beach is known for its 'large, unpredictable waves and swells, slippery rocks and strong currents'.

The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions warns the stretch of coastline including the beach 'can be hazardous'.

The couple's deaths take the national drowning toll to 26 since December 1.
EasyJet passengers have claimed they were put in for a difficult ride as flightgoers were reportedly left stranded for a whole 22 hours at Tenerife.

The tragic sequence of events was said to have unfolded on Saturday evening and had Brits who looked to return to the UK feeling at a loss.

Heavy fog was the cause of the carnage with flight EZY2008 to Manchester Airport delayed due to air traffic control restrictions.

Couple Derek Hesketh, 59, and Meryl Hesketh, 56, who is disabled, were among those impacted.

The pair claimed the flight company had initially told them 'we would like to offer you a hotel room for the night if you need one' and informed them to 'speak to our ground crew who will be happy to help you', Manchester Evening News reports.

But shockingly, the two say they were later told 'everywhere is fully booked' in spite of this earlier gesture and that they were initially without accommodation.

The flight had been due to take off at 8.30pm but Mr and Mrs Hesketh received an email from easyJet in the afternoon on departure day saying this had been 'delayed overnight'.

Passengers were also reportedly initially advised against booking their own accommodation in the email due to the risk they might not be able to recoup the cost.

Heavy fog was the cause of the carnage with flight EZY2008 to Manchester Airport being delayed due to air traffic control restrictions (file image)

There were also delays at the other end as passengers in the Manchester Airports this week waited for their flights in Terminal 3 due to disruption caused by fog

The couple checked out of their rental villa and handed back the keys to their hire car.

But Mr Hesketh said: 'When we eventually found some easyJet staff, which wasn't easy, they said there was nothing they could do. They said they couldn't book us any hotels. But we got there early and I don't even think they had started trying.

'They are claiming everywhere is fully booked. It is busy on the island but I looked online and there were rooms, but they were very expensive, about 1,000 a night. I just don't think they were willing to pay that for everyone. We certainly can't afford that.

'We're just waiting around to see what happens. But the staff have disappeared now. We've not been given any food or drinks vouchers as we were told we would be.

'There's not even anywhere to sit, we're just stood around. There's loads of us here in the same boat. Elderly people, young kids, disabled people like my wife. I'm just hoping the airport don't throw us out into the cold later as they've said they might.'

EasyJet has since apologised to passengers who were booked on the flight. It said the flight had to be delayed due to 'adverse weather' in the UK.

A spokesman reiterated that availability of accommodation in Tenerife was 'extremely limited'.

But Mr Hesketh, from Southport, Merseyside, said he felt 'trapped and frustrated'.

Tenerife, Spain. The flight had been due to take off from the idyllic island at 8.30pm on Saturday

He continued: 'The fog is fair enough, obviously they can't do anything about that. But it's the way we have been treated. We did what we were told, we came here and they've just left us in the lurch, it's not on.'

Flight restrictions at Manchester Airport were lifted on Saturday evening. But the National Air Traffic Services (NATS), the UK's main air traffic control provider, said temporary air restrictions would remain in place until Sunday in areas with low visibility while further fog is forecast.

The easyJet spokesman added: 'Due to the knock-on impact of adverse weather across the UK , flight EZY2008 from Tenerife to Manchester yesterday evening was delayed overnight and will operate later today.

'We take our responsibility to our customers seriously and always endeavour to source overnight hotel accommodation where needed, however as availability in Tenerife was extremely limited we advised customers who booked their own that they will be reimbursed.

'The safety and wellbeing of our customers is our highest priority and while this was outside of our control, we are very sorry for the difficulty this will have caused.'

They also said Mr and Mrs Hesketh had been spoken to directly yesterday by the customer support team who helped source accommodation which the pair would be reimbursed for.

The terminal was also apparently made 'as comfortable as possible in the circumstances' for those stranded and refreshments were provided.
An award-winning journalist claims she suffered a psychotic break after she was bullied by her bosses for asking for equal pay.

News12 morning anchor Annalisa Klebers, 42, filed a claim with the American Arbitration Association arguing the company retaliated against her after she asked for a raise.

Klebers, who hosted the morning programing for Altice USA-owned News12 stations in Connecticut and New Jersey, said colleagues called her the 'sunshine of the newsroom.'

However, the mother-of-three claimed management started bullying her when she asked for an increase to her $71,000 salary after she learned other staffers were making more than her.

'As my stress increased, I brought my workload concerns to my news director, to which her solution was to ice me out from the 9 a.m. daily editorial staff meeting. I felt humiliated by this. I was being alienated from the rest of our news team,' Klebers told DailyMail.com.

'I was offended, humiliated and felt so belittled. I was extremely stressed, I lost sleep, I lost weight, I was having panic attacks... I felt like I was about to have a heart attack.'

Klebers was cut out of on-air promotions and commercials and subjected to increased micromanagement that her male co-anchor Rick Holmes was not, according to the claim.

'Management began blaming technical errors on me, things I had no control over. I brought up show concerns regarding errors in my male co-anchor's scripts and graphics to management,' she said.

News12 morning anchor Annalisa Klebers (pictured) said she suffered a psychotic break after she was bullied by her bosses for asking for equal pay

The mother-of-three claimed their treatment of her changed when she asked for an increase to her $71,000 salary after she learned other staffers were making more than her

'Instead of addressing this with my male co-anchor, management suggested that I should correct my male co-anchor scripts and graphics for him.'

The claim alleged Klebers' Connecticut show was cut from air, she was excluded from coverage and forced to work on reporter pieces - a duty not included in the role of news anchor - which increased her workload so much that 'she barely had a break to eat on most days.'

'There were days I would work from 4 a.m. until 5 p.m. to try and complete all of the additional work that was piled on to me. I was trying to make management happy and keep my job all while my contract and pay raise were being held over my head,' Klebers said.

'There were belittling comments made, managers gaslighting me and criticizing things about my performance that just didn't make sense. They also ignored or put down my positive contributions to the shows. It felt like management wanted me to quit or react poorly to all the thing that they were doing to me.'

Klebers filed a formal complaint with Human Resources, then ultimately decided to resign. However, Altice rejected her resignation citing their investigation into the complaint.

'This sent me into a spiral,' Klebers said. 'On Friday, May 13, 2022, the stress and anxiety reached new levels. I became very ill and suffered psychosis, which is a psychotic break. I was suicidal.'

Klebers was then hospitalized after suffering a 'reactive psychosis' due to extreme stress and anxiety ultimately resulting in her spending six days in the psych ward on suicide watch. While she was on medical leave, Altice fired her.

Her husband Erik told DailyMail.com, 'What my wife went through and our family went through, was just unbelievable. Our three kids witnessed Annalisa having a psychotic break. It's probably one of the most traumatic things I've ever gone through.'

Klebers said she was cut out of on-air promotions and commercials and subjected to increased micromanagement that her male co-anchor Rick Holmes was not

Klebers was then hospitalized after suffering a 'reactive psychosis' and was fired while she was out on medical leave

Klebers arbitration claim seeks back pay and damages under the Equal Pay Act and Title VII.

'What Altice/News12 did to Annalisa here was completely out of bounds from a legal standpoint and simply unconscionable from a moral perspective,' her attorney Anthony Mango told DailyMail.com.

'She has suffered serious loss as a result and we intend to pursue her claims vigorously to obtain justice for her and to "right this wrong."'

Klebers decided to share her story to raise awareness and hopes that no other person has to experience what she did.

'I'm extremely grateful for all of the support I've been getting from my colleagues, viewers, family and community. I'm focused on my recovery and my children, and making sure they are okay after going through all of this,' she said.

'Most importantly, I would like to make sure that this doesn't happen to anyone else. A person should not end up in the hospital as a result of how management treats an employee. What was done to me should be criminal.'

News12 told DailyMail.com Klebers was not fired, but chose not to extend her leave of absence or to return to the workplace.

'These claims are entirely baseless, were filed a year ago, and we will continue to defend against them vigorously,' the news outlet said.

'At News 12, we are committed to providing an inclusive and equitable workplace, and the wellbeing of our employees is a top priority. We take matters important to our employees seriously and thoroughly investigate all concerns that are raised, ensuring a fair and thoughtful process.

'We are firmly committed to maintaining a safe and supportive work environment, which includes a strict non-retaliation policy to protect our employees.'

For help and support call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline on 988
President Joe Biden is said to regret choosing Merrick Garland as attorney general and blames the federal judge for his election defeat.

Nearing the end of his presidency, Biden has admitted that he regrets appointing Garland because the justice department has aggressively prosecuted his son Hunter, but slowed down prosecution for President-elect Donald Trump, sources close to the matter told The Washington Post.

In 2020, Biden also faced harsh criticism for going with Garland as two of his closest aides and friends - Former senator Ted Kaufman and Mark Gitenstein - tried to persuade the president to name former Alabama state Senator Doug Jones as attorney general instead.

The 46th president soon set his sights on Garland, who was highly recommended to him by his former chief of staff Ron Klain, but furious Democrats quickly opposed his decision, saying it severely damaged his presidency.

Democrats believe that if the justice department moved faster on Trump allegedly trying to overturn the 2020 election and mishandling classified documents, the incoming president might have faced trial before the recent election, ultimately damaging his political career, sources told the outlet.

Other than regretting Garland, Biden is also remorseful about stepping down to let Vice President Kamala Harris run for president as he and some of his aides believe he could have won another term.

Recently, Biden and his aides - who have chosen to remain anonymous - have admitted that they believe he could have defeated Trump again, but have remained cautious about blaming Harris or her campaign for losing to Trump in November.

Some of his aides have also voiced that Biden's sudden decision to withdraw from the race and hold onto his presidency for too long was disastrous, leaving Harris with just over three months to prepare to take over, the outlet reported.

President Joe Biden regrets choosing Merrick Garland as attorney general, as he blames the federal judge for his defeat against Donald Trump

Biden has admitted that he regrets appointing Garland because the justice department has aggressively prosecuted his son Hunter, but slowed down in prosecuting President-elect Donald Trump, sources told The Washington Post

Despite Trump defeating Harris, Kaufman said Biden has 'accomplished a hell of a lot' as president of the United States.

'He accomplished a hell of a lot in a very difficult situation. Coming in after Trump with a bad economy, he still pulled people together.

'He did all this on infrastructure, and all the stuff he did with a one-vote majority in the Senate. Joe Biden did it with one vote,' Kaufman added.

Although some believe he made a change, other Democrats have made it clear that Biden's decision to run again was a mistake.

'Biden ran on the promise that he was going to be a transitional president, and in effect, have one term before handing it off to another generation,' Connecticut Sen. Richard Blumenthal said.

'I think his running again broke that concept  the conceptual underpinning of the theory that he would end the Trump appeal, he would defeat Trumpism and enable a new era.'

Biden is also remorseful about stepping down to let Vice President Kamala Harris run for president as he and some of his aides believe he could have won another term

Some of his aides have also voiced that Biden's sudden decision to withdraw from the race and hold onto his presidency for too long was disastrous, leaving Harris with just over three months to prepare to take over

Others have said that Biden has lost touch with what the country needs at this time, adding that he and his supporters 'often yearn for a world that disappeared.'

'The job of a president is reading where the country, where the politics is, and winning in it,' Julian E. Zelizer, a presidential historian at Princeton University, told the outlet.

'And winning includes not having your party being defeated by the person you essentially promised to expunge from American politics.

'President Biden and his supporters often yearn for a world that disappeared. You cant actually govern the way you did in the 1970s in 2021,' she added.

During much of his campaign, Trump has taken advantage of outlets that currently appeal to many Americans, and specifically the younger generations, including teaming up with famed podcaster Joe Rogan and Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

Zelizer said Biden 'governed through traditional processes and institutions,' but it did not help get rid of 'the very intense polarization that exists in this country.'

'It didnt change the picture of where he started, this anger in the electorate toward institutions, this support for a pretty radical conservative vision that Trump embodied.

'It didnt do anything to end the very intense polarization that exists in this country,' she said.

Biden's national security advisor Jake Sullivan also agreed that Biden has been living in the past during his presidency.

'The president has been operating on a time horizon measured in decades, while the political cycle is measured in four years,' Sullivan said.

Despite that point, Sullivan added that Biden 'went with doing the things that really put America in a strong position.'

In recent days, Biden has been trying to tie up loose ends before Trump takes over the White House in just a couple of weeks.

President Biden has been forced to stop auctioning off materials used for the border wall after the Texas Attorney General stepped in to block the sales.

Others have said that Biden has lost touch with what the country needs at this time, while Trump has taken advantage of the digital movement in the US by joining Joe Rogan and Elon Musk during his campaign

The unused material was put up for grabs by Congress who put a plan in place on how to dispose of the excess product after ending wall construction in 2021.

Attorney General Ken Paxton said on Friday that he had stopped the administration from getting rid of any more before president-elect Trump takes office in January.

The Biden administration agreed with the court order, according to Fox News, allowing President Trump to use the materials.

Last week, Trump asked a court in the red state to intervene in the sales, accusing Biden of selling off the materials after it was required to do so by Congress.

Paxton's office said that the incumbent administration could be held in contempt of court if they go against the order.

The Southern state has long said they would continue to help Trump rebuild the wall at the southern border.
A Massachusetts family has been found dead in their New Hampshire holiday home on Christmas Day after being struck by a silent killer overnight - carbon monoxide.

The propane heating system at the lakefront house appears to have malfunctioned, poisoning the family of four as they slept, but investigators don't know why.

Matthew Goldstein, 52, was an elementary school teacher in Chestnut Hill and his wife Lyla Goldstein, 54, was a project manager at Microsoft.

Their daughters, Valerie, 22, who was also a teacher, and Violet, 19, a college student, also died in the accident.

The family lived in Newton, Massachusetts, and were visiting their lakeside home in Wakefield, New Hampshire over the Christmas holidays.

Investigators said they haven't yet figured out what caused the apparent leak of carbon monoxide from the propane gas heating system.

New Hampshire Fire Marshal Sean Toomey said there were no carbon monoxide alarms found in the home, and he urged people to install and maintain such alarms.

'This has been a terribly tragic year for both fire deaths and carbon monoxide deaths,' Toomey said.

A Massachusetts family has been found dead in their holiday home on Christmas Day after being struck by a silent killer overnight - carbon monoxide. (Pictured: the Goldstein family)

Matthew Goldstein (left), 52, was an elementary school teacher in Chestnut Hill and his wife Lyla Goldstein (right), 54, was a project manager at Microsoft

The family lived in Newton, Massachusetts, and were visiting their lakeside home (pictured) in Wakefield, New Hampshire over the Christmas holidays

'To lose a whole family of four right in the peak of the holiday season hits home even more.'

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describes carbon monoxide as a colorless, odorless gas that can kill without warning.

The CDC said more than 400 Americans die each year from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning not linked to fires, while another 14,000 are hospitalized.

Police arrived at the house in the town of Wakefield about 4:20 p.m. on Christmas Day after the family didn't show up as expected at an extended family gathering.

Other relatives had tried messaging and calling each of the four, Toomey said. Those relatives then called police, who conducted a welfare check, he said.

Toomey said police found three of the victims in bedrooms and the fourth in a bathroom, and that authorities suspect they died during the night.

When fire crews arrived, they found the home had elevated levels of carbon monoxide, Toomey said, adding that the deaths were believed to be accidental.

New Hampshire's Office of the Chief Medical Examiner completed an autopsy of Matthew Goldstein and found his cause of death was carbon monoxide poisoning. Autopsies have yet to be completed on the other three victims.

The Goldstein's daughters, Valerie (right), 22, who was also a teacher, and Violet (center), 19, a college student, also died in the accident

Investigators said they haven't yet figured out what caused the apparent leak of carbon monoxide from the propane gas heating system

A listing on Redfin says the home (pictured), which includes a pool and a dock, was newly renovated and had a new, efficient heating system

Matthew Goldstein taught eighth grade at the Edith C. Baker School near Boston, which serves the Chestnut Hill and South Brookline neighborhoods of Brookline.

'Mr. Goldstein's dedication to inspiring students and shaping young minds has left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

'Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, colleagues and students during this profoundly difficult time,' Brookline Public Schools Superintendent Linus Guillory said in a statement.

Matthew Goldstein had also performed in many plays for the Newton Theatre Company.

Lyla Goldstein's LinkedIn profile indicated she had worked at Microsoft for more than 16 years and for the last four years had been a principal project manager, focusing on projects that involved data and artificial intelligence.

Valerie Goldstein's LinkedIn profile said she was working as a fifth grade teacher in eastern North Carolina, in the first year of a Teach for America commitment after graduating from Syracuse University.

She said in her profile that she hoped for a future career in education policy and advocacy.

Violet Goldstein was a freshman at the Rhode Island School of Design, school President Crystal Williams said.

'I know that you join me in feeling utter heartbreak at the loss of such a promising young member of our community, along with her family, on what should have been a joyous occasion,' Williams wrote in an email to the school's community.

Police arrived at the house in the town of Wakefield about 4:20 p.m. on Christmas Day after the family didn't show up as expected at an extended family gathering

The Goldstein family were struck down by a silent killer on Christmas Day - carbon monoxide

The family had been on vacation in their lakeside Wakefield, New Hampshire home

The Goldstein's relatives raised the alarm after they didn't turn up for a Christmas gathering

Tax records indicate the home, on the northern tip of Balch Lake, was owned by the couple.

A listing on Redfin says the home, which includes a pool and a dock, was newly renovated and had a new, efficient heating system.

Temperatures in Wakefield on Christmas Day reached a low of about 13 degrees Fahrenheit (-11 degrees Celsius).

Toomey said investigators believe the heating system in the home malfunctioned, allowing carbon monoxide to escape outside of the normal venting system.

He said leaks can happen whenever there isn't efficient combustion in propane, oil or wood heating systems.

As well as having alarms, he said, people should ensure their chimneys are routinely cleaned and their systems serviced.

They should also check during winter that vents aren't blocked by snow or ice, he said.
A member of the UK Pyrotechnics Society was found with a huge illegal amount of a chemical used for explosives.

Thomas Sleight, 65, was caught storing 800kg of barium nitrate at a farm in Kirton Lindsey, North Lincolnshire, where he sold some of it to people in the UK and Europe.

The maximum amount that can be stored legally is 5kg.

A court heard the landowner was unaware what was being kept at the lock-up on the site.

Investigators ruled out any terrorist link to Sleight's criminal activities.

Sleight, of Johnson's Lane, Crowle, admitted three offences of supplying a regulated substance to somebody without checking who they were between 2015 and 2020.

He was handed a suspended 12 month jail term at Grimsby Crown Court under The Poisons Act 1972.

Prosecuting, Michael Masson told how another substance he sold, without checking the licence of the buyer, was potassium perchlorate.

Thomas Sleight, 65, was handed a 12 month suspended jail term at Grimsby Crown Court (pictured) for storing 800kg of barium nitrate at a farm in Kirton Lindsey, North Lincolnshire

Both are used in the manufacture of fireworks. But they are regulated due to the potential for use in making explosives.

Mr Masson said the criminal activities of the specialist chemical supplier came to light during an investigation in Aberdeen where a man was charged with terrorism-related offences, due to the possession of explosive substances.

He was later cleared at The High Court in Edinburgh. The Police Scotland investigation revealed the supplier of the chemicals was Sleight.

His home was raided on August 11, 2020 and a large quantity of paperwork and some devices were seized and examined.

Sleight volunteered information to police that he was storing barium nitrate at a lock up at Kirton Lindsey. He said he had bought it in bulk from a supplier because of his interest in pyrotechnics.

Mr Masson said due to the volatility and the vast quantity of barium nitrate, a specialist operation was required to remove it.

He said the maximum allowed to be stored is 5kg and can only be used by people who are licensed. Sleight's licence had been revoked, although he had been selling the chemical for around a decade, legally.

The prosecutor said the chemicals are regulated and only licence holders can handle them because of the potential for them to be mixed with other chemicals to create explosives.

Mr Masson said: 'Possession alone can be considered a terrorist offence. But the investigators were satisfied there was no malicious intent and that it was for the use in fireworks, because of his interest in pyrotechnics.'

He said the chemicals were used in fireworks and flares and in making ceramics.

Michael Masson, prosecuting, said the chemicals were used in fireworks and flares and in making ceramics (Pictured here is a fireworks display seen from Midsummer Common in Cambridge)

'It can be used to make explosives when mixed with other chemicals. There are regulations for good reason and he had no knowledge of what they were going to be used for nor to whom they were being sold,' said Mr Masson.

For Sleight, Harry Bradford said his client was remorseful for the offences and had volunteered information to police.

'He took his interest (in fireworks) very seriously,' he said.

Judge Richard Woolfall said the defendant had not checked whether the buyers of his chemicals were 'fit and proper people' and he was disguising the nature of the chemicals in packaging.

He said he had failed to keep proper records of who it was supplied to.

'You were motivated financially, rather than politically or any other motive,' said the judge.

He added: 'You are a member of the UK Pyrotechnics Society. This is from where your business arose, rather than anything malicious.'

He sentenced Slight to 46 weeks in prison suspended for 12 months.

He ordered him to do 200 hours of unpaid work and to pay 300 costs.
Furious residents in a growing tech boom town have pushed back against Silicon Valley giants 'eating up' their neighborhoods for massive data centers.

Meta, Google, Microsoft and Elon Musk's X are all desperately fighting for space in Atlanta's real estate market, as reported by the Wall Street Journal.

Shocking new figures reveal data center construction exploded by a whopping 76 percent in just six months, according to real estate firm CBRE.

'The amount of growth we've seen the last few years, it's really starting to catch people off guard,' David Guarino, a data property analyst at Green Street, told the Wall Street Journal.

City officials have banned new data facilities near transit stations after locals protested over big tech turning their communities into computer warehouses.

'I think the city is recognizing that data centers, while they provide some value to abandoned office buildings, they don't really, long-term, add to the city's vibrancy or housing,' Matthew Garbett, a member of the Adair Park Neighborhood Association, told the Wall Street Journal.

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens emphasized that Data Center development 'cannot be prioritized over people-centered urban development' in a letter addressing the legislation.

He specifically emphasized the importance of 'affordable housing, quality jobs, and neighborhood retail.'

But experts predict Atlanta's data center power usage will continue to skyrocket to a shocking 4,000 megawatts by 2028 - that's thirty times more than in 2012.

Experts predict Atlanta's data center power usage will continue to skyrocket to a shocking 4,000 megawatts by 2028 - that's thirty times more than in 2012. Pictured: The QTS data center complex under development in Fayetteville, Georgia

Matthew Garbett, a member of the Adair Park Neighborhood Association, has spoken out against the data centers

As Atlanta's battle continues, other cities are taking notice.

Fairfax County, Virginia - another data center hotspot - has already followed suit with its own ban on facilities near rail stations.

But data center companies remain defiant.

'Nobody wants zoning issues, challenges to their development,' said Chris Gatch, an executive at DC Blox, which is pushing ahead with two new suburban facilities despite the controversy.

Meanwhile, residents like Garbett point to success stories of community-focused development: a former school transformed into affordable housing, and an old shelving factory now buzzing with apartments, offices and shops.

Still the tech growth shows no signs of slowing down throughout the country.

Musk's X recently secured a $10 million tax break for expansion, while Amazon Web Services is pouring $10 billion into new data centers near Jackson, Mississippi.

Furious residents have pushed back against Silicon Valley giants 'eating up' their neighborhoods for massive data centers

City officials have banned new data facilities near transit stations after locals protested over big tech turning their communities into computer warehouses

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens emphasized that Data Center development 'cannot be prioritized over people-centered urban development' in a letter addressing the legislation

He specifically emphasized the importance of 'affordable housing, quality jobs, and neighborhood retail'

Residents of Ashburn, Virginia, home to an extraordinary 70 percent of the world's web traffic, were also furious when the town's several data centers 'ruined their neighborhood.'

The six-square-mile town, with a population just over 45,000, sits in Loudon County, became the epicenter of a raging battle to prevent the state's countryside from being swallowed up by the internet in July.

Virginia is currently home to the nation's largest data center market with 51 million square feet of the massive groupings of networked computer servers - and there is another 58.6 million planned.

Officials in nearby Culpeper County came up with a plan in 2021 to invite data centers into the area to meet the huge demand while safeguarding the landscape and residential appeal.

It approved plans to turn pasture land into its sixth data hub during a vote last week, leaving locals angry.

The Culpeper County Board of Supervisors agreed to transform farmland into a data center that stretches across 1.5 million square feet.

Millions of acres of American farmland are being lost to urban development but one state in particular is seeing its countryside destroyed by the internet

Social media giant Meta has unveiled plans for a massive data center which will bring 1,000 jobs to a rural county in America's heartland

They voted to approve the sprawling Red Ace Data Center campus by a tight 4-3 vote despite complaints from locals about potential noise, traffic, energy capacity and wells running dry.

'These data centers will definitely destroy the county,' resident Don Haight said, according to The Washington Post.
Aviation experts say a bird strike should not have crippled the landing gear of the doomed plane that crashed in South Korea and killed 179 people.

The twin-engine Boeing 737-800 carrying 181 people is believed to have encountered a flock of birds as it came in to land at Muan International Airport on Sunday morning.

Unverified video footage reportedly of the aircraft shows a burst of fire coming out of the jet's right engine supposedly showing the moment the bird struck the plane.

Early theories had suggested it could have caused the budget airline's jet's landing gear to malfunction.

But experts have raised doubts with Australian airline safety expert Geoffrey Dell saying: 'I've never seen a bird strike prevent the landing gear from being extended.'

Airline News editor Geoffrey Thomas said bird strikes happen 'far more often, but typically they don't cause the loss of an airplane by themselves'.

The doomed aircraft attempted a belly-landing before skidding off the 2,800-metre runway, ploughing into a concrete wall and bursting into flames.

Aviation expert David Learmount told Sky News that had it not been for the wall, a disaster could have been averted, adding that the aircraft was intact before it smashed into the barrier.

King Charles and Queen Camilla have paid tribute to the 179 people killed saying they were 'profoundly saddened to learn of the horrific air accident at Muan' and the families and loved ones of the victims were in their prayers.

All 175 passengers were killed on the flight from Thailand's capital Bangkok, with four crew members among those dead in the deadliest air disaster on South Korean soil since 1997.

Miraculously, two of the flight crew - a 33-year-old male and a female - survived the horror crash and were pulled from the burning wreckage, before being taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Black smoke emits from Jeju Air aircraft flight 7C2216 as it veers off the runway before crashing at Muan International Airport in South Korea

A plane carrying 181 people crashed into a wall at at Muan International Airport in South Korea, the Yonhap news agency reported on Sunday

The grim moment the plane burst into flames after smashing into a concrete wall at the end of the runway

A burst of flames can be seen in an unverified video coming from the right wing engine as the plane came in to land

Firefighters attempt to extinguish the flames after the jet burst into flames after ploughing into a concrete wall

Mr Thomas questioned why fire tenders didn't lay foam on the runway.

'Why weren't they in attendance when the plane touched down? And why did the aircraft touch down so far down the runway? And why was there a brick wall at the end of the runway?,' he said.

'A bird strike is not unusual, problems with an undercarriage are not unusual. Bird strikes happen far more often, but typically they don't cause the loss of an airplane by themselves.'

Trevor Jensen, an Australian aviation consultant, said fire and emergency services would normally be ready for a belly-landing, 'so this appears to be unplanned'.

However, aviation expert Sally Gethin told Sky News a bird strike could cause damage to the engine and the hydraulics to fail.

She said it was a 'plausible explanation' for causing a landing gear failure.

'The pilots would have had to make very split-second decisions on what their options would be in a case like that,' she said.

'Then, of course, they ran out of runway and hit a buffer wall right at the end which caused the actual eruption.'

Marco Chan, a senior lecturer in aviation operations at Buckinghamshire New University, said the evidence suggested the plane had encountered a flock of birds 'leading to suspected bird ingestion into the engines'.

'Witnesses reported hearing explosions and seeing flames from the right-hand engine, indicating potential damage,' he said.

Firefighters and rescue personnel work near the scene where a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 series aircraft crashed

A firefighter and a dog work near the deadly crash site that killed all 175 passengers and four crew members

The remains of a passenger seat lies on the ground after a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 series aircraft crashed and burst into flames at Muan International Airport

A person rescued from the wreckage is wheeled on a stretcher from an ambulance to a medical facility

Rescue workers take part in a salvage operation at the site where an aircraft crashed after it went off the runway at Muan International Airport, in Muan, South Korea - December 29, 2024

'This damage may have caused a hydraulic system failure, which could explain the inability to deploy the landing gear.'

He said the tight timeline between the bird strike warning and the pilot declaring Mayday meant it 'likely constrained the crew's ability to troubleshoot effectively and assess all options, including possible diversion to an alternate airport with a longer runway'.

'The inability to deploy the landing gear forced the crew to attempt a belly landing on Muan's 2,800-metre runway,' he said.

'The Boeing 737-800 is a reliable and widely used aircraft, and this crash appears to result from an unfortunate chain of events rather than a systemic design flaw.

'The findings from the investigation will provide critical lessons for preventing similar tragedies in the future.

'Our thoughts are with the family and friends of all crew and passengers on Jeju Air Flight 7C-2216, and the aviation industry must learn lessons from this tragic incident.'

Mr Chan added that 'while a longer runway could have helped, it is not just about finding one - its about whether its safe and possible to get there'.

A spokesperson for Jeju Air was not immediately available for comment.

The company declined to comment on the cause of the accident during news conferences, saying an investigation is under way.

But according to the Yonhap news agency, the head of Jeju Air's management team, Song Kyung-hoon, told a press briefing that the crash was not due to 'any maintenance issues'.

Under global aviation rules, South Korea will lead a civil investigation into the crash and automatically involve the National Transportation Safety Board in the United States where the plane was designed and built.

Firefighters carry the body of a passenger from the wreckage of a Jeju Air plane at Muan International Airport - December 29, 2024

Firefighters and rescue team members work near the wreckage of a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 series aircraft - December 29, 2024

People listen at Muan International Airport as an official discloses the additional names of passengers who died in the horror plane crash, with the youngest victim a three year old boy

The single-aisle aircraft was seen in video broadcast on local media skidding down the runway with no visible landing gear before slamming into a wall in an explosion of flame and debris.

A South Korean transport official earlier said that the plane had attempted to land but was told by the air traffic control to hold off after giving a bird strike warning.

Around two minutes later the pilot called a Mayday and was given permission to land from the opposite direction.

'That gives you all the parameters of all the systems of the plane. The heartbeat of the airplane is on the flight data recorder,' Mr Thomas said. 'The voice recorder will probably provide the most interesting analysis of what went on on this tragic crash.'

Experts cautioned that air accidents are usually caused by a cocktail of factors and it can take months to piece together the sequence of events in and outside the plane.

In a televised news conference, the airline's chief executive, Kim E-bae, gave a deep bow with other senior company officials as he apologised to bereaved families and said he feels 'full responsibility' for the incident.

He said the company had not identified any mechanical problems with the aircraft following regular checks and that he would wait for the results of government investigations into the cause of the incident.

Five children all aged under 10, including a three-year-old boy, are the youngest victims of the horror plane crash.

South Korea's acting President Choi Sang-mok has declared a national mourning period until January 4.

Grieving families screamed and wept in the arrivals hall as the names of those confirmed dead were read out by a medic.

Twenty-two dead passengers were identified by their fingerprints.

One woman was carried away on a stretcher, apparently having passed out from shock.

Firefighters carry burnt chairs from the deadly aircraft crash at Muan International Airport - December 29, 2024

The wreckage of an aircraft lies on the ground after it went off the runway and crashed at Muan International Airport, in Muan, South Korea - December 29, 2024

A chair from the wreckage sits alone on the grass with a newspaper seen on the seat

A life jacket hangs on fencing next to the wreckage of an aircraft at Muan International Airport - December 29, 2024

South Korea's acting president and Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok (C), listens to a firefighter during a visit to the plane crash site

Some family members were seen shouting at officials as they became frustrated about the time it had taken for their loved ones to be identified, reported the BBC.

The broadcaster said one official told the gathering crowd that it was difficult to identify younger passengers as they weren't carrying any ID.

The boards typically used for arrival and departure information were instead displaying the names, dates of birth and nationalities of the victims, while a makeshift morgue has been set up inside the airport.

Family members hugged and cried at the airport as Red Cross volunteers handed out blankets to bereaved relatives.

One stood at a microphone to ask for more information from authorities. 'My older brother died and I don't know what's going on,' he said. 'I don't know.'

Mortuary vehicles lined up outside to take bodies away, and authorities said a temporary morgue had been established inside the airport.

The passengers on board the flight included 173 South Koreans and two Thais, Yonhap reported.

Of those on board, 82 were men and 93 were women

The bodies of 11 other passengers aboard the deadly flight were so brutally injured that their gender was not immediately clear, officials said.

The 33-year-old male flight attendant, named Lee, who survived the deadly crash said he 'woke up and was rescued'.

He is currently in intensive care and has fractures to his spine, shoulder and ribs.

Joo Woong, the director of Seoul National University Hospital, where Mr Lee is being treated, said he could suffer from full body paralysis as a result of his injuries.

Today Pope Francis sent his prayers to the victims as he said: 'My thoughts are with the many families in South Korea who are mourning today following the dramatic plane crash. I join in prayer for the survivors and the dead.'
A 15-year-old schoolgirl is among the seven people arrested by police after a teenager was stabbed to death on Saturday.

Officers were called to Rose Avenue in Ilkeston, Derbyshire, by the East Midlands Ambulance Service after an 18-year-old man was found with a stab wound at 8.20pm.

Despite the best efforts of medical staff at the scene, the victim died just before 9pm.

A murder investigation was launched by Derbyshire Police and four 17-year-old boys were arrested on suspicion of killing the man.

A 52-year-old man, 15-year-old girl and a 16-year-old girl were also arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

All seven people remained in police custody whilst officers continued their enquiries at the scene today.

Pictures from the residential street showed the area cordoned off with police tape and a blue tent was visible in the middle of the road.

As the investigation continues, the force has launched an appeal to the public for any information that will assist them.

Officers were called to Rose Avenue in Ilkeston, Derbyshire, by the East Midlands Ambulance Service after an 18-year-old man was found with a stab wound at 8.20pm

Pictures from the residential street showed the area cordoned off with police tape and a blue tent was visible in the middle of the road

All seven people remained in police custody whilst officers continued their enquiries at the scene today

Detectives are particularly interested in any CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage between the times of 7pm and 9pm in the areas of Heanor Road, Rose Avenue, Summerfields Way, Kedleston Drive and Peveril Drive.

A Major Incident Public Portal has also been set up which can be used to pass information and submit footage.

Detective Chief Inspector Claudia Musson, who is leading the investigation, said: 'We are in the very early stages of the investigation, and we are treating it as an isolated incident.

'We are keen for anyone with information to contact us as a matter of urgency to assist with the inquiry into the death of this young man.'
King Charles and Queen Camilla are 'profoundly saddened' by the plane crash in South Korea that killed 179 of the 181 people on board.

The twin-engine Boeing 737-800 passenger jet crashed on the runway at Muan International Airport this morning after skidding and crashing into a concrete wall, causing the plane to burst into flames.

All passengers on board died - the youngest being a three-year-old boy - while two of six crew members miraculously survived after being recovered from the back of the plane.

Charles and Camilla said they will mourn the 179 lives lost, with those who died and their grieving families 'in our prayers'.

The royal pair said in a statement: 'My wife and I were profoundly saddened to learn of the horrific air accident at Muan, which resulted in such grievous loss of life.

'As the people of the Republic of Korea mourn this disaster, the families and loved ones of all the victims are in our prayers. Charles R.'

Sir Keir Starmer also sent his 'deepest condolences' to the victims of the fatal plane crash.

'I send my deepest condolences to the victims and families of those who lost their lives in the tragic plane crash in Muan,' the Prime Minister said. 'I pay tribute to the work of the emergency responders and my thoughts are with the people of the Republic of Korea and Thailand at this terrible time.'

King Charles and Queen Camilla are 'profoundly saddened' by the plane crash in South Korea that killed 179 people

Firefighters search for bodies in the wreckage of the crashed plane at Muan International Airport

It is believed a bird strike could have caused the tragic crash, with footage seemingly showing the moment the aircraft was struck while in the air.

But aviation experts said a bird strike should not have crippled the landing gear of the doomed plane.

The aircraft is thought to have encountered a flock of birds as it came in to land at the airport this morning.

The doomed plane attempted a belly-landing before skidding off the 2,800-metre runway, ploughing into a concrete wall and bursting into flames.

The single-aisle aircraft was seen in video broadcast on local media skidding down the runway with no visible landing gear before slamming into a wall in an explosion of flames and debris.

A South Korean transport official earlier said that the plane had attempted to land but was told by the air traffic control to hold off after giving a bird strike warning.

Around two minutes later the pilot called a Mayday and was given permission to land from the opposite direction.

The head pilot had been in his role since 2019 and had more than 9,800 hours of flight experience.

Firefighting authorities conduct a search operation at the plane crash site in South Korea

It is believed a bird strike could have caused the tragic crash, which claimed 179 lives

Airline News editor Geoffrey Thomas questioned why fire tenders didn't lay foam on the runway.

'Why weren't they in attendance when the plane touched down? And why did the aircraft touch down so far down the runway? And why was there a brick wall at the end of the runway?,' he said.

'A bird strike is not unusual, problems with an undercarriage are not unusual. Bird strikes happen far more often, but typically they don't cause the loss of an airplane by themselves.'

Trevor Jensen, an Australian aviation consultant, said fire and emergency services would normally be ready for a belly-landing, 'so this appears to be unplanned'.

However, aviation expert Sally Gethin told Sky News a bird strike could cause damage to the engine and the hydraulics to fail.

She said it was a 'plausible explanation' for causing a landing gear failure.

'The pilots would have had to make very split-second decisions on what their options would be in a case like that,' she said.

'Then, of course, they ran out of runway and hit a buffer wall right at the end which caused the actual eruption.'
From tiny and impoverished Mayotte to oil-rich behemoth Saudi Arabia, prosperous European cities to overcrowded slums in Africa, nowhere was spared the devastating impact of supercharged climate disasters in 2024.

This year is the hottest in history, with record-breaking temperatures in the atmosphere and oceans acting like fuel for extreme weather around the world.

World Weather Attribution, experts on how global warming influences extreme events, said nearly every disaster they analysed over the past 12 months was intensified by climate change.

'The impacts of fossil fuel warming have never been clearer or more devastating than in 2024. We are living in a dangerous new era,' said climate scientist Friederike Otto, who leads the WWA network.

Heat

That was tragically evident in June when more than 1,300 people died during the Muslim hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia where temperatures hit 51.8C.

Shocking images showed people being stretchered away and collapsing on the streets after they fell victim to the searing heat, while many others suffered severe heatstroke and had to be urgently rushed inside.

Unregistered pilgrims made up more than half of those who perished, with many unable to access air-conditioned facilities and help from authorities.

A Saudi study published earlier this year said temperatures in the area are rising 0.4C each decade.

A Hajj pilgrim is carried away on a stretcher after an intense heatwave in Mecca left more than a thousand dead

A man, affected by the scorching heat, is helped by a member of the Saudi security forces as Muslim pilgrims arrive to perform the symbolic 'stoning of the devil' ritual during the annual hajj pilgrimage in Mina on June 16, 2024

Muslim pilgrims use umbrellas to shade themselves from the sun as they arrive at the base of Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal al-Rahma or Mount of Mercy, during the hajj pilgrimage

Extreme heat - sometimes dubbed the 'silent killer' - also proved deadly in Thailand, India, and United States.

In Ma, the heat in Chauk, Myanmar, hit 48.2C - the highest ever measured, whilst the Filipino capital, Manila, banked a new high of 38.8C.

In several areas of Thailand including Bangkok, temperatures sky-rocketed past 40C.

At least 30 individuals died from heatstroke in Thailand this year alone - a stark contrast to the 37 killed by soaring temperatures in 2023.

Conditions were so intense in Mexico that howler monkeys dropped dead from the trees, while Pakistan kept millions of children at home as the mercury inched above 50C.

Greece recorded its earliest ever heatwave, forcing the closure of its famed Acropolis and fanning terrible wildfires, at the outset of Europe's hottest summer yet.

There was a spate of deaths and disappearances of tourists during Greece's unusual June heatwave, with many of the victims going missing while out on walks, highlighting the dangers of exposure to temperatures of 40C or more.

GREECE: A wildfire burns at Sofiko near Corinth in Greece. A number of firefighters were injured battling the blaze

A helicopter drops water over a wildfire in Greece on Wednesday, July 17

A tourist poses for a photo in front of the Caryatids atop the Acropolis hill, as a wildfire burns in the background, amid high temperatures in Athens

ITALY: Pictures from the end of June show Lake Pergusa in Sicily almost completely dried up. Reports from recent days suggest it is still depleted amid the hot and dry weather

In July, the Culture Ministry ordered the closure of the Greek monument - the country's biggest cultural attraction - from midday for five hours.

Tourists hoping to visit the Parthenon temple atop the Acropolis queued early in the morning to beat the worst of the heat, while the Red Cross handed chilled bottled water and information fliers to those waiting in line.

Floods

Climate change isn't just sizzling temperatures - warmer oceans mean higher evaporation, and warmer air absorbs more moisture, a volatile recipe for heavy rainfall.

In April, the United Arab Emirates received two years worth of rain in a single day, turning parts of the desert-state into a sea, and hobbling Dubai's international airport.

Punishing rains - the heaviest experienced by the UAE in the 75 years that records have been kept - brought much of the country to a standstill and trapped thousands of residents and holidaymakers in traffic, offices, homes and hotels.

In Dubai, some vehicles, including buses, were almost entirely submerged by the deluge water while the roofs of shopping centres and public buildings collapsed, sending torrents of rainwater gushing through.

Cars drive in a flooded street following heavy rains in Dubai on April 17, 2024. Dubai, the Middle East's financial centre, was paralysed by the torrential rain that caused floods across the UAE and Bahrain and left 18 dead in Oman

A man steers his canoe past a stranded car on a flooded street in Dubai following heavy rains on April 18, 2024. Dubai's giant highways were clogged by flooding and its major airport was in chaos as the Middle East financial centre remained gridlocked on April 18, a day after the heaviest rains on record

Cars are stuck on a flooded road after a rainstorm hit Dubai, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, April 17, 2024

Flood water cascaded through luxury underground malls while shoppers in designer clothes waded through water.

Above ground, howling winds blew furniture off tower-block balconies while the skies turned black with apocalyptic videos showing lightning strikes every few seconds.

Kenya was barely out of a once-in-a-generation drought when the worst floods in decades delivered back-to-back disasters for the East African nation.

Police said the flooding was caused by a dam on the Gitathuru River that burst, although two local residents said the water had actually broken through a railway embankment after a tunnel that had channeled the water under the tracks was blocked by an earlier landslide.

The floodwaters also carried away trees and railway lines. Hours after the rain had let up, local residents pulled motorcycles and household belongings from the mud.

The intense flooding claimed the lives of at least 45 people.

Four million people needed aid after historic flooding killed more than 1,500 people across West and Central Africa.

Residents are seen in a flooded street of Mathare neighborhood after heavy rains as they try to evacuate the area with their important belongings in Nairobi, Kenya

A woman and a man take mud and water out of their house in an area heavily affected by torrential rains and flash floods in Mai Mahiu

People gather at an area flooded by the Gitathuru river water, a day after it overflowed and broke its banks due to heavy rainfall damaging surrounding neighborhoods

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was saddened by the loss of life and damage caused by flash flooding in several parts of Kenya

Hours after the rain had let up, local residents pulled motorcycles and household belongings from the mud

Europe - most notably Spain - also suffered tremendous downpours that caused deadly flash flooding.

Afghanistan, Russia, Brazil, China, Nepal, Uganda, India, Somalia, Pakistan, Burundi and the United States were among other countries that witnessed flooding in 2024.

Cyclones

Warmer ocean surfaces feed energy into tropical cyclones as they barrel toward land, whipping up fierce winds and their destructive potential.

Major hurricanes pummelled the United States and Caribbean, most notably Milton, Beryl and Helene, in a 2024 season of above-average storm activity.

In October, the death toll for Hurricane Milton hit 16 as rescue crews were left clearing downed trees and powerlines, as well as mopping up flooded neighborhoods after the storm made landfall as a Category 3 Hurricane.

While Milton did not trigger the catastrophic surge of seawater that was originally feared in Florida, the clean-up operation was expected to take many weeks or months for some people.

Hurricane Beryl ripped through southeast Texas, causing widespread power outages that left at least eight people dead in July.

In this aerial photo, a vehicle drives though a flooded street after Hurricane Milton, in Siesta Key, Florida, on October 10

A resident walks past debris in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl in Surfside Beach, Texas on July 8, 2024

A home is severely damaged after Hurricane Beryl swept through the area on July 8, 2024 in Freeport, Texas

Beryl hit land as a Category 1 hurricane, strengthening from a tropical storm over the Gulf of Mexico. It later weakened into a tropical depression with maximum wind speeds of about 35mph.

The Philippines endured six major storms in November alone, just two months after suffering Typhoon Yagi as it tore through Southeast Asia.

The typhoon, described by Vietnamese meteorological officials as 'one of the most powerful typhoons in the region over the past decade', made its way to the Southeast Asian country after it left three people dead and nearly a hundred others injured in the Chinese province of Hainan in September.

Earlier, the government issued several alerts, and those vulnerable to floods or landslides were evacuated. Four airports were shuttered, including in the capital Hanoi, and the city of Haiphong.

In December, scientists said global warming had helped intensify Cyclone Chido to a Category 4 storm as it collided head-on with Mayotte, devastating France's poorest overseas territory.

Chido's dizzying winds tore through the archipelago and left buildings heavily damaged, vehicles destroyed, and the main airport and hospital completely wrecked.

A road in Haikou following the landfall of Typhoon Yagi in south Chinas Hainan province in September

Hospitals, homes and vehicles were wrecked due to Chido's 163mph winds

A photo taken on December 15, 2024 shows the 'Karihani' inter-island barge stranded among debris in Mamoudzou after the cyclone Chido hit France's Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte

Authorities reported at least 11 people killed by the vicious cyclone, but fears rose that the toll could creep into the thousands as emergency workers raced to find survivors.

Droughts and Wildfires

Some regions may be wetter as climate change shifts rainfall patterns, but others are becoming drier and more vulnerable to drought.

The Americas suffered severe drought in 2024 and wildfires torched millions of hectares in the western United States, Canada, and the Amazon basin - usually one of Earth's wettest places.

Between January and September, more than 400,000 fires were recorded across South America, shrouding the continent in choking smoke.

In February, at least 122 people were killed in a spate of wildfires in Chile, the deadliest in the South American nation's history.

Hundreds of families were left homeless, with at least 15,000 homes destroyed and entire neighborhoods gutted.

Smoke hovers over the Chilean city of Vina del Mar as forest fires spread to homes. The wildfires is said to be the worst in the country's history with 122 people confirmed dead

Firefighters work on the zone of a forest fire in the hills in Quilpe comune in the Chilean province of Valparaiso

Residents inspect their homes in Villa Independencia, a town in the Chilean province of Valparaiso, that was ravaged by fires that spread from forest wildfires late last week. The death toll rose to 122 people on Monday

The Chilean government were then forced to investigate whether the fires were deliberately set.

The World Food Programme in December said 26 million people across southern Africa were at risk of hunger as a months-long drought parched the impoverished region.

Economic toll

Extreme weather cost thousands of lives in 2024 and left countless more in desperate poverty. The lasting toll of such disasters is impossible to quantify.

In terms of economic losses, Zurich-based reinsurance giant Swiss Re estimated the global damage bill at 249.6billion, a statement issued early December.

Flooding in Europe - particularly in the Spanish province of Valencia, where over 200 people died in October - and hurricanes Helene and Milton drove up the cost, the company said.

As of November 1, the United States had suffered 24 weather disasters in 2024 with losses exceeding 795,000 each, government figures showed.

Drought in Brazil cost its farming sector 2.1billion between June and August, while 'climatic challenges' drove global wine production to its lowest level since 1961, an industry body said.
Elon Musk has been accused of censorship after his X social media platform allegedly removed premium features from accounts criticizing his stance on the visa program for foreign tech workers.

The billionaire Tesla CEO on Friday vowed to go to 'war' with MAGA Republicans to defend the H-1B visa program, which allow highly-skilled foreigners to work in the US for six years, rather than prioritizing American employees.

Now, Musk appears to have stepped it up a notch by revoking privileges from X users who disagreed with his views, according to several prominent conservative accounts.

Several prominent conservative accounts have complained that their blue verification badge on X has been revoked, cutting them off from features including the ability to monetize their content.

One account, called ConservativeOG, claimed more than 50 users had been affected by the apparent censorship by Musk, who prides himself on promoting free speech.

'With Elon's shift on H-1B visas, we now would like answers for losing our gold checkmark. Cooler heads must prevail to restore badges for our 50+ affiliates. Right or wrong, this platform claims to champion free speechso let's see it in action,' ConservativeOG wrote on X.

'We pay 1K a month for a "free speech platform," we want that!'

President-elect Donald Trump's longtime supporters have increasingly pushed for the H-1B visa program to be scrapped amid a heated debate over immigration and the place of skilled immigrants and foreign workers brought into the US on work visas.

But his most recently acquired backers from the tech industry seemingly support the program, including Musk, who is a naturalized US citizen born in South Africa and has previously held an H-1B visa. His electric-car company Tesla also obtained 724 H-1B visas this year.

Elon Musk has been accused of censorship after his X social media platform allegedly removed premium features from accounts which criticized his stance in the fierce ongoing debate about immigration visas

Trump with hard right influencer Laura Loomer

Conservative pundit Laura Loomer also weighed in.

'Why are X users who pay for @premium having their posts listed as "probable spam" on my posts @elonmusk? This is censorship. I understand you don't like me, but this is nothing but retaliatory censorship?' she wrote on X.

The accounts were still active on Sunday. Some conservatives said the move was a betrayal of Musk's pledges to make X a free speech haven when he bought the app, which was then called Twitter, in 2022.

Musk, who immigrated to the US from South Africa and became a citizen in 2002, did not respond to requests for comment, but he posted about the X algorithm on Thursday night.

'Just a reminder that the algorithm is trying to maximize unregretted user-seconds,' Musk wrote.

'If far more credible, verified subscriber accounts (not bots) mute/block your account compared to those who like your posts, your reach will decline significantly.'

But the post sparked further accusations that Musk has been shadow-banning his conservative critics by sabotaging their engagement with other users.

Preston Parra, 23, the influencer who runs the ConservativeOG account, accused Musk of staging a 'political takedown' in retaliation for publicly disagreeing with his views on visas and immigration

'If anyone thinks for one minute the REAL backbone of the right wing and MAGA is gonna stand idly by while these big tech gillionaire Silicon Valley dweebs who didn't get bullied enough in high school, steal our country, they're mistaken,' Parra told NBC News in a text message.

Parra said he believes Musk to be a 'Trojan horse' in the Trump camp. Several accounts have also referred to Musk as 'the monarch', suggesting he has absolute control over the website.

Musk this week even threatened to 'go to war' with MAGA republicans after he defended the visas, and Donald Trump shocked faithful followers by siding with the SpaceX founder on the hot-button topic

Musk, who immigrated to the US from South Africa and became a citizen in 2002, did not respond to requests for comment, but he posted about the X algorithm on Thursday night

On Saturday, the president-elect praised the use of visas to bring skilled foreign workers to the U.S.

'Ive always liked the visas, I have always been in favor of the visas. Thats why we have them,' Trump told the New York Post.

In fact, Trump has in the past criticized the H-1B visas, calling them 'very bad' and 'unfair' for U.S. workers.

During his first term as president, Trump unveiled a 'Hire American' policy that directed changes to the program to try to ensure the visas were awarded to the highest-paid or most-skilled applicants.

Despite his criticism of them and attempts to curb their use, he has also used the visas at his businesses in the past, something he acknowledged in his interview Saturday.

'I have many H-1B visas on my properties. Ive been a believer in H-1B. I have used it many times. Its a great program,' Trump told the newspaper.

He did not appear to address questions about whether he would pursue any changes to the number or use of the visas once he takes office Jan. 20.

On Saturday, the president-elect praised the use of visas to bring skilled foreign workers to the U.S

Trump's hardline immigration policies, focused mostly on immigrants who are in the country illegally, were a cornerstone of his presidential campaign and a priority issue for his supporters.

But in recent days, his coalition has split in a public debate largely taking place online about the tech industry's hiring of foreign workers.

Hard-right members of Trump's movement have accused Musk and others in Trump's new flank of tech-world supporters of pushing policies at odds with Trump's 'America First' vision.

Software engineers and others in the tech industry have used H-1B visas for skilled foreign workers and say they are a critical tool for hard-to-fill positions.

But critics have said they undercut U.S. citizens who could take those jobs. Some on the right have called for the program to be eliminated.
Have you been delayed due to weather?

Snow, gales and up to five inches of rain are set to batter Britain over New Year, with weather warnings in place for snow, wind and rain.

Forecasters have warned that winds of up to 70mph are likely to hit the north of England on Tuesday, with snow expected on New Year's Day in Northern Ireland, northern England and Scotland.

For those celebrating Hogmanay, heavy downpours and snowfall may cause 'significant disruption' across northern Scotland, with up to five and a half inches of rainfall on Monday and Tuesday.

Up to eight inches of snow may blanket areas like Mainland and Hoy, with two to four inches predicted elsewhere, while strong winds have the potential to 'exacerbate impacts', creating 'blizzard conditions' which could freeze powerlines.

A warning has also been issued for 'persistent snow' likely to cause road disruption in Orkney and Shetland from 5am onwards on Tuesday. Longer road journey times are likely as a result of difficult driving conditions, the forecaster warned.

Sky News Meteorologist Christopher England said the start of 2025 would bring 'multi-hazard storm, combining severe gales, heavy rain and possibly significant snow as the rain runs into cold air'.

Britain faces the worst January freeze for 12 years with a -10C shiver to hit for ten days from New Year's Day.

Temperatures will be colder than Moscow as a 1,000 mile-wide 'polar plunge' arrives on Wednesday  after a storm battering on New Year's Eve on Tuesday and during New Year's Day.

A jogger and dog walker in a lane in Glastonbury, Somerset, on December 29

Pictured above are the weather warnings in place for New Year's Eve

A view of partially obscured Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and Hungerford and Golden Jubilee Bridges as thick fog descends on London on December 29

Cars driving in foggy conditions on the M20 near Folkestone in Kent on December 29

Arctic air will also hit on Wednesday to bring up to four inches' snow in northern England, with up to ten inches and snowdrifts on higher ground.

BBC Weather forecast highs of just 3-5C  but feeling like -1C to 1C in windchill - across most of the UK from January 2 to 10. Nights are set to plummet to -6C in England and -10C in Scotland, colder than -5C lows due in Moscow.

The Weather Outlook forecaster Brian Gaze said: 'Forecast models show the longest and most significant January cold spell for a number of years, starting from New Year's Day.

'Bitter northerly winds are expected, with snow for many areas possible.'

Netweather forecaster Nick Finnis said: 'There is increasing confidence for a cold spell across the UK from January 1 to around January 10. This could be a significant cold spell for January compared to recent years.'

This comes after flights were unable to take off for the third day running yesterday at one of the UK's biggest airports due to thick blankets of fog reducing visibility on the airfield.

Gatwick put temporary air traffic restrictions in place due to visibility issues and warned flights would be delayed throughout the day.

There were 769 flights planned at the airport yesterday - making it the busiest day of the Christmas holiday period.

Pictured above are the weather warnings in place for New Year's Day

A miserable and misty Saturday afternoon in the Oxfordshire countryside at Dunsden

Pedestrians cross Millennium Bridge on Saturday with St Paul's Cathedral disappearing into fog

New Year's Eve could see freezing temperatures in Scotland as rain and winds batter the country

It followed two days of chaos at airports including Stansted, Heathrow, Luton and Manchester due to fog. The Met Office said patches of thick fog was reducing visibility to just 100 metres in some areas.

Among those affected by cancellations over the past few days were a couple who had been forced to prolong their Christmas visit to family on the Isle of Man.

Kiera Quayle, from Colchester, Essex, was due to fly from Isle of Man Airport to Gatwick on Friday evening with her husband after visiting his family but their flight was delayed by three hours before finally being cancelled at around 10pm, with the next one not available until Sunday.

'Our five days has turned to seven, it looks like,' the 30-year-old said. 'It's frustrating and stressful but I overheard a few families who are now missing holidays and work who have it worse at this point.'

Flights at Stansted Airport were impacted by the weather conditions on Saturday, while live departure boards showed delays at Heathrow, Luton and Manchester Airports.

Nats, the UK's main air traffic control provider, said temporary air restrictions are to continue yesterday as airfields are affected by the fog.

A spokesman said Sunday morning: 'While the weather conditions have improved, fog continues to affect some airports in London today. Temporary air traffic restrictions are therefore in place at airfields with low visibility to maintain safety.

'Our teams are working closely with the airports and airlines to minimise disruption but passengers should check the status of their flight with their airline.'

A further view of people in the foggy conditions at St Michael's Tower on top of Glastonbury Tor, Somerset

Passengers face lengthy delays heading in and out of London's Heathrow yesterday due to heavy fog and in Terminal 5 (pictured) check in computers face issues, according to BA staff this morning

People brave the UK's foggy conditions at St Michael's Tower on top of Glastonbury Tor in Somerset

For New Year's Day, the Met Office predicts even lower temperatures for Scotland and northern England

A spokesperson for easyJet said on Sunday: 'Due to ongoing poor weather conditions resulting in air traffic control restrictions and delays at London Gatwick today, some flights this evening are now unable to operate as planned.

'We are doing all we can to minimise the impact of the weather for our customers, providing options to rebook or a refund for cancelled flights, as well as hotel accommodation and meals where required.

'We advise customers due to travel to and from London Gatwick today to check our Flight Tracker for the latest information on their flight.

'The safety and wellbeing of our customers and crew is our highest priority and while this is outside of our control, we are very sorry for the inconvenience caused by the weather.'

Meanwhile, the Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for wind in northern England for Monday - with gusts of up to 60mph possible which may cause travel delays and power cuts.

The warning, in place from 11am to 6pm, covers areas including Durham, Northumberland, Cumbria and North Yorkshire.

In England and Northern Ireland, gusts of up to 70mph may lead to travel disruption on December 31, with delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport all likely, the forecaster has warned.

An alert for wind is in place from 7am until 11pm on Tuesday and covers most of Northern Ireland, including Londonderry, Tyrone, Antrim and Armagh, as well as just north of York in England up to Glasgow, Edinburgh and Greenock.

People walk along Waterloo Bridge past a completely obscured City of London skyline, the capital's financial district, as thick fog descends on the capital on December 29

Travel chaos and flight carnage are in full force at the busiest time of year as thick fog has continued to smother the UK

A partially obscured London Eye yesterday as fog descends on the capital leading to travel chaos and cancelled flights

Very strong winds of up to 60mph are forecast across the whole of England and Wales all day Wednesday and into Thursday morning, with gusts of 75mph likely around coastal areas and hills, according to the Met Office.

The alert for wind is in place from 9am on Wednesday until 6am on Thursday.

Residents should prepare by checking for loose items outside their homes and planning how to secure them, the Met Office warned.

A Met Office forecaster said: 'Northern areas are likely to see the strongest winds on Monday and New Year's Eve, with central and southern areas seeing the strongest winds on New Year's Day.

'Winds will turn northerly and cold air will be drawn across the UK. Showers of rain and sleet will turn increasingly to snow, especially across the north, and coasts.

'There is a chance that rain may move in from the south over the first weekend of January, turning to snow as it runs into colder air.'

Those hoping to travel on New Year's Day should check road conditions and public transport updates before embarking on their journeys.

In Wales, the new year will be off to a soggy start as the majority of the country is likely to be drenched by up to 60mm of rain causing delays for road transport, potential power cuts and flooding.

On Thursday, Britain will feel the cold spell due to hit in January

A view of partially obscured Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Hungerford and Golden Jubilee Bridges, River Thames and the London Eye as fog descends on the capital

The Met Office shows a band of rain, hail and snow descending on the north of the UK this weekend

Met Office chief forecaster Andy Page said the forecast for the upcoming week was 'complicated' and urged people to check the forecast regularly in order to update their plans.

He said: 'Almost the entire UK is covered by at least one weather warning during the coming week. With such a varied and complex weather situation, there is potential for the pattern of warnings to shift and possibly escalate in some areas.

'With lots of celebrations and people on the move over the coming days, we are urging everyone to keep checking the forecast so they can update their plans.'
Heavy rain and snow could cause significant disruption across Scotland in the lead-up to Hogmanay and beyond.

The Met Office has issued a series of yellow weather warnings for rain and snow covering most of the country on Monday, Tuesday and into New Year's Day.

A separate weather warning for wind and snow is in place for southern, central and some eastern parts of Scotland from New Year's Eve until Thursday, January 2.

Sunday evening's Torchlight Procession, which traditionally kicks off Edinburgh's pre-Hogmanay celebrations, was cancelled due to high winds.

Tens of thousands of people are expected to attend Edinburgh's four-day festival, which ends on Thursday.

However, the event coincides with a Met Office yellow weather warning across much of Scotland on Monday and Tuesday.

Heavy rain and snow are expected to fall across most of the country on Monday, December 30, while New Years Eve itself is expected to see heavy winds added to the mix in the southern part of the country.

Edinburgh is expected to be on the edge of the area covered by the weather warning, with conditions in the capital looking better than at first feared.

Up to 140mm of rainfall could fall on Monday and Tuesday

Tens of thousands of people are expected to see in the Bells at Edinburgh's Hogmanay

On Sunday night the Torchlight Procession was called off less than two hours before it was due to begin.

A spokesman for Edinburghs Hogmanay said: Due to ongoing high winds at sections of the Torchlight Procession route, unfortunately the event is unable to go ahead on the grounds of public safety.

The safety of all attending is our top priority and following recent torch tests on the route, the winds are proving too strong to proceed safely.'

Al Thompson, co-festival director for Edinburghs Hogmanay, said: The evening of December 31 itself, on Hogmanay night, is looking more favourable, so we dont have any concerns about the night itself.

But the challenge for us over the next 48 hours is getting everything in place, ready to open our doors at eight oclock on Hogmanay and get people into the party.

Mr Thompson said they had brought forward a lot of their preparation over the last 24 hours, so that were not having to build those or put things in place whilst theres high winds or heavy rain.

The Met Office has issued multiple weather warnings between Monday and Thursday, with nearly all of the UK impacted by at least one alert.

Strong winds blow off the Firth of Clyde to Prestwick promenade

In Scotland, up to 140mm of rainfall could fall on Monday and Tuesday.

A warning has also been issued for persistent snow likely to cause road disruption in Orkney and Shetland from the early hours of Tuesday.

The new year will be off to a turbulent start with separate weather warnings in place for snow, wind and rain on January 1.

Worst affected areas could be covered in up to 25cm of snow, including Central Tayside and Fife, the East Midlands, northern England and the Lothian borders.

Those hoping to travel on New Years Day should check road conditions and public transport updates before embarking on their journeys.

Met Office chief forecaster Andy Page said the forecast for the upcoming week was complicated and urged people to check the forecast regularly in order to update their plans.

He said: Almost the entire UK is covered by at least one weather warning during the coming week.

With such a varied and complex weather situation, there is potential for the pattern of warnings to shift and possibly escalate in some areas.

With lots of celebrations and people on the move over the coming days, we are urging everyone to keep checking the forecast so they can update their plans.

The dreary outlook comes after thick fog descended on the UK for several days, causing travel disruption at some of the countrys busiest airports.
He was the mysterious and ruthless Napoleon of crime in the Sherlock Holmes novels by Scots author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

But now a leading Scottish scholar has claimed the true identity of Holmess great nemesis Professor Moriarty is the literary detectives own brother, Mycroft.

Mycroft Holmes  played by Mark Gatiss in Sherlock, the BBC version of the tales  is described by Sherlock Holmes as being even more of a genius than the famous occupant of 221B Baker Street.

After studying the stories by Edinburgh-born Conan Doyle, author Robert J Harris, who writes Holmes continuation novels, believes the true identity of Moriarty is Mycroft  who Holmes says is one of the queerest men.

Outlining the theory in Sherlock Holmes Magazine, inset right, Mr Harris said numerous clues pointing in this direction were left by Dr John Watson, Holmess friend and helper, who narrates the stories but never meets Moriarty.

Dr Watson, played by Martin Freeman in the BBCs Sherlock, gets only a distant glimpse of Moriarty in The Final Problem, when the supervillain struggles with Holmes and they both appear to fall to their deaths in Switzerland  though we later learn Holmes did not die and he reappeared in The Adventure of the Empty House.

Mr Harris, who lives in St Andrews, believes Moriarty was merely a senior member of a vast criminal network, which had been discovered by Sherlock Holmes.

He writes that in order to conceal the shocking truth, Watsons account conflates two separate individuals under the name Moriarty  one is a relatively harmless professor, and the other is the true criminal mastermind, Mycroft Holmes.

Benedict Cumberbatch as the BBC's Sherlock Holmes with Mark Gatiss as his brother Mycroft. A leading Scottish scholar has claimed the true identity of Holmess great nemesis Professor Moriarty is the literary detectives own brother, Mycroft

Mycroft Holmes  played by Mark Gatiss in Sherlock, the BBC version of the tales  is described by Sherlock Holmes as being even more of a genius than the famous occupant of 221B Baker Street

The author of Sherlock Holmes - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. After studying the stories by Edinburgh-born Conan Doyle, author Robert J Harris, who writes Holmes continuation novels, believes the true identity of Moriarty is Mycroft

The first mention of Mycroft  who has also been played by Christopher Lee and Stephen Fry  comes in The Adventure of the Greek Interpreter. Holmes lets slip, almost inadvertently, the existence of his brother.

When Dr Watson suggests Holmess gifts are the result of the training rather than genetics, the detective says his genius may be from his grandmother.

When Dr Watson presses him as to why he is so sure it is hereditary, Holmes responds: Because my brother Mycroft possesses it to a larger degree than I do.

He says his brother has an extraordinary faculty for figures and audits the books in some of the government departments.

Mr Harris writes: We cannot help but note how closely this description of Mycroft parallels that of Professor Moriarty.

Holmes later reveals Mycroft is arguably the most powerful figure in the corridors of government, explaining in that great brain of his everything is pigeon-holed and can be handed out in an instant.

Mr Harris writes that Mycroft determines the policies that govern the country  in the same way as the Napoleon of crime decided which crimes would and would not be committed.

Dr Watson, played by Martin Freeman (right) in the BBCs Sherlock, gets only a distant glimpse of Moriarty in The Final Problem, when the supervillain struggles with Holmes and they both appear to fall to their deaths in Switzerland

The Adventure of the Bruce-Partington Plans, the second and final Mycroft story, is about a stolen document  and Mycroft makes the pre-emptive move of inserting himself into the investigation, so that he can keep an eye on his brothers progress.

Mr Harris speculates it is highly likely that in his account of this affair, Watson has left out much of the true story, including its denouement, where Sherlock Holmes unveils the proof that it is the diseased mind of Mycroft which lies behind this and other criminal acts.

He concludes: We can guess, therefore, that Sherlock gave his brother the opportunity to resign his government post and retire to the country.

Mr Harriss own Holmes novels include A Study in Crimson and The Devils Blaze.
Fog has brought Gatwick to a 'standstill' on the airport's busiest day of the year.

Flights were unable to take off for the third day running today at Gatwick due to thick blankets of fog reducing visibility on the airfield, with the airport putting temporary air traffic restrictions in place.

There were 769 flights planned at the airport today - making it the busiest day of the Christmas holiday period, but Gatwick had warned earlier today that 'some flights are affected by delays or cancellations' due to fog.

A traveller due to fly out from Gatwick today told MailOnline that Gatwick 'is at an absolute standstill'.

The man, who prefers not to be named, had his flight cancelled just an hour before take-off and braced huge queues for customer service with other disgruntled travellers.

He said: 'Everyone was just wondering around, big queues of people at each check-in desk looking for customer service.'

'There were two people, sometimes four, sometimes just one manning customer service,' the man added, before criticising that customer service desks were understaffed, which resulted in 'poor employees' seemingly having to work overtime.

The man is now seeking alternative travel via one of the other London airports, as Heathrow, Stanstead and Luton Airports said their flights had not been affected by the weather.

A plane takes off in misty conditions from London Gatwick airport on December 28

Passengers waiting at Gatwick airport today amid flight delays and cancellations

This follows two days of disruption at the UK's busiest airports, with Saturday's flights at Stansted Airport affected by the murky conditions, while live departure boards showed delays at Heathrow, Luton, Gatwick and Manchester Airports.

On Sunday morning, a spokesman for Gatwick said temporary air traffic restrictions remained in place because of poor visibility caused by fog and warned that some flights may be delayed throughout the day.

Passengers have been urged to contact their airlines for updated information.

A Nats spokesman said: 'While the weather conditions have improved, fog continues to affect some airports in London today.

'Temporary air traffic restrictions are therefore in place at airfields with low visibility to maintain safety.

'Our teams are working closely with the airports and airlines to minimise disruption but passengers should check the status of their flight with their airline.'

Patches of thick fog could reduce visibility to just 100 metres in some areas, the Met Office said.

A spokesperson for easyJet said: 'Due to ongoing poor weather conditions resulting in air traffic control restrictions and delays at London Gatwick today, some flights this evening are now unable to operate as planned.

A partially obscured London Eye today as fog descends on the capital leading to travel chaos and cancelled flights

Passengers face lengthy delays heading in and out of London's Heathrow today due to heavy fog and in Terminal 5 (pictured) check in computers face issues, according to BA staff this morning

A miserable and misty Saturday afternoon in the Oxfordshire countryside at Dunsden

'We are doing all we can to minimise the impact of the weather for our customers, providing options to rebook or a refund for cancelled flights, as well as hotel accommodation and meals where required.

'We advise customers due to travel to and from London Gatwick today to check our Flight Tracker for the latest information on their flight.

'The safety and wellbeing of our customers and crew is our highest priority and while this is outside of our control, we are very sorry for the inconvenience caused by the weather.'

Nats, the UK's main air traffic control provider, said temporary air restrictions are to continue today as airfields are affected by the fog.

A spokesman said this morning: 'While the weather conditions have improved, fog continues to affect some airports in London today. Temporary air traffic restrictions are therefore in place at airfields with low visibility to maintain safety.

'Our teams are working closely with the airports and airlines to minimise disruption but passengers should check the status of their flight with their airline.'

Among those affected by cancellations over the past few days were a couple who have been forced to prolong their Christmas visit to family on the Isle of Man by two days.

Cars driving in foggy conditions on the M20 near Folkestone in Kent on December 29

Travel chaos and flight carnage are in full force at the busiest time of year as thick fog has continued to smother the UK

Kiera Quayle, from Colchester, Essex, was due to fly from Isle of Man Airport to Gatwick on Friday evening with her husband after visiting his family but their flight was delayed by three hours before finally being cancelled at around 10pm, with the next one not available until Sunday.

'Our five days has turned to seven, it looks like,' Mrs Quayle, 30, said.

'It's frustrating and stressful but I overheard a few families who are now missing holidays and work who have it worse at this point.'

Passengers on flights delayed for more than two hours may be entitled to assistance, including food and drink or overnight accommodation if necessary.
The father of a woman killed in the South Korean air crash has questioned why it crashed into a concrete wall after skidding off the end of a runway.

Jeon Je-young, whose daughter Mi-sook was one of 179 who died on board Jeju Airlines flight 2216, says he still cannot believe what happened, as investigations continue.

The Boeing 737-800 belly-landed and erupted in a fireball, colliding with a wall at Muan International Airport on Sunday, in what was South Korea's deadliest air disaster since 1997.

'When I saw the accident video, the plane seemed out of control,' the 71-year-old father said.

'The pilots probably had no choice but to do it. My daughter, who is only in her mid-40s, ended up like this. This is unbelievable.'

Jeon's comments came as experts said that airports should not have a solid concrete wall installed at the end of a runway, without which the tragedy may not have occurred.

Aviation expert David Learmount told Sky News that without the wall, the plane would not have smashed.

'When you saw it slide off the end of the runway, nothing was on fire. The aircraft was completely under control,' he said.

He said on touchdown the aircraft was 'perfect wings level' and was fine until it made contact with the wall, adding 'if there had been no wall there, everybody would be alive now.'

The father of a woman killed in the air crash in South Korea has been speaking about his grief after the loss of his daughter among the 179 killed in the disaster

Jeon Je-young, whose daughter Mi-sook died onboard Jeju Airlines flight 2216 questioned why the aircraft crashed into a wall after skidding off a runway

Aviation expert David Learmount suggested that had it not been for the concrete wall at the end of the runway at Muan International Airport, the tragedy may have been averted and the passengers saved

Jeon showed photos of his daughter stored on his mobile phone

Firefighters search tangled wreckage at Muan International Airport

Experts and pilots questioned why the landing gear and flaps were not extended for the landing, with many assuming that there had been at least a partial failure in the jet's hydraulic systems.

Videos of the crash show that the thrust reverser was visibly deployed on the right engine, but not the left.

Captain Denys Davydov, who flies the Boeing 737-800 for Ukraine International Airlines, said on his YouTube channel: 'It seems they had hydraulics to deploy the one reverser but no flaps or landing gear  As a pilot of the same plane, it's very strange.'

The flight, arriving from the Thai capital with 175 passengers and six crew on board, was seen skidding down the runway with no visible landing gear before crashing into navigation equipment and a wall in an explosion of flames and debris.

Jeon said the last time he saw his daughter was when she brought food and next year's calendar to his house on December 21.

Mi-sook had been on her way home after travelling with friends to Bangkok for the Christmas holiday. She is survived by her husband and teenage daughter.

He continued: 'She was almost home, so (she saw) no need to call the family (to leave any final message). She thought she was coming home.

'By the time she took out her phone, the plane probably had crashed.'

Only two people - both crew members - survived the tragedy and were being treated for non-life-threatening injuries after being pulled from the burning wreckage.

The Boeing 737-800 was seen engulfed in a huge ball of fire as it skidded off the 2,800-metre runway

Firefighters carry the body of a passenger from the wreckage of the Boeing 737-800

Relatives of passengers on the doomed flight at Muan International Airport on Sunday

Authorities revealed the names of some of those killed in the crash, triggering grief and rage among the passengers' families gathered in the airport's arrival area.

Crime scene investigators collected saliva swaps from families to run DNA tests to identify the victims.

Mi-sook was identified by her fingerprints, and her family is looking for a funeral home near her town of Gwangju to transport her body there.

Her grieving father questioned the decision of pilots to attempt to land on the hard runway rather than ditching in water.

He said: 'The water near the airport is not deep. There are softer fields than this cement runway. Why couldn't the pilot land there instead?'

Australian airline safety expert Geoffrey Dell said: 'I've never seen a bird strike prevent the landing gear from being extended.'

Other pilots suggested one or both the engines could have been producing power as it skidded along the runway, which would explain why it failed to slow down more quickly.

Fire and smoke rising from the tail section of the aircraft. All passengers on board were declared dead, while two cabin crew members miraculously survived the tragedy

An unverified video grab reportedly of the Jeju Air plane shows a burst of fire coming out of the jet's right engine supposedly showing the moment the bird struck

Fire officials reported that the impact of the crash had left the plane 'almost completely destroyed'.

Yeom Dong-bu, a firefighter dispatched to the scene said: 'Through collision twice and explosion, most of the passengers were thrown off the plane, though two crew members luckily survived at the tail end.'

King Charles and Queen Camilla paid tribute to the 179 people killed saying they were 'profoundly saddened to learn of the horrific air accident at Muan' and the families and loved ones of the victims were in their prayers.

It comes as experts debated over the possible cause of the air crash, with some saying that a bird strike alone would not have crippled the landing gear.

Airline News editor Geoffrey Thomas said that bird strikes 'typically don't cause the loss of an airplane by themselves' and questioned why firefighters didn't attend to the aircraft as it was landing on the runway.

He said: 'Why weren't they in attendance when the plane touched down? And why did the aircraft touch down so far down the runway? And why was there a brick wall at the end of the runway?'

However, aviation expert Sally Gethin told Sky News a bird strike could cause damage to the engine and the hydraulics to fail.

Firefighters use an excavator to lift burnt seats from the wreckage of the aircraft

A person rescued from the wreckage is wheeled on a stretcher from an ambulance to a medical facility

A firefighter and a dog work near the deadly crash site that killed all 175 passengers and four crew members

She said it was a 'plausible explanation' for causing a landing gear failure, adding that the pilots would have had to make 'very split-second decisions' in such a case.

'leading to suspected bird ingestion into the engines'.

Marco Chan, a senior lecturer in aviation operations at Buckinghamshire New University, said the evidence suggested the plane had encountered a flock of birds

A South Korean transport official earlier said that the plane had attempted to land but was told by the air traffic control to hold off after giving a bird strike warning.

The pilot called a Mayday two minutes later and was granted permission to land from the opposite direction.

Experts cautioned that air accidents are usually caused by multiple contributing factors and it can take months to piece together the sequence of events in and outside the plane.

Jeju Airlines chief executive Kim E-bae gave a deep bow with other senior company officials as he apologised to bereaved families and said he feels 'full responsibility' for the incident in a televised news conference.

He added the company had not identified any mechanical problems with the aircraft following regular checks and that he would wait for the results of government investigations into the cause of the incident.

A period of national mourning until January 4 was declared by South Korea's acting President Choi Sang-mok.

Under global aviation rules, South Korea will lead a civil investigation, involving the US National Transportation Safety Board as the aircraft was American-made and built.
At least three foreign tourists are feared dead after a huge blaze swept through a backpacker hotel in Bangkok.

Flames sparked panic as they ripped through The Ember Hotel in the iconic backpacker district near Khao San Road shortly after 9pm local time.

Frantic staff evacuated 40 young holidaymakers from the hotel's rooftop bar before cherry pickers carried them down to safety.

Firemen fought their way into the building to the source of the blaze on the fifth floor while colleagues were battling the flames from outside.

They found a female tourist and a male who were both passed out from smoke inhalation in their room.

The woman was reportedly pronounced dead at the scene while the unresponsive male was taken to hospital in intensive care.

Thai media reported that three foreign tourists, including the female tourist passed out from smoke inhalation, died due to the fire.

A fourth victim was reportedly hospitalised for smoke inhalation.

A foreign tourist (left) looks at the scene after a blaze at The Ember Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand, December 29, 2024

A police officer escorts tourists who were evacuated from the hotel

Firefighters at the scene of a blaze at The Ember Hotel in Bangkok

Thai rescue workers helped 40 people from the roof of the building

A fire service spokesman said: 'At 9.26 pm, fire crews arrived at the scene of the fire at a six-storey hotel building.

'The fire was on the fifth floor. There were two people trapped in a room. One was a male and the other a female.

'Hotel staff helped 40 people from the roof of the building and fire crews entered to extinguish the fire. Smoke was filling all of the top floors.'

The fire was brought under control around 10.30pm local time.

Khao San Road is one of the busiest areas of Bangkok, with thousands of backpackers filling the street every night.

Situated in the Banglamphu area, near the Chao Phraya River, it has become a destination for travellers from around the world.

Rooms in Khao San Road budget hotels can be found for as little as 200 Thai baht (4.68) a night.
Mauritius has been demanding 800million a year and billions of pounds in reparations as part of the beleaguered Chagos Islands talks, it emerged today.

Sir Keir Starmer has been facing calls to abandon his surrender of the archipelago after Mauritius new government rejected a proposed deal and started demanding more money.

Downing Street has refused to reveal how much it has offered to pay Mauritius for a 99-year lease of the crucial Anglo-American military base on Diego Garcia, the largest of the Chagos atolls.

But a source familiar with the talks told the Sunday Times: They wanted crazy money.

They were talking 800million a year for as long as we wanted to keep the base there, plus billions of pounds in reparations.

Sources close to David Lammy, the current Foreign Secretary, said UK negotiators have never considered paying these amounts. But they did not deny that they have ever been demanded.

And they refused to say how close to the demands that they have settled, simply saying that the proposed deal was underpinned by a financial package which will support a new era of economic partnership between the UK and Mauritius.

Critics of surrendering sovereignty of the archipelago fear Labour is trying to rush a deal before Donald Trump re-enters the White House.

Diego Garcia, part of the Chagos Islands. Mauritius has been demanding 800million a year and billions of pounds in reparations as part of the beleaguered Chagos Islands talks, it emerged today

Sir Keir Starmer (pictured) has been facing calls to abandon his surrender of the archipelago after Mauritius new government rejected a proposed deal and started demanding more money

Protesters voicing their opposition to the deal outside Parliament. Downing Street has refused to reveal how much it has offered to pay Mauritius for a 99-year lease of the crucial Anglo-American military base on Diego Garcia, the largest of the Chagos atolls

The president-elects pick for secretary of state, Marco Rubio, has warned that the deal posed a serious threat to US national security by handing over the islands to a country allied with China.

Last week new Mauritian leader, Navinchandra Ramgoolam, had a phone call with outgoing US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who is also keen to get the deal across the line.

The prime minister told his MPs afterwards: I made him understand that we do not agree with certain things contained in the agreement concluded on October 3 by the former Mauritian prime minister and informed him that we have made a counter-proposal which will be transmitted to him.

Days earlier his deputy had suggested that Mauritius is demanding more money to allow the continued operation of the base on Diego Garcia.

Mauritiuss deputy prime minister Paul Berenger told constituents: This base existed on our land, on our territory... but not only it is [about] our sovereignty.

The British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) or Chagos Islands (formerly the Oil Islands) is an overseas territory of the United Kingdom situated in the Indian Ocean, halfway between Africa and Indonesia

Diego Garcia, the largest island in the Chagos archipelago

There are some things you cant accept if youre a true patriot. They are trying to make us sign and they are quibbling on a small amount.

The Labour government insists the deal is not dead and that the new Mauritian administration is willing to do a deal.

A Foreign Office spokesman said: An amount this high has not been considered at any point in negotiations between the UK and Mauritius.

Talks were started by the previous Tory government, but a deal was never reached because ministers at the time were unwilling to agree terms.

A source said: 'There wasn't any feeling among us that there was a win for us out of it. Hence it not happening.

'We already knew it had a horrible stink attached.'
Council staff have been allowed to 'work from the beach' more than 2,000 times since the pandemic.

Town hall bosses approved at least 731 staff requests to work from abroad in 2023/24 - with one council worker logging in from Ibiza for four years.

There were 440 approvals the year after the Covid pandemic and 708 in 2022/23, before rising again last year. A further 226 requests were granted so far in the current financial year.

Critics branded the figures 'horrifying' and called on the Government to order a crackdown amid plummeting public sector productivity and town-hall plans to hike council taxes next year.

But Labour ministers refused to condemn them, saying it was a matter for councils.

Town halls doubled down last night, insisting they can still monitor employees' performance from abroad and that offering the perk was crucial for hiring and retaining staff in 'a competitive recruitment market'.

Many of the destinations staff have been allowed to work from - such as Barbados and Australia - have time zones vastly different to the UK, raising concerns about whether staff can do their jobs properly and promptly respond to emails and telephone calls.

The real figures are likely to be much higher as many councils failed or refused to answer Freedom of Information requests.

A woman sat on a sunny beach working on her laptop (stock image). Council staff have been allowed to work from the beach more than 2,000 times since the pandemic

Derby City Council (pictured) approved someone working from France for 74 days and New Zealand for 42 days

Sandwell Council (pictured) in Birmingham is one council which allowed staff to work from abroad

The Tories' local government spokesman, Kevin Hollinrake, said: 'It's shocking that Labour won't condemn this for what it is.

'But it is unsurprising given [Local Government Secretary] Angela Rayner is committed to ideological experiments like fulltime pay for part-time work and French-style union laws that will wreck our economy.

'It shows this is a Labour Government that raises taxes skyhigh but couldn't care less when it's being wasted - and local people will suffer as a result.'

Joanna Marchong, of the Tax- Payers' Alliance, which obtained the data, said: 'Taxpayers will be horrified that more employees are being given permission than before to work from their sunbeds in what will come as a slap in the face to the residents who are facing higher council tax bills despite reduced frontline services.'

Former Tory Cabinet minister Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg added: 'It indicates a contempt for the taxpayer - they're just not taking work seriously.'

One council allowed an employee to work from Dubai for nearly three weeks

A beach in Sydney. Many of the destinations staff have been allowed to work from  such as Barbados and Australia  have time zones vastly different to the UK, raising concerns about whether staff can do their jobs properly

A nightclub in Ibiza. The data shows one employee for West Devon Borough Council was allowed to work from the Spanish party island of Ibiza from March 2020 until February this year

The data shows one employee for West Devon Borough Council was allowed to work from the Spanish party island of Ibiza from March 2020 until February this year.

Derby City Council approved someone working from France for 74 days and New Zealand for 42 days, while Sandwell Council in Birmingham allowed an employee to work from Dubai for nearly three weeks. Powys County

Council in Wales granted permission for someone to work from Barbados in 2021/22, 2022/23 and 2023/24, although it did not reveal for how long in each year.

Central Bedfordshire Council approved more than 150 requests over the past two years.

Last night the local authority admitted it was official policy to allow staff to work from abroad for up to a month every year, with other councils having similar policies.

As many workers return to their jobs after the Christmas holidays, the figures will infuriate council tax payers who do not have the luxury of working remotely.

Former Tory Cabinet minister Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg said: It indicates a contempt for the taxpayer  theyre just not taking work seriously

It also comes as some town halls look to hike council tax by at least 5 per cent while claiming they don't have enough resources to continue delivering frontline services.

Meanwhile, Office for National Statistics data shows that public service productivity was estimated to be 8.5 per cent below pre-Covid levels in the second quarter of this year.

The Daily Mail highlighted the growing trend of council staff logging on from abroad last summer, a phenomenon dubbed 'working from the beach'.

But while the private sector has been shifting away from remote working, councils have allowed it to expand.

In September, Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said the previous Tory government's emphasis on getting people to return to workplaces was 'bizarre', insisting that staff can be just as productive working remotely.

The Local Government Association, which represents town halls, said: 'Councils have long experience of managing staff remotely and it is a matter for individual councils to agree from where staff can work.'

The Local Government Department said: 'Councils are independent employers and they are responsible for managing their own workforces.'

Of more than 300 councils in England and Wales, 271 replied to Freedom of Information requests, with 65 providing data.
Barcodes are set to disappear in favour of modern QR codes.

After more than 50 years of ubiquity, the organisation that oversees the world's barcodes is preparing to consign them to the bargain bin of history.

GS1, an international non-profit that maintains the global standard for barcodes, says they will be replaced by a new square version capable of storing much more information about products.

Anne Godfrey, chief executive of GS1 UK, said almost half of British retailers have already updated their tills to accommodate the new codes.

'This has been in the works for some time, but Covid really accelerated it,' she said. 'During the pandemic, everyone got used to pointing their phones at QR codes in pubs and restaurants to access the menu.

'Increasingly, QR codes that bring up bits of information are already appearing on the front of many products.

'Very soon we will say goodbye to the old-fashioned barcode and every product will just have one QR code that holds all the information you need.'

Traditional barcodes can only hold seven pieces of very basic information  a product's name, manufacturer, type, size, weight, colour and, most importantly, its price.

After more than 50 years of ubiquity, the organisation that oversees the world's barcodes is preparing to consign them to the bargain bin of history (stock)

QR codes are appearing on the front of many products, according to GS1 (stock)

They have become so crucial to the daily running of most supermarkets that it has become impossible to purchase a product unless it has a barcode on it.

When they are scanned at the till, the number on the barcode is matched to an enormous database of products to ensure customers are charged correctly.

The new QR codes contain much more information about products, such as their ingredients, any allergens they contain and even recipe suggestions, that can be accessed by consumers via their smartphones.

Mrs Godrey said: 'The old barcodes do what they say on the tin  they go beep, tell you the price and get you out of the store.

'But today's consumers want much more information about the products they buy. The next generation of barcodes will give greater power to the consumer. Retailers will have to upgrade or get left behind.'

Barcodes were invented by US science graduates Norman Joseph Woodland and Bernard Silver in the late 1940s, but didn't appear in shops until decades later.

The first barcoded product ever scanned was a pack of Wrigley's Juicy Fruit gum at a supermarket in Ohio in 1974.

When they are scanned at the till, the number on the barcode is matched to an enormous database of products to ensure customers are charged correctly (stock)

They arrived in the UK in 1979, first used on a box of teabags at a shop in Spalding, Lincolnshire.

Since then, GS1 has registered barcodes for more than 200million products around the world.

Though they are basic by today's standards, no two barcodes are the same. The lines on a barcode could be rearranged to register up to ten trillion different products.

A study commissioned by GS1 found that 96 per cent of leading UK retail executives expect to see another retail technology transformation.

It also found that 46 per cent of retailers have already upgraded their checkout technology to accommodate QR codes, and another 52 per cent will do so over the coming year.

GS1's new codes are currently being tested in 48 countries, including at Morrisons supermarkets in the UK.

Traditional barcodes can only hold seven pieces of very basic information  a product's name, manufacturer, type, size, weight, colour and, most importantly, its price

Many leading brands including PepsiCo, Proctor & Gamble, L'Oreal, Amazon and US grocery giant Walmart are already on board.

A full international roll-out of the new QR codes is expected to be complete by 2027.

Mrs Godfrey said: 'The invention of the barcode is one of the great, untold stories in the history of our modern world. It is more frequently used than Google.

'We won't celebrate the death of the humble barcode, but it is time to say a long goodbye to it.'
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Jimmy Carter died at the age of 100 on Sunday.

Tributes poured in from across the globe for the former president - with politicians and lawmakers remembering him as an American hero who dedicated his life to public service.

Carter, who served as the 39th US President, died peacefully at his home in Plains, Georgia, on Sunday, December 29.

Our live coverage has now ended but for a full recap see below
They celebrated their 77th wedding anniversary in July 2023. Four months later Rosalynn passed away on November 19, dying peacefully with her family by her side.

Now the devoted pair are reunited again.

The Carter Center shared a touching poem penned by former President Jimmy Carter to his beloved wife Rosalynn ahead of her hometown funeral a little more than a year ago.

The couple's marriage was the longest in U.S. presidential history as they first met when Rosalynn was just a day old.

The touching verses encapsulate the former leader's long-standing devotion to his wife - and have become a poignant reminder of their everlasting love following Jimmy Carter's death on Sunday, at the age of 100.

They began dating in 1945, when Rosalynn was 17 and a friend of Carter's sister Ruth.

Jimmy Carter penned a sweet poem to his beloved wife Rosalynn in 1995 which was shared ahead of her hometown funeral in 2023

Jimmy Carter died at 100 on Sunday, almost two years after announcing he would spend his final days in hospice care. (Pictured: Jimmy attending his late wife's funeral)

The couple's marriage was the longest in U.S. presidential history and they first met when Rosalynn was just a day old

The couple shared 77 years of marriage together, with their relationship standing the test of time, as well as the challenges of Navy deployments, a presidential campaign and Carter's subsequent time in office.

The couple welcomed four children and 25 grandchildren and great-grandchildren and remained utterly devoted to each other their whole lives.

The Carter Center released the poem the day after the former First Lady's memorial service in Georgia following her death at the age of 96.

Read the full poem, titled 'Rosalynn' below.
Tories are urging Treasury Minister Tulip Siddiq to step back from anti-corruption work amid claims she helped her family embezzle 4billion from a nuclear plant project.

The Rooppur nuclear power plant was built in Bangladesh by Russian state-owned company Rosatom.

But the Office for Financial Sanctions Implementation  which Ms Siddiq oversees  has imposed at least 45 financial sanctions on companies and individuals linked to Rosatom over the war on Ukraine.

Measures against Rosatom subsidiaries must be regularly reviewed by Hampstead MP Ms Siddiq.

Tory Home Affairs spokesman Matt Vickers said last night: 'Keir Starmer must ensure Tulip is recused from all sanctions and anti-corruption policy decisions immediately while questions about her personal dealings remain unanswered.'

Bangladesh's Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) says the alleged embezzlement was between 2009 and '23 while Ms Siddiq's aunt Sheikh Hasina ruled as Bangladesh Prime Minister with an iron fist.

Tories are urging Treasury Minister Tulip Siddiq (pictured) to step back from anti-corruption work amid claims she helped her family embezzle 4billion from a nuclear plant project

Tulip Siddiq (left) at the Kremlin in 2013 with her aunt, Sheikh Hasina, and Russian president Vladimir Putin

Tulip Siddiq pictured with the PM Sir Keir Starmer after his election victory in July

Hasina fled Bangladesh to India in August with Ms Siddiq's mother Sheikh Rehana after the deaths of hundreds of protesters.

Bangladesh's High Court has heard claims Ms Siddiq, 42, may have helped to 'broker' the nuclear plant deal, worth a total 10billion.

The deal was signed in the Kremlin in 2013 by Hasina and Vladimir Putin in the presence of Ms Siddiq, who was then a Labour councillor.

The ACC is also investigating Ms Siddiq's mother, 69, her ex-PM aunt, 77, and two other relatives. They are alleged to have siphoned off 3.9billion through fake companies and Malaysian bank accounts.

Last night Ms Siddiq and three relatives were in a new corruption probe over a separate 1.4billion allegedly siphoned from eight government projects in her native Bangladesh.

Ms Siddiq has vehemently denied all the allegations, with Labour officials saying no evidence has been presented to support any of the claims.

But within hours of the Daily Mail exclusively revealing the nuclear investigation, an official from the Cabinet Office's Propriety and Ethics Team interviewed Ms Siddiq, who is reported to have described the claims as 'politically-motivated.'

The ACC has ordered the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit to supply 'documents and statements of offshore bank accounts' belonging to Ms Siddiq and four others.

The Treasury declined to comment on Ms Siddiq's continued role in charge of its Office for Financial Sanctions Implementation.
An explosion in religious hate crime over the past 18 months has been revealed by police figures.

The largest forces recorded a dramatic surge in such offences after the start of the Hamas-Israel conflict in the autumn of 2023 and following the Southport murders this summer.

In some areas, anti-Semitic crimes rose ten-fold following the outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East on October 7 last year. Separately, Islamophobic offences more than doubled when riots broke out after three girls were stabbed to death in Southport on July 29.

Policing minister Dame Diana Johnson has called for perpetrators of hate crime to face the full force of the law to stamp out the toxic vitriol spread by a minority of people.

The Metropolitan force saw a massive increase in anti-Semitic offences from an average of 54 offences per month in January to September 2023 to 517 in October and 411 in November 2023.

In the wake of the Southport attacks, which triggered a blizzard of false information online, there was a rise in Islamophobic offences from an average of 116 recorded each month from March to July, to 190 in August.

Figures released under the Freedom of Information Act show Greater Manchester Police saw a spike from an average of 13 anti-Semitic offences per month from January to September 2023 to 85 in October and 68 in November.

Islamophobic offences surged from 35 a month in 2023 to 85 in August 2024 following the murders in the neighbouring force area.

Policing minister Dame Diana Johnson (pictured) has called for perpetrators of hate crime to face the full force of the law to stamp out the toxic vitriol spread by a minority of people

Riots in Southport in July 2024. In the wake of the Southport attacks, which triggered a blizzard of false information online, there was a rise in Islamophobic offences from an average of 116 recorded each month from March to July, to 190 in August

In some areas, anti-Semitic crimes rose ten-fold following the outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East on October 7 last year. Pictured: People during a pro-Palestinian protest in London

Dave Rich, of the Jewish charity, the Community Security Trust, said: These figures show similar trends as CSTs own anti-Semitic data, with a sharp rise in anti-Jewish hate crimes following the October 7 attack last year to levels that have still not returned to what used to be considered normal.

The increases are even more shocking when set against the relatively small size of the Jewish communities in some of these places.

Iman Atta, director of Tell Mama which monitors anti-Muslim hate, said: Anti-Muslim hate or Islamophobia spikes repeatedly when there are international issues... So these figures are not surprising.

Dame Diana said: These numbers are deeply troubling.

We are determined to stamp out the toxic vitriol which is spread by a minority of people, and perpetrators of hate crime should be in no doubt that they will face the full force of the law.
The Education Secretary was hit with a ferocious backlash today after claiming middle-class parents support Labours tax raid on private school fees.

Bridget Phillipson claimed to be the voice of pushy middle-class parents, who she insisted have mostly been priced out of sending their children to private schools.

Its why there is such support for our policy, she said in an interview ahead of it taking effect on Wednesday, when VAT of 20 per cent will be imposed on fees.

She said the average private school fee had reached the considerable sum of about 18,000 a year, adding: Middle-class parents in good professional jobs with housing costs just cant afford that level of fee and they want brilliant state schools.

This policy allows us to raise more money to invest in what really matters for families.

But the comments provoked fury, with campaigners branding her tin-eared and accusing her of stoking class war.

Dr Julie Robinson, chief executive of The Independent Schools Council, said: The majority of our schools are far removed from the stereotype of independent education propagated by the Government.

'A typical independent school is a small day school that does not have the means to cut their budget by a fifth to absorb this unprecedented tax.

Bridget Phillipson (pictured) claimed to be the voice of pushy middle-class parents, who she insisted have mostly been priced out of sending their children to private schools

Students in a class. Ms Phillipson's comments provoked fury, with campaigners branding her tin-eared and accusing her of stoking class war

Sir Keir Starmer with Ms Phillipson. She said the average private school fee had reached the considerable sum of about 18,000 a year, adding: Middle-class parents in good professional jobs with housing costs just cant afford that level of fee and they want brilliant state schools

The families who choose these schools come from a variety of backgrounds, including middle-class incomes.

Loveena Tandon, of the Education Not Taxation campaign group, said: Ms Phillipsons tin-eared sweeping statement flies in the face of reality.

'From the parents we regularly speak with  across both independent and state schools  the overwhelming response is that this is a spiteful policy that does nothing to improve education.

Nigel Huddleston, co-chairman of the Conservative Party said: The idea that middle-class parents support this bitter policy is simply not true.

Labours decision to tax education will mean thousands of hard-working parents will no longer be able to afford to send their children, including those with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities), to private school.

Priti Patel, the shadow foreign secretary, said Mrs Phillipsons remarks were more gaslighting from this socialist government that has broken its general election promises.

She added: Bridget Phillipson is yet another Left-wing ideologue in Britains most socialist Government since the 1970s.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said that 1.7billion would eventually be raised by the policy, claiming that it will give every child the best start in life.

Priti Patel (pictured), the shadow foreign secretary, said Mrs Phillipsons remarks were more gaslighting from this socialist government that has broken its general election promises

She dismissed claims that it would put state schools under more strain and lead to larger class sizes due to an exodus of children leaving private schools because of the extra cost.

She said: In the last 25 years, private school fees have gone up by 75 per cent and yet the numbers at private schools have remained static. There are about 600,000 pupils in private schools, according to the Department for Education (DfE).

The government says the additional VAT raised will help fund 6,500 more state school teachers.

It has acknowledged that the policy will lead to at least 35,000 children joining state schools, wiping 300million from the extra VAT revenue. But it says state schools can absorb these additional pupils, because they represent just 0.5 per cent of the current populaton of nine million.
President-elect Donald Trump, 78, reacted to the death of former President Jimmy Carter at age 100 saying the world owes him a 'debt of gratitude.'

Carter died almost two years after announcing he would spend his final months in hospice care, ushering in a wave of tributes from world leaders and politicians.

His son Chip Carter, 74, confirmed the former president had died in his Georgia home on Sunday around 3.40 pm ET. He leaves behind four children and 25 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

'I just heard of the news about the passing of President Jimmy Carter,' Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

'Those of us who have been fortunate to have served as President understand this is a very exclusive club, and only we can relate to the enormous responsibility of leading the Greatest Nation in History.'

'The challenges Jimmy faced as President came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude.'

'Melania and I are thinking warmly of the Carter Family and their loved ones during this difficult time. We urge everyone to keep them in their hearts and prayers.'

Trump's fond remarks come after he jabbed Carter on the campaign trail on his 100th birthday, saying that Joe Biden replaced him as the 'worst' president in history.

He later added that while he 'strongly disagreed with him philosophically and politically, I also realized that he truly loved and respected our Country, and all it stands for.'

Last year, Carter attended his wife Rosalynn's funeral alongside former first ladies including Michelle Obama, Laura Bush, Melania Trump and Hillary Clinton.

Former Presidents Donald Trump, Barack Obama and George W. Bush did not attend the funeral in Plains, Georgia.

Hillary Clinton joined her husband former President Bill Clinton in a tribute to Carter, who they said lived a 'long, good life.'

President-elect Donald Trump, 78, reacted to the death of former President Jimmy Carter at age 100

The Nobel Peace Prize winner lived out his final years in Plains, Georgia

He had wife of 77 years Rosalynn by his side until her passing on November 19, 2023 at the age of 96

The Nobel Peace Prize winner lived out his final years in Plains, Georgia.

He had wife of 77 years Rosalynn by his side until her passing on November 19, 2023 at the age of 96.

At 100 years old, he was the longest-lived former president in Americas history.

Carter's four years as president were blighted by an oil crisis that forced Americans to line up for gas and the Iran hostage situation that stretched into the final minutes of his administration before Ronald Reagan took over.

But the Navy veteran's dedication to philanthropy meant he quickly became one of the most beloved figures in American politics.

As a result, world leaders and sitting politicians started posting heartfelt tributes to the former president after news of his death.

President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden called Carter a man of 'great character and courage, hope and optimism.'

'We will always cherish seeing him and Rosalynn together. The love shared between Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter is the definition of partnership and their humble leadership is the definition of patriotism.'

The president went on to compliment Carter's record on civil rights and his compassion for all humans.

'With his compassion and moral clarity, he worked to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil rights and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless, and always advocate for the least among us. He saved, lifted, and changed the lives of people all across the globe.'

Former President Barack Obama said that Carter taught all Americans 'what it means to live a life of grace, dignity, justice, and service.'

Last year, Carter attended his wife Rosalynn's funeral alongside former first ladies including Michelle Obama, Laura Bish, Melania Trump and Hillary Clinton

Hillary Clinton joined her husband former President Bill Clinton in a tribute to Carter, who they said lived a 'long, good life'

In his final years, the Nobel Peace Prize winner spent his days at his home alongside his beloved wife of 77 years until her passing at the age of 96.

'Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to the Carter family, and everyone who loved and learned from this remarkable man,' he said in a post on Sunday.

Incoming Vice President J.D. Vance also shared a tribute on X.

'Jimmy Carter dedicated his life to serving this country. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones. May he Rest in Peace.'

Former President George W. Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush called Carter a man of 'deeply held convictions.'

King Charles of England also offered words of condolences.

'It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of President Carter. He was a committed public servant, and devoted his life to promoting peace and human rights,' the king said.

'His dedication and humility served as an inspiration to many, and I remember with great fondness his visit to the United Kingdom in 1977.

'My thoughts and prayers are with President Carter's family and the American people at this time.'

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said he was joining 'all Georgians and the entire nation in mourning' following Carter's death.

'Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to the Carter family, and everyone who loved and learned from this remarkable man,' former President Barack Obama said in a post on Sunday.

Donald Trump's inaugural parade after being sworn-in as the 45th President

Former president Jimmy Carter died at the age of 100

'As the only American president thus far to come from Georgia, he showed the world the impact our state and its people have on the country,' he wrote.

'And as a son of Plains, he always valued Georgians and the virtues of our state, choosing to return to his rural home after his time in public office.'

'When he left the White House, the Carters contributions continued. From teaching Sunday school to congregants and visitors alike over the years to their tireless work supporting Habitat for Humanity and the Carter Centers efforts to address global health issues, Georgians are accustomed to seeing Jimmy Carter hard at work.'

Among the many politicians sharing their condolences on Sunday were senators.

Chuck Schumer wrote in a statement following the news on Sunday: 'Today, we mourn the loss of one of our most humble and devoted public servants, President Jimmy Carter. President Carter personified the true meaning of leadership through service, through compassion, and through integrity.'

Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., the Senate Republican chairman, said Carter 'personified the American spirit of always giving back and never giving up.

'From peanut farmer to president, he lived the American dream,' said Barrasso, of Wyoming.

'America mourns the loss of a dedicated public servant and a humble humanitarian.'

John Hickenlooper, a Democrat from Colorado, also said Carter 'was first and foremost a good man, in the purest sense of the words.'

Mitch McConnell, outgoing GOP leader, paid a heartfelt tribute to Jimmy Carter: 'Jimmy Carters character and commitment, just like his crops, were fruits of all-American soil'

He noted that Carter was a 'champion of human rights, a trailblazer for affordable housing, a veteran [and] a president who never forgot his roots as a peanut farmer.

'There will never be another Jimmy Carter,' Hickenlooper concluded.

Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., outgoing GOP leader, paid a heartfelt tribute to Jimmy Carter: 'Jimmy Carters character and commitment, just like his crops, were fruits of all-American soil.'

Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., wrote in tribute: 'Jimmy Carter, both for what he did as president and in his later years, will be remembered as a decent, honest and down-to-earth man.

'He will be sorely missed. Jane and I send our condolences to the Carter family.'
How many people yearn to wipe the slate clean and begin a new life as someone else?

For most it is but a passing whim, something to ponder at this reflective time of year, perhaps while wistfully mulling over new year's resolutions.

The theme has been explored many times in fiction, and there are notable real-life examples.

In 1974, John Stonehouse, a Labour minister facing exposure as a spy and financial ruin, left his clothes in a pile on Miami Beach and invited the world, including his wife and three children, to believe he had drowned.

The ruse involved fraud and deception and the law eventually caught up with him.

Yet an exceptional handful of criminals get to vanish with the full blessing of the State  and, most controversially, at taxpayers' expense.

One such is Maxine Carr, the former fiancee of Ian Huntley, whose murder of schoolgirls Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in Soham, Cambridgeshire, in 2002, horrified the nation.

Emotions ran high at the time and when it transpired Carr, a teaching assistant, helped Huntley cover his tracks by providing a false alibi, she became a hate figure. Her defence counsel called her the most vilified woman in England.

Hyperbole or not, there were concerns that disclosure of her whereabouts would be 'detrimental' to her safety and so, on her release from prison after serving only half of her 42-month sentence for perverting the course of justice, she was given a new identity, a new home, a new life.

Maxine Carr, pictured, helped Ian Huntley, who murdered schoolgirls Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in 2002, cover his tracks by providing a false alibi

Keeping her safe and her privacy intact has cost several million pounds, and, more than two decades on, the bill to taxpayers is still rising.

A recent three-part television drama, Maxine, has brought her story to a new generation unfamiliar with the murders.

Too soon for some, it paints a broadly sympathetic portrait of the woman the world last encountered as a 25-year-old, her pale face framed by a wavy French bob haircut, lying through her teeth about her whereabouts on the day Holly and Jessica, both aged ten, disappeared.

Conventional wisdom has it that such renewed focus on one of the most infamous crimes of the past 50 years risks galvanising the baying mob, or at the very least, inflaming social media.

However, the truth is that even Carr herself has conceded that public anger towards her has long cooled. What the TV drama has achieved, though, is to stir debate on lifelong anonymity orders, how they stifle freedom of expression and whether Carr's should now be revisited.

It reminded me, too, of my own surprise brush with the woman a few months after she began her life in the shadows.

I spoke to Carr after her release in the summer of 2004. She hadn't planned to give an interview. It was on a whim that she decided to speak out.

I was sitting with her family  her mother Shirley Capp, sister Hayley Hodgson and her husband Graham and two young children  one Saturday afternoon in the lounge of a country hotel in Lincolnshire. Not for the first time that day, Carr rang her sister's mobile. Hayley left the table to speak to her in private. She returned after a few minutes and handed the phone to me with the unexpected words: 'She wants to speak to you.'

'Hello,' snapped the voice at the end of the line.

Carr expressed angry surprise that her sister was talking to a journalist and declared: 'I am sick of the rubbish written about me  when will it ever stop?' She went on a rant about her perceived injustices at the hands of the press and public, and how she was sick of being likened to the Moors Murderer Myra Hindley. 'It's ridiculous,' she muttered.

Carr claims she did not know Huntley had killed Jessica, left, and Holly, right, and gave him the alibi to prevent harassment by police because he had been falsely accused before

She agreed that at the heart of her problem was a view, or suspicion, in the national consciousness that she'd lied for Huntley because she knew he killed Holly and Jessica.

'I was stupid and lied but I never had any idea what he had done,' she said firmly. What she claimed she had done was provide him with an alibi to prevent what she imagined would be harassment by police because he had once before been falsely accused.

'All this stuff is being written about me. But what about him? He's being left alone,' she said.

In the weeks leading up to the trial, she added, Huntley wrote to her, pleading with her to believe he had nothing to do with the murders. 'Why would he say that if I knew what he had done?' she asked.

What struck me then was her breezy tone, how she seemed cocky rather than contrite  not once did she express remorse  and most of all how frankly bizarre it was that she was effectively invading her own court-protected privacy.

For not only did a court order prevent any comment on her identity, whereabouts, care or treatment, it also prohibited the media from trying to solicit details of her new life.

Yet here she was talking unbidden to a journalist, moaning that she was working ten hours a day for 50 a week.

Her sister volunteered, meanwhile, that on the rare occasions that Maxine had visited home she arrived 'in a van with blacked out windows'.

She even revealed the secret five-letter name for her that they had been encouraged to use by the authorities.

With Huntley sentenced to a minimum of 40 years behind bars and his release from jail unlikely any time soon, Carr's status raises important issues. Toby Young, director of the Free Speech Union, told The Mail on Sunday that he does not think the courts 'have got the balance right between the right to privacy and the right to free speech, with the scales gradually tipping towards the former over the last three decades.

'The impact of banning the media from reporting about the protagonists in high-profile court cases is not to protect their privacy, since their names are all over the internet, but to make it harder for the mainstream media to compete with social media.'

Campaigner Dee Edwards, who co-founded the charity Mothers Against Murder and Aggression, believes it is 'high time the anonymity order was revisited and challenged'.

She said: 'What she did was despicable, despite all the attempts to simply portray her as a dupe. I never agreed with the decision to grant her special treatment  she should have taken her chances on her release from prison like every other criminal. In any case, do we really know if she was in that much danger?'

During our telephone conversation all those years ago Carr, now 47, told me that there were times when she felt scared but stressed that the response from many had been surprisingly sympathetic.

Huntley was sentenced to a minimum of 40 years behind bars and his release from jail is unlikely any time soon

'It is not the case that when I go out I get stick,' she said. 'There hasn't been any hate mobs, despite what papers say. I have been treated quite well. People have been polite and I am grateful for that. An elderly couple recognised me when I was out and came over to say hello and say how the way I had been treated was shocking. That was nice.'

So much for the new identity, I thought. At this point, there had already been much controversy over the anonymity order. Critics claimed it set a worrying precedent and said the public had a right to know about her life.

And some lawyers noted that it marked a further step towards a new privacy law by stealth protecting high-profile criminals from media exposure.

When The Mail on Sunday published the interview, it was suggested that although Carr was not technically in breach of the injunction, she may have breached her licence agreement under which she was released from prison. She has never spoken publicly since.

With her past excised, she took possession of a new passport, birth certificate, National Insurance number and medical and employment records, and melted away, her new world one of disguises and safe houses fitted with panic buttons and trip-wire alarms.

Over the years, injunction-friendly snippets about her life have occasionally filtered out. This newspaper revealed for instance that Carr sent details of her secret identity to a series of pen friends, rather making a mockery of the court order and raising questions about the 100,000 legally aided case her lawyers fought to safeguard her privacy.

She urged a wealthy Frenchman she had never met to write to her at her safe house. She also gave the same details to an admirer from Brighton with whom she regularly corresponded, and a number of others.

Her life has settled down since then. We know for instance that she married and that some years ago she had a child.

Nicola Wells, the mother of Holly, had addressed this contingency after Carr's release from prison: 'I shudder to think it, but one day she might be a mother herself and then she will surely have a greater insight into the hurt she has done.'

Nicola Wells, the mother of Holly, both pictured, said after Carr's release from prison: 'I shudder to think it, but one day she might be a mother herself and then she will surely have a greater insight into the hurt she has done'

We'll never know of course. There is every likelihood, however, that last week Carr experienced the kind of family Christmas she once hoped to enjoy with Huntley, now 50.

Bitter and envious, it is said he cannot bear to hear Carr's name mentioned. Despite being closely guarded himself  he is just over half-way through his prison sentence  efforts to keep him safe from harm have been less successful.

In 2010, an armed robber slashed his throat, putting him in hospital, five years after a murderer threw boiling water over him in Wakefield Prison. Only a select few receive the level of protection afforded to his former girlfriend.

In 2003, the privacy of Mary Bell, who killed two boys when she was 11, was protected by an order. But it was specifically to protect the privacy of her daughter, whose life could have been destroyed by her mother's exposure as a child-killer.

In 2001 lifelong anonymity was granted to two other child-killers, Robert Thompson and Jon Venables, on reaching maturity.

The pair had been convicted of killing the toddler James Bulger in 1993.

But the difference between their order and that of Carr is that Thompson and Venables were first given protection as juveniles: to remove the order when they reached 18 would have been to expose them suddenly to serious harm and to destroy the benefit of their rehabilitation in custody.

Second, their offence was one of the worst on the criminal scale. Carr's, by comparison, was minor.

Some lawyers have pointed out that had she committed the same offence today rather than 20 years ago, it is unlikely she would have been granted lifelong protection.

In this social media age, they argue, where news, gossip and hearsay move at lightning speed, such wide-ranging anonymity orders will become redundant.

Sometime over the next few days, somewhere in the UK, Maxine Carr will contemplate the new year. Whether she considers herself a lucky woman is anyone's guess.
She was known for her cheeky antics around her royal relatives as a young girl.

But the days of mischief are well and truly over for Savannah Phillips, as she turns 14 today.

The late Queen Elizabeth's eldest great-grandchild could even soon be taller than her aunt, Zara Tindall.

Earlier this year, Savannah supported Zara alongside her mother Autumn Kelly and younger sister Isla at Blenheim Horse Trials.

She appeared to be nearly as tall as Zara, the younger sister of Savannah's father, Peter Phillips, who is 5ft 5.

Zara was seen smiling and embracing her niece, after competing in the horse trials.

Born on December 29, 2010, to Peter Phillips and Autumn Kelly, Savannah is the eldest grandchild of Princess Anne.

Zara Tindall hugging her niece Savannah Phillips at the Blenheim International Horse Trials in September

Autumn Kelly and Peter Phillips with their daughters Savannah and Isla on Buckingham Palace balcony in 2019

Savannah attending Princess Kate's Christmas Carol Service with her father, sister and aunt last year

She was born 12th in line to the throne at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital and weighed 8lb 8oz.

A statement from Buckingham Palace at the time said: 'The Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, the Princess Royal, Captain Mark Phillips and Autumn's family have been informed and are delighted with the news.'

When she was born, Savannah was the only royal in the line of succession with dual citizenship.

Her father, Peter, married Canadian-born Autumn in 2008 at Windsor Castle after meeting five years earlier at the Montreal Grand Prix.

Autumn was originally Roman Catholic before marrying Peter but renounced her faith so he would not have to give up his claim to the throne.

The couple separated in 2020, and at the time described their split as 'sad' but 'amicable'.

The pair said at the time that they would share custody of their two daughters and that the decision was 'the best course of action for their two children and ongoing friendship'.

Their divorce was finalised in 2021 and a statement released at the time said: 'Whilst this is a sad day for Peter and Autumn, they continue to put the wellbeing of their wonderful daughters Savannah and Isla first and foremost.

'Both Peter and Autumn are pleased to have resolved matters amicably with the children firmly at the forefront of those thoughts and decisions.

Peter with his two daughters at a memorial service for Prince Philip in 2022

Savannah talking to her cousins, Princess Charlotte and Prince George, at the Platinum Pageant in 2022

'Peter and Autumn have requested privacy and consideration for their children as the family adapts to a new chapter in their lives.'

They now co-parent their two children together.

Like Peter, Savannah and her sister were not given a royal title.

She is occasionally seen at royal events, including Princess Kate's Christmas carol concert last December.

Savannah attended with Peter, Isla and her aunt Zara.

She appeared calm and confident as the group smiled at the cameras on entering Westminster Abbey.

Savannah wore a dress, black ballet pumps and a dark coat with gold buttons.

Back in September 2022, Savannah attended the Queen's funeral alongside her sister and father.

Savannah as a flower girl at Princess Eugenie's wedding in 2018, Prince George and Princess Charlotte can be seen stood nearby their cousin

The young royal covering Prince George's on the balcony of Buckingham Palace in 2018

As the Queen's coffin arrived at St George's Chapel for the Committal service, Zara and her husband, Mike, could be seen walking into church hand-in-hand with their eldest daughter Mia, alongside their nieces Savannah and Isla.

Back in March 2022, Savannah and her sister helped to lighten the mood at Prince Philip's memorial service at Westminster Abbey.

The pair seemed in high spirits and were seen giggling with their father in a sweet moment caught on camera.

Isla made silly hand gestures to Peter while Savannah chatted to her cousin Mia.

The youngsters all sang along to hymns throughout the service whilst throwing the odd smirk in each other's direction.

It wasn't the first time Savannah has been involved in light-hearted antics.

Back in 2018, she stole the show when she placed a hand over Prince George's mouth on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the Trooping The Colour flypast.

Then, the next day she gave her cousin a playful push down a grassy bank at the Beaufort Polo Club.

Savannah hugging Peter at the Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe Park in 2019

The incident seemed to prompt Autumn to give her daughter a stern talking to.

Savannah was also a flower girl at Princess Eugenie's wedding to Jack Brooksbank in 2018.

She kept Prince George entertained as they waited to walk down the aisle with the bride.

It looked as if the youngster may have been imitating the trumpet fanfare to announce the arrival of the Queen, as George looked on in fits of giggles.
Queen Mary of Denmark recently turned heads in a new portrait with King Frederik, not just for her crisp white dress but also her choice of accessory.

The bateaux neckline drew attention to a delicate 545 Halberstadt necklace, bearing an F initial as a heartfelt nod to her husband.

Mary has worn this necklace over 115 times, including at major events such as King Charles coronation.

Its most recent appearance carried extra weight, symbolising the couples enduring bond following last years rumours surrounding King Frederik and Genoveva Casanova.

Similarly, members of the British Royal Family often showcase personalised jewellery with deep personal significance.

We explore some standout examples - from Queen Camilla to Princess Kate - below.

Queen Mary of Denmark's bateaux neckline drew attention to a delicate 545 Halberstadt necklace, bearing an F initial as a heartfelt nod to her husband

Camilla's 'FG' bracelet

Weeks before marrying Diana, Charles commissioned a bracelet inscribed with the letters 'F' and 'G'.

A gift for Camilla, the initials stood for Fred and Gladys, their pet names for each other.

The bracelet was delivered to Buckingham Palace, alongside wedding gifts, and fell into the hands of Diana.

When she confronted Charles about the bracelet, he described it as gesture of gratitude to a friend.

Camilla has since worn the bracelet on numerous occasions, including at Wimbledon in 1989.

A few weeks before marrying Diana, Charles commissioned a bracelet inscribed with the letters 'F' and 'G'. A gift for Camilla, the initials stood for Fred and Gladys, their pet names for each other

Sarah's 'Eugenie and Beatrice' bracelet

At the Cannes Film Festival, the Duchess of York dazzled in a cape dress worth 13,200.

However, it was her sentimental cuff, adorned with her daughters names, Eugenie and Beatrice, that caught fans attention.

First spotted in 2005, this bracelet remains a testament to Sarahs devotion to her children.

First spotted in 2005, Sarah's bracelet, adorned with her daughters names, remains a testament to her devotion to her children

Kate's 'G C L' pendant

A loyal fan of British jewellery designer Daniella Draper, the Princess of Wales has worn this particular pendant 13 times to date.

Kate most recently showcased her 'Midnight Moon' necklace, which retails for 1,100, in a family video celebrating her chemotherapy treatment milestone.

Her 9-carat astrological accessory has been engraved with 'G C L' for Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

Kate's Daniella Draper pendant has been engraved with 'G C L' for Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis

Kate's 'G C L' initial necklace

While the Princess always impresses with her sartorial choices, we have a special fondness for her choice of finishing touches, perfectly exemplified in this Daniella Draper alphabet letter necklace.

Made from recycled 9-carat gold, Kate has worn this charming 495 necklace on two occasions, both times in Scotland in May 2021.

Made of recycled 9-carat yellow gold, Kate has worn this charming 495 necklace on just two occasions, both times in Scotland in May 2021

Kate's 'G C L' disc necklace

Worn twice in the autumn of 2020, this dainty personalised necklace by All The Falling Stars was gifted to Kate during a tour of Galway, Ireland, in March of the same year.

The 14-carat gold piece, costing 75, bears three round discs, engraved with the initials of her children.

Worn twice in the autumn of 2020, this dainty personalised necklace by All The Falling Stars was gifted to Kate during a tour of Galway, Ireland, in March of the same year

Kate's 'C' bracelet

It is widely believed that Kate received this chunky charm bracelet as a wedding gift from Camilla.

Kate's official monogram - a crowned letter 'C' - is scrolled on one side of the charm, while Camilla's monogram is engraved on the reverse.

Kate has worn this bracelet a few times, including at Wimbledon in 2011.

It is widely believed that Kate received this chunky charm bracelet as a wedding gift from Camilla. Kate's official monogram - the letter 'C' with a crown above it - is scrolled on one side of the charm, while Camilla's monogram is engraved on the reverse

Meghan's 'A' necklace

The Duchess of Sussex understands the power of fashion in order to convey a story or message.

Shortly after the birth of her son, Archie, the proud mother was spotted wearing a 391 gold initial necklace at a Wimbledon match.

The delicate 'Love Letters' necklace was from Sydney-based brand Verse, and offered a touching tribute to her newborn son.

Shortly after the birth of her son, Archie, Meghan was spotted wearing a 391 gold initial necklace at a Wimbledon match

Meghan's 'Archie and Lilibet' pendant

Meghan is a loyal fan of Logan Hollowell, with several necklaces from the LA-based designer in her jewellery collection.

The newest addition is the 'Call On Your Angels' coin pendant, made from 14-carat gold with eye-shaped and stud diamonds, which Meghan wore to a launch party in November.

Designed to 'protect' its wearer, the pendant is engraved with her children's names, Archie and Lilibet.

Meghan's newest addition is Logan Hollowell's 'Call On Your Angels' coin pendant, engraved with both of her children's names, Archie and Lilibet

Meghan's constellation necklaces

These dazzling diamond necklaces by Logan Hollowell hold a special significance for Meghan.

They feature constellation patterns, representing Gemini, which is Lilibet's birth sign, and Taurus, Archie's star sign.

Priced at 1,283, the necklaces were once stocked on Gwyneth Paltrow's lifestyle site, Goop.

These dazzling diamond necklaces by Logan Hollowell hold a special significance for Meghan. They feature constellation patterns, representing Gemini, Lilibet's birth sign, and Taurus, Archie's star sign

Beatrice's 'E S W' necklace

Princess Beatrice paid a heartfelt tribute to her family with this gold necklace.

The classic design features 'E', 'S' and 'W' charms representing her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, daughter Sienna, and stepson Christopher Woolf, who is affectionately called 'Wolfie'.
Like many young girls growing up in Los Angeles, Meghan Markle dreamed of one day being a global superstar.

On her road to stardom, she followed the well-worn path of aspiring starlets by acting in her high school plays.

However, before even starting at the all-girls Catholic high school Immaculate Heart, located just around the corner from the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Meghan already felt she was destined for greatness.

A scene in her and Prince Harry's 2022 Netflix 'docuseries' showed her visiting her elementary school and reading aloud a revealing letter she had written to her former principal when she graduated at the age of 11.

'When I am rich and famous and I write my life story, I will talk about you and the school so you will be known worldwide', she read.

So when Meghan started appearing in her high school theatrical productions over the next few years, it came as no surprise to anyone that she took it seriously and was very successful.

School reports mentioned her starring role in a three-day sell-out of Athenian tragedy Oedipus Rex and great applause in Annie, Damn Yankees and Into the Woods.

But one downside of Meghan's success at her school productions was the 'intense jealousy' she felt if someone other than herself took the limelight, according to a book.

Meghan Markle starred in a series of high school plays. Here she is pictured with her father Thomas Markle on her graduation day

Meghan Markle showed her star potential as a teenager when she was crowned the homecoming queen of her high school

She appeared in a series of school performances while she was studying at the elite Catholic, all-girl school Immaculate Heart in Los Angeles

Biographer Tom Bower claimed in his 2022 book Revenge, that Meghan became particularly irritated after one girl at her school got a job as an actress and two other girls had auditioned for the 1992 thriller film Trace of Red.

Her 80-year-old father Thomas Markle, who has been estranged from his daughter after didn't attend her May 2018 wedding to Harry, told Bower: 'She wants to be the star of the stage and the star in life.'

Bower claims that Meghan, 43, loved glamour and celebrity, using her father's connections in Hollywood to launch her teenage career.

Biographer Tom Bower wrote his 2022 book Revenge about Meghan

It is claimed she asked her father to pay a professional photographer to take a 'headshot' of her and sent it to studios. He dutifully did so but she received no replies.

'I want to be an actress', she kept saying, according to the book.

Thomas even took Meghan to the Emmy awards ceremony when he was nominated for best lighting director.

After they walked down the red carpet, the 17-year-old said: 'Daddy I want to be famous just like you one day'. Thomas nodded and went on to do anything to help make that dream come true, according to Bower.

He and Meghan's mother Doria Ragland had divorced when Meghan was six, but they raised her together, with the future duchess often seen around the sets he worked on.

Thomas wanted the best for his daughter, forking out on private elementary and secondary schools, including the $17,650-a-year Immaculate Heart school.

Thomas Markle has said previously he knew Meghan would be a star after seeing her perform in the school plays as a teenager

Thomas and Meghan's mother Doria Ragland (pictured all together) had divorced when Meghan was six, but they raised her together, with the future duchess often seen around the sets he worked on

Thomas wanted the best for his daughter, forking out on private elementary and secondary schools, including the $17,650-a-year Immaculate Heart school

Thomas took Meghan to the Emmy awards ceremony when he was nominated as the best lighting director

Meghan posing with a high school classmate after appearing in a show together

Thomas also lent his skills as a lighting director to the school for its theatrical productions to make sure those on stage could be seen.

And it seems Meghan quickly became the star of the show.

According to Bower, the drama teacher Gigi Perreau noted her strong work ethic and self-confident performances.

But unlike most of the other children, Meghan had received extensive training from her father.

Bower, who has published a series of controversial biographies on famous faces in the past including Simon Cowell, Richard Branson, Tony Blair and Prince Charles, wrote: 'Obeying her father, Meghan always perfected her lines and unquestioningly obeyed the director's instructions.

'His more important advice, after occasionally watching rehearsals, was to explain how best to hold her head, fixate her eyes, show her best profile and most important, look sincere.

'Acting, he emphasised, depended on the appearance of authenticity.'

Meghan blossomed as she continued to gain attention and develop her acting skills, with videos and photos of her performances showing her usually with a smile on her face.

One downside of Meghan's success at her school productions was allegedly the 'intense jealousy' she felt if someone other than herself took the limelight, according to author Tom Bower

Meghan was trained by her father Thomas on how to act, according to Tom Bower

Meghan has been called an attention-seeker over the years

She was clearly one of the most popular girls in her high school class, as she was crowned homecoming queen in 1998.

Thomas also commented on the effect that acting had on his daughter in a 2020 Channel 5 documentary, saying: 'I think I gave her a sense of pride, I think I gave her a sense of duty and work, I think Meghan would say that I did a very good job as a father.

'She was growing into a very nice young lady. I got involved (in school plays) because I watched a couple of their shows and I knew they needed a lot of work.

'I just offered to come in and put some lights in, build some scenery and make the shows real shows. Meghan was in almost all those shows.'

The bestselling book was published in 2022

But Meghan's budding acting career, and her relationship with her father started to change as she got into her late teens after they had a row over a part, according to Bower.

He details how in spring 1999 the musical The Pyjama Game was the new school play and Meghan wanted the lead part, but she also wanted to spend a week at the school's summer retreat.

Drama teacher Gigi Perreau insisted that Meghan had to choose one or the other.

She went to the retreat and was denied the star part, but was allegedly outraged at her teacher's decision.

Meghan then demanded Thomas not do the lighting for the performance, which he ignored.

She was furious, he recalled to Bower. 'She was mad at me and refused to speak to me', Thomas admitted to the author.

After she graduated high school Meghan moved to Northwestern University almost 2,000 miles away in Illinois.

Over the years, her and Thomas' relationship came under strain, but it broke off entirely when he was found to have arranged pictures with paparazzi in the lead-up to the royal wedding in May 2018.

Thomas has since become an outspoken critic of the duke and duchess, accusing them of damaging the Royal Family by stepping back from their duties.

Following their estrangement, Thomas has since become an outspoken critic of Meghan and Harry, accusing them of damaging the Royal Family by stepping back from their duties

Since moving to California in 2020, Meghan has been seen enjoying herself with her ever-changing list of celebrity friends

He has defended his decision to speak out against his daughter, saying: 'Meghan owes me... it's time to look after Daddy.'

Meanwhile Meghan went on to act professionally, before eventually making her big break on the legal drama Suits.

But the number of eyeballs on her increased significantly after she got engaged to Prince Harry and became a member of the Royal Family.

And her and Harry's dramatic exit from The Firm in 2020, famously dubbed 'Megxit', increased the level of attention on them to new levels.

Since moving to California in 2020, Meghan has been pictured at glitzy award ceremonies in Hollywood with her ever-changing list of celebrity friends.

In March 2021 she and Harry took part in the blockbuster Oprah TV interview watched by some 50million people around the world.

She raised further eyebrows when she told friends she didn't want to go to Prince Philip's funeral in April 2021 because she 'didn't want to be centre of attention'.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's $14.7million home in Montecito, Santa Barbara, California

The duchess is predicted to be releasing her latest venture soon, in the form of a cooking programme on Netflix in 2025, which has been teased with this out of focus picture

And then following the death of the Queen in September 2022, author Alexander Larman wrote in The Spectator: 'There has been the sense that Meghan has been relegated to second fiddle: a state of affairs that this particular prima donna is reluctant to accept.'

After a brief hiatus following the Queen's death, she released a new episode of her Archetypes podcast, which the writer claimed had demonstrated once again 'Meghans genius for backing into the spotlight, with her usual innate ability to make herself the centre of attention, regardless of the subject.'

In December 2022, she and Harry dropped their Netflix 'docuseries' which contained within it several scandalous claims, eventually becoming the second-highest ranked documentary ever on the platform.

But the duchess shows no sign of slowing down and is predicted to be releasing her latest venture soon, in the form of a cooking programme on the platform in 2025.
The Duchess of Edinburgh matched the Princess Royal to complete the highest number of overseas work trips this year  but was pipped by Anne on air miles.

Both royals visited nine countries in 2024, yet 74-year-old Anne racked up nearly 42,000 air miles while 59-year-old Sophie did around 28,500.

The pair were followed by Prince Edward, 60, who visited eight countries.

It comes as other members of the Royal Family completed fewer domestic and overseas engagements in a year fraught with ill health.

Patricia Treble, a Canadian researcher and author of the Write Royalty newsletter, analysed data from the court circular and news cuttings to count the number of royal engagements and visits to overseas countries, realms, crown dependencies and overseas territories.

She said: 'In a year when senior royals had serious health challenges, Sophie and Anne were the royal women leading on the world stage.

'We know that Princess Anne is hard working, but the Duchess proved she was "Super Sophie" in 2024.

'Her international work really cut through here in Canada and across the world.'

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh with Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska at the Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv

Princess Anne speaks during a reception at the British High Commission in Colombo, Sri Lanka

Sophie's most high-profile trips included a surprise visit to Ukraine in April.

The duchess became the first member of the Royal Family to visit the war-torn country since Vladimir Putin's invasion and was pictured meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and First Lady Olena Zelenska, alongside tackling tough subjects such as sexual violence in war.

Breaking further ground, Sophie also became the first member of the Royal Family to officially visit the central African nation of Chad.

The visit, which was kept a secret by the Foreign Office for security reasons until she left, saw the duchess brought to tears when she met refugees of the bloody civil war in neighbouring Sudan.

Ms Treble added: 'The seriousness of Sophie's trips to Ukraine and Chad show she is fully trusted by the Royal Family and the UK government.

'As a younger member of family, she is following in the footsteps of Princess Anne and will play an increasingly important role overseas in years to come.'

Sophie's other big trips included visiting the east African nation of Tanzania in September, where she conducted work on behalf of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, of which she is a global ambassador; Ethiopia, where she met victims of sexual violence and visited a refugee camp; and Malta to commemorate 60 years of independence from the United Kingdom.

Not all visits grabbed the limelight, however. In August Sophie travelled to Guernsey for a 'small ships race' hosted by the Association of Sail Training.

Duchess of Edinburgh visiting Tanzania in September. Sophie has equalled the Princess Royal for the number of overseas trips undertaken this year

However, she failed to beat her indomitable sister-in-law Anne.

The Princess Royal visited Sri Lanka in January, where she flew commercial and was photographed carrying her own bags; Namibia in February; the United Arab Emirates in March; Canada and Norway in May; the Netherlands in September and the Isle of Man and Ireland in October, as well as several visits to France.

Queen Camilla visited six overseas nations, while King Charles travelled to five, the most notable being a landmark tour of Australia and Samoa.

They were followed by Prince William, who visited three countries, the furthest being South Africa for his Earthshot prize. The Princess of Wales did not work overseas this year due to her health.

Royal commentator Richard Palmer said: 'This was the year when the supporting cast came to the forefront while the main characters had to take a step back.'
A lone state official in Texas may hold the key to Donald Trump and border czar Tom Homan's plans to deport millions of undocumented migrants.

Dawn Buckingham is the straight-shooting Commissioner of the Texas General Land Office.

A staunch Republican and proud Trump fan, she has agreed to help Trump and Homan carry out the largest deportations in US history.

She'll do it by making all of the state's 13 million acres available to the incoming Trump administration to use as they see fit - paving the way for monster deportation centers and processing facilities.

('Homan) said it is very helpful to be able to use state land because if the federal government had to acquire land and go through that process, it takes them a long time, so we would be able to move a lot quicker,' Buckingham said in an interview with the DailyMail.com.

'I think urgency is the priority for sure - getting these violent criminals off of our soil who are hurting our sons and daughters.'

Homan has already accepted Buckingham's use of a monster ranch on the border in the state's Rio Grande Valley.

The 1,402 acre property could be used to build a detention center for migrants.

Dawn Buckingham is the straight-talking Texan who holds the key to Trump and Homan's mass deportation success

Pictured: Buckingham with Trump at Mar-a-Lago

Pictured: Buckingham, the straight-shooting Commissioner of the Texas General Land Office

'They'd be moving in and out,' Homan told Dr. Phil of how long migrants might stay at the facility.

'One day, we might have a flight to the El Salvadoran nations; the next day, we might have a flight to Asia.

'There's 1,400 acres of land. That saves us from having to acquire that land. The government never buys things real fast. When we do, we overpay for it, so having this from the state of Texas is great.'

Considering that everything is bigger in Texas, it seems fitting that Buckingham has super-sized her role as the head of the GLO.

Despite the agency being the steward of 13 million acres and the Alamo, most Texans don't know the name of any given GLO commissioner.

George P. Bush, the grandson of former President George H.W. Bush (41) and nephew of former President George W. Bush (43) held the title from 2015 to 2022.

Even with this political dynasty background, former GLO Commissioner Bush didn't politicize the role or get the amount of camera time that Buckingham has.

Since she granted the Trump administration use of the ranch for deportations, Buckingham has been on a media blitz, appearing on Dr. Phil, Fox News, podcasts and interviewing with local TV stations across the Lone Star State.

PICTURED ABOVE: The 1,402 ranch offered to Trump by Texas officials to use for his mass deportations of migrants. The land is located west of McAllen

'I'm really excited about how we've changed the public perception of the General Land Office,' she said when asked about her new approach to her job.

Before Buckingham was elected to the position in 2022, she was voted into the Texas senate in 2016 in a landslide runoff election after a successful career as an occuplastic and reconstructive surgeon.

'I became a doctor to help people,' she told the DailyTrib.com after her election. 'As a doctor and surgeon, I can help my patients, and I love doing that. As a member of the senate, I can help millions of people.'

It was at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, studying to be a doctor, where Buckingham met her future husband Ed - who is also a surgeon.

More than 30 years of marriage later, the two share a son and daughter together.

After becoming a state senator, she served Texas in that role up until she was sworn in as Land Commissioner of Texas.

The Republican has been an outspoken advocate of Gov. Greg Abbott's plan to secure the border, which includes building a state border wall, adding a floating barrier in the river meant to deter or drown migrants, and busing asylum-seekers away from the border to northern cities like New York and Chicago.

She takes credit for helping to secure the border.

Before Buckingham was elected to the position in 2022, she was voted into the Texas senate in 2016 in a landslide runoff election after a successful career as an occuplastic and reconstructive surgeon

It was at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, studying to be a doctor, where Buckingham met her future husband Ed - who is also a surgeon

More than 30 years of marriage later, the two share a son and daughter together

Last year, she led an effort by the Republican-led state to take control of an island in the Rio Grande.

Each country owns their half of the river, and the 170 acre island near Roma, Texas, has long been considered a no-man's land due to concerns about interfering with the flow of the river.

Texas's assistance will also save the Trump administration millions - a much-needed advantage since the cost of deporting one million illegal immigrants is expected to cost $88 billion a year.

Trump has vowed to deport at least 20 million people from the US, which may include removing American citizens, as well.

US-born child whose parents are in the US illegally could be rounded up and sent away, Homan told 60 Minutes when asked if there was a way to deport migrants without separating families.

'Of course there is,' Homan replied.

'Families can be deported together.'

After becoming a state senator in 2017, she served Texas in that role up until she was sworn in as Land Commissioner of Texas

A physician turned politician, Dawn Buckingham, M.D. is the current commissioner of the Texas General Land Office. The state agency is in charge of the 13 million acres of land owned by the Lone Star State, including the Alamo in San Antonio

Commissioner Buckingham and @RealTomHoman will work together to keep American families safe.



On @DrPhil Primetime, incoming border czar Tom Homan accepted Commissioner Buckingham's offer to lease over 1,400 acres of state land for the Trump Administration to conduct border pic.twitter.com/xUn3JmVsCA  Texas General Land Office (@TXGLO) December 10, 2024

Acquired by Texas in October from a private land owner, the site sits in Starr County, about 35 miles west of McAllen.

Lone Star State officials are building another section of the state's version of the border wall on the land, which sits directly on the Rio Grande - the river that separates the US and Mexico and acts as the international boundary.

However, the GLO commissioner has also zeroed in on El Paso as another possible site for deportations.

'We have land all over the state, but we've identified especially some areas near El Paso that we think are particularly helpful but we're prepared to sit down with Homan's team at any point necessary and show them what we have,' she explained.'

However, the West Texas city is staunchly Democrat and residents are likely to oppose deportations in their own backyard.

'El Paso is an interesting part of the state because we almost have them landlocked,' Buckingham added.

'They've got Mexico on one side, New Mexico on the other side and us basically surrounding the city. We have a lot of property in the city and then also in the outskirts. So we've identified several of those tracks.'

The Republican has been an outspoken advocate of Gov. Greg Abbott's plan to secure the border, which includes building a state border wall, adding a floating barrier in the river meant to deter or drown migrants, and busing asylum-seekers away from the border to northern cities like New York and Chicago

El Paso, Texas' sixth largest city located at the western-most tip of the state, is located directly on the US-Mexico border. The map above shows all the state-owned land in blue that has been offered by Republican state leaders to President-elect Donald Trump for mass deportations

Despite political opposition, El Paso leaders may be powerless to stop deportations taking place there.

'As immigration is a federal issue, the City of El Paso does not have jurisdiction over policies or operations related to deportations,' city spokeswoman Laura Cruz-Acosta told DailyMail.com in a statement.

'However, the City has always believed in a compassionate approach to addressing immigration challenges. We strongly urge the federal government to prioritize reforming our immigration policies to create a more effective and equitable system.'

The border czar's team has yet to request any tours of the land that has been offered up. The state doesn't have a timeframe when the deportations might starts up, but Buckingham said it wouldn't be long after Jan. 20.

'It sounds to me like they are really working hard. It is all hands on deck,' she added.

'They're going to have a comprehensive plan developed and I think they're going to work quickly and we just want to be here to facilitate whatever it is that they need, and get the job done.'

GLO Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, 56, is the first woman to hold the job

Terrifying footage shows black-clad cartel gunmen on Fronton Island in November 2023. Buckingham led an effort to take control of the island, that sits in the Rio Grande, between the US and Mexico

Despite the gunmen being captured on surveillance video, they fled back to Mexico before US authorities could catch them

A map of Fronton Island shows its position on the US-Mexico border

With neither country claiming it, Mexican cartels seized on Fronton Island to use it for drug and human trafficking.

Last year, Buckingham insisted her agency's research proved Fronton Island is owned by Texas, giving law enforcement permission to take control.

In November 2023, images of armed cartel members sneaking onto the island emerged.

That same month, state troopers and Texas National Guard soldiers seized the 'lawless' isle, installing 1.4 miles of triple-strand concertina wire along the shore and clearing the land to deny the cartels any place to hide.

'Making Texas bigger by claiming those islands in the Rio Grande as Texas, and taking away the law enforcement-free safe haven that the cartels were enjoying and getting free operational control of that part of the border. That was just fun and easy' she said.

Texas control of Fronton Island has already stirred up controversy with the federal government, who told the state it owns the water-locked parcel.

'We would also like to point out that trespassing onto Federal land may have occurred as a result of the previously unapproved completed work,' a letter from the International Boundary and Water Commission, the federal agency in charge of the Rio Grande, states.

The feds demanded that Texas officials vacate the land and turn over a schedule of the states plan to surrender the island.

The GLO confirmed that it had not done so, instead submitting maps showing the island is state property.
Fears are growing over the spread of a violent Venezuelan gang across the US, with experts warning the mobsters could have a foothold in more than half the country by February next year.

It emerged earlier this month that Tren de Aragua, which has been dubbed the 'epitome of evil' and 'MS-13 on steroids', is already operating in 18 states.

This includes some of the most remote corners of the America in Colorado, North Dakota, Montana, Nevada and Wyoming. The bloodthirsty criminals also maintain strongholds in major cities across Texas as well as New York and Chicago.

Speaking exclusively to DailyMail.com, former immigration and customs enforcement director for Colorado and Wyoming, John Fabbricatore, said: 'Were going to start hearing stories about them getting arrested everywhere.

'Theyre in 17 states now. I wouldnt be surprised if by February, thats higher than 25.'

Known as TdA to law enforcement, the gang originated in a Venezuelan prison.

Members of the South American mafia have since crept into the US via the southern border, hidden among the one million Venezuelan migrants who have entered the country under the Biden administration.

They can often be identified by telltale tattoos, including a train ('tren' is Spanish for train), a crown, a clock and an AK-47.

Earlier this year, Daily Mail revealed how the gang set up its new headquarters in the Mexican city of Juarez on the US border, just across from El Paso, Texas.

And startling police investigations have showed how the mob is behind a spiraling crime wave across America, with gangsters accused of murders, violent attacks on cops and sex trafficking.

John Fabbricatore, former immigration and customs enforcement director for Colorado and Wyoming, is an expert in migrants gangs such as TdA

North Dakota

Three suspected TdA members were taken into custody in North Dakota last month.

Authorities in West Fargo, which is home to fewer than 40,000 people, arrested alleged gang member Henry Theis, 25, according to Valley News Live.

Theis was charged with felony theft last month after being found with $24,800 in cash in a car.

Police pulled him over because the car he was driving matched the description of a vehicle that had been involved in an ATM theft that same day.

During the traffic stop, Theis admitted to working with three other hackers to 'jackpot' ATMs, using a virus to steal money.

He also volunteered that other Venezuelan criminals were doing the same thing in North Dakota and going by the nickname, 'the magicians.'

The car Theis was driving had temporary paper tags from Texas, and he told the cops he was a Venezuelan living in Dallas.

A few days later, two other Venezuelans believed to be working with Thesis were also taken into custody.

Suspected TdA member Henry Theis, 25, was arrested in North Dakota in November

Jefferson Rodriguez-Quintero and Ryber Sanchez have also been charged in the ATM scam in North Dakota

Tren de Aragua gang tattoos (pictured above) were part of a Department of Homeland Security bulletin that was recently shared with federal agents

Jefferson Rodriguez-Quintero and Ryber Sanchez were similarly charged over the ATM scam and booked into the Codington County Jail, reported local station KXLG.

'They look at the United States as just one big money pit for them,' Fabbricatore explained.

'It doesnt matter how far out, like you think, North Dakota - thats going pretty far. But to them, theres ATM machines there. Theres jewelry stores there. There are things to rob. Theres rich people there that they can hit their homes. Everything in the US to them is just dollar signs.'

Between the three men arrested in North Dakota, almost $100,000 in cash was recovered.

East to West

American law enforcement officials confirmed that the South American syndicate has been active in California, Montana, Nevada and Wyoming, Fox News reported.

A memo from the Department of Homeland Security confirmed the mob's presence there but not not cite specific cases or arrests.

The leaked document also places the gang in Virginia and Washington D.C.

Earlier this year, it emerged that the gang had taken over apartment complexes in Aurora, Colorado, with one allegedly used as a torture hub.

One couple was held against their will, tortured and terrorized by 13 to 15 armed individuals, Aurora's police chief Todd Chamberlin said.

'They were pistol whipped, they were beaten, they were terrorized. The fact that one human could treat another human like this is appalling,' he added.

The pair even had their fingernails yanked from their hands, DailyMail.com uncovered this week.

Meanwhile, in New York, Tren de Aragua has recruited a so-called army of child gang members as young as 11 from migrant shelters.

Dubbed the 'Little Devils of 42nd Street', police warned they were robbing shops and threatening members of the public with guns and knives.

Texas

The Lone Star State has said it will seek the death penalty for two alleged TdA members accused of raping and killing a 12-year-old girl in Houston.

Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg, confirmed Franklin Pena, 26, and Johan Martinez-Rangel, 22, could be put to death by lethal injection if a jury finds them guilty in the death of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray in June.

Pena and Rangel are accused of luring the girl from a Houston convenience store late at night and were allegedly seen walking under a bridge with her where they spent two hours before emerging alone, police said.

Nungaray's body was found hours later floating in a bayou. The pre-teen had been raped and strangled.

Authorities believe both suspects have ties to TdA.

DailyMail.com has also previously reported how the gangsters infiltrated San Antonio and took over at least four apartment complexes.

The Dallas Police Department also confirmed earlier this year that Tren De Aragua was in the city committing crimes.

Jocelyn Nungaray, 12, was found raped and murdered near her home in Houston, Texas, in June

Franklin Jose Pena Ramos, 26, was one of two illegal immigrants charged with Nungaray's death, with investigators probing a potential link to the Tren de Aragua gang

Authorities also charged Johan Jose Martinez Rangel, 22, over the murder, and claim the two suspects held Nungaray for hours under a bridge before strangling her

Florida

Another alleged Venezuelan gang member was arrested in Miami, the US Border Patrol announced in December.

'On 12/6, USBP agents in Miami, FL, arrested a Tren de Aragua gang member, a Venezuelan national with an arrest in 2022 for illegal entry,' agency chief Jason Owens announced on X.

The agency told DailyMail.com the gangster, 19, was detained in West Palm Beach Florida, not far from the home of President-elect Donald Trump.

'Custody of the individual was transferred to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. When individuals are encountered with derogatory information, we deny admission, detain them, or refer them to other federal agencies for removal or further vetting, investigation and/or prosecution as appropriate,' a Border Patrol spokesman said.

Utah

A Venezuelan dissident running for office in Salt Lake City, Utah, has warned that the gangsters have been linked to at least two separate crimes in the state - including an alleged prostitution ring and shooting.

Carlos Moreno told the New York Post: 'Our law enforcement people are not ready. They are not ready yet to face these kinds of gangs in Utah because the way that they do things are totally different than criminals here in the United States.'

'That's why people right now are very afraid,' he added.
A Christian prophet who claims to see visions from God has shared a disturbing prediction for 2025: 'There will be war.'

Preacher Joshua Giles, a founder of Kingdom Embassy Worship Center in Minneapolis, told DailyMail.com he has been receiving visions, dreams and messages from God since he was a young child.

He began having visions in the summer of 2023 about the what is to come next year, which he said showed increased violence in the US.

He said: 'One of the recent prophecies that I shared was about rising terror attacks that I saw against the US. I believe that there's going to be more darkness or evil on the rise.'

This is not the first prediction made by the pastor. In 2020 - years before the violence between Israel and Hamas broke out in October 2023- he saw 'an outbreak again of violence and war' in Israel and the Middle East.

While some of the visions and messages are grim, Giles said the coming year will also be a period of hope.

'I saw certain cures that would come for common diseases that people have thought would be incurable, and doctors have said were incurable,' he explained.

'I saw us coming into a period of advancement in medicine and technology where there would be certain cancers that would be cured and other diseases that would be cured.'

Giles is a founder of Kingdom Embassy Worship Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota , and author of the upcoming book 'When God Speaks' (Joshua Giles/Baker Publishing Group)

He said rather than being a 'grim vision' for the world, it's a 'bittersweet' time with a mixture of darkness, light and hope.

'I was told 2025 would have the potential to be an entrance into an era of war for the world, and I know what we've seen in Ukraine and in Israel, but I did see a widening of those conflicts in certain areas,' Giles said.

'I've been praying for this period before we got here, praying for peace and just, you know, believing that some of these things can be averted.

'God showed me that these conflicts would have the potential to spark into something wider that might pull in America and other nations.'

The prophecies for 2025 have been running through his head for nearly five years, which he said came to him during prayer.

He told this website he has since been contacted by people in the government about his predictions.

He said: 'One of the recent prophecies that I shared was about rising terror attacks that I saw against the United States, and so I really do believe that this is just an era of that, that we're just kind of coming into I believe that there's going to be more darkness or evil on the rise.'

But Giles said there are reasons to hope.

Giles is a founder of Kingdom Embassy Worship Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota , and author of the upcoming book 'When God Speaks' (Joshua Giles/Baker Publishing Group)

Giles accurately predicted the Israel conflict, weeks before it happened

'I would encourage anyone to focus on the good, because there is a lot of good in the world,' he said.

Giles added: 'When I get an opportunity to meet people, I travel throughout the nations, preaching and sharing the gospel, and I meet people from every cultural background.

'I've been to over 30 nations, and there is so much more hope and love and good in people, and some of the darkness and evil that we see, I think that gets amplified.

'I believe that God will give us all wisdom and peace to navigate when challenges do arise, like some of these visions that I've shared.'
Scientists have made a stark warning of an impending 'Ultra-Intense Category 6' storm hitting the US.

The prediction comes from an international team of over 60 experts who found the burning of fossil fuels has poured the equivalent energy into the Earth's systems, heralding a dark new era of 'mega-hurricanes.'

An 'Ultra-Intense Category 6' storm would unleash winds of 192 miles per hour or higher and a rise in seawater exceeding 25 feet.

While this is a theoretical weather event, experts called it 'the most powerful storm ever seen on Earth,' predicting it will form sometime around 2100' and be named Hurricane Danielle.

The forecast is part of the new book Category Five: Superstorms and the Warming Oceans That Feed Them where author Porter Fox featured scientific calculations and testimonies from sailors who have dealt with extreme weather first-hand.

And while Florida was battered by hurricanes this year, Danielle would take a different path - New York.

The experts predicted the storm would move through the slim channel between Staten Island and Brooklyn's Dyker Heights, which was last taken by Hurricane Sandy in 2012.

'Destruction will be on a scale never seen in the Northeast,' Fox wrote, 'more like a cyclone on the floodplains of India or Bangladesh than wind events in the tristate.'

An 'Ultra-Intense Category 6' storm would unleash winds of 192 miles per hour or higher and a rise in sea water exceeding 25 feet. While this is a theoretical weather event, experts called it 'most powerful storm ever seen on Earth' (STOCK)

And while Florida was battered by hurricanes this year, Danielle would take a different path - New York

Foxspoke to salvage ship crew and tugboat operators, like Joey Farrell Jr and Stu Miller, who clean up after hurricanes year-after-year with their vessels.

When Hurricane Michael, a Category 5, hit northwest Florida, Miller remembered: 'It looked like the hand of God went in there and just wiped the earth completely clean.'

'It didn't matter whether it was a steel building, a brick building, a wood building  there was nothing left standing,' Miller told Fox. 'The air pressure was so low it sucked the oil out of the giant Chevron storage tanks down by the marina.'

Fox's hypothetical 'Hurricane Danielle' would enter New York Harbor first with its punishing wind shear rattling the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge.

The intense wind would snap the structures three-foot-thick suspension cables and 'send both levels of the roadway into the lower bay.'

As this 'Ultra-Intense Category 6' enters New York Harbor, the whole of Governors Island will be subsumed in 'a wall of whitewater.'

'Most windows in the Freedom Tower, built to withstand gusts up to two hundred miles per hour, will blow out,' according to Fox, ironically 'reducing its windage and likely saving the building.'

Retaining walls built around Battery Park, as part of the ongoing $1.7 billion-plus Lower Manhattan Coastal Resiliency climate adaptation plan, will be overwhelmed.

'Ocean and river water will mix at the eastern edge of Tompkins Square Park as water flows freely through the streets of Chinatown, Little Italy, and the chic boutiques and bistros of NoHo and SoHo,' Fox shared.

The experts predicted the storm would move through the slim channel between Staten Island and Brooklyn's Dyker Heights, which was last taken by Hurricane Sandy in 2012. Pictured is the train system during the hurricane, which connects New Jersey to New York City

The city's vulnerability to this deluge will be a consequence not just of the storm, but rising sea levels: an example of what the author calls the 'compounding forces of climate change.'

'If Superstorm Sandy had occurred in 1912 instead of 2012, it would have likely not flooded Lower Manhattan,' the book reads.

That is because sea levels have risen about 12 inches over the 100-year time period.

After landfall, Hurricane Danielle will wage a 48-hour siege on the Big Apple, as denser, more saturated superstorms will come to slog through a hotter atmosphere.

'Hurricanes will have slowed by 15 percent by 2100 and will be saturated with 20 percent more water vapor,' Fox explained.

'Still to come from the right quadrant of the storm are gusts topping 220 mph, strong enough to blow the roof off the Metropolitan Museum of Art.'

With 'rows of plane and oak trees in Central Park' uprooted, windows shattered across the city, and more bridges collapsed, the hurricane's force will then splinter into 'up to fifty tornadoes.'

Porter Fox - a journalist and lifetime sailor - spoke to oceanographers, meteorologists, hurricane salvage ship crew and more for his new book, 'Category Five'

'This swarm of cyclones will cause unthinkable damage in tiny swaths of the city,' Fox said, 'leaving furrows carved through parks, neighborhoods, and streets.'

The explanation for this incredible intensity from the heat energy packed into Earth's oceans and its skies by the greenhouse gas effect.

'To laypeople, storms are an atmospheric disturbance, detached from the Earth except for the damage they cause,' reads the book.

'In fact, much of a hurricane's power arises from the border between ocean and air,' according to Fox, 'what scientists refer to as the 'planetary boundary layer.''

This fact is crucial to understand in order to accurately extrapolate just what carnage a future mega-storm like Danielle will one day be capable of.

Wind friction from a tropical cyclone does not just 'float over the sea,' Fox penned, 'they lean on it, drag it, and drive it forward.'

When water vapor pulled up into this process rises, he writes, 'it cools and condenses into rain, releasing latent heat that fuels convection and grows the storm system.'

He drew a probable and chilling scenario of countless New Yorkers trapped in skyscrapers.

'Those lucky enough to live in a modern, structurally sound skyscraper on high ground in Midtown or upper Manhattan will watch from upper floors as foaming brown channels of water rush through the streets,' he writes.

'Water will soon overwhelm the city's gutters and storm drains, invading the intricate substructure of Manhattan, knocking out power, internet, and cell service.'

Fox estimated that the death toll of an 'Ultra-Intense Category 6' hitting Gotham will approach something close to 42,000 human lives.

'Thousands of families torn apart,' he writes. 'Hundreds of neighborhoods erased.'

'Industries gone. Transit crippled. The character and viability of America's largest city shattered [...] In the weeks and months that follow, residents and officials will grapple with the impossible question of whether or not to rebuild.'

The widespread devastation to the city's infrastructure, its ravaged communications cables and fiber optics, its roads and bridges will make rescue operations in the wake of the story 'nearly impossible.'

New York City is just one of America's most well-known coastal metropolises, Fox notes, with many others at risk of similar or worse fates.

'One silver lining: Miami residents will no longer have to worry about superstorms, seawalls, building codes, or insurance lapses in 2100, as the city will no longer exist.'
Red-headed women have genetically different pain thresholds to the rest of the female population, according to a leading neuroscientist.

And in a separate study, they also have the highest orgasm rate (41 per cent) of all hair types.

Professor Irene Tracey, dubbed the Queen of Pain, says geneticists are getting closer to understanding why studies suggest that redheads have a lower tolerance to pain caused by heat or low temperatures, but are less sensitive to pain caused by electric shocks.

But she added that the research was challenging because pain was subjective.

Speaking on Radio 4s Today, Oxford University vice-chancellor Professor Tracey said good science and good therapies should give hope to people coping with chronic pain, one of the largest problems in the developed world.

She added: Is there a genetic difference between people having different types of pain  men, women?

'Theres often a comment about women with ginger hair, versus not, having that different genetic basis for how they experience the threshold for pain.

A report in the medical journal Anesthesiology said redheads pain thresholds were linked to the hair gene mutation which partially switches off a sensory receptor.

Red-headed women have genetically different pain thresholds to the rest of the female population, according to a leading neuroscientist

Isla Fisher attends the Vanity Fair Oscar Party on March 10, 2024

A report in the medical journal Anesthesiology said redheads pain thresholds were linked to the hair gene mutation which partially switches off a sensory receptor. Pictured: Julianne Moore

That changes the balance between tolerance and sensitivity, depending on the type of pain experienced.

Redheads are rare  less than 2 per cent of the global population  which makes them prime subjects for research into anecdotal traits attributed to them.

Meanwhile, a study by University of Hamburg researcher Dr Werner Habermehl made the startling revelations about their orgasm rate.

The sex lives of women with red hair were clearly more active than those with other hair colour, with more partners and having sex more often than the average, he said.

The research shows that the fiery redhead certainly lives up to her reputation.

A 2022 Czech study of red-headed women concluded that they exhibited higher sexual desire, higher sexual activity, a higher number of sexual partners... and a higher level of sexual submissiveness.

However, after analysing data from 110 women (34 per cent of whom were redheads) and 93 men (22 per cent redheads), they suggested genetic variations were only one explanation and social stereotyping  the labelling of red-headed women as being more sexually permissive  could be a factor.
It's been named the Best Restaurant in Britain  and the third best in the world - so naturally my expectations are high when I arrive at Northcote, a one-Michelin-star eatery that happens to be located in Lancashire on the threshold of one of Britain's most beautiful regions, the Forest of Bowland National Landscape.

This area alone, I discover, makes the journey from London worthwhile.

Northcote itself? If you're a foodie, it's worth a journey from anywhere in the land. For this restaurant, even in the world of Michelin-starred eateries, is special.

Journalists tend to hesitate when using the word 'genius' in reviews  it's an absolute that suggests an experience can't be improved.

But there are a few mouthfuls of food delivered by Executive Chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen that potentially warrant deployment of this powerful adjective.

MailOnline Travel Editor Ted Thornhill visits Northcote, crowned 'Britain's best restaurant' in Tripadvisor's 2024 Travellers' Choice awards

Northcote, a one-Michelin-star eatery, is located in Lancashire on the threshold of 'one of Britain's most beautiful regions', the Forest of Bowland National Landscape

And I'm certainly not the first Northcote diner moved to distribute extravagant summations of the cooking.

Set in a redbrick manor house, Northcote is a restaurant and a hotel  they share the name  but it's the former that soaks up most of the limelight. This year it was named the No.1 eatery in Britain and third best on the planet by Tripadvisor's 2024 Travellers' Choice Best of the Best Restaurants awards, determined by the 'quality and quantity of traveller reviews and ratings posted on Tripadvisor over a 12-month period'.

Northcote has, at the time of writing, 2,256 reviews, with 1,720 of those (or 76 per cent) a five-star rating. Recent reviewer 'DobbieRuncorn' contributed to this tally with a write-up headlined 'perfection on all levels'.

I put the restaurant's a la carte and tasting menu through its paces across two evenings during a weekend stay at the property with my partner and seven-year-old daughter and end up aligning myself with DobbieRuncorn on the verdict front.

Service is charming and sparky from the get-go  and never dims. The waiting staff, who all seem as excited to be working at Northcote as the guests are to be eating there, could be lifted out and parachuted into any restaurant or hotel on the planet  and they'd shine.

Everyone knows their job, knows the food and knows the wine list. They make hospitality look easy (and it really isn't - I got flustered waiting tables in a Harvester).

The dishes, meanwhile, are crafted by a genuine superstar in the British food industry, whose cooking is confident, comforting and clever.

Lisa weaves flavours and textures together like an expert seamstress.

THE A LA CARTE EXPERIENCE

Set in a redbrick manor house, Northcote is a restaurant and a hotel  they share the name  but it's the former that soaks up most of the limelight, notes Ted. Above is the dining room

Proceedings begin as all premium restaurant meals should  in the bar.

Here, one ensconces oneself on plump furniture for preprandial tissue-liveners.

It's a most pleasant citrusy Louis Roederer Collection 244 Champagne for me on both evenings, the first of which is the a la carte experience.

For this, the staff take our order after distributing the aperitifs  a deft move that speeds up the service  thoughtfully explaining that we might like to avoid the dishes that overlap with the tasting menu.

The dining room, refreshingly for a Michelin-star restaurant, buzzes with lively conversation and banter  I suspect most guests are celebrating something - and is bedecked with luxury cream-coloured chairs and thick grey curtains. Upscale and elegant, if a little forgettable.

The food will live long in the memory, though.

Ted's a la carte 'snacks' - the dish on the right is a deconstructed quiche served inside an eggshell

The a la carte chalk stream trout gravlax and caviar that's finished with frozen dill 'snow'

A la carte Lake District Lamb (40.50), three cuboids  including a slow-cooked lamb belly  of 'melt-in-the-mouth meat magic'

Lisa more or less seals the rave-review deal with the amuse-bouche snacks alone (served with the a la carte and tasting menus).

I particularly love the cute deconstructed quiche served inside an eggshell formed from Lancashire cheese custard, caramelised onion jelly and onion foam. Delightful and delectable.

Which is also an adjective pairing I can apply with equal confidence to the a la carte chalk stream trout gravlax and caviar that's finished with frozen dill 'snow' (17) and a preserved elderflower sauce.

The English Raspberry dessert denouement (above) is 'exquisite', remarks Ted

For my a la carte main it's Lake District Lamb (40.50), three cuboids  including a slow-cooked lamb belly  of melt-in-the-mouth meat magic served with sheep's curd and pureed carrot I could eat out of a cone.

The English Raspberry dessert denouement (19.50) is exquisite  meringue wafers ornamentally fanned around a mousse of hung yoghurt, yuzu, raspberry glaze, caramelised cream and white chocolate.

The scene is completed by little balls of raspberry 'snow'.

Is there wine to go with all this? You betcha. I follow the menu-pairing recommendations inked in by head sommelier Magda Sleziak, which means more Louis Roederer Collection 244 Champagne  for the trout - a plummy Marques de Murrieta Rioja (8.60/70ml, 14.40/125ml and 80/bottle) for the lamb, and dancing on the taste buds with the dessert is a Piemontese Alasia Brachetto D'Acqui red that's lightly fizzy and gloriously fruity (4.80/70ml, 8/125ml, 11.50/175ml and 42/bottle). Go for the 175ml option - it's only 5.5 per cent alcohol.

THE TASTING MENU EXPERIENCE

Evening number two arrives and it's time for the main event  Lisa's 135 five-course 'Gourmet' tasting menu.

First up, it's 'Forest Mushroom Parfait', which sets the taste-sensation bar stratospherically high. This creation is presented as a gateau, with creamy mushroom fillings layered with hints of balsamic vinegar  and topped with thin mushroom wafers. To accompany, an intensely delicious cup of mushroom 'tea' and tarragon flaky bread to scoop up the parfait with.

'Forest Mushroom Parfait', which 'sets the taste-sensation bar stratospherically high'

Squab pigeon - 'a much-maligned animal, but [at Northcote] it's exulted to food fit for royalty'

Next, tenderly cooked squab pigeon. A much-maligned animal, but here it's exulted to food fit for royalty, coated in a sweet and savoury maltose glaze and paired with a rich sauce made from the pigeon bones and red wine.

Cod is course number three, and once more something ordinary is elevated to a divine flavour experience. For this we can thank the bed of smoky taramasalata and beurre blanc the North Sea fish nestles in and the zesty citrus jelly garland.

A symphony of autumnal tastes and textures arrives next that we struggle to resist devouring at a presto tempo  beautifully cooked salt-chamber-aged Scottish venison with grace notes aplenty, including a pillow of pasta filled with a flavourful faggot mix, a tangy roll of beetroot and a creamy butternut squash puree.

A winner  but get your Instagram shot of the artful presentation nailed before the puddle of (albeit tasty) venison jus is poured.

The 'coffee' dessert is another course-cum-photo-shoot opportunity. It's a beaut. A decorative ensemble featuring a 'collar' of Valrhona chocolate in which sits 'leaves', biscuits and blobs of chocolate mousse; coffee and amaretto ice cream; and coffee syrup.

North Sea Cod - which nestles in a bed of smoky taramasalata and beurre blanc and wears a zesty citrus jelly garland

Salt-chamber-aged Scottish venison, 'served with a pillow of pasta filled with a flavourful faggot mix, a tangy roll of beetroot and a creamy butternut squash puree'

The 'coffee' dessert - 'a course-cum-photo-shoot opportunity'

Corking: The tasting menu wine flight that Ted enjoys

Wine-wise, our excellent pairing flight (98.50) whisks us to New Zealand (a pinot gris reserve by Lawson's Dry Hills for the snacks); Portugal (a white Evora Vinho de Talha for the mushroom parfait); Italy (a pinot grigio by the Specogna winery for the pigeon); South Africa (a lovely Tokara Director's Reserve white for the cod); and California (a scrumptious red Zinfandel by the Seghesio family for the venison).

For dessert, it's a moreish fruity liqueur by Henri Giraud from the Champagne region.

The meal draws to a close and I take stock. The consistency from Lisa and her brigade is remarkable. Which dishes are genius? Arguably the mushroom parfait, trout, cod and coffee dessert, which could double as an art contest submission. But could the leftover chips we had from our daughter's chicken and chips be No.1?

My partner declares them the best chips she's ever eaten and I see her point of view  they're pillowy soft on the inside, crispy on the outside. Dreamy.

Northcote Executive Chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen

Northcote's triple-cooked chips, which Ted describes as 'dreamy'

What's the secret? Lisa is kind enough to divulge some of the steps she takes to make them when I chat with her about her remarkable success.

The first step? A decent spud.

Lisa said: 'We get the right potato for a start.

'You need a chipping potato [Maris Piper and King Edward potatoes, for example] and then we cook them in salted water and then fluff them like a roast potato.

'That involves putting them in a pan or colander and shaking them so they go fluffy on the outside.

'And then we freeze them  and we cook them from frozen.

'And what happens is the inside goes really fluffy, because it kind of breaks down, and when we fry them the outside goes really crispy.'

THE HOTEL

Ted stays in a junior suite (above), which he says is 'spacious' with an 'epic' bed

The classy Northcote full English

Tempted to book a meal at Northcote? I'd recommend tying the experience with a bow and staying in the 26-room hotel  it's gorgeously appointed.

We stay in a spacious junior suite with an epic bed, an elegant ensuite with a heated floor and walk-in shower behind a partition wall you can access from two sides - and a balcony offering views out over the Forest of Bowland greenery.

THE SURROUNDINGS

We explore the surrounds following plaudit-worthy Northcote breakfasts, enjoying a mesmerising tour of nearby Grade I-listed Browsholme Hall with the owner, Robert Parker, who explains that the magnificent property has been in his family since the 16th century; a saunter around the fun Wild Boar Park, near the village of Chipping; a peek inside the brilliant Clitheroe Castle Museum; and a splendid few hours with Katie Wilson, who picks us up at Northcote and takes us on one of her 'Bowland & Bay' foodie tours, which highlights the endeavours of local artisanal producers and includes a stop at a superb 'cow to cone' ice-cream shop in Clitheroe.

We board our London-bound Avanti Pendolino at nearby Preston enlightened of mind, heavier of stomach (in the best possible way) - and with a determination to return to Northcote.

Britain's best restaurant? It's certainly one of the finest I've ever been to, anywhere  and is deservedly worthy of flying the flag for British cooking.
Lindsay Lohan felt 'scared' at the thought of meeting her now-husband's family.

The 38-year-old star can currently be seen in new Christmas movie Our Little Secret and she related to her character Avery's nerves at meeting her boyfriend's parents.

That is because of her own apprehension ahead of spending time with Bader Shammas  with whom she has 18-month-old son Luai  and his relatives for the first time.

But fortunately, they all got on well and Lindsay feels very 'close' to her in-laws.

She told Britain's HELLO! magazine: 'It's always a potentially tricky situation. I remember being super-nervous when I met my husband's family for the first time.

'His mom is so great and she has all these gorgeous sisters, so it was a lot.'

Lindsay Lohan felt 'scared' at the thought of meeting her now-husband's family; seen in November in NYC

The 38-year-old star can currently be seen in new Christmas movie Our Little Secret and she related to her character Avery's nerves at meeting her boyfriend's parents

She added, 'I was scared at first, but his whole family made me feel so welcome.

'They're so sweet and we're really close now,' the Herbie Fully Loaded star also said.

'We're one big family, which is so nice, especially at Christmas  but they're always there if I need someone to turn to.'

The Mean Girls star adores motherhood, she also shared with the publication.

She gushed: 'It's everything I hoped it would be and more. My little boy is such a blessing.

'I am so grateful every day. Being with him is like falling in love all over again, every single day.'

And Lindsay thinks the Christmas period is even more special now she has her son.

She said: 'Getting to share Christmas with my son makes it special, for sure, but this has always been a special time for me.

'I'm pretty sentimental when it comes to this time of year  even more so now.'

The Parent Trap actress recently noted that she is just thrilled to be able to 'see life' through the eyes of her son every day and described him as a 'bundle of joy'.

(L-R) Dakota Lohan, Dina Lohan, Bader Shammas, Lindsay Lohan, Nina Ginsberg, Michael Lohan Jr., attend the screening of Netflix's Our Little Secret at The Paris Theatre in November in New York City

That is because of her own apprehension ahead of spending time with Bader Shammas  with whom she has 18-month-old son Luai  and his relatives for the first time. But fortunately, they all got on well and Lindsay feels very 'close' to her in-laws' seen in September

She said: 'Just to see  because he is, so pure and just so happy, just to see life through his eyes, every day.

'He's just this beautiful bundle of joy. I can't think of anything else!'

In November Lohan said she dyed her hair light blonde because she 'wanted a change' but she 'always' goes back to her signature red.

The 'Mean Girls' star, 38, is known for her red hair, but she is currently blonde and admits she often ends up going 'lighter' than expected although she expects she'll want to change up her locks and go back to her roots soon.

She told Flaunt magazine: 'I went a bit lighter recently, just because I wanted a change after filming. It's that blonde problem - it's like, once you do a highlight, you want to keep going lighter. I'll get over it in like a few months.'

When asked if she will go back to her 'signature red', Lindsay replied: 'Yeah ... I always do. I always do.'

During the interview, the actress also opened up about her recent trip to Paris Fashion Week to see Balenciaga designer Demna showcase his latest collection.

She said: 'I love Balenciaga. I love Demna. I love what he is doing with the collection. I like how he's not afraid to just express what he wants to do at the time, he wants to do it. I really appreciate and respect that. And it was a great show. I feel like it was the perfect thing because I went to just the one show, and that was kind of it.'

She told Britain's HELLO! magazine: 'It's always a potentially tricky situation. I remember being super-nervous when I met my husband's family for the first time. 'His mom is so great and she has all these gorgeous sisters, so it was a lot.' Seen in her movie Our Little Secret

Lindsay added of her fashion week outfit: 'With the gown I had, I'm just: 'I'm wearing this no matter what' because it was a little tight here and there. But I was like: 'We're making it work! For Fashion! For Paris Fashion Week!''

It comes after Lindsay previously revealed her red hair icons are fellow actresses Julia Roberts and Julianne Moore.

When asked whose hair she has always admired, she told Harper's Bazaar magazine: 'I think that it was always Julia Roberts growing up, because I could relate to her with my red hair.

'And Julianne Moore. I think it's the redhead thing. I've always liked my own hair colour - I looked up to them and admired them.

'When you're young and in school and you're freckled, especially when I was growing up, people would make fun of me sometimes, so I needed to emulate other people who were older and had gotten through that phase.'
As Manuel, the hapless Spanish waiter at a certain faded Torquay hotel, Andrew Sachs created such a superb comedy foil that it's impossible to imagine any other actor in the role.

And that's a view Fawlty Towers creator John Cleese originally came to more than 50 years ago, when he was first working on scripts for the now-classic sitcom.

So sure was the Monty Python star that Sachs would make the 'perfect' Manuel, that he threatened to stop writing until the actor signed on the dotted line.

Cleese told The Mail on Sunday: 'I had seen Andrew in Alan Bennett's Habeas Corpus [in London's West End] and realised I had discovered a superb farce performer.

Obviously, we could have found others, but they would not have been as perfect as Andrew, so I stuck my heels in.'

Documents in the BBC archives reveal executives' concerns that securing Sachs was holding up the scripts, which Cleese was writing with his then-wife Connie Booth, who went on to play chambermaid Polly in the series.

John Cleese was so sure that Andrew Sachs would make the 'perfect' Manuel, that he threatened to stop writing until the actor signed on the dotted line. The pair are pictured during an episode of the hit BBC comedy

Andrew Sachs as Manuel in Fawlty Towers in 1981.

At the time Sachs was trying to make it as a stage actor, and had followed his role in Habeas Corpus with a starring role in the farce No Sex Please We're British.

BBC bosses launched a charm offensive to woo Sachs amid fears for the future of the sitcom.

In a letter to the actor's agent dated February 11, 1975, John Howard Davies, who produced and directed the first series of Fawlty Towers, stressed the need for an answer.

He added: 'John Cleese is in the position at the moment of postponing the writing of the series as he finds it impossible until the situation about Andrew Sachs is clarified.'

Three days later Davies wrote again outlining what was at stake. He wrote: 'You know how badly we want Andrew Sachs for the John Cleese series... I have also to try and persuade John Cleese to write the series in the hope of Andrew Sachs being available. However, John Cleese tells me that he likes to write for the actor who is going to play the part.'

The documents, which have been revealed as the show prepares to celebrate its 50th birthday next year, do not give details about Sachs's decision to join the show.

However in a 2014 interview, two years before he died aged 86, Sachs revealed he was worried about being able to do the Spanish accent, and asked Cleese if he could make the waiter German.

'No! You'd be very good at things if you were German,' the star told him. 'He's got to be Spanish.'

The Fawlty Towers cast from left to right: Connie Booth as Polly Sherman, John Cleese as Basil Fawlty, Andrew Sachs as Manuel and Prunella Scales Sybil Fawlty

Other letters in the BBC's Written Archives Centre show that Cleese didn't always get his way on casting.

The pivotal role of Mr Hutchinson in the The Hotel Inspectors episode, eventually played by Bernard Cribbins, was originally offered to The Good Life star Richard Briers.

In a letter dated July 10, 1975, Davies told Briers: 'The part of Hutchinson was written with you in the back of John's mind. I know it is cheeky asking you if you would like to play it, we would love to have you but will quite understand if you don't.'

Two weeks later, Davies offered the same role to Rising Damp star Leonard Rossiter, warning him that Cleese 'plays Basil at high speed'.

Cleese paid tribute to Sachs  while taking a side-swipe at political correctness. He said: 'The key to Manuel's role was that he was always trying his utmost to help, and it was only the language barrier that messed things up.

'Sadly, literal-minded people can only see one interpretation, and it's never one with any humour in it.'
Kendall Jenner turned up the heat this holiday season and she isn't stopping that anytime soon.

The 818 Tequila founder, 29, shared two images of herself in a sassy short haircut to Instagram on Saturday.

In one image, she wore a extremely short strapless black sequin dress with black pantyhose and red pumps with a thin strap around her ankles.

Her lips were painted scarlet red and she had a 'come hither' look on her face.

Kendall's hair was styled in a very Mary Tyler Moore 1960s style look with the ends flipped up saucily.

The model's legs looked endless as she sat in a chair with a roaring fireplace hung with stockings behind her.

Kendall Jenner turned up the heat this holiday season and she isn't stopping that anytime soon

'Put me in your pocket,' she cheekily captioned the post.

The second photo featured her in the same dress while she held a glass of red wine.

Earlier in the week, Kendall shared some photos from the photo booth at the 2024 Kardashian-Jenner family Christmas Eve party.

She shared three photos from that, one with her drinking a glass of red wine and two with a Santa hat on.

In one of those photos she struck a serious pose, while in the other she winked and laughed.

Kendall hosted the family Christmas party at her home in Beverly Hills this year.

She wore a stunning dress that evoked old Hollywood style made famous by stars like Veronica Lake and Bette Davis.

The fitted, long sleeve, white satin gown from designer Phoebe Philo featured a large cut out on the back of the dress.

Earlier in the week, Kendall shared some photos from the photo booth at the 2024 Kardashian - Jenner family Christmas Eve party

She shared three photos from that, one with her drinking a glass of red wine and two with a Santa hat on

Kendall hosted the family Christmas party at her home in Beverly Hills this year

Kendall can be a chameleon when it comes to the different looks she's had her hair done in.

Just a couple of weeks ago, she reminded her fans of her blonde phase, posting some sultry throwback photos.

'Some blonde' she captioned that post.

Kendall was blonde for a couple of months earlier this year, but returned to her natural brunette hue in time to celebrate turning 29 in November.

Jenner celebrated her birthday on November 3, with members of her famous family giving her shoutouts online.

Mom Kris Jenner said in a tribute post: 'Happy birthday to my beautiful angel girl @kendalljenner!!!'

'You are the kindest girl I know, and so funny, smart, sweet, generous and thoughtful and I thank God every day for the blessing of being your mommy.'

Kendall can be a chameleon when it comes to the different looks she's had her hair done in

Just a couple of weeks ago, she reminded her fans of her blonde phase, posting some sultry throwback photos

She continued: 'You have the biggest heart and you make everyone around you feel loved, and listened to.

'You are such a special girl, so beautiful inside and out, and the most incredible daughter, sister, auntie, and friend anyone could wish for and I am amazed by you every single day,' Kris wrote.

'I am so proud of you my Kenny and I love you so very much! Mommy xo.'

Kendall took to Instagram on November 4 and expressed gratitude as she posted photos from her celebration and wrote, '29th year. im blessed. thank you.'
Kayla Itsines has shared a loving tribute to her husband Jae Woodroffe to mark his 34th birthday on Saturday.

The 33-year-old took to her socials to post a series of snippets of herself with her beau alongside a sweet message.

The post featured a loved-up video of the couple dancing at their wedding ceremony in Adelaide.

Others sweet photos included the pair posing with their son Jax and Kayla's daughter Arna, who she shares with ex-fiance Tobi Pearce.

'Happy birthday to my Husband  30!! .. again  for the 4th year straight  I love you so so so much !!!' she wrote.

Many excited fans gushed over Kayla's heartwarming post and wished Jae a happy birthday.

Kayla Itsines shared a loving tribute to her husband Jae Woodroffe to mark his 34th birthday on Saturday

The 33-year-old took to her socials to post a series of snippets of herself with her beau alongside a sweet message

'The way you look at each other! Happy Birthday Jae,' one person commented.

'Happy birthday to your husband Kayla. Your love shines through the screen!' another said.

Kayla and Jae tied the knot in December 2023 following a two-year engagement, but their fairytale romance first blossomed under unusual circumstances.

From getting together just months after leaving their respective exes to Kayla's subsequent falling out with Jae's ex-girlfriend - things weren't always so simple.

Kayla debuted her relationship with personal trainer Jae on September 26, 2021, when the couple was spotted packing on the PDA outside a kebab shop in Adelaide.

The sighting came just a few weeks after Kayla had split from her former boyfriend, a videographer known only as 'Mitch G'.

Earlier that month, 'Mitch G' was pictured packing his personal belongings into a moving van outside Kayla's home, confirming their brief relationship was over.

Coincidentally, Jae also moved on with Kayla shortly after splitting with his long-time ex-girlfriend Lauren, who also happened to be close friends with Kayla.

'Happy birthday to my Husband  30!! .. again  for the 4th year straight  I love you so so so much !!!' she wrote

Kayla and Jae tied the knot in December 2023 following a two-year engagement, but their fairytale romance first blossomed under unusual circumstances

Jae and Lauren are believed to have started dating in 2016, as indicated by loved-up Instagram photos posted by Lauren at the time.

The last photos of the former couple together were uploaded on May 23, 2021, following a night out with a group of friends which included Kayla.

A group photo taken during the outing even shows Kayla, Jae and Lauren all posing side by side.

Kayla and Jae debuted their romance four months later. Daily Mail Australia is not suggesting any party has ever been unfaithful.

Kayla declined to comment when contacted by Daily Mail Australia, but her spokeswoman Sara Bergstrom said the 'media narrative' suggesting Kayla and Lauren fell out because of Jae 'was false then, and [is] still false now'.
By Laman Ismayilova



The 25th anniversary of the Mingachevir branch of the Azerbaijan Writers' Union has been celebrated in Union's Natavan Club.

In the past 30 years, around 20 branches of the Writers' Union have been opened in the regions. One of them is the Mingachevir branch. Established 25 years ago, this branch has brought together writers living in Mingachevir and created conditions for them to engage in active literary activities.

At the event, the Secretary of the Azerbaijan Writers' Union, Ilgar Fahmi, Member of the Azerbaijani Parliament Aydin Mirzazade, Doctor of Philology and Professor Rustam Kamal, and the editor-in-chief of "Kredo" newspaper, poet and publicist Elirza Khalafli, spoke about the literary environment in Mingachevir and the literary forces that have lived and created in the region, sharing their thoughts on the recently published almanacs "Gift of Words from the Aras," "The Voice from Afar," "We are the Flame of One Hearth," and "The Spring Breeze of Our Spirit." It was noted that the almanac titled "Word Memory," which continues this series, is the next creative report of the region's intellectuals.

PhD in Philology Tariyel Abbasov, famous poet Adil Jamil, researcher Ajdar Yunus, and others spoke about the literary environment of Mingachevir, known as the City of Light. It was mentioned that when thinking of Mingachevir, one recalls Mikayil Mushfig's poem dedicated to the city and Samad Vurgun's poem "Mugan." It is fortunate that the region's creative intellectuals sustain this tradition and add new shades to it.

The special role of poet Ismayil Imankhuzhyev, the chairman of the Mingachevir branch of the Azerbaijan Writers' Union, was emphasized in the speeches. It was noted that he has been actively involved in shaping the literary environment in the region and in bringing forth and guiding young creatives. There was a shared sense of confidence that the literary hearth shining in Mingachevir would continue to radiate its light in the literary sky.

On the occasion of the jubilee, the newly published "25th Step" gift of words and "Word Memory" almanac were distributed to the participants of the event.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/watch-china-secretly-flies-advanced-112433704.html

The Telegraph

Watch: China secretly flies advanced fighter jet

Ben Farmer

Fri, December 27, 2024 at 6:24 AM EST5 min read



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China stealth fighter jet

China stealth fighter jet

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China has carried out flight tests of an advanced stealth jet that could threaten US military assets over a vast range of territory.

Video clips posted online showed the tailless aircraft moving through the sky accompanied by a J-20 fighter escort.

Experts said the triangular aircraft appeared to be the most advanced design China has yet fielded, although it was too early to determine the capabilities or performance.

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Hours later, a second video clip appeared online of flight testing of another, smaller, tailless aircraft.

China has for years been pouring money and innovation into new aircraft in an attempt to break the air-power supremacy of the United States in the Pacific.

Aviation analysts said the disclosure of the two new designs within 24 hours of each other was momentous and showed Beijings commitment to the arms race.

The larger of the two designs is a sixth-generation combat aircraft and is thought to have been filmed at the Chengdu Aircraft Corporation factory airfield.

The aircraft has a modified delta-wing shape and appears to be manned, according to the War Zone defence blog.

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Tailless designs can give aircraft a smaller radar signature, while the size of the aircraft appears to be designed to give it long range and a heavy weapons payload, as well as room for a large load of sensors and fuel.

The aircraft also appeared to have three air intakes for its engines, two alongside the fuselage and one on top, in what experts said was an extremely unusual configuration.

Euan Graham, a senior analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, told Reuters that the designs show the willingness of Chinas aviation industry to experiment and innovate.

He said: Whatever the merits or demerits, it appears to be a highly original design.

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They deserve kudos for that, and should shake off any lingering complacency that the US and its allies always set the pace.

Highly original design

Bill Sweetman, editor for Aviation Week, said that the aircrafts big main weapons bay meant it could carry larger weapons for larger targets  aircraft carriers and air bases.

Alternatively, [the aircraft] could launch swarms of loitering munitions against air bases, including more distant ones hosting long-range B-21s.

Speculating that it could enter production by the end of the decade, Mr Sweetman said: We may have a problem on our hands.

Writing in The War zone, an online news website that specialises in defence, military writers Thomas Newdick and Tyler Rogoway said: Above all else, if procured in an operation form by the PLAAF [Chinas air force], it would be able to fly over long regional distances and loiter for extended periods on station far from home without tanker support  something China lacks in terms of capacity versus the United States.

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It could put targets in the air, on the ground and at sea at risk in areas where they currently do not expect a threat from a manned combat aircraft. This has real implications for American tankers, airlifters and airborne early warning, and control, and reconnaissance aircraft, as well as allied ships and forces operating at forward locales.

The second design appeared to be a tailless, twin-engine aircraft, with a swept wing and there were unconfirmed reports it had been built by the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation. It was accompanied by a Shenyang-made Sukhoi Su-27 clone.

Curious daytime flights

The US is several years into the development of its own new aircraft, with the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) programme.

However, the programme is proving to be hugely costly and there are question marks over how it will proceed under president-elect Donald Trump.

Britain, Japan and Italy are working to build their own next-generation combat aircraft to be ready by the middle of next decade.

Chinas daytime flights of the new designs over cities where they could be easily seen was curious, said Kelly Grieco, a senior fellow at the US-based Stimson Centre.

She added it might be easier for China to match pace with the US on aircraft rather than uncrewed vehicles and missiles.

As the Pentagon is actively debating the future of NGAD... it is hard not to wonder if this is Beijings attempt to influence that debate, said Ms Grieco.

The US has been pouring resources into advanced missiles and other systems to deter China in the Indo-Pacific region.

It recently tested a missile-interception system on the strategically important island of Guam using an advanced radar.

Chinas advanced fighter jet was spotted as Beijings navy launched its first new-generation amphibious assault ship on Friday.

The ship's launch comes amid fears that China intends to invade Taiwan

The ships launch comes amid fears that China intends to invade Taiwan - Pu Haiyang/Getty Images

The 853ft (260m) CNS Sichuan-a Type 076 is longer than the 844-foot America class, the USs newest amphibious assault ship, and is also slightly lighter. The Chinese vessel displaces more than 40,000 tons of water when fully loaded compared to the America classs 44,000 tons.

It is considered a small aircraft carrier as fighter jets can take off and land on the flight deck because of the warships electromagnetic catapult and arresting system for fixed-wing aircraft.

This makes it the worlds first amphibious assault ship equipped with such technology, according to the Global Times.

The 076 also has strong overall combat capabilities. It can conduct amphibious assault operations such as surface landings and airborne operations, including helicopter and parachute assaults.

The ships launch comes amid fears that Xi Jinping, the Chinese president, intends to invade Taiwan, with Beijing intensifying military exercises around the island nation in recent years.

China regards democratic Taiwan as part of its territory and has vowed to bring the island under its control  possibly by force.

US intelligence believes that Xi has ordered his Peoples Liberation Army to be ready to take the island by 2027.

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She's making up to 1 billion by selling the make-up company that she built from scratch  but Charlotte Tilbury is causing upset with how she's spending her fortune.

The cosmetics queen, who counts Kate Moss and Amal Clooney as close friends, has amassed an impressive property portfolio on the exclusive Kenyan getaway islands of Lamu and Manda, I can reveal, including two sprawling homes and an 'off-grid' bar.

But locals are concerned that her feted celebrity parties are turning the low-key resorts into an 'African Ibiza'.

And, worse, they fear the influx of wealth may attract pirates from neighbouring Somalia to the tranquil paradise.

A local tells me that the cosmetics tycoon, right, is 'intent on buying more land' in the area, which has been a favourite of the gliteratti since the 1930s, and has hosted the likes of the Obamas, Princess Beatrice (whose husband Edo Mapelli Mozzi has a family estate on Lamu) and The Crown star Dominic West.

But locals complain that the parties thrown by 51-year-old Tilbury, who grew up on Ibiza, are too rowdy.

Charlotte Tilbury (pictured) is causing upset with how she's spending her fortune

Locals are concerned that her feted celebrity parties are turning the exclusive Kenyan islands of Lamu and Manda into an 'African Ibiza'

One resident said: 'It's a quiet place and now we are worried about pirate trouble. Soon it's going to be a no-go area.'

It is not an unfounded fear. In 2011, British tourist Judith Tebbutt was seized from Lamu by Somali gunmen who killed her husband David. Tourism took years to recover.

Tilbury, who last week announced that she will hand full ownership of her eponymous brand to Spanish luxury goods firm Puig by 2031, has been snapping up properties, including a watering hole called Gerald's Bar, which has been renamed George's Bar after her husband George Waud, a film producer.

Tilbury often spends New Year's Eve on Lamu with her family and A-list friends. She declined to comment last night.

Chelsea's Tabitha is putting on the writs

Former Made In Chelsea star Tabitha Willett is not going down without a fight despite losing a recent court battle.

In October I revealed that the 'mummy blogger' was ordered to pay her landlady 4,749 for trashing an upmarket Kensington apartment.

Following Tabitha's eight-month stay in the flat with her five-year-old daughter and King Charles spaniel Ruby, the owner complained of make-up marks on the walls and spaniel stains on a 9,000 rug in the property, telling the court that the damage was a 'nightmare scenario'.

Now I hear that Tabitha  who counter-sued the landlady  says she is planning to issue a claim for misrepresentation against the law firm which fought and lost her case.

Tabitha Willett attends the Gentleman's Journal Big Christmas Party on December 12

Guinness is not in the black!

It's been more than 17 years since Daphne Guinness founded her record label, Agent Anonyme, though it seems never to have turned a profit.

The brewing heiress has loaned her own firm more than 7.3 million since 2007 to cover running costs.

Not that Daphne seems fazed by the amount  she posted a photo of herself with a guitar with the caption: 'In my music lair.'

Licence to grill?

Hollywood star Josh O'Connor was in fashionable company last week, dining with his new girlfriend, Saltburn actress Alison Olive, designer Jonathan Anderson, and Bridgerton star Jonathan Bailey.

The glamorous clique were spotted enjoying steaks at the historic Quality Chop House in Clerkenwell, East London.

I wonder if they were celebrating something? O'Connor, who played Charles in The Crown, has just been named the favourite to be the next James Bond

Alison Oliver at the BRIT Awards 2024 at The O2 Arena, London in March

Josh O'Connor attends the National Theatre Live screening of 'Vanya' at The May Fair Hotel last January

Minnie signs up to save mistletoe

Actress Minnie Driver has proposed a creative solution to the dilemma of whether a kiss under the mistletoe is problematic in today's climate.

'Maybe we should have mistletoe that has a little dangling sign that says 'Consent' or 'Do not consent',' she told me at a carol service held by the Quintessentially Foundation.

Sales of the festive sprig have declined amid fears people would be accused of abuse for giving someone an unwanted kiss underneath it. 'That makes me sad,' the Good Will Hunting star says.

I know the King likes to talk to his plants  but has the Queen been reading to her dogs?

Camilla apparently shared a book called The Royal Pup Pack: Catastrophe At The Palace with her two adopted Jack Russell terriers, Bluebell and Beth, and they loved it.

Author David Seow sent a copy to the Palace before Beth died last month, and the Queen wrote back, urging him to keep writing. She added: 'My dogs enjoyed it too.'

Talkings of possible 007s my spies saw Aaron Taylor-Johnson  another actor tipped to replace Daniel Craig  pumping iron in posh gym Third Space over Christmas.

The fight is most certainly on. It's Josh vs Aaron; King Charles vs Kick-Ass. I know who I've got my money on!
Hailey Bieber is embracing her postpartum body just four months after giving birth to her and husband Justin's first child, son Jack Blues Bieber.

On Saturday, the skincare mogul, 28, took to her Instagram Story to share a mirror photo of herself flaunting her taut tummy in a cropped Fila hoodie and black shorts.

She also wore a white headband, designer glasses and gold hoop earrings with her brunette locks held back by a claw clip.

Hailey's selfie comes days after a source told Page Six that the couple are in no rush to have more children.

She and Justin  who recently ventured to Costa Rica  have 'discussed having more kids, but for right now, theyre happy with where things are at.'

The insider added that Hailey felt 'incredibly blessed' to be 'celebrating her first Christmas as a mom' on Wednesday.

Hailey Bieber is embracing her postpartum body just four months after giving birth to her and husband Justin's first child, son Jack Blues Bieber

'When Justin asked Hailey what she wanted for Christmas this year, she really couldnt think of anything because she has everything she could ever want,' they source said.

Justin and Hailey are reportedly 'still adjusting to life as parents of a newborn' and feel that 'every day is a learning experience.'

'They couldnt be happier,' they shared. 'Hailey has seen a whole different side to Justin since becoming a father and shes more in love with him than ever.'

Last Saturday, Hailey revealed that she designed a custom ring adorned with her birthstone, a topaz, and her newborn son Jack's stone, a peridot.

She shared a glimpse of the ring via her Instagram Story which sees the teardrop topaz angled to lean against the square-cut peridot gem.

The star welcomed Jack in late August  though she never confirmed the baby's exact date of birth.

She has managed to stick to her usual beauty routine since becoming a mother.

The vixen has been married to the 30-year-old Let Me Love You hitmaker since 2018.

Hailey's selfie comes days after a source told Page Six that the couple are in no rush to have more children

She and Justin have 'discussed having more kids, but for right now, theyre happy with where things are at'; the family seen in November 2024

Jack Blues Bieber was born in August, as revealed by dad Justin via Instagram at the time

Last week, Hailey shared a photo of herself modeling a custom ring adorned with her birthstone, a topaz, and her newborn son Jack's stone, a peridot

Bieber has so far managed to maintain the same skincare regimes that she carried out before and during her pregnancy because it all fits 'perfectly' into her new life as a mother.

She told Glamour UK: 'Honestly, I do feel like my beauty routine is fairly the same as it was my whole pregnancy  and even before.

'Right now, my routine in the morning is basically just hydration, a little vitamin C if I remember to do it and SPF, and then it's like I brush up my eyebrows and we're out.'

'That was kind of how I did things before and it fits perfectly into the way that life is now,' the New York native added.

But the entrepreneur has urged her fans to think about all parts of their body when it comes to skincare and found that a new 'mom hack' is always making sure that she carries her design of body butter with her amongst the baby's things to stop her own skin from drying out.

She said: 'When you think about keeping the skin nourished and healthy as you are getting older, you do think about your neck, your chest, your hands, your body.

'My new mom hack is that I throw the mini Barrier Butter into my little changing bag that I have with me when I go anywhere. And then I have it for my hands.

'When you spray hand sanitizer  I'm doing that every three seconds these days  you get so dry,' Hailey said.
Jameela Jamil has criticised Hollywood's 'era of Ozempic heroin chic' and warned that even super-slim stars are resorting to weight-loss jabs.

The Good Place actress, who has publicly documented her own teenage struggles with anorexia, said it 'has been hard to watch' already thin stars taking fat jabs 'to go from slim to super skinny'.

In a post on Instagram alongside a video of herself eating in a black bikini  the 38-year-old told her nearly four million followers: 'The amount of people in my industry just taking it to go from slim to super skinny, to finally achieve the obedient waif physique to fit the obedient sample sizes... has been hard to watch.

'Especially for those of us who have fought off eating disorders. Who are they really doing it for?'

She added: 'I plan on sitting out this cycle. Curves will come back. They always do.

'Then they will go away again. Then come back.

Jameela Jamil (pictured) has criticised Hollywood's 'era of Ozempic heroin chic' and warned that even super-slim stars are resorting to weight-loss jabs

Jamil , who has publicly documented her own teenage struggles with anorexia, said it 'has been hard to watch' already thin stars taking fat jabs 'to go from slim to super skinny' (Stock image)

'I'm not playing with my brain, my heart, my bone density, or my metabolism for a trend.'

In May, the star revealed how her eating disorder had 'destroyed' her bone density.

She said: 'I'm so sorry to my body that I have jeopardised my future so severely for a beauty standard and to try to fit in with other people.'
Sister Wives star Meri Brown seems to have found herself a new 'mystery man' just days after announcing she's back in the dating scene amid her separation from ex-husband Kody.

The 53-year-old reality star, who also split from a boyfriend named Amos in January, shared a sweet holiday moment on Instagram Saturday, cuddling up to a man named Brandon Stone.

Dressed in a casual black hoodie, Meri beamed with her mega-watt smile, while Brandon, also flashing a grin, kept it easygoing in a simple gray T-shirt.

'Its a Christmas miracle!' Meri captioned the photo, tossing in the hashtags 'mystery man' and 'life is good.'

She tagged Brandon in the post, and he wasted no time sharing it on his own Instagram.

The cryptic share comes after Meri revealed shes 'dating non-exclusively.'

Sister Wives star Meri Brown seems to have found herself a new 'mystery man' just days after announcing she's back in the dating scene amid her separation from ex-husband Kody.

The 53-year-old reality star, who also split from a boyfriend named Amos in January , shared a sweet holiday moment on Instagram Saturday, cuddling up to a man named Brandon Stone.

She opened up about the 'dating process' with People magazine as she said: 'Right now, I'm dating, not exclusively. But you date non-exclusively, and then you're like, "Okay, I can focus on this person. Let's be exclusive."

'And then, see if it works into something. That one just didn't. And so, we broke that off and now I'm dating non-exclusively.'

Meri is utilizing several different avenues to find love including dating sites and meeting through mutual friends which she preferred.

However, she explained: 'But when you live in a small town, and then this day and age, it seems to be the thing is the dating sites.'

She also believes that the most important thing is that she work on herself.

Meri said: 'I'm learning about myself. I'm learning about other people.

'I am learning to trust myself and be like, "Hmm, I'm getting a funny vibe. This person's just not for me."

'Even if it's just not a funny vibe, nothing's wrong with a person. It's just not for me.'

She tagged Brandon in the post, and he wasted no time sharing it on his own Instagram

Meri has had a wild dating life as she legally divorced Kody Brown in 2014 in order for him to marry his fourth wife, Robyn Brown, so he could adopt Robyn's children from her previous marriage before ultimately separating in January 2023

Last month, the reality star reflected on her time in Flagstaff, Arizona and seemingly did not miss it one bit.

She was preparing to leave Flagstaff to Parowan, Utah, to run her bed and breakfast dubbed Lizzie's Heritage Inn, on the November 17 episode, following her split with Kody Brown.

Now the reality star is opening up about the movie in a new interview with People, where she was asked about her time in Flagstaff.

When asked if she missed the city, Brown bluntly said, 'Nope. Not at all,' though that was not because of the its scenic beauty.

'Flagstaff wasit's beautiful. We all know I love the trees. Watch any season and you'll know Meri loves the trees. And it's beautiful. It really is,' Brown admitted.

However, she added, 'I lived there for three or four years and I never made any friends there.'

Last month, the reality star reflected on her time in Flagstaff, Arizona and seemingly did not miss it one bit

She moved there while she was with Kody Brown, who she was married to from 1990 to 2023, the first of his four wives he had at once, for many years, with just Robyn now remaining.

'It just wasn't for me. I moved there because the family did. It was not ever on my radar, "Oh, Flagstaff, Arizona. We should live there,"' she admitted.

'I think it's really important to find your place, especially in this age that we're in. We're all in our 50s, it's like, "Just find your place. Do what makes you happy,"' she said.

Brown added returning to Utah, 'made sense to me because I already owned the house.'

'Contrary to popular belief in my family, I did not buy it as an escape route. Just putting that out there,' she said.

'I did buy it because it was always a dream of mine to have my old family home back in the family, so it made sense at the time,' Brown clarified.

'Why keep living in a town where I don't know anybody, I don't have friends? Kody and I are completely separating. I'm not going to be a part of the family. There's no point in me being there,' she said.

'And I had a house in Parowan, so let's do that. And I gave myself two years to just settle and then figure stuff out. We're coming up on two years,' Brown said.

She moved there while she was with Kody Brown, who she was married to from 1990 to 2023, the first of his four wives he had at once, for many years, with just Robyn now remaining.

'It just wasn't for me. I moved there because the family did. It was not ever on my radar, "Oh, Flagstaff, Arizona. We should live there,"' she admitted

The following episode on November 24 showed her ex Kody welling up with tears after helping her move to Utah

The following episode on November 24 showed her ex Kody welling up with tears after helping her move to Utah.

As they embraced, tears welled up in his eyes, and his voice cracked with emotion as he he told her he hoped to walk her down the aisle once she remarried.

'Meris just on point today. Shes just the wonderful woman that I would have liked to have been married to,' Kody gushed while back at Meri's home in Arizona during the Sister Wives episode that aired on Sunday, November 24.

'Hey, listen, we're like the best divorced couple ever,' Meri joked to her polygamist ex.
TikTok star and humanitarian, Dora Moono Nyambe, suddenly passed away at the age of 32 on Wednesday, December 25.

The media personality is known for launching her nonprofit Footprints of Hope in 2019, and for building a school in Zambia.

She had chronicled her journey on social media, where she amassed around 4.2 million followers on her TikTok page and 110K followers on Instagram.

However, this week on Friday, December 27, a message was shared to both accounts to announce her shock death.

It read: 'It is with a heavy heart that we announce the sudden departure of our beloved Dora. She will be remembered as a loving mother, heroine, peace philanthropist and an extraordinary woman.'

The caption of the post included, 'The program for the burial for our beloved Dora Moono Nyambe.'

TikTok star and humanitarian, Dora Moono Nyambe, suddenly passed away at the age of 32 on Wednesday, December 25

Nyambe's burial was originally set for Saturday, December 28 but was then moved to December 30 'due to unforeseen challenges.'

In a separate post uploaded on Saturday, a message read: 'The burial of the late Dora Moono Nyambe, which was initially scheduled for an earlier date, has been moved to Monday afternoon 30 December 2024 due to some unforeseen challenges.'

'We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding during this difficult time.'

'We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has come forward to support us, whether financially or in other forms,' was also added in the caption.

'Your kindness and generosity have been a source of great comfort and strength for the family during this period.'

A cause of death has yet to be disclosed, but just over a week before her passing, Dora revealed that she had broken her leg in a clip shared on December 15 - but is unclear if that has any relation to her death.

Earlier this week on Thursday, a fellow teacher who had worked for Nyambe's nonprofit also confirmed the educator's shock passing in a video uploaded to her main TikTok page.

'I am officially announcing the loss of my beloved CEO, director, manager and founder of Footprints of Hope School, who died on Wednesday, 25th of December 2024.'

However, this week on Friday, December 27, a message was shared to both her accounts to announce her shock death

Nyambe's burial was originally set for Saturday, December 28 but was then moved to December 30 'due to unforeseen challenges'

She continued, 'Our sister will be buried here in Mapapa at Footprints of Hope School. Thank you so much for everything.'

Dora's last Instagram post before her death was shared earlier this week on Monday - and was a collaboration with YouTuber MrBeast (James Stephen 'Jimmy' Donaldson) for Beast Philanthropy.

On December 15, she uploaded a separate clip while sitting inside a vehicle and briefly panned the camera to her broken foot.

However, her injury did not prevent her from stopping to try to acquire a bus to help children be able to get to school.

She penned in the caption, 'A hurt leg can't stop us! Lets get the k!ds of this remote village a school bus. We can do this!!!'

Earlier this month, Nyambe stressed the importance of getting a new bus for the children in the village of Mapapa in Zambia.

In a short reel, she wrote, 'Our school is free and has rescued over 500 k!ds from SA and abuse. This is why we really need a bus.'

Dora worked to give children access to education in the village, and also strived to prevent child marriage.

A cause of death has yet to be disclosed, but days before her passing, Dora revealed that she had broken her leg in a clip shared on December 15 - but is unclear if that has any relation to her death

On December 20, she uploaded a clip as she stepped in front of the camera using a crutch due to her leg injury.

'We have been able to stop so many ch!ld marriages and have created this safe heaven for them. So much more needs to be done for so many,' she penned.

Nyambe had also been open on social media about adopting 13 children and fostering around 150-200 more.

In her final TikTok - which was also uploaded only days before her passing - she shared a montage with the kids in the village and her time teaching at the school.

Dora could also be seen giving out books to a group of kids, as well as packing food to give to the children in the village.

'When I started to adopt, people said I couldn't do it because of my age and being unmarried,' Dora wrote in text added over the reel. She then added in the caption, 'One day at a time.'

On her official LinkedIn profile, Nyambe studied at Immaculata Teaching College from 2011 through 2013. And then in January 2019, she launched her nonprofit Footprints of Hope.

In a description on the page, she shared, 'We strive to educate, feed and house and protect the youth of the rural village of Mapapa.'

In her final TikTok - which was also uploaded only days before her passing - she shared a montage with the kids in the village and her time teaching at the school

In a description on the page, she shared, 'We strive to educate, feed and house and protect the youth of the rural village of Mapapa'

'100% of all the development efforts are funded through donations on our GoFundMe page. I am the director and president of all operations.'

When it came to her working in the village, she previously explained to her followers that she had simply visited Mapapa with a friend in 2019 while awaiting a visa.

However, after seeing the poverty and lack of education for the children there, she made the decision to move to Mapapa with her adopted kids in order to provide a positive change.

She was then introduced to TikTok by one of her daughters, where she was able to reach millions of viewers to share her journey and bring awareness to her nonprofit.

Northeastern University graduate, Joseph Schmitt, wrote a book about Dora's experience in the village titled Under A Zambian Tree in 2023.

'I'm trying to amplify her voice, but I couldn't fathom accomplishing or even trying to accomplish what she's done. She's incredible,' he told Northeastern Global News last year in February.

Not long after first visiting Mapapa, Dora told the outlet, 'By the second or third day, I was asking, "Why aren't these kids in school?"'

Following her success on social media - especially TikTok - she started to receive donations, both big and small, to help support her charitable organization.

'Yes, there are kids that are suffering. But that's not all they are. They are also amazing human beings,' she stated

'Lots of TikTok users are young. I think they relate to me, also as a woman who is Black,' she explained last year.

And when it comes to the content she shares on TikTok and Instagram, she expressed that she likes to show hopeful videos of the children.

'Yes, there are kids that are suffering. But that's not all they are. They are also amazing human beings.'

'They make this amazing art. They love sports. They love to read. I show these other aspects that you wouldn't typically see in a traditional African story of the poor child wanting help,' Dora added.
Demi Moore proved that she is the ultimate glam grandma as she bonded with her 20-month-old granddaughter Lou in snowy Idaho this week.

On Saturday, the 62-year-old The Substance star took to Instagram to uploaded sweet images and videos of herself enjoying the winter weather with her only grandchild.

Moore bundled up in a chic black The North Face puffer coat, designer sunglasses, a beanie and winter boots while keeping an eye on the toddler.

Lou  who is Demi's daughter Rumer Willis' daughter with ex-boyfriend Derek Richard Thomas  looked super cute in a camo-print snow suit.

The little one also had on brown mittens and a matching beanie.

'Snow days with Lou,' Moore penned in the caption of her post, which was shared with her 5.6million followers.

Demi Moore proved that she is the ultimate glam grandma as she bonded with her 20-month-old granddaughter Lou in snowy Idaho this week

On Saturday, the 62-year-old The Substance star took to Instagram to uploaded sweet images and videos of herself enjoying the winter weather with her only grandchild

Back in September, the ex-wife of Bruce Willis revealed that little Lou calls her 'Yaya', which is the Greek word for 'Grandma.'

Moore and the 69-year-old Die Hard actor were wed from 1987 to 2000 yet still maintain an amicable relationship. During their time as a couple, the Hollywood icons welcomed three daughters: Rumer, 36, Scout, 33, and Tallulah, 30.

On Monday, Tallulah announced that she is engaged to her partner Justin Acee with a carousel of photos showing off the cozy proposal.

The musician popped the question while the family spent the holidays at Demi's home in Idaho. Fans also got a glimpse of the stunning ring and the pair's reactions.

As of late, the Willis family has been rallying around Bruce amid his battle with frontotemporal dementia and aphasia  life altering conditions that have no cure.

Last Sunday, a source close to the family told InTouch that his loved ones were 'planning to make this Christmas extra special' in a worrying revelation.

The source noted that the actor's family is still 'praying for a miracle' and hoping that a 'cure for the disease' could be discovered in Bruce's lifetime.

But at the moment, they are 'mostly focused on spending quality time with him while they still can,' the source added.

'At this point, every second of connection with him is special.'

Moore bundled up in a chic black The North Face puffer coat, designer sunglasses, a beanie and winter boots while keeping an eye on the toddler

Lou  who is Demi's daughter Rumer Willis' daughter with ex-boyfriend Derek Richard Thomas  looked super cute in a camo-print snow suit

As of late, the Willis family has been rallying around patriarch Bruce Willis following his shocking frontotemporal dementia diagnosis; Tallulah, Bruce and Scout seen in November

Demi and Bruce were wed from 1987 to 2000. The Hollywood icons welcomed three daughters, Rumer,36, Scout, 33, and Tallulah, 30; the family seen in October 2001

Bruce is currently married to 46-year-old British model Emma Hemming. The pair wed in 2009 and share two daughters: Mabel, 12, and Evelyn, 10; seen in 2020

In a candid May 2023 essay for Vogue, Tallulah opened up about how her now-fiance has helped her grapple with the emotional weight of her dad's diagnosis.

She said, 'Waking up laughing with my partner [Justin] would be the best kind of day, which I will be honest happens a lot.

'And then we'll take my two bigger dogs on a walk around the neighborhood, which if you hit it around the right time, it's kind of like a dog city hour,' Tallulah added.

Bruce's acting career came to an unexpected halt in March of 2022, when his family revealed in a collective statement that he had been diagnosed with aphasia  a neurological condition that impacts the brain's ability to process and produce speech.

Less than a year later, he was also diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia.

The action star is currently married to 46-year-old British model Emma Hemming.

The couple wed in 2009 and share two daughters, Mabel, 12, and Evelyn, 10.
Catriona Rowntree has revealed the surprising hotel hacks she swears by after hosting the travel documentary show Getaway for 27 years.

The Nine star, 53, revealed several little known tips for smart hotel hopping during an interview with Escape, which resurfaced on Saturday.

After almost three decades of travelling across the world and staying in thousands of hotels, Catriona said there were 11 hacks she always followed.

When asked which hotel tips she swears by, the mother-of-one said: 'Never drink the water. Turn off the air-con immediately to avoid catching a cold.

'On a cruise, book a salon treatment the moment you board and get all the location goss from the beautician.

'Never take candles or hair straighteners/tongs on a cruise ship. Travel in the shoulder season, never the high.'

Catriona Rowntree, 53, (pictured) has revealed the surprising hotel hacks she swears by after hosting the travel documentary show Getaway for 27 years

She continued: 'Use a local travel concierge if youd like a more authentic experience. Never touch the mini bar theyre always overpriced.

'Take a little sample of your favourite coffee/tea. Photograph where you parked your car at the airport, as I guarantee youll return pooped and forget where you left it.

'If you like boiled eggs, take an egg cup from home, no one ever seems to supply them. Always be nice to whoever is checking you in.'

Catriona added that using 'a genuine smile and kindness' with check-in staff at hotels 'is always rewarded'.

It comes after the TV presenter proved the depth of her love for the popular Stan neo-western series Yellowstone by dressing up as a fan-favourite character.

The long-time Getaway presenter shared a sweet picture to Instagram as she her husband James Pettit dressing up as ranchers Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler.

The youthful-looking presenter was all smiles as she donned an eye-popping pink sundress, similar to those worn by the character played by English star Kelly Reilly.

Her long blonde locks were elegantly styled in a manner similar to how Kelly wears hers on the hit series, set on the largest ranch in Montana.

The Nine star revealed several little known tips for smart hotel hopping during an interview with Escape , which resurfaced on Saturday

James looked dapper in an unbuttoned black jacket, blue jeans, aviator sunglasses and a cowboy hat in his best impression of the ranch hand played by Cole Hauser.

The happy couple beamed as they cosplayed the two iconic characters from the popular American TV series.

Catriona captioned the photo: 'Well buddy, what did you think of the @yellowstone finale? Thoughts?

'Is this the last time I'll be pulling out this homage pic (from our combined birthday party) to our beloved Beth 'n' Rip Dutton?

'Or do you think a spin-off might actually happen? Either way, my fresh farmer and I kinda loved the last episode. You?'
Coronation Street stars are reportedly set to be offered shorter contracts amid declining viewing figures and financial woes.

The ITV soap only pulled in 2.6million viewers for its Christmas Day special which saw Gail Platt (Helen Worth) leave after 50 years on the show.

Now The Sun claims that producers may now only guarantee contracts until the end of 2025 amid tightened budgets.

A source told the publication: 'The cast of Corrie is huge and some aren't getting enough episodes.

'A few paid per episode are struggling to pay mortgages are having to supplement income with personal appearances and ads on Instagram.

'A lot of cast members are now on 'guest contracts' like Maureen Lipman and Kate Ford. These are short term, so they can come and go and take extended breaks. The cast have been told they can't guarantee any contracts beyond the end of 2025.'

Coronation Street stars are reportedly set to be offered shorter contracts amid declining viewing figures and financial woes (Maureen Lipman as Evelyn Plummer seen)

The ITV soap only pulled in 2.6million viewers for its Christmas Day special which saw Gail Platt (Helen Worth) leave after 50 years on the show

ITV has been contacted by MailOnline for comment.

It comes after the soap's new boss warned that multiple characters face the axe as she told of several 'unexpected exits' coming up for 2025.

The ITV soap's new producer Kate Brooks, who previously took the helm at Emmerdale, recently opened up about her plans for Weatherfield and its residents in the coming New Year.

And while there's plenty of sizzling storylines and drama to come, there are several cast members who won't get to see this as their characters are set to leave the show in a move that is tipped to send 'shockwaves' throughout the show.

Speaking to The Sun and other press, Kate explained of the upcoming plans: 'There are a few exits this year, and some unexpected ones that will send shockwaves.

'People might not expect the exits, but there are a few.'

However, amidst the shock departure, Coronation Street is set to welcome back a few familiar faces as well as some new additions.

Most notable among the comebacks is Rob Donovan - Carla Connor's brother who is serving time in jail for the murder of Tina McIntyre (Michelle Keegan).

Actor Marc Baylis, who plays the villain, has reportedly already returned to filming, with his character no doubt set to have a huge impact on Carla, his son Bobby and Carla's new romance with police officer Lisa Swain.

The claims come off the back of the emotional exit of show legend Gail Platt, during the soap's dramatic Christmas special

It comes after the soap's new boss Kate Brooks (seen) warned that multiple characters face the axe as she told of several 'unexpected exits' coming up for 2025

Detailing his big return, Kate shared: 'We last left Rob languishing in prison. He made mistakes. He comes back to the show and we think he might be a reformed character who has seen the error of his ways, but whether that's the case or not, I don't know!

'He definitely comes back and causes a lot of trouble for Carla and Lisa. Just when Carla and Lisa think it's safe to sit down and watch Netflix, Rob Donovan comes along and scuppers all of that.'

Kate went on to add that Rob's return will be a 'a big story' for the family which will have plenty of 'of twists and turns' to keep soap fans well and truly entertained.

In addition to Rob, Kevin and Debbie's long-lost brother Carl Webster, who has never been seen on screen, will make an unexpected arrival in his siblings' lives.

She told how there are 'big stories' on the horizon for Kevin and Debbie that will 'build up' the Webster clan, with Kate stating that she believes the three big clans of the soap are the 'Websters, Barlows and Platts'.

MailOnline have contacted Coronation Street representatives for comment.

Meanwhile, Kate - who took charge of the soap earlier this year - also opened up about her overall vision for the coming year, detailing how she plans for more issue-based storylines.

She said: 'I think it's important that we tell gritty, issue-led stories  and we've got those coming up in abundance  but it's about packaging them in the right way and keeping them fresh and different, without losing the DNA of Corrie.

'What makes Corrie so wonderful is the familiarity of it. It's the wit, it's the characters. All of these stories have been packaged with that in mind. That will be at the heart of every one', she told Digital Spy.

The producer went on to say that there's an abundance of 'bold, innovative storytelling' and 'compelling drama' coming up in the soap, at the heart of which is 'a truth'.

She went on to confirm that the show's key families - including the Websters, Platts and Connors - will be firmly at the centre of the big 'really exciting' storylines that are set to leave audiences on the edge of their seats.

She went on: 'My vision is making sure that we keep people engaged, keep people entertained and keep people guessing. We don't want them to become complacent, we want to pull the rug from underneath them sometimes. We want them to be sat at home with a cup of tea and a biscuit and have something happen that they did not expect. So expect the unexpected in 2025.'

The huge new plans comes off the back of the emotional exit of show legend Gail Platt, during the soap's dramatic Christmas special.

In the show, legendary actress Helen Worth officially bid farewell to the cobbles of Weatherfield after playing the role of Gail for 50 years.

But after fans feared she would be killed off, Gail instead had a happy exit that saw her start 'day one of her new life' with husband Jesse Chadwick (John Thompson) abroad.

While the hour did not see her death, the Christmas day storyline saw an engagement, a pregnancy, an arrest, multiple fights and a lot tears.

With the episode setting the scene for an emotional Christmas episode, Gail was sinisterly serenaded by the ghost of her old murderous partner, Richard Hillman (Brian Capron).

Being haunted by the notorious villain, which ended in an argument about her past, Gail was left distressed on Christmas morning as she woke up shouting that she was 'not that woman anymore'.

Claiming she had an epiphany, Gail ran out to her partner Jesse and confessed that she needed a groom and that the wedding was back on.

The legendary actress Helen Worth has officially bid farewell to the cobbles of Weatherfield after playing the role of Gail for 50 years

He romantically asked her if she was available for 2pm as they confirmed that their big day was back.

Gail's mother, Audrey Roberts (Sue Nicholls), attempted a last-minute olive branch and knocked on Gail's door, to which Tina shot down her festive spirits and said she was not welcome.

Despite this, she still turned up at the venue before the big celebration to 'wish her good luck', to which Gail expressed her devastation that she did not support her decision to go abroad and start a new life.

With their relationship held together by a string, Audrey was given a second chance to withstand the test of time for their family bond.

But there was soon more drama as Nick's (Ben Price) estranged wife, Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson), brought the police to the wedding as she accused him and his partner Toyah (Georgia Taylor), who is also her sister, of fraud.
James Packer has been rebuilding his life after a few difficult years.

And the billionaire casino baron was looking relaxed as he left a star-studded dinner at Matsuhisa restaurant in Aspen, Colorado, on Saturday night, hosted by Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos.

A-list celebrities gathered in the Rocky Mountain town restaurant - where an exclusive cover costs about $250 per person - as they were spotted leaving the restaurant together.

James, 57, dressed casually in a navy blue jumper that sat close to his slimmed down form.

The former Crown Resorts chairperson added a pair of blue jeans and sneakers that matched.

Packer made his way down the stairs from the upmarket eatery where he appears to be a regular during the Christmas period.

James Packer (pictured) has been rebuilding his life after a few difficult years. The billionaire casino baron was looking relaxed as he left Matsuhisa restaurant in Aspen, Colorado on Saturday night

Other guests, including Ivanka Trump and Kevin Costner, were spotted outside the upscale Japanese-Peruvian restaurant.

Ivanka, 43, stunned in a chic western-inspired brown suede dress, fit with a thick boho belt, tall brown leather boots, a tan shearling-lined leather jacket, and a brown leather clutch.

Her husband, Jared Kushner, also 43, was all smiles next to the blonde beauty as he sported a simple navy button down, black pants, black sneakers, and clutched a grey coat in his hand.

Kevin Costner, 69, also showed up to the swanky dinner, as the Yellowstone star donned tan pants, a black shirt, tan jacket, a fringed scarf, and a grey moustache with a goatee.

American film producer Brian Grazer, 73, was also present.

Matsuhisa has an extensive menu filled with an array of food and alcoholic beverages, including a $900 champagne bottle, and a $1,350 bottle of rose champagne, according to the restaurant's menu.

The restaurant also offers a large sushi selection, including sashimi that costs up to $28. It also serves multiple meat dishes, including $60 lamb chops.

Matsuhisa also offers Omakase - 'a tasting menu from the heart' - that includes an eight course menu that 'features Chef Nobu Matsuhisas signature flavours' from an 'expert kitchen,' the website detailed.

The 57-year-old dressed casually in a navy blue jumper that sat close to his slimmed down form. The former Crown Resorts chairperson added a pair of blue jeans and sneakers

Packer made his way down the stairs from the upmarket eatery where he appears to be a regular during the Christmas period

The special tasting menu is served family style for parties of seven or more and costs $175 per person.

The restaurant also offers guests an array of sake - Japanese rice wine - options, as one bottle costs $670, according to the menu.

There are several Matsuhisa locations across the US and even the globe, with three in Colorado, one in Beverly Hills, California, two in Greece, a location in Italy, France, Switzerland, Germany, and another in Cyprus.

Packer appears to have a new lease on life after going public with his new girlfriend Renee Blythewood at the Cannes Film Festival in May.

The Australian billionaire, who started dating the American model near the end of 2023, said he is now 'looking forward to the future'.

After fleeing his home country to escape the shadow of his late father media mogul Kerry, he said in July that life is starting to look up.

'I'm doing OK. Better in some ways than others, but overall can't complain at all, and am looking forward to the future,' James told The Daily Telegraph.

The father-of-three also spoke about his fluctuating weight and admitted it remains a 'constant struggle' for him as he addressed his recent weight gain.

Other guests, including Ivanka Trump (left) and Kevin Costner (right), were spotted outside the upscale Japanese-Peruvian restaurant

James said he found it tough to lose weight when he was taking medication for his bipolar disorder, which he was diagnosed with in 2016.

But the businessman attempted to wean himself off the medication and adjust his lifestyle by quitting sugar, smoking and drinking, and going on 'long walks'.

While that helped him shed the kilos down to 110, James said he is 'embarrassed' to admit he started eating sugar again in February because he 'loves it so much'.

'This time it's not the medication  I'm off nearly all of those  I just need to be more disciplined. I love sugar so much!' he admitted.

'I am going to address my weight again, but, to be honest, weight for me is a bit of a constant struggle.'

It comes after James went public with girlfriend Renee in May when they were spotted at the star-studded Cannes Film Festival together.

In photos shared to Instagram, Renee smiled alongside the mega-wealthy businessman as they posed for a picture with a group of friends on the red carpet.

The pair reportedly enjoyed a string of low-key dinners together during their time in Cannes, while Renee is said to have joined James on his luxury yacht.

Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos had also been present among the group of friends

The lavish yacht had reportedly been moored off Antibes, France, for the week after travelling over from Barcelona for the esteemed film festival.

Renee, who shares son Levi, 16, with a former partner, carved out a successful modelling career for herself at the young age of 10.

Packer revealed earlier this year that 'money is not a guarantee of happiness' but having it is better than the alternative.

'I would prefer to be rich and unhappy than to try and be poor and unhappy,' Packer, said in the promo for an interview to be aired on Channel Seven show Spotlight.

Packer appeared emotional when talking to the Seven interviewer.

He also revealed he lives part of the year on the yacht, named IJE after the initials of his children, when he fled Sydney after inquiries into the operations of Crown casinos in Melbourne and Perth.

Packer told the Daily Telegraph in July he has houses in America, Mexico, Argentina and Israel - along with an apartment in Crown Sydney - and travels between them.

'I do live a peripatetic life, for better or worse,' he said.

'The truth is, my dads (media mogul Kerry Packer) shadow became too big for me to live under in Australia.'
Jules Robinson's holiday in Thailand has gotten off to a bad start.

The Married At First star shared with her fans on Sunday that she was badly ill and struggling with her young children.

'You got me good Thailand. Hands down. The hardest part of motherhood is when you're really unwell and still mummy,' she wrote on Instagram Stories.

'My body and skin is aching,' she added, before sharing a short clip of husband Cameron Merchant comforting her.

'Now that's love,' she captioned a clip of Cameron washing her feet with towels while she lay in bed.

'I've been inside all day and Cam knew how to make me fell better. And doing skin on skin,' she continued.

Jules Robinson's holiday in Thailand has gotten off to a bad start. Pictured with husband Cameron and their children

Jules added there is 'usually a rule' that her 'ugly trotters' are covered by some material or a blanket to avoid touching Cam's hands.

However, since she is unwell, her caring husband has made an exception.

It comes after Jules was involved in bringing some extra Christmas magic to Aussie households this year.

The mother-of-two has embraced Prezzee's Magical Messages campaign  and her sweet moment with son Oliver is melting hearts online.

In an Instagram post, Jules shared a touching video of her and Oliver enjoying a personalised Santa's Nice List message.

Dressed in a vibrant green dress, Jules sat beside young Ollie as they eagerly watched Santa confirm his place on the coveted Nice List.

The pair were surrounded by festive cheer, with a beautifully decorated Christmas tree in the background, complete with ornaments and twinkling lights.

Jules isn't the only one jumping on this feel-good festive trend.

The Married At First star shared with her fans on Sunday that she was badly ill and struggling with her young children

'My body and skin is aching,' she added, before sharing a short clip of husband Cameron Merchant comforting her. 'Now that's love,' she captioned a clip of Cameron washing her feet with towels while she lay in bed

NRL player Luke Burgess also took to social media to share footage of his daughter Charlotte opening a video message from Santa.

'Looks like Santa agrees! Charlotte is officially on the Nice List! The look on her face when she hears her name is priceless,' he captioned the post.

Prezzee's Magical Messages campaign lets kids write letters to Santa, and parents can then create a free personalised video where Santa himself reveals whether their little ones have made it onto the Nice List.

It's a heartwarming and easy way to add a little sparkle to the festive season - all without spending a cent.

Jules described the experience as 'a free digital Christmas experience like no other,' adding that her youngest son Carter's reaction was also priceless.

'The best part is seeing their little faces light up!' she gushed in her caption.

Jules is gearing up to celebrate Christmas as a family of four, after welcoming her son Carter earlier this year.

Her three-year-old son Ollie has already melted hearts with his adoration for his baby brother, with Jules previously sharing how special it's been to watch their bond blossom.

'The highlight for me has been watching Ollie become a brother,' Jules shared in an interview with Woman's Day.

'On the day I became a mother of two, he became a brother, and that's been beautiful to watch.'

Jules and her husband Cameron Merchant welcomed their second child on Tuesday, July 23.

They have gone from strength-to-strength after meeting on MAFS in 2019.
News / Local

by Staff reporter

A series of earthquakes struck the Kariba area earlier this week, causing widespread concern among residents but, fortunately, no reports of significant damage or casualties. The Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) has attributed the seismic activity to reservoir-induced seismic events, caused by fluctuations in water levels at the Kariba Dam reservoir.The first earthquake, which occurred on Monday, registered a magnitude of 4.9 on the Richter scale and was centered about 19 kilometers southeast of the Kariba Dam. The affected area is located within the Kariba reservoir, near Antelope Island, an area that has been historically prone to seismic activity since the construction of the dam.ZRA chief executive Munyaradzi Munodawafa reassured the public that while the tremors were felt across Kariba, Siavonga, and surrounding areas, they had not caused significant ground accelerations or vibrations that could pose a threat to the dam's safety."The earthquakes that have been experienced in Kariba, Siavonga, and surrounding areas since the construction of Kariba Dam are relatively small and have not generated large ground accelerations or vibrations as to cause concern regarding the safety of the dam wall," Munodawafa stated.ZRA confirmed that this was not an isolated incident. Since December 1, 2024, the region has experienced six additional earthquakes, with magnitudes ranging from 4.1 to 4.7. The epicentres of these tremors have been located between 19 and 40 kilometers southeast of Kariba Town, primarily within the Kariba reservoir or the Charara Safari Area.Following the earthquakes, ZRA conducted thorough inspections of the dam and analyzed data from its monitoring systems. According to Munodawafa, the inspections did not reveal any abnormalities, and the dam's performance remained consistent with the expected operational conditions."As part of our standard procedure, we have conducted detailed inspections and reviewed all available data from our monitoring instruments. The dam continues to behave normally, consistent with the prevailing loading conditions," he said.While there is no immediate cause for alarm, ZRA has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any unusual observations or concerns to the relevant authorities. The Kariba Dam, which is jointly owned by the governments of Zambia and Zimbabwe, plays a crucial role in regional hydroelectric power generation, water storage, and flood control.The authorities continue to monitor seismic activity closely, ensuring that any potential risks are addressed promptly to maintain the safety and integrity of the dam.
Polly Sellman showed off her incredible four stone weight loss in a skimpy red bikini as she posed on the beach in Australia on Sunday.

The Married At First Sight UK star, 28, has undergone a dramatic transformation since her time on the show.

And after relocating to Australia she looked like she was having the time of her life in the sunshine over the festive period as she flaunted her physique.

In her caption accompanying snaps taken at Scarborough Beach near Perth she wrote: 'England Christmas blues have well and truly gone. Merry Christmas to you all.'

She previously spoke about her weight loss on her Story as she posted saying: 'I've just weighed myself (I know you shouldn't at night) and I'm honestly gobsmacked that I've now lost nearly 4 stone... 4!!!! Since March!!!

'I finished filming and I was 16 stone (have been there or there abouts for 2 years) and now I'm 12.5.'

Polly Sellman showed off her incredible four stone weight loss in a skimpy red bikini as she posed on the beach in Australia on Sunday

The Married At First Sight UK star, 28, has undergone a dramatic transformation since her time on the show (seen)

Polly added of how she achieved it: 'It's been a case of upping my water intake, eating less and moving more.

'And I love that I've found a huge passion for fitness again because of the routine I really kept to, and still do.'

'I still have a little way to go to get to my goal weight then when I'm there it's going to be building strength and maintaining the weight I've lost without living a restricted lifestyle and keep a healthy relationship with food and drink.

'I've always been confident however not so much with my body, now have a lot more self confidence and feel so much more comfortable in certain clothing whereas I didn't before.

'I dressed well for my shape and size but never felt hugely comfortable just the fact I knew how to dress to hide certain insecurities.

'However that's now changed and I don't think as much about covering certain things when I'm ordering clothes and it feels sooooo good.'

Her and her ex-husband Adam Nightingale's romance came to a turbulent end during the final dinner on the show, with Polly furiously branding Adam 'a narcissist' before ending their relationship.

Viewers watched the combative couple sling insults during the wild dinner party, with the career advisor, 28, branding her groom, 35, a 'f*****g narcissist'

And after relocating to Australia she looked like she was having the time of her life in the sunshine over the festive period as she flaunted her physique

In her caption accompanying snaps taken at Scarborough Beach near Perth she wrote: 'England Christmas blues have well and truly gone. Merry Christmas to you all'

She previously spoke about her weight loss on her Story as she posted saying: 'I've just weighed myself and I'm honestly gobsmacked that I've now lost nearly 4 stone since March!!!'

Adam fumed: 'If you're going to frustrate me and moan at me all day, why would I want to come home and have sex with you?', before letting his chair crash to the ground as he got to hit feet.

Polly then hit back: 'You've led me on, you've f***** me about, and you've p***** me right off' before storming off.

Back in September, Polly first shared that she'd been on a six-month mission to slim down, and unveiled her impressive transformation in a before and after post.

Back in September, Polly first shared that she'd been on a six-month mission to slim down, and unveiled her impressive transformation in a before and after post

Her and her ex-husband Adam Nightingale's romance came to a turbulent end during the final dinner on the show, with Polly furiously branding Adam 'a narcissist' before ending their relationship
Georgia May Foote left fans worried after she revealed she has been battling a painful illness for nearly a week.

The former Coronation Street actress, 33, who is best known for playing Katy Armstrong on the ITV soap, took to Instagram to share her symptoms, including severe stomach cramps and an upset stomach.

Posting from bed on Saturday night, Georgia wrote: 'Day 5 of having a really bad stomach.

'Tried to eat my first proper meal since Xmas Day and belly said no. Anyone else got this, how do I stop it? The cramps are so painful.'

She added: 'Literally out here looking for tips now cz this is getting long'

Georgia later appeared on her sofa, wrapped in a grey jumper, telling followers: 'This seems to be my most-ever replied-to story. Everyone keeps talking about this flu going around, but I don't have the flu. I just don't know what this is.'

Georgia May Foote has left fans worried after revealing she's been battling a painful illness for nearly a week

The former Coronation Street actress, 33, who is best known for playing Katy Armstrong on the ITV soap, took to Instagram to share her symptoms, including severe stomach cramps and an upset stomach

With doctors' surgeries shut over the holidays, the soap star turned to fans for advice on easing her discomfort.

Georgia also detailed her home remedies, including a hot water bottle and flat coke, while followers recommended other options like peppermint tea and ginger biscuits. She promised to stock up on their suggestions, hoping for relief.

A few hours later, Georgia appeared in her car makeup-free to give her fans an update and to show them what she had purchased in the hope of a speedy recovery.

She said: 'Yes, Im very aware I look like death. You asked for an update so thought Id show you what I got. I spoke a chemist; he said that this is the best thing for me to get.

'I asked about ginger cos I have this every single morning anyway and he said that might be irritating so go for it in something, so I went for these biscuits, hopefully these stay down.

'Ive gone for gluten free so theres no chance of it making my tummy hurt. I got some Kefir yoghurt as you all suggested. Its a bit like Actimel but more yoghurty.

'I got some rice cakes just for something to nibble on, some re hydration drinks, basically the same as dioralyte its just six quid cheaper, some Buscopan as he said this would help and some paracetamol.'

This isn't the first time the actress - who starred in Coronation Street from 2010 to 2015 - has shared her health struggles.

Georgia appeared on her sofa, wrapped in a grey jumper, telling her followers what she had tried before seeking help from them

The actress told her fans how the cramps were so painful and that she hadn't been able to eat a proper meal since Christmas Day

After detailing her home remedies, including a hot water bottle and flat coke, followers recommended other options like peppermint tea and ginger biscuits so she promised to stock up on their suggestions, hoping for some relief

A few hours later, Georgia appeared in her car makeup-free to give her fans an update and to show them what she had purchased in the hope of a speedy recovery

Earlier this year she appeared on This Morning Live where she opened up about her experience with vitiligo, which according to the NHS, is a long term condition that is caused by a lack of melanin, a pigment in the skin.

Everytime I go on holiday and I get a beautiful tan, I see how much my vitiligo has spread more than ever before.

After a holiday to Egypt in May, the Strictly Come Dancing runner up shared a picture of her hands and posted: '

'I would be lying if I didn't say it gets to me. It makes me feel super insecure at times. But seeing how the people around me support me and still love me the same makes my heart feel full.

'I've noticed people staring, having a good old nosey with their faces screwed up, and that's when my heart drops.

'So this is just a friendly reminder to those people to be kind. I'm sure the way it makes you feel is nothing in comparison to how the person with it feels.'

She added: 'I'm proud to be a voice for people like me with the condition. I battle with how I feel about it every day. Today's one of those days I remember there is nothing I can do about it. So here we are. Showing it in all its glory ( I do have lipstick on, but my whole colour has now gone in and around my lips)'

Georgia ended her post: 'And please. Let's be kind'

During her time on Corrie, Georgia's character Katy was the youngest daughter of Owen Armstrong (Ian Puleston-Davies) and the sister of Izzy Armstrong (Cherylee Houston).

This isn't the first time the actress - who starred in Coronation Street from 2010 to 2015 - has shared her health struggles opening up about her experience with vitiligo, a skin condition

After a holiday to Egypt in May, the Strictly Come Dancing runner up shared a picture of her hands and uploaded a lengthy post urging people to be kind

Katy's main storylines on Corrie were her relationship with Chesney Brown, being pregnant with and raising their son Joseph Brown, and her affair with Ryan Connor (pictured in 2015)

Her main storylines were her relationship with Chesney Brown (Sam Aston), being pregnant with and raising their son Joseph Brown (originally Lucca-Owen Warwick), and her affair with Ryan Connor (Sol Heras).

Though showrunners promised she would not be, Katy was killed off in a car accident in 2017.

However, her death was off-screen and she was last seen on Coronation Street in 2015.

Meanwhile, Georgia has been married to musician Kris Evans for a little over a year.

They celebrated their anniversary on July 15, and Georgia wrote on Instagram: '365 days of Mr and Mrs Evans.

In real life, Georgia is married to musician Kris Evans and they celebrated their first anniversary on July 15

'Happy Anniversary to my love! It all started with a [ring] emoji Dm and here we are [laughing emoji].

'Thank you for choosing me to be your forever person.

'I love how much we are growing every day and I am so proud of everything you do.

'You inspire me to be the best version of myself everyday and support me in everything in my life.

'I love you. Here is to forever.'
Brendan O'Carroll has revealed the future of Mrs Brown's Boys amid plummeting ratings and calls for the BBC show to be axed.

The 2024 festive special saw its ratings plummet to the lowest ever, with viewers claiming it 'ruined' their Christmas.

And Brendan, 69, who stars as Agnes Brown in the BBC sitcom, has confirmed the show will be returning despite negative feedback.

Brendan told the Daily Star: 'We are going to film another series in April and May [2025]. Its lovely to be asked to do another one.'

The series, first aired in 2011, attracted a measly 2.2M viewers on Christmas Day, which was a huge drop from the 11.5M who turned into the show's 2013 December 25 special.

While the sitcom struggled in the ratings, elsewhere on BBC1, Gavin and Stacey: The Finale was the most watched show of the festive season with 12.5M, while Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl attracted 9.5M.

Brendan O'Carroll, 69, has revealed the future of Mrs Brown's Boys amid plummeting ratings and calls for the BBC show to be axed

The 2024 festive special saw its ratings plummet to the lowest ever, with viewers claiming it 'ruined' their Christmas

The latest episode of Mrs Brown's Boys, which has previously been described as 'marmite television', saw the Irish matriarch trying to convince her family that she was not grumpy like Scrooge, but those at home described it as 'spectacularly unfunny'.

Racing to X they fumed: 'Usually love Mrs browns Boys but this years special was so boring and really not funny',

'How awful was Mrs Mrs Brown's Boys? My deepest sympathies if you had to sit through this',

'Christmas was going well until Mrs Brown's Boys', 'Just been reminded Mrs Brown's Boys is on tonight. Christmas ruined'.

'But Mrs Brown's Boys is spectacularly unfunny', 'Being home for Christmas is great until Mrs Brown's Boys is on TV',

'Mrs Brown's Boys is so made makes me actually hate the people who were part of making it', 'Why on earth in 2013 is Mrs Brown's Boys Christmas Special still on'.

During rehearsals for the special the show become embroiled in a racism row after actor and writer Brendan alluded to the N-Word in front of shocked co-stars and production staff.

During a reading of the script while in character as Agnes Brown, he is said to have said I dont call a spade a spade, I call a spade a...

And Brendan, who stars as Agnes Brown in the BBC sitcom, has confirmed the show will be returning despite negative feedback

Brendan said: 'We are going to film another series in April and May [2025]. Its lovely to be asked to do another one'

The series, first aired in 2011, attracted a measly 2.2M viewers on Christmas Day, which was a huge drop from the 11.5M who turned into the show's 2013 December 25 special

Brendan then started to utter the N-word before he was stopped by a co-star, whose intervention was allegedly delivered while in character as Agnes daughter.

The Dublin-born comic later apologised before claiming his racist joke 'was a good thing' for the BBC because it 'raised awareness of racism'.

Speaking to The Sun Brendan said: 'The one thing that that incident did is give great awareness about racism, and great awareness about the BBC, they don't take any messing.

'The context of it it was completely taken out of context. However I think in the long run it was a good thing, because it got people talking about it.'

When the scandal was revealed last month, Brendan's representative told the Mail: We would also like to clarify that the n word was absolutely not spoken, it was implied.

Agnes (Mrs Brown) began the word but was stopped from finishing it by her daughter Cathy, as she knew she would be.

In initial statements about the incident, neither the BBC nor Brendan acknowledged the severity of the offensive slur.

Cast and crew were reportedly stood down while the corporation tried to get to the bottom of what happened.

The latest episode of Mrs Brown's Boys, which has previously been described as 'marmite television', saw the Irish matriarch trying to convince her family that she was not grumpy like Scrooge

While the sitcom struggled in the ratings, elsewhere on BBC1, Gavin and Stacey: The Finale (pictured) was the most watched show of the festive season with 12.5M

Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl (pictured) attracted 9.5M

Those at home described it as 'spectacularly unfunny'

The rehearsals then resumed in Glasgow at the broadcasters Pacific Quay studios in Scotland and shows will go ahead as planned.

The BBC said: Whilst we dont comment on individuals, the BBC is against all forms of racism, and we have robust processes in place should issues ever arise.

Brendan later apologised for making a clumsy attempt at a joke in character as Mrs Brown where a racial term was implied.

His full statement said: At a read-through of the Mrs. Browns Boys Christmas specials, there was a clumsy attempt at a joke, in the character of Agnes, where a racial term was implied. It backfired and caused offence which I deeply regret and for which I have apologised.

Those who witnessed the remark were reportedly left shocked by the slur which was flagged with the BBC afterwards.

Mrs Browns Boys has been a regular feature on the BBCs Christmas schedules for more than a decade.

The show has also had several mini-series runs, including a four-part series last year, which was the first since 2013.

In the programme Brendan's character, who is known affectionately as mammy in the series, is a foul-mouthed Irish mother.

During rehearsals for the special the show become embroiled in a racism row after actor and writer Brendan, 69, alluded to the N-Word in front of shocked co-stars and production staff

The Dublin-born comic later apologised before claiming his racist joke 'was a good thing' for the BBC because it 'raised awareness of racism'

He is also slated to star in new BBC sitcom Shedites and will touch on mens mental health and is due to hit screens by the fall.

The new BBC programme will star iconic funnyman Tommy Cannon, 86, who previously starred in The Cannon and Ball Show, as the leading character.

The episodes are being filmed in Glasgow at the BBCs Pacific Quay studios.
Dayle Haddon's daughter has paid tribute to her mother, who died on Friday at the age of 76.

The model and actress star passed away from carbon monoxide poisoning on Friday at the home of her daughter Ryan and son-in-law, actor Marc Blucas, 52.

In a heartfelt post on Saturday, Ryan Haddon, 53, a former journalist, shared numerous photos of her mother from her years in front of the camera.

'The bright light that is Dayle has dimmed in this Earthly realm. Shining somewhere as radiantly as ever where its most needed, I have no doubt,' she penned.

Ryan referred to her mother as a 'woman in her power, yet soft and attentive to all,' calling her, 'Deeply creative and curious, gifted with beauty inside and out. Always kind and thoughtful.'

Ryan seemed to think that fate had a hand in her mother's passing. Blucas' father Walter, 76, was also in the house, but survived the poisonous gas leak and was in critical condition at the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

Dayle Haddon's daughter has paid tribute to her mother, who died on Friday at the age of 76 (Dayle pictured in New York City in April)

'I always trust the timing of things,' the meditation teacher explained.

'There are no accidents and certainly how we enter and exit this world is mystical and unknowable.'

She praised Dayle as a 'high-hearted spiritual being that put value on her souls evolution, so I know her journey here in this dimension must have been complete.'

'I honor her. I bow to her. I revere all the paths and adventures taken. I saw her be golden and always reach for the Light in all areas of her life.'

During her lengthy career, Dayle donated a lot of her time and energy to charity work.

She founded the non-profit organization WomenOne and organization focused on educating women and girls. She and campaigned for the Canadian charity WE, formerly known as Free the Children which focuses on education, water, health, food and economic opportunity in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

Dayle was named a UNICEF ambassador in 2008.

Haddon worked as a model in the 1970s and 1980s, and was one of the first to break through the over 35 glass ceiling when she became the spokesmodel for Estee Lauder's anti-aging line. She later signed with L'Oreal, and with her as the face of the product, sales for the Age Perfect line had increased by 50-percent.

Ryan Haddon, 53, penned a long, heartfelt farewell to her mother on social media Saturday. 'I always trust the timing of things,' she said 'There are no accidents and certainly how we enter and exit this world is mystical and unknowable'

Ryan is married to actor Marc Blucas, 52. Dayle Haddon died as a result of a carbon monoxide leak at their home in Pennsylvania according to police. Blucas' father, Walter, 76, was also injured and was listed as being in critical condition (Pictured in Beverly Hills in October 2008)

Praising her mother's inner beauty Ryan wrote, 'She loved so many,' calling her mother 'A pure heart' with 'A rich inner life. Touching so many lives. A life well lived,' closing with 'Rest in Light, Mom (Pictured in May 2018)

Ryan thanked 'everyone who was a part of her journey that helped to shape her, enrich her and activate her to become the absolute gem that she is.'

'She loved so many,' the grieving daughter added, calling her mother 'A pure heart' with 'A rich inner life. Touching so many lives. A life well lived,' closing with 'Rest in Light, Mom.'

Fellow models sent their heartfelt condolences. Susan 'Susie' Blakely sent a sweet message saying 'I just cant believe I wont see her beautiful smile again...I came to your page to try to comfort you, but in the end, your beautiful words have comforted me.'

Christy Turlington called her 'Beauty personified and ethereal.' Christina Ferrare wrote, 'Aside from her extraordinary beauty, it was her eyes and that smile that drew you in. You felt welcomed and safe in her space.'
Leonardo DiCaprio beamed while taking a refreshing dip with his much younger girlfriend Vittoria Ceretti during their lavish Christmas getaway to Saint-Barthelemy Island in the Caribbean on Saturday.

At 50, the Oscar winner is 24 years older than The Society Management Model, but she appears to have finally tamed his wild ways.

Vittoria slipped her slim 5ft10in frame into a silver Blumarine rhinestone thong bikini, which originally retailed for $495.

Ceretti's sexy swimsuit featured a bedazzled logo on the bust and a bedazzled butterfly on the bottoms.

The brunette beauty wore large Balenciaga sunglasses over her make-up free complexion and she secured her updo with a claw clip.

Meanwhile, Leonardo showcased his hairy chest with a gold chain necklace and sported a pair of black swim trunks.

Leonardo DiCaprio beamed while taking a refreshing dip with his much younger girlfriend Vittoria Ceretti during their lavish Christmas getaway to Saint-Barthelemy Island in the Caribbean on Saturday

At 50, the Oscar winner is 24 years older than The Society Management Model, but she appears to have finally tamed his wild ways

DiCaprio shielded his famous baby blues with classic Ray-Ban sunglasses and he had a substantial stubble on his face.

The Los Angeles native reportedly met the Italian-born bombshell at the Cannes Film Festival premiere of his film Killers Of The Flower Moon back in May 2023.

Vittoria reportedly finalized her divorce from DJ Matteo Milleri in June 2023.

The May-December couple were first pictured together hitting up an ice-cream shop in Santa Barbara in August 2023.

Leonardo is a habitual modelizer having loved and left the likes of Camila Morrone, Gigi Hadid, Nina Agdal, Kelly Rohrbach, Gisele Bundchen, and Bar Refaeli as well as Blake Lively and Rihanna.

In fact, Ceretti shared the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show catwalk with three of DiCaprio's exes on October 15.

The current Vogue cover girl - who boasts 1.8M Instagram followers - Instastoried a snap of the scenery on the beach.

Vittoria is an experienced diver having recently returned from a voyage to the Solomon Islands in the South Pacific as part of the National Geographic Pristine Seas project, which is 'dedicated to protecting vital places in the ocean.'

'Coolest trip I ever did,' Ceretti gushed. 'I would do it all over again!'

Vittoria slipped her slim 5ft10in frame into a silver Blumarine rhinestone thong bikini, which originally retailed for $495

Ceretti's sexy swimsuit featured a bedazzled logo on the bust and a bedazzled butterfly on the bottoms

The brunette beauty wore large Balenciaga sunglasses over her make-up free complexion and she secured her updo with a claw clip

Meanwhile, Leonardo showcased his hairy chest with a gold chain necklace and sported a pair of black swim trunks

DiCaprio shielded his famous baby blues with classic Ray-Ban sunglasses and he had a substantial stubble on his face

The Los Angeles native reportedly met the Italian-born bombshell at the Cannes Film Festival premiere of his film Killers Of The Flower Moon back in May 2023

Vittoria reportedly finalized her divorce from DJ Matteo Milleri in June 2023

The May-December couple were first pictured together hitting up an ice-cream shop in Santa Barbara in August 2023

Leonardo is a habitual modelizer having loved and left the likes of Camila Morrone, Gigi Hadid, Nina Agdal, Kelly Rohrbach, Gisele Bundchen, and Bar Refaeli as well as Blake Lively and Rihanna

In fact, Ceretti shared the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show catwalk with three of DiCaprio's exes on October 15

The current Vogue cover girl - who boasts 1.8M Instagram followers - Instastoried a snap of the scenery on the beach

Vittoria is an experienced diver having recently returned from a voyage to the Solomon Islands in the South Pacific as part of the National Geographic Pristine Seas project

'Coolest trip I ever did,' Ceretti gushed. 'I would do it all over again!'

At one point, she hiked up her bikini exposing under-boob cleavage while sunning herself on a towel

Vittoria appeared to have a blast lounging on the sand

Ceretti chatted up a gal pal while relaxing in the sunshine

In September, the Diddy partygoer wrapped a mystery role in Paul Thomas Anderson's $140M-budget film The Battle of Baktan Cross, which is said to be a modern adaptation of Thomas Pynchon's 1990 postmodern novel Vineland.

The IMAX crime drama - also starring Sean Penn, Benicio del Toro, Regina Hall, Teyana Taylor, and Alana Haim - is said to be the 54-year-old filmmaker's 'most commercial' film to date and it's scheduled to hit US/UK theaters August 8.

Leonardo's Appian Way company will produce Jonah Tulis' Rod Serling documentary, Promethean Pictures' dog film Howl, and Matt Cirulnick's small-screen adaptation of James Rollins' novel series Sigma Force.
An interview with actor Elliot Page has gone viral after viewers noted that he spoke soberly and looked glum while explaining how overjoyed he is following his transition from female to male.

The Hollywood star - who transitioned 13 years after shooting to global stardom in the hit movie Juno - said 'I understood my truth' as he stood outside the U.S. Supreme Court on December 4 along with other activists to appeal Tennessee's law banning gender-affirming care for minors.

Many online users quickly noted that the somber actor spoke in a dull manner and appeared to look sad, leading them to speculate Page's happiness following the life-changing decision.

Meanwhile, others appreciated what he had to say - and weren't affected by the actor's demeanor, as he appears to speak in that tone normally.

In the clip, the Canadian actor, 37, shared what he would tell his younger self after transitioning in 2020.

'You know who you are, you know, and please embrace that,' Page said stoically, breaking up his words with some light laughter.

'I feel, for me, it was - I understood my truth. I felt it very strongly. And it was all of these external forces and noises that pushed and pulled, and me sort of loose track of who I was.

'And so, I guess to my younger self I'd say that discomfort and that pain that you're feeling - that is not yours. That is theirs,' he said, adding that continuing on the journey of 'embracing who you really are' will 'lead you to happiness.'

Many online users noticed how actor Elliot Page appeared to sound and looked somber as he spoke about his transition outside of the U.S. Supreme Court

The Hollywood star, 37, transitioned 13 years after shooting to global stardom in the hit movie Juno. (Pictured: Page in Los Angeles at the Academy Awards in February 2008)

Conservative account Libs of TikTok took to X and shared the clip of Page, writing: 'This is the picture of pure happiness and joy because shes finally living as her true self. Doesnt she look happy?'

Others went on to agree, as one user said: 'If one mutes the sound, and just looks at the face, she looks like a person reporting a tragic incident.'

'If you have to constantly affirm how happy you are, you are not happy,' another wrote.

'She said so much while saying nonsense,' another said, as others shared photo comparisons of the actor prior to his transition, smiling as Ellen, next to a current image of him as Elliot.

Despite many thinking that Page was gloomy in the video, others took to American Civil Liberties Union's (ACLU) social media pages and applauded him for sharing his story, not noting the way he spoke or looked.

Many online users quickly noted that the actor spoke in a dull manner and appeared to look sad, leading them to believe he truly isn't happy with his transition. (Pictured: Page speaking outside of the U.S. Supreme Court on December 8)

While many blasted the Canadian actor for his demeanor in the clip, others applauded him for his supportive words for the trans community

'Keep going, keep going, keep going, you fill wind your place and your people. I love you,' a supporter wrote.

Another said: 'This is entirely true and I love him,' while someone else added: 'What a peaceful, loving response. Such a king and role model.'

In August, Page said he was 'so miserable' before transitioning during an interview with Them.

Sometimes Im like, "Oh my God, being trans is such a life hack," because before, I was so miserable. And now you're like, "What? This is great. I don't mind. This is kind of cool." Like, what?' he explained.

The Oscar-nominated actor highlighted his newfound happiness by sharing how thrilling it was to recently watch Cardi B in concert and fully embrace the experience as his true self.

'Im this 37-year-old dude in a stadium, jumping up and down and screaming, and it felt so nice to be like, "Here I am,"' Page said.

He also expressed deep gratitude for queer communities that created spaces for people who, like him, are navigating similar struggles.

'Community and trans people who have led the way in creating a world where I can actually exist  I wouldnt be here without those things,' he claimed.

'I think I probably wouldve faded away,' Page said, as he revealed the overwhelming gender dysphoria he experienced years before publicly coming out as trans.

'It almost became this thing that I knew and I just kept [thinking] that Ill figure out a way to get around it. I think it was just actually too much  the concept of going through something like that publicly, and then being an actor,' he began.

'My brain was definitely doing what it could to get close, but then weave aroundThe dysphoria was so bad, and I would constantly verbalize and think about it, but I still somehow managed to convince myself like, no, no, no.

'Or thered be that next part to play. For so many people, life keeps going. People dont get opportunities to necessarily stop and figure out how they actually feel.'

In October, Elliot opened up to Jay Shetty in his On Purpose podcast about the various feelings he had during his transition journey.

He revealed that prior to transitioning he always felt an overwhelming sense of 'wanting to flee' and described that everyday tasks became increasingly difficult

He revealed that prior to transitioning he always felt an overwhelming sense of 'wanting to flee' and described that everyday tasks became increasingly difficult.

Page, who recently published his memoir, Pageboy, got brutally honest as he lifted the lid on why it was so difficult for him to 'exist' before he came out.

In the podcast, he revealed that he now 'feels free' after transitioning and added that he felt a way that he 'never thought was possible.'

He added that it had been a 'gamechanger' before sharing how he felt before.

'For significant periods of my life I struggled to function on a pretty basic level, it was hard for me to literally sit down, it was hard for me to be productive, for me to be present at all,' Page said.

'I couldn't see the future because I didn't know how much longer I would last feeling that way.'

Page noted that he thought continuing to live life in that way and looking towards the future was 'impossible.'

The Umbrella Academy actor explained that he even contemplated how he would continue to work as he called his manager lamenting about continuing to live a lie.

The star admitted that starring in the flick as pregnant teen Juno MacGuff and being forced to dress a certain way 'almost killed' him. He is pictured in the 2007 movie

Although the actor found it 'so hard to exist and function' in relationships, he craved being in love because it felt safer than being alone.

'[In my] relationships in my past, I was selfish because I would fall in love just so I could have a moment to breathe,' he said.

Prior to his transition, he dated Samantha Thomas (2015-2017), Emma Portner (2018-2020), whom he went on to marry before coming out in 2020 and the pair split.

Now, the actor noted he no longer had to be in a relationship to fill his time.

'I feel exhilarated by the fact that I can be alone. I'm very much enjoying connecting with people, maybe having some fun, but sort of just being on my own right now,' he said, adding: 'So, I'm single.'

He also shared that his relationship with acting was 'so much better' now that he had transitioned.

'Literally everything in my life is better now,' Page added.
She recently got engaged during an idyllic Greek getaway after 18 months of dating.

And on Sunday, Georgia Toffolo, 30, took to social media to share some adorable Christmas snaps of her and fiance James Watt.

The former Made In Chelsea star posed with her husband-to-be in the car wrapped up in wooly winter jumpers on their way to stay with family.

In another photo, Georgia wowed in a black long sleeved dress that boasted a stylish white collar.

Resting her head lovingly on her partner's shoulder, she smiled to the camera, whilst James - the BrewDog founder, 42 - beamed in a pair of sunglasses and a festive headband.

Another image from the same day, saw the couple radiate happiness with their arms around each other, as they enjoyed a lavish dinner.

Georgia Toffolo took to social media to share some adorable Christmas snaps of her and fiance James Watt

In one photo Georgia wowed in a black long sleeved dress that boasted a stylish white collar as she rested her head lovingly on her partner's shoulder, who beamed in a pair of sunglasses and a festive headband

Georgia, who found fame on Made In Chelsea, also shared snaps of the family in matching pyjamas for the festive photos stood on top of a hill.

The sweet post saw Georgia with her arm outstretched, wearing a pair of reindeer antlers, whilst James wrapped up in a hat and jumper, had a youngster sat on his shoulders.

In another photo Georgia flashed her huge sparkler as she posed in a black fluffy hat.

With the huge diamond on show, the reality star pouted for the camera and let her blonde locks fall loosely down her shoulders.

Alongside the collection, Georgia penned how she was making the most of being her last Christmas before the pair wed next year.

She wrote: 'Soaking up my first Christmas being engaged and my last before we get married.

'Happily my family were with us up in Scotland - true to form we have done far too much and are all zonked and exhausted. So worth it though.

'Anyone else battled feeling under the weather this year? Desperate to get in bed with my book and not move!'

Another image from the same day, saw the couple radiate happiness with their arms around each other, as they enjoyed a lavish dinner

The pair who got engaged during an idyllic Greek getaway in October after 18 months of dating looked happier than ever as they celebrated over the festive season

Georgia, who found fame on Made In Chelsea, also shared snaps of the family in matching pyjamasas they stood on top of a hill

Alongside the collection, Georgia penned how she was making the most of being her last Christmas before the pair wed next year

In another photo Georgia flashed her huge sparkler as she posed in a black fluffy hat and let her blonde locks fall loosely down her shoulders

For another image, the blonde bombshell wore a white fluffy coat over her dress and added a touch of glamour with a diamond necklace

fans couldn't help but notice the huge engagement ring in one of her photos and congratulated the happy couple for their good news

Fans flocked to her comment section to wish the happy couple their best writing: 'Have a great break. Your ring is fabulous xx'

'You look like you had a fabulous Christmas, your ring is beautiful. All the best for 2025 to you and James x' ... 'Just mega ' .... Gorgeous xx'

It comes after Georgia and James celebrated their engagement in style as they enjoyed a festive-themed bash.

The BrewDog founder, 42, popped the question to the former Made In Chelsea star, 30, in October during an idyllic Greek getaway for her birthday.

And just days before Christmas, the happy couple gathered at one of James' BrewDog branches in Aberdeen with their friends and family to mark their upcoming nuptials.

The pair pulled out all the stops for party, capturing special moments with a 360 photo booth while also posing up a storm on a sleigh.

Dressed to impress for the occasion, Georgia looked sensational in a black lace mini dress which she teamed with semi-sheer black tights and black boots.

The star added a pair of bauble-clad antlers as she posed beside her husband-to-be, who looked smart in a white shirt and jeans.

It comes after the pair celebrated their engagement in style as they enjoyed a festive-themed bash just before Christmas

The BrewDog founder, 42, popped the question to the former Made In Chelsea star , 30, in October during an idyllic Greek getaway for her birthday

Georgia lovingly danced with James while their nearest and dearest watched on.

Before the pair posed for a number of snaps alongside their friends and family, including an adorable photo with James' granny donning a sparkly glitter ball helmet.

Captioning her post, Georgia penned: 'Last night we hosted our Christmas / engagement party. I danced for hours and it was so special for us to have our people in one place.

'This is the second year we hosted this together and now Im worried about what to do next year to top it! Highlight was James Granny on the 360 camera wearing a glitter ball helmet'.

James - who is reportedly worth an estimated 262 million - proposed at the end of October, on the week she celebrated her 30th birthday in the Greek islands.

At the time, a source told MailOnline: 'He asked her to marry him yesterday in front of both of their families in Greece.

'After the proposal they went to a big party at the Peligoni club and ended up dancing on tables to ABBA, celebrating with all the other guests.'

Georgia, who found fame as a regular cast-member on E4 show Made In Chelsea, has been dating the millionaire BrewDog co-founder since last summer and the pair now live together in London.

James proposed at the end of October, on the week she celebrated her 30th birthday in the Greek islands

And just days before Christmas , the happy couple gathered at one of James' BrewDog branches in Aberdeen with their friends and family to mark their upcoming nuptials

The pair pulled out all the stops for party, capturing special moments with a 360 photo booth while also posing up a storm on a sleigh

Dressed to impress for the occasion, Georgia looked sensational in a black lace mini dress which she teamed with semi-sheer black tights and black boots

Georgia radiated happiness as she lovingly danced with James while their loved ones watched on

Georgia and James' loved ones partied the night away at the festive engagement bash

The former I'm A Celebrity star rocked a pair of bauble-clad antlers for the party

The pair posed for a number of snaps alongside their friends and family, including an adorable photo with James' granny donning a sparkly glitter ball helmet

Captioning her post, Georgia penned: 'Last night we hosted our Christmas / engagement party. I danced for hours and it was so special for us to have our people in one place

Announcing the news while showing off her enormous diamond engagement ring, the blonde beauty told her Instagram followers: 'James just asked me to marry him.

'It really was the best moment of my life so far. I never knew I could feel happiness like this. The easiest, quickest yes to being your wife.

'Our love story is my favourite. How we managed to find each other out of billions of people out there will always be my greatest blessing.

'I love you forever and the magical life were building.'

James proposed with and exquisite eight carat triple-diamond studded band estimated to be worth 200,000.
An Indian Army contingent comprising 334 personnel departed for Nepal on Saturday to participate in 18th edition of battalion level joint military exercise Surya Kiran. The exercise will be conducted in Saljhandi, Nepal from December 31 to January 13, defence ministry said here adding it is an annual training event conducted alternatively in the two countries.

The Indian Army contingent is led by a battalion from the 11th Gorkha Rifles. The Nepal Army contingent will be represented by Srijung Battalion. The aim of the exercise is to enhance interoperability in jungle warfare, counter terrorism operations in mountains, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief under United Nations Charter. The exercise will focus on enhancing operational preparedness, aviation aspects, medical training, and environment conservation.

Through these activities, the troops will enhance their operational capabilities, refine their combat skills and strengthen their coordination to operate together in challenging situations.

This edition of the exercise follows successful visits by Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi to Nepal, and the visit by General Ashok Raj Sigdel, Chief of the Army Staff of Nepali Army to India.
AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday accused the BJP of trying to manipulate voter list in the run-up to the Delhi Assembly elections.

Speaking at a press conference alongside Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha and Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, Kejriwal claimed the BJP was trying to win elections through "unfair means" after failing to present strong candidates or issues.

"BJP has already lost the elections. They don't have a chief ministerial face or even proper candidates. They only aim to win through manipulation, but we won't let them succeed," Kejriwal said.

The former Delhi chief minister also alleged that the BJP had filed 11,000 voter deletion applications in one constituency alone, but the move was halted at Chief Election Commissioner's intervention. "We exposed this, and thankfully, it was stopped."

Kejriwal said that a large-scale operation began on December 15, with 5,000 voter deletion applications and 7,500 addition requests filed so far in his assembly constituency, New Delhi.

He claimed this could alter 12 per cent of the constituency's votes.

The total number of voters in the constituency, he said, is 106,873, as per the voter list published on October 29 after the summary revision, which was conducted between August 20 and October 20.

"Operation Lotus has now reached my constituency. They are attempting to manipulate the electoral rolls to change the election outcome," Kejriwal alleged.

"This kind of manipulation undermines democracy. We appeal to the Election Commission to continue its strict monitoring to prevent such malpractice," he said.

The BJP is yet to respond to the allegations.
The United States attorney general attempted to block Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams from fundraising there in 1995, newly released records show.

Papers contained in the annual release of documents from the National Archives in Dublin show that Janet Reno, the attorney general at the time, wanted to stop Mr Adams from fundraising because of a belief the IRA was still trying to source weapons.

Ms Reno had previously opposed then-US president Bill Clintons decision to grant visas to Mr Adams and the former IRA chief of staff Joe Cahill in January 1994, but her continuing opposition is revealed in the records.

At the time, Mr Adams was president of Sinn Fein which was regarded as the political wing of the IRA paramilitary group. Mr Adams has always denied being a member of the IRA.

Months after the IRA declared a ceasefire in 1994, the chief legal adviser to the US president still did not want to grant the Sinn Fein leader a visa.

Mr Clinton overruled her by giving Mr Adams a three-month visa that included permission to raise funds for the party  provoking anger from UK prime minister John Major.

In a letter dated February 1995 to Mr Clintons national security adviser Tony Lake, Ms Reno expressed frustration by the latest effort to modify restrictions that stopped Mr Adams raising money from Irish-American donors.

She said she had looked at the matter barely six weeks earlier in January and had then decided that the fundraising restriction should stay because conditions had not changed sufficiently.

No evidence has been brought to my attention (since) that suggests progress has been made towards the disarmament and demobilisation of the IRA, she told Mr Lake.

She added: In addition, I am aware of evidence that suggests that (the IRA) has continued to identify potential sources for arms procurement and to make inquiries concerning availability and terms of purchase.

The State Department, the US Treasury and the US Department of Justice had recently intensified their efforts and public commitments to combatting international terrorism, she went on.

Ms Reno said these collective efforts could be undermined by removing the Adams visa restriction at this time.

In the interim, Sean O hUiginn, head of the Anglo-Irish division of Irelands Department of Foreign Affairs, met Mr Adams on February 7 1995.

A separate note contained in the files says that Mr Adams then expressed worries about his situation in the US, hoping that a renewed visa would waive restrictions on fundraising.

According to the documents, he made the comments in a meeting where he also expressed concerns that political instability could lead to a return to violence.

The Sinn Fein leader applied for a visa that included fundraising permission on February 22, which Mr Clinton granted because of the progress he felt had been made.

We have made clear our expectation that all and any funds raised will be used for legitimate political party purposes which serve to reinforce Sinn Feins commitment to the peace process, a US note held in the Irish state papers shows.

However, Mr Clintons decision and a subsequent invitation for Mr Adams to visit the White House for St Patricks Day celebrations angered London, Mr Lake told Mr O hUiginn.

In a note to Dublin after spending an evening with Mr Lake at a Chieftains concert, Mr O hUiginn said the US security adviser had expressed strong surprise at the over-the-top British reaction, including Mr Major refusing to take a call from Mr Clinton.

Meeting with Ulster Unionists in Washington in February after the publication of the Anglo-Irish framework document agreed by Mr Major and then-taoiseach John Bruton, Mr Lake was also warned that crowds might take to the street in Northern Ireland.

 This article is based on documents in 2024/28/38 and 2024/28/10.
July 9th 2024

At the beginning of July councillors criticised Irish Water/Uisce Eireann for inadequate communication and handling of water quality issues, comparing it to dealing with "Del Boy and Rodney at a Dundalk Municipal District meeting.

Sinn Fein Councillor Kevin Meenan and others highlighted prolonged instances of brown water and delays in repair works, citing the impact on public health and local businesses.

Despite some ongoing upgrades, such as those at the Greenmount and Cavanhill Water Treatment Plants, discolouration issues persisted in recent weeks, with Irish Water/Uisce Eireann blaming seasonal high temperatures.

Irish Water stated in July that they are addressing these issues with ongoing and planned improvements, including a pilot study to remove manganese and extensive network flushing.

July 16th 2024

Cooley farmer and Louth's IFA sheep committee member, Mr Matthew McGreehan, said in July that there's not a chance in the world, over my dead body, that a greenway or anything else is going through my land, and that as far as we're concerned, this greenway is not happening, full stop, in relation to Louth County Council's plans for a greenway from Dundalk Bay to Carlingford.

Farmers, landowners and some members of the local community in Cooley, held a protest at Louth County Council offices on Monday, July 17th, ahead of the local authority's monthly meeting, against plans for the new greenway.

Louth County Council, with the support of Transport Infrastructure Ireland, is developing proposals for the Dundalk Bay to Carlingford Greenway project.

The local authority had begun in July its second non-statutory public consultation (Option Selection) for the project, and stakeholders, members of the public and other interested parties, are being invited to participate.

*****

Construction begun in July on the first ever 3D printed houses in Ireland at Grange Close in Dundalk.

The pioneering housing project in Dundalk, signalling the beginning of 3D Construction Printed (3DCP) social housing in Ireland, was featured on RTE News.

The Grange Close pilot project involves a unique collaboration between Louth County Council, Louth & Meath Education & Training Board (LMETB), Irish-owned company Harcourt Technologies Ltd (HTL.tech), and Roadstone Ltd, a CRH company, using 3DCP technology with the aim of providing a pathway towards an increased output of more sustainable, affordable, and efficient housing.

The project aims to utilise 3D construction printing technology to provide three three-bedroom terraced units that will have a floor area of c. 110 m over two floors at Grange Close, Dundalk.

*****

Members of Kilsaran Credit Union gathered outside the branch's local office in July to protest the news that it would be closing on 30th August.

At the end of June Connect Credit Union announced that both the Kilsaran and Clogherhead branches would close claiming that the footfall in some of our branches has seen a steadily decline.

*****

July 23rd 2024

Hundreds of people gathered at the former St. Joseph's female orphanage and industrial school at Seatown Place in Dundalkas an anti-immigrant protest and counter-demonstration took place over the plans to house Ukrainian refugees in the building.

The anti-immigrant protest was organised to demonstrate against the plans to accommodate 260 displaced Ukrainian refugees in the former orphanage.

The protestors were met by a loud counter-demonstration with people lined up on the street in front of the former industrial school under a large banner saying Dundalk Stands with Immigrants chanting refugees are welcome here.

On the opposite side of the street, protestors stood in front of banners saying Dundalk Says No with many holding Irish flags and one banner reading Dump woke politicians. Elect patriots. Ireland is full.

There was a strong garda presence with uniformed officers and members of the Public Order Unit dividing the two groups.

Protests continued weekly for almost two months.

July 30th 2024

Garda killer Aaron Brady and a violent thug who together conspired to pervert the course of justice during Brady's capital murder trial were sentenced in July by the Special Criminal Court to a combined total of five years in prison.

As Brady is already serving a life sentence for murdering Det Gda Adrian Donohoe, the three-year sentence he received will make no difference to the time he serves.

Brady's co-conspirator, Dean Byrne, was due to be released later this year having spent the last ten years in prison for multiple offences, including an aggravated burglary.

Following Byrne's conviction in June for conspiring to persuade a witness in Brady's trial not to give evidence, Mr Justice Paul Burns at the three-judge court imposed a two-year sentence on Byrne that will begin when his previous sentences expire.
After almost nine years of work, led by one man, which included searching through sources including birth records, marriage records, census forms, photographs, and gravedigger daily diaries, a massive project finally came to fruition last Thursday night, with the official launch at the County Hall in Dundalk of a free, searchable database of burials for St Patricks Cemetery in Dowdallshill, Dundalk.

Jim Kerley, a committee member of the Old Dundalk Society, was behind the mammoth project, and spoke to the Dundalk Democrat ahead of the launch.

A retired fireman in Dundalk Fire Station, Jim explained that he is also very interested in family trees and was often in St Patrick's Cemetery looking at gravestones and so on, but often found that headstones were worn away. Recognising the importance of retaining the information, he did some work and found that the burial records still existed,

I went back to the [Old Dundalk Society ] committee and said, 'we need to do something about this to preserve the records and record them, and they said, that's a great idea, you go and do something about it!' And that was about eight years ago, close to nine. The results of the project can now be found at the website, https://arcg.is/1bmPy41.

To begin the job, Jim first spoke to Paddy Donnelly, former Director of Service with Louth County Council for permission to have access to the records. He spoke to Lorraine McCann in the Archive Services, and Registrar Ciaran Rafferty, and also to Alan Hand in the Council library reference section and Pasty Bailey, sacristan in St Patricks. Jim also consulted the four local undertakers Quinns, McGeoughs, Shevlins and Dixons and members of the Old Dundalk Society.

Above: Jim Kerley with his wife Jacinta, daughter Aoife, and sons Niall and Lorcan at the launch night

St Patrick's Cemetery at Dowdallshill is the burial place of around 23,000 former residents of Dundalk and surrounding areas. The graveyard, which opened on Good Friday in 1895, contains over 11,000 graves. The information available on the website in relation to those buried at the graveyard, is made all the more remarkable when the amount of work that went into compiling it is explained.

Jim explains a little bit about how to use the site and what information is available. In my case, if you punch in the surname Kerley, it will show up 11 graves in the graveyard with dots. Click on any one of them, it will tell you who all is in the grave. It will give you all the information, the date they died, the date they were buried, whether they were married, single, where they lived, right across the board. Any information we have in the books.

It will tell you then, where the grave is, the section, it will tell you the row, it will tell you how many graves in from the path. It will tell you whether it is a double, a single or a triple. It will tell you if there is a headstone. For instance, if it is a big grave, you ended up might have, say ten people in a triple grave. There could be kids, etc. There could possibly be only a surname on the headstone, which you often see.

Above: Jim Kerley with Enda Finn DKIT and Micheal Gosling, President of the Old Dundalk Society browsing through the digital register

When you're looking down the information, say you pick Kerley and you go into one of the big graves, it's showing James Kerley, but then it will tell you how many people are in the grave. So if it says, say ten in that grave but you can only see six Kerleys, that means there's four people of different surnames in it, such as the daughter or a sister, things like this.

It will tell you the grave number, so if you search by grave number, it will give you everybody that is in that grave, no matter what names they are. If you thought that was good, you then give the GPS coordinates, and even if there is no headstone, it will show you the piece of ground that they are buried in.

Above: Willie Walsh Snr Executive Officer and David Jones Director of Services, Louth Co Council at the launch

Once it was recognised that the body of work needed to get the database compiled was so immense, Jim contacted Louth Volunteers, who would transcribe the the records. So I would send two photographs and one page of the records to the volunteer and I would send them an excel sheet as well and they'd fill it in, he explained.

They would fill out whatever they could make out, if they weren't sure they highlighted it in one colour, if they couldn't make it out they left it blank and so on. They'd send that back to us and then we'd cross reference it with either the grave number, other people that was gone into it, we'd look at the obituaries in the Dundalk Democrat, you would cross reference it in any way possible.

Through meticulous referencing and cross referencing, Jim and the team finally got the data compiled. When we got the queries, at one stage I had 790, there were people who were outstanding, we know they died but their graves weren't matching. I'm now down to around 123 and of those we know we'll get more, there's one or two we won't.

Getting the information into a database and onto a website was the next task. Jim's next port of call was to DkIT (Dundalk Institute of Technology), where he was introduced to Dr Brendan Ryder, Head of Department of Visual and Human-Centered Computing, and Dermot Logue and Enda Finn, of Department of Computing Science and Mathematics.

Seeing the potential for the project, Jim was given the go ahead to pitch the idea to students to develop the idea as their final year project. Fourth year students Kieron Peters, Vitaliy Vasyltsiv, AbdulFatai Saliu and David Asare signed up to develop the website, database and Android App. Jim was happy to share the news that the work on the project helped six people get their degree at DkIT.

The truly remarkable body of work carried out by Jim and those who assisted him can be seen and tried out at https://arcg.is/1bmPy41 where it is hosted by Louth County Council.

Unlike the students at DkIT, Jim says he never got a degree, but laughingly adds I might get one of those complimentary ones now. Leading such an astounding body of work and the unique knowledge he has picked up in the process, one can only imagine that if anyone deserves an honorary doctorate as a result of this, Jim certainly does.
Cork Airport has celebrated the addition of 10 new police and fire service recruits who will complement the Airport Police and Fire operation at Irelands fastest growing airport.

The 10 new recruits, Eadaoin ORiordan, Jim Booth, Sean Boys, Peter Furlong, Eoghan Cahill, Ben OFlynn, Daire OShaughnessy, Aaron Griffin, Seamus McNamara and Eric Brooks were joined by their proud family and friends at a special passing out ceremony at Cork Airport Fire Station.

Over the course of three months, the new recruits underwent a comprehensive in-house training programme.

This included instruction and certification on airport and aviation firefighting, emergency first response, airside and airfield driving, radio communications, aerodrome topography studies and breathing apparatus certification.

Finn, Kayleigh, Tadhg and Seamus McNamara at the passing out ceremony of the Cork Airport Police & Fire Service class of 2024 which took place at the airport, Cork- Picture: David Creedon.

The course was delivered by Cork Airport Aerodrome fire officer Trevor Healy and stations officer Ciaran Walsh.

Speaking at the special ceremony to mark the appointment of the new recruits, head of Police, Fire and Operational Security, Jim OConnor said: Congratulations to the 10 members of the Class of 2024 and I wish them well as they embark upon their respective careers in the Cork Airport Police & Fire Service.

This is the largest class of new recruits that have joined the Airport Police & Fire Service in 20 years and is evidence of our commitment to upholding the highest of standards when it comes to airport security and safety.

The 10 new recruits will bring resilience to our force as they join our rosters in January.
The Bancroft family will never forget those last moments spent with their beloved daughter and sister.

It was Christmas Eve 1979, and the family had gathered at a relatives house for the extended clans annual holiday party and gift exchange. Brenda Bancroft, then 20, was her usual fun-loving and high-spirited self, according to her parents and sister.

About 9:30 p.m., as she prepared to head to another Christmas celebration with coworkers, Brenda cheerfully said goodbye, hugging relatives on the way out.

The last thing I told her was Be careful, because she was by herself, said Bill Bancroft, Brendas father.

That was the last time that Bill, his wife, JoAnn, and the couples oldest daughter, Bobbi Jo, saw her. Her body was found stuffed upside down on the passenger side of her bright orange Datsun B-20, after the car mysteriously showed up at her apartment complex four days later. A medical examiner determined Brenda died of asphyxiation and ruled her death a homicide.

After 45 years, the family still doesnt know what happened. Her death is one of 62 unresolved cases listed on the Virginia Beach Police Departments cold case homicide webpage. The first was in January 1970; the last in March 2014.

The webpage also mentions five cold murder cases detectives resolved in the past decade, although the suspect in one was acquitted of all charges. The oldest was a nearly 46-year-old murder of two young women at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, which occurred in 1973 and was resolved in 2019 with the arrest of a then-80-year-old man through DNA technology.

The Bancroft family hopes and prays the resolution of Brendas homicide will be another success story for detectives. Brendas sister, Bobbi Jo Volz, now 68, especially would like to see it solved while her parents are still alive. Bill Bancroft is 96; JoAnn Bancroft, 90. The couple has been married 73 years, and has lived in the same house in the Princess Anne Plaza neighborhood since 1962.

Its just hard to believe, with all of todays technology, that they cant figure this out, Bobbi Jo Bancroft said.

We dont have anything new to report

Bobbi Jo Bancroft has kept the pursuit of her sisters killer alive for decades. The family said in the early years, they frequently heard from detectives, and even the FBI, after Bobbi Jo Bancroft later wrote a letter to then-President George W. Bush begging for help. But as decades went by, just getting a return call from police has become difficult, they said.

Virginia Beach police in a statement said: While we dont have anything new to report on the Bancroft case, we continue to seek evidence and leads so that we can bring justice to Ms. Bancrofts family and loved ones. We are in communication with the family and they are kept abreast of our movement on this case.

Brenda Bancroft was working as a secretary at First Virginia Bank when she died. Shed taken on an extra job as a Dominos Pizza delivery driver a few months earlier to earn extra money for Christmas, according to her family.

The night she disappeared, Brenda Bancroft went to a party for Dominos employees at Admiral Nicks Yacht Club in Norfolk. Some of the people there told police they saw her leave, but couldnt recall if anyone left with her, according to news reports at the time.

She had planned to spend the night at her parents house so the family could wake up together and open Christmas presents, her sister said.

But when they got up that morning, she wasnt there.

Our first emotion was anger, Bobbi Jo Bancroft said. We couldnt believe she wasnt there. Then the anger started to diminish when we started calling all her friends and realized no one had seen or heard from her.

The family reported her missing, but said police initially expressed little concern considering Brenda Bancroft was an adult and hadnt been gone that long. The family soon started fanning out with friends and relatives, searching everywhere they thought Brenda Bancroft might be.

Three days later, on Dec. 28, JoAnn Bancroft and her best friend went looking again. They drove to her daughter's apartment complex, the Watergate Apartments on Pine Song Lane, and saw her car. It was the first time the vehicle had been seen there since Brenda Bancroft disappeared.

JoAnn Bancrofts friend told her to stay put while she went to check the car. The mother said shell never forget her friends reaction when she came back.

Its like it was yesterday, she said as she recalled the moment during a recent interview in her home. She just nodded, and I knew.

Im persistent

In a Dec. 8, 1980, story in the Virginian-Pilot, police said they believed they knew who was responsible for Brenda Bancrofts death but didnt have the evidence to prove it. The suspect was a college student who knew her through Dominos and was at the Christmas Eve party, the story said. The Bancroft family also suspects he was responsible.

The young man hired famed attorney Dick G. Brydges to represent him. Brydges, who died in 2005, told the Pilot that police had asked his client to take a polygraph test, but he advised him not to.

Brydges said his client was so drunk the night Brenda disappeared, he didnt remember anything from about 10 p.m. to 2:30 a.m., when he found himself hitching a ride at the intersection of Independence and Virginia Beach boulevards. He remembered being in a car in a Norfolk restaurant parking lot with a girl and several others who were all smoking marijuana and going back to the Dominos party, but not much else, Brydges said.

Bobbi Jo Bancroft said she has been told that a cigarette butt found in the car was later tested for DNA  after the technology became available  but no match was found. She said she also was told that her sisters pantyhose were torn and that sperm was collected, but her family was never told that sexual assault was suspected.

Bobbi Jo Bancroft has been pushing for police to use investigative genealogy to try and identify a suspect. The process compares DNA from a crime scene with publicly available genetic databases to identify relatives of the culprit. Investigators can then build family trees to narrow down a potential suspect.

Im persistent, Bobbi Jo Bancroft said. I want some answers. I want to know what happened. I want to know who did it. And more than anything, I want peace and closure for my parents.
The northsides unstoppable rap heroes the Kabin Crew are set to join fellow Corkonian Cian Ducrot on stage at the New Years Eve Countdown Concert at Dublin Castle.

The Real Capital artists are the main attractions in the centre-piece concert of Failte Irelands three-day New Years Festival (NYF) Dublin 2024, which is expected to attract over 50,000 domestic and international visitors to the capital city.

The festival will run from Monday, December 30, to Wednesday, January 1, with a host of free and ticketed events taking place across Dublin city and county.

Passage West native Cian Ducrot is headlining the New Years Eve concert at Dublin Castle on December 31, and he will be joined by special guests the Kabin Crew, with the Knocknaheeny sensations accompanied by the Lisdoonvarna Crew, as well as Dubliners Aby Coulibaly and Saibh Skelly.

Developed by Failte Ireland in association with the Office of Public Works (OPW), NYF Dublin will see more than 50 acts perform across three days in iconic Dublin venues including Dublin Castle and Meeting House Square, Temple Bar.

An NYF Dublin Music Trail will feature live performances from some of Irelands up-and-coming musicians and DJs across a host of Dublin venues including Whelans, ODonohues, The Grand Social, The Workmans Club, Wigwam, The Storyteller, and Hyde Dublin.

In partnership with Fingal County Council and Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, an NYF Dublin Fireworks Spectacular will take place at Howth Harbour and Dun Laoghaire Harbour at 8pm on December 31.

Orla Carroll, director of product development at Failte Ireland, said festivals like NYF Dublin are an important part of the Irish tourism offering and essential for supporting local businesses and communities.

This year, were expecting to welcome over 50,000 local, domestic and international visitors to Dublin City, she said.

Along with our partners in the OPW, Fingal County Council and Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Council, we encourage everyone to enjoy this spectacular three-day celebration as we ring in the New Year in Dublin.

Other events include the Echoes of Ireland Concerts, family friendly Countdown Concert Matinee, and the New Years Day Concerts.

Full details available at nyfdublin.com. NYF Dublin is a Failte Ireland initiative, produced and promoted by MCD Productions, in association with the OPW.
The highly anticipated Peaky Blinders film wont be the end of the popular gangster series, creator Steven Knight has said.

Cork's Oscar-winner Cillian Murphy is reprising his role as Birmingham gangster Tommy Shelby for the film, which is set following the events of the original BBC drama which ran for six series from 2013 to 2022.

Following the film wrapping production, Knight has revealed that it will be around a year before the project is released.

Speaking to Times Radio about a future release date, Knight said: Its a bit too soon for that, but you know, you can sort of work out that it will be about a year.

Asked if there are any more plans for Peaky Blinders beyond the film, he replied: Its interesting you should ask that question because the film is coming out and that wont be the end.

The screenwriter was questioned if that meant fans could expect more series in the future, but he refused to provide more details.

The film is believed to be titled The Immortal Man and has been teased to involve new conflicts for the Shelby family set during the Second World War.

Saltburn and The Banshees Of Inisherin star Barry Keoghan will join fellow Irish actor Murphy in the new film.

Earlier this month a photo was shared by Netflix of the pair looking jubilant while wearing flat caps and suits as the streamer confirmed filming had wrapped on the project.

Other returning cast members include British actors Stephen Graham as union organiser Hayden Stagg and Sophie Rundle as Ada Shelby, while Dune actress Rebecca Ferguson and Pulp Fiction actor Tim Roth have also joined the project.

Tom Harper, who previously directed episodes in the first season in 2013, will return to helm the film.

Knight previously told Netflixs Tudum site: It will be an explosive chapter in the Peaky Blinders story. No holds barred. Full-on Peaky Blinders at war.

When the series came to an end in 2022 after nine years, Tommy appeared to put his criminal past behind him.

Across the six series, the show tackled the rise of fascism, Irish republican politics and communist activities throughout the period after the First World War  along with Tommys ambitions in politics.

Knight later created a stage adaptation of the show for a limited-run production, titled The Redemption Of Thomas Shelby, which featured performances from Ramberts dancers and a soundtrack from a live on-stage band.
President of the Cork Business Association, Aaron Mansworth of the Trigon Hotel Group, has said that there are encouraging signs of recovery for Corks economy in the year ahead, but that the same challenges seen last year, as well as some new ones, could cause difficulties.

January of 2024 saw numerous businesses in the city close, a trend that continued throughout the year, but there are bright sparks on the horizon, and solutions to projected challenges, he said.

Mr Mansworth told The Echo: 2024 was undeniably a challenging year for businesses, particularly in the hospitality sector, with the early months seeing significant closures due to rising costs and reduced footfall post-Christmas.

However, there are encouraging signs of recovery as we look ahead to 2025. Over the past few months, Cork has welcomed a wave of new openings, including restaurants and hotels.

On the retail side, there have been new developments including the much-anticipated arrival of Sprout & Co on Winthrop Street, and exciting updates expected soon regarding the old Debenhams building.

Were also delighted to see Opera Lane now fully occupied, with Mountain Warehouse joining next year.

However, he said: While these developments point to a positive trend, the high cost of doing business remains a pressing issue across all sectors, especially hospitality.

The group is looking to meet with recently elected TDs to discuss the issues facing retailers and hospitality businesses, with the hopes that promises made to the business community in party manifestos are kept.

The CBA will continue lobbying for measures to ease these burdens, including Vat reductions, and were actively seeking meetings with newly elected TDs to push for supportive policies, Mr Mansworth said.

He added that as the next government finalises its programme, the CBA urge them to prioritise two key things.

Firstly: Reducing the cost of doing business, starting with a re-evaluation of the Vat rate and other key operational costs that heavily impact SMEs and hospitality businesses, Mr Mansworth said.

The return of the Vat rate to 9% had been campaigned for ahead of the last budget, after the rate was restored to 13.5% in Budget 2024 by Michael McGrath.

There was disappointment in the sector when it was left at that rate by Finance Minister Jack Chambers in Budget 2025 in October  Fine Gaels manifesto promised a cut to 11%, as did the manifestos of several other parties, but no specific promise was made in the manifesto of Fianna Fail, the largest party in the probable new government. Secondly, Mr Mansworth said they would push for: Establishing a Cork City Task Force to help drive investment, create jobs, and address systemic challenges facing the city.

One such challenge facing the city is housing. Mr Mansworth said: Housing difficulties in Cork are a significant concern for our business community.

The shortage of affordable and accessible housing is impacting staff, making it challenging to attract and retain employees.

Additionally, increasing the availability of housing in the city centre would have a positive ripple effect  improving footfall for local businesses, fostering a stronger sense of community, and contributing to safer, more vibrant streets. Its an issue that needs to remain a priority for all stakeholders.

He added: The commencement of apartment construction at Horgans Quay this year marked an exciting step forward. The Cork Docklands project is now a major focus for city council, promising to bring much-needed homes to the city.

Budget 2025 also pledged further investment in housing at a national level, and at Cork Business Association, we will continue to advocate for Cork to receive its fair share of this funding.

As well as working with the new government, he said: We are particularly optimistic about working with the revitalised Cork City Council, led by its new Chief Executive and Directorate, to align on a shared vision for Cork citys future.

Partnerships like these will be instrumental in delivering positive change for the city and its business community.

Over the year, the CBA worked towards becoming a safer and cleaner city as well as on the night-time economy, and Mr Mansworth explained that the two things are interlinked for them, with a safer city being more likely to attract night time visitors and a more alive city at night making the streets safer.

Cork City Council approved its Night-Time Economy Strategy, which is designed to transform the city into a thriving 24-hour destination with a focus on improving the citys offerings from 6pm to 6am, earlier this year.

Mr Mansworth said: The CBA is committed to supporting initiatives that make Cork the safest and cleanest city as it will have a positive impact for the day and nighttime economy.

We are continuing to work closely with An Garda Siochana to advocate for increased resources for Cork in 2025, and the launch of the Community Safety Wardens Scheme (CSWS) will provide additional support to ensure people feel safe while enjoying everything our city has to offer.

We will continue to partner with Corks night-time economy advisor on campaigns that improve the feeling of safety in the city at night-time and give people a reason to visit.

Our recent campaigns, such as Leave a Light On  which brightens the city streets during darker months  and Coffee House Lates, encouraging people into the city, have received excellent feedback.

These initiatives are contributing to a more vibrant and secure city atmosphere, with many businesses planning to continue them into the new year, he explained.

The new year will bring with it the continuation of issues such as the cost of doing business, housing and safety, but also some potential new challenges  all of which the CBA is prepared to face.

Mr Mansworth said: While its still early days, there is potential for economic impacts stemming from changes in US policy under Trumps presidency, particularly for large enterprise businesses operating in Cork. Reduced contributions to the exchequer from these corporations could pose challenges.

Focusing on supporting smaller Irish-owned businesses could help offset any loss from multinationals, he said, explaining: In response, we believe its vital for the government to focus on supporting SMEs, which will play an increasingly important role in sustaining the local economy and future exchequer funding.

Ensuring these businesses have the tools they need to thrive will be critical.
Tomas Doherty

A series of potential storms could pass directly over Ireland during New Year celebrations, forecasters have warned.

Met Eireann said low pressure centres are currently developing out in the Atlantic, the first of which is expected to pass over the country on Tuesday, which is New Year's Eve.

Another more significant area of low pressure will hit Ireland on Wednesday (New Year's Day), according to the weather agency.

A status-yellow rain warning will be in place in Donegal from 11am on Monday for 24 hours, while a warning for strong winds will be in place during the early hours of Tuesday in Donegal, Galway and Mayo.

The UK Met Office has issued a separate warning for strong winds on New Year's Eve for counties Antrim, Armagh, Derry, Down, Fermanagh and Tyrone.



Met Eireann said forecasters were closely monitoring the situation, with further updates likely over the coming days.

New Year's Eve is expected to be a very unsettled day with heavy rain moving over the country.

Met Eireann meteorologist Mark Bowe said there would be "significant winds to the northwest but rain will be widespread and rather heavy at times too which could lead to spot flooding."

New Year's Eve

He said the weather on New Year's Day will prove to be a lot more significant, with more rain and very strong and blustery winds for all areas.

"We are currently tracking the development of the low pressure system expected for Wednesday with potentially some very impactful winds across western and southern areas," he said.

New Year's Day

For now the weather system looks set to track right across the island with significant winds expected for western and southern areas.

Met Eireanns flood forecasting centre warned that soils are saturated or approaching saturation countrywide, which will increase rainfall runoff to the rivers.

The centre said the widespread and prolonged nature of the rain may lead to significant river level increases, while there is also the potential for surface water flooding.

Significant surge, wind and wave conditions are expected due to the beginning of spring tides. Exposed low-lying coastal areas may experience wave overtopping due to strong on-shore winds coinciding with high tide.

Later next week, forecasters are predicting a sharp change in the weather, with very cold northerly air set to sink down across the country.

Temperatures are likely to fall well below freezing overnight and struggle to remain in the single figures during the day.
James Cox

With elections in Ireland, the UK and the US, high profile court cases and big sporting events, 2024 was a big year for news.

Here, we take a look back at the year in news through the top 10 stories on BreakingNews.ie.

1. Nikita Hand wins civil rape case against Conor McGregor

In November, Nikita Hand, who accused Irish mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor of raping her in a Dublin hotel, won her claim against him for damages in a High Court civil case.

The total amount of damages awarded to Ms Hand by the jury was 248,603.60.

A crying and shaking Ms Hand bowed her head and listened to the verdict surrounded by family, supporters and her boyfriend.

Mr McGregor bowed his head and remained seated upon hearing the verdict.

Mr McGregor had faced an accusation that he brutally raped and battered Nikita Hand at a hotel in south Dublin in December 2018.

Nikita Hand speaking to the media outside the High Court in Dublin after the personal injury case against Conor McGregor. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA Images

2. Local and European election results

The local and European elections took place in May. It might seem like an age ago, as the general election and US election both took place afterwards.

However, our live coverage of the local and European elections was the second most read story of 2024.

3. March 8th referendums: Everything you need to know about care and family amendments

On March 8th, Irish citizens were asked to vote in two referendums to change our Constitution.

The first referendum concerned the concept of Family in the Constitution.

The second referendum proposed to delete an existing part of the Constitution and insert new text providing recognition for care provided by family members to each other.

Despite backing from the Government and the main opposition party, Sinn Fein, for a yes vote, both referendums were resoundingly rejected by the public.

This had big ramifications for the Government  then-taoiseach Leo Varadkar stepped down two weeks later.

Critics of the proposed changes to the Constitution claimed the public did not understand what they were voting on, and Government figures subsequently acknowledged the point.

With this in mind, it is perhaps unsurprising that our explainer on the care and family amendments was the third-most read story of 2024.

4. Election count day 1: Helen McEntee elected in Meath East, Pearse Doherty elected in Donegal

Coverage of the first day of voting in the general election comes in fourth place.

General election coverage was popular on BreakingNews.ie.

5. Linda Nolan reveals another family member has been diagnosed with cancer

In sad news in August, Linda Nolan revealed that another family member had been diagnosed with cancer as she continues to battle the disease.

The Nolans star (65) is to start taking a new cancer drug after scans showed the tumours in her brain have grown, following her revealing the growth had shrunk in December.

Several of her sisters, and members of the Anglo-Irish girl group, have also experienced the condition.

6. Irish election poll tracker: Fianna Fail takes narrow lead as campaign concludes

Our poll tracker ahead of the general election was very popular with readers. Ahead of the election, Fianna Fail held a narrow lead over Fine Gael, with Sinn Fein in third place.

In the end, Fianna Fail emerged as the biggest party in the Dail with 48 seats, followed by Sinn Fein with 39 seats and Fine Gael with 38 seats.

7. As it happened: How the US election played out

The US election, which saw Donald Trump return to the White House with a resounding victory over Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, was one of the biggest news events of the year.

Our live coverage of the US election comes in at number seven in the most-read stories of the year.

The US election was one of the biggest news events of the year. Photo: Getty Images

8. Brian Stanley complaint passed to gardai, says Mary Lou McDonald

Brian Stanley's controversial exit from Sinn Fein was another one of the political stories of the year.

This story was about party leader Mary Lou McDonald confirming a disciplinary investigation into Mr Stanley had been passed to An Garda Siochana.

Mr Stanley was subequently elected as an Independent TD in the Laois constituency.

9. Man jailed after woman left in critical hypothermic state following rape in random attack in Cork

In October, a man was jailed following a horrific rape in Co Cork.

A young college student was discovered in an abandoned house in a critical hypothermic state, partially-clothed and covered in cuts and bruises, hours after she had been raped in a random attack.

Her rapist, Mihail Ciorici (41) was jailed for 11 years on Wednesday by Justice Paul McDermott at the Central Criminal Court.

10. 'A monster in our home': Wife of ex-garda tells of abuse 'horror' over 12-year period

In March, an ex-garda and soldier was convicted of his wife and stepsons.

Mark Doyle (38), with a previous address at Corbally Paddocks, Newbridge, Co Kildare, admitted five counts of assault causing harm to Meav Doyle and two counts of assaulting two of her sons causing them harm, on dates between September 2007 and August 2019.
Sunday, December 29, 2024

Chang Ches recent essay in The New Yorker magazine was a quite a fascinating read. The article was based on Ches conversations with a Shanghai-based Chinese professor of history, Xiao Gongqin, who said he had predicted Trumps win in this years presidential election. The basis of that forecast was Xiaos observation that the woke left in America had overreached, and that a Trump victory was necessary to provide the firm leadership required to counterbalance those liberal excesses.

Professor Xiao is said to have originated the concept of strongman politics called neo-authoritarianism. According to Che, Xiaos work in the early 1980s studying Chinas first major attempt at democracy led to the birth of his theory. While some of Xiaos liberal colleagues were inspired by the liberalization efforts, what he saw was complete and utter chaos. The National Assembly couldnt do anything except mess things up, he told Che, adding that The parties would just go at each other with total disregard for the nations interests. Those observations led Xiao to conclude that his country lacked the software system for democracy: a civil society, a rule of law, a culture of political bargaining and compromise.

Fortunately for Americans, our Founding Fathers built a robust software system for our democracy. But, the culture of political bargaining and compromise, which Xiao thought was a key missing ingredient in China, has become a rarity in Washington in recent years as well. Large numbers of Americans today feel as frustrated with Congress as Xiao did with the chaos in the Chinese National Assembly back then. According to Che, Xiao told him that In order to have democracy, there must be civil society. A civil society requires economic prosperity; economic prosperity requires political stability; and political stability requires a strongman.

Xiaos contention that strongman rule is a prerequisite for political stability is something that I found quite intriguing. America attracts massive amounts of capital and talent from all over the world mainly because of its rare combination of rule of law and stable politics. But there is no historical evidence that this country has ever been ruled by a strongman. That calls Xiaos argument into question.

Xiao himself is said to be having second thoughts about his theory lately. As Che puts it, Xiao had envisioned a case of enlightened rule for a period by a dictator in China who would set in motion the type of economic transformation that brings about social stability, to be followed by a graceful exit of the leader. But, according to Che, the iron grip that Chinas President Xi Jinping has on Chinese society today has given Xiao pause. With Xi Jinpings scrapping of presidential term limits, his crackdown on civil society and restrictions on freedom of expression, there no longer seems to be, in Xiaos view, much hope in the prospects for democracy in China anytime soon. That, says Che, has led Xiao to conclude that authoritarianism has its own problems.

Che writes that by its open nature, a democracy is always at risk of welcoming dangerous ideas into its culture and hastening its demise. He says that it was this fear that led Xiao to embrace authoritarianism. Xiaos hope was that a strongman in China would be more effective at weeding out those bad ideas and saving the country from the dangers they pose. According to Che, in his recent conversation with Xiao following Trumps victory, Xiao admitted that for his theory to hold water, a neo-authoritarian leader must be wise, and [yet] he may not be. In the words of Che, Once you pin your hopes on a justice-delivering strongman, he may take the righteous path, or he may not. The only certainty is that he has control.

That last sentence is a downright scary thought. My longstanding worry about authoritarianism is that you never know what you are going to get with a human being. If the hoped-for enlightened ruler turns out to be a monster, the last thing anyone in that society wants is for the vile tyrant to have total control over the population.

For every Lee Kuan Yew, there are a thousand Bashar al-Assads. The odds are always extremely long that a society that experiments with authoritarianism will get the former type of leader, and not the latter. The multitude of tyrannies around the world today shows how perilous it is for any nation to make this leap of faith. Personally, I much prefer to live in a country where political power is widely dispersed.

As Americans, we must count ourselves extremely lucky that at that critical juncture in our nations history, we had a group of wise men, not a single despot, who designed the Constitution that gave us our robust institutions. Admittedly, some of those men were flawed human beings, but what they all possessed, in addition to their wisdom, was that rare ability to bargain and compromise. Because of their creation, America today is largely a self-correcting society. Through regular elections, the citizens are able to express their preferences and remedy whatever it is they see going wrong in the country. Periodically, the pendulum does swing too far in one direction, but there is some invisible that always pulls the nation back to the middle. In Xiaos view, a neo-authoritarian in the form of Trump was needed to deal with out-of-control political correctness in America. In reality, no such autocrat is required in this country. The people are more than capable of resolving the issue themselves.

Because of the messiness of democratic governance, it can be quite tempting to subscribe to this neo-authoritarianism theory. As I thought more about Xiaos concept after reading the essay, it dawned on me that his desired strongman actually doesnt have to be in the form of a human being. America has managed to enjoy political stability pretty much throughout its history because of its strong institutions. In essence, the Constitution is our strongman.
Britney Spears is set to launch her jewellery collection in 2025.

Britney Spears has teased her business plans for 2025

The 42-year-old pop superstar announced plans earlier this year to create the B Tiny brand, and on Saturday (28.12.24) morning, she took to Instagram once again to tease what she has planned for next year.

She wrote on Instagram: "Obviously I have been showing spin offs of the collection B Tiny !!!! My collection is set to come sometime next year !!! We added belly rings to it yesterday !!! Ideas and inspiration !!!

The 'Toxic' hitmaker has taken inspiration from some bracelets that she found in Mexico but joked that those ones were too expensive for what they actually were.

She said: "These tiny exquisite bracelets were found in a deep hidden treasure spot in Mexico !!! So freaking cool !!! Psss I had to share because they inspired me but GEEZ they were like 400 dollars for each one !!! I was like . Its a string."

Britney - who regained control of her multimillion dollar fourtne and various aspects of her life when a conservatorship that had been governed by her family was terminated in 2021 - shot to fame in the late 1990s with '...Baby One More Time' and went on to release a further nine albums but hasn't released a new record since 'Glory' in 2016 and recently admitted thwarted rumours of a musical comeback.

She wrote on Instagram: "Just so were clear most of the news is trash !!! They keep saying Im turning to random people to do a new album  I will never return to the music industry !!!

"When I write, I write for fun or I write for other people !!!

"For those of you who have read my book, theres loads that you dont know about me  Ive written over 20 songs for other people the past two years !!! Im a ghostwriter and I honestly enjoy it that way !!! (sic)"
James Denton relished his "big send-off" from 'Desperate Housewives'.

James Denton starred on the show between 2004 and 2012

The 61-year-old actor played Mike Delfino on the hit TV drama between 2004 and 2012, and James didn't have any qualms when Mike was killed in a drive-by shooting during season eight of the show.

He told PEOPLE: "I love that people are really sweet. Almost everyone I talk to comments on the fact that they cried when Delfino got shot, but it was set up brilliantly by the writer Matt Berry and Marc Cherry."

James acknowledges 'Desperate Housewives' had a reputation for being "salacious".

But the actor also suggested that the perception is actually misguided.

He said: "The guys joked the entire run, 'Who was gonna get killed,' you know, because for all of the talk about 'Housewives' being so salacious, there wasn't that much sex - but there was a lot of murder."

'Desperate Housewives' also starred the likes of Teri Hatcher, Felicity Huffman and Eva Longoria, and Eva previously admitted that the show changed her life entirely.

The brunette beauty - who played Gabrielle Solis on the show - said on 'Today with Hoda and Jenna': "It was a decade of my life and it was the No. 1 show in the world.

"I just remember the first time I went to London, I had never been to London before and there was a big crowd of people outside the hotel, and I was like, Gosh, whos here? Is Bono here? Somebody important must be here! And the driver was like,  You And I was like, No, somebody like, big. Like a big deal!'

"And he didnt understand that I didnt understand. The global reach of that show, at the time where there was no streaming."
Rebel Wilson has married Ramona Agruma for a second time.

Rebel Wilson has married Ramona Agruma for a second time

The 44-year-old actress initially tied the knot with her long-term partner Ramona in a ceremony held on the Italian island of Sardinia in September but she revealed on Saturday (28.12.24) that they had also said their vows in her native Australia so her grandmother could attend the special day.

She wrote on Instagram: "My sister Liberty officiated our legal wedding in Sydney! It meant my 94 year old grandmother Gar could come which was very special to us to have her included and just felt right to do it in my hometown at this glorious time of the year!"

The 'Senior Year' star - who has two-year-old daughter Royce with Latvia-born Ramona - had originally planned to marry in 2025, they had brought their plans forward and were looking forward to a "very elegant" ceremony in Europe.

A source told DailyMail.com: Rebel doesn't want to wait any longer, she is happy to marry this month because she is very much in love with Ramona and wants to be wed.

"It will be a small ceremony with close friends and family, and also very elegant."

The 'Pitch Perfect' actress went public with her romance with Ramona in June 2022, sharing a selfie of them together on Instagram.

She captioned the post: "I thought I was searching for a Disney Prince but maybe what I really needed all this time was a Disney Princess [heart and rainbow emojis] #loveislove."

Rebel also used Instagram to announce she and Ramona had got engaged last year when she posted two photos of herself and her girlfriend wearing matching pink tops at Disneyland.

She captioned the images: "We said YES! Thank you @tiffanyandco for the stunning ring and to Bob Iger and the incredible team at Disneyland @disneyweddings for pulling off this magical surprise!"
Stephen Fry became "afraid" of making basic movements after he fell from a stage in 2023.

Stephen Fry suffered a fall in September 2023

The 67-year-old actor battled chronic pain after he fell at The O2 in London, and Stephen has admitted that it changed his entire approach to life for a period of time.

Stephen - who is now off medication and pain free - told BBC Radio 4's 'Today' programme: "You almost call it a friend and say 'It's OK, I know why you're there' and you're not a failure on the part of evolution, or God, or whatever you want to call nature."

The veteran actor discussed his health troubles with Professor Irene Tracey, the vice-chancellor of the University of Oxford, who has dedicated her career to exploring the treatment of pain.

He asked her: "Are we wrong to believe that it's rather British to think that pain is something that should be endured?"

Stephen also observed that people sometimes believe "we should suffer if we have this injury, that it is the natural course".

The actor suffered his fall in September 2023, and he subsequently acknowledged that he was "very fortunate" to still be able to walk.

Stephen said on 'Good Morning Britain': "It was pretty nasty. I broke my leg in two places, my pelvis in four places and a bunch of ribs, so it was really quite serious.

"I was giving this lecture. When I finished I took my bow and walked off stage not knowing that the bulk of the stage I was walking on had a six foot drop onto concrete. It was grim.

"The orthopedic surgeon made it clear that he was dealing with people who had had a fall from lesser heights, who might not walk again.

"The two things that you don't want to hit are your skull or your spine. And I was very fortunate that I didn't, so there was no suggestion of either cognitive impairment."
Celebrating Helsinki Day with a dinner under the sky. Photo: Svante Gullichsen, Helsinki Partners

HELSINKI, Dec. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Next year, Helsinki promises a remarkable cultural program celebrating Finnish design, art, architecture, and storytelling. From the grand reopening of the iconic Finlandia Hall to the magical 80th anniversary of the beloved Moomins, the year will be filled with exhibitions, celebrations, and international events.

The newly renovated Finlandia Hall, a masterpiece of modern architecture, will reopen in January with exciting new offerings, inviting visitors to explore themes of identity and creativity. Meanwhile, the timeless Moomin stories, created by Tove Jansson, continue to welcome everyone into imaginative worlds where joy and acceptance are at the heart of every tale. As summer unfolds, the Helsinki Biennial will bring art and nature into dialogue under the theme "Shelter", transforming the Esplanade park and Vallisaari island into a stage for thought-provoking works. In autumn, Helsinki Design Week -celebrating its 20th anniversary- will highlight creativity and explore happiness as a design principle, envisioning a brighter, more hopeful future. Whether you are a local or a visitor from afar, Helsinki warmly invites you to experience its vibrant cultural scene, where creativity and inspiration are always close at hand.

Renovated Finlandia Hall seen from above. Photo: Tuomas Uusheimo, Helsinki Partners

Step Inside a Classic: Finlandia Hall Returns with New Experiences

Designed by Alvar Aalto and completed in 1971, Finlandia Hall is one of Finland's most renowned modern architectural creations. Following an extensive renovation, the building-formerly known primarily as a venue for congresses and events-will reopen on January 4th with an array of new services, including unique accommodation facilities, a bistro restaurant, and a wine cafe.

A permanent exhibition will open at Finlandia Hall in June 2025, offering an experiential exploration of both Finnish identity and the life's work and creative inspirations of Alvar, Aino, and Elissa Aalto. The exhibition provides an opportunity to gain deep insights into Alvar Aalto's legacy and design principles. The exhibition also offers visitors a chance to engage in their own creative experiments inspired by Alvar, Aino, and Elissa. Visitors can also admire contemporary Finnish art from the HAM, Helsinki Art Museum collections displayed throughout the building. The newly renovated Finlandia Hall warmly invites both locals and visitors to step inside, explore Aalto's architectural masterpiece, and enjoy local flavors, concerts, and events.

80 years of Moomin: Tove Jansson's Art and Imagination on Display in Helsinki

It all began with the first tale, The Moomins and the Great Flood, published in 1945. Written by Tove Jansson in Helsinki during World War II as a fairytale to comfort herself in dark times, the story follows Moominmamma and Moomintroll as they find a new home in Moominvalley. There, a tall blue house stands-a joyful and welcoming place where everyone is accepted, no matter who they are or when they arrive.

Helsinki celebrates this anniversary year with two major exhibitions. The festivities opened with Tove Jansson - Paradise (25.10.2024-6.4.2025) at HAM Helsinki Art Museum. This exhibition delves into her public paintings, showcasing how Jansson created joy, beauty, and windows into magical worlds through her art. The celebrations will culminate in October 2025 with an exhibition at the Architecture and Design Museum Helsinki. This exhibition will provide a unique perspective on Tove Jansson's world, how she perceived architecture and design in her life and how these elements come to life in the stories of Moominvalley. The door is always open.

Vallisaari Island is one of the main locations of Helsinki Biennial. Photo: Matti Pyykko / HAM / Helsinki Biennial

Helsinki Biennial brings art on land and at sea

Helsinki Biennial 2025 is a summer-long celebration of art, hosted with a big heart across three venues: Vallisaari Island, Esplanade Park, and HAM Helsinki Art Museum. Taking place from June 8 to September 21, 2025, the third edition will feature works by around 35 artists, with roughly half of the pieces being site-specific commissions premiering in Helsinki. Curated by Blanca de la Torre and Kati Kivinen, the biennial explores the delicate relationship between humankind and nature under the theme "Shelter". Committed to sustainability and lasting impact, Helsinki Biennial also aims to leave a legacy by permanently showcasing selected artworks around the city. The full program, including the artist lineup, works, and sponsors, will be unveiled in spring 2025.

Helsinki Design Week 2024 opening party. Photo: Justus Hirvi, Helsinki Design Week

Helsinki Design Week: A Celebration of Design and Happiness

Helsinki Design Week 2025 invites international guests to celebrate the diversity of design. The theme for the year, "Celebration", encourages reflection on achievements and envisioning the future with optimism and hope. The main exhibition and symposium, "How to Design Happiness", focuses on the concept of happiness, offering a fresh perspective through the lens of design. Combining international and local elements, the exhibition will highlight the role of design in shaping well-being and will be curated by a prominent figure to be announced in early 2025.

The program features diverse flagship events, including Design Market, Open Studios, and PechaKucha Night, alongside innovative symposium talks and satellite events that showcase various design fields. Helsinki Design Week 2025 will also revisit some of its best moments from previous years, emphasizing Helsinki's role as a global hub for design and architecture.

The five entries selected to the Stage 2. Photo: Finland's New Museum of Architecture and Design

Architecture and Design Museum

A new museum dedicated to architecture and design is set to open in Helsinki in 2030. Designed to be a must-visit destination for architecture and design enthusiasts, the museum will also serve as a hub for learning, sharing, and exploration for all curious minds. The new building, located in Helsinki's historic South Harbour, will be chosen through an open, international, and anonymous two-stage competition, which began on April 15, 2024. The first stage concluded on August 29, 2024, with an impressive 624 submissions. The 5 selected entries advancing to Stage 2 were revealed in 18.12.2024, and the final results will be announced in September 2025. In the meantime, visitors can enjoy inspiring exhibitions at the museum's current premises.

Find out more on MyHelsinki.fi, your local guide to discovering Helsinki's most inspiring sights, events, and novelties - the site will be renewed in early 2025 to serve you even better.



More information and images:

Vappu Manty

Director, PR & Communications

vappu.manty@helsinkipartners.com

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Oliwia Biela ( Szczekot ) and Cygalle Dias at New York Fashion week



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Since its inception in 2020, Oliwia Biela PR has carved out a leading role through its unparalleled PR and brand development services. The agency enjoys trusted collaborations with over 800 prestigious publications, ensuring that every brand captures the attention it deserves. The company's offerings transcend standard PR practices, featuring cutting-edge tools for TV channels and robust social media growth strategies. Additionally, they bring unmatched expertise in event planning and advertising, with exclusive billboard placements in landmark locations such as Times Square, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Houston, Palm Beach, and Miami.





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Oliwia Biela is a multifaceted and creative powerhouse, originating from Poland and honed in Hamburg, Germany. Her academic pursuits at the University of Hamburg and University of Hagen laid a strong foundation in communication that drives her PR prowess. In 2016, she took a bold leap to New York City to dazzle the art world with her abstract creations, showcased in galleries across the U.S. and at Art Basel Miami. Her background in social economics and psychology complements her business ventures, leading to the successful foundation of Oliwia Biela PR. Moreover, Oliwia is a recognized lifestyle influencer and a prolific writer for entrepreneur.com, Medium, and her lifestyle blog "How to Get the Bubbles."

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There are no signs of foul play at this stage. The exact cause of death will be ascertained after the post-mortem, said a police source as quoted by The New Indian Express read more

Malayalam actor Dileep Shankar was found dead in his hotel room in a shocking incident. The cost of death is yet to be revealed.

There are no signs of foul play at this stage. The exact cause of death will be ascertained after the post-mortem, said a police source as quoted by The New Indian Express.

More details are awaited.
After the teaser of Global Star Ram Charans upcoming film Game Changer became an instant blockbuster with fans and audiences raving about it, the recent pre-release event in Dallas (USA) further hyped the film. The filmmakers have spent around Rs 75 crore on the songs. Picturesque locations, lavishness and grandeur in sets, stunning dance moves, vibrant music, aesthetic lyrics and production design make the songs of Game Changer a magnificent visual extravaganza.

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Major Highlights Of Songs:

1. Jaragandi song was shot for over 13 days in a specially built 70 feet hill-village set. Shot with around 600 dancers for 8 days, Prabhu Dheva choreographed the dance moves. He worked out of gratitude for director Shankar since the latter was the one who launched him as an actor. Interestingly, for the first time, eco-friendly costumes were used for the song designed by Ashwin-Rajesh. The material used in the costume was Jampanara (jute).

2. Raa Macha Macha is an introduction song of Ram Charan in the film choreographed by Ganesh Acharya. The song is a tribute to Indian dance forms & folklore art and features more than 1000 folk dancers alongside the actor. A tribute to Indias rich culture, the song showcases a wide array of folk dances from different regions including:

1) Gussadi  Adilabad; Kommu Koya and Tappeta Gullu (AP)

2) Chaau - West Bengal

3) Ghumra - Orissa - matilkala

4) Goravara - Kunitha(Karnataka)

5) Kummukoya - Srikakulam

6) Ranapa - Orissa

7) Paika - Jharkhand

8) Halakki - Vokkaliga - Karnataka.

9) Thapitha Gullu - Vijaynagaram

10) Durua - Orissa

3. NaaNaa Hyraanaa is the first Indian song to be shot on infrared camera which has the ability to bring out various colours making it a dreamy sequence. The song, which was shot on Ram Charan and Kiara Advani in the picturesque locations in New Zealand, is a fusion of western and Carnatic sounds. It is described as the melody of the year. Manish Malhotra designed the costumes for the song. Music composer Thaman came up with a unique programming idea to bring a different modality to create a unique sound with a lot of monotones. The song, which was shot in 6 days featuring several dancers from the country, beautifully captures the purity and innocence of intense love.

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4. Dhop song is a techno dance number. It was shot during the covid second wave. Around 100 professional dancers were specially brought in from Russia in a special flight for the song which was shot lavishly for over 8 days in three different lavish sets in RFC. Manish Malhotra designed the costumes for the song. With catchy lyrics, and impressive choreography, the lyrical video of Dhop also has futuristic visuals. Ram Charan and Kiara Advani set the screen on fire with sizzling dance moves.

5. The 5th song is the surprise package  the filmmakers wanted the audiences to watch it on the silver screen and feel the thrill. The song was shot amid Godavari backdrop.

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Before we say goodbye to 2024, we are looking back at the stories that our readers loved the most. Heres what caught your eyes read more

The then Republican presidential candidate President Donald Trump is surrounded by US Secret Service agents after an assassination attempt at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, July 13, 2024. File Photo/AP

2024 is nearing its end. As the New Year approaches, it is pertinent to take a look back at the year about to become the past.

We are all excited to welcome 2025, hoping it will be a better year. But before it knocks on our door, we flip the pages to check which stories our readers preferred the most.

Here are the explainers that caught your eye and kept you hooked.

1. South Korea continued to hit international headlines this year. The country was plunged into uncertainty after its now-impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law, which was later withdrawn.

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While South Korea deals with the aftermath of Yoons decision, the East Asian nation is staring at a crisis threatening its existence. South Korea could become the first country to disappear amid a worsening fertility crisis. We explain in this story what is going on.

2. In a big jolt for Indian companies, Switzerland announced its plan to revoke the Most-Favoured Nation (MFN) status with India from January 1, 2025. The term is used in international trade agreements to ensure that a country offers the best possible treatment or tariff rates to another nation.

The Swiss finance department in its official statement in early December cited the Indian Supreme Courts ruling in the Nestle case as the reason for this unilateral decision. Heres our detailed report on the development.

A Supreme Court ruling during a long-standing case between AO v. Nestle SA over the interpretation of the MFN status ultimately resulted in Switzerland withdrawing the status. File Photo/Reuters

3. 2024 was a violent year. Be it stabbings, airstrikes on innocent civilians or mass shootings, the world witnessed horrific scenes. In the United Kingdom, a 17-year-old boy stabbed to death three young girls in the seaside town of Southport, near Liverpool.

The stabbing incident triggered anti-Muslim riots in parts of the UK. The attacker was identified as Axel Muganwa Rudakubana, who was described as shy and introverted by his neighbours. But why did the teen attack the three young girls  aged six, seven and nine  and injure five others at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event for children? We explain in this story.

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4. Israel and Iran came quite close to an all-out war this year. The West Asian countries carried out tit-for-tat missile strikes, with concerns rising of a wider conflict in the region. The shadow war between Israel and Iran has burst into the open since Hamas attack on Israel last October.

Israel has weakened Irans so-called Axis of Resistance, including Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon and Houthis in Yemen.

In October, Israel launched three waves of overnight strikes on Iran in retaliation to Tehran launching at least 180 missiles into Israel earlier that month. While there is a lull in tensions now, we explore who has the bigger and better military.

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5. While you might not get to travel abroad, countries like the UK and Schengen nations are raking in millions by rejecting visas. As per Lago Collectives data, the European Union nations and the UK made nearly $200 million last year in rejected visa application fees.

The fees, also known as reverse remittances, are non-refundable. Experts say low and middle-income nations have the highest rejection rates. We take a look at this in one of the most-read explainers of this year.

6. Donald Trump, who is set to return as the United States president for a second non-consecutive term in January, survived two apparent assassination attempts in two months during his election campaigning.

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During the first such bid in July, the gunman, identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, fired at Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The shooter and one audience member died.

A man holds a sign with a picture of Thomas Crooks, following a shooting during a rally in which Republican presidential nominee and former US President Donald Trump was injured, outside the Republican National Convention (RNC), in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, US, July 17, 2024. File Photo/Reuters

Dramatic photos of a defiant and bloodied Trump surviving the attack had emerged, giving a small boost to his favourability ratings.

But who was this young shooter and how was he killed? We explain in this story.

7. It was a year of elections. India was among the countries that went to the ballots to elect a new government. The Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) returned to power for a third consecutive term, although with a reduced mandate in the Lok Sabha polls.

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While this came as a surprise for many, Mumbais low voter turnout did not. Indias financial capital is notorious for not turning up to vote. But why? Heres our report examining the matter.

8. New Zealand has a big problem at hand. Its citizens are leaving the country as it witnesses record-breaking migration losses. In the year leading up to April 2024, New Zealand recorded a net migration loss of 56,500 citizens.

A significant number of its nationals are moving to Australia. Some attribute this to Kiwis seeking overseas experience and better living conditions abroad. We explain in this story what is going on.

9. Women in an Indonesian village are getting into pleasure marriages. The practice in Puncak involves young women from low-income families entering short-term marriages with male tourists in return for money.

A brief, informal wedding ceremony is held with the consent of both parties, after which the man gives the woman a bride price. These pleasure marriages have come under scrutiny as some tourists are using them to exploit local women. Read more about it in our explainer.

10. India was embarrassed yet again by the treatment of women. Smriti Singh, the young widow of Kirti Chakra awardee Captain Anshuman Singh, was subjected to lewd remarks on social media after her photograph at Rashtrapati Bhavan accepting an award on behalf of her late husband went viral.

As this stirred an uproar against the men who made the comments, the National Commission for Women (NCW) intervened, asking the Delhi Police to take action. Captain Anshuman, serving in the 26 Punjab Regiment, was a medical officer in the Indian Army who died last year in a major fire in Siachen. Heres .

11. Incest is rising in the US. Seen as taboo in most cultures, incest is a sexual relationship between close relatives, including half-siblings, aunts, uncles, and so on. Research using popular genealogical tests has revealed that the prevalence of incest in America stands at one in 7,000, a much higher level than previously thought.

The numbers are shocking since the 1975 estimate was at one in a million. Babies born of incest are more susceptible to birth abnormalities, developmental delays, and genetic illnesses. We take a look at this in our explainer.

12. A major sex scandal involving a high-ranking official in Equatorial Guinea emerged in November. Baltasar Engonga, who was the director general of Equatorial Guineas National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF), was arrested for allegedly recording more than 400 sex tapes involving him and the wives of prominent people in the country.

The scandal came to light amid an economic fraud probe into the 54-year-old economist. Heres our report on the issue.

This is all we have for you in our yearly wrap. If you like the way we explain things, you can bookmark this page.
Supremacy over global networks and leveraging it to control the flow of goods, information, and capital constitute the hallmarks of Cold War 2.0 instead of dividing the world into blocks over ideology and territory read more

In the post-Covid geopolitical churning, Cold War 2.0 has emerged as the most influential jargon among the geostrategic and geo-economic experts. Cold War 2.0 implies a new phase of strategic competition and rivalry between the democratic countries of the West led by the US and autocratic powers led by China and Russia, including other nations like North Korea and Iran. The expression Cold War reminds any lay observer of the post-Second World War cold war between the US and USSR, which unleashed a bipolar world order until 1991, when Soviet Russia disintegrated, leaving the US with its unipolar moment.

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Quite Different

However, the current phase of strategic competition between the so-called democratic powers and autocratic powers cannot be described as a redux or replica of the previous Cold War, as there are many fundamental differences between the two. First and foremost, in Cold War 2.0, there are no clear-cut blocks and alliances. For example, in the South Caucasus, autocratic and Islamist Iran supports Armenia, an orthodox Christian nation, against Islamic Azerbaijan, supported by Turkey. American tilt towards Armenia, supported by their arch enemy Iran, is visible; however, the US remains friends with Turkey and Azerbaijan. Russias bonhomie is growing with Azerbaijan and Turkey as Armenias tilt towards the West annoys Moscow. However, Moscows friend Iran supports Armenia. In another interesting equation, democratic Israel supports dictatorial Azerbaijan with weapons against democratic Armenia, supported by the US, Israels ally.

Another example of these overlapping friendships is the Syrian conflict theatre, where Americans have allegedly supported Turkey and its Islamist proxy HTS against the Assad regime. How supporting an Islamist terror group against a legitimate dictatorial government can bolster the cause of democracy remains a million-dollar question. Interestingly, Russia, despite its proximity to Turkey in the dictator-democracy debate and South Caucasus geopolitics, feels betrayed by Ankara in Syria. China, the US adversary, remains friends with all the countries in the South Caucasus, i.e., Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan.

Further, the US and China are projected as the main adversaries in Cold War 2.0 in the global geopolitical framework. However, both countries are the largest trade partners of each other. Beijing also has robust trade and investment ties with major Western economies. The US position vis-a-vis India is also very complex. The US perceives democratic India as its main ally and bulwark in the Asia-Pacific against the expanding Chinese influence; however, there is a lack of mutual trust between the two countries. Its robust ties with Pakistan, Indias archrival and Chinas all-weather friend, discomfort India.

Also, the US deep states alleged promotion of anti-India activities includes a highly critical attitude of its civil society and academia on the issues of minority rights, Kashmir, democracy, and fundamental freedoms. Also, its tacit soft approach towards the Khalistan movement and sheltering of Khalistani extremist ideologues like Gurpatwant Singh Pannun has further strained the bilateral ties. Most recently, the US suspicious role in the ouster of pro-India Sheikh Hasina by supporting Islamic radicals of Jamaat-e-Islami has enraged and alarmed India.

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On the question of China, despite its boundary dispute with Beijing, Delhi has thriving trade ties with China and is most unlikely to commit itself to the Western camp. Adding further to the Wests unease, India remains a robust friend of Russia and one of the largest buyers of Russian oil. Interestingly, India-Russia ties appear to be revitalised in the Modi government with new energy.

The Global South and other powerful economic and political entities, such as ASEAN, New Zealand, Australia, South Korea, and Japan, also maintain strong economic ties with China and the West. Apparently, they prefer to strike a cautious balance between the two sides.

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Secondly, in Cold War 2.0, unlike the ideological and territorial fault lines and demarcations, a characteristic feature of the first Cold War, the rivalry spans into other domains, most notably the mastery over critical technologies such as semiconductors, quantum computing, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and space. The competition is for centrality over infrastructure, digital production, and finance networks. Digital technology is the backbone of competitiveness in controlling these networks. Supremacy over global networks and leveraging it to control the flow of goods, information, and capital constitute the hallmarks of Cold War 2.0 instead of dividing the world into blocks over ideology and territory. Undoubtedly, ideological and territorial factors remain significant but are not the single most important determinants.

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Critical Technologies

Technology happens to be not only the most critical battleground in Cold War 2.0. but also mastery over these critical technologies enables a country to deepen its geostrategic and geoeconomic footprint. Artificial intelligence will profoundly impact geopolitics because it is at the forefront of this new battleground. As an accelerator technology, the AI will determine global dominance. AI in intelligence and military domains can revolutionise the world of security, warfare, counterterrorism, information, and propaganda war. It can improve efficiency and decision-making in complex military operations by analysing vast amounts of data, simulating adversary behaviour, automating, reconnaissance, target-identification, information gathering, speed enhancement, and precision. Also, AI can jam signals, disable missile guidance, and change the enemy forces data feeds. And its integration with civilian uses can enhance a nations Comprehensive National Power (CNP).

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China has launched comprehensive AI development programs in this tech war, viz, Made in China 2025 and the New Generation AI Development Plan. However, its top-down approach significantly hinders innovative temper, which comes from a bottom-up approach. Rigid bureaucratic control and strict adherence to government dictates discourage scientists from experimenting. Secondly, China faces a deficit in critical technology chip-making equipment, leading to heavy import dependence. Nevertheless, China cannot be underestimated due to its control over supply chains, rare earth minerals, critical mineral processing technology, and vast industrial capacity. Such an edge can give it an edge in the cost dimensions of high-tech weapons. Further, Chinas strategic alliance with Russia can help it synergise their scientific, economic, and technological capabilities. Also, this alliance will play an instrumental role in heralding a multipolar world order.

On the other hand, the US will curb Chinas rise as a tech power by restricting Chinese access to critical technologies, imposing sanctions, and limiting US investments in Chinese tech firms. Through its arc of democratic allies like Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and the Netherlands, the US will counter Chinas rise in semiconductors and chip-making. However, complex interdependencies are likely to hinder the emergence of clear-cut opponent blocks. For example, South Korea and Australia have vibrant economic ties with China. In the case of Taiwan, the US adheres to the One China principle, and its stance on the Taiwan-China relationship is complex. Taiwan produces 70 per cent of the worlds advanced chips, and control over it can be a powerful tool of economic coercion.

Cyberwar is another critical domain of new-age warfare. Advanced capabilities in the cyber domain have become a game changer in espionage, influence operations, and war. At low costs, they can unleash massive damage on the adversary. Russias cyberattacks on critical infrastructure, financial systems, and electronic grids in Ukraine clearly demonstrate how cyber capabilities can inflict enormous damage at low costsother advanced cyber capabilities in hacking, spoofing, encrypting communications, and tracking digital communications. Electronic warfares lethal effect became spectacularly known to the world in the recent radio and pager attacks of Israel against Hezbollah. Electronic signals detonated explosive devices concealed in pagers and mobiles. Such innovations have unleashed a significant debate on the privacy and safety of ordinary citizens.

In Cold War 2.0, the nuclear arms race is back with renewed vigour and enhanced capabilities in the form of nuclear-powered drones and submarines, hypersonic missiles, and long-range ICBMs with enhanced nuclear payload capacities. Russias revised nuclear posture allows it to use tactical nukes against conventional threats. In 2024, President Vladimir Putin announced further modifications to the doctrine, indicating an increased reliance on nuclear weapons for coercion and deterrence in the context of the war in Ukraine.

Russia also mentioned that it would use nuclear forces if a conventional attack posed a critical threat to the sovereignty of the country. Most recently, after Ukraines use of British Storm Shadow and US-made ATACMS missiles, Russia retaliated with the Orshanik, an ICBM with nuclear capabilities. Iran, on the verge of developing nuclear weapons, poses an imminent existential threat to Israel. In South Asia, the India-Pakistan conflict theatre is another sensitive nuclear flashpoint.

A crucial point to discuss while deliberating upon the tech war is the role of non-state terrorist actors in Cold War 2.0. In Cold War 2.0, amidst the revival of nation-state rivalries, the non-state terrorist actors have retained their utility and lethality both. They serve as proxy entities of nation-states, as seen in the case of the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, Kashmir, etc. With the emergence of failed and dysfunctional badlands like Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Syria, Bangladesh, and many African countries ruled by multiple factions of Islamist terror groups, the chances of non-state actors getting access to sensitive AI, chemical weapons, biotech, and nuclear technology have increased multifold. Besides, the non-state actors have enhanced their capabilities by using advanced encrypted communication technology and blockchain technology, particularly for terror funding.

India and the Tech War

The picture appears dismal regarding Indias overall place in the global tech war. On one hand, where countries like China, Russia, and the US are massively investing in critical technologies, India remains far behind in quality and quantity. Mainly, the quality of research and innovation in universities and research centres in India presents a gloomy picture. Young students expected to join science and technology lack sufficient motivation. They aspire to bureaucratic and administrative positions that give status and power in Indias society, heavily influenced by feudal and colonial baggage. Besides, lack of funding and sufficient job opportunities hinder the advancements in science and technology. Talented Indian youth prefer to migrate to Western universities and find a job there. Indias security establishment is heavily dominated by career bureaucrats and police officers with a generalist understanding, leaving no space for domain experts coming through lateral entry. Even if they join, they are not treated on par with career bureaucrats.

Finally, three questions remain: First, is technology itself a big challenge to the edifice of the Cold War 2.0 ideological debate of democracy versus dictatorship? With the help of advanced digital technologies and AI, outcomes and electoral processes in democracies can be compromised and sabotaged. Penetrative surveillance technology poses a major threat to privacy and freedom, the premise of democratic systems. Algorithm-based massive social media influence campaigns can significantly alter public sentiments and election results. Given that, the second question arises: Which poses a bigger challenge to democracytechnology and global tech giants or nation-states?

Third, with the ongoing global conflicts and likely escalation of conflicts in widespread global flashpoints, is it not reasonable to ask that Cold War 2.0 is entering a phase of World War 3? Seen retrospectively, it can be argued that Cold War 2.0 began with Russias invasion of Georgia in 2008.

The author is a policy analyst specialising in counterterrorism, Indian foreign policy and Afghanistan-Pakistan geopolitics. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not represent the stand of this publication.
While Pakistan now accuses the Afghan Taliban of giving sanctuaries to the Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan, it does not reflect on the fact that it had itself given the Afghan Taliban sanctuaries and full support, which enabled them to outlast the US and its allies in the forever war read more

The use of terror to achieve foreign policy and security objectives against its immediate neighbours, India and Afghanistan, is a part of Pakistans strategic doctrine. It has been willing to pay any price but has been unwilling to abandon nurturing terrorist groups to be used in a calibrated manner in India and Afghanistan. This is so even when some of the supported groups turned against it and have extracted a heavy toll on its security forces.

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In his media conference of December 27, Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, Director-General, Inter Services Press Relations (DG ISPR), revealed that in the current year, 383 officers and soldiers of Pakistani security forces had lost their lives in counter-terrorism operations. He admitted this number even while boasting that Pakistani security forces had killed 925 terrorists and TTP members this year, and he stressed that this was the highest number of terrorists killed in the last five years.

Incidentally, since July this year, Pakistan no longer refers to the TTP as such but as Fitna al-Khawarij. It is doing so to indicate that they do not represent Islam; the word Khawarij is drawn from Islamic history and seeks to evoke negative sentiments for the TTP by emphasising that they have turned their back on Islam. It is ironic that the term Fitna al-Khawarij applies equally to pro-Pakistan state terror groups such as Lashkar-e-Toiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and the Hizb-e-Mujahideen, for these groups indulge in wanton killings of innocent persons.

No genuine Islamic scholar terms the activities of these groups as sanctioned by the faith. As for the Afghan Taliban, the use of the term Fitna al-Khawarij for the TTP has made no material difference in their support for the TTP. Nor, for that matter, has the attraction of the TTP waned in the Pushtoon areas of Pakistan just because the Pakistani authorities do not call them the TTP anymore.

DG ISPR was vitriolic in criticising the Afghan authorities for not controlling the TTP. He gave an account of all that Pakistan had done for Afghanistan, which is, according to him, a brotherly Islamic neighbour. He charged that Pakistan was clear that it would not allow its citizens or its security forces to be killed by the TTP, which had sanctuaries in Afghanistan. While TTP attacks on Pakistan security forces have been ongoing through the year, there has been a relative spurt in November and December. In the early hours of December 21, the TTP attacked a Pakistani security post in South Waziristan, killing 16 Pakistani soldiers and wounding 8. Pakistan responded by sending a delegation to warn Kabul, and even while it was meeting with Afghan Taliban ministers, the Pakistan Air Force attacked what it claimed were TTP targets. Kabul announced that 46 persons, including women and children, were killed in the Pakistani attack. It vowed to respond.

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While Pakistan now accuses the Afghan Taliban of giving sanctuaries to the TTP, it does not reflect on the fact that it had itself given the Afghan Taliban sanctuaries and full support, which enabled them to outlast the US and its allies in the forever war. Now, it is strange that Pakistani strategists do not realise that the Afghan Taliban would hardly be deterred by its aerial attacks because they had withstood those of the US.

Perhaps, Pakistan feels that it has a hold on some of the Afghan Taliban leadership because of their investments and homes in Pakistani cities. This is truly a mirage because the Afghan Taliban leadership has got integrated within parts of Pakistani society to an extent that its investments are safe. Pakistan is also moving Afghan refugees back to their country. DG ISPR confirmed that 8.25 lakh refugees have been sent across the Durand Line in the past 15 months.

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Pakistans economy has somewhat stabilised in the latter part of the current year. It has secured the 24th IMF loan, but what the economy needs is radical changes, which can only be possible with structural socio-economic transformation. There is no appetite in the Pakistani elites for this. Hence, what is underway is essentially a holding economic operation. This will not make any enduring positive changes because the impoverished, especially the youth, will be attracted to extremist Islamic mazhabs that extol the virtue of jihad. And some of these jihadists such as the TTP, have turned with a vengeance on the army. And it is doubtful if the TTPs fellow travellers in Afghanistan will be willing to abandon them.

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Why is it that Pakistan is willing to pay a great price and yet not give up on the terrorist tanzims? Some Pakistani senior retired army officers say that it is impossible for the army to just march on the headquarters of these tanzims, raze them to the ground, and arrest their leaders. The roots of the tanzims are now deep in sections of Pakistani society. While there is no doubt that the Pakistani security forces and their political class will have to pay a great price in seeking to reduce the influence of the tanzims, the fact is that they do not wish to do so because they continue to be instruments of their state policy. This is notwithstanding that those tanzims, such as the TTP, have over the years not even spared children. This 16th of December marked not only the 53rd anniversary of the fall of Dhaka but also the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attack on the Army Public School in Peshawar in 2014, which led to more than 140 deaths. That had led to widespread grief not only in Pakistan but many school children in India had held vigils in solidarity with those killed in the school attack.

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At his media conference, DG ISPR referred to India in negative terms. This was not surprising. He said that India was engaging in numerous minor transgressions on the Line of Control. He repeated the standard and stale narrative of Indian atrocities in Kashmir and repeated the predictable demand for the implementation of their right of self-determination. He went on to accuse India of following anti-minority, especially anti-Muslim, policies. He called on the global community to take note of what was happening in India. The fact is that Pakistans security issues are arising on its western borders and relate to its relations with Afghanistan. Yet, in his opening remarks, DG ISPR could not resist referring to India. It is this obsession that makes it willing to pay any price on terrorism. That brings this writer to record that this obsession has been there for a long time. He experienced it as the successive paragraphs show.

While the India-Pakistan composite dialogue was being worked out between the diplomats of the two countries in 1997-98, a meeting occurred between the two sides in Colombo in July 1998, on the margins of the SAARC summit. From the beginning of negotiating this complex dialogue process, it was obvious to Indian diplomats that Pakistans basic interest was not in developing a comprehensive relationship that would enable predictable engagement on humanitarian concerns, promote cooperation, and also address contentious issues but to highlight the Jammu and Kashmir situation from their perspective. The negotiations had been ongoing for over a year, and Pakistans obsessive obduracy on J&K at the cost of fostering a full relationship was leading to a degree of exasperation in the Indian negotiators, especially because the Pakistani propaganda machine was projecting the Indian side as obstructionist and not wanting to move the relationship forward.

At the conclusion of these talks, Indian senior diplomats, while officially briefing the media, said that not only individuals but nations too can suffer from neurosis, and Pakistan was neurotic when it came to the J&K issue. Pakistan knew that there was no way it could wrest the then-state from Indian control, but its compulsive obsessions compelled it to hold the welfare of its people, which was strongly linked to normalising ties with India, to ransom. That neurosis continues, and it has crippled Pakistan.

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 those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
Pakistan plans to acquire 40 J-35 stealth fighters from China, marking the first export of Beijings fifth-generation jets to a foreign ally. Meanwhile, considering the three front threats, most analysts believe that the Indian Air Force requires around 50 fighter squadrons read more

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has just announced the formation of a high-level committee to address shortages in the Indian Air Force (IAF). For some time, the IAF has been grappling with the shortages of fighter aircraft, with the squadron strength coming to an all-time low of 30 vis-a-vis the authorised strength of 42. The committee headed by the Defence Secretary will include senior ministry officials, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) chairman Samir V Kamat, and senior IAF officers.

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It will look at the shortage of fighter jets, weapons, and other equipment and suggest solutions, including accelerating indigenous production and selectively inviting foreign collaborations, amid growing security challenges from China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The report is expected in 2-3 months.

Meanwhile, Pakistan plans to acquire 40 J-35 stealth fighters from China, marking the first export of Beijings fifth-generation jets to a foreign ally. It could mean induction by around 2029. That will change the entire air dominance dynamics in the subcontinent. Chinas potential sale of fighter jets to Bangladesh also adds to regional security concerns.

IAF Fighter Shortages

The IAFs forthcoming fighter aircraft shortages had been anticipated as early as 2001. A case for 126 aircraft had been initiated. IAF would then have been very happy to acquire additional Mirage-2000 aircraft with upgraded standards, and these could have been made in India for the world. The French finally closed the Mirage-2000 line in 2006 and offered the Rafale. The final process of selecting the Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) got going in 2008. The Rafale came out as a winner among the six contestants in 2012. But there were complexities of Make in India between Dassault and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Finally, only 36 were bought off-the-shelf in a government-to-government (G2G) deal. Since the Su-30 MKI that began inducting in the early 2000s, 36 Rafales were the only foreign fighters inducted.

LCA Mk1 made its first flight in 2001. It was finally inducted into the IAF in 2015. 24 years after the first flight, the IAF has just two squadrons. The LCA Mk1A, which was to begin inducting in March 2024, is already delayed by a year. IAF was forced to extend the MiG-21 fleet till 2025. In fact, India is one of the last operators of the type.

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The HAL Tejas Mark 2, Medium Weight Fighter (MWF), which will be closer to Rafale in capabilities, is planned to be rolled out by 2025 and have its first flight in 2026. The mass production is planned for 2029. Once again, these are very optimistic figures, considering more so that we are dependent on foreign subsystems.

India is also the only operator of Jaguar aircraft, which we may continue to fly for another 8-10 years. 30 squadrons is a precariously low figure for the threat assessment made by Indias security establishment.

Fifth Generation Fighters

The DRDO-HAL Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) feasibility study was launched in October 2010. In 2015, the basic design configuration of AMCA was finalised and was accepted by IAF in 2016. The design work was completed in 2023, and approval for the 15,000 crore ($1.8 billion) project for prototype development was received in March 2024. The first flight is expected in late 2028. Mass production of the aircraft and induction are planned to start by 2035. From the LCA experience, the above timelines seem very optimistic, and delays should be expected and factored.

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Way Ahead for Fighters

In 2001, India had a 3:1 advantage over Pakistan in fighter numbers. This is now close to 1.6:1. China has a 3:1 advantage over IAF in numbers. Considering the three front threats, most analysts believe that IAF requires around 50 fighter squadrons.

To make good the 42 squadrons first, some urgent steps are required. All 83 ordered LCA Mk1A were to be delivered by 2029. For that to happen, nearly 24 aircraft must now be built every year. Currently we are still at best around 12 LCA a year. Even the proposed third line at Nasik will thus not be sufficient. Another 97 LCA Mk1A are being ordered. All the more, production must quickly go up to 24 aircraft a year. Supply chain issues for GE 404 engines must be resolved quickly. In fact, India must keep a buffer stock.

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LCA Mk2 development must be hastened. Ideally, HAL must find a private partner at this stage itself who can support both basic design work and production. The same arrangement is envisaged with AMCA. The partner must be selected quickly.

Pakistan is working closely with Turkey on their TAI Kaan fifth-generation fighter. They are also in talks with China to buy 40 J-35A fifth-generation fighters. It will be inappropriate for the country with the fourth largest military and soon to be the third largest economy if a financially impoverished Pakistan were to induct fifth-generation fighters earlier than India.

If India has to sit at the global high table, it must make world-class fighter aircraft as China has been doing for some time. A national task force must be created for fighter aircraft design and development. The task force must report directly to the PMO.

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Lastly, and no less importantly, the proposal for a one-time buy of Make in India 114 fighters must be pushed. Even if ordered today, these will be inducted only after 5-6 years. To save time, it should be a G2G deal. Ideally it should be the latest Rafale F4 variant. India has already paid for IAF-specific modifications, and also airbase infrastructure exists. Rafales are already operational, and induction will be fastest. Also, the French are tried and tested partners. We cannot keep putting more eggs in the Russian and US basket. Even after all the above actions, the 42 squadrons will be completed only in 2038 or so.

Force Multipliers: A Critical Requirement

For a continental-sized country like India, 3 large (IL-76-based) and 3 small (DRDO Netra) airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) systems are highly inadequate. Even Pakistan has more AEW&C than India. India has decided to make six more Netra and also develop six larger ones (Netra 2) using pre-owned airliners. Similarly, India has only six flight refuelling aircraft. Six more are being developed indigenously using pre-owned airliners. These two activities will take around six years. Timelines have to be shortened. Also, further planning is required for yet another additional six of each of the two types.

UAS and Drones

Recent conflicts have highlighted the importance of uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) and smaller-sized drones. China is already among the leaders in UAS. Pakistan has not only acquired Chinese Wing Loong II UAS but is manufacturing them under license. Pakistans close Turkey connections open another UAS and drone supply line. India has understood the requirements.

The DRDO TAPAS-BH-201 medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) has been under development for long. India was forced to buy the General Atomics MQ-9B armed High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) UCAVs, by paying nearly $3.5 billion for 31 of them. The deliveries will be undertaken from January 2029 till September 2030.

India has over 100 drone start-ups. Adani Group, in a joint venture with Israels Elbit, is making Hermes 450 and 900 UAS variants in India. India has the capabilities. These need to be harnessed. Many drone components are currently being imported. If orders and production are coordinated, the components can be made in India.

Missiles and Ammunition

Recent conflicts have highlighted the need for modern aerial weapons with precision and range. Even a larger power like Russia was denied air superiority because of modern air defence systems. China is already making world-class aerial missiles, with some having ranges up to 3,400 kilometres. India has done well with aerial missiles (Astra), AD systems (Akash), and air-to-surface missiles (BrahMos). The development of advanced variants has to be pushed.

The second aspect is weapons and kamikaze drone stocking and securing supply chains. It is important to become atmanirbhar on both of these. India must diversify sources in the interim period.

Aero-Engine

The aero-engine development remains another Achilles heel. India is in talks with Safran, Rolls-Royce, and some others to build an aero-engine with Indian intellectual property rights (IPR). This would be an important step, and India must bite the bullet earlier than later. Also, ToT negotiations for the GE-414 engine to be built in India must spell out technologies in great detail. It should not end up as any other license production contract.

Joint Ventures

India has had successful joint ventures (JVs) for radars and missiles with Israeli companies. BrahMos with Russia is a successful JV with greater potential ahead. AK-203 rifles are being made through an Indo-Russian JV. CASA-295W is being built through a JV with the Tata Group. The JV route is better than licensed production, as both partners have a stake in both risks and profits. The government had given approval to 45 companies/JVs operating in the defence sector with foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) just last year. These may be pushed.

Encourage the Private Sector

Indias private sector is now growing big in defence. Many large groups, like Tata, Adani, Mahindra, and Bharat Forge, among many others, are in defence. They are making world-class equipment for global customers, including aero-structures of top aircraft. DRDO and Defence PSUs must also create more JVs with the Indian private sector. There are many private companies in Drones. They need greater hand-holding.

Out-of-the-Box Ideas

As India pushes its Make in India projects with all earnestness, it may have to take some hard interim calls. Indias Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is likely to take some time. India may wish to consider acquiring 2-3 squadrons of interim fifth-generation aircraft. The choice is either to join up with Russians on the Sukhoi Su-57 or impress upon the US to supply the F-35. Another thought is to acquire 12-15 bombers. Russia has reportedly offered the Tu-160M strategic bombers, which could substantially boost the IAFs aerial capabilities.

India is currently sandwiched between the two ends of a vice. Decisions must flow quickly. It is hoped that the high-level MoD committee will come out with good solutions.

The writer is former Director General, Centre for Air Power Studies. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
The parents of OpenAI whistleblower Suchir Balaji are demanding the FBI investigate his death as they dont believe that the 26-year-old died by suicide read more

Balaji came into the spotlight after he raised worries over generative AI and its purported abuse of protected content, warning about the ethical complications in the industry he helped build. Image courtesy: LinkedIn/Suchir Balaji

The family of the OpenAI whistleblower Suchir Balaji are urging the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to probe his mysterious death. The 26-year-old whistleblower was found dead in his San Francisco apartment on November 26. According to The Guardian, Balajis parents are questioning the circumstances of their sons death and refuse to believe that he died by suicide.

They are demanding the FBI investigate his death as they believe that the San Francisco police department lacks the ability to conduct a thorough investigation into a case that includes issues such as cybersecurity and whistleblower protection. I am not grieving, Poornima Ramarao, Balajis mother remarked. I have become numb.

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Police found Balaji dead in the apartment after Ramarao failed to get in touch with her son for over three days. She eventually filed a missing complaint where she lives in Union City, about 40 miles from San Francisco. The local police then contacted San Franciso authorities, following which the search operation commenced.

Officers and medics arrived on scene and located a deceased adult male from what appeared to be a suicide, police said at that time. No evidence of foul play was found during the initial investigation," they added.

Balajis parents cast doubts

Ramarao mentioned that it took the medical examiner 40 seconds from the time they arrived at the scene to declare it a suicide. The reason they said is he went inside and did not come out, nobody was with him  and he shot himself, Ramarao said. There was a gun near him," he added.

The parents of the OpenAI whistleblower made it clear that Balaji had no history of mental illness and no suicide note was found. Meanwhile, Balaji Ramamurthy, who was the last person to talk to his son on 22 November, said they talked about his Los Angeles trip which was part of his birthday celebration.

He was in LA and having a good time. So he sent us all the pictures, Ramamurthy said of his 15-minute call after Balajis return. He was in a good mood. However, the San Francisco police made it clear that the investigation is still open and active.

How Balaji became a whistleblower

Balaji studied computer science at the University of California, Berkeley. He started working for OpenAI in November 2020 and worked on a project called WebGPT, which John Schulman, one of the OpenAI co-founders, said helped pave the way for ChatGPT. I was heartbroken to hear of Suchirs passing. I worked with Suchir on and off since around 2021, and he was one of my favourite and most talented collaborators, Schulman said after hearing the news.

Balaji eventually quit OpenAI in August this year, the same day as Schulman, and publicly spoke of copyright violations by generative AI developers including OpenAI. While speaking on the matter to The New York Times in October, Balaji said that the AI giant had violated copyright law and products like ChatGPT were damaging the internet. If you believe what I believe, you have to just leave the company," he told the American news outlet.

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Last month, OpenAI issued a statement stating that it was devastated to learn of Balajis death and had been in touch with his parents to offer our full support during this difficult time. Ramarao insisted that her son had been an upstanding human being who never said anything negative about teachers, school or colleagues. I dont know how I could have saved my son by teaching him to tell lies, Ramarao said. The ethics with which I raised him took his life today.

With inputs from agencies.
The women and three of their babies were sent home to Manila early Sunday and taken to a government shelter for trafficking victims, the social welfare department said in a statement read more

Cambodia has pardoned and sent home 13 Philippine women who were jailed over a scheme to become surrogate mothers, an outlawed practice, the Philippine government said on Sunday.

They were among 24 foreign women detained by Cambodian police in September and convicted and sentenced to four years in prison on December 2 for attempted cross-border human trafficking.

The women and three of their babies were sent home to Manila early Sunday and taken to a government shelter for trafficking victims, the social welfare department said in a statement.

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All 13 (women) departed Phnom Penh and arrived safely in Manila following the grant of royal pardon by His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni, the Philippine foreign ministry said in a separate statement.

The Cambodian court ruling had said it had strong evidence showing that the 13 had the intention to have babies to sell to a third person in exchange for money, which is an act of human trafficking.

The court did not give details on what would happen to the babies of the 13 when they were born.

The Philippine foreign department statement warned surrogacy is banned in Cambodia and any violation thereof is punishable under Cambodian laws.

The social welfare ministry statement said there is no law prohibiting or allowing surrogacy in the Philippines, providing a legal grey area prone to abuse.

In 2016, Cambodia issued a snap ban on commercial surrogacy after neighbouring Thailand pulled the plug on the trade the previous year  putting an abrupt end to a thriving industry for hopeful parents, many from Australia and the United States.

But demand for commercial surrogacy remains high after China eased its one-child policy and agencies in Cambodia continue to offer the service.

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Sources in the kingdom have previously told AFP that couples  mostly from China  are willing to pay between $40,000 to $100,000 to surrogacy agents to find a Cambodian woman who can carry their child.
At least 47 people were reportedly killed after a South Korean passenger plane carrying 181 people on board crashed while landing at the Muan International Airport on Sunday read more

A plane went off the runaway at Muan International Airport in Muan, South Korea, and caught fire on Sunday. Reuters

At least 47 people were reportedly killed after a passenger plane carrying 181 people on board crashed while landing at an airport in South Korea on Sunday. The passenger plane which met with the fatal incident was operated by South Koreas Jeju Air. The aircraft was landing at the Muan International Airport when it veered off the runway and crashed into a wall, Yonhap reported.

Local fire department officials initially said that they found 28 dead bodies inside the aircraft and were transporting them to local hospitals. We are trying to find more casualties, Lee Seong-sil, a Muan Fire Department official told local reporters.

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As per the report, the Jeju Air plane was carrying 175 passengers and six flight attendants. The aircraft was reportedly flying back from Thailand. Two people have been found alive as of now and the rescue operation is currently underway. The cause of the crash remains unclear. This is the second fatal plane accident, which took place as the year ended.

The first one was the Azerbaijan plane crash which killed 38 people on board. According to South Korean news outlet Yonhap, the plane involved in the Sunday accident was Jeju Air Flight 2216. The emergency services noted that they received a distress call from the Muan International Airport in South Jeolla Province at around 9 am (local time).

Plumes of smoke rise from the aircraft

In the photos carried by Yonhap, the tail section of the aircraft was seen separated and engulfed in orange flames. Plumes of black smoke were seen billowing out of the damaged plane. The crash comes as South Kora grapples with a major political crisis with its President Yoon Suk Yeol and his second in command being impeached by the countrys national assembly.

Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok, the acting president, on Sunday, instructed his government to mobilize all equipment and personnel available for the rescue operation. His office said that the president instructed emergency services to rescue as many people as possible.

According to Yonhap, a bird strike may have caused the landing gear to malfunction, leading to the crash. However, there is no official confirmation in this regard. Meanwhile, South Jeolla province Fire Service Headquarters warned that the death toll is most likely to increase and the rescue workers are hunting for the survivors.

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While speaking to CNN, a fire department official confirmed that the plane had been almost completely destroyed by the fire. The accident was caused when the landing gear malfunctioned.

With inputs from Reuters.
Azerbaijani President said he regretted that some circles in Russia had tried to hush up the truth about the crash of the Azerbaijan Airlines planes by sowing false narratives about the causes of the crash. read more

A drone view shows the crash site of an Azerbaijan Airlines passenger plane near the city of Aktau, Kazakhstan December 25, 2024. Source: REUTERS.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said on Sunday that the passenger plane that crashed in Kazakhstan killing 38 people had been damaged due to a shooting from the ground in Russia, Azerbaijan state television reported.

Aliyev said he regretted that some circles in Russia had tried to hush up the truth about the crash of the Azerbaijan Airlines planes by sowing false narratives about the causes of the crash.

The facts are that the Azerbaijani civilian plane was damaged from the outside over Russian territory, near the city of Grozny, and almost lost control. We also know that electronic warfare systems put our plane out of control, Aliyev told state media. At the same time, as a result of fire from the ground, the tail of the plane was also severely damaged.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday apologized to his Azerbaijani counterpart for what he called a tragic incident following the crash of an Azerbaijani airliner in Kazakhstan that killed 38 people.

The Russian leader did not claim responsibility for the plane crash, while apologising to Aliyev that the incident took place in Russian airspace.

The plane was flying on Wednesday from Azerbaijans capital of Baku to Grozny, the regional capital of the Russian Republic of Chechnya when it turned toward Kazakhstan and crashed while attempting to land. There were 29 survivors.

Meanwhile, Pope Francis sent his prayers on Sunday to the victims of a plane crash in South Korea believed to have killed nearly 180 people.

My thoughts are with the many families in South Korea who are mourning today following the dramatic plane crash. I join in prayer for the survivors and the dead, Francis said after the Angelus prayer.

With inputs from agencies.
The boycott leaves the field open to candidates aligned with Marshal Mahamat Idriss Itno, who was brought to power by the military in 2021 and then legitimised in a presidential election last May that opposition candidates denounced as fraudulent read more

Polling station officials display a banner at a polling station in N'Djamena at the beginnning of the local, provincial and legislative elections. AFP

Chad goes to the polls Sunday for legislative, provincial and local elections that are presented by the government as the last stage of a political transition after three years of military rule, but are being boycotted by the opposition.

The boycott leaves the field open to candidates aligned with Marshal Mahamat Idriss Itno, who was brought to power by the military in 2021 and then legitimised in a presidential election last May that opposition candidates denounced as fraudulent.

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It is better to stay at home, said opposition figure Succes Masra in a long Facebook live on Saturday, denouncing a system built on lies and electoral theft.

The fabricated results are already in the computers, he said.

On Saturday evening, the opposition Democratic Party of the Chadian People (PDPT) claimed that more than a thousand ballots intended for the sub-prefecture of Bongor had disappeared, and called for vigilance to thwart the fraud networks set up by the ruling MPS party.

Polling stations will be open from 6 am to 6 pm (0500 to 1700 GMT) to welcome the approximately eight million registered voters, watched by a hundred foreign observers and representatives of different political parties.

As in previous elections, soldiers, members of the police forces and nomadic people began voting Saturday.

Bloodbath

Voting is taking place against a backdrop of recurring attacks by jihadist group Boko Haram in the Lake Chad region, the ending of a military accord with former colonial master France and accusations that Chad is interfering in the conflict ravaging neighbouring Sudan.

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Itnos government has presented the weekend elections as a key stage in the transition to democratic rule.

The 40-year-old took power in 2021 after the death of his father, Idriss Deby Itno, who had ruled the poor Sahel country with an iron fist for three decades.

The younger Itno then won a five-year term in the disputed May election.

Chads last legislative elections date back to 2011, but several subsequent votes were postponed due to jihadist threats, financial difficulties, and the coronavirus epidemic.

A 93-member transition parliament was chosen and installed by a presidential decree in 2021.

The opposition says the regime has become increasingly autocratic and repressive. In his speech on Saturday, Succes Masra recalled the bloodbath that greeted opposition demonstrations in October 2022.

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Despite attempts by the ruling party to drum up enthusiasm, the ballots are being handed out amid a near news blackout because of an ongoing strike by online journalists protesting restrictions placed on them.

The countrys private press will not cover election day because the government refused to provide the subsidies that are normally paid for this sort of event.
Germany is to vote in an early election on Feb. 23 after Chancellor Olaf Scholzs three-party governing coalition collapsed last month in a dispute over how to revitalize the countrys stagnant economy. read more

Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk sparked controversy after expressing support for Germanys far-right party in a prominent newspaper, just ahead of critical parliamentary elections in the country. His comments led to the resignation of the papers opinion editor, who stepped down in protest over the endorsement.

Musks guest opinion piece for Welt am Sonntag a sister publication of POLITICO owned by the Axel Springer Group  published in German over the weekend, was the second time this month he supported the Alternative for Germany, or AfD.

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The Alternative for Germany (AfD) is the last spark of hope for this country, Musk wrote in his translated commentary.

He went on to say the far-right party can lead the country into a future where economic prosperity, cultural integrity and technological innovation are not just wishes, but reality.

Shortly after the piece was published online, the editor of the opinion section, Eva Marie Kogel, wrote on X that she had submitted her resignation, with a link to the commentary.

Democracy and journalism thrive on freedom of expression. This includes dealing with polarising positions and classifying them journalistically, the newspapers editor-in-chief designate Jan Philipp Burgard and Ulf Poschardt, who takes over as publisher on January 1, told Reuters.

The Tesla Motors CEO also wrote that his investment in Germany gave him the right to comment on the countrys condition.

The AfD is polling strongly, but its candidate for the top job, Alice Weidel, has no realistic chance of becoming chancellor because other parties refuse to work with the far-right party.

An ally of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, the technology billionaire challenged in his opinion piece the partys public image.

The portrayal of the AfD as right-wing extremist is clearly false, considering that Alice Weidel, the partys leader, has a same-sex partner from Sri Lanka! Does that sound like Hitler to you? Please!

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Musks commentary has led to a debate in German media over the boundaries of free speech, with the papers own opinion editor announcing her resignation, pointedly on Musks social media platform, X.

I always enjoyed leading the opinion section of WELT and WAMS. Today an article by Elon Musk appeared in Welt am Sonntag. I handed in my resignation yesterday after it went to print, Eva Marie Kogel wrote.

A critical article by the future editor-in-chief of the Welt group, Jan Philipp Burgard, accompanied Musks opinion piece.

Musks diagnosis is correct, but his therapeutic approach, that only the AfD can save Germany, is fatally wrong, Burgard wrote.

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Responding to a request for comment from the German Press Agency, dpa, the current editor-in-chief of the Welt group, Ulf Poschardt, and Burgard  who is due to take over on Jan. 1  said in a joint statement that the discussion over Musks piece was very insightful. Democracy and journalism thrive on freedom of expression.

This will continue to determine the compass of the world in the future. We will develop Die Welt even more decisively as a forum for such debates, they wrote to dpa.
Health minister Frank Vandenbroucke said the inexpensive e-cigarettes had turned into a health threat since they are an easy way for teenagers to be drawn into smoking and get hooked on nicotine read more

A man vapes on a disposable electronic cigarette in Brussels, ahead of Belgium's ban on the sale of disposable vapes as of Jan. 1, 2025. AP

Belgium will ban the sale of disposable electronic cigarettes as of Jan. 1 on health and environmental grounds in a groundbreaking move for European Union nations.

Health minister Frank Vandenbroucke said the inexpensive e-cigarettes had turned into a health threat since they are an easy way for teenagers to be drawn into smoking and get hooked on nicotine.

Disposable e-cigarettes is a new product simply designed to attract new consumers, he said in an interview.

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E-cigarettes often contain nicotine. Nicotine makes you addicted to nicotine. Nicotine is bad for your health. These are fact, Vandenbroucke added.

Because they are disposable, the plastic, battery and circuits are a burden on the environment. On top of that, they create hazardous waste chemicals still present in what people throw away, Vandenbroucke said.

The health minister said he also targeted the disposable e-cigarettes because reusable ones could be a tool to help people quit smoking if they cannot find another way.

Australia outlawed the sale of " vapes" outside pharmacies earlier this year in some of the worlds toughest restrictions on electronic cigarettes. Now Belgium is leading the EU drive.

We are the first country in Europe to do so, Vandenbroucke said.

He wants tougher tobacco measures in the 27-nation bloc.

We are really calling on the European Commission to come forward now with new initiatives to update, to modernize, the tobacco legislation, he said.

There is understanding about Belgiums decision, even in some shops selling electronic cigarettes, and especially on the environmental issue.

Once the cigarette is empty, the battery is still working. Thats what is terrible, is that you could recharge it, but you have no way of recharging it, said Steven Pomeranc, owner of the Brussels Vapotheque shop. So you can imagine the level of pollution it creates.

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A ban usually means a financial loss to the industry, but Pomeranc said he thinks it will not hurt too much.

We have a lot of alternative solutions which are also very easy to use, he said. Like this pod system, which are pre-filled with liquid, which can just be clipped into the rechargeable e-cigarette. So we will simply have a shift of clients towards this new system.
Israel, which has launched hundreds of airstrikes over Syria since the countrys uprising turned civil war broke out in 2011, rarely acknowledges them. It says its targets are Iran-backed groups that backed Assad. read more

An Israeli airstrike on the outskirts of Damascus on Sunday reportedly killed 11 people, according to a war monitor, as Israel continues its efforts against Syrian military infrastructure and weapons depots despite the removal of former President Bashar Assad.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, based in Britain, said the strike hit a weapons depot belonging to Syrian forces near Adra, an industrial town northeast of Damascus. The observatory reported that most of the fatalities were civilians.

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Meanwhile, Beirut-based Al-Mayadeen TV also reported the attack but cited a lower death toll of six. The Israeli military has not issued any comments on the incident.

Israel, which has launched hundreds of airstrikes over Syria since the countrys uprising turned civil war broke out in 2011, rarely acknowledges them. It says its targets are Iran-backed groups that backed Assad. Israel also wants to remove a threat posed by weapons in Syria, which is now governed by Islamists.

Syrian insurgents who ousted Assad in a lightning ofensive in early December have demanded that Israel cease its airstrikes.

Elsewhere, Turkish-backed Syrian rebels attacked near the strategic northern border town of Kobani, which is under the control of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, following weekslong clashes.

The SDF shared a video of a rocket attack that destroyed what it said was a radar system south of the city of Manbij, which the Turkish-back group captured earlier this month. The Kurdish-led group is Washingtons key ally in Syria, where it is heavily involved in targeting sleeper cells belonging to the extremist Islamic State group.

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In other developments:

 Syrian state-run media said a mass grave was found near the third largest city of Homs. SANA said civil defense workers were sent to to the site in al-Kabo, one of many suspected mass graves where tens of thousands of Syrians are believed to have been buried during a brutal crackdown under Assad and his network of security agencies.

 An Egyptian activist wanted by Cairo on charges of incitement to violence and terrorism, Abdulrahman al-Qardawi, was detained by Lebanese security forces after crossing the porous border from Syria, according to two judicial and one security officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to to talk to the press.

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Al-Qardawi is an Egyptian activist residing in Turkey and an outspoken critic of Egypts government. He had reportedly visited Syria to join celebrations after Assads downfall. His late father, Youssef al-Qaradawi, was a top and controversial Egyptian cleric revered by the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood. He had lived in exile in Qatar for decades.

 Lebanese security forces apprehended an armed group in the northern city of Tripoli that kidnapped a group of 26 Syrians who were recently smuggled into Lebanon, two Lebanese security officials said on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to share the information with the media. The Syrians included five women and seven children, and security officials are working to return them to Syria.

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With inputs from agencies.
Those detained include former regime informants, pro-Iranian fighters, and lower-ranking military officers accused of killings and torture, according to Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights read more

Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Julani, leads the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group that toppled longtime Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. AFP

Syrian authorities have arrested nearly 300 people, including informants, pro-regime fighters, and former soldiers, in a sweeping crackdown on loyalists to ousted President Bashar al-Assad, a war monitor said Sunday (December 29).

The arrests come three weeks after rebels, led by the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, toppled Assads government, ending more than five decades of family rule. The new administration has since intensified efforts to consolidate power.

Security forces launched a large-scale operation Thursday (December 26) targeting Assad loyalists across several provinces, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

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Targeted campaign against Assad militia members

In less than a week, nearly 300 people have been detained in Damascus and its suburbs, as well as in Homs, Hama, Tartus, Latakia and even Deir Ezzor, said Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Observatory, which is based in Britain and monitors Syrias conflict through a network of sources in the country.

The official Syrian news agency SANA confirmed arrests targeting Assad militia members in Hama and Latakia, reporting the seizure of weapons and ammunition. However, it did not provide specific figures.

Those detained include former regime informants, pro-Iranian fighters, and lower-ranking military officers accused of killings and torture, Abdel Rahman said. Notable among them is General Mohammed Kanjo Hassan, the former head of military justice under Assad, who allegedly oversaw thousands of death sentences following summary trials at the notorious Saydnaya prison.

Abdel Rahman added that the campaign is ongoing, but no prominent figures have been arrested aside from Hassan.

Abuse, summary executions reported

Reports of abuse and summary executions have surfaced on social media, with videos appearing to show armed men mistreating detainees and carrying out executions.

Abdel Rahman noted that many arrests were conducted with the cooperation of local populations.

HTS, leading a coalition of former Islamist rebel groups, captured Damascus on December 8 after a rapid offensive, forcing Assad to flee to Russia.

Anas Khattab, the new head of General Intelligence, has pledged to reform Syrias security apparatus, denouncing the injustice and tyranny of the Assad regime, which he accused of spreading corruption and inflicting suffering on the people.

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With inputs from AFP
Jeju Air Flight 2216 carrying 181 passengers crashed while landing at an airport in South Korea on Sunday. The aircraft was landing at the Muan International Airport when it veered off the runway and crashed into a wall read more

Firefighters and rescue personnel carry the body of a victim near the scene where a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 series aircraft crashed and burst into flames at Muan International Airport in South Jeolla Province, some 288 kilometres southwest of Seoul on December 29, 2024. Image-AFP

A total of 179 people were killed in Sundays Jeju Air plane crash in South Korea, the countrys fire agency said as it announced a final toll from the disaster.

Of the 179 dead, 65 have been identified, the fire agency said of the crash at Muan International Airport, which two members of the crew survived.

Authorities cited a bird strike as the likely cause of the crash  the worst ever aviation disaster on South Korean soil  which flung passengers out of the plane and left it almost completely destroyed, according to fire officials.

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Passengers were ejected from the aircraft after it collided with the wall, leaving little chance of survival, a local fire official told families at a briefing, according to a statement released by the fire brigade.

Footage of the crash aired by South Korean television channels showed the plane skidding across the airstrip at high speed, apparently with its landing gear still closed, overrunning the runway and colliding head-on with a concrete wall on the outskirts of the facility, triggering an explosion. Other local TV stations aired footage showing thick plumes of black smoke billowing from the plane, which was engulfed in flames.

South Korea declares 7 days of national mourning

Acting President Choi Sang-mok declared a national mourning period on Sunday following a devastating plane crash that left at least 177 people dead and two others missing, according to his office.

The announcement came during an emergency safety meeting convened hours after a passenger jet carrying 181 people crash-landed and exploded at an airport in Muan, a county in southwestern South Korea. Two crew members survived the tragic incident.

We extend our deepest condolences and sympathy to the bereaved families of those who lost their lives in this unexpected tragedy, Choi stated.

The national mourning period will span seven days, beginning Sunday and concluding at midnight on Saturday.

Jeju Airs Chief Executive Officier Kim E-bae issued an official apology after one of its flights crashed in South Korea, killing at least 124 people, with authorities stating that other survivors are unlikely. Kim said that the company will make an all-out effort to cope and deal with the deadly plane crash.

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First, we bow our heads in apology to everyone who has trusted Jeju Air. At approximately 9:03 AM on 29 December, flight 7C2216 from Bangkok to Muan caught fire while landing at Muan International Airport, Kim said in his official apology. Above all, we express our deepest condolences and apologies to the families of the passengers who lost their lives in this accident. At present, the cause of the accident is difficult to determine, and we must await the official investigation results from the relevant government agencies, he added.

Regardless of the cause, I feel profound responsibility: Kim

In the statement, Kim said that he feels responsible for the whole incident. Regardless of the cause, as CEO, I feel profound responsibility for this incident. Jeju Air will do everything possible to promptly manage this accident and support the families of those aboard. We will also do our utmost to determine the cause of the accident in cooperation with the government, he wrote in the statement, which was shared on the official website.

Once again, we pray for those who lost their lives in this accident and offer our deepest apologies to their bereaved families, he added. Except for the two rescued from the accident, all the missing people are presumed to have been killed. Firefighters are saying that they are now switching the rescue operation to a recovery mission. The officials stated that they have recovered 124 dead bodies from the site as of now.

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The plane was carrying 175 passengers and six crew members. According to Yonhap, one passenger and one crew member  both women  were rescued shortly after the accident and were being treated at a hospital in Mokpo.

Authorities from Thailand and South Korea calls for an investigation

As per the reports, the plane was carrying 2 Thai nationals whose conditions are currently unknown. Thailands Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed her condolences to the families of the deceased and injured on social media platform, X. I would like to express my condolences to the families of the deceased and injured, she wrote in the post.

I have ordered the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to urgently investigate whether there are any Thai passengers on this plane and what the current situation is. I have ordered immediate assistance. If there are Thai passengers, please contact their families to inform them of the progress and have the Ministry of Foreign Affairs report the situation at all times, she furthered.

  29  (  )







   Ing Shin (@ingshin) December 29, 2024

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Meanwhile, South Koreas Deputy Prime Minister and acting President Choi Sang-mok arrived at the Muan International Airport to look into the matter. He also ordered all government-related agencies to make all-out efforts for rescue operations following the deadly crash.

During his visit, Choi ordered related agencies to utilize all available equipment, personnel and infrastructure to save even one more life, his office said. I believe no words of consolation will be enough for the families who have suffered such a tragedy, Choi said, adding that the government agencies are working closely to deal with the incident.

With inputs from agencies.
The passengers had spent three days at sea when three traffickers who were assigned to maintaining order onboard decided to punish some of the asylum seekers read more

A 'cayuco' boat with 57 migrants onboard arrives at La Restinga port on the Canary island of El Hierro, on September 14, 2024. File image/AFP

Seven human traffickers accused of killing four migrants during a sea crossing to the Canary Islands have been arrested, Spanish law enforcement said on Sunday (December 29).

The murders happened in November this year when the group attempted to enter Spanish territory from the African mainland.

They are suspected of killing four of the people, two days before the boat reached the Canaries coast, the police said.

They described the seven people now detained at an emergency accommodation centre on the island of Tenerife as the captains of a vessel that docked on the island of El Hierro on November 3. The ship had 207 asylum seekers onboard.

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What happened?

The police probe into the deaths was launched after witness accounts from the surviving asylum seekers, who described the journey as a nightmare.

The investigation found that after leaving the coast of Gambia, the boat made a stopover at the Senegalese island of Bassoul. This is where most of the passengers boarded the vessel.

The passengers had spent three days at sea when three traffickers who were assigned to maintaining order onboard decided to punish some of the asylum seekers.

The police said that these people apparently decided to murder four of the migrants to frighten the rest.

Three of the victims have been identified, and their families have been notified.

One of the passengers, who was probably affected by the harshness of the journey, became disoriented, which led the captains to blame him for all the problems of the crossing and start beating him and those who tried to defend him, the police said.

One of the surviving asylum seekers was taken to hospital for surgery to his chest due to what police said may have been a knife wound.

A tragic, regular occurrence

In 2024, over 10,400 asylum seekers many fleeing war, persecution, or poverty at home have either gone missing at sea or drowned while trying to reach Spain, according to a recent report by human rights organisation Caminando Fronteras.

Spain is one of the primary destinations for asylum seekers attempting to enter the European Union, alongside Italy and Greece.

In recent years, the number of undocumented migrants coming in via the Canaries, which is a mere 100 kilometres away from Africa at its closest point to the continent, has been rising.

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Spanish sea rescue teams say they have gone to the aid of a dozen boats in difficulty, carrying more than 500 people in total, in the dangerous waters around the archipelago.

With inputs from agencies
Numerous Syrians have rushed to former detention centres in the hope of finding traces of relatives and friends who went missing during the 13 years of a devastating civil war that left more than a half million dead read more

An aerial view shows a shopping mall in the town of Jableh, northwest of the capital Damascus on December 28, 2024. AFP

The new head of Syrias intelligence services announced on Saturday a plan to dissolve the institutions that were so feared under the rule of ousted dictator Bashar al-Assad.

The security establishment will be reformed after dissolving all services and restructuring them in a way that honors our people, Anas Khattab said, two days after being appointed to his post by the countrys new leadership that overthrew Assad in early December.

In a statement carried by the official Sana news agency, he stressed the suffering of Syrians under the oppression and tyranny of the old regime, through its various security apparatuses that sowed corruption and inflicted torture on the people.

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Prisons were emptied after Assads fall as officials and agents of the deposed regime fled.

Most of these installations are now guarded by fighters of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Islamist group that led the armed coalition that seized power in Damascus.

Numerous Syrians have rushed to former detention centres in the hope of finding traces of relatives and friends who went missing during the 13 years of a devastating civil war that left more than a half million dead.

The security services of the old regime were many and varied, with different names and affiliations, but all had in common that they had been imposed on the oppressed people for more than five decades, Khattab continued.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), more than 100,000 people died in Syrian prisons and detention centers during the conflict.

On Thursday, a general who ran military justice under the former regime was arrested in the west of country, accused of being responsible for sentencing to death thousands of people held in the notorious Saydnaya prison.

And in Europe, several former senior Syrian intelligence officers accused of torture and other abuses have been convicted and jailed since 2022.
The family of Shatha al-Sabbagh, a 22-year-old journalism student, said she was killed by a sniper with the Palestinian security forces late Saturday while she was with her mother and two small children. They said there were no militants in the area at the time read more

A Palestinian woman was shot and killed in her home in the volatile northern West Bank town of Jenin, where the Palestinian Authority is carrying out a rare campaign against militants.

The family of Shatha al-Sabbagh, a 22-year-old journalism student, said she was killed by a sniper with the Palestinian security forces late Saturday while she was with her mother and two small children. They said there were no militants in the area at the time.

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A statement from the Palestinian security forces said she was shot by outlaws  the term it has been using for local militants who have been battling Israeli forces in recent years. The security forces condemned the shooting and vowed to investigate it.

The Western-backed Palestinian Authority exercises limited self-rule in parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank. It is deeply unpopular among Palestinians, largely because it cooperates with Israel on security matters, even as Israel accuses it of incitement and of generally turning a blind eye to militancy.

In a statement, the al-Sabbagh family accused the Palestinian security forces of having become repressive tools that practice terrorism against their own people instead of protecting their dignity and standing up to the (Israeli) occupation.

Palestinian security forces launched a rare operation earlier this month in Jenin, which has seen heavy fighting between Palestinian militants and Israeli forces in recent years. The Palestinian Authority says the operation is aimed at restoring law and order, while critics charge it with aiding the occupation.

Violence has flared in the West Bank since Hamas Oct. 7, 2023 attack out of Gaza triggered the war there. At least 835 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire in the West Bank since then, according to the Palestinian Authority. Most appear to have been militants killed in clashes with Israeli forces, but the dead also include civilians and participants in violent demonstrations.

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Israel captured the West Bank in the 1967 Mideast war. The Palestinians want it to form the main part of their future state.
After a bank theft at the countrys largest lender, MUFG, and a robbery at Nomura Securities, the publics trust in the financial institutions of Japan is faltering. This comes amid the governments push for citizens to invest rather than rely on low-yielding savings accounts read more

Trust in Japan's financial institutions has reportedly taken a hit. File image/Reuters

Public trust in Japans largest financial institutions is faltering after recent scandals involving employees accused of criminal behaviour that jeopardised customers wealth and safety.

Major firms including MUFG Bank and Nomura Securities are scrambling to repair their reputations as the government pushes for a shift from savings to investments to prepare citizens for retirement.

MUFG bank theft

Japans largest bank, MUFG Bank, a unit of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, apologised on December 16 following allegations that a former employee stole billions of yen in cash and valuables from customers safe deposit boxes.

The employee, tasked with managing safes and spare keys at two branches in Tokyo, allegedly used her position to carry out the thefts between April 2020 and November 2023, affecting about 60 customers, Nikkei reported.

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MUFG Bank President Junichi Hanzawa said the incident has undermined the customers trust and confidence, and shaken the very foundation of our banking business.

In response, the bank has centralised the storage of spare keys at its headquarters, tightened internal procedures, and enhanced employee monitoring.

Shocking robbery at Nomura Securities

Nomura Securities faced public outrage after a former employee was charged in November with robbery and attempted murder. Authorities said the employee visited a clients home in Hiroshima in July, drugged a woman, stole 17.87 million yen ($113,515) in cash, and set the house on fire.

Nomura announced a series of countermeasures, including stricter supervision of employees, mandatory ethics training, and enhanced compliance protocols. Employees in direct contact with clients must now take annual consolidated leave, during which all client interactions are prohibited.

We take this matter very seriously. An incident like this must never happen at a financial institution entrusted with looking after its clients assets, Nomura said in a December 3 press release. Ten executives, including President Kentaro Okuda, will return part of their salaries in response to the scandal.

Broader challenges for Japans financial sector

The recent incidents at MUFG Bank and Nomura Securities fit into a broader pattern of misconductr. Allegations of insider trading have surfaced involving employees at the Financial Services Agency, Tokyo Stock Exchange, and Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank.

The distortion of the old economy is beginning to reveal itself, Nikkei quoted Chisa Kobayashi, an equity strategist at UBS SuMi Trust Wealth Management, as saying. She noted that outdated corporate practices and slow digitisation contributed to the lack of transparency in Japans financial sector.

The scandals come as Japans government promotes the Nippon Individual Savings Account (NISA) program, aimed at encouraging citizens to invest rather than rely on low-yielding savings accounts.

Japans low-wage, low-interest environment has left many citizens struggling to save for retirement, with estimates suggesting individuals need more than 30 million yen in addition to pensions. Mutual fund subscriptions under the program tripled in the first half of 2023, reaching 6 trillion yen.

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The timing of the plan is crucial, coinciding with renewed hopes for an end to the PKK insurgency. On Saturday, two Turkish lawmakers visited jailed PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan for the first time in nearly a decade. According to reports, Ocalan indicated he might call on PKK militants to lay down their arms read more

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan addresses the 79th United Nations General Assembly at UN headquarters in New York, US - September 24, 2024. Source: REUTERS.

Turkey has announced a $14 billion development plan aimed at revitalising its predominantly Kurdish southeast, a region that has long lagged behind the rest of the country in economic performance. The initiative, unveiled Sunday in Sanliurfa by Industry Minister Fatih Kacir, allocates 496.2 billion lira ($14.15 billion) to fund 198 projects through 2028.

With the implementation of the projects, we anticipate an additional 49,000 lira ($1,400) increase in annual income per capita in the region, Kacir said. The regions per capita income, currently at $4,971, remains far below the national average of $13,243.

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The southeastern provinces have faced economic stagnation exacerbated by decades of conflict with the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which has waged an insurgency that has claimed over 40,000 lives. The Turkish government hopes that significant investments in infrastructure, education, and economic development will help close the gap and improve living standards in the region.

Peace prospects and regional stability

The timing of the plan is crucial, coinciding with renewed hopes for an end to the PKK insurgency. On Saturday, two Turkish lawmakers visited jailed PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan for the first time in nearly a decade. According to reports, Ocalan indicated he might call on PKK militants to lay down their arms.

Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz emphasised the potential economic and social benefits of ending the conflict. Terrorism has caused great harm to eastern and southeastern regions of the country A terror-free Turkey will create great benefit to the region, Yilmaz said at the Sanliurfa event.

The plan also comes as political changes unfold in neighbouring Syria, where Turkey-backed Islamist rebels recently assumed power following the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad.

Yilmaz noted that these developments could open new opportunities for cross-border cooperation and regional prosperity.

Late last month, Turkey opened a front against Kurds in Syria, an ethnic minority that runs an autonomous region called the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) in the countrys northeast.

With inputs from agencies
US President-elect Donald Trump sided with Tesla CEO Elon Musk in the H-1B visa debate following a series of back-and-forth tweets between the billionaire and the Maga supporters over the matter read more

After days of bitter-in-fighting among his supporters, US President-elect Donald Trump finally gave his take on the ongoing debate about the H-1B visas. On Saturday, the president-elect sided with his billionaire ally Elon Musk in a raging public dispute. Trump insisted that he fully backs the program which opens doors for foreign tech workers, despite the initiative being opposed by some of his supporters.

The remarks from the Republican firebrand came following a series of back-and-forth tweets between Musk and the supporters of Trumps Make America Great Again (Maga) initiative. Late Friday, the Tesla CEO escalated the fight after he vowed to go to war to defend the visa program. While speaking to the New York Post, Trump said he has nothing against the initiative.

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I have many H-1B visas on my properties. Ive been a believer in H-1B. I have used it many times. Its a great program, he told the American news outlet. Interestingly, Trump moved to limit the visas use during his first term stint in the White House. The matter is quite close to Musk since he was born in South Africa and held an H-1B visa before becoming an American citizen. Not only this, Tesla obtained 724 of the visas this year.

Musk vs Maga: The New Civil War

It is pertinent to note that the H-1B visas are typically given for three years and the holders can extend them or apply for green cards after it expires. The altercation between Musk and Maga supporters kicked off after Trump appointed India-born Sriram Krishnan as the White House advisor on Artificial Intelligence.

The appointment of the venture capitalist did not sit well with several far-right activists, including Maga supporters Laura Loomer and Matt Gaetz. Loomer rose to fame during the 2024 presidential race when she encouraged Trump to spread false information about Haitian immigrants eating pets in Ohio.

While Loomer called Krishnans appointment deeply disturbing," several far-right activists argued that he might influence Trumps immigration policies. It is pertinent to note that Krishnan has been an ardent supporter of extending H-1B visa provisions.

On Friday, Steve Bannon, a longtime Trump confidante, critiqued big tech oligarchs for supporting the H-1B program and cast immigration as a threat to Western civilization. In response, Musk and many other tech billionaires drew a line between what they view as legal immigration and illegal immigration. Musks assertion was also supported by biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy whose parents were Indian immigrants.

During his 2024 bid to the White House, Trump pledged to deport all immigrants who are in the US illegally, deploy tariffs to help create more jobs for American citizens and severely restrict immigration. However, the US tech industries rely heavily on the governments H-1B visa program to hire foreign skilled workers to help run its companies, a labour force that critics say undercuts wages for American citizens. The far-right activists who were clashing with Musk over the issue are yet to comment on Trumps remarks.

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With inputs from Reuters.
With just over three weeks left in the office, US President Joe Biden regrets two things, one stepping out of the 2024 US Presidential race against Donald Trump and the other appointing Merrick Garland as the US Attorney General, a White House source has revealed read more

After an embarrassing defeat for the Democrats in the 2024 US Elections, reports are emerging that President Joe Biden regrets dropping out of the race. According to a report from The Washington Post, Biden believes that he would have defeated US President-elect Donald Trump who won the November 5 contest against Vice President Kamala Harris.

A White House source told the American news outlet, that Biden also reportedly thinks that he made a mistake when he chose Merrick Garland as attorney general. As per the source, Biden thinks that Garland, a former US appeals court judge, was slow in prosecuting Trump for his role in the January 6 insurrection, while he was presiding over the justice department that aggressively prosecuted Bidens son Hunter.

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With just more than three months remaining in office, The Washington Post report presents Bidens clear reflection on the 2024 presidential race. In July, the American Commander-in-Chief decided to step aside and was replaced by Harris after a deplorable performance in the first presidential debate against Trump.

He was also facing immense pressure from his fellow Democrats who cited polling evidence that appeared to show him narrowly heading in the race against Trump, who was seeking a historic return to the White House.

Bidens staff thinks the same

While Biden and his aides have been careful not to blame Harris for the loss, they believe that the results would have been different if he was still in the race. Harriss ascent to the top of the ticket led to a surge of enthusiasm and improved poll numbers but ultimately ended in a decisive loss in both the Electoral College and the popular vote.

In the past, Harris supporters blamed Biden for waiting too long to drop out of the race, thus leaving the vice president with little time to mount an effective campaign. They also mentioned that Bidens determination to remain in the race went against his 2020 campaign pledge to be a transitional figure who would keep the country away from Trump.

Biden ran on the promise that he was going to be a transitional president, and in effect, have one term before handing it off to another generation, Richard Blumenthal, a Democratic senator for Connecticut told The Washington Post. I think his running again broke that concept  the conceptual underpinning of the theory that he would end the Trump appeal, he would defeat Trumpism and enable a new era," he added.

Bidens animosities with Garland

Bidens regret for appointing Garland as the US attorney general shocked many since he picked the former appeal court judge for the post following the Capitol riots in 2021. At that time, the POTUS said that Garland would restore the honor, the integrity, the independence of the justice department after years of perceived politicisation under Trump.

Your loyalty is not to me. Its to the law, to the constitution, to the people of this nation, Biden told Garland at his official unveiling. But according to the latest report, the president had to be persuaded by his chief of staff, Ron Klain, to choose Garland  at the time best known as Barack Obamas failed choice to succeed the conservative justice Antonin Scalia on the US Supreme Court. Garlands nomination for the apex court was derailed by the Republican-led Senate at that time.

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A While House source told The Washington Post, that the Presidents political allies pushed for Doug Jones, then a Democratic senator for Alabama for the post of attorney general. They argued that Jones would be better equipped to navigate the bitterly partisan atmosphere in the US Congress.

However, Klain pushed for Garland, arguing that Garland, reputed for fairness, would send a more reassuring message of justice department independence after Trump.

Despite his appointment, Biden still faced Trumps accusation that the Democrats are trying to weaponise the department as it pursued criminal investigations over his January 6 role and for hoarding classified White House documents. As per the report, Biden now believes that he should have chosen someone else, a view which is consistent among several Democrats. The White is yet to comment on the explosive report.

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Sharaa leads the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, which toppled Assad on December 8, ending decades of rule by the Assad family and a 13-year civil war read more

Syria's de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, has opened the conversation on elections in his country. Reuters

Holding elections in Syria could take up to four years, the countrys de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa said Sunday (December 29) in his first comments on a possible timeline for polls since Bashar al-Assad was ousted earlier this month.

Speaking in an interview with Al Arabiya, Sharaa said drafting a new constitution would likely require three years, while it could take an additional year for Syrians to witness significant changes.

Sharaa leads the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, which toppled Assad on December 8, ending decades of rule by the Assad family and a 13-year civil war.

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He announced plans to dissolve HTS as part of a forthcoming national dialogue conference.

Strategic relations with Russia, Iran

Sharaa reiterated that Syria shares deep strategic interests with Russia, which has maintained military bases in the country and supported Assad during the civil war. Moscow also granted asylum to Assad following his removal from power.

Sharaa said earlier this month that Syrias relations with Russia should serve common interests.

In the same interview, he also said that Syria cannot continue without relations with an important regional country like Iran, but they must be based on respect for the sovereignty of both countries and non-interference in the affairs of both countries.

Alongside Moscow, Tehran was a major ally of Assad.

Hopes for sanctions relief from the US

The HTS leader expressed hope that US President-elect Donald Trumps administration would lift sanctions imposed on Syria. His remarks followed a visit by senior US diplomats to Damascus, who described Sharaa as pragmatic and confirmed that Washington has removed a $10 million bounty on his head.

The United States has yet to comment on its future Syria policy under Trump, but Sharaas statements hint towards an interest in engaging with the new administration.

The developments come as Syria faces the monumental task of rebuilding after years of conflict, with the international community closely watching how the transition unfolds.

With inputs from agencies
The battle announced by Nikol Pashinyan, although it looks ridiculous, but there is still some benefit from this clowning. The opposition pretended not to react to the mosquito bites, although there are clear signs that the accusations have thrown the former rulers and their supporters off balance. Pashinyan's opponents did not notice themselves, as they began to blurt out things that they would have preferred to keep silent about before as proof of his wrongdoing.

When it was said in Baku that the OSCE Minsk Group was created only to consolidate the status quo and transfer Azerbaijani territories to Armenia, the mediators immediately took offense and began to prove the opposite. They say we're lying to them, but in fact they're fighting with both hands for our territorial integrity. Armenia, for the sake of appearances, also sometimes expressed its "fi" to MG, so that Baku would think that everything was going badly not only for him. The Armenian agitprop has at times blamed the intermediaries, accusing them of putting pressure on Yerevan to achieve the return of territories. However, it was all a game, and Baku understood this perfectly well. This was necessary to maintain the appearance of "objectivity" of the co-Chairs, to lull the vigilance of the Azerbaijani side and delay the issue for as long as possible. It cannot be said that the efforts have gone to waste - 26 years of meaningless negotiations is, you know, a considerable success for the supporters of Armenia.

An interesting fact was revealed by former Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanian. Outraged to the roots by Pashinyan's statements about the guilt of former presidents in the loss of Karabakh, Oskanian laid out the so-called Madrid Principles on the table. The ex-minister stated that he attended the meeting in Madrid and heard with both ears how the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs and the Foreign Ministers of the United States, Russia and France said: "The international community, look, this is our final proposal to resolve the issue of Nagorno-Karabakh." We believe that the solution of the issue should be based on this document, that is, on the right to self-determination."

A shabby former official who recently received the "post" of head of a certain commission in Armenia to ensure the "collective repatriation" of Armenians to Karabakh believes that if it were not for Pashinyan, negotiations would have continued on the basis of the Madrid principles, and today the Armenians would have already received Karabakh and the Lachin road into the bargain. Oskanian is not at all embarrassed by the fact that before Pashinyan's arrival, the notorious principles had already existed for 11 years and only confirmed Azerbaijan in the idea of a forceful solution to the problem. When Pashinyan came to power, Baku hoped that war would be avoided, but Nikol turned out to be a banal coward and populist.

But let's return to the Minsk Group. What Oskanian revealed was not a revelation, but simply confirmed the correctness of Azerbaijan. The ultimate goal was the annexation of the Karabakh region with the assistance of the international community represented by the OSCE and major powers. There are few examples in world practice when occupied lands would be returned to the owner. The results of the occupation were assigned to the occupier in various clever ways, using various loopholes in international law. First temporarily, and then permanently. The same thing should have happened with Azerbaijani Karabakh, which is confirmed by the revelations of Vardan Oskanian.

It should be recalled that shortly before the 44-day war, curious photographs fell into the hands of the Azerbaijani side. They captured footage of a stormy feast held by separatists in an Albanian church in the territory of the then-occupied Kalbajar. The OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs helped themselves and clinked glasses at the table. Such a touching and touching picture.

Another interesting truth was blurted out by opposition MP Hayk Mamidzhanyan. Armenia, he told the media, had no problems with arms purchases until Pashinyan came. Telling how everything was fine with weapons before the "April revolution", he blurted out in his heart that before Armenia not only regularly received weapons, but also received them... free.

And again, we will say that we did not experience any shock from these words, because since the late 90s it has been known that Russia transfers large quantities of weapons to Armenia for free. It's just that this obvious fact has always been strenuously denied in Moscow and Yerevan. The Armenian side claimed that it pays every penny. Although that was far from the truth. In those days, weapons were transferred without government approval of the deals, so that the authorities would have nothing to blame. Meanwhile, it is clear to everyone that hundreds of heavy weapons cannot be smuggled without the knowledge of the authorities. In the future, the Armenian defense industry was supported on the basis of loan agreements. However, there is information that Armenia often did not pay for loans. But everything is dignified and noble.

On October 16, 2020, in an interview with the Turkish TV channel A-Haber, President Ilham Aliyev said: "We don't know how many weapons they have. But the question arises, where did they get the money for weapons? Armenia's budget and foreign exchange reserves are known to everyone. In just 17-18 days, their weapons worth $ 2 billion were destroyed, and how much more do they have? These are the statistics of weapons destroyed only in the occupied territories. And how many more weapons are there in Armenia? Look at how many weapons they have. Where did they buy it, where did they find the money? Of course, they don't have that much money. So they got it for free."

Armenia has never had the opportunity to pay for such large shipments of weapons. She is still unable to pay today, concluding arms contracts with France, India and others. One day, another Hayk Mamidzhanyan will come out to journalists and admit that Armenia did not have to spend a lot buying modern weapons, because its allies gave the Armenians gifts.

And we won't be surprised again.
Welcome to my genealogy blog. Genea-Musings features genealogy research tips and techniques, genealogy news items and commentary, genealogy humor, San Diego genealogy society news, family history research and some family history stories from the keyboard of Randy Seaver (of Chula Vista CA), who thinks that Genealogy Research Is really FUN! Copyright (c) Randall J. Seaver, 2006-2024.
On-the-Record Press Gaggle by White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby

December 27, 2024

10:35 A.M. EST

MODERATOR: Hi, everyone. Good morning. And thanks so much for joining today's News of the Day Gaggle with National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby and Deputy National Security Advisor for Cyber and Emerging Technology Anne Neuberger. This call, as a reminder, is on the record. I'll turn it over to John Kirby to kick us off.

MR. KIRBY: Hey. Good morning, everybody. Thanks for doing this during the holiday week. I hope, for those who celebrate, you all had a good Christmas and a peaceful and joyous Hanukkah season.

We are really lucky in this gaggle, this last gaggle of 2024, to have a guest with us today. As Eduardo said, our Deputy National Security Advisor for Cyber, Anne Neuberger, is on the line. Anne has an update on the Salt Typhoon incident that she's going to provide. Then, I'm going to join. I've got a short topper on Russia-Ukraine that I want to share with you all. And then we'll open up questions, and we'll try to knock this out in about a half an hour and let you get back to your eggnog.

But, Anne, over to you.

MS. NEUBERGER: Thanks so much, John. Hello, everybody. And just echoing and repeating John's happy holidays greetings to everybody and best wishes for a healthy new year.

So I wanted to provide an update on the Salt Typhoon incident as we've continued to work with the companies who were affected and as we've continued to better understand the techniques that the Chinese actors use to compromise our telecom infrastructure and what we need to do about it.

So, first  and then I will also provide a quick update on a rule that we'll be posting shortly on the Federal Register related to the first update in 20 years of rules around protecting Americans' healthcare data from rising cyber threats.

So, first, as we look at China's compromise of now nine telecom companies, the first step is creating a defensible infrastructure. We wouldn't leave our homes, our offices unlocked, and yet our critical infrastructure  the private companies owning and operating our critical infrastructure often do not have the basic cybersecurity practices in place that would make our infrastructure riskier, costlier, and harder for countries and criminals to attack.

So, the first step, as I've mentioned, is creating that defensible infrastructure. And what we've learned from the investigation, in fact, is that there's four categories of things that are needed in this space: better management of configuration; better vulnerability management of networks; better work across the telecom sector to share information when incidents occur and the same techniques are used to compromise telecoms.

That's why we stood up the Enduring Security Framework 60-day effort that involves all of the telecoms. Their CEOs signed off on their participating. And we are documenting rapid, high-impact efforts, bringing the best experts from the intelligence community, CISA, and the FBI, together with the best telecom security experts, to document what is needed.

However, we know that voluntary cybersecurity practices are inadequate to protect against China, Russia, and Iran hacking of our critical infrastructure. That is why the FCC launched their notice of a public rule. They're waiting for all FCC commissioners to vote on that rule by January 15th, and we really are eager to have the bipartisan support across the FCC to ensure that telecom companies must put in place those basic cybersecurity practices that would make it harder, riskier, and costlier for the Chinese to compromise those networks in the future.

In addition, GSA is reviewing our government contracts to ensure that we're using the power of government procurement to also require high-impact cybersecurity practices. And I would note that we would be following in the footsteps of Australia and the UK, who have already put in place telecom regulations because they recognize that the nation's secrets, the nation's economy lies on their telecommunications sector.

And when I talked with our UK colleagues and I asked, you know, "Do you believe your regulations would have prevented the Salt Typhoon attack," their comment to me was, "We would have found it faster, we would have contained it faster, it wouldn't have spread as widely and have had the impact and been as undiscovered for as long had those regulations been in place." And that's a powerful message.

In addition, I wanted to, as I mentioned, give an update on the notice that HHS will be publishing later today of a proposed rulemaking to modify the HIPAA security rule from 1996 to strengthen cybersecurity protections for electronic protected health information.

The proposed rule would add new cybersecurity requirements and improve existing security requirements, adding additional clarity and specificity. And this is  in the last five years, there's been an alarming growth, 1,002 percent, in the number of Americans affected by large breaches of healthcare information, over 167 million individuals in 2023 alone. Since 2019, large breaching caused by hacking and ransomware have increased 89 percent and 102 percent.

And I must say, in this job, one of the most concerning and really troubling things we deal with is hacking of hospitals, hacking of healthcare data. We see hospitals forced to operate manually. We see Americans' sensitive healthcare data, sensitive mental health procedures, sensitive procedures being leaked on the dark web with the opportunity to blackmail individuals with that.

And because of that, you know, the Biden administration, President Biden, HHS is committed to protecting the security of health information.

Given the significant increase in cyberattacks and common compliance deficiencies, HHS is issuing this new rule. And what I want to highlight is the security rule was first published in 2003. It was last revised in 2013. So, this is the first update to this 20-year rule in over a decade. And it will require entities who maintain healthcare data to do things like encrypt that data so if it's hacked, it cannot be leaked on the Web and endanger individuals and monitor their networks, do compliance checks of their networks to see that they meet those cybersecurity rules. And I'm happy to go into more details or further questions later.

I want to hit the question of cost. While there would indeed be an increase in the implementation costs for the proposed rule, if finalized  and we estimate it would be $9 billion for the first year, $6 billion for year two to five  the cost of not acting is not only high, it also endangers critical infrastructure and patient safety, and it carries other harmful consequences.

I'll give just two examples. In 2023, the average cost of a breach in healthcare was $10.1 million. The two biggest healthcare breaches we have ever experienced, Ascension Health and Change Healthcare, both occurred in the last year, and you may have noted Change Healthcare noted that the cost of the breach will be approaching $800 million in the cost of recovery and the cost of operations, and, frankly, in the cost to Americans' healthcare data and the operations of hospitals affected by it.

So, happy to answer questions. And with that, I'll turn it over to John with warmest wishes for you for a happy holiday season.

MR. KIRBY: Thank you, Anne. And same to you. I appreciate that very much.

Okay, so what I wanted to talk a little bit about was the situation in and around Kursk. We now assess that North Korean forces are conducting massed  massed, dismounted assaults against Ukrainian positions in Kursk. And these human wave tactics that we're seeing haven't really been all that effective. In fact, we assess that they've resulted in heavy casualties for these North Korean forces. Our estimate is that, to date, they have suffered more than 1,000 killed or wounded in this particular fighting in just the past week of them fighting on the front lines. So, 1,000 in just the past week.

It is clear that Russian and North Korean military leaders are treating these troops as expendable and ordering them on hopeless assaults against Ukrainian defenses. These North Korean soldiers appear to be highly indoctrinated, pushing attacks even when it is clear that those attacks are futile.

We also have reports of North Korean soldiers taking their own lives rather than surrendering to Ukrainian forces, likely out of fear of reprisal against their families in North Korea in the event that they're captured.

And I think it's important to keep all this in mind and it all comes in context, of course, is the  in the early hours of Christmas when the Russians launched waves of missiles and drones against Ukrainian cities, particularly critical energy infrastructure. No doubt this was all about weaponizing winter and weaponizing energy, making it harder for the Ukrainian people to get the heat that they need simply to subsist.

That's why we're going to stay absolutely committed to making sure that we are bolstering Ukrainian air defense capabilities as well as other capabilities, of course. And I think you're going to see  well, no, I know you're going to see here in the next day or so, certainly over the course of the next couple of days, yet another security assistance package by the United States, approved by the President, which will include, of course, air defense systems for Ukraine to help them beat back against these attacks and also to help them in fighting in and around Kursk to beat back these North Korean waves, as well as continue their defensive operations against the Russians in the east, where the Russians continue to make some plotting progress.

So with that, Eduardo, we can open it up for questions.

MODERATOR: Awesome. Thank you. First up, we'll go to the line of Mike Memoli.

Q Hey, John. Greetings from St. Croix. I hope you're having a good holiday.

I wanted to ask about comments overnight from President Putin seeming to signal openness to peace talks in Slovakia. The prime minister had just been at the Kremlin and reiterated and made that offer to the Russians. What does the U.S. think of that possibility?

And secondly, if I can ask as well, I'm wondering if you can weigh in any more on how the U.S. assesses the possibility of Russia having downed that Azerbaijan jet. Obviously, we had a statement yesterday, but how  if there's anything more you can say about how the U.S. came to that assessment.

MR. KIRBY: So, on your first question, we have always said from the beginning: Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine. Ukraine has got to be center stage when it comes to any kind of negotiation. We've also always said that any other nation that wants to get involved in helping a negotiated settlement in this war needs to be in complete lockstep with President Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people. He gets to determine if and when he's ready to negotiate, and he gets to determine the circumstances and the conditions under which he would do that.

The last thing I'd say, Mike, is that Putin's comments are pretty vacuous. I mean, he has shown absolutely zero interest in a negotiated settlement. I mean, as I just said  mentioned in my topper and you saw the statement by the President, I mean, just over Christmas Day he's launching waves of missiles and drones against Ukrainian infrastructure. This is not a man who anyone should take seriously when it comes to saying he's ready for a negotiated settlement. He has proven quite the contrary in almost every single possible way.

So, again, we would obviously want to make sure that if and when it comes to a negotiated settlement, no matter who hosts that settlement, that it is done in full concert with President Zelenskyy. And in the meantime, until he's ready, we're going to make sure that he can negotiate in the best position of strength, which is why, as I said earlier, you're going to see yet another presidential drawdown package here in coming days that will continue to bolster his ability to defend himself.

On your second question, I really don't have anything more to add. We do have  have seen some early indications that would certainly point to the possibility that this jet was brought down by Russian air defense systems. That said, there's an ongoing investigation right now. Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan are conducting this jointly. We have offered our assistance to that investigation should they need it, should they want it. But we're going to respect that process, and I really don't have anything more to add.

MODERATOR: Next up, we'll go to the line of Dustin Volz.

Q Hi there. Thank you so much for doing this. If I could just go back to Anne on Salt Typhoon. Thank you for the update. This ninth U.S. telecom victim, I was just wondering if you could give any more details on sort of the timing of that discussion, (inaudible), you could clarify sort of how recently that was detected, and if you anticipate that more victims will continue to be discovered as this investigation continues. Thank you.

MS. NEUBERGER: Thanks, Dustin. So, one of the steps we took early on was to release two guidance: one, a hunting guide and a hardening guide. And the hunting guide essentially captured the Chinese techniques, and it went out to key telecom companies to have them look for those techniques on their networks and call in for help if they discover it. So, from that, yes, a ninth company was identified.

And the hardening guidance is its companion. As we've been working with key telecom companies that were affected, on the hardening guidance, we're now refining it based on what we're learning. I mentioned that's why we stood up the ESF effort, because we see that very specific things would actually make it riskier, costlier, and harder for the Chinese, managing the management plane of the network, treating configuration management differently, segmenting the network.

One of the things that happened is the Chinese gained access to networks, essentially had broad and full access. That's why they've been able  we believe that's why they had the capability to geolocate millions of individuals, to record phone calls at will, because they had that broad access.

So, some of the recommendations, some of the requirements that we're looking for the FCC to include include segmenting the networks. Even if an attacker like the Chinese government gets access to a network, they're controlled and they're contained.

MODERATOR: Thank you. Next up we'll go to the line of Karen DeYoung.

Q Hi. I wanted to ask about Yemen and the Israeli strikes against the international airport. I wondered if the United States is in agreement with that, targeting those places, especially when a lot of civilians are there, if you think that was a worthwhile strike.

Also, if you could give us a readout on the recent round of U.S. and UK strikes, how successful they were, and if you plan on continuing that.

And finally, to ask about the shipping. There seems to have been  we haven't heard about any shipping-related strikes recently. Is that because the Houthis have sort of stopped attacking ships as they've been attacking Israel? Or is there some  do we have some shortage in our interceptor supplies?

MR. KIRBY: There's an awful lot there, Karen. I'll try to take them in order.

On your first question, I'll let the IDF speak to their military operations, as we typically do. I'm not going to comment on individual strikes that they take to defend themselves. I would just say that the Houthis continue to pose a real, a present, and a viable threat to the safety and security of the Israeli people as the Houthis  and you mentioned it in your question to me  continue to launch strikes against Israeli soil itself. So they have a right to defend themselves.

Now, as we've also said and continue to say, how they defend themselves matters, of course, and we want to see them conduct our operations with a minimal impact on civilian infrastructure and certainly at much less risk to the civilian population, and that's a conversation that we continue to have with them, and I can assure you that those conversations are ongoing.

On the strikes that we've been conducting as part of our coalition effort, I would point you to the Pentagon to speak to battle damage assessment. I'm afraid I don't have that level of detail here this morning.

That said, those missions are important in terms of further degrading Houthi capabilities. We believe that, in the main, these strikes have been effective, but clearly there are continued threats posed by the Houthis, continued capabilities that they are able to deploy and use against commercial and warship activity in the Red Sea. And so, these strikes will continue for as long as that threat remains. Clearly, they still have some capability to conduct these attacks, and not just against shipping but against the Israeli people as well.

On the reduction, I think it's most likely a combination of factors, Karen. We believe it is certainly due in part to the strikes that we have been conducting and the degradation of their capabilities. We haven't eliminated that. They still have the ability to strike out at shipping, but we do believe we have further degraded their ability to do so.

We also have extensive defensive capabilities as well. I mean, we believe one of the reasons that you haven't seen successful attacks against commercial shipping lately is because we also continue to sharpen and hone our defensive capabilities to prevent those attacks from succeeding. And then, as you rightly also noted, one other factor could be that they have increased their attention on Israeli soil and attacks against the nation of Israel.

So, I think it's a combination of things, but the strikes will continue against their capabilities for as long as we believe those capabilities remain viable, and they still remain viable.

MODERATOR: Next up, we'll go to the line of Martin Montague.



Q Good morning. Happy holidays. I have questions for

Anne. Anne, thank you for the update. Appreciate it.

You know, the number has come up from eight to nine. I'm wondering if there's any evidence that any of the firms have been able to fully evict the Chinese from their networks.

And I'm also wondering if there's any sort of idea, now that we're a few weeks  few months, I should say, into this investigation, the total universe of Americans impacted by this breach, is there any sort of ballpark figure, rough estimate, back-of-the-envelope number you might be able to share? Thank you.

MS. NEUBERGER: Thanks so much, Martin. So, two things I would say. One is, you know, I've had the opportunity to lead both offensive and defensive operations, and the reality is that from what we're seeing regarding the level of cybersecurity implemented across the telecom sector, those networks are not as defensible as they need to be to defend against a well-resourced, capable, offensive cyber actor like China.

The reality is that China is targeting critical infrastructure in the United States  those are private sector companies  and we still see companies not doing the basics. So, you know, in one telecoms case, there was one administrator account that had access to over 100,000 routers. So, when the Chinese compromised that account, they gained that kind of broad access across the network. That's not meaningful cybersecurity to defend against a nation-state actor.

So I think, at this point, what we need to see is we need to see the FCC's rules, we need to see every member of the  all the FCC commissioners vote to implement the required minimum cybersecurity practices across telecom, because once those are in place, once companies are taking those steps to make their networks defensible, we would feel more confident to say that the Chinese actors have been evicted and can continue to not be able to come in.

With regard to the total number impacted, we don't yet have a good sense. Our understanding is that a large number of individuals were geolocated in the Washington, D.C./Virginia area. We believe it was the goal of identifying who those phones belong to and if they were government targets of interest for follow-on espionage and intelligence collection of communications, of texts, and phone calls on those particular phones.

So, we believe a large number of individuals were affected by geolocation and metadata of phones; a smaller number around actual collection of phone calls and texts. And I think the scale we're talking about is far larger on the geolocation; probably less than 100 on the actual individuals.

But everything we're learning  we're continuing to learn in the incident. The Chinese, you know, were very careful about their techniques. They erased logs. In many cases, companies were not keeping adequate logs. So, there are details likely, Martin, that we will never know regarding the scope and scale of this. And that's why we're looking forward and saying let's lock down this infrastructure. And, frankly, let's hold the Chinese accountable for this.

You saw the action, I'll just reference, that the Department of Commerce took regarding China telecom. There are further actions we're working related to actions like that in that space as well that will be coming out over the next month and over the coming months. Thanks.

MODERATOR: Next up we'll go to the line of Kellie Meyer.

Q Hi, thanks for taking my call. Merry Christmas, John. Thank you for doing this today.

On the plane crash, I wanted to ask: Is POTUS monitoring this, the latest he's been watching? Can you share?

MR. KIRBY: Yeah, Kellie. Yeah, the President has been and will continue to be apprised and kept up to date on what's going on. But as I said, it's actively being investigated. He wanted to make sure that our team  and we did this both through our diplomats, but also through some NSC officials  made very clear to the Azerbaijani government that we stand ready and willing to help them, should they need it, with their investigation.

But again, I don't want to get ahead of where we are.

MODERATOR: Next up, we'll go to the line of Sara Cook.

Q Hey, thank you so much for doing this. I had a couple questions. One, on the crash. Can you expand on what these early indications are that you're seeing that it might have been a Russian missile system?

And separately, can you comment on Marc Fogel receiving wrongfully detained status in Russia?

And if I may, on the strike that Israel conducted near a hospital on Thursday that left about 50 killed, including five hospital workers and five journalists, I'm wondering if you can comment on that as well.

MR. KIRBY: All right, I'm going to be completely unsatisfying to you on almost all of these.

I'm not going to get into what the early indications are that we're looking at. I think hopefully you can understand why I won't do that, but we do have early indications.

Again, I want to clarify: These are early indications. There is an active investigation going on, and I don't want to get ahead of where we are right now.

I'm going to leave the State Department to speak to Mr. Fogel and his classification. That is a determination that they make, and they have a process for that. And I really think it's better if you ask them what that  about that process and his particular case.

And on your last question, we've said time and time and time again: Hospitals should not be active scenes of combat and conflict. People should be able to  be able to feel safe going to a hospital, get the medical care that they desperately need. Sadly, we have seen in the past  again, time and time and time again  that Hamas uses civilian infrastructure, like schools and like hospitals, to store caches of weapons, to house fighters, to plan and coordinate.

I can't speak to this particular strike. You guys are probably sick of me saying it, but I'll say it again: I'm not going to speak to every IDF strike that they take. I'll let them speak to their operations. But again, they still have an active threat from Hamas  Hamas fighters. They should speak to how they're dealing with that threat. We don't want to see hospitals as the scene of conflict. And I'll leave it at that.

I do want to, if I could, while I remember  Karen DeYoung asked me about interceptor supplies for the United States Navy. Again, this will be an unsatisfying answer, but I didn't want to think  I didn't want Karen to think I was blowing that off. That would really be a question more for the Pentagon to speak to in terms of their inventory. I would be surprised if they're willing to publicly disclose what their inventory of air defense interceptors are aboard their surface ships in the Red Sea. That's not the kind of thing that we make public.

But again, I would point you to the U.S. Navy or to DOD, and I just didn't want you to think I blew that part of your question off.

MODERATOR: Thank you. We've got time for a couple more questions. Next up, we'll go to the line of Lucas Thompson.

Q John, is President Biden committed to the destruction of the Houthis in Yemen before he leaves office?

MR. KIRBY: Hey, Lucas. This is about destroying their ability to conduct these kinds of attacks. It's not about wiping every Houthi fighter off the map. This is about preventing them from threatening commercial and, quite frankly, naval ship activity in and around the Red Sea, as well as helping degrade and prevent their ability to continue to launch drones and missiles at Israel. So that's what this is about.

And as I said in my answer to Karen, we're going to continue that effort. For as long as he's Commander-in-Chief, we're going to continue to conduct those kinds of strikes and continue to try to degrade those capabilities.

MODERATOR: Next up, we'll go to the line of Eric Bazail.

Q John, thanks so much for doing this. Do you have any updates on the state of Gaza ceasefire talks, especially in light of some back-and-forth comments between Israeli and some of the Hamas leaders on Wednesday that Al Jazeera and other outlets reported on?

MR. KIRBY: What I can tell you, in all honesty  and we had a conversation on this this morning  that our backs are to it, and we are continuing to work on this as hard as we can to try to get a ceasefire deal in place before we leave office. And the team is, again, actively working this even today.

I don't have any specific updates to share with you. Obviously, if we did, we would be sharing with you if we had some kind of breakthrough; we're not there yet.

I would just add again that Hamas is the obstacle. As you get down towards what you believe is a conclusion of a negotiation, which we believe we are close to, it's the specific details that become the issues over which the sides barter. And the closer you get to the end, the more detailed those discussions occur. And that's where it gets more difficult, and that's really where we are. And it is because of Hamas throwing up obstacles or refusing to move on any of these details that we are still not at a conclusion.

But we believe, as Jake has said, we're very, very close, and so we're not going to give up on it.

MODERATOR: Next up, we'll go to the line of Dmitry Anopchenko.

Q Hello. Thank you very much for taking my question. John, two short questions please. Firstly, you mentioned the situation with the North Koreans. Previously, it was reported that Ukraine will have the opportunity to use the American or Western long-range missiles or long-range capabilities hitting any territory where the North Korea troops are. So could you clarify the policy?

And secondly, there are a lot of talks about the upcoming meeting of the Ukrainian Defense Contact Group, the Ramstein Format, scheduled for January. Could you share your understanding: Do you believe that it might be on the leaders' level, or it will be on ministers' level, as it was before? Thank you.

MR. KIRBY: I don't have an update on the next Ukraine Defense Contact Group, Ramstein Format that you mentioned. We'll have more to say as we get closer to that, and I'm sure I'd point you to DOD to be the prime speaker to their plans for that.

On your first question, I'll let the Ukrainians talk about their operations and how they're conducting their operations in and around Kursk. Nothing has changed about our guidance to them in terms of how they can use long-range capabilities to defend themselves in that area. But they should speak to what they're doing, how they're doing it, what they're using. I'm not going to get into that. I haven't done that for three years, and I'm not going to start doing it now.

I'll just say what I said before, and this kind of ties back to my topper: It remains deeply troubling that Mr. Putin has decided to use foreign troops on Russian soil to defend that soil, which is a historic move; hasn't been done for decades. We believe  continue to believe it's a sign of his desperation as he tries to spread forces around a pretty wide front there and defend against the Ukrainians in and around Kursk.

And as we said when they decided to move forward on this, those North Korean troops would be doing it at their own peril. And, clearly, they're under peril. In just the last week alone, as I said, a thousand casualties that's killed or wounded in the space of, what, seven, eight days.

So I hope that for all the things  and I've said this before, but I'll say it again  for all the things that the Russian military has given these guys, whether it's a rifle, ammunition, artillery, knapsacks, whatever the heck they're getting, I hope they're loading up their commanders with a bunch of body bags, because they're clearly going to need it.

MODERATOR: Our last question will go to the line of Courtney Kube.

Q Hi. Thank you. I know you don't want to talk about the indications that you guys have on the plane, but I wonder if you can even say whether the U.S. indications, early indications, are more than just sort of the visual things that we've been hearing about from experts who are looking at the holes and saying it could be shrapnel and things. Do you have actual  some kind of intelligence or information, whether it's like infrared or something that's beyond just sort of the informed speculation we've been seeing?

MR. KIRBY: Short answer to your question, Court, is yes. And I'll leave it at that.

MODERATOR: And that's all the time we have for today. Thank you, Kirby, and thank you, Anne, for joining. And thanks, everyone, for listening in and asking your questions.

If you have any follow-up questions, feel free to reach out to our team, and we'll get back to you. Hope everyone has a great rest of your day.

11:10 A.M. EST

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Allies agree NATO's 2025 common-funded budgets

NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

17 Dec. 2024

Last updated: 20 Dec. 2024

Allies agreed NATO's common-funded budgets for 2025 at a meeting of the North Atlantic Council on Tuesday (17 December 2024). These budgets enable a range of NATO structures and activities, from ensuring a well-functioning command structure and improving interoperability and readiness to supporting cooperation with partners and more.

The Civil Budget for 2025 is set at EUR 483.3 million, and the Military Budget at EUR 2.37 billion, representing a 10% and 9% increase respectively over 2024. These common-funded budgets are distinct from the defence spending often discussed in the NATO context and together amount to less than 0.02% of Allied defence spending.

2025 Civil Budget Recommendations - Executive Summary

2025 Military Budget Recommendations - Executive Summary

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Gaza: Ongoing civilian casualties amid aid challenges

26 December 2024 - Civilian casualties and injuries continue to be reported across Gaza due to the ongoing hostilities, with most families unable to afford basic food as the humanitarian situation deteriorates, a UN spokesperson reported on Thursday. In Lebanon, the UN peacekeeping mission in the south of the country urged both Israel and Lebanon to prevent any actions that could threaten the fragile ceasefire.

The relentless fighting in the Gaza Strip, which began last October, continues to cause widespread destruction and drive displacement, according to a note issued by the UN Spokesperson's Office.

"The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) stresses once again that civilians and civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, must be protected and spared from attacks," the note stated.

The note also cited reports that Israeli authorities continue to deny and impede aid missions across the war-ravaged enclave.

"Out of 12 UN requests for coordinated humanitarian movements yesterday, six requests were denied outright, three were cancelled by the organizers due to security or logistical challenges, one was approved but faced impediments, and two others were facilitated and accomplished," the note stated.

"One attempt to reach besieged parts of North Gaza governorate was denied yesterday and another one today," it added.

Despite access restrictions and insecurity, aid organizations are working tirelessly to assist the most vulnerable as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens.

With most families unable to afford basic food, prices have skyrocketed. Reports indicate that a 25-kilogram bag of wheat flour is now priced between $160 and $190.

"Humanitarian partners working to address hunger in Gaza estimate that as of mid-December, 10,000 metric tonnes of wheat flour are needed to distribute one bag of flour to all families in Deir al Balah, Khan Younis and Rafah," the note said.

"Without this, food insecurity in central and southern areas of the Strip will only worsen."

UN Mission urges protection of ceasefire in Lebanon

Meanwhile, the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) stressed that any actions threatening the fragile cessation of hostilities, agreed last month between Israel and Lebanon, must cease.

"Israel and Lebanon have recommitted to full implementation of Security Council resolution 1701," UNIFIL in a statement, calling on both parties to use the newly established Mechanism as agreed to address outstanding issues.

UNIFIL also called for the timely withdrawal of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) in southern Lebanon as part of the full implementation of the resolution as a comprehensive path toward peace.

It also noted concern over destruction caused by the IDF in residential areas, agricultural land and road networks in southern Lebanon, adding that such actions violate resolution 1701.

"UNIFIL stands ready to play its role in supporting both countries meet their obligations and monitoring progress," the Mission said.

"This includes ensuring the area south of the Litani River is free of any armed personnel, assets or weapons other than those of the Government of Lebanon and UNIFIL as well as respect for the Blue Line."

It added that UN peacekeepers will continue their mandated tasks, including monitoring and reporting all violations of resolution 1701 to the Security Council.



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World News in Brief: Civilian killings in Afghanistan, Kazakhstan air crash, more Syrian refugees return home

By Conor Lennon

26 December 2024 - The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), said in a social media post on Thursday that it had received credible reports that dozens of civilians, including women and children, were killed in airstrikes by Pakistan's military forces in Paktika province, on 24 December.

The Mission has called for an investigation to "ensure accountability, prevent recurrence and uphold victims' rights", noting that international law obliges military forces to take necessary precautions to prevent civilian harm, including distinguishing between civilians and combatants in operations.

The UN children's agency, UNICEF, also expressed concern over reports that at least 20 children were among those killed in the attack.

"Our sincere condolences to those who have lost loved ones. Children are not and must never be a target," Sanjay Wijesekera, UNICEF Regional Director for South Asia said.

Kazakhstan air crash: UN condolences

According to media reports, 38 people were killed in the Azerbaijan Airlines flight from Baku to Grozny that crashed in western Kazakhstan on Wednesday.

The spokesperson of the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres released a statement late on Wednesday, expressing his sadness at the news, and his condolences to the families of those killed, who included citizens of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, and Russia.

The International Civil Aviation Authority, the UN agency for global airspace cooperation, expressed sadness at the loss of life in a social media post, as did UNICEF.

Syria: Refugee returns continue

According to media reports, Hayat-Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the de facto authorities in Syria have named Anas Khattab as head of the intelligence services. Mr. Khattab is currently subject to UN sanctions, as a result of his association with Al Qaida.

HTS is also sanctioned by the UN, following a 2015 resolution which calls on Member States to "prevent and suppress terrorist acts committed specifically by" HTS's predecessor, the Al-Nusra Front".

The devastating, long-running civil war in Syria caused millions to flee the country: since the fall of Bashar al-Assad on 8 December, thousands of refugees have begun to return, Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, said on Thursday.

Meanwhile, the UN aid coordination office, OCHA, has reported that, whilst food is in short supply in some areas of the country, bread production and distribution have generally normalized.

The World Food Programme (WFP) noted on Thursday that it has more access routes to areas across the country that were inaccessible under the Assad regime, access that will contribute to saving the lives of millions of Syrians.





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UN chief condemns escalation in Yemen as airstrikes hit Sana'a Airport, key infrastructure

By Conor Lennon

26 December 2024 - The UN Secretary-General on Thursday condemned the deadly escalation between Yemen and Israel, following Israeli airstrikes that reportedly killed at least three people, injured dozens, and struck critical civilian infrastructure, including Sana'a International Airport.

The strikes targeted Sana'a International Airport, Red Sea ports, and power stations, injuring also a member of the UN Humanitarian Air Crew at the airport.

A high-level UN delegation, led by World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, was at the airport when the strikes occurred, following discussions on Yemen's humanitarian crisis and the release of detained UN personnel.

"Today's airstrikes follow around a year of escalatory actions by the Houthis in the Red Sea and the region that threaten civilians, regional stability and freedom of maritime navigation," Stephanie Tremblay, a UN spokesperson, said in a statement.

She added that Secretary-General Antonio Guterres remains deeply concerned about the risk of further escalation and has urged all parties to cease military actions and exercise restraint.

"He also warns that airstrikes on Red Sea ports and Sana'a airport pose grave risks to humanitarian operations at a time when millions of people are in need of life-saving assistance," Ms. Tremblay said.

Respect international law

Mr. Guterres also emphasised that international law, including humanitarian law as applicable, must be respected at all times, and appealed to all to respect and protect civilians and civilian infrastructure.

"Humanitarian relief personnel must not be targeted and must be respected and protected at all times," the statement read.

Further escalation in the region also continues to undermine the mediation efforts led by the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen Hans Grundberg to reach a negotiated political solution to the conflict in Yemen, it added.

WHO head's first-hand account

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who was at Sana'a airport during the airstrikes, described the scene on social media.

"As we were about to board our flight from Sana'a...the airport came under aerial bombardment," he wrote.

The strikes damaged the air traffic control tower and the departure lounge, just meters from where Tedros and his team stood.

"We will need to wait for the damage to the airport to be repaired before we can leave. My UN and WHO colleagues and I are safe," he said, adding condolences to families who lost loved ones in the attack.

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The Guard in 2024: Deployments, Hurricanes, Wildfires and New Leadership

By Sgt. 1st Class Jon Soucy, National Guard Bureau December 27, 2024

ARLINGTON, Va. -- As 2024 began, Soldiers with 1st Squadron, 221st Cavalry Regiment, Nevada Army National Guard, were on duty along the Las Vegas Strip supporting state and local law enforcement as more than 400,000 people celebrated the New Year.

"People love to see us out here," said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Jacob Sheire, a scout with the unit. "You can tell some are a little cautious at first, but then they see a smile. I think it helps them just enjoy a nice, safe holiday."

The mission was one of many that National Guard members took part in during a year that saw continued overseas deployments, domestic response operations, training in large-scale exercises and many other events that kept Guard members busy.

For Soldiers with C Company, 1st Battalion, 244th Aviation Regiment, Oklahoma Army National Guard, the year began with a deployment to Kosovo to provide aviation support to the 27-nation peacekeeping mission there.

Meanwhile, Soldiers with the 34th "Red Bull" Infantry Division, Minnesota Army National Guard, deployed to the Middle East as part of Operation Spartan Shield, which maintains a U.S. military posture in the region to strengthen relationships and build partner capacity. The Red Bulls assumed the mission from 40th Infantry Division, California Army National Guard.

February saw Soldiers with 2nd Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment, Pennsylvania Army National Guard, deploy to Djibouti to support Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa. They took over the security mission from Task Force Tomahawk, comprised of Soldiers from the Oklahoma Army National Guard.

"Tomahawk, your accomplishments and sacrifices only add excellence to your distinguished heritage," said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Jami Shawley, CJTF-HOA commanding general, as TF Tomahawk rotated home. "When Tomahawks of the future look back and talk about their distinguished legacy, the pride in their eyes when they talk about the shoulders of giants that they come from, those are your shoulders."

Airmen with the 157th Air Refueling Wing, New Hampshire Air National Guard, deployed to the Middle East in September, becoming the first unit in the Air Force to operate the KC-46A Pegasus tanker during an operational deployment to a combatant command.

Members of the Tennessee Air National Guard's 134th Air Refueling Wing also deployed to the Middle East earlier in the year for a similar mission. Operating out of Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, an aircrew with the unit provided critical aerial refueling during a coalition response to an Iranian-launched missile and drone strike against Israel in April.

Flying near the incoming missiles and drones with no defensive capabilities on their KC-135 Stratotanker, the aircrew supported fighter pilots intercepting the attack. The 11 aircrew members were awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, honoring acts of heroism or extraordinary achievement in aerial flight.

"The aircrew knew the risks," said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Willis Parker, a pilot with the unit and one of the awardees. "But as tanker crews, we're the lifeline for the fighters. If we don't do our job, they can't do theirs."

Air National Guard fighter pilots helped intercept the attacks. Flying F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft, they destroyed many of the drones and missiles in air-to-air combat.

Guard Soldiers and Airmen were on the ground when Tower 22, a small military installation near the Jordan-Syrian border, came under a similar drone attack in late January. Three Airmen with the 129th Rescue Wing, California Air National Guard, were among those injured in the attack.

Other Guard units deployed to numerous worldwide locations  including Poland and throughout the Pacific and Middle East  as part of Army, Air Force and joint operations.

"Our No. 1 primary mission is to fight and win our nation's wars," said U.S. Army Gen. Daniel Hokanson, the 29th chief of the National Guard Bureau, of the deployments. "We are the combat reserve of the Army and Air Force. We are 20% of the Joint Force. This is where you live up to that."

Guard members were just as busy at home, where their skills, equipment and training for the combat mission were instrumental during emergency responses to blizzards, hurricanes and wildfires.

More than 130 New York National Guard members kicked off 2024 by responding to heavy snowfall in the Buffalo region. The January storm dumped 17 inches of snow on the area, with temperatures as low as 9 degrees Fahrenheit and winds up to 40 mph. Guard members transported key supplies, staffed and operated warming centers and helped manage traffic.

Later in the year, Guard members from 18 states responded when Hurricane Helene, which made landfall on the Florida Gulf Coast Sept. 26 as a Category 4 storm, dumped heavy rain on western North Carolina as it pushed north. The mountainous region was inundated with severe flooding that caused millions of dollars in damage and cut off many communities from surrounding areas.

"The first day we flew missions, we landed in a spot where, when we went over the mountain, we saw the road completely destroyed," said Spc. Diego Effinger, an aircrew member with B Company, 3rd Battalion, 238th Aviation Regiment, Ohio Army National Guard. "We know people aren't getting in and out of there, so we're making sure that people get food and water."

By the end of response operations in late October, Guard members had rescued 869 people and 226 pets, transported more than 21,000 tons of cargo and executed more than 2,200 ground and air missions.

Guard Soldiers and Airmen simultaneously responded after Hurricane Milton landed Oct. 9 near Sarasota, Florida, as a Category 3 storm and barreled across the state before heading out into the Atlantic.

Earlier, in the summer, aircrews with the 146th Airlift Wing, California Air National Guard, responded to wildfires in the Golden State. Using C-130 Hercules cargo aircraft equipped with the Modular Airborne Firefighting System, they dropped thousands of gallons of fire retardant and water on the wildfires. Additional aircrews with the 153rd Airlift Wing, Wyoming Air National Guard, and the 152nd Airlift Wing, Nevada Air National Guard, assisted with their MAAFS-equipped C-130s. Arizona Army National Guard aircrews used UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters to help douse the flames.

Guard members also responded to wildfires in Oregon, Tennessee, West Virginia, Massachusetts and Texas.

Other Guard elements looked to the future with Project Theia, a test program that uses artificial intelligence to predict a wildfire's path and where response efforts will be needed.

Named after the Greek goddess of sight, Theia centralizes video data and applies AI solutions to increase situational awareness among those responding.

"This technology, simply put, is going to take us to the next level in not only how we coordinate with local agencies, but the speed in which we can help save lives," said Michael Wisniewski, chief data officer with the Army National Guard's communications and computers directorate.

Project Theia wasn't the only area Guard members tested potential new equipment.

Soldiers with the North Carolina, South Carolina and West Virginia Army National Guard received the Army's next generation squad weapons, including the XM7 rifle, the XM250 automatic rifle and the XM157 fire control system, for evaluation to potentially replace the M4 carbine, M249 squad automatic weapon and M240 machine gun.

"The XM7, compared to the M4, is definitely a step up," said Cpl. Joseph Negron, a scout assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Battalion, 118th Infantry Regiment, South Carolina Army Guard. "The rifle is a little bit heavier, but its accuracy is definitely worth the extra weight."

Meanwhile, Guard Soldiers and Airmen participated in numerous large-scale training exercises during the year.

In March, Soldiers with the 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Vermont Army National Guard, trained alongside soldiers with the Canadian army's 35th Canadian Brigade Group during exercise Guerrier Nordique. The exercise tested and honed the Soldiers' capabilities in an Arctic environment.

Airmen with the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing, who fly the U.S. military's only ski-equipped C-130 cargo aircraft, provided air transportation during the exercise, which included U.S. Navy and Marine Corps personnel.

Other multinational training exercises Guard units took part in included Exercise African Lion in Morocco, Exercise Balikatan in the Philippines and the Defender Europe series of exercises.

At home, Guard members rotated to the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Johnson, Louisiana, the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California, and the Northern Strike exercise at the National All Domain Warfighting Center, Michigan. Hosted by the Michigan National Guard, Northern Strike included more than 6,300 participants from nearly every U.S. service branch and several partner nations.

Many partner nations at Northern Strike and other training exercises were part of the Department of Defense National Guard State Partnership Program, which pairs Guard elements with partner nations worldwide for mutual training and subject matter expert exchanges. The SPP continued to grow in its 31st year, adding six partnerships.

Those new partnerships include the Indiana and Oklahoma National Guard in a joint pairing with Saudi Arabia, the Virginia National Guard and Finland, Gabon and the West Virginia National Guard, the New York National Guard and Sweden, the Guam National Guard and Palau, and Sierra Leone with the Michigan National Guard.

With those additions, the SPP now comprises 115 partnerships.

Another nine partnerships  Angola, Cote d'Ivoire, Mauritius, Mexico, Portugal, the Republic of Marshall Islands, the Republic of Seychelles, Switzerland, and the United Arab Emirates  are planned for 2025.

"The National Guard continues to forge enduring trust with nations across the globe," said U.S. Air Force Col. Andrew Chilcoat, chief of international affairs with the National Guard Bureau, which oversees the SPP. "This helps to build U.S. and partner capabilities as part of the U.S. security cooperation enterprise, facilitating collaboration across all aspects of international civil-military affairs and encouraging people-to-people ties."

During 2024, the Guard also welcomed new senior leaders.

U.S. Air Force Gen. Steve Nordhaus took the reins as the 30th CNGB in October, with Hokanson, the outgoing CNGB, retiring after nearly 40 years of service. In November, Senior Enlisted Advisor John Raines took over as the senior enlisted advisor to the CNGB from SEA Tony Whitehead, who retired with 42 years of service.

"Everything I do in this role will be in the service of our people so we can ensure mission success," said Nordhaus. "Every policy we improve, every nation and community we visit and every decision we make will put our elite Soldiers, Airmen and civilians front and center. You bring strength, courage and honor to this organization. Without you, we cannot succeed."

In August, the Army National Guard welcomed Lt. Gen. Jon Stubbs as its new director. Lt. Gen. Jon Jensen, the outgoing director, retired with over 40 years of service.

And as the Guard celebrated its 388th birthday on Dec. 13, Soldiers and Airmen with the Nevada National Guard were preparing for the annual mission of assisting local authorities with crowd control, safety and medical support during New Year's celebrations along the Las Vegas Strip.

"The coordination prior to missions ensures success at execution," said U.S. Army Maj. Timothy Frederick, a plans officer with the Nevada Guard. "Planning and working together before an incident are critical."

Other Guard members were gearing up for deployments or training missions and another year of being "Always Ready, Always There."

Contributing to this report: Sgt. 1st Class Zach Sheely, Leanna Maschino, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh, U.S. Army Sgt. Jalen Miller, Senior Master Sgt. Timothy Huffman, U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Taylor Nave, U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Jason Carr, U.S. Army Cpl. Carlos Parra, U.S. Army Maj. Leslie Reed, U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Erich Smith, U.S. Army Maj. Karla Evans, U.S. Army Maj. Mikel Arcovitch, U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Allison Stephens

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Gaza: 'Hunger is everywhere', babies die from the cold, airstrike on unarmed journalists condemned

27 December 2024 - Newborns and infants in Gaza have reportedly died of hypothermia, deaths described by the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) as preventable. The news comes amid continued Israeli bombardments and an expected further drop in temperatures.

In Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of people displaced from their homes are sheltering in tents, the temperatures are expected to drop further in the coming days.

Edouard Beigbeder, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, reported in a statement on Friday that, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, four newborns and infants died in recent days from hypothermia.

"These preventable deaths lay bare the desperate and deteriorating conditions facing families and children across Gaza," said Mr. Beigbeder.

"With temperatures expected to drop further in the coming days, it is tragically foreseeable that more children's lives will be lost to the inhumane conditions they are enduring".

The senior official underlined the fact that, beyond the constant threat of attacks, many in Gaza are living without nutrition, or healthcare. Their makeshift shelters, he said, offer no protection from the freezing weather.

Relentless attacks

Meanwhile, ongoing hostilities continue to claim Palestinian lives across the Gaza Strip, including near health facilities.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) raised alarm over such attacks, which have also killed health and aid workers.

"An airstrike near Kamal Adwan Hospital in North Gaza governorate last night reportedly killed dozens of people, including health workers. In Kamal Adwan hospital today, staff, patients and their companions were forced out of the facility," the Office said in an update.

"We are alarmed by ongoing attacks across the Strip that have left scores of Palestinians dead. Arrests and significant damage to the hospital have been reported," it added.

Humanitarian aid blocked

UNICEF and other UN agencies have frequently reported that, far too often, aid convoys are not being given permission to enter the Gaza Strip and deliver supplies to those in need.

Mr. Beigbeder noted that, in November, an average of 65 truckloads of assistance entered the enclave daily, far too little to adequately address the urgent needs of children, women and other civilians.

He called for all access crossings to be opened, as did the World Food Programme (WFP), the UN emergency food relief agency in a social media post on Friday.

WFP declared that it has only been able to bring in about a third of the food needed to support people in Gaza, and that "hunger is everywhere".

Journalist killing condemned

The UN Human Rights Office has condemned the killing of five journalists by Israeli forces on Thursday.

In a social media post published on Friday, the Office noted that the journalists were unarmed, and clearly identified as members of the press, when their van was hit by an airstrike in the vicinity of the Al Awda hospital in Gaza.

The Israeli military claim that the journalists were affiliated with Palestinian armed groups does not remove their protection as civilians, declared the Office, reiterating that urgent measures are needed to protect all civilians, including journalists, in Gaza.

The Office is calling for a thorough and impartial investigation into the killings.

Situation in the West Bank

Meanwhile in the West Bank, OCHA reported that as of Thursday Israeli military operations have killed 20 Palestinians over a 10-day period, including 12 deaths from airstrikes.

In Tulkarm refugee camp, a military operation caused significant infrastructure damage, with OCHA raising concerns over the repeated use of lethal, war-like tactics exceeding law enforcement standards.

OCHA also reported that 2024 marked the highest displacement of Palestinians in the West Bank since records began nearly two decades ago.

As of Tuesday, 4,706 Palestinians, including 1,949 children, have been displaced, largely due to Israeli military operations, demolitions, settler violence and access restrictions.

Some 1,209 structures were demolished or forced to be demolished this year, citing lack of permits, which are nearly impossible for Palestinians to obtain.

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'I saw the blood on the tarmac': top UN official in Yemen recounts aftermath of Israel airstrike on civilian airport

27 December 2024 - Fresh details of the Israeli airstrike on Sana'a airport, which occurred as Tedros Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) was preparing to fly out of the country, have been provided by Julien Harneis, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Yemen.

On 26 December, Israeli forces struck Sana'a International Airport, Red Sea ports and power stations. Tedros was at the airport when it was hit, along with Mr. Harneis and other members of a UN party negotiating the release of several UN workers held hostage by Ansar Allah, the de facto authorities in Sana'a.

Tedros and his colleagues were finally able to leave Yemen on Friday.

Mr. Harneis delivered a briefing to journalists from UN offices in Sana'a, in which he emphasized the importance of the airport to humanitarian aid efforts.

The following is an edited version of the briefing.

"I'm based in Yemen and had previously received Director General Tedros some two days before. He was here to engage with leaders of Ansar Allah, the de facto authorities in Sana'a, in order to contribute to negotiation for the release of UN staff. I was with him throughout those discussions.

Yesterday I was at the airport when the air strikes, which landed some 300 metres from us, destroyed the air traffic control centre, killing the staff working there and injuring a UN Humanitarian Air Service crew member.

The air strikes hit at around 4:45 PM. Not only did we have zero indication of any potential strikes, but we cannot remember the last time there were air strikes during daylight hours. So, an air strike on a civilian location and in the middle of the day, just before an Airbus 320 was about to land and with a UN party present was completely unexpected.

Our security colleagues took us, a party of approximately 20 UN personnel, out of the VIP building into five armoured vehicles. The injured UNHAS crew member was hit in the lower leg by shrapnel and had to be evacuated to a hospital in Sana'a: I saw his blood on the tarmac this morning as we said goodbye to Tedros. He underwent four hours of surgery and fortunately we were able to fly him out with Director General Tedros this afternoon.

'If the airport is disabled it will paralyze humanitarian operations'

What was most frightening about that air strike wasn't the effect on us, it was that it began as a civilian airliner from Yemenia Airways, carrying hundreds of Yemenis, was about to land. In fact, the plane was taxiing when the air traffic control was destroyed.

Fortunately, that plane was able to land safely, and the passengers were able to disembark but it could have been far, far worse.

The airport is civilian infrastructure. It is where all the international humanitarian aid workers who work in the north of the country enter and leave, so if the airport is disabled it will paralyze humanitarian operations.

It's also the airport by which thousands of Yemenis who are unable to get advanced healthcare in the country leave for health facilities in Jordan, Cairo or Mumbai. So, it is an absolute vital humanitarian location. It is essential that all parties to the conflict scrupulously observe international humanitarian law."

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Haiti's destiny 'bright' despite terrifying escalation of violence

By Pia Blondel

27 December 2024 - Offering Haiti's young people alternatives to gang life and strengthening local institutions are key for the Caribbean nation to "reclaim its position as a symbol of hope," according to a senior UN official in the country.

Haiti is faced with a multifaceted crisis including rising gang violence, political instability, the displacement of over 700,000 people as well as widespread hunger.

UNICEF has reported a sharp increase in the recruitment of minors by armed gangs, with the number of child recruits rising by 70 per cent in the past year.

Ulrika Richardson, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Haiti, spoke with UN News about what the United Nations is doing to support the Haitian people.

This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity

UN News: How would you describe the current situation in the country?

Ulrika Richardson: There has been a terrifying escalation of violence in certain parts of Haiti, which is tearing at the very fabric of society. There have been horrific massacres in the last three months of the year both in the capital Port-au-Prince, but also in near-by l'Artibonite.

These brutal acts of dehumanization will only deepen the collective trauma of the Haitian people.

We cannot ignore this reality. We must centre these horrific events in our response, urgently expanding mental health and psychosocial support programmes, and integrating them into our long-term plan for stability.

As the UN we are committed to staying in Haiti to help the most vulnerable people through the current crisis.

We need to protect people currently in extremely vulnerable situations, particularly in Port-au-Prince, where security forces simply do not have the capacity to protect citizens.

This means supporting the hundreds of thousands of internally displaced people.

Families have fled their homes, often multiple times so we can start to imagine the magnitude of the wound they carry, and we must ensure they live in decent conditions.

So, at the moment, security is a prerequisite before addressing humanitarian challenges and then looking at a durable recovery.

UN News: It seems that every step you've taken, there have been two steps back. The deployment of the Multinational Security Support Mission appears to have stalled.

Ulrika Richardson: Of course, we are hoping that the situation improves. We will never give up hope and are working closely with the government, transitional authorities, civil society, and the private sector to make 2025 a better year than 2024.

Despite strong leadership from Kenya with the non-UN multinational security support mission (MSS), which we really applaud, the mission is still in a pre-deployment phase because of a lack of sufficient funding from the international community. We have received important contributions, but they are very limited, so much more is needed.

Additional support is on the way. We have just heard that the MSS [mission] will receive more uniformed personnel and equipment. This move underscores the continued commitment to enhancing security in the country, a critical step toward advancing both humanitarian and development efforts in Haiti.

How important is security to political stability?

Haiti's government is committed to its ambitious electoral agenda, including constitutional reform, which requires investment in economic recovery and social peace.

Security is essential to creating an environment where citizens can and want to vote. But there needs to be a doubling of efforts from UN Member States on all fronts today, not tomorrow, when it's too late.

Haiti's destiny is as bright as any other country. It needs to reclaim its position in the world as a symbol of hope, independence and freedom. There have been a lot of mistakes, but we need to learn from yesterday and see how we can improve things.

UN News: Could you expand on these mistakes?

Ulrika Richardson: If you look at economic incentives, why hasn't there been investment into productive capacities of the country? Right now, insecurity has discouraged foreign investors because they need to have some type of guarantee of stability.

However, after the 2010 earthquake, there were a lot of investments, hardly seen anywhere before for a country of that size. But how much of that was invested back into strengthening Haitian institutions?

Equally important is ensuring that Haitians lead this process. I speak as someone who is not Haitian but as the UN in Haiti and recognising Haiti's historic role as a founding UN Member State. So, our engagement is guided by deep respect for Haitian leadership and the vision of its people.

UN News: Talking about the future, the first thing that comes to mind is youth.

And youth in Haiti is at the centre of discussions around development and security. What step do you see as critical in the next year to empowering them and preventing their recruitment into armed gangs?

Opportunities. They need to have alternatives. We have, and need to continue to work on what these alternatives are. We want young people and children to be able to transition into being members of the community.

Some young people are coerced into joining gangs and there is an explanation for this.

If you can't leave the capital because finding a job somewhere else means that you risk your life on gang-controlled roads and there is no job opportunity where you live, your parents may have been killed, and education is not an option, what do we expect them to do?

Many children from the age of eight are currently recruited by gangs to run errands, to be their informers.

Unfortunately, arms trafficking continues to happen despite the sanctions regime. We need to have a process in place and a much better response rate from neighbouring actors.

This is not impossible, there are human resources out there and a lot of creativity and desire to create something better for the country than in the past.

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Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre: Statement on the situation in Gaza

Government of Norway

News story | Date: 28/12/2024

The recent attacks in North Gaza against some of the few remaining operational hospitals, are unacceptable.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza, and particularly North Gaza, has long been catastrophic. In recent days, several Israeli airstrikes have targeted some of the few remaining operational hospitals in North Gaza.

On Christmas Eve, the United Nations (OCHA) reported that Israeli airstrikes have inflicted severe damage on Palestinian civilians who have already suffered immensely from intense attacks over a long period. According to Palestinian health authorities, at least 50 people, including five healthcare workers, were killed in Israeli airstrikes near the Kamal Adwan hospital in North Gaza on December 26th. The Kamal Adwan hospital, which has been the only remaining major health facility in North Gaza, was forcibly evacuated yesterday following a military raid, according to the WHO.

In December alone, Israeli authorities are reported to have rejected 48 out of 52 UN requests for humanitarian access to the besieged areas in Northern Gaza.

UNICEF stated on December 26th that 11 children had lost their lives following Israeli attacks in the past three days alone. Over 90 percent of the population in Gaza is internally displaced. With winter setting in, together with the lack of food and shelter, living conditions are horrific, especially for children. According to Palestinian health authorities, four infants have frozen to death in recent days.

It is heartbreaking - and completely unacceptable - that the civilian population in Gaza, including children, is being deprived of life-saving treatment due to a shortage of hospitals, healthcare personnel and supplies.

Hospitals and medical personnel enjoy special protection under international humanitarian law. The UN and humanitarian organizations must be allowed to continue their critical work. The civilian population, the sick and the wounded must be given protection, food, and medical assistance.

Furthermore, it is completely unacceptable that Israeli authorities continue to prevent humanitarian actors from accessing those in need. It is imperative that humanitarian actors and their vital aid reach all parts of Gaza. I wish to appeal once more to the Israeli government: Israel must comply with its international obligations and do everything within its power to end the suffering now.

A ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages and access to humanitarian aid are more urgent than ever.

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Yemen shoots down American MQ-9 drone

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Dec 28, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Yemen's armed forces say they have shot down a US MQ-9 drone over the central province of Al Bayda.

The American drone was shot down while it was on a "hostile mission" in Yemen's airspace, the armed forces said in a statement carried by Al-Masirah TV Network on Saturday night.

According to the statement, the armed forces shot down the unmanned aircraft, using a domestically-made surface-to-air missile.

It said the aircraft was the 13th MQ-9 drone destroyed by the Yemeni armed forces during their military operations in support of Gaza.

The operations, which have also included attacks on Israel-linked ships, began a year ago to put pressure on the regime to end its war on Gaza.

The Yemeni armed forces have time and again said that they will continue their operations until the Israeli regime and its ally the United States stops the aggression on Gaza. The Yemenis say the US is directly responsible for the killing of civilians in Gaza as it supplies the Israeli regime with weapons and politically supports it in international bodies.

4194

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Palestinians in Gaza fire missiles at Israeli-occupied territories

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Dec 28, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Palestinian resistance groups in war-ravaged Gaza have fired missiles at Israeli-occupied territories, including the city of Al-Quds, in an attack that Israeli media have described as surprising.

The regime's media outlets said on Saturday that two missiles were fired from the Gaza Strip towards the city of Al-Quds and the southern parts of the Israeli-occupied territories.

The regime's army claims that it has intercepted both missiles. However, Israeli TV Channel 13 described the missile attack as surprising, saying that the projectiles were fired from the northeastern city of Beit Hanoun, despite repeated Israeli military offensives there during the months-long war on the Gaza Strip.

The channel, citing assessment by the Israeli army, said that Hamas is still in possession of missiles which can reach Al-Quds and Tel Aviv.

Gaza is still able to fire missiles at Al-Quds after enduring 449 days of war, the media outlet said.

The latest missile attack by Palestinian resistance groups in Gaza comes as the Israeli regime has time and again claimed that it has destroyed their military capabilities and killed or arrested their fighters.

The regime invaded Gaza on October 7, 2023 with the stated goal of annihilating Hamas resistance movement.

Nearly 15 months on, Israel has not achieved its goal, as Hamas continues to fight the regime alongside other resistance groups.

The war has so far killed at least 45,484 people and injured 108,090 others in Gaza. Most of the casualties are women and children.

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Use of fake codes in durian exports to China reported

Durians at a warehouse in Dong Nai province, southern Vietnam. Photo by VnExpress/Phuoc Tuan

Some fraudsters have been using fake farming area and packaging facility codes to export durian to China, the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association has said.

It has recently received a number of complaints from genuine exporters about this kind of fraud, Dang Phuc Nguyen, its general secretary, said.

Only fruits from farming areas and packaging facilities whose area codes have been approved by Chinese authorities can be exported to that country.

Exporter Vina T&T has reported a case involving its packaging facility code (VN-BTPH-036), with someone forging the stamp and signature of Vo Huu Truong, head of its office in the Mekong Delta province of Ben Tre, to sign a contract on Dec. 10 that allowed another firm, Eureka Marketing, to use the code to export durians to China.

As a result several shipments bearing Vina T&Ts code passed through customs.

Nguyen Dinh Tung, the exporters CEO, said the clearance of these fraudulent shipments could damage his company's reputation.

Several durian farming area codes have also been misused by fraudsters, causing Chinese customs to even revoke some of them after detecting shipments contaminated with cadmium.

This has caused losses for the legitimate owners of the codes even though the shipments were not theirs.

The association has exhorted authorities to strengthen oversight and punish violators.

It also called for creating a database to help manage farming area and packaging facility codes and improve transparency and product traceability.

Publicizing the list of legitimate entities and information about violations would also deter fraud, it added.

Vietnam should also work with importing countries to prevent violations, it said.

Durian exports are expected to top US$3.2 billion this year, up 40% from 2023, and continue rising next year as processed durian products, which fetch a higher value than fresh fruits, enter the Chinese market.

Vietnam has around 154,000 hectares under durian and produces 1.2 million tons of the fruit annually.
Yemen targets Israel's Nevatim airbase with ballistic missile

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Dec 28, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- The Yemeni Armed Forces have announced a missile strike on the Israeli regime's Nevatim airbase in southern occupied territories, using a Palestine-2 hypersonic ballistic missile.

In a statement on Saturday, Brigadier General Yahya Saree, the spokesman for the Yemeni army, said the missile successfully hit its target.

He said the latest missile strike was in support of the Palestinian fighters in Gaza and the West Bank.

Meanwhile, Yemeni media reported a new assault by the United States and the United Kingdom on an area in Hajjah province in northwestern Yemen.

American and British warplanes targeted the Bahis area in Hajjah province in two separate raids.

The US and the UK have been conducting air raids in Yemen in support of the Israeli regime.

The latest airstrike followed Thursday's Israeli aggression on Yemen. Six people were killed, including four at Sana'a International Airport, where World Health Organization (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus was waiting for a flight.

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IRGC chief cmdr. hails Yemenis' support for Palestine, says they will emerge victorious

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Dec 28, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Chief commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Major General Hossein Salami has praised the Yemeni people's resistance and their support for Palestine, saying that they will eventually emerge victorious.

"The Yemenis will continue their resistance, as they have so far resisted with dignity, and they will ultimately win," Salami said in an interview with Yemen's Al-Masirah TV Network on Saturday.

The Resistance has not been weakened, as all people are witnessing that how Yemenis continue to defend the Palestinians deservedly, the IRGC commander noted.

He also hailed the Yemenis for their weekly rallies, which they have been holding on Fridays in support of the Palestinians in Gaza since the Israeli regime unleashed its war there in early October last year.

Yemen has been targeting Israeli ships or other vessels destined for the occupied Palestinian territories in the past months to support the people of Gaza.

Yemen's Armed Forces have continued their operations despite airstrikes by the US, the UK, and Israel on their country, saying that the US-led pressure campaign would never force the Arab country to withdraw its support for the Palestinian nation.

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Hamas official: Israeli regime refusing complete ceasefire in Gaza

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Dec 28, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Osama Hamdan, a senior official of the Palestinian Hamas Resistance Movement, has said that the Israeli regime is still refusing to accept a complete ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and withdraw from the blockaded territory.

Hamdan told Qatar-based Al Jazeera TV network that Hamas had prepared a plan for a complete ceasefire in Gaza in exchange for releasing captives, but the Israeli regime refused to accept it, IRNA reported early on Saturday.

The Israeli regime is hampering efforts for a ceasefire, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wants to get rid of the case by having all Israeli captives killed, the Hamas official said.

He added that Hamas had previously accepted a plan for the staged withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, but the regime rejected that plan as well.

On the latest attack by the Zionist army on Kamal Adwan Hospital in the northern city of Beit Lahia, the senior Hamas official said that the assault is part of the regime's so-called General's Plan and aims to destroy any civilian infrastructure which Gazans need to survive.

Hamdan stressed that no armed person was present in the hospital.

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Resistance fighters clash with PA forces in occupied West Bank

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Dec 28, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- News sources have reported fierce clashes between Palestinian resistance fighters and the Palestinian Authority (PA) forces in the Jenin camp in the north of the occupied West Bank.

According to the Al-Aqsa Voice, PA forces once again attacked resistance fighters in Jenin Camp on Friday.

It said that during the clashes, PA forces set fire to the house belonging to the Abu Al-Saman family next to the Al-Asir Mosque.

Meanwhile, Al Jazeera reported that several PA forces had been injured in clashes with the resistance fighters.

In recent days, PA security forces have attacked various areas of the occupied West Bank, including the Jenin camp, where the resistance fighters are based.

In a statement issued earlier this week, the Palestinian Islamic resistance movement Hamas has strongly condemned the divisive remarks made by PA officials and their acts of aggression against resistance fighters in the occupied West Bank.

Hamas added that divisive remarks made by PA authorities can have serious negative effects on the social and national institutions controlled by the Palestinians.

It strongly condemned setting fire to the houses of people wanted by the Israeli regime in Jenin refugee camp and the use of weapons such as rockets against them, adding that such weapons should have been used by the resistance fighters to fight the aggressors.

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Iran urges swift action by UN to halt Israel's raids on Gaza medical centers

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 28 December 2024 5:22 PM

Iranian Health Minister Mohammad Reza Zafarghandi says the United Nations should swiftly take serious action to put an end to the Israeli regime's repeated raids on medical centers and staff in the Gaza Strip.

Zafarghandi made the plea in a letter to Secretary General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres on Saturday following the Israeli regime's raid on Kamal Adwan Hospital, which put the last major health facility in North Gaza out of service.

The Israeli military on Friday stormed Kamal Adwan Hospital, torching large sections and ordering hundreds of people to leave. The attacks continued on Saturday.

Gaza's Ministry of Health said on Friday that contact had been lost with staff inside the hospital in Beit Lahiya, which has been under siege and heavy pressure from Israeli forces for weeks.

On Saturday, it announced that Israeli forces arrested Hussam Abu Safiya, the director of the hospital, and other staffers.

In his letter, the Iranian health minister condemned Israel's savage raids on the hospital in recent days and also the regime's airstrike on Sana'a International Airport at a time when Director General of the World Health Organization Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and his entourage were waiting for a flight at the airport.

Zafarghandi said the attacks were a continuation of the Israeli regime's blatant violence and an indication of its total disobedience to international rules and treaties.

He said the world has witnessed the Israeli regime's frequent deadly attacks on medical facilities, healthcare personnel, and aid workers in Gaza in violation of all international regulations since it launched the war on the besieged Palestinian territory in October 2023.

However, international organizations and circles have failed to show an effective reaction so far, he emphasized.

The Iranian minister called on the UN chief to take a serious stance and make prompt and practical efforts to create convergence among international institutions in condemning the continuation of the occupying regime's attacks.

The Israeli regime's war of genocide in Gaza has so far claimed the lives of over 45,400 people, mostly women and children.

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Yemeni forces strike Israeli airbase in occupied lands with hypersonic ballistic missile

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 28 December 2024 4:39 PM

The Yemeni Armed Forces have carried out a missile strike against a strategic Israeli military position in the northern part of the Negev Desert in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.

Brigadier General Yahya Saree, the spokesperson for the Yemeni military, announced in a statement that the Arab nation's missile units targeted Nevatim Airbase, located 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) southeast of Beersheba, on Saturday, using a Palestine-2 hypersonic ballistic missile.

He added that the missile strike could successfully attain its desired objectives.

Saree also saluted the Yemeni nation for holding mass pro-Palestine rallies across the country on Friday to reaffirm their commitment to their religious, ethical, and humanitarian obligations.

He said the Yemeni forces will step up their retaliatory operations against the Israeli enemy as long as the ongoing aggression on Gaza continues and the siege is not lifted.

Yemen's Ansarullah resistance movement has been also targeting ships linked to Israel, the United States, or Britain to force an end to the Tel Aviv regime's genocidal war on Gaza.

The Yemeni armed forces have said they will not stop their operations until Israel's ground and aerial offensives in Gaza end.

So far, Israel has killed more than 45,480 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured over 108,000 individuals in Gaza.

Meanwhile, the US and British naval coalition has carried out two airstrikes against strategic sites in Yemen's northern province of Hajjah.

Yemen's Arabic-language al-Masirah television channel reported that the aerial raids targeted the installation in the Bahis area in the Midi district.

There was no immediate information about the extent of damage caused, or possible casualties.

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IRGC chief: Yemenis will ultimately emerge victorious

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 28 December 2024 11:37 AM

The chief commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has praised the Yemeni nation for courageously and valorously defending the Palestinian nation amid the bloody Israeli onslaught in Gaza, stating that the people will ultimately emerge triumphant.

Major General Hossein Salami made the remarks in an interview with Yemen's Arabic-language al-Masirah television channel on Saturday.

"The Yemenis, as they have resisted with dignity and honor up until today, will continue their resistance by the grace of God and will ultimately emerge victorious."

He added, "The Resistance Front has not weakened; and everyone is witnessing how Yemenis are competently defending Palestine and staging marches every Friday in support of Gaza."

The Yemeni Armed Forces announced on Friday that it launched a "hypersonic ballistic missile" targeting Israel's Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, asserting it had hit its target.

Military spokesperson Brigadier General Yahya Saree said in a televised statement that the strike caused casualties and disrupted air traffic at the airport.

"The missile succeeded in reaching its target despite the enemy's secrecy. The operation resulted in casualties and the suspension of air traffic at the airport," Sare noted.

Yemen's Ansarullah resistance movement has been also targeting ships linked to Israel, the United States, or the United Kingdom to force an end to the Tel Aviv regime's genocidal war on Gaza.

The Yemeni armed forces have said they will not stop their operations until Israel's ground and aerial offensives in Gaza end.

So far, Israel has killed at least 45,484 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured another 108,090 individuals in Gaza.

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Dec. 27: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 28 December 2024 8:33 AM

By Press TV Website Staff

Amid the West-backed Israeli genocidal war on Gaza, which has killed more than 45,400 Palestinians so far, resistance groups in Palestine and across the region continue their operations against the Tel Aviv regime and its Western backers.

The major operations by the Palestinian and regional resistance groups on Friday, December 27, are as follows:

Al-Qassam Brigades' operations on Dec. 27:

In a complex operation, a resistance fighter carried out a martyrdom operation, blowing himself up with an explosive belt and killing at least five Israeli soldiers in the Tal al-Zaatar area east of the Jabalia camp in the northern Gaza Strip.

Seized a network of spy devices in a hospital in Gaza City, with which the occupation forces aimed to monitor the movement of citizens in order to carry out attacks.

Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades' operations on Dec. 27:

Carried out an ambush on Israeli forces in the Al-Manshiya neighborhood in the Nour Shams camp, occupied West Bank.

Al-Quds Brigades' operations on Dec. 27:

Targeted a convoy of Israeli military vehicles in the northern mountain axis and the vicinity of the Old City in Nablus, occupied West Bank, with a heavy shower of bullets.

Fighters in the Al-Sila Al-Harithiya Company detonated several explosive devices planted in advance on Israeli military vehicles storming the town of Jenin, occupied West Bank.

Targeted a convoy of Israeli military vehicles in the Rojib axis of Nablus, occupied West Bank, with a heavy volley of bullets.

Targeted and destroyed an Israeli military vehicle by detonating a 'Thaqib' explosive device during its incursion into Al-Bahri, south of Al-Awda towers in Beit Hanoun, northern Gaza Strip.

Yemeni military's operations on Dec. 27:

The missile force of the Yemeni Armed Forces carried out a qualitative military operation targeting Ben Gurion Airport in the occupied Jaffa (Tel Aviv) with a hypersonic ballistic missile of the "Palestine 2" type.

The Yemeni Armed Forces' drone air force carried out a military operation targeting a vital Israeli military site in the occupied Jaffa (Tel Aviv) with a drone.

The Air Force also carried out a military operation targeting the ship (Santa Ursula) in the Arabian Sea east of Socotra Island with a number of drones.

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Sirens blare in Israeli-occupied lands as Yemen launches fresh missile attack

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 28 December 2024 6:29 AM

A ballistic missile launched from Yemen has triggered sirens in dozens of towns and cities in the al-Quds area as well as the southern Negev.

Israel's Magen David Adom (MDA) emergency response service said one person suffering from shock, according to Channel 12 news.

The Israeli military claimed that its anti-air missile systems intercepted and shot down the projectile before it crossed into the skies over the occupied territories.

The latest Yemeni missile launch came hours after the US-British naval coalition launched a fresh airstrike on the Arab nation's capital of Sana'a on Friday night, targeting the 1st Armor Division in the city.

Yemen's al-Masirah television channel reported that the airstrike shook the whole city and ambulances were heard rushing to the targeted site.

Yemeni authorities have yet to disclose any information regarding possible casualties and losses.

Yemenis have declared their open support for Palestine's struggle against the Israeli occupation since the regime launched its devastating war on Gaza on October 7, 2023, after the territory's resistance movements carried out Operation Al-Aqsa Flood against the occupying entity.

Yemen's Ansarullah resistance movement has been also targeting ships linked to Israel, the United States, or the United Kingdom to force an end to the Tel Aviv regime's genocidal war on Gaza.

These operations have effectively shut down the Eilat port south of the occupied territories, causing significant economic setbacks for the Israelis.

The Yemeni armed forces have said they will not stop their attacks until Israel's ground and aerial offensives in Gaza end.

So far, Israel has killed at least 45,736 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured another 108,038 individuals in Gaza.

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Afghan Taliban Says Its Forces Struck Targets In Pakistan As Cross-Border Clashes Erupt

By RFE/RL's Radio Azadi and RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal December 28, 2024

Afghanistan's Taliban-led government said Taliban forces targeted what it claimed were "centers and hideouts for malicious elements" it said were involved in a recent attack in Afghanistan, as an upsurge of cross-border fighting continues.

The statement from the Taliban's Defense Ministry followed reports of deadly early morning clashes on December 28 between Taliban forces and Pakistani border guards. It came days after the government said Pakistani aircraft bombed targets in Afghanistan in an attack it said killed dozens of civilians.

The ministry gave few details about the strikes, which it said were launched against targets in several districts behind the "hypothetical line" -- a reference to a portion of the border with Pakistan that Afghan authorities have long disputed.

Local sources told RFE/RL's Radio Azadi that three people in Paktia Province were killed and two wounded by gunfire from Pakistani border guards, and that clashes also took place in the Khost province. The reports could not be independently verified.

There was no immediate comment from the Pakistani government. But the head of a community in the Kurram district told RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal that Taliban forces fired rockets at two security posts near the border at about 6 a.m., setting off fighting that continued for several hours.

The Taliban's Defense Ministry suggested the strikes on Pakistan were retaliation for what the Taliban-led government said were Pakistani air strikes that killed 46 civilians in Paktika Province, which also borders Pakistan, on December 24.

Pakistan says that militants from the Islamist group Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) are hiding across the border in Afghanistan, and Islamabad has repeatedly asked the Afghan Taliban to take action against them. The Afghan Taliban say the TTP is in Pakistan.

There has been a steady increase in TTP attacks in Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province since the Taliban returned to power in Kabul in August 2021 following the withdrawal of U.S.-led forces from Afghanistan.

With reporting by Reuters

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/afghan-pakistan-border- clashes-strikes-/33256088.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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President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message on Friday to the commencement ceremony of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, expressing the hope that the project will further contribute to the economic and social development of the region and improve the well-being of the peoples.

The ceremony was held in Jalalabad  the third-largest city in Kyrgyzstan  on Friday and attended by Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov.

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev also sent a congratulatory message to the event.

The construction of the railway is a strategic decision made by the three governments to promote regional connectivity, prosperity and stability, which demonstrates the shared aspiration of the people of the three countries to open up this strategic corridor, Xi said in the message.

Xi noted that the commencement ceremony marks the transition of the railway from vision to implementation, taking a crucial step toward the goal of completion and operation.

He underlined the need for relevant departments and enterprises of the three countries to make concerted efforts and advance the construction with high standards and high quality, in order to make the railway a new demonstration project of Belt and Road cooperation.

Xi also expressed the hope that the railway will give new impetus to building a closer China-Central Asia community with a shared future.

Japarov said that the railway is not just a transportation corridor but also serves as a strategic bridge between the East and the West.

The project will strengthen Kyrgyzstan's position as a transportation hub, create a great amount of job opportunities, and boost the development of trade, tourism and industry, he said.

Japarov said he is confident that the three countries will complete the construction with high quality, opening up new prospects for shared development in the region.

Mirziyoyev said in his message that the commencement of the project is a critical measure to implement the consensus of the leaders of the three nations and advance mutually beneficial cooperation, and carries great historic significance.

He said that the project will help drive regional trade and integration, facilitate people-to-people and cultural exchanges, build an important bridge of mutual learning among civilizations, and benefit the nations and peoples of the region.

The railway begins in Kashgar in northwestern China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, and enters the territory of Uzbekistan through Kyrgyzstan. In the future, it will reach West Asia and South Asia.

Li Ziguo, director of the Department for European-Central Asian Studies under the China Institute of International Studies, said the railway is poised to dramatically reduce transportation distances and costs for goods traveling from China to Central Asia, the Middle East and Europe, and improve logistics efficiency, further strengthening trade ties between China and other countries.

It will also enable landlocked countries in Central Asia to better connect to the ocean, he added.

Uzbekistan was the first country to put forward the idea of the railway back in 1996. Over the past nearly three decades, the three countries have engaged in multiple rounds of consultations and negotiations.

In June, the three countries signed an intergovernmental agreement in Beijing on the project, laying a solid legal foundation for the construction of the railway.
Putin Apologizes, Tells Azerbaijan Russian Air Defenses Were Activated When Jet Crashed

By RFE/RL's Russian Service December 28, 2024

Russian President Vladimir Putin has apologized over the crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines passenger plane this week, the Kremlin said, amid growing evidence that the jet was hit by a Russian air-defense missile in the Chechnya region before it went down in Kazakhstan, killing 38 of the 67 people on board.

In a phone call with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Putin said Russian air defenses were repelling an alleged Ukrainian drone attack on Chechnya's capital, Grozny, when the plane was trying to land at the airport there, a Kremlin statement said.

Putin "conveyed his apologies in connection with the fact that the tragic incident occurred in Russian airspace," the statement said, indicating that Putin acknowledged the plane was damaged over Chechnya but stopped short of stating a Russian missile strike was the cause.

"In the conversation, it was noted that...the aircraft tried more than once to approach the Grozny airport for landing," it said, adding that "at this time, Ukrainian combat drones were attacking Grozny [and the nearby cities of] Mozdok and Vladikavkaz, and Russian air-defense systems were repelling these attacks."

Russia's Investigative Committee has opened a criminal investigation into the possible violation of flight safety rules, the statement said. It said two Azerbaijani prosecutors were working with Russian law enforcement in Grozny and that Russian, Azerbaijani, and Kazakh authorities were working together at the crash site near Aqtau, Kazakhstan.

The Kremlin statement is likely to further increase suspicions that a Russian missile damaged the Embraer-190 jet before it was diverted to Aktau, across the Caspian Sea from Chechnya, where it crashed near the shore after a steep descent and burst into flames.

Evidence of a missile strike includes footage of damage inside the plane before the crash and images of the hole-pocked tail section after the crash, as well as comments from survivors who said they heard at least one explosion outside the plane over Chechnya.

Azerbaijani lawmaker Hikmat Babaoghlu told RFE/RL on December 27 that there is a "very strong" possibility that the plane was damaged by a Russian air-defense missile. He said that the "observations and conclusions drawn so far support the idea that the plane being shot down is the closest to the truth."

On the same day, White House spokesman John Kirby said U.S. experts "have seen some early indications that would certainly point to the possibility that this jet was brought down by Russian air-defense systems."

Reuters quoted an Azerbaijani source familiar with the investigation as saying results indicated the plane was hit by a Pantsir-S air-defense system, a self-propelled antiaircraft gun and missile system designed by Russia.

The crash has disrupted air traffic in the Caucasus and beyond. An Azerbaijan Airlines flight bound for the Russian spa town of Mineranlye Vody, not far from Grozny, took off from Baku on December 27 but then abruptly headed back after receiving a flight information notice that Russian airspace it was due to fly through was closed.

Azerbaijan Airlines later said it is suspending flights to several Russian cities, including Mineralnye Vody, Sochi, Volgograd, Ufa, Samara, Grozny, and Makhachkala.

Turkmenistan Airlines announced on December 28 that it was canceling all its flights between the capital, Ashgabat, and Moscow from December 30 to January 31, giving no reason for the decision. Turkmenistan borders Kazakhstan on the eastern shore of the Caspian.

Also on December 28, Russia's aviation authority, Rosaviatsia, said that restrictions were briefly placed on the operation of the airport in the Tatarstan regional capital, Kazan, to ensure flight safety, and media reports said that all departures and arrivals had been suspended.

Flights heading to Kazan from the Siberian cities of Tomsk, Surgut, and Kemerovo were redirected to an airfield in Nizhnekamsk, Russian state news agency TASS reported, citing the airport's press service.

No specific reason was given for the measures, which Rosaviatsia said had been lifted a few hours later. Russia has closed airports at times due to alleged drone attacks, and a drone attack hit high-rise buildings in Kazan on December 21.

With reporting by RFE/RL's Azerbaijani, Kazakh, Tatar-Bashkir, and North Caucasus services.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-war- drones-plane-crash/33255892.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 Africa reroutes Mozambique trade, travel to Eswatini border amid violence

By Nokukhanya Musi December 28, 2024

As Mozambique grapples with a political crisis following a disputed national election and violent protests, the situation at its southern border with South Africa is increasingly volatile, affecting trade and travel.

The violence in Mozambique forced trade and travel to be diverted from South Africa's Leebombo Border Post to Eswatini's Mananga Border Post, with Mananga serving as a makeshift lifeline for those seeking passage from Mozambique.

Michael Masiapato, commissioner of South Africa's Border Management Authority, told VOA that although authorities are managing the crisis, it continues to pose significant challenges.

"Even ... when they deploy the military and when they deploy police officers on the corridor [between the capital, Maputo, and the border], it is not able to cover each and every area," he said.

The protests, he said, are "very much sporadic" and "very much widespread."

Following presidential candidate Daniel Chapo's controversial election victory Monday, Mozambique plunged into turmoil, leaving scores dead amid violent protests.

Some analysts expressed concern that continued political violence could destabilize regional security and impede economic development, sparking weapons proliferation and criminal activity.

Solomon Mondlane, a political analyst in Mozambique, told VOA he is cautiously optimistic that South African and European efforts can help calm the situation.

"The situation is volatile," Mondlane said. "The good news is we're hearing more calls from different countries  from South Africa, from other European countries  calling for more dialogue. South Africa has come out to say they are willing to facilitate a dialogue.

"We know that South Africa's ANC-led government has been in support of Frelimo," the ruling political party," he said. "They were the first to congratulate Frelimo for winning these rigged elections. But we are happy that they are adhering to the calls now to say we are willing to facilitate dialogue between the opposition in Mozambique and the ruling party."

Levy Ndou, a South African political analyst and lecturer at Tshwane University of Technology in Johannesburg, said he believes regional players' efforts at dialogue with the Mozambican government are encouraging signs that many in the region are seeking peace and stability.

"Of course, if the situation gets out of hand, it will therefore require the intervention of SADC in order to ensure that there is peace, there is stability and, indeed, there is economic activity that is going on," Ndou said, referring to the Southern African Development Community.

Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the SADC chair, has said the regional bloc is ready to assist Mozambique.

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Russo-Ukraine War - 28 December 2024 - Day 1039

Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

"To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal]

The UK Ministry of Defence reported that overnight 12-13 December 2024 Russia conducted a large-scale multi-axis attack into Ukraine. As with the attacks that occurred in November and prior, it involved Russian Long Range Aviation assets and Russian fixed wing Tactical Aviation assets launching multiple types of air launched cruise-missile and air launched ballistic missile systems.

The air assets were supported by SAGARIS Land Attack Cruise Missiles launched by Black Sea Fleet assets, and One-Way Attack Uncrewed Aerial Systems (OWA UAS) were used from multiple launch sites. In total approximately 90 missiles were used in conjunction with at least 180 OWA UAS.

Since August 2024, it is highly likely Russia has chosen to take time to build stocks between strikes and then launch in larger, less frequent strike waves, rather than the more frequent smaller attacks conducted earlier in the year. The composition and target set of the 12-13 December attack was similar to previous attacks, focusing on Ukrainian Critical National Infrastructure and industry, whilst also attempting to supress Ukrainian Air Defence and airfields by saturating them with OWA UAS. However, Russia retains the ability and the stocks to allow such assets to be employed in smaller numbers, as a punitive measure, with little or no warning.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that in total, since the beginning of this day, there have been 149 combat clashes. Ukrainian defenders continue to decisively interrupt the attempts of the Russian enemy to advance into the depths of Ukrainian territory, giving him a fiery impression.

Russian zombies engaged 765 kamikadze drones and carried out almost 3.8 thousand shells on the positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements.

In the Kharkiv direction, the Russian opponent three times without success stormed the positions of Ukrainian units in the Vovchansk area.

In the Kupians komu direction, Russian forces carried out offensive actions near glushkivka and lozovai. Ukrainian defenders stopped three enemy attacks. Yet another battle continues.

In the Lyman direction Russian zagarbniki 19 times attacked the positions of Defense Forces near Grekivka, Pershotravnevogo, Hope, Tverdohlibovogo, Kopanok, Novoegorivki, Novoplatonivki and Makiivka. Four clashes are going on so far.

In the Kramators komu direction, Russian forces 14 times stormed Ukrainian positions near Stupocok and Time Yaru. The two clashes continue.

In the Torec komu direction, Ukrainian warriors repelled three Russian attacks in the area of Torec k and sherbinivki. Two more clashes are underway.

In the Pokrovsky direction, from the beginning of this day, Russian forces 48 times attacked in the areas of Green Field, Vovkove, Novoelizavetivka, Vozdvizhenka, Peace lover, Ray, Fox, Dachenka, Zelene, Pokrovsk, New Labor, May First and Shevchenko. Ukrainian defenders repelled 30 attacks. 18 attacks in progress.

Today in this direction, according to preliminary data, Ukrainian soldiers have destroyed 425 Russian invaders, of them 201 - irrevocably. Two combat armored vehicles and seven units of vehicles were also destroyed, and one combat armored vehicle was also damaged.

In the kurakhivs komu direction, Russian forces made 17 attempts to break through Ukrainian defense near petropavlivka, ukrainka, kurakhovogo and dachnogo. Eleven bouts complete, six more to go.

In the Vremivs komu direction, Russian forces 11 times attacked Ukrainian units near Konstantinopil .ke, Velika Novosilka and Vremivka. One fight is still being sharpened.

In the Pridniprovsk direction, Ukrainian troops repelled one attack, the Russian opponent was not successful.

In the Kursk region, Ukrainian defenders today repelled nine Russian attacks, currently one fight is ongoing.

In the rest of the destinations - there are no special changes.

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that in Kharkov direction, units of the Sever Group of Forces inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of one mechanised brigade, one motorised infantry brigade of the AFU, one territorial defence brigade, and formations of foreign mercenaries near Volchansk, Liptsy, Slatino, and Neskuchnoye (Kharkov region).

The AFU losses amounted to more than 80 troops, one motor vehicle, and two 122-mm D-30 howitzers. Two electronic warfare stations and one field ammunition depot were destroyed.

Units of the Zapad Group of Forces improved the tactical situation along the front line and inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of one mechanised brigade of the AFU and two territorial defence brigades near Zapadnoye, Dvurechnaya, Ivanovka (Kharkov region), Torskoye, Yampol (Donetsk People's Republic), and Makeyevka (Lugansk People's Republic).

Two counter-attacks launched by AFU armed formations were repelled.

The AFU losses amounted to more than 440 troops, two Butsefal and U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carriers, one Italian-made Iveco armoured fighting vehicle, one Italian-made 105-mm Melara howitzer, eight motor vehicles, one U.S.-made 155-mm M198 howitzer, one 152-mm D-20 gun, and two 122-mm D-30 howitzers. Two Zakhist and Anklav electronic warfare stations and two field ammunition depots were destroyed.

Units of the Yug Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and inflicted losses on formations of one mechanised brigade, one airmobile brigade of the AFU, and two territorial defence brigades near Belogorovka, Uspenovka, Chasov Yar, and Kurakhovo (Donetsk People's Republic).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 260 troops, one U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carrier, and one electronic warfare station.

Units of the Tsentr Group of Forces continued advancing to the depth of the enemy's defences and inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of three mechanised brigades, one jaeger brigade of the AFU, one marine brigade, one territorial defence brigade, one national guard brigade, and one assault brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine near Krasnoarmeysk, Petrovka, Shcherbinovka, Dzerzhinsk, Shevchenko, Novoolenovka, and Novotroitskoye (Donetsk People's Republic).

Twelve counter-attacks launched by AFU armed formations were repelled.

The AFU losses amounted to up to 450 troops, two tanks, including one German-made Leopard tank, three infantry fighting vehicles, including one U.S.-made Bradley infantry fighting vehicle, four armoured personnel carriers, including two U.S.-made M113 and one UK-made Spartan armoured personnel carriers, two armoured fighting vehicles, four motor vehicles, one 203-mm Pion self-propelled artillery system, one 152-mm D-20 gun, and one U.S.-made 105-mm M101 howitzer.

Units of the Vostok Group of Forces improved the tactical situation and inflicted losses on formations of two mechanised brigades, one motorised infantry brigade of the AFU, and one territorial defence brigade near Konstantinopol, Perebudovo, and Zelenoye Pole (Donetsk People's Republic).

One counter-attack launched by an AFU assault detachment was repelled.

The AFU losses amounted to up to 160 troops, four motor vehicles, one 155-mm Bogdana self-propelled artillery system, one 122-mm Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system, one 122-mm D-30 howitzer, and one UK-made 105-mm L119 howitzer.

Units of the Dnepr Group of Forces inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of one mechanised brigade of the AFU and two territorial defence brigades near Antonovka, Pridneprovskoye, Nikolskoye, and Veletenskoye (Kherson region).

The AFU losses amounted to more than 80 troops, two motor vehicles, one 152-mm D-20 gun, and one electronic warfare station.

Operational-Tactical Aviation, attack unmanned aerial vehicles, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces struck infrastructure of a military airfield, one AFU POL depot, as well as engaged manpower and hardware clusters of the enemy in 148 areas.

Air defence units shot down three U.S.-made HIMARS MLRS projectiles and 104 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles, including 57 outside the special military operation zone.

In total, since the beginning of the special military operation, 650 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 38,752 unmanned aerial vehicles, 590 anti-aircraft missile systems, 20,072 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,504 MLRS combat vehicles, 20,058 field artillery guns and mortars, and 29,603 units of support military vehicles have been neutralised.

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation also reported that the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the operation to neutralise an enemy group, which broke into the territory of Kursk region.

Units of the Sever Group of Forces inflicted losses on formations of four mechanised brigades, one heavy mechanised brigade, one tank brigade, three air assault brigades, one marine brigade, and four territorial defence brigades of the AFU near Aleksandriya, Viktorovka, Daryino, Kurilovka, Lebedevka, Leonidovka, Martynovka, Nizhny Klin, Nikolayevo-Daryino, Nikolsky, Novoivanovka, Plyokhovo, and Sverdlikovo.

Operational-Tactical and Army aviation and artillery inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the enemy near Ivashkovsky, Pervy Knyazhy, Kruglenkoye, Kurilovka, Lebedevka, Leonidovo, Malaya Loknya, Martynovka, Makhnovka, Nizhny Klin, Nikolayevo-Daryino, Nikolsky, Novoivanovka, Novaya Sorochina, Plyokhovo, Sverdlikovo, Cherkasskoye Porechnoye as well as Basovka, Belovody, Vorozhba, Zhuravka, Malaya Rybitsa, and Pavlovka in Sumy region.

Over the past 24 hours, the AFU losses amounted to more than 250 troops, one infantry fighting vehicle, one armoured fighting vehicle, six motor vehicles, and five mortars. One AFU serviceman surrendered.

Since the beginning of hostilities in Kursk region, the AFU losses amounted to more than 44,820 troops, 259 tanks, 200 infantry fighting vehicles, 141 armoured personnel carriers, 1,346 armoured fighting vehicles, 1,217 motor vehicles, 332 artillery guns, 42 MLRS launchers, including 11 of HIMARS and six of MLRS made by the USA, 13 anti-aircraft missile launchers, seven transport-loading vehicles, 82 EW stations, 13 counter-battery warfare radars, four air defence radars, 28 units of engineering and other materiel, including 13 counterobstacle vehicles, one UR-77 mine clearing vehicle, seven armoured recovery vehicles, and one command post vehicle.

The operation to neutralise the AFU units is in progress.





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More Pardons In Belarus As Lukashenka Prepares To Extend His Rule

By RFE/RL's Belarus Service December 28, 2024

Authoritarian ruler Alyaksandr Lukashenka extended a wave of pardons ahead of a January presidential election in Belarus, ordering the release of 20 prisoners jailed on extremism charges his opponents and rights groups say were politically motivated.

Lukashenka's press service suggested the pardons were issued on humanitarian grounds, saying 14 of those ordered released have chronic illnesses and 10 of them have children. It said 11 of the 20 are women.

The press service claimed the prisoners had all sought pardons and expressed remorse, an assertion that could not be independently verified. It said that authorities would "monitor their behavior following their release."

Since July, Lukashenka has pardoned more than 225 people whom activists consider political prisoners. Rights groups have recognized nearly 3,600 people as political prisoners since the state launched a massive crackdown when pro-democracy protests erupted after Lukashenka, in power since 1994, claimed a landslide victory in an August 2020 election that millions believe was stolen though fraud. Many of those have served out their sentences.

Ahead of a January 26 election in which he is certain to be awarded a new term, Lukashenka may be seeking to signal to the West that he is easing off on the persistent clampdown that the state has imposed since the 2020 election.

But the crackdown continues, with frequent arrests and trials on what activists say are politically motivated charges. At least 1,253 people whom rights groups consider political prisoners remain behind bars, and the real number is believed to be higher.

Lukashenka has roped Belarus closely to Russia and has provided support for Russia's war on neighboring Ukraine, including by allowing Russian forces to invade from Belarusian territory, and he says Russian nuclear weapons have been deployed in Belarus. But over 30 years in power, he has often tried to capitalize on Belarus' position between Russia in the east and NATO and the European Union to the west and north.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/belarus-prisoners- pardoned-election-war/33255961.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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Top Chinese diplomat meets visiting Iranian FM in Beijing, emphasizes enhanced coordination and cooperation

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Dec 28, 2024 05:18 PM

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi on Saturday in Beijing, during which Wang said that enhancing coordination and cooperation between China and Iran not only benefits the peoples of both countries, but will also contribute to promoting regional and global peace, stability, and development, according to a statement released by China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday.

Araghchi began a two-day visit to China from Friday at the invitation of the Chinese side, the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced on Friday.

During the meeting, Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that China and Iran established a comprehensive strategic partnership and are important members of the Global South. The relationship between the two countries has a long history, rooted in the strong and deep traditional friendship between their peoples, mutual trust and support since the establishment of diplomatic relations more than half a century ago, and their shared pursuit of independence, self-improvement, and national rejuvenation, which has withstood the tests of changing international circumstances.

Enhancing coordination and cooperation between China and Iran benefits both nations and contributes to regional and global peace, stability, and development, said Wang.

Wang emphasized that both countries should continue to support each other on issues related to their core interests, steadily advance practical cooperation, and enhance multilateral collaboration. Both sides should closely coordinate within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), jointly promote the Shanghai Spirit, facilitate more cooperative projects, and build closer SCO community with shared future.

Both sides should work together to enhance greater BRICS cooperation, cultivate new areas of cooperation, further strengthen BRICS, and better safeguard the common interests of the Global South, Wang said.

Wang also emphasized that, in the face of today's world of instability and uncertainty, we must remain resolute, firmly believe that the historical trend of world multipolarity, economic globalization, and cultural diversity is unstoppable, and that unilateral hegemony will ultimately lose support.

We must steadfastly focus on our own development, steadily advance national development strategies, and inject greater stability into the world. We must strengthen unity and cooperation, oppose hegemonic and bullying actions, and jointly advocate and practice true multilateralism, working to build a more just and reasonable global governance system, said Wang.

Araghchi stressed that developing and strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership between Iran and China is a priority in Iran's foreign policy. Iran adheres to the one-China principle and firmly supports China's legitimate positions on core issues, including Xinjiang, Xizang, and human rights.

Iran looks forward to closer high-level exchanges with China, deepening mutually beneficial cooperation, and strengthening communication and collaboration within multilateral frameworks like the United Nations, SCO, and BRICS to safeguard shared interests, said Araghchi.

The two sides agreed to further advance the implementation of the China-Iran comprehensive cooperation plan, strengthening exchanges of governance experience in political diplomacy, legislative institutions, law enforcement, judicial matters, and economic and trade fields. They will also enhance cooperation and exchanges in areas such as youth, education, sports, technology, culture, tourism, environmental protection, public health, and media, as well as deepen interactions at the civil, local, and sister-city levels to make unremitting efforts to promote the development of China-Iran relations, according to the foreign ministry's statement.

The two sides also had an in-depth exchange of views on the current situation in the Middle East. Both agreed that the Middle East belongs to the people of the Middle East; it should not be a battleground for great power rivalry, nor a victim of geopolitical struggles and conflicts by external powers.

The fate of Middle East countries should be in the hands of their own people. The international community should genuinely respect the sovereignty, security, stability, unity, and territorial integrity of Middle East countries, respect their legitimate concerns, respect the choice independently made by Middle East people, and respect their historical and cultural traditions. The international community should play a constructive role in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East, according to the statement.

The path to peace and stability in the Middle East lies in adhering to political solutions without external interference and in compliance with international law. Both sides support the continued reconciliation momentum between Iran and Saudi Arabia after the restoration of diplomatic ties and encourage regional countries to maintain dialogue and consultations, said the statement.

The two sides agreed that resolving the Palestinian issue requires respecting and restoring the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and ending the occupation. The immediate priority is to implement a ceasefire, withdraw military forces, and provide urgent humanitarian assistance. They called for the effective and full implementation of the ceasefire deal and emphasized respect for Syria's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, urging an integrated approach to Syria's counter-terrorism, reconciliation, and humanitarian processes.

The two sides also exchanged views on the Iranian nuclear issue.

Wang emphasized that China has always advocated for addressing the Iranian nuclear issue through political dialogue and upholding the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. All relevant parties should play a constructive role in restoring dialogue and negotiations. China opposes the frequent use of sanctions and pressure and firmly supports Iran in safeguarding its legitimate rights and interests.

Araghchi appreciated China's important role in facilitating and maintaining the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and expressed Iran's willingness to maintain close communication with China.

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INDIAN ARMY CONTINGENT DEPARTS FOR INDIA- NEPAL JOINT MILITARY EXERCISE SURYA KIRAN

India - Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Defence

Posted On: 28 DEC 2024 8:41AM by PIB Delhi

The Indian Army contingent comprising 334 personnel departed for Nepal today to participate in 18th edition of Battalion Level Joint Military Exercise SURYA KIRAN. The exercise will be conducted in Saljhandi, Nepal from 31st December 2024 to 13th January 2025. It is an annual training event conducted alternatively in the two countries.

The Indian Army contingent is being led by a Battalion from the 11th Gorkha Rifles. The Nepal Army contingent will be represented by Srijung Battalion.

The aim of Exercise SURYA KIRAN is to enhance interoperability in jungle warfare, counter terrorism operations in mountains, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief under United Nations Charter. The exercise will focus on enhancing operational preparedness, aviation aspects, medical training, and environment conservation. Through these activities, the troops will enhance their operational capabilities, refine their combat skills and strengthen their coordination to operate together in challenging situations.

This edition of Exercise SURYA KIRAN follows successful visits by General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff to Nepal, and the visit by General Ashok Raj Sigdel, Chief of the Army Staff of Nepali Army to India. The exercise will provide a platform for soldiers from India and Nepal to exchange ideas and experiences; share best practices and foster a deeper understanding of each other's operational procedures.

Exercise SURYA KIRAN signifies the strong bonds of friendship, trust, common cultural linkages that exist between India and Nepal. It sets the stage for a productive and professional engagement, showcasing the unwavering commitment of both nations towards a broader defence cooperation. The exercise will also achieve shared security objectives and foster bilateral relations between two friendly neighbours.

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SC

(Release ID: 2088529)

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Ringleader of MKO-linked group arrested in Iran's Ardebil: IRGC

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Dec 28, 2024

Ardebil, IRNA -- The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says its intelligence unit has arrested the ringleader of a terrorist group linked to the Mojahedin-e-Khalq Organization (MKO).

The IRGC said in a statement on Saturday that the ringleader had been arrested upon a judicial order issued in the northwestern province of Ardebil.

It said the person was connected to anti-Iran media outlets based outside of the country and had been involved in online and physical networking activities to serve the espionage needs of groups opposed to Iran.

The arrest in Ardebil came several days after authorities in the same province said they had nabbed an agent linked to the intelligence service of an unidentified neighboring country.

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Iran, China insist Middle East 'not a battleground' for outsiders

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Dec 28, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- The foreign ministers of Iran and China have stressed that the Middle East should not be a battleground to serve the interests of major powers and that the future of regional countries must be determined by their people.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing on Saturday. The two top diplomats reviewed progress in the implementation of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Iran and China and discussed the latest developments in the region.

"The Middle East belongs to its people, and it should not serve as a battleground for the interests of major powers. The future and destiny of Middle Eastern countries must be determined by their own peoples," the two agreed, according to a readout of their discussions.

"The international community must respect the national sovereignty, security, stability, unity, and territorial integrity of Middle Eastern countries," they added.

The path to stability and peace in the Middle East, the top diplomats noted, lies in pursuing political solutions based on international law and free from foreign interference.

On the issue of Palestine, Araghchi and Wang said the legal rights of Palestinians must be restored and the Israeli occupation must come to an end.

The immediate priority is to establish a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, accompanied by the complete withdrawal of Israeli military forces and the supply of humanitarian aid, they said. They also stressed that the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon must be thoroughly implemented.

In Syria, the top diplomats called for serious efforts to combat extremism and terrorism, establish internal reconciliation, and dispatch humanitarian aid to the Syrian people.

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'Iran, China determined to help boost global peace, security'

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Dec 28, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baghaei says that Tehran and Beijing are determined to help enhance peace and security at the international level.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is currently in Beijing on his first bilateral official visit outside the region, Baghaei on Saturday wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

The top diplomat held "very fruitful comprehensive talks with his Chinese counterpart, Member of the political bureau of CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, on a wide range of bilateral, regional and international issues of common interest," the spokesman said in his post.

He added, "Iran and China, as comprehensive strategic partners are determined to expand their close consultations with a view to deepening their bilateral ties for the good of their peoples and for further contributing to the rule of law at the int'l level, peace and security."

Araghchi held talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Saturday, a day after he arrived in Beijing.

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'Iran armed forces well-prepared to respond decisively to threats'

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Dec 28, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- The General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran has said in a statement that its forces will spare no effort to powerfully defend the country and are fully prepared to give a decisive response to any threats and aggression by enemies.

The statement was issued on Saturday to mark the anniversary of what is known in Iran as the Epic of 9th Dey, the tenth month of the Iranian calendar. The occasion refers to December 30, 2009, when massive rallies were held nationwide in support of the Islamic system in response to attempts to incite unrest following presidential elections.

The occasion symbolizes the resolve and struggle for the causes of the Islamic Revolution, marking a significant moment in history, added the statement.

Despite the United States and the Zionist regime's persistent efforts to undermine the Islamic Revolution and its objectives, the unwavering presence and resilience of the people have resulted in repeated failures for these adversaries, the statement further said.

Recent developments in the region, particularly in Syria, highlight the ongoing threats posed by global arrogance, chiefly driven by the US, revealing the collaborative schemes of American and Zionist forces, the statement noted.

It also said as the armed forces honor Epic of 9th Dey and commemorate the fifth martyrdom anniversary of Iran's anti-terror icon General Qassem Soleimani, the armed forces reaffirm their commitment to utilizing all of their strength, experiences, and advanced defenses in support of the Iranian nation.

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This November, Latvia held a parade as part of independence day celebrations. Among the military equipment displayed at the event, particularly notable were Antonov An-2 biplane utility aircraft. They were noticed by Spanish-speaking media outlet Defensa, pointing out the fact Latvia remains the last of NATO member states to have these old Soviet "flying dinosaurs" in military service.

Unrelated to these festivities, an interesting incident occurred in russia just a week later: over the Gazprom Neftekhim Salavat oil refinery, an "unknown unmanned aerial vehicle" was flying. The russian air defense units opened fire and eventually found out that it was their own civilian An-2. Apparently, the crew accidentally flew too close to the refinery but managed to avoid getting shot down. Later, russian media showed the unfortunate An-2 which had been hit by machine gun fire and with high probability, larger anti-aircraft guns, revealing an impressive level of An-2's survivability.

Latvian An-2 / Photo credit: Aeroweb.cz

This episode hinted at another interesting tool that could be used for long-range strikes on russia, considering this durability and potential to mislead russians: An-2 could be converted into autonomous aerial drones filled with explosives and equipped with simple navigation and flight control systems. The availability of a few aircraft of this type in operating condition opens an opportunity to make it work.

Here Defense Express notes that Latvia actually might be not the only one having An-2 in its inventory. According to The Military Balance directory, as of 2024, NATO members North Macedonia and Bulgaria still have one An-2 each.

As for Latvia, the armed forces of this country have four An-2s in service, three of them were modernized, and the other one was in poor condition, so it was mothballed until restoration, which was delayed.

The Lithuanian military received its third modernized An-2 in 2021. The upgrade included a major overhaul of the engine, integration of an improved control panel, a new navigation system, new seats, etc. Also, the aircraft with tail number 030 was also painted in pixel camouflage.

At the time, one Latvian officer spoke quite favorably about this aircraft, noting its effectiveness in the training of paratroopers, and in missions carried out by special operations forces or the border guard who found the biplane's surveillance systems useful for detecting illegal border crossings. Considering this feedback, we can assume that the Latvian Air Force does not plan to scrap its An-2s any soon yet.
SCO plays important role in strengthening multilateralism: Iran FM

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 28 December 2024 3:59 PM

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi of Iran has placed a premium on the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), saying it can play a vital role in strengthening multilateralism and safeguarding the security and political interests of member states.

Araghchi, who is on an official visit to China, made the remarks in a meeting with the SCO's new Secretary-General Nurlan Yermekbayev in Beijing on Saturday.

"The Shanghai Cooperation Organization, due to the membership of a group of important and influential countries in regional and international developments, including two permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and several important regional players, can play an influential and growing role in promoting multilateralism and strengthening cooperation between member states in various security, political and economic fields."

Yermekbayev, for his part, described Iran's capacities to further strengthen the organization's position and role as very important.

He also welcomed the initiatives put forward by the Islamic Republic to expand and promote the organization's activities in the economic, banking, and trade fields.

The SCO, which has its headquarters in China, is the world's largest regional organization in terms of area and population.

It has nine member states, namely, Iran, China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan.

In July 2023, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization officially approved Iran's full-fledged membership in the organization.

The SCO is one of the world's largest regional organizations, accounting for around one-third of the global Gross domestic product (GDP), roughly 40 percent of the world's population, and nearly two-thirds of the entire Eurasian landmass.

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Iran, China foreign ministers: West Asia 'not a scene for destructive foreign interference'

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 28 December 2024 2:46 PM

The foreign ministers of Iran and China say that West Asia should not be a scene for "destructive" interference by external powers to promote their geopolitical goals.

Abbas Araghchi of Iran, who is on an official visit to Beijing, met with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Saturday.

During the meeting, Araghchi and Wang discussed the latest security and political developments in West Asia, emphasizing that the region belongs to its nations.

They expressed concern over the dangers of chaos and insecurity in Syria and stressed the need to preserve the country's national unity and territorial integrity and a calm and secure transition to a government that would meet the demands of all spectrums of the society.

The Iranian and Chinese foreign ministers also called for improving bilateral cooperation to combat terrorism.

They also exchanged views about the nuclear issue, the lifting of sanctions against Tehran, and expanding cooperation within the framework of institutions such as the BRICS group of emerging economies and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

Araghchi said Iran would spare no effort to utilize numerous capacities to boost cooperation with China, adding that a landmark 25-year partnership agreement signed between the two countries in March 2021 is a strong basis for developing relations in various fields.

The Chinese foreign minister also said Iran is an active and important power in West Asia that possesses natural, geographical and human capacities.

He added that his country is determined to further develop relations with Iran.

Wang, whose country is a signatory to the 2015 nuclear agreement - officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), said Beijing "firmly supports the Iranian side in safeguarding its legitimate rights and interests."

China is Iran's largest trade partner. Both states are subject to different levels of illegal sanctions imposed by the US.

The two countries signed the long-term strategic partnership deal to reinforce their long-standing economic and political alliance.

Iran, China reach common understandings on mutual ties, regional issues

The top Iranian and Chinese diplomats reached a common understanding on the latest developments in mutual relations and regional issues.

Araghchi and Wang hailed positive progress made by Tehran and Beijing in implementing the strategic agreement in recent years and said they would make efforts to implement a plan for bilateral comprehensive cooperation in various fields.

The two sides agreed that West Asia is not a battleground for the big powers and should not be a victim of geopolitical competition and conflicts among countries from outside the region.

They said only the peoples in West Asia should determine the future and destiny of the countries in the region.

The Iranian and Chinese foreign ministers said the international community should seriously respect the sovereignty, security, stability, unity and territorial integrity of the countries in West Asia.

They also said the international community needed to heed the logical demands of the West Asian countries, respect the independent decisions of regional nations and play a constructive role in promoting peace and stability.

The two ministers added that stability and peace would be established in the region only through adherence to a political principle based on international law without any foreign interference.

They threw their countries' weight behind the further expansion of relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia and the continuation of consultations among the regional countries.

Araghchi and Wang agreed that the settlement of the Palestinian issue requires respect for the legal right of the people of Palestine and cessation of occupation.

They underscored the need to establish an immediate ceasefire, fully evacuate the armed forces from Gaza, and send humanitarian aid to the Strip.

The two major trading partners reiterated calls for the effective implementation of the ceasefire in Lebanon and the integrated promotion of counterterrorism, reconciliation, and humanitarian processes in Syria.

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Iraqi PMU says it remains loyal to Islamic Republic of Iran

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Dec 28, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- The head of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) - known as Hashd al-Shaabi - says the group remains faithful to their brothers in the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Faleh Al-Fayyad made his remarks at a ceremony in the northeastern Iraqi province of Diyala, which was held to mark the anniversary of retaking the town of Dhuluiya from the Daesh terror group in December 2014, Iraqi media reported early on Saturday. Dhuluiya is located in Salah ad-Din province.

Al-Fayyad said the PMU remains loyal to its Iranian brothers, particularly to Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani who played a key role in defeating Daesh and was assassinated in a US drone attack in Iraq in January 2020.

The PMU are in full readiness for countering any threats, Al-Fayyad stressed.

He also hailed PMU Commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis who was martyred along with General Soleimani in the US drone attack ordered by then president Donald Trump. The attack took place near the capital Baghdad.

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Iraq's PMU voices loyalty to Iran for help in anti-terror fight

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 28 December 2024 11:33 AM

Iraq's anti-terror Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) has praised the sacrifices of top resistance commanders in the Arab country's fight against the Daesh terrorist group, stressing that the group will remain faithful to Iran over the Islamic Republic's support and assistance.

Falih al-Fayyadh, the PMU chairman, made the statement at a Saturday ceremony marking the anniversary of an anti-Daesh operation that broke a long siege on the Iraqi town of Dhuluiya in 2014.

"The Popular Mobilization Units are loyal to commanders, religious authority and all those who helped us, especially our brothers in the Islamic Republic of Iran and Martyr Qassem Soleimani, who was present in all operations," Fayyadh said.

The PMU chairman also lauded Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, a former head of the group, as the "symbol" of Hashd al-Sha'abi, underlining that the movement will continue on the path of its martyred commanders.

"Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units have been a leading organization in spreading the spirit of victory and struggle, and today they continue to move with all their might on the path of martyrs and the fatwa of the religious authority," Fayyadh added.

The head of the anti-terror Iraqi group also said the PMU fighters are on high alert to confront any threats against the Arab country.

Fayyadh made the remarks ahead of the 5th anniversary of the US assassination of General Soleimani and his Iraqi companion Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis near Baghdad International Airport on January 3, 2020.

Both commanders were highly revered across West Asia because of their key role in fighting the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group in the region, particularly in Iraq and Syria.

In less than a week after the assassination, Iraqi lawmakers approved a bill that required the government to expel all US-led foreign forces from the country.

The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) also targeted the US-run Ain al-Asad base in Iraq's western province of Anbar with a wave of missile attacks in retaliation for the assassination of General Soleimani.

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Telephone conversation with President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev

Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on the initiative of the Russian side.

December 28, 2024

18:25

The leaders exchanged condolences in connection with the December 25 crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines plane near the city of Aktau; the plane was carrying Russian and Kazakh citizens on board, among other passengers.

The parties are operating on the premise that Kazakhstan's government commission which is investigating the details of the accident will bring in experts from Russia, Azerbaijan and Brazil for them to read the flight recorders found at the crash site. This work within the borders of Kazakhstan will be conducted in an objective and transparent manner.

The President of Kazakhstan thanked Vladimir Putin for the hospitality during the informal CIS summit and the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council meeting, both of which were held recently in the Leningrad Region.

The two countries' leaders will remain constantly in contact on matters related to investigation into the circumstances of a tragic incident involving the Azerbaijani airplane and on important issues of fostering Russia-Kazakhstan cooperation.

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Telephone conversation with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev

Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev at the Russian side's initiative.

December 28, 2024

15:35

The presidents had a detailed discussion of issues regarding the December 25 crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines plane near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan.

Vladimir Putin apologised for the fact that the incident happened in Russian airspace, once again offered deep and sincere condolences to the victims' families and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. It was noted during the conversation that the Azerbaijani passenger airliner was flying according to schedule and repeatedly tried to land at Grozny Airport. At that time, Ukrainian unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) attacked Grozny, Mozdok and Vladikavkaz, and Russian air defence systems were repelling these attacks.

The Russian Investigative Committee initiated a criminal case under Article 263 of the Criminal Code (violation of the rules for traffic safety and operation of the air transportation systems). Initial investigation is underway, with authorities questioning civilian and military specialists.

Two officials from the Prosecutor General's Office of Azerbaijan are currently in Grozny, working together with representatives of the Prosecutor General's Office and the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation. Relevant services of Russia, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are working closely at the crash site near the city of Aktau.

.

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Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's telephone conversation with Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov

28 December 2024 18:33

2525-28-12-2024

On December 28, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a telephone conversation with Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov.

Following up on today's dialogue between President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin and President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, the ministers discussed the developments that followed the crash of a passenger plane operated by Azerbaijan Airlines on December 25 near the Kazakh city of Aktau.

The ministers reiterated the presidents' commitment to carrying out the most comprehensive investigation into this tragedy, conveyed heartfelt condolences to the victims' families, and wished a swift recovery to those injured.

The parties emphasised the importance of determining the causes of the incident, implementing urgent measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future, and resolving the matter comprehensively and conclusively, taking all circumstances into account.

The participants exchanged views about the upcoming Russian-Azerbaijani contacts at the top and high levels.

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Foreign Ministry Statement on measures in response to the European Union's 15th sanctions package against Russia

28 December 2024 15:53

2523-28-12-2024

With its new leadership, the European Union has persisted with its aggressive and confrontational policy towards Russia and kept relying on unilateral restrictive measures as a tool for exerting pressure on our country. The EU member states approved the latest sanctions package on December 16. It became the 15th time they did it. At the same time, the EU bureaucrats have been turning a blind eye to the fact that these steps are illegitimate in terms of international law when taken bypassing the UN Security Council. They fail to produce any meaningful results, except for undermining and eroding the EU's reputation in the eyes of the Global Majority.

In response to these unfriendly actions, Russia has substantially expanded the list of representatives from EU institutions and EU member states who will be banned from entering the territory of our state as per Federal Law No 114-FZ of August 15, 1996, on the Procedure of Exit from and Entry to the Russian Federation.

The list includes representatives of law enforcement and security agencies, state-run and private entities from the EU, citizens of EU member states in charge of providing military aid to Kiev; staff members at EU institutions and state bodies in EU member states who were involved in persecuting Russian officials for carrying out "illegal arrests and kidnappings from Ukrainian territories," in organising a "special tribunal" for Russian leaders, officials who advocate confiscating Russian state assets or using revenues from them in Kiev's interests, officials responsible for introducing sanctions against our country and trying to undermine its relations with other countries; civil activists and representatives of the academic community notorious for their rhetoric, as well as members of parliament from EU member states and members of the European Parliament who voted in favour of anti-Russian resolutions and draft laws.

Russia reaffirms its commitment to responding to any unfriendly steps on behalf of the European Union accordingly and in a timely manner.



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Health needs in Syria worsen amid winter conditions

By Vibhu Mishra

27 December 2024 - Health challenges in northwest Syria have escalated due to harsh winter conditions, exacerbating the vulnerability of displaced populations, the UN World Health Organization (WHO)-led Health Cluster reported on Friday.

It also cited rising cases of respiratory illnesses, compounded by inadequate heating, overcrowded camps and damaged infrastructure.

"There is continuous significant rise in influenza-like illnesses (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI), since the beginning of winter with subsequent rise in hospital visits and heightened public health concerns," the Health Cluster said.

Led by WHO, the Health Cluster coordinates the efforts of over 900 partners globally to address health needs in humanitarian emergencies, providing expertise, capacity-building and technical guidance to ensure effective and life-saving responses in crisis-affected regions.

Worsening conditions

Harsh winter conditions in northwest Syria continue to exacerbate the existing health vulnerabilities, especially among the internally displaced, who often reside in makeshift shelters and overcrowded camps that lack adequate insulation and heating, it added.

Public health officials also warned of heightened risks, including hypothermia, as temperatures fall.

To address these issues, health partners emphasized the need for targeted interventions, including better insulated shelters, heating and access to essential medical supplies.

Humanitarian response

The UN and partners have also intensified efforts to improve healthcare access.

As of Wednesday, 750 trucks carrying aid from seven UN agencies, including WHO and UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), crossed into northwest Syria through Bab Al-Hawa and Bab Al-Salam crossings, with 37 trucks arriving this week.

These shipments include vital medical supplies, food and other humanitarian aid.

WHO has supported 37 health facilities and 14 health cluster partners with 510 trauma supply kits, enabling treatment for over 90,000 individuals.

The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) has also delivered health kits and material to shore up sexual and reproductive health services. Mobile mental health units continue to deliver psychological support to vulnerable populations, including children and IDPs, in isolated areas.

To address critical shortages, health partners such as the WATAN foundation have deployed three mobile blood banks, collecting 210 blood units through donation campaigns. Other partners are also extending support to hospitals in Aleppo, focusing on pediatric care and trauma services.

Ongoing challenges

Despite these efforts, the health crisis in northwest Syria remains dire.

Recent landmine explosions in Idlib, Aleppo and Hama have caused fatalities and injuries, further straining the health system. On 24 December, three explosions killed a man in Idlib and injured others in Aleppo, including a child.

Funding shortages are another critical concern.

The Health Cluster requires $22 million over the next three months to sustain essential healthcare services for 450,000 people. Severe underfunding has left 140 health facilities at risk, including general and specialized hospitals, primary health centers and dialysis units.

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Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service: US, UK special forces directing attacks on bases in Syria

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 28 December 2024 1:55 PM

Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) says US and British special services are plotting a series of terrorist attacks on Russian military bases in Syria, following the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad's government by militant groups earlier this month.

"British intelligence agencies are working out plots to stage a string of terrorist attacks against Russian military installations in Syria. The schemes seek the recruitment of Daesh Takfiri terrorists, who new authorities in Damascus have set free in the aftermath of Assad's downfall," the press office of the SVR said in a statement on Saturday.

The statement noted that the outgoing administration of US President Joe Biden, and the British leadership intend to prevent the establishment of stability and security across Syria.

"In a broader sense, they are pursuing the goal of maintaining a state of chaos" in West Asia," the press office stated.

The SVR highlighted that the US and Britain seek to maintain their dominance and achieve their geopolitical objectives in the region "based on the odious concept of a rules-based order."

"However, the fiendish plot is challenged by the presence of Russian forces on the Mediterranean coast of Syria, which still majorly contributes to the preservation of regional stability," the Russian intelligence agency said.

The statement also indicated that the United States plans to continue the occupation of Syria's oil-rich regions east of the Euphrates River under the pretext of fighting Daesh terrorists, emphasizing that Washington has no intention of withdrawing from those areas.

Back on December 13, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said Moscow had established direct contacts with the Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in a bid to maintain its military bases in the Arab country despite the fall of the Syrian government.

Russia hopes to keep its military bases in Syria as they are important in the fight against terrorism, Interfax news agency quoted Bogdanov as saying.

The senior Russian diplomat noted that contacts with HTS were "proceeding in a constructive fashion."

Bogdanov said Russia hopes the group will fulfill its pledges to "guard against all excesses," maintain order, and ensure the safety of diplomats and other foreigners.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 29. The President of the Czech Republic Petr Pavel has sent a letter of condolences to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev following the tragic loss of lives in the crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) flight near the city of Aktau, which was flying from Baku to Grozny, Trend reports.

"Your Excellency,

It is with deep concern and profound sorrow that I learned of the tragic crash of the Azerbaijan Airlines flight, which has claimed so many lives. I am convinced that all the circumstances that led to this terrible event must be properly investigated.

In this moment of grief, I wish to extend my heartfelt condolences, both personally and on behalf of the citizens of the Czech Republic, to those who have lost their loved ones and to all the people of the Republic of Azerbaijan," the letter reads.
INTERVIEW/Taiwan countering Chinese pressure, 'united front' efforts: MAC head

ROC Central News Agency

12/28/2024 04:26 PM

By Sunny Lai, CNA staff reporter

In the seven months since President Lai Ching-te () took office, China has not shown any signs of easing its pressure campaign against Taiwan that had already been ramped up during the tenure of Lai's predecessor Tsai Ing-wen ().

Much of that pressure has involved regular military drills in the Taiwan Strait, but it has also entailed "united front" activities intended to help Beijing influence public opinion in Taiwan.

Taiwan's top government agency for cross-strait affairs is the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) and in an exclusive interview with CNA on Friday, MAC head Chiu Chui-cheng () outlined some of the approaches his agency has adopted to address the challenges of dealing with Beijing.

A countermeasure

On June 21, around one month after the Lai administration took office, Chinese authorities, including the Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) of the State Council, announced a new set of legal guidelines targeting advocates of Taiwan independence, with the most severe punishment being the death penalty.

The guidelines' scope was "extremely broad and overly expansive," Chiu said, noting that, under the provisions, anyone who does not support the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) unification policies "could almost certainly face legal consequences."

In response, the MAC participated in raising the travel alert for China, Hong Kong and Macao to the second-highest "orange" level, he said, and "lodged a protest" with Chinese authorities over the serious personal safety risks the rules posed to Taiwanese in China.

The protest included rejecting applications from high-ranking TAO officials in major Chinese cities to visit Taiwan.

Those denied entry included Jin Mei (), director of the Shanghai Municipal TAO, who missed the 15th Twin-City Forum in Taipei in mid-December.

Asked if the same approach would continue in the future, Chiu said it was "the principle."

Entry would only be granted if the officials would agree to meet with the MAC in a way where "we could lodge a protest regarding this matter (the issuance of the guidelines)," he added.

Working with democratic nations

Among other measures the MAC can resort to in countering Chinese threats is fostering international exchanges, Chiu said, even though the MAC is primarily focused on interacting with China.

To build ties with like-minded democratic nations and help them manage their relations with China, Chiu said the MAC provides Taiwan's overseas offices with detailed weekly reports on the cross-strait situation, offering in-depth analyses of bilateral relations.

Those reports, Chiu explained, are subsequently shared by Taiwan's diplomatic missions with "local friends," helping deepen collaboration on navigating relations with China.

"China's influence is growing stronger, and many countries are eager to understand how we interact with China," he said.

Tourism freeze or thaw?

If there was an area in which there was hope for progress, it was tourism, but even that remains at an impasse, and there was little indication from Chiu that the situation would improve in the near future.

In 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinese visitors accounted for around one quarter of all foreign visitors to Taiwan, but that source of tourism income has all but dried up, with independent or group travel largely frozen by the Chinese authorities for over four years.

"The crux of the issue lies in the unwillingness (of Chinese authorities) to lift the travel ban," Chiu said.

While some Chinese officials have expressed a willingness to ease restrictions, they have attached numerous conditions, said Chiu, who described some of the conditions as "involving political manipulation."

If China's lifting of the ban touches on political issues or if tourism is used as a form of economic leverage against Taiwan, it would raise significant concerns for the MAC, Chiu noted.

McCarthyism in Taiwan?

Chiu, a former professor specializing in cross-strait relations at a university in Kinmen, described Beijing's actions since May 20 as "a multifaceted form of pressure" on Taiwan.

These efforts, he said, include social infiltration that employs "united front" strategies aimed at dividing and influencing Taiwanese society.

While he defined "united front" strategies as efforts to "exploit and create internal conflicts among adversaries," some have criticized Taiwan's crackdown on such activities as fostering an environment that could in time evoke the specter of McCarthyism.

McCarthyism, named after late U.S. Senator Joseph McCarthy, cultivated paranoid fear and suspicion of communist influence in the late 1940s and early 1950s, often leading to unjust accusations, social division, and the suppression of differing opinions.

The term "united front" often appears in MAC press releases to denounce China's attempts to influence Taiwan, including when it criticized a small number of Taiwanese entertainers for echoing China's military threats against Taiwan in October.

It accused them of "becoming pawns in the CCP's united front tactics to intimidate Taiwan."

As to whether a phenomenon similar to McCarthyism could occur in Taiwan, Chiu rejected such a possibility and believed the steps taken by the MAC were in the best interests of Taiwan and would not hurt its people.

Imposing a direct ban on suspected "united front" efforts would be "the quickest and simplest solution," he said, but the MAC was against it because "it would undermine the principles of freedom and democracy, and disrupt the normal functioning of a constitutional democracy."

The MAC's current approach, Chiu said, is to focus on educating the public to identify "united front" strategies and push for legislation, such as the Anti-Infiltration Act, to "defend democracy."

Enditem/ls

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PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

ROC Ministry of National Defense

2024/12/28

PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

1.Date

6 to 6 a.m. (UTC+8) Friday to Saturday, Dec. 27-28

2.PLA activities

7 PLA aircraft and 5 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 1 of the aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's northern ADIZ. 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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PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

ROC Ministry of National Defense

2024/12/29

PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

1.Date

6 to 6 a.m. (UTC+8) Saturday to Sunday, Dec. 28-29

2.PLA activities

5 PLA aircraft and 5 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 3 of the aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and coastal missile systems in response to the detected activities.

1131228_Diagram of PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

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Secretary Blinken's Call with Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

December 28, 2024

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to discuss the latest developments in Syria. Secretary Blinken emphasized the need to support a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process that upholds human rights and prioritizes an inclusive and representative government. The Secretary and FM Fidan also discussed the shared goal of preventing terrorism from endangering the security of Turkiye and Syria.

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Taiwan pledges US$5 million aid for medical facility renovation in Ukraine

ROC Central News Agency

12/28/2024 06:23 PM

Taipei, Dec. 28 (CNA) Taiwan's government has pledged to provide US$5 million in funding for the renovation of a medical building providing post-surgery rehabilitation services in the Ukrainian city of Lviv, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

In a news release issued on Saturday, MOFA said Taiwan's government would finance the renovation of a rehabilitation building at the UNBROKEN National Rehabilitation Center in Lviv, the largest city in western Ukraine.

Once the planned renovation is completed, the building will be renamed the "Taiwan Friendship Building," the release said.

To facilitate the aid, representatives from the Taipei Representative Office in Poland, the Lviv City Government and UNBROKEN virtually signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Friday, the release said.

Taiwan's Deputy Foreign Minister Francois Wu (), who was present at the signing ceremony, said Taiwan's government will continue to collaborate with the Lviv city government and assist in Ukraine's efforts to forge ahead in times of difficulty.

Meanwhile, Mayor of Lviv Andriy Sadovyi, who is currently in Taiwan for a five-day visit, thanked Taiwan for its generosity and noted that such aid would further benefit wounded people in Ukraine.

The latest financial support pledged by Taipei followed the provision of US$800,000 in donations to the Multidisciplinary Clinical Hospital of Emergency and Intensive Care in Lviv, which is now part of the UNBROKEN National Rehabilitation Center, in 2022.

The US$800,000 in donations were part of aid provided by Taiwan's government as of the first half of 2022 to seven Ukrainian hospitals totaling US$5.8 million, according to MOFA.

Lviv has become a hub for treating and rehabilitating injured military personnel and civilians since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

More than 16,000 injured Ukrainians, including children, have been treated at UNBROKEN since then, the center says on its website.

Sadovyi and his delegation arrived in Taiwan on Thursday and will stay until Monday.

On Friday, the group also attended a luncheon hosted by Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung () where the two sides discussed the ongoing war and the prospect of the eastern European nation, as well as opportunities for more exchanges between Ukraine and Taiwan, according to the MOFA release.

(By Teng Pei-ju)

Enditem/AW

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Zelenskiy Blasts Fico In Energy Feud As Fighting Intensifies On Battlefield

By RFE/RL December 28, 2024

Drone attacks and fighting intensified in Ukraine and Russia on December 28, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy accused Slovakia's prime minister of taking "orders" from the Kremlin to harm Kyiv and his own people as an energy feud heightened as well.

"It appears that [Russian President Vladimir] Putin gave [Robert] Fico the orders to open the second energy front against Ukraine at the expense of the Slovak people's interests," Zelenskiy wrote on social media.

"Fico's threats to cut off Ukraine's emergency power supply this winter while Russia attacks our power plants and energy grid can only be explained by this."

The comments came after Fico on December 27 threatened to halt supplies of electricity to Ukraine if Kyiv blocks transit of Russian gas to Slovakia.

Ukraine has announced it will not extend the transit contract of Russian state-owned company Gazprom after January 1 -- ceasing deliveries of gas to several European nations -- as the West looks to cut off the Kremlin's source of funding for the war.

The transport deal was signed before Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, and most European nations have since begun developing alternative sources of gas, although Fico says finding alternatives would be too costly for Slovakia.

Fico, along with Hungarian leader Viktor Orban, has angered the West by continuing to have close ties to Putin despite U.S. and EU sanctions. Fico visited Putin in Moscow earlier this week and has offered to host potential peace talks between Ukraine and Russia.

Zelenskiy said Slovakia accounts for nearly 20 percent of Ukraine's power imports.

"Slovakia is part of the single European energy market and Fico must respect common European rules," Zelenskiy wrote.

"Any arbitrary decisions in Bratislava or Moscow's orders to Fico regarding electricity cannot cut Ukraine's power supply, but they can certainly cut current Slovak authorities' ties to the European community," he added, suggesting the move would deprive Slovakia itself of some $200 million a year.

Meanwhile, as Russia's full-scale invasion grinds on toward its fourth year, Ukraine and Russia exchanged accusations of drone attacks in several regions as battlefield clashes intensified along the front lines, with the "hottest" fighting reported around the embattled Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk.

Russian air defenses destroyed 56 drones overnight, the Defense Ministry said on December 28.

It said 28 drones were shot down in the Rostov region, 17 in the Voronezh region, and 11 in the Belgorod region, where local officials reportedly said two residents of a village were injured by shrapnel from a blast. The Russian claims could not be independently verified.

A Russian occupation official said on Telegram that four people were wounded in what he said was a Ukrainian drone attack that hit a car in the Russian-held city of Nova Kakhovka in Ukraine's Kherson region early in the morning.

In Mykolayiv, the Ukrainian-held capital of a region adjacent to Kherson, the military said Ukrainian defenders had neutralized all 16 drones launched by Russia on December 28.

"Of the 16 UAVs launched, 15 were shot down, another one was a simulator. All 15 were shot down in the Mykolaiv region," the Ukrainian Air Force said

Earlier, a Russian drone attack in the city caused fires on the roof of a five-story residential building and on the grounds of a commercial enterprise, regional governor Vitaliy Kim said on Telegra.

He said that nobody was hurt, and that the military had destroyed 12 drones over the region overnight.

Russia and Ukraine have used drones regularly since Russia launched the full-scale invasion of its neighbor in February 2022.

There are mounting suspicions that the crash of a Azerbaijan Airlines passenger jet earlier this week near Aqtau, Kazakhstan, that killed 38 of the 67 people aboard was caused by Russian air-defense systems on alert for Ukrainian drone attacks on the Chechnya region, where the jet was due to land in Grozny before it was diverted across the Caspian Sea.

Ukraine said its forces struck a "protected facility" of the Russian military in the Oryol region near the border with Ukraine. It said the target was a warehouse holding Iranian-made Shahed drones.

Also on December 28, the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) claimed it had thwarted a plot to kill a high-level Russian military officer and an unnamed Russian "war blogger" who writes about the invasion.

The FSB, whose claim could not be independently verified, said it had arrested a Russian man it said was acting under instructions from Ukrainian military intelligence. It said it had found a cache outside Moscow with an improvised explosive device camouflaged as a stereo speaker.

There was no immediate comment from Ukraine on the FSB claim, which came 11 days after the general who headed Russia's Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Defense Forces (RKhBZ) was killed, along with an assistant, by a bomb concealed in a scooter.

A source at Ukraine's SBU security service told RFE/RL that the blast that killed Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov and his assistant was the result of a special operation by the Ukrainian agency.

In the United States, White House spokesman John Kirby on December 27 said Washington has reports of North Korean soldiers fighting alongside Russian troops "taking their own lives rather than surrendering to Ukrainian forces."

He said the action was "likely out of fear of reprisal against their families in North Korea in the event that they're captured. "

In a video address, Zelenskiy had said "several" North Korean soldiers -- badly wounded in fighting alongside Russian forces -- have died after being captured by Ukrainian troops on the battlefield.

Zelenskiy said, without providing details, that Kyiv had reports of North Korean "enforcers" executing wounded soldiers to prevent them being captured alive by Ukrainian forces.

Western sources estimate that 12,000 North Korean troops are in Russia's Kursk region, parts of which are occupied by Ukrainian forces amid ongoing pitched battles and reports of heavy losses.

With reporting by RFE/RL's Russian and Ukrainian services

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-ukraine-slovakia- energy-zelenskiy-putin-war/33256248.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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Russian Defence Ministry reports on repelling AFU attempt to invade Russian territory in Kursk region (28 December 2024)

28.12.2024

The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the operation to neutralise an enemy group, which broke into the territory of Kursk region.

Units of the Sever Group of Forces inflicted losses on formations of four mechanised brigades, one heavy mechanised brigade, one tank brigade, three air assault brigades, one marine brigade, and four territorial defence brigades of the AFU near Aleksandriya, Viktorovka, Daryino, Kurilovka, Lebedevka, Leonidovka, Martynovka, Nizhny Klin, Nikolayevo-Daryino, Nikolsky, Novoivanovka, Plyokhovo, and Sverdlikovo.

Operational-Tactical and Army aviation and artillery inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the enemy near Ivashkovsky, Pervy Knyazhy, Kruglenkoye, Kurilovka, Lebedevka, Leonidovo, Malaya Loknya, Martynovka, Makhnovka, Nizhny Klin, Nikolayevo-Daryino, Nikolsky, Novoivanovka, Novaya Sorochina, Plyokhovo, Sverdlikovo, Cherkasskoye Porechnoye as well as Basovka, Belovody, Vorozhba, Zhuravka, Malaya Rybitsa, and Pavlovka in Sumy region.

Over the past 24 hours, the AFU losses amounted to more than 250 troops, one infantry fighting vehicle, one armoured fighting vehicle, six motor vehicles, and five mortars. One AFU serviceman surrendered.

Since the beginning of hostilities in Kursk region, the AFU losses amounted to more than 44,820 troops, 259 tanks, 200 infantry fighting vehicles, 141 armoured personnel carriers, 1,346 armoured fighting vehicles, 1,217 motor vehicles, 332 artillery guns, 42 MLRS launchers, including 11 of HIMARS and six of MLRS made by the USA, 13 anti-aircraft missile launchers, seven transport-loading vehicles, 82 EW stations, 13 counter-battery warfare radars, four air defence radars, 28 units of engineering and other materiel, including 13 counterobstacle vehicles, one UR-77 mine clearing vehicle, seven armoured recovery vehicles, and one command post vehicle.

The operation to neutralise the AFU units is in progress.

Department for Media Affairs and Information

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UK TO TRAIN HUNDREDS MORE UKRAINIAN SOLDIERS IN MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID FOR COMBAT

Next year, the UK will offer 180 more Ukrainian soldiers training in mental health first aid for combat.

28 December 2024

100 Ukrainian commanders received mental health training in 2024

Specialist skills to build morale and resilience in Ukrainian forces

Bespoke course designed by both UK and Ukrainian experts

The UK will train 180 Ukrainian soldiers to be combat mental resilience practitioners on the frontlines in 2025 - nearly double the 100 who were successfully trained this year.

The Combat Stress Signposting Course (CSSC) has been delivered by British Army specialists to Ukrainian soldiers within positions of command as part of Operation Interflex, the UK-led international training programme for Ukrainian recruits.

As combat mental resilience practitioners- officially termed control stress operators- the Ukrainian commanders will be responsible for helping their soldiers manage the stresses of combat as they defend their nation from Russia's illegal and unprovoked full-scale invasion.

So far, more than 51,000 Ukrainian troops have been trained in the UK under Operation Interflex.

Following a rise in recruits reporting trauma exposure and mental health struggles, the CSSC was initiated on the request of the Armed Forces of Ukraine's Moral and Psychological Support department.

Developed with input from Ukrainian military psychologists alongside specialist mental resilience and mental health practitioners from UK Defence, the five-week course equips soldiers with battle shock management techniques for before and during combat, as well as trauma risk management and signposting for clinical support following the fight.

Minister of Armed Forces Luke Pollard said:

"The Ukrainian people are fighting with huge courage to defend their country, and it is our duty to put them in the strongest possible position.

"With hundreds of Ukrainian soldiers receiving mental health first aid training before returning to the frontlines, resilience can be spread throughout the ranks of those fighting Russia's illegal invasion.

"The UK will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine throughout 2025 as we have done this year."

Upon completion of the course, the newly equipped Ukrainian Control Stress Operators will have the power to train and support hundreds of their fellow soldiers on the frontlines, ensuring the initial lessons taught by British instructors continue to be spread far beyond the UK.

An example of the battle shock management techniques being taught by British soldiers includes iCover; a six-step technique that can be delivered to a person in acute stress to get them back to a functioning state in less than a minute, as well as mindfulness grounding exercises that help a soldier override their fear or stress in the heat of battle.

Operation Interflex, conducted by the UK Armed Forces and 12 partner nations, has trained 51,000 Ukrainians in essential frontline combat skills since it was established in the summer of 2022 following Russia's full-scale invasion. The training has been extended through to at least the end of 2025, with an enhanced training programme to ensure the Ukrainian forces are equipped with vital battlefield skills.

During a visit to Kyiv on 19 December, the Defence Secretary announced a new 225M military package with a mix of funding from the UK-administered International Fund for Ukraine and the UK's own funding.

The UK's continued leadership on the war in Ukraine throughout 2025 will see an increase to Ukraine's military capability: with new maritime drones and boats, air defence systems and counter-drone systems.

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European Rules Must Prevail over Any Individual's Ties with Moscow - Address by the President

President of Ukraine

28 December 2024 - 18:13

Dear Ukrainians!

Today, I spoke with the President of Azerbaijan. I expressed my condolences to the President and the people of Azerbaijan.

I have no doubt that the full truth about the crash of the Azerbaijan Airlines plane can be established and that Russia will not succeed in concealing anything. Now there are already partners involved, who can be trusted, first of all, by Azerbaijan itself.

Ukraine will provide all the necessary assistance, and we call on every country to support Azerbaijan in this situation. And we call on every country to put pressure on Russia to stop the lies about this crash - the same lies as were told about MH-17, about the Boeing shot down over the Donetsk region.

In our conversation with President Aliyev, we acknowledged the heroism of the crew, who managed to steer the plane onto Kazakhstan territory, saving 29 people. But tragically, there were many fatalities, and for all this, the accountability must be borne - the accountability of those who hit the plane, and those in Russia who made all this possible: that the plane was targeted.

Today I received an intelligence report on what happened and the data we currently have. I instructed that all facts be shared with our partners.

In the coming days, we will continue our communication with the leaders - although the New Year is approaching, our work does not stop. We already have a preliminary schedule of our diplomatic engagements for January, including with our American partners.

Today, I also spoke with Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal and had a discussion with Minister of Energy German Galushchenko. I heard the details of electricity imports from the European Union to Ukraine via Slovakia - about 19 percent. This is of the total volume. We are working with other neighbors in the EU.

And I have instructed our Government officials to do everything possible, together with the European Commission, together with all our partners in Europe, everything possible to maintain the stability of the united European energy system and uphold European energy rules. Whatever Putin may have told Fico during his visit to the Kremlin, European rules must prevail over any individual's ties with Moscow.

And one more thing. We are preparing several important personnel decisions. The decrees will be announced soon. I want to thank everyone who helps!

Glory to Ukraine!

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General Assembly approves $3.72 billion UN budget for 2025

By Vibhu Mishra

25 December 2024 - The General Assembly wrapped up the main part of its 79th session on Tuesday, approving a $3.72 billion budget for the United Nations for 2025 and adopting a new programme to support landlocked developing countries.

The approved $3.72 billion regular budget (RB) for 2025 represents an increase of about $1 million over the Secretary-General's October proposal to the Assembly's Fifth Committee, which oversees administrative and budgetary matters.

It also includes technical adjustments following the adoption of other resolutions and decisions by UN intergovernmental bodies since the proposed budget was submitted. The total budget appropriation for 2025 amounts to $3,717,379,600.

The regular budget funds UN programmes across key areas, including political affairs, international justice and law, regional cooperation for development, human rights and humanitarian affairs, and public information.

In addition, the Organization maintains a distinct budget for peacekeeping operations, with the fiscal cycle 1 July to 30 June, while the RB cycle aligns with the calendar year.

Programme of action for LLDCs

In a separate action, the General Assembly adopted the Programme of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries for the Decade 2024-2034, aiming to tackle the unique challenges faced by nations without direct access to open seas.

Landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) face significant hurdles in trade and development, relying on transit nations, which leads to higher trade costs, delays and reduced competitiveness in global markets.

The Programme of Action identifies five priorities: promoting sustainable economic growth through innovation and structural transformation, enhancing regional trade integration, improving transport connectivity, building climate resilience, and ensuring effective implementation strategies.

The new framework builds on the Vienna Programme of Action (2014-2024) and the Almaty Programme of Action (2003), which laid the groundwork for addressing the persistent obstacles plaguing LLDCs.



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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 29. The criminal case against war criminal Ruben Vardanyan has been transferred to Azerbaijans Baku Military Court for further legal proceedings, Trend reports.

The case is now under the jurisdiction of the Chairman of the Baku Military Court, Zeynal Aghayev.

However, the timeline for the court proceedings has not yet been disclosed.

In a joint statement released earlier, the Azerbaijani State Security Service and the Press Service of the General Prosecutor's Office revealed details about the investigation.

It was noted that the Azerbaijani authorities had conducted an extensive investigation into multiple serious charges against Vardanyan, including terrorism, financing terrorism, crimes against peace and humanity, and war crimes.

To note, the investigation into the criminal case against Ruben Vardanyan, who is accused of terrorism, financing terrorism, committing crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, and other offenses against the Republic of Azerbaijan and its people, has been completed.

According to the report, Ruben Vardanyan, a former citizen of the Russian Federation and currently a citizen of the Republic of Armenia, is the founder and head of Russias Troika Dialogue company, a member of the board of directors of KAMAZ OJSC in Russia, and an independent director of the Volga-Dnepr Group, among other positions. On September 25, 2023, Vardanyan was placed on the wanted list by Azerbaijan on charges under Articles 214-1, 279.3, and 318.1 of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan. He was arrested on September 27, 2023, and transferred to the investigation. On the same day, charges were brought against him.

Based on the reliable evidence gathered, Ruben Vardanyan has been found guilty of creating and organizing illegal armed groups and formations in the so-called "Nagorno-Karabakh Republic," established in the territories of Azerbaijan occupied by Armenia. He faces charges under several articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including: Article 100 (planning, preparing, unleashing, or waging an aggressive war); Article 107 (deportation or forced displacement of populations); Article 109 (persecution); Article 112 (unlawful deprivation of liberty in violation of international law); Article 113 (use of torture); Article 114 (mercenarism); Article 115 (violation of the laws and customs of war); Article 116 (breaching international humanitarian law during armed conflicts); Article 214 (terrorism); Article 214-1 (financing terrorism); Article 218 (organization of a criminal community); Article 228 (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, or carrying of firearms, ammunition, explosives, and explosive devices); Article 270-1 (acts threatening aviation security); Article 278 (violent seizure or retention of power and the forcible alteration of the states constitutional order); Article 279 (creation of unauthorized armed groups); as well as other related offenses under the Criminal Code.

The investigation ensured Vardanyan's right to defense, his right to use a language he understands, and other procedural rights. Vardanyan was provided with lawyers of his choice, and the motions filed by him and his defense were considered in accordance with the requirements of criminal procedural law. All materials related to the case, including physical evidence, documents, expert conclusions, and other evidence, were shared with Vardanyan and other participants in the criminal process.

The indictment was approved by the Prosecutor General of Azerbaijan on December 28, 2024, and sent to the Baku Military Court for further proceedings.
Beijing, China, Dec. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The concept of "Hehe" in Chinese culture, with the first "He" embodying harmony, peace and balance and the second representing convergence, unity and cooperation, is central to both the individual and collective mind-set in China. Rooted in thousands of years of philosophy, the idea of "Hehe" serves as a guiding principle for living in harmony with others, nature and oneself. In a broader context, the concept of "Hehe" has significant relevance to the world today, as addressing the global challenges we face in various areas requires the principles that "Hehe" emphasizes. Viewed through a contemporary lens, "Hehe" is a timeless and universal concept that can guide China and the world toward a more harmonious, peaceful and balanced future. The Global Times has gathered opinions from experts and scholars around the world to explore the global significance of "Hehe" culture from various perspectives. This is the fourth piece of the series.

By Ragnar Baldursson

As China continues to deepen its reform and opening-up, the policy does not disrupt the traditional fabric of Chinese civilization. On the contrary, it is aligned with the core values of China's traditional civilization. In English, we might refer to this as "green, cooperative and commercial civilization." These characteristics are embodied in China's Hehe culture, where people work peacefully together toward common goals in a coordinated and sustainable manner.

When considering the connection between reform and opening-up and "Hehe" culture, I immediately think about a story during Christmas in 1996. A close friend of mine asked if my wife and I could help her buy two Chinese stone lions as a Christmas gift for her husband. My wife, who was born in Beijing, suggested that we go to Quyang County, North China's Hebei Province, where locals produce stone sculptures.

I was stunned when we arrived after a three-hour drive from Beijing. Statues, made of marble, granite, and basalt, of various sizes and motifs, lined the narrow streets in village after village. Most depicted Chinese figures, but there were also designs based on foreign influences, such as Italian and Greek styles. While many households engaged in some farm work on the side, the primary focus was on stone carving. Obviously, this production center for statues had not been established recently. Some of the rocks had been transported from distant stone mines. Coordinated and specialized production of this type serving urban communities across large regions must be rooted in long traditions passed down through generations from father to son.

I can't say I understood the significance of this experience in a sudden flash. But the image of all these statues in a remote village, waiting to be shipped to customers in Chinese cities or abroad, stayed with me as I revised my understanding of the Chinese countryside.

This experience deepened my understanding of how Chinese society embodies the principles of "Hehe" culture through its coordinated and sustainable practices. The phenomenon of the stone-carving village represents more than just the prosperity of local craftsmanship. It demonstrates that collaboration within communities and with external markets forms the backbone of success. This tradition of coordinated cooperation, rooted in sustainability and harmony, is a defining feature of Chinese civilization.

Gradually I realized that the Chinese civilization was characterized by an ancient tradition of local and regional cooperation. I began to notice that similar specialized centers are a common feature of many Chinese countryside. The close connection and division of labor between the various stages of the process, from the mining and transportation of the stone to the carving and marketing, are typical expressions of the spirit of cooperation.

In Hehe culture, the first character he can be translated as harmonious, peaceful and coordinated cooperation. This character is formed by combining the characters for grains he and the character for mouth (or a cooking pot) kou. The Chinese people have always recognized the supreme importance of close and sustainable cooperation in feeding everyone.

With extensive infrastructure for transportation reaching every corner of the state, the scope of cooperation expanded to include non-agricultural production. The second character he in Hehe culture reflects this development. It combines the character for "men" - ren, the numeral "one" - yi, and the character for "mouth" - kou, expressing the cooperation and commerce between people for a common goal, even though it is not directly related to food production.

Hehe culture is not only embodied in local production patterns, but also carries over to the philosophy of governance at the national level as a whole. The essence of "Hehe" is harmony and win-win cooperation, which promotes overall development through the coordination of respecting diversity and realizing common goals. This philosophy also serves as an important cultural pillar for the success of China's reform and opening-up.

Since the reforms and opening-up, there has been a steady flow of foreign investment making use of China's low labor cost and the tradition of specialized labor. Furthermore, the traditional openness of Chinese civilization to fresh ideas and novel merchandise created a large and expanding local market for new products.

The policy of reform and opening-up has unleashed the pent-up potential of the productive forces inherent in traditional Chinese society. It has also revitalized the traditional "Hehe" spirit embedded in Chinese society. For instance, the establishment of specialized industrial zones and supply chains - like those seen in Quyang's stone-carving industry, which remains vibrant to this day - demonstrates how ancient traditions of collaboration and division of labor have been integrated with modernity and global markets.

China today continues its policy of opening-up. Reform and opening-up is not a temporary policy that will be discontinued one day; rather, it is directly linked to China's ancient tradition of specialized production and advanced supply chains. This tradition is further extended as China's cooperation with foreign partners and China's market develops, as well as consumption diversifies with new products. This explains China's success in adapting to the globalization of the world economy.

On the other hand, after years of hasty development at a great cost to the environment, a new layer has been emphasized in this new era - sustainable development, which is also a core value Hehe culture emphasizes.

A sustainable civilization must be rooted in sustainable use of its natural resources and ecology, sustainable social development and sustainable relations with other civilizations.

In addition, it must be based on "innovative, coordinated, green, open and inclusive development" as President Xi Jinping describes it. Development cannot be called "green" if it is not sustainable, and it must be "innovative, coordinated, open and inclusive" to be cooperative and commercial. And none of these conditions are met if a civilization isn't "peaceful."

This commitment to sustainability and cooperation is reflected in China's opening-up to the world. By inviting foreign companies to enter the Chinese market and collaborate with local partners, China links its development to the broader process of globalization. Chinese companies, in turn, are going global and prefer to partner with foreign counterparts which they can trust. By inviting foreign businesses to participate in its domestic market and encouraging Chinese enterprises to expand globally, China exemplifies the principles of inclusivity and mutual benefit. These efforts contribute to building a greener, more cooperative global economy.

The author is vice chairperson of the Council of the International Confucian Association and Iceland's former minister counselor to China. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn

This article first appeared in the Global Times:

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202412/1325812.shtml

For more information, please contact:

Company: Global Times

Contact Person: Anna Li

Email: Editor@globaltimes.com.cn

Website: https://globaltimes.cn



City: Beijing

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of KISS PR or its partners. This content is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. KISS PR makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, correctness, suitability, or validity of any information in this article and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis.
NEW YORK, Dec. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces it is investigating potential breaches of fiduciary duties by the directors and officers of Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) in connection with Southwest Airlines information technology infrastructure impacting Southwest Airlines business, operations, and stock price.

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Romeo and Juliet star Olivia Hussey Eisley dies at 73

CNN Showbiz News Dec - 29 - 2024 , 14:37 2 minutes read

Olivia Hussey Eisley, star of the 1968 film Romeo and Juliet and the slasher classic Black Christmas, has died, according to a post on her Instagram page. She was 73.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Olivia Hussey Eisley, who went peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones on December 27th, the statement posted on her Instagram reads. Olivia was a remarkable person whose warmth, wisdom, and pure kindness touched the lives of all who knew her.

Romeo and Juliet was the British-Argentine actresss big break, winning her a Golden Globe for her performance as Juliet.

Franco Zeffirellis adaptation of Shakespeares classic love story was not without its controversies. In late 2022, Hussey Eisley and co-star Leonard Whiting filed a lawsuit against Paramount Studios, which produced the film, for allowing the movie to be released with scenes showing them nude when they were minors.

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According to the complaint, Zeffirelli told Hussey Eisley and Whiting  who were 15 and 16 at the time, respectively  that they must act in the nude or the picture would fail. The suit was dismissed in May 2023.

Hussey Eisley later starred in the 1974 horror film Black Christmas and appeared in the 1978 Agatha Christie adaptation Death on the Nile. She also worked with Zeffirelli again in 1977, playing Mary in the TV mini-series Jesus of Nazareth.

In the 90s, Hussey Eisley starred in several horror flicks including Psycho IV: The Beginning, and It, a miniseries adaptation of Stephen Kings novel. Later, in the early 2000s, she starred in the biogrophical film Mother Teresa, thriller El Grito and comedy Tortilla Heaven.

Born on April 17, 1951, in Buenos Aires, Olivia lived a life full of passion, love, and dedication to the arts, spirituality, and kindness towards animals, the statement said.

Olivia leaves behind a loving family her children, Alex, Max, and India, her husband of 35 years David Glen Eisley, and grandson, Greyson, and a legacy of love that will forever be cherished in our hearts, the statement read.

As we grieve this immense loss, we also celebrate Olivias enduring impact on our lives and the industry. We thank you for your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time and ask for privacy as we mourn the loss of a truly special soul.
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Churches fight to stay open as attendance dwindles

ABC News International News Dec - 29 - 2024 , 10:43 4 minutes read

Houses of worship around the country in the US are adopting varying strategies to survive.

Churches faced with empty pews are fighting to keep their doors open, while former houses of worship are being converted into bars, clubs and luxury condos.

In the late 1940s, nearly 80% of Americans said they belonged to a church, synagogue, mosque or temple, according to Gallup. Today, just 45% say the same, the analytics company noted, and only 32% say that they worship God in a house of prayer once a week

During the final Mass at the All Saints Parish in Buffalo, New York, on a warm Sunday in July, the priests encouraged the few parishioners who came to take comfort in holy scripture.

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"For everything, there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven," the passage read.

On Earth, many parishes are accepting that it's time to sell their properties. As the person leading renewal and development for the Diocese of Buffalo, Father Bryan Zielenieski is one of many religious leaders across America who have closed houses of worship in recent years.

Father Bryan Zielenieski talks about church closures and the fall in attendance in the Diocese of Buffalo, New York.

ABC News

"We essentially went to half of what we used to back in the early 2000s," he told ABC News. "We lost about 100 parishes."

Zielenieski expects he'll need to shut down another 70 churches in what the Diocese is calling its "road to renewal." It's a very biblical name for the challenge facing churches: People just aren't going as much as they used to.

On average, more than half of the diocese's churches today are baptizing fewer than one person a month, and 59% of them are spending more than they take in, Zielenieski noted.

"It's my job and role to not just pray about the situation, but to then look at the hard data and say, where does the church need to move?" he told ABC News.

In the late 1940s, nearly 80% of Americans said they belonged to a church, synagogue, mosque or temple, according to Gallup. Today, just 45% say the same, the analytics company noted, and only 32% say that they worship God in a house of prayer once a week.

In 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic, America was losing as many as 1,000 churches a year.

Some former churches are being converted for businesses or residential use. One old Methodist church in Atlanta, which was down to about 60 members when it closed, was sold to a luxury real estate developer seven years ago. Now, it's become a series of 3,000-square-foot condos.

Some of the oldest churches in the world have even turned into bars and nightclubs.

However, another Atlanta church is taking a different route. Pastor Jasmine Smothers is saving the city's First United Methodist church from closing with what she says is a "God-sized" plan.

The most profitable thing they own is their land, and she's using it to build more than 300 apartments in the high-rent city -- most of which will become affordable housing.

Pastor Jasmine Smothers says developing residential property on the church's land will help them stay open.

ABC News

"It's literally going to change the landscape of Atlanta in more ways than one," she told ABC News.

Smothers said the project will give the church the resources to help people and to continue its ministries.

"In the words of one of my friends, this ain't your great grandma's church," she said.

At Calcium Church outside Syracuse, New York, Pastor Milton LaSalle recently acknowledged to his small-town church that, after 171 years, they're in financial trouble. On a good Sunday, LaSalle has 35 regular members -- most of them are in the sunset of their lives. The church hasn't been forced to close or sell it's land, the pastor says.

"The aging of the church here, of course, is seen all over America. That makes it harder in a lot of ways. For instance, we lost five of our members last year to death," he told ABC News.

LaSalle said he's confident Calcium Church will be able to stay open, but noted that they've had to make cutbacks.

They still hold clothing and school supply giveaways, parishioners told ABC News. Parishioner Jeannetta LaSalle expressed the importance of the church in her life, saying that her fellow churchgoers are like family.

"It gives me purpose to get up in the morning," she told ABC News.

In Buffalo, Father Zielenieski also noted how people turn to the church for comfort in times of crisis, like in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

"There's a sociological principle or idea out there that when times are good, people forget God," he said. "When times are challenging, they go to God first."

However, Zielenieski highlights the danger of taking the church for granted.

"We've never asked the question, how is it going to be there and how is that going to stay?" he said.

The sale of the All Saints Church in Buffalo will close in the coming weeks. The priests told ABC News they have language in the deal that prevents the new owners from turning it into a place that encourages people to sin.
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Footage shows New York officers beating prisoner before death

BBC International News Dec - 28 - 2024 , 22:32 3 minutes read

Newly released bodycam footage appears to show New York corrections officers beating handcuffed inmate Robert Brooks, who died the following morning.

The inmate, 43-year-old Robert Brooks, was pronounced dead on 10 December, the day after the incident took place at the Marcy Correctional Facility in upstate New York.

Following an internal review, New York Governor Kathy Hochul ordered the firing of the 13 officers and a prison nurse who were involved in the assault.

The office of New York Attorney General Letitia James has opened an investigation into Brooks' death, and the union that represents state prison workers called the video "incomprehensible".

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The footage - which was released by James on Friday - shows officers repeatedly striking Brooks in the face and groin while he sits handcuffed on an examination table.

The videos also appear to show a prison officer placing something in Brooks' mouth before striking him, as well as a separate officer hitting him in the stomach with a shoe.

At one point, an officer lifts him by the neck before forcefully putting him on the examination table.

Robert Brooks was serving a 12-year prison sentence at the time of his death.

Brooks died the day after the assault. Preliminary examinations determined the cause of death was "asphyxia due to compression of the neck."

It is unclear what initially prompted staff to take him to the prison's medical facility in the first place. The videos do not include audio.

In a filmed statement, James said that she does not "take lightly the release of this video, especially in the middle of the holiday season".

"I release the videos because I have a responsibility and duty to provide the Brooks family, their loved ones, and all New Yorkers with transparency and accountability," she said.

Brooks was serving a 12-year sentence for first-degree assault, according to the Associated Press. He had been transferred to Marcy from the nearby Mohawk Correctional Facility on the same day as the incident.

Elizabeth Mazur, a lawyer representing the Brooks family, said in a statement that the videos show "the horrific and extreme nature of the deadly attack".

"He deserved to live, and everyone else living in Marcy Correctional Facility deserves to know they do not have to live in fear of violence at the hands of prison staff," Ms Mazur said of Brooks.

After the video's release, Hochul - New York's governor - said that she was "outraged and horrified" by the incident and felt compelled to hold those involved responsible.

"The state of New York has zero tolerance for individuals who break the law, and I am committed to holding everyone involved fully accountable," she added.

The New York union that represents prison workers said in a statement to local media outlets that what "we witnessed is incomprehensible to say the least and is certainly not reflective of the great work that the vast majority of our membership conducts every day".

The New York chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, or ACLU, alleged that the beating is "not an isolated incident", however.

"Rather, it highlights a culture of violence and a lack of accountability for wrongdoing by corrections officers that puts the lives of incarcerated New Yorkers at risk," executive director Donna Lieberman said in a statement.

In a report issued last year, the Correctional Association of New York - an independent watchdog - found "pervasive allegations of racial discrimination" and "mistreatment by staff", including black inmates being turned away from mess halls for having their hair in cornrows or braids.


Featured

Putin sorry over Azerbaijan Airlines crash but does not accept blame

BBC International News Dec - 28 - 2024 , 22:47 3 minutes read

Russia's President Vladimir Putin has apologised to the president of neighbouring Azerbaijan over the downing of a commercial airliner in Russian airspace, in which 38 people were killed - but stopped short of saying Russia was responsible.

In his first comments on the Christmas Day crash, Putin said the "tragic incident" had occurred when Russian air defence systems were repelling Ukrainian drones.

Ukraine's President Volodymr Zelensky said Russia must "stop spreading disinformation" about the strike.

The plane is believed to have come under fire from Russian air defence as it tried to land in the Russian region of Chechnya - forcing it to divert across the Caspian Sea.

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The Azerbaijan Airlines jet then crash-landed near Aktau in Kazakhstan, killing 38 of the 67 on board.

Most of the passengers on the flight were from Azerbaijan, with others from Russia, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.

It is believed most of those who survived were seated in the plane's rear.

Flight J2-8243 had been en route from the Azerbaijan capital of Baku to the Chechen capital of Grozny on 25 December when it came under fire and was forced to divert.

The Kremlin released a statement on Saturday noting Putin had spoken to Azerbaijan's president Ilham Aliyev by phone.

"(President) Vladimir Putin apologised that the tragic incident occurred in Russian airspace and once again expressed his deep and sincere condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to the injured," it said.

In the rare publicised apology, Putin also acknowledged the plane had repeatedly tried to land at Grozny airport in Chechnya.

At the time, the cities of Grozny, Mozdok and Vladikavkaz were "being attacked by Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles, and Russian air defence systems repelled these attacks", he said.

The Kremlin read-out made no direct admission that the plane had been struck by Russian missiles.

In a statement released a shortly after the Kremlin's, Ukrainian President Zelensky said the damage to the aircraft's fuselage was "very reminiscent of an air defence missile strike", adding that Russia "must provide clear explanations".

"The key priority now is a thorough investigation that will answer all questions about what really happened."

Prior to Saturday, the Kremlin had refused to say whether it was involved in the crash with authorities saying they were awaiting investigation results.

But Russian aviation authorities had earlier in the week said the situation in the region was "very complicated" due to Ukrainian drone strikes.

Aviation experts and others in Azerbaijan believe the plane's GPS systems were affected by electronic jamming and it was then damaged by shrapnel from Russian air defence missile blasts.

Survivors had previously reported hearing loud bangs before the plane crashed, suggesting it had been targeted.

Azerbaijan had not officially accused Russia this week, but the country's transport minister said the plane was subject to "external interference" and was damaged inside and out as it tried to land.

US defence officials on Friday had also said they believed Russia was responsible for the downing.

Moscow noted that Russian investigators had launched a criminal investigation. Azerbaijan had already announced it would launch an investigation.

The Kremlin said that Azeri, Kazakh and Russian agencies were "working closely at the site of the disaster in Aktau region".

Even before Putin's message on Saturday was released, several airlines from Azerbaijan had already begun suspending flights to most Russian cities.

The suspension will remain in place until the investigation into the crash is complete, one airline said.

credit: BBC
Featured

Trump urges US Supreme Court to delay ruling on TikTok ban

Forbes.com International News Dec - 29 - 2024 , 16:32 3 minutes read

US President-elect Donald Trump has asked the US Supreme Court to delay an upcoming TikTok ban while he works on a "political resolution".

His lawyer filed a legal brief on Friday with the court that says Trump "opposes banning TikTok" and "seeks the ability to resolve the issues at hand through political means once he takes office".

On 10 January, the court is due to hear arguments on a US law that requires TikTok's Chinese owner, ByteDance, to sell the social media company to an American firm or face a ban come 19 January - a day before Trump takes office.

US officials and lawmakers had accused ByteDance of being linked to the Chinese government - which the firm denies.

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Those allegations of an app that has 170 million users in the US led Congress to pass a bill in April, which President Joe Biden signed into law, that included the divest or ban requirement.

TikTok and ByteDance have filed multiple legal challenges against the law, arguing that it threatens American free speech protections, with little success. With no potential buyer materialising so far, the companies' final chance to derail the ban has been via the American high court.

While the Supreme Court has previously declined to act on a request for an emergency injunction against the law, it agreed to allow TikTok, ByteDance and the US government to plead their cases on 10 January - just days before the ban is due to take effect.

Trump had met with TikTok's CEO, Shou Zi Chew, at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida last week.

In his court filing on Friday, Trump said the case represents "an unprecedented, novel, and difficult tension between free-speech rights on one side, and foreign policy and national security concerns on the other".

While the filing said that Trump "takes no position on the underlying merits of this dispute", it added that pushing back the 19 January deadline would grant Trump "the opportunity to pursue a political resolution" to the matter without having to resort to the court.

The US justice department has argued that alleged Chinese links to TikTok present a national security threat - and multiple state governments have raised concerns about the popular social media app.

Nearly two dozen state attorneys general led by Montana's Austin Knudsen have urged the Supreme Court to uphold the law compelling ByteDance and TikTok to divest or be banned.

Earlier in December, a federal appeals court rejected an attempt to overturn the legislation, saying it was "the culmination of extensive, bipartisan action by the Congress and successive presidents."

Trump has publicly said he opposes the ban, despite supporting one in his first term as president.

"I have a warm spot in my heart for TikTok, because I won youth by 34 points," he claimed at a press conference earlier in December, although a majority of young voters backed his opponent, Kamala Harris.

"There are those that say that TikTok has something to do with that," he added.
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Goaso queenmother empowers vigilante group Salifu 11 to deal with troublemakers following death of chief

Graphic.com.gh Dec - 28 - 2024 , 23:11 1 minute read

The queenmother of the Goaso Traditional Area, Nana Afia Serwaa has empowered a vigilante group in the town, Salifu 11 to provide security to the community, particularly, the Omanhenes palace following the death of the Goasomanhene, Nana Kwasi Bosomprah.

She made the announcement during the formal announcement of the passing of the Omanhene on Monday, December 23.

Read also: Asantehenes chief palm wine tapper and Goasomanhene dies at age 58

In attendance were members of the group, who were specially invited by the queen mother to the meeting.

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Nana Afia Serwaa tasked them to deal with anyone who may attempt to carry himself as the Omanhene.

I am solidly behind you. The town is for me. Kwasi Bosomprah left the town for me. If you see anyone doing anything against the town, do whatever you like to the person. This palace too if you see any suspicious person standing behind the gate, you have the right to do whatever you like to the person, the queen mother charged.
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Groom dies at wedding ceremony in Akyem Anamase

Samuel Kyei-Boateng Dec - 29 - 2024 , 14:36 2 minutes read

A heartbreaking incident unfolded in Akyem Anamase near Oda in the Eastern Region last Friday when a groom, Chief Inspector Godwin Beniba, tragically passed away during his wedding ceremony.

Chief Inspector Beniba, who was the Station Officer at the Anamase Police Station, collapsed moments after arriving at the Anamase Hotel, the venue for the event.

The groom, accompanied by his best men, had been waiting for the arrival of his bride, Florence Debrah, who was in one of the rooms at the event centre.

According to eyewitnesses, the groom complained of dizziness upon entering the venue. Before anyone could respond, he collapsed on the floor.

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He was rushed to the Anamase Clinic by some of the invited guests, but medical personnel at the facility pronounced him dead on arrival.

The tragic news devastated the hundreds of attendees, including police personnel who had traveled from Accra, Koforidua, Oda, Akyem Achiase, Akyem Swedru, and other parts of the country to witness the union. Many were overcome with grief and could not hold back their tears.

Large quantities of food and drinks prepared for the occasion went unused as shocked invitees left the venue in sorrow.

The family of the deceased, who had traveled from his home region in the Northern Region, arranged for the body to be transported to the Oda Government Hospital morgue for autopsy and preservation.

When GraphicOnline's Samuel Kyei-Boateng visited Akyem Anamase on Saturday, the community was enveloped in sadness, with residents mourning the tragic loss and unable to engage in the usual festive activities of the Christmas season.
Next article: Goaso queenmother empowers vigilante group Salifu 11 to deal with troublemakers following death of chief

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Okadaman on bail over alleged attempted robbery

GNA Dec - 29 - 2024 , 09:42 2 minutes read

The Amasaman Circuit Court has granted a GH50,000.00 bail with two sureties to a commercial motorbike rider (Okada rider) over a robbery attempt.

Hope Nunekpeku, 21, is also facing an additional charge of preparation to commit crime, both of which he has denied.

He will make his next appearance on January 6, 2025.

Meanwhile, his alleged accomplice only named as Dickson, is on the run.

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Police Chief Inspector Salifu Nashiru told the Court presided over by Ms Anid Marful-Sau, that the Complainant in this case was a driver staying at Opah whilst Nunekpeku, the accused person was an Okada rider staying at Sapeiman near Amasaman in the Greater Accra Region.

He said on December 4, 2023, at about 2130 hours, the complainant after close of work parked his Sprinter Benz bus by the roadside at Shikpontele, waiting to deliver money and provisions to his wife, a witness in this case.

Chief Inspector Nashiru said as he was removing the items from the vehicle, he spotted a motorbike approaching the door on the drivers side.

Both persons on the motorbike were watching inside the vehicle, the Court heard.

Prosecution said the complainant became suspicious as such he questioned them.

The motorbike went ahead and parked in front of the vehicle and not long after, the witness appeared behind them and joined the husband inside the vehicle.

Chief Inspector Nashiru said the couple were watching the accused persons closely on the motorbike.

He said Nunekpeku, who was the pillion rider then, removed an implement from his clothing.

This prompted the complainant to move the vehicle towards them but the motorbike sped off into the darkness, Prosecution told the Court.

The complainant thus alerted Police motorbike team which were on patrols in the area, he said.

Chief Inspector Nashiru said the team followed the lead and accused person was arrested with a machete hidden in his T-shirt.

Prosecution said the complainant identified Nunekpeku as the pillion rider and he was escorted to the Amasaman Divisional CID where a formal complaint was made, adding that Dickson had managed to escape on the get-away motorbike.

In his cautioned statement, Nunekpeku mentioned his accomplices name only as Dickson but failed to lead the Police to him.

After investigation, he was charged with the offences.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 29. In an interview with Azerbaijan Television, President Ilham Aliyev disclosed several facts concerning the causes of the AZAL-owned aircraft crash near Aktau, Trend reports.

The President stated: Of course, the final version will become clear after the black boxes have been examined. However, the initial theories are also quite reasonable and are based on facts. The facts are that the Azerbaijani civilian plane was damaged from the outside over Russian territory, near the city of Grozny, and almost lost control. We also know that electronic warfare systems put our plane out of control. This was the first impact on the plane. At the same time, as a result of fire from the ground, the tail of the plane was also severely damaged.
Next article: EC to re-run parliamentary election in one polling station at Dome Kwabenya

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Nothing has changed; well return to court on Tuesday for collation and declaration - Gary Nimako

Mohammed Ali Politics Dec - 28 - 2024 , 20:43 2 minutes read

Lawyer for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Parliamentary candidates for the six constituencies, Gary Nimako Marfo, has stated that the Supreme Courts ruling on four disputed parliamentary seats does not mark a significant change in the legal process.

Addressing journalists on Friday, December 27, 2024, after the court proceedings, he explained that the decision primarily ensures both parties are given a fair chance to present their case.

The court said these four constituencies should go back to the High Court. This is to allow the NDC to file their response and for the court to issue another order for the Electoral Commission (EC) to proceed with collation and declaration, Mr Nimako explained.

The case involves parliamentary results for Okaikwei Central, Tema Central, Techiman South, and Ablekuma North.

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A prior High Court order had instructed the EC to collate and declare results in these constituencies.

However, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) argued that it was not heard during the proceedings leading to that ruling.

The Supreme Court sided with the NDC, directing the High Court to rehear the matter. Despite this development, Mr Nimako maintains that the partys position remains unchanged.

Nothing has changed. The Supreme Courts decision only ensures procedural fairness. Well return to the High Court on Tuesday to continue the process, he said.

He emphasised that the EC is constitutionally obligated to complete the collation and declaration of results.

There has been no collation yet. This process must be carried out properly, and thats what we are advocating for, he added.

Mr Nimako also reassured NPP supporters that there is no cause for alarm.

This is not a loss for us. Its simply part of the legal process. We are confident the High Court will make the necessary order for collation and declaration, he said.

The NDC has welcomed the Supreme Courts directive, viewing it as a step toward ensuring justice in the electoral process. Both parties are expected to present their arguments at the High Court next week.
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Guam Community College will host a program for women entrepreneurs throughout the South Pacific.

GCC said applications are now available for the Young Pacific Leaders Academy for Women Entrepreneurs.

The program aims to empower and elevate the next generation of Pacific business leaders throughout the region, according to a release from GCC.

Facilitated by GCC, the program will consist of a 12-month business development and leadership virtual training program, catering to women of the Pacific from the 24 island nations within the YPL network.

As part of the program, participants will convene at the GCC campus in Mangilao, Guam from April 21 to 25, 2025, for the Where Dreams Become Reality Conference, featuring presentations from expert speakers, workshops, networking sessions, and multicultural excursions to build participants entrepreneurial and leadership capacity.

Guam Community College is excited to host the Where Dreams Become Reality Conference, for women entrepreneurs throughout the Pacific. Opportunities to connect with successful women in business gives the advantage of wisdom and experience in building a sustainable and thriving organization, GCC President Mary Okada said in a statement. We are eager to take our decades of knowledge and success in helping to train leaders in all corners of our society and impart that knowledge to these amazing and ambitious women in business.

U.S. Pacific regional engagement specialist Mara Hosoda Sua said the conference and yearlong initiative aims to foster the next generation of Pacific women business leaders from around the region.

Following the conference, the participants  some who will have established businesses already while others will just be getting started  will continue to meet weekly online to complete the Dream Builder Course business plans, Sua said.

She said this will provide participants with the skills and capacity necessary to create innovative and sustainable entrepreneurial solutions which address social and economic challenges in their home and island communities in the Pacific region.

YPL sees the AWE initiative as a unique opportunity for young women in the region, to truly thrive in business and in return, contribute to the economy and provide for their communities, Sua added.

Launched in 2013, the YPL initiative is the U.S. governments signature program to strengthen leadership development and networking in the Pacific.

Through educational, cultural and regional exchanges, and seed funding, YPL seeks to build the leadership capabilities of youth in the region and strengthen ties between the U.S. and the Pacific.

The YPL initiative focuses on critical topics identified by youth in the region: education, environment and resource management, civic leadership, economic and social development.

Applications for the AWE are now being accepted, until Jan. 15, 2025.

Interested applicants should submit the application and all required documents to learning4life@guamcc.edu.

For more information, contact (671) 735-5640 ext. 5410.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 29. I highly appreciate their (pilots  ed.) performance, professionalism and dedication, President Ilham Aliyev said in an interview with Azerbaijan Television, Trend reports.

The pilots showed both professionalism and heroism, controlling the plane that was out of control in various ways. Of course, they were experienced pilots and knew that they would not be able to survive this emergency landing. However, they displayed tremendous heroism to save the passengers, and it is thanks to them that there are survivors in this plane crash. It is thanks to them that a section of the fuselage did not burn, and it is thanks to them that we can clearly say today that the plane was shot down by Russia, the President noted.




Haiti - Savien : An armored vehicle set on fire by the Gran Grif gang





For more than ten days, the Haitian National Police (PNH) and the police officers of the Multinational Security Support Mission (MMSS) have been engaged in a fierce fight against armed gangs in the commune of Petite-riviere-de-l'Artibonite, particularly in the locality of Savien.



Thanks to the intensification of operations in the commune aimed at restoring order and security, the fight against organized crime is making significant progress.



Armed bandits, identified as members of the "Gran Grif" gang, were fatally injured in exchanges of fire with law enforcement, as part of these operations.



Unfortunately, on Saturday, December 28, 2024, in the locality of Savien during a patrol, an armored vehicle of the Mission broke down. Despite the efforts of the police, the armored vehicle had to be abandoned and was set on fire by the thugs. No victims were reported among the police officers



It should be noted that the Haitian National Police (PNH) renews its determination to dismantle all gang hotbeds operating in the Artibonite department and calls on the population not to be intimidated by the diversions of criminal gangs.



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - FLASH : First concrete commitment by the State in favor of Madan Sara





On Saturday, December 28, 2024, James Monazard, the Minister of Trade and Industry, under the high patronage of the Prime Minister's Office, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Ms. Jocelyne Jean Louis, Coordinator of the Rasanbleman Madan Sara (RAMSA). This initiative is part of the Government's efforts to support the most vulnerable actors in the national economy, in a context marked by numerous socio-economic challenges.



The ceremony, organized in the premises of RAMSA, was an opportunity for rich exchanges. The representatives of the Madan Sara shared testimonies, exposing the realities and challenges of their daily lives while formulating recommendations that the Minister of Trade and Industry will transmit to the Head of Government Fils-Aime.



Jocelyne Jean Louis opened the ceremony with a minute of silence in memory of the victims of insecurity. She welcomed this historic step, calling it the first tangible commitment of the State to the Madan Sara, and expressed the hope that it would be a prelude to a lasting transformation of their condition.



In his speech, Minister Monazard reaffirmed the fundamental role of the Madan Sara in the country's economy. He announced that an initial grant of 8 million Gourdes will be allocated to RAMSA and that, from January 2025, a formalization campaign will be launched. This initiative aims to grant the Madan Sara official recognition that will give them access to credit and other economic opportunities. The Minister also reiterated the Government's commitment to ensuring the free movement of goods and people, an essential condition for economic recovery.



This Memorandum of Understanding is part of a series of strategic measures to revive the national economy. Support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), as well as support for the Madan Sara, reflect the desire to build an inclusive, resilient economy that brings hope to all citizens.



According to the Bank of the Republic of Haiti (BRH), the Madan Sara contribute 30% to the gross domestic product (GDP).



See als o:

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-43871-haiti-economy-the-government-commits-to-supporting-the-madan-sara-of-port-au-prince.html



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - News : Zapping...





2024 : A terrible year for justice

Martel Jean-Claude, President of the Professional Association of Magistrates, deplored "[...] 2024 was a terrible year for the justice sector, where many courts were vandalized and burned down". He said he hoped that the Executive authorities would manage to take the necessary measures to restore a secure climate in order to allow the distribution and strengthening of justice.



PNH : 2 bandits killed, AK47 and ammunition seized

On the night of December 26 to 27, 2024, several specialized units of the Haitian National Police (PNH), carried out an operation in Grosse Pierre, commune of Saut-d'Eau (Centre Dept.), during which 2 bandits were fatally injured in exchanges of fire with the police, a Kalashnikov AK47 rifle and ammunition were seized.



Tabarre : New Municipal Council

A new Council was installed on December 26, 2024, at the Tabarre Town Hall. The Council is composed of Arsonval Alexandre (President) and Wilner Etienne and Loveley Gemima (Members).



OPL denial

The Organization of the People in Struggle (OPL) formally denies the rumor that suggests that a new committee has been appointed to head the OPL and specifies "In the absence of Egard Leblanc Fils, Presidential Advisor to the Transitional Council, the interim is ensured by the former deputy, current Deputy Coordinator."



Floods : important meeting at the Prime Minister's Office

On Friday, December 27, 2024, at the request of the Prime Minister, Alix Didier Fils Aime, an important meeting was held at the Prime Minister's Office with humanitarian partners to address the consequences of the torrential rains that hit the North and North-West departments. The meeting made it possible to assess priority needs, strengthen the coordination of interventions on the ground and ensure optimal management of resources, avoid duplication and act in a concerted manner to guarantee rapid and effective assistance.



The ULCC is not idle...

"Under my administration, the Anti-Corruption Unit (ULCC), 50 investigation reports and more than 120 requests for failure to declare assets were transmitted to the courts. A historic momentum that offers the unique opportunity for judicial authorities to bring order to the City," declared Hans Joseph, Director General of the ULCC Unit.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 29. We have clearly expressed our demands to the Russian side, said President Ilham Aliyev in an interview with Azerbaijan Television, Trend reports.

These demands were officially communicated to them on December 27. What do they consist of? First, the Russian side must apologize to Azerbaijan. Second, it must acknowledge its guilt. Third, those responsible must be punished, brought to criminal responsibility, and compensation must be paid to the Azerbaijani state, as well as to the injured passengers and crew members. These are our conditions. The first of these was fulfilled yesterday. I hope the other conditions will also be accepted. All these demands are fair. There are no extraordinary requests or issues here; all of this is based on international experience and normal human conduct, the head of state emphasized.
In the old media world, it seemed relatively clear that media were subject to regulation wherever they were published. Books, newspapers and magazines published in Bavaria, Berlin, Belgium and Sweden had to comply with the relevant local laws. In Germany, the media have always been the responsibility of the federal states, as the Basic Law stipulates. And media and culture are explicitly not fully harmonized across Europe. But in the digital world, the situation is extremely complicated. After all, what is a medium or a media distributor? And what is the place where the relevant regulation applies, the place of creation or the place of distribution? A legal dispute between the audio platform Spotify and the state media authorities could now provide a little more clarity in the confusion.

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Spotify has turned to the Berlin Administrative Court to take action against obligations arising from the Interstate Media Treaty of the federal states: In the Interstate Treaty, the federal states have created specifications as to which obligations broadcasters, telemedia providers and platforms on which editorial-journalistic offerings are played out must fulfill.

Spotify, a media intermediary under German law?

As Spotify not only makes its own productions available for download, but also third-party podcasts, it is a "media intermediary" in the opinion of the state media authorities. Spotify would therefore have to comply with transparency obligations and non-discrimination obligations, among other things: The provider would have to explain the criteria according to which "aggregation, selection and presentation" take place  and also provide clear information on how the algorithms used in this process work. In addition, the anti-discrimination requirements would also restrict the company's ability to treat journalistic and editorial content as it sees fit, for example by deliberately displaying it less frequently on its platforms. This means that operators must ensure media diversity. Spotify thinks little of such requirements  and certainly not of the law that the German federal states have enacted in their constitutional responsibility for media.

The main argument put forward by the audio provider: As a Swedish provider, it is subject to Swedish law and the requirements of European law for information society services would preclude special German regulation. For providers within the EU, the country of origin principle  applies in contrast to the market place principle, i.e. the law of the country in which a service can be used. Even if this is no longer relevant, Article 27 of the Digital Services Act also contains a transparency requirement for recommendation systems such as algorithms and is therefore conclusively regulated. The fundamental rule is that European law takes precedence over the law of the Member States.

ECJ should bring clarity

The Berlin Administrative Court last week accepted the arguments of the audio platform operator, at least for the time being, and suspended the obligation by the state media authorities until further notice. The judges of the 32nd Chamber found the legal opinion of Spotify's lawyers anything but absurd and announced: Because the legal opinions on the important questions "are ambiguous in several respects, the recognizing chamber is unable to endorse any view on summary examination, but rather intends to refer the question of the meaning and scope of this Union law regulation to the ECJ." In other words, the judges at the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg will now clarify whether the federal states with their Interstate Media Treaty and thus the media authorities can be responsible for Spotify at all. The EU Commission had already raised concerns at an early stage that the Interstate Media Treaty was in conflict with EU law.

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Process could still take years

And the judges do not see any need for haste either: As the media authorities had already taken two years to reach their decision to classify Spotify as a media intermediary, this could not be convincing  which is why Spotify, as an exception, does not have to implement the media authorities' order for the time being until a decision is reached on the merits. And that is likely to take some time: as soon as the judges in the main proceedings have submitted their questions on the interpretation of European law to the ECJ, the proceedings there would be suspended. If a ruling is then made in Luxembourg one day, a decision would then have to be made in Berlin in accordance with the interpretation  nothing is likely to happen quickly.

And so this dispute could be settled in a completely different way by then: The EU Commission will discuss in 2026 at the latest whether and, if so, how it intends to revise the Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD). If regulations comparable to German law are then enshrined in European law, Sweden would also have to implement them.

(nen)